tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30271685265868789232024-02-07T01:09:58.386-05:00The Yummiest EweDedicated to creating and designing a life of meaning and purpose.Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-23802769261500901212012-11-13T12:27:00.000-05:002012-11-13T12:27:04.617-05:00DIY T-Shirt Repurposing Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I embellished my neck with my creatively funky scarf made from a $2.50 t-shirt this morning, I warmly reflect of the great time I had making it with my friend Lyse's 3 children.<br />
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Old T-shirts undoubtedly make the best rags for cleaning your home or car, but can also be repurposed a number of ways by means of fun DIY projects which can be found via the Internet. They can made into cool accessories such as bracelets, headbands, bags or scarves. Repurposed Tees can also be used to make floor rugs, pillows and my personal favorite, YARN for knit or crochet projects! Surprisingly, many of these projects do not require a sewing machine, rather a lil' dab of glue or tacking with a needle and thread here and there.<br />
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For our t-shirt scarves, we used the following:<br />
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Old T-Shirts* (I found new ones at a 2 for $5 sale)<br />
A sharp pair of scissors<br />
Glue Gun & Glue Sticks<br />
Needle & Thread<br />
A long ruler<br />
A pencil or white fabric chalk<br />
Embellishments: costume jewelry pieces (e.g., earrings/pendants), buttons, beads, gems, stitch markers, scrap fabric or leather <br />
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*It is important to note that some t-shirts have seams that run down the sides. It is best not to use these types. The only seams should be those found at the neck, arms and bottom hem. Also keep in mind that the larger the t-shirt, the longer the scarf. We used size Large for the scarves the children made, and size XL for mine.<br />
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Next, we cut the bottom hem off of the tube we've just created and smooth out the t-shirt tube flat with your hand. </div>
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Using a pencil or fabric chalk, mark 1" stripes across the <em>width</em> of the tube. </div>
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Once these 1" lines have been made, carefully and slowly cut on the lines you have made to form 1" strips. Be sure both layers of the t-shirt remain together and flat so as to have uniform strips. This part can be a bit tricky.<br />
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You should have a bunch of strips that resemble loops like these:<br />
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To make these loopy strips curl into tubes, <em>gently</em> tug on them (as if stretching a rubber band) and the strips will curl up into tube-like strands. Once you have stretched all of your loops, you can gather them up together and begin embellishing them. If you'd like to make a multi-colored scarf from different colored loops, now's the time to do it.</div>
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We chose to use the graphics found on one of the t-shirts to decorate two of the others. Cut out a square, measure the circumference of the loops you wish to wrap around and tack it close with your glue gun, or sew it, which ever is easiest for you. Next, with a needle and thread, you can sew on buttons, jewelry pieces, beads, etc.</div>
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Now ROCK OUT and jazz up your wardrobe with your funky new accessory!</div>
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To store your scarf, it is best to twist it similar to that of a hank of yarn. </div>
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So before throwing away that old t-shirt...you may want to think again. Happy crafting & Enjoy!</div>
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Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-12467290553029534582012-09-12T15:26:00.002-04:002012-09-12T15:26:42.082-04:00To Frog Or Not To Frog...That is the Question!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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Oh don't mind the bottles of booze in the background, they are merely remnants from the aftermath of an impromptu 'Cuzins Nite Out' at our place the Saturday evening before, and since the crowd dispersed close to 5 am the following morning, there was no rush to clean up. </div>
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Fast forward to Sunday around Noon, I get the urge to start yet another crochet shawl called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/small-talk-shawl" target="_blank">Small Talk</a>, designed by Cheri McEwen. I had just completed <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Ladydonna316/small-talk-shawl" target="_blank">my first</a> Small Talk earlier in the week and liked the pattern so much but wanted one in a much lighter weight yarn, in one of my favorite colors, ORANGE. (The above links are links within Ravelry, an on-line community for knitters and crocheters, so if you're not a member, you may not be able to take a peek. To become a member, just go to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">www.Ravelry.com</a> so you can become hooked on Ravelry like me!)</div>
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I'm aware, I have no business beginning yet another project when I have so many WIPs, but I eagerly dig into the lonely stash bin (don't start laughing Lyse) and I find this tonal yarn by KnitPicks called Stroll, in the color Foilage. Ohhhh, perfect, Yes? Hold on just a moment. The yarn is a perfect collage of colors found of a warm sunset or September's autumn leaves, so I begin to wind the yarn from hanks into skeins with my handy dandy new table top swift gifted to me by Petra, a swap buddy from Germany. Shortly thereafter, with hook in hand I am ready to begin.</div>
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The first thing I notice immediately is how well the gentle pooling of colors compliment one another, it reminded me of a tree I once saw in Maine during the fall season some years ago that was so orangey-red, it appeared to be on fire. This tree may very well be responsible for my love affair with the color orange.<br />
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Next, I notice that the wool had a very rustic feel, which was ok...so I tink to myself (pun intended, lol)...after all, I'm a rustic kind of chick, right? But do I want such a feel in a shawl? I work a few more rows and now the shawl appears quite woolly...oh dear, what's happening to my dream shawl? Hence the thought process begins, and I have a serious talk with this tadpole...shawlie, shawlie, will I like you once you're done? Or, will I gift you away just like all the others? Should I Frog you now before you grow too big? I decide to sleep on it over night, and in my dreams I envision my new shawl leaping into the frog pond, oh noooooo! Come baaaaaack!</div>
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Realizing that the possibilities are endless, that this wool could very well 'thin out' and become quite light and airy with a drop of fabric softener and some hard blocking, I remain hopeful...but who can tell? Have you used this wool for shawls before? What was the result? Does it lose the woolly look/feel?</div>
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For the non-crafters totally lost in the lingo, here is a list of some fun-ky vocabulary words used within this post borrowed from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/wiki/pages/KnittingLingo" target="_blank">Ravelry's Glossary</a> of Jargons and Acronyms, common to knitters and crocheters.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Frog </span></strong>[frog; frawg; frogging] <strong><em>verb, adjective</em></strong>: To rip back (for the sound “rip it, rip it”) by removing the needles from the project and pulling on the loose end of the yarn; also applies to crochet. Generally used when mistake is found <strong>below</strong> the row you are currently working, or when completely undoing an entire project or piece. (see Tink) <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Frog Pond</strong> </span><span style="font-size: small;">[frog pond] <strong><em>noun</em>:</strong> a storage place for knitted and crocheted things waiting to be frogged </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Tink</strong> <span style="font-size: small;">[Tink]</span><strong> </strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><em>verb</em>: </strong>To undo knitted stitches by reversing the knitting motion, effectively un-knitting the stitch. Used when fixing an error on the same row you are knitting. (“tink” is “knit” spelled backwards) (see also Frogging)</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">TOAD</span></strong> [Toad; Towed] <em><strong>noun</strong></em>: Trashed Object Abandoned in Disgust</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">WIP</span></strong> [WIP; Whip; {Acronym}] <strong><em>noun</em></strong>: Work In Progress</div>
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<strong>I'm really trying to be a good girl and knit from my stash instead of buying even more yarn, but its tempting. What say you my fellow crafters? Should this tadpole's life be saved? </strong></div>
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Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-55188881958817160072012-09-05T12:45:00.002-04:002012-09-05T12:45:57.846-04:00Camping Trip To Niagara Falls - Take #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We begin our fourth day at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center where we learned all sorts of fun facts about the Gorge, when and how it was formed and the types of rock found at different levels within the gorge.</div>
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As I reflect back on the week, the thought of all of the friendly people we encountered during this trip warms my heart. From the camper who offered us 5 Hershey Bars to make up for the 2 we left behind at home in the fridge so that we could make S'mores, and the couple who shared half a watermelon with us and left us the world's largest roll of paper towel as they were packing up to return home, and the two school teacher moms who supplied us with ice cold beers and live worms when Mike supplied four of their children with Ghana style fishing rods similar to Skylar's later invited us over for more S'mores, and how could we forget the dad with 4 children from Mississippi who asked if he could use our campfire to make MORE S'MORES, LOL, and our favorites...Rob and Dottie along with their two chihuahuas who gave us a tour of their beautiful RV home. Dottie is a fellow crafter and bestowed upon me some beautiful gifts of yarn, fabric and batting for quilting, RV magazines and a series of books for reading! Dottie, you spoil me, MWUAH!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the 100 step staircase (106 steps according to Mekhi) ...my nutty children ran up then and back down again</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Observation Deck from the Skylon Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Hole State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nasty, Nasty Children</td></tr>
