tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69838398265417642952024-03-04T22:11:26.297-08:00Tealovinglady's WeblogTealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-38988393272451611322016-01-27T02:52:00.002-08:002016-01-27T02:52:58.930-08:00The Best and Lightest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-Q4OEYYbVKt91MtMTEsY_uxpqKeVFiAO5hseX0vr9Ny3eoE7KpYpQ-AagJN_U-1emtCAwI3-eD9VRepwNigQ5xmMJFKhge2PUIOSLiKh0TDL-96pL_q6mqt6N3VKOwDEDXXuKS0dw6b1/s1600/Book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-Q4OEYYbVKt91MtMTEsY_uxpqKeVFiAO5hseX0vr9Ny3eoE7KpYpQ-AagJN_U-1emtCAwI3-eD9VRepwNigQ5xmMJFKhge2PUIOSLiKh0TDL-96pL_q6mqt6N3VKOwDEDXXuKS0dw6b1/s320/Book+cover.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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The Best and Lightest</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
150 Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
by the editors of Food Network Magazine</h4>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I
have watched The Food Network for many years and some of my favorite
shows are the ones that showcase healthy and light recipes that I can
try out on my family. I was offered to review a copy of their
cookbook, The Best and Lightest, as long as I would give my honest
opinion about the book. I was thrilled to be able to review this
book as I was sure that there would be some outstanding recipes for
me to try!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Included
in the book is recipes for any meal of the day and best part of that
is that they are all under 500 calories. Another thing I really love
about this book is that each recipe includes the nutritional
information. Not only that but each and every recipe has a full color
picture to go along with it. I find myself only wanting to try out
new recipes if I can visually see what they look like before I even
take a bite. </span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The
book has a very nice index listing of over 150 different recipes. It
includes sandwiches, meat, poultry, soups, breakfast, side dishes,
sweets, and pasta, so it's easy to find something to enjoy for
everyone. Another plus to this cookbook is the recipes you readily
available ingredients that you could find at your corner grocery
store. You don't have to go to multiple stores to find the
ingredients to make a dish. For me that is a huge plus!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Best and Lightest will be a favorite in my kitchen. We have decided
to start eating healthier and with the variety of recipes to choose
from I can see myself coming back to this cookbook again and again. </span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I
received this complimentary book from Blogging for Books for this
review. All opinions are my own. </span></span>
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Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-41735712883998931802016-01-13T11:36:00.000-08:002016-01-13T11:36:29.052-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches</span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jeff Davidson</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am not a parent, or a grandparent, of a child with special needs but this book "No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches" really spoke to my heart. It lets you peek into the lives of parents with special needs children and their community. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know a little more about special needs children or may be in a relationship with someone with a special needs child. I think it will encourage any reader who may fit in this category. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also think if you do not know what it is like to have a child with special needs this will help you find some perspective on it and how to better relate to those you know who do. I also think it is a great find for parents who are raising kids with special needs of any kind. The author has a son with various special needs but even if we are not in that situation we can relate to them in the knowing of what it is like as we journey through our life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It will also make you think hard and look at the way you treat others regardless of their different abilities. This book made me think about my relationship with loved ones, friends and with God. We may find out that the best things in our lives are the hardest struggles of all. This book motivates me to be a better friend, neighbor, parent, grandparent, person, and Christian!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This book was provided as a complimentary copy through Book Crash for my honest review.</span><br />
<br />Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-76191129971878205632016-01-10T02:04:00.000-08:002016-01-10T02:04:00.452-08:00Delicious Tamales Made Easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tamales</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fast and Delicious Mexican Meals</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">By Alice Guadalupe Tapp</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Tamales are one of my favorite Mexican foods of all. Actually they are one of my favorite foods of all times! This book teaches you how to make delicious tamales with a lot less work and time. If you follow the authors directions you can make tamales in as little as three or four steps. These tamales are also made in a lot less time than the traditional way that I learned years ago. You can have tamales in less than one hour!</span></div>
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<br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">There are over 60 recipes in this cookbook so you can try all kind of different tamales. If Chicken is your favorite meat than try the Chicken Mole. You are a beef lover? Then try the Sirloin Beef and Fresh Poblano and Potato tamales.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">These recipes will become your family favorites to be enjoyed every day and on holidays. This cookbook will teach you that Tamales are fast and easy enough to enjoy every day, and delicious enough to serve at any celebration.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: justify;">THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED FOR ME FOR REVIEW BY BLOGGING FOR BOOKS.</span>Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-66552178991718031272015-01-24T01:38:00.001-08:002015-01-24T01:38:10.395-08:00Furry Logic A Guide to LIfe's Little Challenges<div style="text-align: justify;">
I received the book Furry Logic, A Guide to Life's Little Challenges written by Jane Seabrook from Blogging for Books to review. </div>
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This book is so cute and fun. I really enjoyed the humor and the quotes and expressions of the animals. One of my favorites was the hippo. "When you're in hot water up to your ears... it pays to keep your mouth shut." How true is that! The penguin that teaches us "Always remember you are unique...just like everyone else." </div>
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The illustrations are quite nice. Some of the pages are bright in color and other pages are more subdued but still beautiful. This little book of pure sunshine would make a perfect gift for someone in the hospital or sick or really anyone who needs a bit of humor in their life. </div>
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I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for my honest review.</div>
Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-23237731725368758962014-11-25T02:35:00.002-08:002014-11-25T02:45:59.968-08:00River City Quilters' Guild Quilt ShowI had the pleasure of attending the Sacramento River City Quilters' Guild Quilt Show last weekend at the Scottish Rite Temple in Sacramento, California. There were over 200 quilts on display. They awarded quilts in over 20 different categories. This quilt quild is very industrious and puts on a quilt show every year!<br />
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There was so many beautiful quilts it was hard to pick my favorite. I took pictures on my cell phone but the pictures were not very good for some reason. Usually my phone takes excellent photos but not the other day. I asked permission from the ladies from Quilt Inspiration blog if I could post their pictures and they graciously agreed that I could. So thank you again Marina and Daryl!<br />
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<b>Geraniums by <a href="https://whispercolor.com/">Laurel Anderson</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MXBJhDv-uqaEmWyuZedNbYazhEY3TKwa5DJNnHt5kAU3c0y3ctdZQzty5AelRIVQYdyDaYVqOekxW_ssfLUd143CnpNXY0g36tE6N9Hp6COHu5csEo4w4iv_9cbcVZCmx6VmlJ4tpyM/s1600/Geraniums+by+Laurel+Anderson,+2014+RSQG,+photo+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MXBJhDv-uqaEmWyuZedNbYazhEY3TKwa5DJNnHt5kAU3c0y3ctdZQzty5AelRIVQYdyDaYVqOekxW_ssfLUd143CnpNXY0g36tE6N9Hp6COHu5csEo4w4iv_9cbcVZCmx6VmlJ4tpyM/s1600/Geraniums+by+Laurel+Anderson,+2014+RSQG,+photo+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I <span style="text-align: center;">have had the privilege of meeting and talking to Laurel Anderson before. She is a very sweet, talented and an award winning textile artist and applique quilt designer. She came and did a presentation and talk to the Quilt Guild that I attend. She was to come back and teach a class for us but for some reason it had to be cancelled. This quilt won Laurel a Second Place in the category Appliqued Large Quilt. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>Lava Lamp also by <a href="https://whispercolor.com/">Laurel Anderson</a> </b></span><b>and <a href="http://www.linslongarmquilting.com/">Lin Squires</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVEcrAA9FZ_enARorcSTnhBwwnIPqZwxETH-JJnDDj4eVNSemvZgpKzsUMAaL70BGgnV6b_50ev5Vj69URsLaQujugN5HZ4G-Q8eKNDI_6NgrrJDesn50cYemo7RlP0N1ka6mwf6mcRE/s1600/Lava+Lamp+by+Laurel+Anderson,+2014+RCQG,+photo+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.8800010681152px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVEcrAA9FZ_enARorcSTnhBwwnIPqZwxETH-JJnDDj4eVNSemvZgpKzsUMAaL70BGgnV6b_50ev5Vj69URsLaQujugN5HZ4G-Q8eKNDI_6NgrrJDesn50cYemo7RlP0N1ka6mwf6mcRE/s1600/Lava+Lamp+by+Laurel+Anderson,+2014+RCQG,+photo+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" height="385" width="400" /></a></div>
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This quilt was inspired by designs of the 1960's. The fabric colors move from dark to light in 9 shades with shimmers of gold and silver. Laurel has a pattern available at her website that I had previously purchased. Now I really want to make a quilt like this! This quilt won her and <a href="http://www.linslongarmquilting.com/">Lin Squires</a> a 2nd place ribbon in the category of 2-person quilt -Pieced and Appliqued.</div>
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<b>Twilight Star of Indonesia made and quilted by Susan Kooiman</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEiZRhfuDw_DK0U6qGr6_XE8REptM1QZCpJgC-el-2GpGot7GTvDcdJYj02pHGNLb6S6iid_FqBPDvwsWvbCYwnUts4Dt5rdbHWKqIsaVByPRcIQOmUOiCariBzVgfaOssAtSAa2dClg/s1600/Twilight+Star+of+Indonesia+by+Susan+Kooiman,+2014+RCQG,+photo+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEiZRhfuDw_DK0U6qGr6_XE8REptM1QZCpJgC-el-2GpGot7GTvDcdJYj02pHGNLb6S6iid_FqBPDvwsWvbCYwnUts4Dt5rdbHWKqIsaVByPRcIQOmUOiCariBzVgfaOssAtSAa2dClg/s1600/Twilight+Star+of+Indonesia+by+Susan+Kooiman,+2014+RCQG,+photo+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" height="385" width="400" /></a></div>
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This quilt was paper pieced and based on a pattern by <a href="http://www.judymathieson.com/Judy_Mathieson/Welcome.html">Judy Mathieson</a>. It was made of beautiful batiks in orange, red, gold and deep blue violet. The border of the quilt is flying geese in a circular design. The very center of the star had a beautiful gold brooch with a purple stone.</div>
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<b>View of Arles with Irises by The Fab 5 Group </b>(Carole Pirruccello, Cathy Brorby, Phyllis McCalla, Jan Bawart and Jan Soules)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGkdJFCvRpQoba_x3uY2WBAnI6aX42GvSwsPhEyJlxTdv1QL_u2QLQ8vhQosYxCWOYWZZfBs9cGatY5ddnZSV826EuQwbo2NwxZWE2Bu8g3QnOCyJLQezL0_zsVz8YDrRu5fkgjwkY54/s1600/View+of+Arles+with+Irises,+2014+RCQG,+photo+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGkdJFCvRpQoba_x3uY2WBAnI6aX42GvSwsPhEyJlxTdv1QL_u2QLQ8vhQosYxCWOYWZZfBs9cGatY5ddnZSV826EuQwbo2NwxZWE2Bu8g3QnOCyJLQezL0_zsVz8YDrRu5fkgjwkY54/s1600/View+of+Arles+with+Irises,+2014+RCQG,+photo+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" height="333" width="400" /></a></div>
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This quilt was comprised of five different panels that represented five different views of the flowers in the fields of Arles, France. Each artist worked on their section of the project on their own and completely independently. The fabrics are appliqued on with three dimensional pieces. They were trying to render <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_van_Gogh">Vincent Van Gogh's</a> "View of Arles with Irises". I think it is wonderfully done and can't believe that they did such a great job!</div>
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<b>Mediterranean Sunset by Phyllis McCalla and quilted by <a href="http://www.beadecked.com/">Laura Jansen</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd8NE604JcTHEZnovx5NSBhCDfuNAbPlIDlBG4U86ClXk_wAAfWOCtvQJ2JEBM9OhzTRkt0RwYwnnS_djbB1TY2RLkeFzlU72Cl7QlvaB6S4Udy0jPOUhGe_yCa-HMgNhNz2AuHbZYak/s1600/Mediterranean+Sunset+by+Phyllis+McCalla,+2014+RSQG,+photo2+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd8NE604JcTHEZnovx5NSBhCDfuNAbPlIDlBG4U86ClXk_wAAfWOCtvQJ2JEBM9OhzTRkt0RwYwnnS_djbB1TY2RLkeFzlU72Cl7QlvaB6S4Udy0jPOUhGe_yCa-HMgNhNz2AuHbZYak/s1600/Mediterranean+Sunset+by+Phyllis+McCalla,+2014+RSQG,+photo2+by+Quilt+Inspiration.JPG" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
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Phyllis McCalla was the featured artist at this Quilt Show. Phyllis is a quilt teacher, Fiber Artist and Consultant. She previously taught classes at <a href="http://www.clothcarousel.com/">Cloth Carousel</a> and several years ago I had taken a few of her classes. She started teaching quilting classes in 2006 but I took my class from her several years later. She is also a member of the <a href="http://pinsandneedlesartquilting.blogspot.com/2014/10/our-member-phyllis-mccalla-has-been.html">Pins and Needles Art Quilting group</a>. </div>
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This quilt was longarm quilted by <a href="http://www.beadecked.com/">Laura Jansen</a>. Laura is a member of the Quilt Guild that I attend. She does beautiful custom work and her Feathers and leaves are gorgeous. </div>
Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-24790702434274462352014-11-25T00:28:00.001-08:002014-11-25T00:37:07.367-08:00The Skinnytaste Cookbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a great cookbook for those who want to both eat great tasting food and have it be healthier too! I was not familiar with the author Gina Homolka's blog <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/">Skinny Taste</a> so this book was an introduction to her philosophy of food, cooking and healthy eating. She had tried diets and like most people was not that successful with them. She also wanted healthy "non-diet" foods to feed herself and her family. She started her blog for fun and to share her recipes with others like her that was looking for healthy low calorie recipes.</div>
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The section The Skinny Basics is an important part of the book to read. I read it over twice to make sure I got it all. It goes into great detail about Planning Ahead and Eating Healthy All Week, Taking Charge of Your Kitchen, Dump the Junk, Fall in Love with Real Food, Keep it Simple, Forget the Fads and Serve Up Perfect Portions. The Kitchen Makeover is another good part of the book. It goes into detail as to what type of things you should stock your pantry with and what things you should get rid of. It also has great freezer and pantry tips that we can all use.</div>
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I would compare this book to similar books like those in the Cooking Light series. The book uses pretty easy to find ingredients that are in most peoples pantries already and easy to follow recipes. Most of the recipes can be make in less than an hour and there is a lot of recipes that can be made even faster. There are lots of great pictures too. </div>
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A few of the recipes that I have made so far, thoroughly enjoyed eating and will definitely make again are: Slow Cooker White Bean Chili Verde, Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Mongolian Beef and the Asian Peanut Noodles with Chicken. I plan on making the Cheesy Baked Penne with Eggplant and the Baked Bananas Foster a la Mode this weekend. I would definitely like to try a few more of her dessert recipes as I am all about the dessert! </div>
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"This book was given to me for free for my honest review from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">Blogging for Books</a>.</div>
Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-66700979859068245512014-11-24T22:39:00.001-08:002014-11-24T22:56:48.739-08:00Why Dogs Are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a beautiful children's fiction book with beautiful illustrations. It is a story about a dog that helps a boy who can't see or hear. God sends him to Earth to teach the boy, Brian, that he loves him. I agree that God loves us all. I enjoyed the part of the story that tells you that dogs are wonderful, lovable and helpful companions. I totally agree that dogs are great! I have always had a dog in my family and consider my dogs part of my family.</div>