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So, the verdict is in...the view of the falls is far better from the Canadian side. This was partly due to the vantage point from which we were able to physically stand, both to view and photograph the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls while on the Canadian side. The view from Canada is a much more panoramic view, were as on the U.S. side we felt our view was limited to a specific angle depending on what we wanted to photograph...it was as if we could never get close enough to get a shot that would capture it all. However, while on the U.S. side we had no clue as to what we were missing...until we crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and then the border...whoa! </div>
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Canada is beauuuutiful! Aside from the cleanliness of Niagara Falls, the ambiance of this Southern Ontario city is almost magical at nightfall and reminded us of our first Disney experience. There are high rise hotels, casinos and floral gardens that would make Martha Stewart jealous! Clifton Hill is a street that is jam packed with excitement, reminding us of our very own Times Square, only much more compact and cleaner. Then at 8pm the light show begins. Talk about spectacular! Strangely enough, I wasn't able to capture the photos from the light show, they simply didn't photograph well, but to the naked eye the rainbow of colors is truly a sight to see.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Niagara Falls, Canada</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Lights</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Lights</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Lights</td></tr>
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Next stop...The Niagara Falls Aquarium!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noooo, we can't take him home!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mekhi makes friends with a Penguin</td></tr>
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There is so much more to see, so when we return we'll have another adventurous itinerary lined up. From a short distance we could the <strong>Whirlpool Aero Car</strong>, which travels across the rapids in an antique cable car, we also walked past <strong>Journey Behind the Falls</strong> which allows you to travel through a tunnel behind the falls. There is also a <strong>Botanical Gardens</strong>, <strong>Marine Land</strong> and on the way back across the border we bypassed <strong>Bird Kingdom</strong>...the list of things to do in the mighty Niagara Falls is endless.</div>
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Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-72216669356815799902012-09-05T01:28:00.002-04:002012-09-05T01:35:18.283-04:00Camping Trip To Niagara Falls - Take #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The highlight of <span style="font-size: large;">Day 3</span> was a visit to the <b>Niagara Falls State Park</b>. The grounds were simply beautiful and provided a constant refreshing mist from the falls. Sometimes the mist was very light, and at times it was umbrella worthy. Whenever the mist arrived, it was always welcomed since the sun was very hot. The attractions at the park blew us away...literally. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice how the ladies are always ready for a photo opp? </td></tr>
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<b>Cave of the Winds</b> is an awe-inspiring experience, simply put. Tour takers are given a pair of water shoes and a yellow poncho...no, the shoes aren't the cutest, but they're not optional either. They could make nifty souvenirs I suppose. I happened to note they carried shoes up to size 17!!! Next, we entered an elevator that lowered us 175 feet deep into the gorge...Yikes. Then there's the hike, first down, down, down on a winding staircase alongside the falls, then up, up, up. The higher we climbed, the more soaked we became. Be careful though, there's all kind of moss growing on the steps and the handrails, so its quite slippery when wet. And you could forget about carrying on a conversation. The waterfall is quite noisy, powerful, and amazing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mekhi, Mike & Skylar on the Hurricane Deck</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling the mist already</td></tr>
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Next up was a ride on the <b>Maid of the Mist</b>, an unforgettable boat ride, not to mention the oldest attraction in the country (since the 1800's). We were given yet another souvenir poncho, yay! As we entered the boat I wondered how'd I be able to take photos without ruining my iPhone, our only source of photo taking.</div>
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This attraction really packs in the 'WOW' by providing picturesque views that simply can't be captured on film. As the boat enters the mouth of horseshoe falls I think about how appreciative I am of our captain's skill and expertise at calculating the water's current and knowing just how close to the edge is safe (or not) and then knowing when to turn the darn boat around. I clutched my pearls a number of times on this one. My poor iPhone, forgive me for exposing you to such levels of danger, LOL!</div>
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We survived Maid of the Midst</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbows are plentiful throughout Niagara Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top o' the rock</td></tr>
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Up next...viewing the falls from Canada. So many have said that you haven't seen the falls until you've seen them from the Canadian side. We decide to see for ourselves and decide to cross the border on day 4 of our trip...Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-37567403612472442792012-09-04T17:27:00.000-04:002012-09-05T01:30:34.470-04:00Camping Trip To Niagara Falls - Take #1<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxx-rvSyzyyHa1aC67mXBgVhkn6zr1DSNxexa42o0Kpi7XColtOWXVNvO1Ln6enyW32CIzdXnRzHHHVzIhjvG5843ekPwJGzGUU2oNbaQEU4ZyCkZtuxlYYNVU3VljFvyISMb9CZVZrr4/s640/blogger-image-795362439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxx-rvSyzyyHa1aC67mXBgVhkn6zr1DSNxexa42o0Kpi7XColtOWXVNvO1Ln6enyW32CIzdXnRzHHHVzIhjvG5843ekPwJGzGUU2oNbaQEU4ZyCkZtuxlYYNVU3VljFvyISMb9CZVZrr4/s200/blogger-image-795362439.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I have many fond memories while camping as a child with my family. We went every year, and sometimes twice a year. We typically would camp in tent and sleep on cots or air mattresses along with our sleeping bags, and we have tried cabin camping as well during colder seasons. Camping is sooo much fun, but it can be lots of hard work too depending on whether you're the child tagging along with your family or if you're the adult organizing the activity. We set out to camp at the Four Mile Creek Campground located 15 minutes from Niagara Falls which is approximately a 7.5 hour drive from where we live. Mike drove the distance despite my readiness to take over the wheel, whew! Along the way, we made a few stops for lunch, two bathroom breaks and gas. It was a pretty straight path, but thankfully we arrived to our destination without incident at 4:30pm.</span></div>
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Immediately taking advantage of daylight, we set up our tent and quickly begin to prepare dinner.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Hands On Deck!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our condominium for the week</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoqrFnnoRP9gvsA8AANEE7mysdhaAa34Aw_7GtJVSwx4q0Ejcfpes0VR5qntmNX4WXgsqV8tqqsm4iNnc2xE8GqcJE77lBnDY5VoaZ6aU3Q0I1abs-lIawT0V5orZn2KUavB9PBhX1zU/s640/blogger-image-2010336686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoqrFnnoRP9gvsA8AANEE7mysdhaAa34Aw_7GtJVSwx4q0Ejcfpes0VR5qntmNX4WXgsqV8tqqsm4iNnc2xE8GqcJE77lBnDY5VoaZ6aU3Q0I1abs-lIawT0V5orZn2KUavB9PBhX1zU/s640/blogger-image-2010336686.jpg" /></a></div>
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During the course of the week, all of our meals were quite yummy and primarily featured a starch of either potatoes or rice, a vegetable and fish based stew and a salad.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon Stew & Rice</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilapia Stew & Blue Potatoes</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">After dinner we wash our dishes and walk over less than 100 feet to view Lake Ontario and the beautiful sunset while listening to the waves crashing in on the shore. It was so peaceful.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFR6mqHABiUebXrnxoQT2uHPjEeg_Yz1BX9c0MmC215dv_SDUOXI18h-22EfMyNCBbhyphenhyphenkdFjc9GdfTOSeQ-3WQmSfmC-cRHHfiuauyjICwV-JD54Sx4TWD7Br9LBcp2eYv0Qog9rJ72kI/s640/blogger-image--990216571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFR6mqHABiUebXrnxoQT2uHPjEeg_Yz1BX9c0MmC215dv_SDUOXI18h-22EfMyNCBbhyphenhyphenkdFjc9GdfTOSeQ-3WQmSfmC-cRHHfiuauyjICwV-JD54Sx4TWD7Br9LBcp2eYv0Qog9rJ72kI/s640/blogger-image--990216571.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike at Lake Ontario</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx5EOLoG-Z9NRrH2x-yPJAlh1DpHHnxAz9zGDd-DrV5HnAvRR31fJpRnZj5mhjV_izdGEac4JbCTi6b8mAQQFHAWh90OFJ68g780tZLQdzBdHxSz6t-CX1nYFD3BTn1fF3IO1JA6xIyw/s640/blogger-image-655709455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx5EOLoG-Z9NRrH2x-yPJAlh1DpHHnxAz9zGDd-DrV5HnAvRR31fJpRnZj5mhjV_izdGEac4JbCTi6b8mAQQFHAWh90OFJ68g780tZLQdzBdHxSz6t-CX1nYFD3BTn1fF3IO1JA6xIyw/s640/blogger-image-655709455.jpg" /></a></div>
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The bathhouse and restrooms were less than 40 feet away, so before retiring for the evening we showered and then jumped into our sleeping bags.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower House/Laundry Station</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shhhhh! They're all asleep...Zzzzzzzzzz!</td></tr>
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This is the best time of year to go camping in my opinion. Temperatures were quite warm during the day ranging between High 70's to 86 degrees and up, and would typically fall to high 60's in the evening, and even lower in the mornings...Brrrrrrrr! For the cool nights and even cooler mornings our thermals and layers of clothing came in handy, and by 11am we quickly traded them in for shorts!</div>
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Breakfast was pretty much individualized, some mornings it was smoothies (yes, I brought my Vitamix! Whaaaat??? LOL), toast and hot cocoa or tea, hot or cold cereals, waffles, melons, etc. Surprisingly we weren't too fussy about what to eat for lunch, since time often passed us by. However, we had loads of snacks to help keep hunger at bay, such as nuts, nut butters and rice cakes, dried papaya, Lara Bars, hand fruit, sweet potato chips, etc.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waffles anyone?</td></tr>
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On days 2 and 3 we decide to relax and stay local, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the campground. The boys (father n' son) decided to go fishing. Dilemma: we were 2 fishing rods short, as Mike only thought to bring 2 rods, one for himself, and the other for Mekhi. Hmmmm, I guess girls don't fish?!!</div>
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While the boys decide to walk over to Lake Ontario's edge, back at the campsite Skylar and I begin to make the boys some lunch, after all, this is what girls are good at, right? Hmph! Once we're done, we venture over to where the boys are and sit on the huge boulder rocks at the shore's edge to eat.</div>