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"Go to Brian and just love him. Stay by his side. Let him lean on you. Help him walk with confidence. Let him hug your neck". Then it goes on to say "From now on I will call you DOG - that's God spelled backwards". </div>
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I really did not agree with the way the author wrote the story that Brian needed a helper so God sent him to Earth to help the little boy out. The story then goes on to state that because the dog did a good job God decided to send other dogs to Earth. I really didn't care that the book took something about God and Heaven and made it appear as a fact when in fact it has no biblical basis. I was really bothered with that part of the book.</div>
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I read the book to my six year old grandson Connor. I believe that Connor enjoyed the pictures and hearing about how much this dog loved the little boy Brian but he was confused by the fact that the book says "God then shouted after him, If you do a good job, I will send more dogs to Earth". He was totally confused by that and I had to explain to him that it was just a story and not actually a fact. </div>
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I thought the illustrations were very nicely done and any child who likes dogs will enjoy looking at this book but I really wouldn't recommend it to others. You can find out more about the book at <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/why-dogs-are-tana-thompson/1120670422?ean=9780989162401" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Barnes and Noble</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span>or<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Why-Dogs-Are-Tana-Thompson-ebook/dp/B00N2YXJP4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416895363&sr=1-1&keywords=why+dogs+are" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
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Thank you to BookCrash for providing this book to me for free for my honest review.</div>
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Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-28729931756650574832014-11-04T22:14:00.001-08:002014-11-04T22:15:11.467-08:00Sugar Rush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really love cookbooks and I love looking at them even more. I can look through cookbooks for hours! I mean delicious sounding recipes and beautiful pictures but no calories! I really liked the cover photo on this book as it looked good enough to eat so I simply had to get this book.<br />
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A few of the recipes sound a little daunting, and you might need to be a little bit more advanced as a baker, but the photos and detailed instructions really help. It is packed with 9 different sections of recipes in a variety of different levels of difficulty. The sections in the book are:<br />
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Custards and Creamy Desserts</div>
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Caramel</div>
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Cakes, Cupcakes, Brownies and Muffins</div>
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Cookies, Tea Cakes and Biscuits</div>
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Tarts, Cobblers and Crisps</div>
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Yeast Doughs</div>
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Glazes, Frostings, Fillings and Sauces</div>
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Building a Balanced Dessert </div>
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What I enjoyed most was that everything is beautifully photographed. There are tons of pictures showing you the beautiful results of each recipe which is amazing and helpful when you're trying to make a recipe. The pictures is what really makes me like this cookbook!</div>
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My most favorite section of recipes is the Caramel section. There are several recipes that I'm looking forward to trying, such as the Caramel Pudding, Salted Caramels, Smack Caramel Corn and the Spreadable Caramel. I plan on making most of these this Holiday season. I think they will be well liked by my family as they are also Caramel lovers.</div>
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Master Tips, Techniques, and Recipes for Sweet Baking</div>
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Johnny Iuzzini with Wes Martin; Introduction by Dorie Greenspan'</div>
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Photographs by Michael Spain-Smith</div>
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<br />Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-81040643625148416252014-11-04T21:03:00.000-08:002014-11-04T21:03:01.136-08:00The First ChristmasI received the paperback book "The First Christmas" as retold by Janice D. Green and illustrated by Violet Vandor to review from <a href="mailto:books@bookcrash.com">Book Crash</a>.<br />
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This is a nice 32 page paperback book with colorful illustrations that tells the story of The First Christmas in a easy read for children. I originally requested this book thinking that it would be great to read to my four grandchildren aged 1 1/2 to 6 years old. This book is definitely for for small children but I think that for preschool age children it is a little to advance for them. My six year old grandson enjoyed me reading the book to him and I also think older children will enjoy it. The book tells the main story of the birth of Jesus. It is a complete account of the Nativity Story.<br />
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It included conversation starters or questions on each page that would enable the adult reader to check the child's understanding of each part of the book. These questions will help the reader engage with the child and interact with them. There is also a fun quilt activity that is included at the end of the book. <br />
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This book was provided as a complimentary copy through BookCrash for my honest review. This book can be purchased at <a href="http://honeycombadventures.com/books">http://honeycombadventures.com/books</a> and also from <a href="http://amazon.com/First-Christmas-Janice-D-Green/dp/0983680825">http://amazon.com/First-Christmas-Janice-D-Green/dp/0983680825</a>Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-19434567329430998822014-09-24T02:54:00.000-07:002014-09-24T03:24:54.595-07:00God Gave Us Angels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My children grew up with me reading books to them on a daily basis. Now that I am a Memaw to four lovely little ones I love to read to them just as much as I did to my children. I try to read with them as much as possible. I hope to impart to them how important reading is not only for enjoyment and knowledge but just for the love of reading! So when I saw this children's book I thought it would be a great book to review. </div>
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I had not heard of the book, God Gave Us Angels by Lisa Tawn Bergen, but when I saw the cover I immediately wanted to pick this book. I loved the adorable artwork on the cover of the big polar bear and the little polar bear with the polar bear angel in the background. The very touching message in the book- God Gave Us Angels is only made better by the lovely illustrations! </div>
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I had the pleasure of reading the book to my 23 month old grand-daugher and my 6 year old grandson this afternoon. The little one sat on my lap and the other right by my side and were very still for the entire story. They looked at the pictures and were eager for me to read the next page. </div>
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The loving message about angels always being with us was very nice to share with my little grand children. I loved that the book gave many reminders about what angels are and are not. Both of the children loved the book and I plan on keeping it in my "Memaw Library" for many years. I am sure that I will read this book to them many more times. </div>
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I received this book for free from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/" style="font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 20px;">Blogging For Books</a> for this review.</div>