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It's at this time that Skylar decides she'd like to fish, so naturally her dad makes her a fishing rod from a long branch and adds some recycled fishing line he finds caught up in a nearby bush. He adds a small weight, a flotation device, small hook and worm and offers a story or two about how he used this very same type of rod to fish with as a boy growing up in Ghana...viola! Skylar's in business with her new fishing rod from nature.</div>
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As it turns out, this is no ordinary fishing rod. Over the course of the next couple of hours, Skylar catches not just one, but 7 fish!!! She was the only one who caught fish this trip...we're still scratching our heads over this.</div>
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I remained hopeful for the 7 lil' Blue Gills return to Lake Ontario, so I kept them in water while she continues to fish. When I suggest that she throw them back since they were so small, she firmly protested saying, "Noooo, I caught them and I wanna eat 'em!" Oh dear. Her dad was more than happy to carry out her wishes and proceeded to clean them by the lake and we bring them back to our <strike>frying pan</strike> campsite.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmAgSLjw5ZvX3Jcz4uQ1IvMrCrG1FKudDo0QjRJ1vGnJqUK_agMWbwKcAblKvGQoJk6FnJpqRBZNbCWGofwAM17D4dysj8sVhBKkFeA2hPA8KW0E9uyzRrt06t-2S3CDlWYZNbtK3r0Y/s640/blogger-image-1953477306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmAgSLjw5ZvX3Jcz4uQ1IvMrCrG1FKudDo0QjRJ1vGnJqUK_agMWbwKcAblKvGQoJk6FnJpqRBZNbCWGofwAM17D4dysj8sVhBKkFeA2hPA8KW0E9uyzRrt06t-2S3CDlWYZNbtK3r0Y/s640/blogger-image-1953477306.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylar's first catch...its a Blue Gill!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A congratulatory hug from Big Brother Mekhi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wanna know my secret? I prayed..."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner...courtesy of Skylar!</td></tr>
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And now, time for desert...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naturally, Its all about the S'mores</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Stay Tuned for amazing photos of the falls, first from the New York side, and then from the Canadian side. Sooooo exciting...promise!</span></div>
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Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-56864843609609229152012-09-04T02:08:00.000-04:002012-09-04T02:08:12.977-04:00It's BBQ'ing Time Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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August 18th: We always look forward to our family and friends BBQ. This year we had approximately 80 or so that graced us with their presence. For far too many reasons to list, it was the best one yet! Among the usual suspects were some new faces that came through which proved to be the recipe for a grand ol' time!<br />
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There were organized activities for kids such as 3 legged races, Marshmellow Madness, Volley Ball, etc. There were also activities for adults, but many activities we simply didn't get around to since waaaaay too much eating, drinking and dancing got in the darn way! LOL<br />
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The night before was sooo much fun, as a Ravelry friend showed my mom and I how to use a spindle, and then she and I stayed up until 2 a.m. as she gave me a crash course in hand dyeing yarn! Talk about fun!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HqnDmkeRXNTXBJoIqb9hXiZIp3Ed_J-Nkua6zX7UJIOtA6WiJAjxxO2URC9XfhtTwomgsS_wyUBUHGD-MsQEuhR9X2zm5Gk3-EVHsysx3H5cVZGZWcngjejX6HE8zI3bcY1mxhT6XAk/s1600/IMG_5106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HqnDmkeRXNTXBJoIqb9hXiZIp3Ed_J-Nkua6zX7UJIOtA6WiJAjxxO2URC9XfhtTwomgsS_wyUBUHGD-MsQEuhR9X2zm5Gk3-EVHsysx3H5cVZGZWcngjejX6HE8zI3bcY1mxhT6XAk/s640/IMG_5106.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The 2:00 am Yarn Dyeing Project...Thanks Lyse!</td></tr>
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Special thanks to all of the contributors that helped make the BBQ a success, from the fabulous cooks of the family, or those that contributed gifts of food or simply lent a helping hand to set up or clean up, to the kiddie activity coordinators and to our DJ for keeping us rocking until the lights went out! Thanks to those who drove one hour, two hours, three hours, and yes, even five hours just to come show their love and thanks last but not least, mom and dad for letting us party in your yard another year.<br />
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Until next year, MWUAH! Love y'all!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Frog that invited himself to the BBQ!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer's First BBQ in PA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burgers, Hot Dogs, Corn on the Cobb, Mac n' Cheese....YUM!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Ziti, Jollof Rice, and Hot Wings Too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8kBWnr1GX7HhH2CaF7Obrd67CKnbQ-qpSOONxvITuLRwouYX3HeB31wjyGUfzxz0MiA7rsqvGJyCe9xTY9QePX_peHOAklyEakQhzgYW5xrsla5cnWMFlQaF6IKYsEmXXPT_m1KZVHc/s1600/IMG_5068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8kBWnr1GX7HhH2CaF7Obrd67CKnbQ-qpSOONxvITuLRwouYX3HeB31wjyGUfzxz0MiA7rsqvGJyCe9xTY9QePX_peHOAklyEakQhzgYW5xrsla5cnWMFlQaF6IKYsEmXXPT_m1KZVHc/s320/IMG_5068.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood Pasta Salad & Cole Slaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTCa8bPd04ym04Hbzc2np5aBFfLoU_yV1Abmz-Z0rzt_iXliY8KfMdL5_u5hwEtXxntaobH9CMEnSi-SxCT20hZ9geRJjY3Oo55qkTMvG4GR9wrbD98Ufa49AgG1plVrTgDqbcdVXehU/s1600/IMG_5069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTCa8bPd04ym04Hbzc2np5aBFfLoU_yV1Abmz-Z0rzt_iXliY8KfMdL5_u5hwEtXxntaobH9CMEnSi-SxCT20hZ9geRJjY3Oo55qkTMvG4GR9wrbD98Ufa49AgG1plVrTgDqbcdVXehU/s320/IMG_5069.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Mike, AKA 'Punisher' Drinks anyone? LOL!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1YEc-oovy9NKXpBfd9ctmqaIuop11tiTzStsjK1-Nk6TENgtevUtH6jQMn8u0UYb1f8pa-kzNO9UNjeXbWadnjeH1kkyeLCiFT5rtTZsMZ8Jm89dPDiZs91Uv8VBfGo7IhLwzSeJLj4/s1600/IMG_5070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1YEc-oovy9NKXpBfd9ctmqaIuop11tiTzStsjK1-Nk6TENgtevUtH6jQMn8u0UYb1f8pa-kzNO9UNjeXbWadnjeH1kkyeLCiFT5rtTZsMZ8Jm89dPDiZs91Uv8VBfGo7IhLwzSeJLj4/s320/IMG_5070.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jermaine & Mike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53sTInfiV52gVmy9fk1Ivx30XXnnRwRnHA7s0RsJSirFpfE5vG99BTH90gLScDajAFxECqBRZCCvYTJaY4emn26WkZqVtLXgplgiLOouCmqUZYEIjT-RrwOLmgwj6WtubMpQN-jV3kYc/s1600/IMG_5071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53sTInfiV52gVmy9fk1Ivx30XXnnRwRnHA7s0RsJSirFpfE5vG99BTH90gLScDajAFxECqBRZCCvYTJaY4emn26WkZqVtLXgplgiLOouCmqUZYEIjT-RrwOLmgwj6WtubMpQN-jV3kYc/s320/IMG_5071.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenny the Grill Master!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjl53GWrAJRKefjG7xdqcoFExu0ZAn0h24SDpKkc1swmb0YqAklle0W7_6cVqH7fbYW5vR4EPXQzvqM9SOMndhVUYcd7-F_dWvhLPI0CQEu3B88CwbJ-GArmAKsFj_-t0sbbWFjl8WWi0/s1600/IMG_5072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjl53GWrAJRKefjG7xdqcoFExu0ZAn0h24SDpKkc1swmb0YqAklle0W7_6cVqH7fbYW5vR4EPXQzvqM9SOMndhVUYcd7-F_dWvhLPI0CQEu3B88CwbJ-GArmAKsFj_-t0sbbWFjl8WWi0/s320/IMG_5072.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volleyball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnc7k6luCHv4MgzcOrZntYWUq5cHGeb7EiPwP5-BUixiNDKG0c5z7DSF8zOsPBJMIPJKnyFwbro9k1OqE0zY1ZO0k8Hjz3SruUHBfcs0jZ__ksgssoFCvdb0fSRn-ZbQqvW9K-sb4rOQ/s1600/IMG_5073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnc7k6luCHv4MgzcOrZntYWUq5cHGeb7EiPwP5-BUixiNDKG0c5z7DSF8zOsPBJMIPJKnyFwbro9k1OqE0zY1ZO0k8Hjz3SruUHBfcs0jZ__ksgssoFCvdb0fSRn-ZbQqvW9K-sb4rOQ/s320/IMG_5073.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Clyde'ster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1K0cyzGja9U0gyGgI9wRXnt9awBa2Bhx0XV7Fvre30ZF13N4DhyajbYeCtbS3P2fW9szolcs-epY6c_X3YRL5Aog2zGpe_yHMsEQcLkYSgLPq-OAXtQJNV8EIYBt0P6vIUGPRVJ6YzE/s1600/IMG_5074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1K0cyzGja9U0gyGgI9wRXnt9awBa2Bhx0XV7Fvre30ZF13N4DhyajbYeCtbS3P2fW9szolcs-epY6c_X3YRL5Aog2zGpe_yHMsEQcLkYSgLPq-OAXtQJNV8EIYBt0P6vIUGPRVJ6YzE/s320/IMG_5074.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, Cousins Yvette & Jonelle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjnvs8sALG6fJt1Ghvc9orrajw7kMknof1-QcQ8MFQ_iTFxeWsDax1aq4dCmr4QfQ-ftj5nz3qlFaGWUC7Wa-ooDt_y6yetLPy2CfEPj1K8bMAOrEYfZrfkGaa0f-bCxzfJ8iOioiUsw/s1600/IMG_5076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjnvs8sALG6fJt1Ghvc9orrajw7kMknof1-QcQ8MFQ_iTFxeWsDax1aq4dCmr4QfQ-ftj5nz3qlFaGWUC7Wa-ooDt_y6yetLPy2CfEPj1K8bMAOrEYfZrfkGaa0f-bCxzfJ8iOioiUsw/s320/IMG_5076.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Kyle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6RWHF2BZZpfvKvfigLPPl5P0rFDhSRwDt5kRav5GG8lK58iCsvtv_1aRUtpiGufJxkF42EXlHZa0oPFO1ZoSTsO5-1CtzRMfUS6BjN56LW_WVSiVZIZONY2e5r-dwuyDU4cwgGV8ZQw/s1600/IMG_5077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6RWHF2BZZpfvKvfigLPPl5P0rFDhSRwDt5kRav5GG8lK58iCsvtv_1aRUtpiGufJxkF42EXlHZa0oPFO1ZoSTsO5-1CtzRMfUS6BjN56LW_WVSiVZIZONY2e5r-dwuyDU4cwgGV8ZQw/s320/IMG_5077.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Ravelry Buddy & Penpal Lyse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMJNSebkVZEG7FOQzkLbF0NT2Ro0uIWOTO0K8CvJp4OQWSkT8peAxJEMDsbpJmpw64mkFV9UqmjGMVT_YywqL-D-3sqPSb7E6OvPd1qQxZNbIiG9Z2mp5qb22Ny5RPZoQnLCwiIYr_48/s1600/IMG_5079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMJNSebkVZEG7FOQzkLbF0NT2Ro0uIWOTO0K8CvJp4OQWSkT8peAxJEMDsbpJmpw64mkFV9UqmjGMVT_YywqL-D-3sqPSb7E6OvPd1qQxZNbIiG9Z2mp5qb22Ny5RPZoQnLCwiIYr_48/s320/IMG_5079.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Kev</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIBqjhsyR-mF5bYNWli-771FMl4Mp1MYePJBX2-k6pyC8yTaz6_tgieBlurz_vG5LN0ttKzlG45Ffu4rkl-WiqtizsGq3o1Q0o-CNBeOuMNKcdyg9Vppbs8LiOFQHmoklb4P0eMkm9N0/s1600/IMG_5080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIBqjhsyR-mF5bYNWli-771FMl4Mp1MYePJBX2-k6pyC8yTaz6_tgieBlurz_vG5LN0ttKzlG45Ffu4rkl-WiqtizsGq3o1Q0o-CNBeOuMNKcdyg9Vppbs8LiOFQHmoklb4P0eMkm9N0/s320/IMG_5080.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike & Felix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRGo57XyPLYSbW4aibJE5v8Votoi3x8Ji7XHGLZroio-chQtqhpGxJLj_d0u4wWJ6397bOFPQFKEJ0_0RlDa2P0jBs-x6MssT03CKhlhthLpaYN1PZg2di-umu39RyQCfFwRKAow9514/s1600/IMG_5081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRGo57XyPLYSbW4aibJE5v8Votoi3x8Ji7XHGLZroio-chQtqhpGxJLj_d0u4wWJ6397bOFPQFKEJ0_0RlDa2P0jBs-x6MssT03CKhlhthLpaYN1PZg2di-umu39RyQCfFwRKAow9514/s320/IMG_5081.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Captains Table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKOYIm0vhi5RsCiZWaveLvRZs3zx2rJFB07WaCLKgV511G0fR2r23WuvIV5Nl71UrADuTN_Hf5TL7DvvRuatN-KhIjZ9ixYQbVyq6UVDRPr_2Dnjt1lecTgxVn7C_QJE80nsHCmkdKY8/s1600/IMG_5082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKOYIm0vhi5RsCiZWaveLvRZs3zx2rJFB07WaCLKgV511G0fR2r23WuvIV5Nl71UrADuTN_Hf5TL7DvvRuatN-KhIjZ9ixYQbVyq6UVDRPr_2Dnjt1lecTgxVn7C_QJE80nsHCmkdKY8/s320/IMG_5082.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Undine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1KAvzdsD8KeQ7XOLiSuPox0BDDUmJ8ezyScJ9xCcR_OxznWF6HoRUzeMlmHCjssS510Ab3nYVGxrBHSIMe5cqZwHe-IeyRUCTF5N5T1PBWtd0OkGk2HfycqehfL960PiwIamkE43h5M/s1600/IMG_5083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1KAvzdsD8KeQ7XOLiSuPox0BDDUmJ8ezyScJ9xCcR_OxznWF6HoRUzeMlmHCjssS510Ab3nYVGxrBHSIMe5cqZwHe-IeyRUCTF5N5T1PBWtd0OkGk2HfycqehfL960PiwIamkE43h5M/s320/IMG_5083.