<br />Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-703533884371318082014-09-10T22:23:00.002-07:002014-09-10T22:23:37.367-07:00Sweet: Our Best Cupcakes, Cookies, Candy and More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Sweet by the editors of Food Network Magazine is the third book that I have received from Blogging For Books. I was especially happy when I received this book because I love to eat Sweets! Cookies, Candy, Cupcakes and anything and everything that looked mouth watering and yummy is in this recipe book!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I believe this book is extremely well organized with 8 different chapters. It has the chapters separated into Cupcakes & Whoopie Pies, Cookies & Bars, Candy & Snacks, Pies & Crumbles, Fake-Out Cakes, Show-Off Cakes, Frozen Treats, and Holiday Desserts. It has the most beautiful pictures of everything! Every single recipe has a picture of what the desert or sweet should look like. Some of the recipes even have photos of different steps of the recipes.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">There are recipes for quick and easy treats and then there is also more challenging projects also. This book has many things I plan on making. The first recipes I will be trying real soon are the Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chip Shortbread and the Sea Salt Chocolate Carmels. As you can see I am very partial to anything made with Chocolate!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The recipes in this cookbook are very accessible to any home cook. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves to make desserts. Happy Baking!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">P.S. "I received this book for free from </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.85714340209961px;"><a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/" rel="" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #00a7bc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Blogging for Books</a> </i><span style="text-align: justify;">for this review".</span>Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-11769669327132081012014-08-21T22:57:00.002-07:002014-08-21T23:14:26.841-07:00Mrs.Lilien's Dessert Cocktail Swatchbook<div style="text-align: justify;">
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This is the first time I have ever used a recipe book in the form of a swatch book. Although it was different from anything I was use to, it was very easy to use. It is so easy to flip through the cards to find a yummy dessert cocktail that might tickle your fancy.</div>
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The ingredients are nicely listed on each recipe card along with pictures of the ingredients. Every ingredient is represented with a picture which is a nice visual way to learn the recipes. Also on each card above the cocktail name lives an iconic glass. It represents the traditional way to serve each drink with class. On the back of every card there is a little tip that pertains to each of the drinks. </div>
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The book contains 50 recipes with 25 hot and toasty drinks and 25 cold and frosty cocktails. A few of my favorites are Rum & Coke Float, Mudslide, Blended Bellini, Pineapple Whip and Creamsicle. Any of the drinks showcased would make for a fun and exciting party!</div>
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P.S. "I received this book for free from <i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.85714340209961px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/" rel="" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #00a7bc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Blogging for Books</a> </i>for this review".</div>
Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-3698300871318038132014-08-20T19:25:00.000-07:002014-08-21T22:58:31.831-07:00Culinary School- Mexican Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
David and I had the opportunity the other night to go to a Culinary School in Sacramento and try our hand at Mexican food. I had bought the tickets for the class on Groupon a few months ago. Traffic was horrible even though it was a Thursday night so we were running a little late. Luckily for us quite a few other people were running late, because of traffic, so they gave us each a glass of wine while we waited. It was a red wine, which I usually don't go for, but it was delicious! The class was held at a cute Culinary Academy that is also open for lunch and dinner a few days a week. There was little twinkling lights hung from the ceiling and the restaurant was decorated in a Old World European style. </div>
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The head chef set up his cooking center in the center of the U shaped tables and then demonstrated how to make the three dishes for the night. He was a very entertaining gentleman with a heavy accent! His accent got more pronounced the more he drank his wine. So there was a few times we were like what? What did he say? He would then walk around with his pan or blender or whatever he was working on so that we could see what he was talking about.</div>
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There were 32 people in the class that night so we were divided into 3 separate teams. Each team was going to make the food for the 8 people in their group. The menu for the night was Chicken Tortilla Soup, Chili Rellenos and Flan. David and I took the lead on the chicken tortilla soup. They had most of the ingredients cut up for you in advance so that was a real time saver. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">When the tortilla soup was mixed up we put it on the stove to heat up and then I started in on the Chile Rellenos. David had made them years ago when he worked at a Mexican Restaurant while in High School but these were made the true Mexican way we were told! We fire roasted the chilies then wrapped them in Saran Wrap to sweat. That made pulling off the skin really easy. We then de-seeded them and cut out some of the ribs of the chili peppers. That was suppose to take most of the heat away from the dish. We then stuffed them with cheese and dredged them in flour. We then dipped them into beaten eggs and dropped them into a hot pan filled with oil. They browned on each side and then we plated them and added a little tomato sauce and sour cream. We also made rice and beans to go with the dish.</span></div>
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By the time we were done with the Chili Rellenos we realized that someone else from our team had made all of the flan while we were making the soup. So we really didn't get to even see them make it. David and I both have made Flan before but never in a 8 inch round cake pan. We have always made single serve size Flan. I feel pretty confident that we could make this by ourselves even though we didn't get to see it being done that night.<br />
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The staff let us go back to our seats and have another drink while they plated each groups food. They brought out our Chicken Tortilla Soup first but it was so delicious I didn't take a picture of it before I ate it! Our soup was voted the best soup of the night so we were happy about that. Right at the last minute I asked if I could have another couple pieces of the cheese that we stuffed the Chili Rellenos with. I added that to our soup and I think the salty cheese added the little something extra that placed our soup in first place. Our plate was then served to us and it looked great and tasted wonderful! My Chili Relleno was a little too spicy for me but I managed to eat quite a lot of it. David had no problem whatsoever finishing off my plate!<br />
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We were served the Flan after we had finished our dinner. I was so full that I could only taste a bite of the Flan. It was good but I personally like the kind that David and I make at home better. This Flan was a little bit more firm and custard like. I like the creamy kind that we do better. Plus we had more brown sugar and butter on ours and that makes a really nice caramel sauce over the top.<br />
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So I would say that the Culinary School was a great Date Night for us! We had a lot of fun getting out and trying a few different dishes. We had fun talking and getting to know a few of the other couples that were there that night. We will definitely be coming back and maybe trying another countries food. I think we are either going to do the Italian or the Persian food next. Bon Appetite!Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-34646861219015996782014-08-11T00:20:00.001-07:002014-08-11T00:20:40.350-07:00"Back Lane Wineries of Sonoma" by Tilar Mazzeo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Some of the best wines in the world are made in California, and some of the best California wines come from Sonoma county. My husband and I are extremely lucky that we live in the Northern California wine country. We are about an hour drive from Sonoma and less than that from Napa. We enjoy taking day trips to the wine country as often as we can. We have visited many wineries in the area but the wonderful book "Back Lane Wineries of Sonoma" has let us in on quite a few wineries we did not know of. </span></h3>