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Chris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXslM2KrmyGiFDPN28GamJafaYeta4ybbEw-WY2vVOtpoz9atvndRoOQHtI5_EF8pg8aDjmE6odwLK_hgD9lS7gm7l8u2h-VjopvLKPwR27BsDpxXvinhGSfL-eVVVtVaBpiiOtBmsQU/s1600/IMG_5084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXslM2KrmyGiFDPN28GamJafaYeta4ybbEw-WY2vVOtpoz9atvndRoOQHtI5_EF8pg8aDjmE6odwLK_hgD9lS7gm7l8u2h-VjopvLKPwR27BsDpxXvinhGSfL-eVVVtVaBpiiOtBmsQU/s320/IMG_5084.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shady Tree Crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1FHZteKvpyJfXIg5AcmAilpY2plXlmfBe0O-j0wHU4HQQXaTtbq82wHpF7Sn7z685h_nm9q8UfUqeFp8eT042lRIhqp_nsLVHdpWKtSx9Kc5SBVrgjRceiHY1jkOH1gMpqRA6YkGNyw/s1600/IMG_5085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1FHZteKvpyJfXIg5AcmAilpY2plXlmfBe0O-j0wHU4HQQXaTtbq82wHpF7Sn7z685h_nm9q8UfUqeFp8eT042lRIhqp_nsLVHdpWKtSx9Kc5SBVrgjRceiHY1jkOH1gMpqRA6YkGNyw/s320/IMG_5085.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins Yvette & Jonelle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg1XECCz4hHPXbh8PPNFJaMAZVicyiNI3i-amesDpvTL_UXkUsM13BAUKTilapn0TaH85l9PWOAQ6o8FQVQpsXcPSh3KqOvyL-9uM0PS6GgX-nM0mF9FNBll4KoGFPEjD8P7L_4SgP5M/s1600/IMG_5086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg1XECCz4hHPXbh8PPNFJaMAZVicyiNI3i-amesDpvTL_UXkUsM13BAUKTilapn0TaH85l9PWOAQ6o8FQVQpsXcPSh3KqOvyL-9uM0PS6GgX-nM0mF9FNBll4KoGFPEjD8P7L_4SgP5M/s320/IMG_5086.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mlwQ7PKJ-Izkxru4rqHqUu6LE8ZzFY06TG4miI8GNQIn_Kmeu6ic3IaKSVqzHgT7A68Imp4ZvvlrBuhILu0n2hew6J9kFz5zvfZCs-n07bBjl3O0wYMxoeFZtWa1SjJSRCyq7Uj3Huo/s1600/IMG_5087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mlwQ7PKJ-Izkxru4rqHqUu6LE8ZzFY06TG4miI8GNQIn_Kmeu6ic3IaKSVqzHgT7A68Imp4ZvvlrBuhILu0n2hew6J9kFz5zvfZCs-n07bBjl3O0wYMxoeFZtWa1SjJSRCyq7Uj3Huo/s320/IMG_5087.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mekhi, Skylar & Kristin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evette & Jermaine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy & Summer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F/L/R: Skylar, Mike, Autum, Angel, Mekhi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasmine & Brenda</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Judges Table: Diane & Daughter, Geri & Evelyn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grass Cutters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bartender Kevin with Drunkards Roger, James &Jonelle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Booth: Reggie, Ron & Campbell</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Clean Up Crew</td></tr>
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<br />Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-16410032364478989702012-09-04T01:57:00.002-04:002012-09-04T02:06:30.062-04:00On Your Mark...Get Set...Go!It was a beautiful day at Skylar & Mekhi's first track meet at the Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island, New York City where several track teams within the 5 boroughs were represented.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paparazzi Dad on the Scene</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mekhi & Skylar</td></tr>
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<br />Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-40909254759586929702012-07-31T01:09:00.000-04:002012-07-31T01:09:12.302-04:00The Past 7 days...Well day 7 of my raw and living week has arrived and it truly has been a successful week! Rather than feeling as though this week is a culmination an experiment, I choose to view my experience as the commencement of many good things to come further along the journey of achieving optimum health. <br />
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The 15 pounds of water weight that I've shed this week comes only as a secondary benefit. More importantly, I've managed to become reacquainted with several life lessons. The lesson at the top of the list being simplicity...less is more. My energy levels are up and therefore I am beginning to require less sleep. I feel my beauty exuding from within. When I feel great, I look great. When I look great, I feel empowered, certain.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 1</span></b> was the amongst the easiest. With my husband's loving help, I was quite prepared this day, fully armored with nutritious meals as if ready for battle. Mentally I felt a bit uncertain of my ability to go the distance as day 7 seemed light years away, but as the day came to a close, my doubts were removed. I attended Zumba class and was surprised at the high level at which I was able to participate. On the second and third day, I was quickly reminded of what occurs when one embarks on improving one's diet. It is common to feel worse before feeling better initialy, acute fatigue sets in due to the cell regeneration process. These were clearly my toughest days.<br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">HUMP DAY</b> would prove to be day 4 for me. While hunger slowly began to dissipate and mental clarity began to inch in, tiredness continued despite my feeling energized internally. This was an uncomfortable conflict. I now know that could've combated the tiredness by going to bed just an hour earlier, but since I had meals to prepare and strategies to put in place, I went to bed even later. I never urinated so much, so my sleep was often interrupted as I awoke 4 to 5 times over the night.<br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">DOWN THE HOME STRETCH </b>I become quite energetic, blissful even, with a measure of peace. The cleaner and more simple I ate, the less energy I used thinking about snacking, the very thing that consumed my thought process in weeks prior. On days 5 and 6 I felt stronger physically, aches were kept to a minimum and therefore I embraced the thought of exercise. Not that I did very much of it, but I embraced the thought of it. Walking and Zumba (Thanks Janise) were enjoyable. I noticed that my eliminations were frequent and plentiful, yet not as bulky as in weeks prior. This means my body is using more of the nutritious foods I'm putting in as opposed to discarding the majority of them. <br />
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I required less food towards the end of the week, often bringing home my lunch and having it for dinner. <br />
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As <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 7</span></b> finally arose, I was not feeling very hungry at all. During the week I'd typically begin my day with a liter of water followed by a kale and fruit smoothie, but by this day I just wasn't thirsty or hungry. I grazed on berries and fruit early in the day followed by a plate of raw spaghetti and grapefruit during lunch and cherries for dinner. I was quite curious about a piece of white yam that we brought home from the party the night before and sampled it. YUM! Did I miss cooked food, why yes...it is quite delightful. Did it feel as good going down as my raw meals during the week, absolutely not. I could feel the piece of yam moving through my digestive system.<br />
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What's next? I definitely will use this week as a catalyst on which to build my nutritious vegan lifestyle that I've so desired for quite some time. I am now convinced it wasn't the animal protein that I've missed, although Mike's fish is out of this universe, LOL. The raw vegan experience was far too pleasurable to give up entirely. Especially the meals! Speaking of which, some of my favorite go-to recipes this week included:<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Raw Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce</u><br />
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<b>Tools required: </b>Julienne Peeler or spiralizing tool, sharp paring knife, blender<br />
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<b>Spaghetti:</b> Any vegetable can be made into 'Spaghetti' like strips. Carrots and Beets work well but can be a bit hard, I fancy Butternut Squash and Celery Root.<br />
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<b>Marinara Sauce: (all ingredients organic of course)</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
1 Large Red Bell Pepper<br />
12 - 15 Sundried Tomatoes<br />
4 ripe tomatoes (I use String tomatoes or Plum)<br />
Handful of fresh Basil (mix in fresh Rosemary and Parsely)<br />
2 - 4 cloves of Garlic<br />
1 stalk of Scallion<br />
Wedge of Onion or stalk of scallion<br />
Seasonings to taste (a dash of each will do): Cumin, Curry, Cinomin, Allspice, Cayenne<br />
1/4 tsp of salt<br />
4 dates (soak in water for a few hours or over night)<br />
<br />
Blend until smooth but chunky. Yields a quart or so. I've omitted some ingredients (i.e. oil) and have added others.<br />
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I usually eat this marinara sauce at room temperature, but if taken out of the fridge, you can warm up a pan, remove it from the fire and swirl a serving of sauce around in the pan to take the chill off of the sauce.<br />
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Raw Spaghetti & Marinara Sauce</div>
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Green Smoothies are a large part of my diet in general, my children love them as well! I am able to fit extra protein in my day by adding raw dark leafy greens to smoothies and savory stews. 2 cups of dark leafy greens contain more protein than a 10 oz. chicken breast...unless of course, you're eating the chicken breast raw. There are no set rules when making green smoothies, however initially your taste buds may prefer a fruit to vegetable ratio of 60/40. As you become more accustomed to the texture and green taste, you may want to reverse the ratio to 40/60 for a higher nutritional value, yielding more protein and calcium and less fruit sugars. Feel free to halve the recipe for an individual portion and try different fruit combinations. Pineapple and Mango are my favorites. <br />
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Carrot, Beet, Apple & Ginger</div>
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Fresh Juices provide essential nutrients, minerals and enzymes and are great for a boost of natural sugar and provide both soluble or insoluble fiber. Sweeeeet! Different combinations of juice ingredients benefit different functions of the body. Some ingredients are great for cleansing which may promote weight loss, others boost the immune system, aid in digestion and yet others can promote beautiful skin.</div>
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Green Smoothie</div>
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<u><b>Green Smoothie</b></u><br />
<u><br /></u><br />
1 cup packed dark leafy greens (i.e., kale, spinach, swiss chard, romaine)<br />
2 ripe bananas<br />
1 cup fresh fruit (i.e., pineapple, mango, honey dew, cantaloupe)<br />
1 cup of water<br />
<br />
Blend until smooth. Depending on the type of blender you use, you may need to blend the greens and water first before adding the other ingredients. I use a Vita-mix, capable of making a wood chip smoothie from a block of wood...if I so desired. Mike has recently experimented with adding cucumbers to the green smoothie and its a refreshing addition.<br />
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Collard Green Wrap</div>
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Wraps can be made from any number of beautiful leaves, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, etc., and are chock full of protein and calcium. They can be as simplistic as wrapping a banana in romaine leaves or more complex as featured above. When time permits I'll slice up a number of veggies very thin with either a sharp pairing knife or julienne peeler and add pesto (olive oil, basil, cilantro nuts, garlic, salt) or a favorite salad dressing. Sunflower seeds soaked in water over night provide a powerhouse of nutrients and vitamins such as Vitamin E, Magnesium, Folate, Protein and Zinc (pumpkin seeds work really well also). Thin slices of avocado provide nearly 20 essential nutrients and are quite high in potassium.</div>
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The above recipes are loosely based on recipes found in a number of raw food preparation books which have been adjusted to accommodate my family's tastes. <br />
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As I continue to extract inspiration from the beautiful colors from my environment and nature in general, I must thank all who have inspired me to embark upon this journey of achieving optimum health once again. <br />
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Until we meet again, be well and consider increasing your intake of fresh produce today.<br />
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~D<br />
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<br />Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-78495557671900886062012-07-24T23:32:00.000-04:002012-07-24T23:32:30.195-04:00A Week of Spring CleaningThe urge to clean our personal spaces, wherever they may be, is quite strong during the Spring and Summer seasons, isn't it? Some are inclined to wash windows, clean out closets, garages and basements, scrub walls or conduct an overall purge. <br />
<br />
To hear my children tell it, I love to <strike>throw</strike> <i>give</i> things away... makes me wonder how or why I ever acquired these things in the first place. You've heard it before, "...well it seemed like a good idea at the time." But I've pretty much done most of my 'Spring Cleaning' at home and at the office, so what next? Oh I know, what about an internal cleanse! The options I've considered were juicing or fasting (no, they're not the same in my book), or going RAW. I chose the latter and have committed to it for a full week beginning Monday, July 23rd thru Sunday, July 29th. The last time I went RAW was 5 yrs ago, for a period of 90 days.<br />
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<u>RAW? Why?</u><br />
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You mean, aside from my personal belief that a raw and living vegan diet is the best diet for humans? Some of the benefits I've personally experienced when eating a raw and living diet:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>added nutritional value</li>
<li>mental clarity</li>
<li>renewed energy</li>
<li>improved digestion</li>
<li>waste/toxin removal</li>
<li>and countless other benefits</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
RAW? How? A raw and living vegan diet consists of eating unprocessed fruit, vegetables, sprouted nuts and seeds in their raw form and preferably live when possible. These foods are not heated above the body's temperature in order to preserve the precious enzymes that they contain. Added oils, conventional condiments and salt are usually avoided.<br />
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Some of the meals I plan to eat consist of large colorful hearty salads, smoothies and a host of delicious live meals. Here are some pics of today's dishes:<br />
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Raw Spegetti</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYtlSqfCFEaPOzWlA_rEhOJJMeAYd6o8J16ctX4eOCZG_26va5Yfki46pQOBQvqHUXuTMCNfDjbba7WOFRO4L_LOt01F8cyXMrOkl0dD_fp3xJjV6dARZi1C8sOkyjREpbBz-s_bfQ0s/s1600/IMG_4934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYtlSqfCFEaPOzWlA_rEhOJJMeAYd6o8J16ctX4eOCZG_26va5Yfki46pQOBQvqHUXuTMCNfDjbba7WOFRO4L_LOt01F8cyXMrOkl0dD_fp3xJjV6dARZi1C8sOkyjREpbBz-s_bfQ0s/s320/IMG_4934.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Cabbage Leaf Wrap</div>
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I've been preparing for this week for the past 3 weeks, initially eating 50:50 (raw:cook ratio) and ending with a week of eating 1 cooked meal a day and all other meals being live. <br />
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With a host of supporters in my cheering section, I'm sure to succeed. I'm excited about this challenge to say the least. Stay tuned for some quick yummy recipes!<br />
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Ready, Set, Goooooooo!<br />
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<br />Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-71222132005191551912011-03-22T12:57:00.002-04:002011-03-30T12:38:20.735-04:00No Regrets<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-lvOzGSdPKok2qqBqSldXRzWN1Mx4ez5YXA8BAvDkCR_8_QCw_dFVqkZ7VQeuLscp_khp23WALJ72jXM_GReqoR9-ZP5BGBbbLm5EJJ8nojbTl2vNj0hAIWf0CVe5EerstNoGAjhy1s/s1600/Exotika_by_Isilmetriel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-lvOzGSdPKok2qqBqSldXRzWN1Mx4ez5YXA8BAvDkCR_8_QCw_dFVqkZ7VQeuLscp_khp23WALJ72jXM_GReqoR9-ZP5BGBbbLm5EJJ8nojbTl2vNj0hAIWf0CVe5EerstNoGAjhy1s/s400/Exotika_by_Isilmetriel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"> <span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"> <stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b><i><span style="color: #333399; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #333399; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it. Value your present moments. Using them up in any self-defeating ways means </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #333399; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">you've lost them forever.~~Wayne Dyer</span></i></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><b><i><span style="color: #333399; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peace, love and a beautiful day to you </span></i></b>Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-30066326902181965462011-03-11T12:58:00.000-05:002011-03-11T12:58:27.998-05:001 Order of Prosperity With a Side Order of Abundance Coming Right UP!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #76923c; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><a href="http://www.besthomesdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/the-Singita-resort-in-Africa-with-ethnic-and-natural-environments_3.jpg"><img alt="the Singita resort in Africa with ethnic and natural environments_3" class="attachment-full" src="http://www.besthomesdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/the-Singita-resort-in-Africa-with-ethnic-and-natural-environments_3-600x400.jpg" /></a></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #76923c; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">"When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #76923c; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">on giving of myself and everything that arrived into my life, then I was prosperous."~ Wayne Dyer</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<br />
"Then I was prosperous." Dyer's last 4 words ring in my ear as I think about prosperity and what it really pertains to. We generally associate the accumulation of wealth and worldly possessions with the definition of prosperity. But is that it?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><strong>pros·per·i·ty</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">–noun,</span> </span></span><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">plural</span> </span></span></em></strong><span class="secondary-bf"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">-ties.</span> </span></span><br />
<div class="body"><div class="pbk"><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">1.</span> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">successful,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">flourishing,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">thriving</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">condition,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">especially</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">financial</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">respects;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">good</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">fortune.</span> </span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">2.</span> </span></span></span><span class="secondary-bf"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">prosperities,</span> </span></span><span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prosperous" jquery1299861284896="82" onmousedown="" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">prosperous</a> </span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">circumstances.</span> </span></div></div></div><br />
By definition alone, I know of very few people who are considered wealthy and/or have flourishing businesses. I know of far more people who have dreams of acquiring such status, people who work towards this goal on a daily basis, year after year. Can they too be prosperous while waiting for that big break? Absolutely.<br />
<br />
An important but often looked over component of Prosperity is <em><strong>personal well being</strong></em> - the way in which we think and live our lives. Joy, happiness and a healthy body must be included. Prosperity is a way of BEING, something you DO, PRACTICE and BECOME before you actually HAVE it. <br />
<br />
<strong>Are You Living Abundantly?</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">a·bun·dance</span><br />
<div class="header"><!-- google_ad_section_end --><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><strong><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">–noun</span> </em></strong></span></span></div><div class="body"><div class="pbk"><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">1.</span> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">extremely</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">plentiful</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">oversufficient</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">quantity</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">supply:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">abundance</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">grain.</span> </em></span></span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">2.</span> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">overflowing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">fullness:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">abundance</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> </em></span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/the" jquery1299863424614="83" onmousedown=""><em>the</em></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em> </em></span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/heart" jquery1299863424614="84" onmousedown=""><em>heart</em></a><span id="hotword"><em>. </em></span></span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">3.</span> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">affluence;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">wealth:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">enjoyment</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">abundance.</span> </em></span></span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">4.