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Even though I was familiar with the wineries in our area I found some wonderful back lane wineries that I was unaware of before reading this book. The author showed me quite a few wineries that I knew nothing about! I am sure that these wineries were known by the locals but I wasn't in on their secret til after reading this book. This book also has lovely pictures of beautiful vineyards laden with grapes on the vines, rustic tasting rooms, wine caves along with farmhouses and farm equipment. </h3>
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There is even a chapter on how to use this book. It has wonderful tips on how to either take the time for a leisurely lunch and sightseeing along the way to spending a few days tasting and exploring. The bulk of the book is all about the little known wineries divided into five primary tasting areas. Each of these tasting areas are chapters that list a selection of wineries, their histories, types of wine produced, some wine prices and the tasting fees. </h3>
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Whether you are a novice, a sophisticated wine aficionado, or someone who just enjoys a great bottle of wine, this book is for you. The Introduction sets the scene, enticing you to picture yourself in the midst of striking beauty- tucked along a rural road having a picnic in the middle of a open field, or on the edge of an ancient redwood forest, or perhaps overlooking a hundred acre wildlife preserve sitting with a great glass of wine in your hand, a wine that none of your friends have ever tasted or even heard of. </h3>
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Once you begin reading this wonderful little book you will want to plan a vacation to Sonoma whether for a day trip or for a few days. There are wonderful places to stay in some of the most beautiful country in Northern California. Then there is the gourmet food that this area is also known for. All of this is included in each chapter of the book. </h3>
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This is a book that I will refer to over and over again. I will be pulling it off the bookcase for when out of town guests come to stay with me and I want to take them to the wine country. I only wish that I knew of this book many trips ago as my wonderful past visits would have been even more enjoyable!</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21px;">"I received this book from </span><a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1407737982368_8710" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #00a8ba; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Blogging for Books</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21px;"> for this review."</span></div>
Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-27361432714534622202014-07-23T00:13:00.001-07:002014-07-23T00:13:51.108-07:00I am still here!Wow! What can I say except that was a long blogging break! I had many challenges this last year that kept me away from a lot of different things including blogging.<br />
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My father passed away from cancer last May and I still have not got over that. Each day is a new day and challenges in themselves. A random comment about something can set me off crying or perhaps a memory and there I go again. I can say though that mostly things are getting better. The good days are starting to out number the bad days thankfully. Now I am starting to remember all the good things about my Dad and that makes me feel so much better. Don't get me wrong, it still hurts, but I know that he would want me to be happy and that is what I am trying to do. I know he is in a better place and is pain free and that makes me so glad and thankful! Cancer really is a horrible disease and I can't wait til we have a cure for it.<br />
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I have also had some health challenges that have kept me away from doing some of the things I like. One of them being an emergency surgery right at the same time as when my Dad came home on Hospice. Perfect timing I know! I am still having residual complications from that but am waiting to get in with a specialist as we speak. So hopefully that will be resolved also.<br />
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Then a few months after that I was involved in a slip and fall accident and hurt my shoulder and neck. Boy did that hurt for quite awhile! After quite a bit of Physical Therapy and home exercise it is also on the mend and now I am able to do things without intense pain. I couldn't pick up or hold my grandchildren, I couldn't sit and sew, I couldn't stay in one place too long without getting uncomfortable but all of that has gotten SO much better!<br />
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I am staying busy now with the little munchkins that call me Memaw. I have been busy with them at swimming lessons, soccer practice, play dates at the park and sleepovers. I enjoy being with them so much and love being a Memaw. The only thing that could be better about this is that the other 2 grandbabies lived closer to me! Hawaii is definitely not within driving lessons. I am blessed that we do get to see them a few times a year but that is definitely not enough!<br />
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I am very involved in sewing and quilting. I am just getting back into the swing of sewing clothes and stuff for the little ones. I used to sew clothes for my children but haven't really done a lot of sewing for the little ones except for costumes and such. I am trying to make matching outfits for the two little girls and that has been so much fun! I also have an embroidery machine and am getting a lot more proficient at that. I have been embroidering little tee shirts, onesies, burp clothes and a few baby quilts. I really like taking something that is pretty plain and turning it into a really cute embellished finished project.<br />
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I am SO involved in the local quilt guild. In addition to being the 1st Vice President of Travel I am also in charge of Community Service. Right now we are working on making 400 patriotic pillowcases for homeless Veterans in our local community. We are also gearing up to give between 15-20 patriotic Quilts of Honor to very deserving Veterans at our upcoming Quilt Show. We also make baby and childrens quilts for several different local agencies in addition to lap quilts for Seniors and several Auction quality quilts for other agencies to raise money with.<br />
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So my plan is to try and keep my blog up to date with regular posts. I think it can be a nice way to put my thoughts and feelings down and let people know what's going on with me! Here's to the rest of 2014!<br />
<br />Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-84647678815022165542013-11-10T21:21:00.001-08:002013-11-10T21:21:19.644-08:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6213679/?claim=aemjphxy9xt">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-24145127439420982432012-12-25T12:29:00.004-08:002012-12-25T12:29:55.689-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas sharing it with your family, friends and those you love.Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-85600997313369079522012-12-07T00:29:00.000-08:002012-12-07T00:29:55.549-08:00My Secret Santa Apronista Swap PackageI am participating in the fun Secret Santa Apron Swap over at <a href="http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/">The Flirty Apron Swap</a>. I had some kind of bad luck this time around though! I made up my apron with care, thought of all the cute little gifts I wanted to include, wrapped everything with love and care and then boxed it up to go on its merry way to my secret partner. <br />
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I made a very quick stop at the grocery store with my 4-year-old grandson on the way because I promised him a candy bar if he would go with me to the post office. We got out of the car and I used the automatic key lock to lock up my car. We were only in the store for a few minutes but when we came back to the car the back door was ajar and the box was gone off of the back seat. Apparently when we got out we didn't get the back door closed and someone helped themselves to the package. The only thing I could think is that maybe they really were in need of a really cute apron!<br />
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So I finally figured out what I wanted to do the second time around and whipped up another cute apron if I do say so myself! I went back to the store and purchased some more appropriate gifts and then did the whole boxing and wrapping everything up again. This time I went straight to the post office without making any stops and got it mailed off again.<br />
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So sorry swap partner! I really didn't forget you I just got a little bit off track and had to start over again. The post office assures me that you will receive your gift no later than Saturday. So happy swapping.Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-56622079619792598082012-12-07T00:08:00.003-08:002012-12-07T01:07:52.466-08:00Wonderful Giveaway over at ImagiMeri's Creations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-E4tcvlQ8c/T-NnzYpDiiI/AAAAAAAAFwo/OcjfIofoGuU/s220/Imagimeris+creations+button.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-E4tcvlQ8c/T-NnzYpDiiI/AAAAAAAAFwo/OcjfIofoGuU/s220/Imagimeris+creations+button.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"<span style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">ImagiMeri's Creations has two beautiful vintage ornament wreaths to give away, and they </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">each have a substantial amount of ornaments on them. This first one is comprised of between 60-80 ornaments of varying sizes and colors, also has some vintage wooden ornaments and a small vintage china angel on it. It is approximately 15" in diameter and quite whimsical. Approximate value is close to $100.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vuuK2TNlJY/UL-Gi5t5cEI/AAAAAAAAHXM/3N58d26o-Ms/s320/Ornament+wreath+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vuuK2TNlJY/UL-Gi5t5cEI/AAAAAAAAHXM/3N58d26o-Ms/s320/Ornament+wreath+2.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 25.59090805053711px;">This second wreath is the one from her tutorials </span><a href="http://www.imagimeris.blogspot.com/2012/11/holiday-wreath-tutorial.html" style="color: #4c994c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 25.59090805053711px; text-decoration: initial;">HERE</a><span style="color: #191919; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 25.59090805053711px;">, and is comprised of vintage and some newer ornaments. It has a plaster plaque filling in the center with a vintage decal on it, and touches of platinum garland and a blue bow as accents. It is approximately 13" in diameter and has about 30-40 ornaments on it. Approximate value is $85."</span></span></div>
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So what are you waiting on! Go over there and enter and maybe you can win!</div>
Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-65154944334411805432012-11-14T15:03:00.001-08:002012-11-14T15:05:07.009-08:00Apron GiveawayShawnee from Apronista.com is hosting a fabulous giveaway until 11/15/12 so hurry over there and enter. You could win a lovely apron from Aprons by Vittoria.<br />
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Shawnee said she was "SO excited to offer this giveaway. I’ve been tickled by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ApronsByVittoria">Aprons by Vittoria</a> from
the first moment I laid eyes on them. She lists new items weekly that
are designed with new ideas and modern day to day fabrics. All of her
Aprons are handmade, carefully making each stitch aligned and properly
matched with the fabric to bring you a great result! She has a great
assortment of fabric choices, something for everyone."<br />
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Go over and check her out and then make sure you leave a comment on the Apronista website at www.apronista.com/ <br />
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<a href="http://apronista.com/2012/11/aprons-by-vittoria-giveaway/vittoria/">Aprons by Vittoria</a>Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-52185627556317657852012-10-30T01:14:00.001-07:002012-10-30T01:21:34.665-07:00Secret Santa SwapI just joined in a fun swap over at The Flirty Apron Swap. This year it isn't an apron swap but it still sounds like a lot of fun so I'm in! I'm suppose to blog post my answers to the following questions so here I go. If you would like to join the swap head on over to their website and join the fun! Hurry though signups end on November 3rd. Just click on this link: <span style="color: #e06666;"> <a href="http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/2012/10/secret-santa-swap-sign-up-now.html?showComment=1351583508985#c3617215280268621446">Secret Santa Swap</a></span><br />
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<li>What are your hobbies? <span style="color: #e06666;">Quilting, crafting, watching t.v. and playing with my grand-babies</span></li>
<li>What are your favorite colors? <span style="color: #e06666;">Purple is my favorite color with pink a close second</span></li>
<li>Do you collect anything? <span style="color: #e06666;">I collect teapots, teacups, tea accessories, milk glass, doilies and old linens and laces.</span></li>
<li>Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? <span style="color: #e06666;">No just very sensitive to smoke.</span></li>
<li>Do you have any pets? <span style="color: #e06666;">Yes a very spoiled Brussells Griffon named Chewbacca, a beta fish and a desert tortoise that lives in my back yard.</span></li>
<li>Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate? <span style="color: #e06666;">All of them!</span></li>
<li>What do you like to read? <span style="color: #e06666;">Quilt magazines, Romantic Homes magazine, craft or sewing patterns, Romance novels and some mysteries</span></li>
<li>Do you prefer Cookies or Candies as a sweet? <span style="color: #e06666;">My favorite cookie is shortbread but I love caramels and chocolate also!</span></li>
<li>What is your favorite holiday treat? <span style="color: #e06666;">I love it all but especially love Starbucks Pumpkin Spice lattes that they have every winter.</span></li>
<li>Describe your favorite holiday tradition. <span style="color: #e06666;">I love the tradition that we decorate the tree and the house the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The littlest one gets to put the angel on top of the tree.</span></li>
<li>Did you believe in Santa as a child? <span style="color: #e06666;">Yes I did!</span></li>
<li>When do you open presents? <span style="color: #e06666;">Since our children have grown up and moved out we open our presents on Christmas eve and then go to their house on Christmas Day and watch the grand-babies open their presents Christmas morning.</span></li>
<li>Do you put up a tree and when? If not, how do you celebrate? <span style="color: #e06666;">Several trees through out the house and decorate pretty much the house! We usually start the Saturday after Thanksgiving and it takes a few days to finish decorating the rest of the house.</span></li>
<li>Does your tree have a theme? <span style="color: #e06666;">Pink and gold with a lot of crystal ornaments and pretties!</span></li>
<li>What has been your favorite gift to give? to receive? <span style="color: #e06666;">I love to give something to someone that I have hand made if at all possible. If not I like to give them something I know they would want but probably wouldn't buy themselves. I love to receive a gift that is from the heart and you can tell the person giving it to me as put a lot of thought into. That doesn't always mean that it is expensive but it is from the heart and that makes it extremely precious to me. </span></li>
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<br />Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-9673944877505418412012-07-20T07:30:00.000-07:002012-07-20T01:17:09.048-07:00Where Does The Time Go?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh my! It really was a long time since I regularly posted on my blog. Time really does seem to slip by so fast. It seems like just a few days ago it was the beginning of the year. I can hardly believe how much has happened since the first of the year. So the next few posts I'll try and do a little recap:</div>
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January: Went to Hawaii with my husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandson #1 to visit with my daughter, son-in-law and grandson #2. We planned the trip especially so we could be there to help celebrate Harper's 1st Birthday. My what an event! His party was circus themed and that meant that we all needed to come up with a costume to wear to his party. </div>
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I made him a little red and black ringmaster jacket because of course he was the leader of the circus! </div>