</span> </span></span></span><span class="labset"><em><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Physics,</span> </span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Chemistry</span> </span></span></em><span id="hotword">. </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">number</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">atoms</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">one</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">isotope</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">element</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">divided</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">total</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">number</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">atoms</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">mixture</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">isotopes.</span> </span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span></span> </div><div class="luna-Ent"><span>Once again wealth, affluence and one's material possessions tend to be the focal point by the general public's definition of abundance. True, having an abundance of any one thing indicates that there is plenty, scarcity is not an issue. So you don't have an abundant cash flow? You can still live an abundant life, by shifting your thinking and your focus. Like a wardrobe closet, we can choose what we will wear, use or adorn ourselves with. Each day we are given a choice in how we will live out the day. And since like attracts like, it behooves us to live responsibly, think about the energy we put out and where our focuses lie. </span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span></span> </div><div class="luna-Ent"><span>The expectations under which we live our lives...who's are they?</span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span></span> </div><div class="luna-Ent"><span>Let's be committed to living each day abundantly and prosper!</span></div></div></div></div>Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-9551565486413811042011-03-11T00:10:00.000-05:002011-03-11T00:10:43.726-05:00Strrrretch!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.colorfulscheme.com/colorfulscheme/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/vienna-staircase.jpg"><span style="color: #943634; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></a><span style="color: #943634; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="clear: right; color: #4a442a; cssfloat: right; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="266" src="http://www.colorfulscheme.com/colorfulscheme/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/vienna-staircase.jpg" width="400" /></span><b><i></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #4a442a; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #4a442a; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">again and again; fear must be overcome again and again. ~~Abraham Maslow</span></i></b></div><br />
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When was the last time you reached out beyond your comfort zone, I mean really stretched your ability?<br />
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This year is all about that stretch. Stepping out onto the 'skinny branch' as it were, where the sweet reward of accomplishment resides, dangling just as ripend fruit does out near the edge. Out near the edge is where it all happens, where possibility resides.<br />
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I've decided to stretch myself specifically within my hobby of knitting. Previously convinced that a working mother of two could never set aside any substantial amount of time to knit anything too involved, the criteria for my pattern selection would revolve around the quick, easy, mindless knits. My yarn selection was subject to a similar selection process, as choices usually included worsted and aran weights or more bulky and chunky fibers. This is not what knitting is about. More recently, I've developed an interest in making socks & shawls using fingering weight yarns. This is what I've started thus far:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/storm-cloud-shawlette">The Storm Cloud Shawlette by Hanna Breetz</a> (Ravelry Log In Required for free pattern)<br />
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This shawl is a great first shawl for beginners, as it uses an elongated garter stitch. On one row you're kniting the first stich followed by a yarn over (K1, YO), and on the second row you're dropping the YO's.<br />
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<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5409721577_6b887eaa17.jpg" /><br />
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A finished Storm Cloud in its pre-blocked state:<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5466862497_3c96f078cf.jpg" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5467459254_43c48a2e73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: undefined;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5467459254_43c48a2e73.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Some of my knitting goals for this year include projects that I would have shyed away from previously:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Intarsia</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Fair Isle</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2-at-a-time Socks</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-48199687563302243152011-01-28T23:08:00.001-05:002011-01-28T23:10:23.107-05:00The Power of Essential Oils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use; when diet is correct, medicine is of no need." ~Ayurvedic Proverb</div> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=theyumewe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00290E32U" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
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<i><b>What </b></i><i><b> exactly </b></i><i><b>are Essential Oils?</b></i><br />
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Often referred to as mankind's first medicine, Essential Oils are aromatic volatile liquids distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. The method of distillation is extremely important, as it is what makes essential oils extremely concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs. Often times, an entire plant or more is required to produce a single drop of distilled essential oil. These oils can be used singularly, such as in the case of Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, etc. A number of oils may also be blended together resulting in a stronger total effect than when used separately. A pocket reference guide to Essential Oils is highly recommended, the bible of essential oils.<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=theyumewe-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000ZMX5GO&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>What are Essential Oils Used for?</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b> <br />
Essential oils have been used to provide immediate relief and/or cure a host of health conditions. They have been effective in killing bacteria, fungi and viruses. Their fragrances have been known to balance moods, lift spirits, create a romantic atmosphere or dispel negative feelings. They can stimulate nerves, help regenerate tissue and carry nutrients to the cells. This ability to work on both the mind and body is what sets essential oils apart from many other natural therapeutic agents. Essential oils can work through topical application, ingestion or inhalation.<br />
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Therapeutic grade essential oils should not be confused with perfume grade oils that are used for household aromatherapy such as those found at popular store chains. Perfume grade oils are usually mixed with synthetic oils and are under no circumstances to be ingested or rubbed onto the skin. The process of making Therapeutic Grade Oils (Grade A)adhere to higher standards to ensure that the oils are extracted from quality organic plants, thereby producing a high quality oil. There are no toxic additives found in this grade of oil.<br />
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As a daily user of <b><i>therapeutic grade </i></b>essential oils, there are a few that I cannot imagine living without, one in particular being:<br />
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<u>Peppermint Oil</u> (<i>single oil)</i> - I carry this in my purse daily for the occasional headache, indigestion, to lift my mood, sinus decongestant or for use as a pain reliever. It has far many more uses, but these uses alone make Peppermint Oil invaluable.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=theyumewe-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002AV3996&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=theyumewe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002AV3996" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-87979685982810994192011-01-26T00:06:00.002-05:002011-01-27T09:22:28.447-05:00Dude, Ewe Can Knit Too!Have you ever considered learning how to knit?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/3136439540_c91d99d92f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/3136439540_c91d99d92f_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...Or crotchet?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/5159624768_d0b37f25da.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/5159624768_d0b37f25da.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Or learning both? Why not have the best of both worlds?<br />
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Every guy laughs whenever I say, 'Men were the very first knitters, you know.' It's true. During the Renaissance Era fishermen and sailors were amongst the male knitters, and shepherds had unlimited access to yarn while women were only allowed to be spinners of wool. It is only here in the Western world where knitting carries a social stigma as distinct as the stigmas associated with that of mental illness, one's sexual orientation or someone with a criminal background.<br />
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Knitting is not just a fun, relaxing and an expressive art form -- it's SEXY! Ask my friend Fran, who came to work one morning and described what she saw on the train, a man knitting! As she retold the event, we got the visual and concluded that a man who knits is sexy, period.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=theyumewe-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0307460495&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
Okay, so you don't need to look any sexier than you already are. Well perhaps you could you use a pair of custom hand knitted, perfectly fitting socks that WILL NOT SHRINK. No? Then what about the luxuriously refined softness of a quality-crafted, hand knitted sweater. Ah-ha, Gotcha! <br />
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Why not cast on today, someone would be more than happy to assist you in getting started. There are also a number of men knitting groups within local yarn stores in many areas across the state such as the 'Men's Night' group advertised at <a href="http://www.lionbrandyarnstudio.com/classes.html">The Lionbrand Studio</a> in New York City.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=theyumewe-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001QFY2LQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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Another suggestion is to join <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>, an on-line community for knitters and crocheters complete with access to a quite substantial database of information for resources, yarn, tools and access to thousands of free patterns.<br />