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Harper with his Ringmaster "Ring of Fire"! He had just started walking a few days before his birthday but still wanted to crawl sometimes. He would crawl and crawl through his "Ring of Fire" and then look up at us and wait for us to clap our hands and say "Yeah Harper!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIuF95G5WUDQ2wrkZAa4M0gvrThhKW6dq8hyphenhyphentGKS6OZW5FyxhkQUaDRCxsUVX2DQmR2zcrKwsWKuT-vRh51ZI4iDF9ZGgah2Bc7IS_jjdg-4IdjM8vsxUkTMk-tN6cJsjI3fCq4gHIcAj/s1600/_MG_2364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIuF95G5WUDQ2wrkZAa4M0gvrThhKW6dq8hyphenhyphentGKS6OZW5FyxhkQUaDRCxsUVX2DQmR2zcrKwsWKuT-vRh51ZI4iDF9ZGgah2Bc7IS_jjdg-4IdjM8vsxUkTMk-tN6cJsjI3fCq4gHIcAj/s320/_MG_2364.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23UFdGXOqdLg-K5Kpx9e_RpHTfx4_wYCd78IY65KJEZvlZuXityWpMGsYq7zyT7JgWCyIXdvHmsFUWV-Iyv4h_ZGWay7HjImLhTdK7b0yU8uvC_f_YwkB0xP8zh6-GPA8pAXJX5Fe-agC/s1600/_MG_2362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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My daughter was the fortune teller of our circus. She was absolutely beautiful in her costume and her hat and of course Harper is so cute! Heather planned a fun and beautiful party for her little sweetie's 1st Birthday Party! She planned every little detail and thought of everything to make it a wonderful party!</div>
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My husband was dressed up as the beautiful Bearded Lady. I was really surprised
but he really did enjoy himself in his costume! He was wearing several items from
female relatives. His dress was our daughter in laws grandma's, the
shoes were my mom's and he was wearing my earrings and brooch. I was getting a little worried as he was getting so many compliments.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIf1rPJytphJJU2hbIPP11wWdWrOijmWSN4mxGPOg49Xar40JAhrPCXNtR74gbRoiOCSVS9NiSkXcIQwFbrpAppVF8-OiKXaaR1r0sbYmOOK7pWEeBKCoBbxONybgYWMcXvl2Z95yTfoi/s320/DSC07140.JPG" width="180" /></div>
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I was a cheetah. I looked everywhere for a costume! I looked for things that I could just put together into some kind of a costume from regular department stores. I think I bought ever type of item I could find in cheetah print. I just couldn't find what I wanted so I ended up buying a ready made costume online. I was going to sew my own but found it was actually less expensive to purchase one ready made. It was made out of some stretchy material that showed every lump and bump in my body! I really didn't like that too much. Unfortunately it also was waaay too hot for Hawaii to wear for too long. I ended up having to take it off after about an hour or so. I was way too hot to wear it all day. I guess I should have thought of that before I decided on wearing and keeping the costume </div>
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I don't know if you can tell or not but I had to add some bling to my
costume so there is a lot of crystals on the neck collar. I had to have
my bling on even in a costume! </div>
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My son was a bucket of popcorn. We took everything to make his costume with us to Hawaii and then assembled it in our hotel room. That is medical tape that is making up the stripes on his shirt and the label that says "Popcorn". The popcorn was popped the morning of the party in our hotel microwave and then hand sewed onto his hat. Every time you got close to him he smelled like fresh popped popcorn. Yum!<br />
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My daughter-in-law was half man/half woman wearing a hot pink formal dress on one side and then a man's white button up dress shirt and dress slacks on the other side, My son in law was a crazy silly carnival performer wearing the zebra hat, tie and suspenders. That is his brother wearing the clown costume. <br />
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Connor was the man that shoots out of the Rocket (Cannon). He didn't keep his Rocket costume on that long because he was really hot also. His costume was so cute! I actually found it at Halloween time at Target and saved it for the party. We knew that it was going to be a circus themed party for several months. Actually when we gave Heather her baby shower before Harper was born it was also a circus theme. Talk about coming full circle! </div>
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Here are a couple of pictures of the decor for the party. The inside of the house was decorated as well as the backyard where most of the party was held at. There was a candy bar for the guests to help themselves make little candy goodie bags to take home with them. </div>
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They had circus cookies, Goldfish crackers, Smarties, M&M's and Sweedish Fish to choose from. Heather had made and decorated all of the cupcakes for Harper's party too. She's so talented!</div>
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The adult "liquid refreshments" were kept on ice in a old hand carved canoe. It held a lot of ice and drinks for all the party goers.</div>
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Here is a picture of our little family at the party. The scenery in the background was a beautiful addition to our family picture. I believe that is a Banyon Tree behind us.<br />
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This photo has both Heather's side of the family and also Ryan's family. The only people that were missing were Ryan's sister and her husband. They were not able to make it as Erin was in college and was close to graduating so she couldn't leave to come and help us celebrate. </div>
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Here is my husband and I with our adorable two grandsons. We feel so lucky to have these wonderful, sweet little boys in our lives! We didn't know what we were missing until we had grandchildren. They truly do teach us about unconditional love. </div>
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One of Harper's favorite things to do is to go on bike rides. So what better way to end the party then with a bike ride complete with costumes and balloons. <br />
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We really felt right at home with all the other guests who were in costume also. There was a lot of silly costumes and it made for a wonderful 1st Birthday for our little birthday boy Harper!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K8EbHdJnKRNnPvabQIpcFIltXWHRlVHOfLiCUS-2Ka7kfSct8vPzAuOqxiGKqMlKVS5QcikbOVVrhhD0QFyeNy_C0LNvL1j8IWar38n2CeeOYD7fvO-oC9K0CwvXi1VP3eh8ktNh0arF/s1600/_MG_2493.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K8EbHdJnKRNnPvabQIpcFIltXWHRlVHOfLiCUS-2Ka7kfSct8vPzAuOqxiGKqMlKVS5QcikbOVVrhhD0QFyeNy_C0LNvL1j8IWar38n2CeeOYD7fvO-oC9K0CwvXi1VP3eh8ktNh0arF/s320/_MG_2493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-43607544216395074282012-07-19T11:30:00.000-07:002012-12-07T01:20:49.270-08:00Quilt Guild Block of the Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I've been gone for awhile for awhile and I'm sorry. I have been really busy. I have belonged to my local Quilt Guild for a couple of years now but recently decided that I should become more involved. So I am now in charge of doing the Block of the Month program at the Guild. </div>
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My first month being in charge of the BOM was July. I decided to do something patriotic. The block I picked out was called "Land of Liberty". It is done in red, white and blue of course. It was a really easy block also. I found the instructions on the website Quilters Cache <a href="http://www.quilterscache.com/L/LandofLibertyBlock.html">http://www.quilterscache.com/L/LandofLibertyBlock.html</a> They have thousands of quilt block patterns you can download for free.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYZnh_6XateROrdQb1m9B4WHOAh2T4C1DSdcdcVq5y9clHGCQ7B-HdaFgfz8jfYEjokS06eZt8vE9xW2YJ1LHc9ac9_Kbq3JeGu0Hc2XNrzwA1j5GFCcFBqaahK98K1g8xJQ0rK4uoB_S/s1600/DSC08008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYZnh_6XateROrdQb1m9B4WHOAh2T4C1DSdcdcVq5y9clHGCQ7B-HdaFgfz8jfYEjokS06eZt8vE9xW2YJ1LHc9ac9_Kbq3JeGu0Hc2XNrzwA1j5GFCcFBqaahK98K1g8xJQ0rK4uoB_S/s320/DSC08008.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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I made up several of these blocks so decided that I would put them together and make a couple of table runners for July 4th. I made one for myself and another for my mother. I finished them off with batting and backing and decided to just quilt them myself by quilting in the ditch. I'm not really good at it yet but decided it would be something that I should at least try to do on my smaller projects instead of sending them off to the Longarm quilter to be quilted. It will save me some money also and that means I'll have more money to spend on fabric! YEAH! That's a good thing! </div>
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The next block I chose for August was called "Ribbons". I made it up with a white background, a red solid, a black solid and then a floral print that had red,white and black in it. I also thought this one was a relatively easy block to make. </div>