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Dude, what are you waiting for...cast on today!Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-25787493283917341682011-01-25T00:02:00.001-05:002011-01-25T00:32:56.889-05:00Woobie-ful Weekend<b>Woobie </b><br />
<i>-noun</i><br />
1. Something very precious and snugly, like yarn, that gives a person a feeling of comfort.<br />
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<i> Yarn is without a doubt my woobie. </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5380372765_4e35c39a7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5380372765_4e35c39a7c.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5126/5380374111_d1dfca9496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5126/5380374111_d1dfca9496.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
This weekend was nothing short of fantabulous as I spent it surrounded by hundreds of knitters and crocheters at the Vogue Knitting Live event held at the New York Hilton. Amongst the most beautiful fibers, colors and textures were vendors, world renowned authors and knitters, fashion shows, demos, classes and seminars, two of which I attended 'Turning your passion into a business' and 'Scandinavian Knitting'. Quite a number of magazines, on-line yarn stores and local yarn shops were also represented. A yarn crafter's dream.<br />
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<table 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://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5380979592_3657f55dd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5380979592_3657f55dd1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funky Scarf That Buttons into a Sweater Thingy!</td></tr>
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The freebies were flowing as well. From dark chocolate and nail files found at the Vogueknitting booth, to free jumbo tote bags from Lionbrand. I must be sure to also mention the free advice, patterns, and knitting lessons that were made available. Smiles were everywhere, conversations were inspiring, and the garments were cutting edge as everyone sported their best hand knitted garments such as shawls, coats, sweaters, funky hats and handbags. Why didn't I think of that?! I didn't wear any of my hand knitted accessories. My focus was definitely all about acquiring new yarn!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newest addition to my stash</td></tr>
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Speaking of yarn, there were a couple of booths selling yarn at half its retail price. I was in the market for what is known as sock yarn, a yarn that is categorized as super fine, its weight being listed in category 1. It can be used for socks and shawls, the later of which I plan to use it for. The yarn I purchased came in infant sized jumbo hanks, and I couldn't resist rewinding some of them into several smaller manageable skeins (balls of yarn) as soon as I returned home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5380377081_e3b04b888b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5380377081_e3b04b888b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5386176331_5d7a42a4c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5386176331_5d7a42a4c6.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5386779066_62a4ccdb1d_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5386779066_62a4ccdb1d_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<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://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5380378801_1b88e62672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5380378801_1b88e62672.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5386760776_f2a24255c3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5386760776_f2a24255c3_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also had the opportunity to feel (and smell) unprocessed/untreated bison, which is quite soft, fluffy and about 12 percent warmer than sheep wool. I won't go into detail about what untreated buffalo wool smells like, but in a word, it's oooweewild, HA! The fabric that bison wool knits up is unbelievably warm and strong. The price of this wool is quite comparable to high quality cashmere, only softer, and unlike cashmere it can be washed and won't shrink in the dryer...you heard correctly. This is definitely <i>the good stuff</i>, and I plan to treat myself to a skein or two one day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-17391032655630980732011-01-05T22:09:00.200-05:002011-01-07T13:24:32.812-05:00Resolved!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://thundafunda.com/393/images/widescreen-wallpapers/abstract-pictures/abstract-pictures-tranquility-beach-moonrise_.jpg" title=""Abstract pictures Tranquility Beach Moonrise " t "><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">It's the 'year of the 1's'...not setting a resolution this special 'year of firsts' seems almost unusual. However, statistics show that approximately 8% of the people that set resolutions for the new year successfully reach them. It is no surprise that many people have given up on setting a New Year's resolution all together.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>That being said, perhaps it may be one's focus that needs to change. Rather than focusing on a goal (i.e., <em>to lose 20 lbs</em>), one may have better success at focusing on a theme (i.e., <em>wellness</em>), stating your intention regarding it and then going a step further by visualizing what that looks like. Having a broader focus as opposed to one specific goal in mind just may be the key to success as suggested in the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goal-Free-Living-Have-Life-Want/dp/0471772801?ie=UTF8&tag=theyumewe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Goal-Free Living: How to Have the Life You Want NOW!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=theyumewe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0471772801" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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My <em>intentions</em> for 2011 are relaxation and simplification. Sure, I'd like to travel across the world experiencing top notch accommodations and sampling the yummiest of foods. However, in reality, an example of what <em>relaxation</em> would look like for me in 2011 is:<br />
<ul><li>Knitting every day. Whether it's simply a few rows when I arise or before I retire each day, or a quick 2 hr project, each day I have the opportunity to knit is a very good day.</li>
<li>Spending 30 minutes each day in silent reflection and gratitude.</li>
<li>Let it go. Don't try to force the outcome, control uncontrollable situations or try to make people behave (ok people, I need you to work with me on this one).</li>
<li>Staying present. By staying present, there's less room for worry and feelings of anxiety.</li>
</ul>An example of what <em>simplification</em> would look like for me is:<br />
<ul><li>Clearing out the clutter. If I don't use it, wear it, want it or need it, give it to someone who could. This task alone might take me more than half of the year to accomplish, so I'll stop there :-) </li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Are these <strike>resolutions</strike> intentions realistic and attainable? Absolutely. I am resolved to simplify my life, put my feet up and relax. These are my intentions.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYPmcc_4Y7CRhwVVnG3-W9Tafq5eRBSrxQ3nPavmkUZtc__CH71QlzupnB5wabTqM9ecYd5hIOjC7_TZ9pEnbv0ZCS7emMcT7_AxaE8VDm857DqPitn9lkoRTuQ_FLgqn7u3oWiL4bjY/s1600/sock3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYPmcc_4Y7CRhwVVnG3-W9Tafq5eRBSrxQ3nPavmkUZtc__CH71QlzupnB5wabTqM9ecYd5hIOjC7_TZ9pEnbv0ZCS7emMcT7_AxaE8VDm857DqPitn9lkoRTuQ_FLgqn7u3oWiL4bjY/s320/sock3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-90288061625144993092011-01-04T22:48:00.001-05:002011-01-07T13:14:45.384-05:00When Its Ok to Play With Your Food<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This evening's post was inspired by a number of friends who have expressed at one time or another that they would like for their younger children to eat more fruits and vegetables, or to try them at all.</div><br />
The solution is not nearly as complicated as it may seem, and there are a dozen or more ways in which to approach this issue. For starters:<br />
<ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVtGUfP0_jJyMVRQtrCN_Z-oTGEZ2oai45CL86zQ1aiiUw66EHVm6bDlbZGY7CaRFIeXK3oYskq6CZ_tmbm-EQDGTNO41Jo8e-bVhLQ665xou1pAMa94pZEXdvj5DjZTmhSyWXsWbveM/s1600/Picture+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVtGUfP0_jJyMVRQtrCN_Z-oTGEZ2oai45CL86zQ1aiiUw66EHVm6bDlbZGY7CaRFIeXK3oYskq6CZ_tmbm-EQDGTNO41Jo8e-bVhLQ665xou1pAMa94pZEXdvj5DjZTmhSyWXsWbveM/s320/Picture+001.jpg" width="240" /></a><u><strong>Eat them yourself</strong></u> (fruits and vegetables, that is...please, no nibbling on the children). Children are quicker to 'do as we do' rather than 'do as we <em>say</em> do', period. </li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>Have fruits and veggies in plain sight at ALL times</u></strong>. (Keyword: 'ALL') Garnish every meal's plate with something 'live' whether it gets eaten or not. What's in your fruit bowl? Hopefully it isn't filled with this week's mail, keys, loose change, or worse, artificial fruit. Raw fruits and vegetables are truly the only real 'fast food', no long lines, just wash and eat!</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li><u><strong>Don't sneak them in</strong></u>. There really isn't a need to trick them into eating fruits and veggies, they're naturally yummy. It really isn't worth the risk of getting caught...precious brownie points are at risk here. Besides, if someone did that to me, I'd be quite upset, wouldn't you?</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li><strong><u>Get them involved</u></strong>. Children take delight in picking out fruit or vegetables that aren't bruised, look sweet or smell fragrant from the supermarket. Allow them to help make a salad for dinner, challenging them to incorporate all of the colors of the rainbow.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEb7ylWe92QkmuAv5FnV7cCTryzbddRNrFnqEI7PfiVJ52roDQ7MoPPbdTDywk_E7qvSef5V0RdGfty_az8HVy7iucQFMrcvl3sH65R8r4eaLFwRG74o-sDRCa2qKsAF3SDPmB_JpMq2o/s1600/Picture+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEb7ylWe92QkmuAv5FnV7cCTryzbddRNrFnqEI7PfiVJ52roDQ7MoPPbdTDywk_E7qvSef5V0RdGfty_az8HVy7iucQFMrcvl3sH65R8r4eaLFwRG74o-sDRCa2qKsAF3SDPmB_JpMq2o/s320/Picture+008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>Aw let 'em play with their food</u></strong>! (See photos throughout this post) You just may see some finger licking or sampling going on. It has been my experience that husbands love to play with their veggies too!</li>
</ul><br />