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<a href="http://northwindquiltersguild.com/images/albums/NewAlbum_6047b/tn_240_cac1f0e499625cfa0a01766f9f04fa7b.JPG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://northwindquiltersguild.com/images/albums/NewAlbum_6047b/tn_240_cac1f0e499625cfa0a01766f9f04fa7b.JPG.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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I did put a few together wrong but I still liked the way they turned out. Can you see how the correct one I made above the ribbons make an X and has the two triangles in the center? The one below is the incorrect way. The ribbons kind of bow out and forms a squarw on point in the center. I didn't even realize they were wrong till someone pointed it out to me. These blocks were found on another free block website. It was called Delaware Quilts <a href="http://delawarequilts.com/BOMs/Ribbons/index.html">http://delawarequilts.com/BOMs/Ribbons/index.html</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The block I picked for the Guild to make in September is called Indiana Puzzle. I made it up in a Hot Pink, Orchid and then a floral print that had both colors in it. I thought it turned out really pretty. It was also from the website Delaware Quilts </span><a href="http://delawarequilts.com/BOMs/IndianaPuzzle/index.html" style="text-align: justify;">http://delawarequilts.com/BOMs/IndianaPuzzle/index.html</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpi1vEIquBnk8-YV52Yi62PIN-qlLgDiZXblGHe2Qu_uRvoBpqapDktKMwlN1S9_qvrJygDu-AO2QZXO_hjHGAA76nLswI2rwSU1IkNNRyn0OM2NHL1b2Cx8Kc0-MdQXt5vu9ZJ6zWslt/s1600/DSC08013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpi1vEIquBnk8-YV52Yi62PIN-qlLgDiZXblGHe2Qu_uRvoBpqapDktKMwlN1S9_qvrJygDu-AO2QZXO_hjHGAA76nLswI2rwSU1IkNNRyn0OM2NHL1b2Cx8Kc0-MdQXt5vu9ZJ6zWslt/s320/DSC08013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I haven't yet decided what to do for the Quilt Guild for October. It is kind of weird that I have to work that far in advance but at least it makes me be prepared! I can't be the procrastinator that I sometimes am. I have to present the BOM that I have chosen already done up to the Quilt Guild Board a month in advance and then it will be put in the next month's newsletter so that the members will have time to make it up.<br />
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Our Guild raffles off half of the blocks to one lucky member. Each member gets 1 ticket for each block that they made that month. So if you win you get to take half of the blocks home with you. You also have the option for buying more of them if you want that day for $2.00 each. Then the other half of the blocks that are turned in goes to our Quiltique. Every even year we have a big Quilt Show and have a little boutique were members can sell their handmade items at. That is what we call our Quiltique.<br />
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Okay I'm off now to sew a little more for myself! Linking up to the fun parties at:<br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/07/transformation-thursday-no-161.html">Transformation Thursday@ The Shabby Creek Cottage</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/2012/07/show-share-49.html">Show and Share with Southern Lovely</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.momnivores-dilemma.com/2012/07/creative-juice-81.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MomnivoresDilemma+%28Momnivore%27s+Dilemma%29">Creative Juice-Thursdays @ Momnivores Dilemma</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.vwbblog.com/2012/07/talent-tuesday-way-cool-linky-par-tay.html"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;">Talent Tuesday Way Cool Linky Partay </span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/2012/07/tell-me-tuesday-52.html">Tell Me Tuesday @ Me & My Boys</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com/2012/07/time-to-shine-party-no-78.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ADiamondInTheStuff+%28A+Diamond+in+the+Stuff%29">Time To Shine @ A Diamond In The Stuff</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.crayonfreckles.com/2012/07/tip-toe-thru-tuesday-july-2.html">Tiptoe Thru Tuesday @ Crayonfreckles and Tiaras & Bowties </a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/07/tuesday-talent-show-45/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChefInTraining+%28Chef+in+Training%29">Tuesday Talent Show @ Chef-in-Training</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://cherishedbliss.com/2012/07/craft-and-tell-3.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CherishedBliss%2FKUFc+%28Cherished+Bliss%29">Craft & Tell @ Cherished Bliss</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2012/07/fabulously-creative-friday.html"> Fabulously Creative Friday</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.linesacross.com/2012/07/cure-for-common-monday-47.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LinesAcrossMyFace+%28lines+across+my+face%29">The Cure For The Common Monday @ Lines Across My Face </a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.primpjunktion.com/2012/07/primp-your-stuff-wednesday-linky-party_17.html">Primp </a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/07/wow-us-wednesdays-75.html?m=1">Wow Us Wednesdays</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/2012/07/delightfully-inspiring-thursday-party_18.html">Delightfully Iinspiring Thursday Party</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.petalstopicots.com/2012/07/i-fridays-link-party-720.html">I ♥ Fridays Link Party</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://etcetorize.blogspot.com/2012/07/make-it-great-monday_15.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Etcetorize+%28Etcetorize%29">Make It Great Monday @ Etcetorize</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/07/show-and-tell-friday_7440.html">Show and Tell Fridays @ My Romantic Home</a> </span><br />
<a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2012/07/frugal-friday_19.html"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;">Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-first-dahlia-and-simple-sweet.html">Garden Fun & Simple & Sweet Fridays @ Rooted In Thyme</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/">Rustic Restorations Weekend Linky Party @ Homespun Happenings </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com/">Blissful and Domestic Feature Friday Link Party</a> </span>Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-40222861354576131362012-05-04T10:50:00.000-07:002012-05-04T10:55:43.694-07:00Did You Think I Ran Away?<i></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Well ....</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I didn't really.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">It's been busy around here.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I've also been recuperating from </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">knee replacement surgery.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I promise I'll post real soon!</span></i></div>
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</i>Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983839826541764295.post-44100923898217352802011-11-24T02:53:00.001-08:002011-11-24T03:17:20.233-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a wonderful special day with family and loved ones. I know how it's so easy to get lost in the stuff of the day- cooking all of the special dishes and family favorites, making sure the house is cleaned and spotless and that everything is just right for our family gatherings. We women are just like that! I guess that's why they call it "nesting" when we are ready to deliver our babies. We just want everything to be ready on time and just perfect. I know I'm not the only one out there and I'm sure there are plenty more just like me!</div>
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Thanksgiving is finally here and that means that Christmas is just around the corner. It's time for us to gather around the table with those we love and give thanks for all the blessings we have in our lives.</div>
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We have our family....our treasured friends....a home to keep us warm....our health. I have a supportive husband who loves me dearly, two wonderful children and their great spouses and now two beautiful grandsons that I love to the moon and back. I have been truly blessed!</div>
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Dear Lord I want to take the time to thank you for all you have give us this year and every year. We need to remind ourselves how truly blessed we are and keep this thankful spirit each and every day of the year!</div>
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<br />Tealovingladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019846317324874126noreply@blogger.com1