<blockquote></blockquote><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><u><strong>Use your 'trump card' or provide a 'trade off' if you must</strong></u>. My 5 yr old grazes heavily during the day but prefers a light meal in the evening. A trump card for her may be not so much 'If you finish your dinner', rather, 'If you finish your broccoli, you can have your dessert'. An example of a 'trade off' that she usually suggest would be, 'Mom, can I just eat my salad, I don't want the rice.' Both scenarios are a win in my book.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVtGUfP0_jJyMVRQtrCN_Z-oTGEZ2oai45CL86zQ1aiiUw66EHVm6bDlbZGY7CaRFIeXK3oYskq6CZ_tmbm-EQDGTNO41Jo8e-bVhLQ665xou1pAMa94pZEXdvj5DjZTmhSyWXsWbveM/s1600/Picture+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As a demonstration of how some of these suggestions would look, my little ones were only too excited to help out with this project. The rules were simple, 1. no eating (you'd have to know my kids to know how difficult this request was for them), 2. be creative, and make the fruits and veggies look yummy enough for kids who don't know how good they taste to want to try them, and 3. have fun. The broke the first two rules at one time or another and each one reported on the other. But the number question they kept asking was, 'Moooooooom, when can we eat the fooooood?!'</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Safety knives<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfxwQdkYBbIiQ7t_BluI0rh_TVLAJppBno4xPy-LETHiWQXO4IFY-xnDwcxtMKZrr_gAJI_7S9bfO7-DOz2Yj4oDASacaOhmongAWgfaYClqgYb1BAzgkXyKB_BY3ipOLU_5jyPZg1j0/s1600/Picture+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfxwQdkYBbIiQ7t_BluI0rh_TVLAJppBno4xPy-LETHiWQXO4IFY-xnDwcxtMKZrr_gAJI_7S9bfO7-DOz2Yj4oDASacaOhmongAWgfaYClqgYb1BAzgkXyKB_BY3ipOLU_5jyPZg1j0/s320/Picture+004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A Rocket Ship<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZOHe0Lxokk0JP9drJfUrLYT5K4UPSWmIimDeQbKqik1MTRMzitMPBkaEWZpjaGLRQ4MzikVqxz6s5GFlzFuIaqNhboi9w-GEvo2n7AQbC8UBfLQyzSWkFFhgd0ZB9DUSnETXt2UsINk/s1600/Picture+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZOHe0Lxokk0JP9drJfUrLYT5K4UPSWmIimDeQbKqik1MTRMzitMPBkaEWZpjaGLRQ4MzikVqxz6s5GFlzFuIaqNhboi9w-GEvo2n7AQbC8UBfLQyzSWkFFhgd0ZB9DUSnETXt2UsINk/s320/Picture+009.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xj9baA30OxwO6lZWQxoRnFaOrtPTb1c1VGHJVNC7M390QweKzWBBKLG2lsl9RRd6DmdT-4r3ylWE8fOqkyx4D5r1bFy2-w4_mZ36-iR5dadFH2ySGzib8Ft50IGroVn8TU90Rk0MBY0/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xj9baA30OxwO6lZWQxoRnFaOrtPTb1c1VGHJVNC7M390QweKzWBBKLG2lsl9RRd6DmdT-4r3ylWE8fOqkyx4D5r1bFy2-w4_mZ36-iR5dadFH2ySGzib8Ft50IGroVn8TU90Rk0MBY0/s320/Picture+002.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MLJj5odUkaywmhlAd7mni1mLLKVJsn7Ov7s9huSmn_g-7kPwTPuYvrdpsL21o41yN4fna4CDIO7-yLZcRM6wL7WXxHgb-OZzOgZuWh_py8GPKl40GIF9zcO0k50z1x3U-Ecagtw3fO4/s1600/Picture+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MLJj5odUkaywmhlAd7mni1mLLKVJsn7Ov7s9huSmn_g-7kPwTPuYvrdpsL21o41yN4fna4CDIO7-yLZcRM6wL7WXxHgb-OZzOgZuWh_py8GPKl40GIF9zcO0k50z1x3U-Ecagtw3fO4/s320/Picture+005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwv_oWL9o_SpSr7FX5CFJxaZ6N6b8zd4TnqsM8ZyDVAFNxilb74ngwnBS_gJ6mNrpQMnE4UrbamNTL-pqYLzDQsc7CFSGKsnkTBIQ7heKHpJpsw-UZRZpHFN-r_hp5K8u8HuAFbA6WLBk/s1600/Picture+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwv_oWL9o_SpSr7FX5CFJxaZ6N6b8zd4TnqsM8ZyDVAFNxilb74ngwnBS_gJ6mNrpQMnE4UrbamNTL-pqYLzDQsc7CFSGKsnkTBIQ7heKHpJpsw-UZRZpHFN-r_hp5K8u8HuAFbA6WLBk/s320/Picture+011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The Boat actually floats!<br />
<br />
Good health to you all. And remember, play with your food...its OK.Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-24224684226807434582011-01-03T22:35:00.001-05:002011-01-07T13:17:45.802-05:00New Year's Pics & VogueOur house guests have returned home, but here are some lasting memories from the weekend:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH4vWGNdWFOEIeMrcx9ha_CULVztgmtJO6PWjy8rCqRVD_mK4Bz4l6pKrq9VErx4TgVv_M48x1iOEWiTUotaq9hIMT-7BgrhE1TIK0t_SKaVLPfSxZQrit6xLj6ZjTVlHBMme1d3cx9s/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH4vWGNdWFOEIeMrcx9ha_CULVztgmtJO6PWjy8rCqRVD_mK4Bz4l6pKrq9VErx4TgVv_M48x1iOEWiTUotaq9hIMT-7BgrhE1TIK0t_SKaVLPfSxZQrit6xLj6ZjTVlHBMme1d3cx9s/s320/photo%25287%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Sn39JVT8MmAjrxOdDbiNgDFgHyc8vtlkVW4T8ew8IKV4u0g54R29egEtQuNq_82voOODuxVwfioA71f8z_-0y80RDBWytwS_3ispwAjamClVjedSNT5GSTZeJXTkpnFGvyXpL4RjDJg/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Sn39JVT8MmAjrxOdDbiNgDFgHyc8vtlkVW4T8ew8IKV4u0g54R29egEtQuNq_82voOODuxVwfioA71f8z_-0y80RDBWytwS_3ispwAjamClVjedSNT5GSTZeJXTkpnFGvyXpL4RjDJg/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACeQVnW17v0mCftxJQRYkf0K2YBd4e96d1o_Vd9JN7ZAAVJbd__DQnOrvquTAlH4JXypx4J6vh3IYqbQB3b6SMFe7q3CT7Xg85R_r_F191dF-gH6R8f3zSmnDMSGxFHt-nBPiP_vKDyM/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACeQVnW17v0mCftxJQRYkf0K2YBd4e96d1o_Vd9JN7ZAAVJbd__DQnOrvquTAlH4JXypx4J6vh3IYqbQB3b6SMFe7q3CT7Xg85R_r_F191dF-gH6R8f3zSmnDMSGxFHt-nBPiP_vKDyM/s320/photo%25285%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5zdCFrjcBKkXhluK4V7hyphenhyphenTfmhZ2fJE9TfTk29WNt_JfWHRmQ1Ca-kNH_89U_KBxwkRujugLKOpNrJJRsq7H3ghcig4rdxT_bF_446WoJECa8DVkm1GaEFyaOfrfRUe3MZPwH-G3Z4Mk/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5zdCFrjcBKkXhluK4V7hyphenhyphenTfmhZ2fJE9TfTk29WNt_JfWHRmQ1Ca-kNH_89U_KBxwkRujugLKOpNrJJRsq7H3ghcig4rdxT_bF_446WoJECa8DVkm1GaEFyaOfrfRUe3MZPwH-G3Z4Mk/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<u><b>Vogue Knitting Live Event</b></u>:<br />
Verrrry exciting! I just registered for the <a href="http://vogueknittinglive.com/">Vogue Knitting Live</a> event, hosted at the Hilton New York Hotel, January 21- 23, 2011. There will be world renowned knitters, workshops, fashion shows, shopping at the Market Place, a beginners bar for novice knitters, raffels, giveaways & More! I will be attending Saturday's 9 am workshop, hope to see you there!Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-63427676736599714102011-01-02T23:58:00.002-05:002011-01-07T15:43:27.469-05:00Cinnamon...not just for bakingA few days ago I opened the door to my apt to the yummy smell of cinnamon, convinced that something special was baking in the oven. To my disappointment, my husband explained that he was merely boiling water with a few sprinkles of cinnamon in it to rid the apt of the burnt smell that filled the air. Needlesstosay, this little 'trick' of his worked, and I've been using it ever since. <br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001VNEICQ&tag=theyumewe-20" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frontier Cinnamon Powder Certified Organic (3% Oil), 16 Ounce Bags (Pack of 2)" border="0" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001VNEICQ&tag=theyumewe-20" /></a></div>Cinnamon is often associated with fresh baked rolls. However, once valued more than gold itself in the ancient world, Cinnamon has far more uses than one could possibly imagine. From embalming bodies to curing meat, the list of cures Cinnamon is associated with is endless depending on which side of the globe you reside. Curious about some of its other uses, I did some poking around and compiled a short list of just a few remedies that held my interest:<br />
<br />
acne<br />
asthma<br />
cold relief<br />
diarrhea<br />
digestion<br />
flatulence<br />
gonorrhea <br />
headaches<br />
improves breast milk production<br />
memory <br />
menstruation <br />
nervous tension<br />
paralysis<br />
<br />
As some of you know, I am a huge fan of all therapeutic grade essential oils (man's first medicine), so I will be ordering some cinnamon oil tomorrow!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">When diet is wrong medicine is of no use. When diet is correct medicine is of no need.<br />
~Ayurvedic Proverb</span>Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-4650972753687882192011-01-01T23:57:00.001-05:002011-01-07T13:19:49.204-05:00It begins now...Helllllooooo 2011! A really good wine is yummy, isn't it? A beautiful yarn is also yummy, although I'm not sure the two are a good mix as I knit the <a href="http://www.figandplum.com/archives/000875.html">Honey Cowl</a>, HA! But I'll know for certain after a few pattern repeats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_vPO-Vy6xfU6wdvKPU5pfv7SvbYljqX7jHPZUxdCA9U87bMF9kCff-gve_3J-tK6AQa-qhDfrlC_lyAVBAIbZ99tfzeDNLAcGF-MaB-hHK92ubJdByWVizXrKcpeqS0n9QA8fIE9hW0/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_vPO-Vy6xfU6wdvKPU5pfv7SvbYljqX7jHPZUxdCA9U87bMF9kCff-gve_3J-tK6AQa-qhDfrlC_lyAVBAIbZ99tfzeDNLAcGF-MaB-hHK92ubJdByWVizXrKcpeqS0n9QA8fIE9hW0/s400/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Today was a beautiful day as I volunteered to be a tour guide for our guests from out of town. From the Ice Skating Rink in Rockefeller Center, to the snow melting piers of Long Island City and the Roosevelt Island tour and tram discussion, I was able to see parts of NYC with fresh eyes, paying close attention to every detail. Speaking of detail, I also engaged in some Lego activities...my how Legos have evolved! I'd forgotten just how fun they were! Check this out:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKFSiwGG8nyaCDUNgbVU3xVF77vEjI85Qhj9PN8Ud0pA2cponhzburHhlK42NnxLSSCF9i3GSAuKRdEwvKt4rGuo98x9p8QRqNsWoiNCRWVJtbwnuTTuBYP4P3OKsfEGLJ0ZBcYiL8R8/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKFSiwGG8nyaCDUNgbVU3xVF77vEjI85Qhj9PN8Ud0pA2cponhzburHhlK42NnxLSSCF9i3GSAuKRdEwvKt4rGuo98x9p8QRqNsWoiNCRWVJtbwnuTTuBYP4P3OKsfEGLJ0ZBcYiL8R8/s320/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Like the detail crucial to building such intricate sculptures found at the Lego store, I am present and connected to living life to the fullest. It begins now.Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3027168526586878923.post-7498359746918554682010-12-31T23:05:00.002-05:002011-01-07T13:19:07.452-05:00And The Countdown Begins...<div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With less than an hour to go, the curtain on 2010 is being drawn. As this year makes its exit, I can't really say that I am able to reflect much on the earlier part of the year since each year seems to fly past me so quickly. However, I am able to recall a few of this past year's most memorable highlights within my camp, some of which include:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">03/10: Another pivotal birthday (39.99 plus tax and counting, Yikes! Oh but the karats were oooh so yummy!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">04/10: Million Trees Planting @ Highland Park, Qns (Any day I get to play in dirt and call it work, I'm happy!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">06/10: Jill Scott/Maxwell Concert @ MSG (Two of my all time favorite artists under the same roof...surreal!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">08/10: 1st Family BBQ at my parent's home (w/over 100 guests in attendance, one could say 'Party Ova Here!!'</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">08/10: Trip to Ghana, West Africa (The most amazing, soul nurturing, peaceful & organic trip I've taken thus far)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">09/10: 30 Days of Bikram Yoga (Ugh!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">09/10: Skylar's entrance to The Town School (Thank you Natasha, Thank you Town School)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">09/10: The Lion King on Broadway (A Blast of a Family Nite)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">11/10: Unexpected death of Natasha Sahadi (Her kindness, warm smile & laughter will forever remain with me)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12/10: Much needed Spa Day (A generous treat from a dear friend!)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12/10: Momentum Education Workshops (Yet another life-altering experience I am truly thankful for)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I reflect on the many blessings I've received this year, I am able to look forward to a new year full of opportunity and endless possibilities. Going forward, I am fully committed to being present each day in every activity, staying connected to all those that I love and care for, and I am firmly resolved to creating purpose within my life and the lives of others. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. Mwuah!</div>Ladydonna316http://www.blogger.com/profile/06338814777208582934noreply@blogger.com0