tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24130367626717389112024-02-07T14:07:45.450-06:00Life in Random BitsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-66937803434540650562015-01-23T11:45:00.003-06:002015-01-23T11:46:52.279-06:00Moving on<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFRiF-OmNCEzpWTYjOpiGNFb4OTSJRJreqJaZZ5k4JH61JTgs1pvQNXSP6HG0hDeIFqDDHJlhOpZELH0Z6cUOrfwq6NAf6MHaDTsu_6YNUxIT4NAZXSKCTIJ-YgLRsWy7CxUw0_qstvM/s1600/LiRB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Life in Random Bits ~ The lifespan of a blog" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFRiF-OmNCEzpWTYjOpiGNFb4OTSJRJreqJaZZ5k4JH61JTgs1pvQNXSP6HG0hDeIFqDDHJlhOpZELH0Z6cUOrfwq6NAf6MHaDTsu_6YNUxIT4NAZXSKCTIJ-YgLRsWy7CxUw0_qstvM/s1600/LiRB.jpg" height="325" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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Hello, friends. As you've no doubt noticed, I haven't posted much since before Christmas. It was a fun, busy, wonderful holiday and we enjoyed it very much.<br />
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Since then, though, I haven't been very inspired to blog. I don't have a bunch of projects lined up, I don't have a lot of ideas. Phee has been coming up with a lot of our crafts and other activities lately. I love her creativity and enthusiasm!<br />
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I've given it a lot of thought and have decided to be done with Life in Random Bits. That's not to say that it won't come back some time down the road, but right now, I think I'm finished with this chapter.<br />
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I have big plans for myself this year and, when I have any news to share, I'll be sure to update you so that you can follow along if you like.<br />
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Have a fantastic 2015 and thanks so much for all your comments, sharing, and support! I've loved every minute of this blog and it's always been so much fun to share it with you.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-59296544312497542602015-01-09T10:47:00.001-06:002015-01-09T10:47:07.799-06:00Happy Organized New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof9zHchKMLchoS3NAcudcGpOQbWG2I0dIjpF1aEN-g_xc-oPDjUgQp98vpCSV9syR5pS-__gCsbeYb3ekYqR1oLekw-bQIZjXiSGUzvot58Dv4h8UQMzmiBH1xJkMjQfh4s03GYMEnUw/s1600/Organization+and+cleaning+printables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Start the new year right with these cleaning and organization printables ~ Life in Random Bits #cleaning #organization #printable" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof9zHchKMLchoS3NAcudcGpOQbWG2I0dIjpF1aEN-g_xc-oPDjUgQp98vpCSV9syR5pS-__gCsbeYb3ekYqR1oLekw-bQIZjXiSGUzvot58Dv4h8UQMzmiBH1xJkMjQfh4s03GYMEnUw/s1600/Organization+and+cleaning+printables.jpg" height="325" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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It's that crazy time of year again- the urge to clean, organize, and purge is upon us. We start out every January, especially since Phee was born, vowing to clean out, declutter, and really choose what is useful to keep and what is just hanging around the house because it might be useful one day, eventually, if I get around to this or that project.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQBUG1jFotixGsBsbO1_quXs_X3uWIVcEBCp836kALsYayOSqxDUYb2-UzIlhfmtVivQuQ943TPULbtzbRMnA6Kks2vr89XXA0miVfHBgJmOUB7lztqmTvMF4lO3vA2dp-RSzenYiSUs/s1600/2015-52-week-organized-home-list-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQBUG1jFotixGsBsbO1_quXs_X3uWIVcEBCp836kALsYayOSqxDUYb2-UzIlhfmtVivQuQ943TPULbtzbRMnA6Kks2vr89XXA0miVfHBgJmOUB7lztqmTvMF4lO3vA2dp-RSzenYiSUs/s1600/2015-52-week-organized-home-list-large.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/organized-home.html">Home Storage Solutions</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A few weeks ago I found this awesome printable list of week-by-week cleaning and organizing. It covers the whole house and it sounded like a pretty thorough and useful list. We're still in the process of tackling the first week's goal: kitchen counters and sink. I did get some things cleaned up, moved around, and set aside for Goodwill earlier this week. We just have a few more random things to return to their homes and then we're ready for next week's task. And we have a little more counter space!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3gEcnyDU2gd3Tm8_iYOLZ7d2BSvv1Oehv-RlyHqS9hwaTQnPHKR5iz0HVpSCTgFTs9KuZL808EzY4ju05G4Xwpng8uRkkMj11cWaKYd_Kg0Ew-h4fggpbDeNqiLSaQ74Q0Z5j6g1R2c/s1600/Weekly+meal+planning+printable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3gEcnyDU2gd3Tm8_iYOLZ7d2BSvv1Oehv-RlyHqS9hwaTQnPHKR5iz0HVpSCTgFTs9KuZL808EzY4ju05G4Xwpng8uRkkMj11cWaKYd_Kg0Ew-h4fggpbDeNqiLSaQ74Q0Z5j6g1R2c/s1600/Weekly+meal+planning+printable.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm also buckling down on the meal planning again, too. We plan every week, but December was so crazy that the menu often got tossed for convenience or for last minute plans. All fun, yes, but it's time to get back on track! I love using <a href="http://www.lifeinrandombits.com/2014/06/meal-planning-with-free-printable.html">this sheet</a> to plan out whole days instead of just dinners.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqRZNBSXGvJ6ZXvs93IaNf5BKu2gaNYWHBj4z9DmVY-PSEe6qYwrkG3y3zceTXW-GT6Pwzt9NHvIUn_XizN4qmDmvoPjkLJN4jFjxEPNACPQ_OUZzGGByW290S2Aak2ROgCWSgq-apHo/s1600/Week+at+a+peek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqRZNBSXGvJ6ZXvs93IaNf5BKu2gaNYWHBj4z9DmVY-PSEe6qYwrkG3y3zceTXW-GT6Pwzt9NHvIUn_XizN4qmDmvoPjkLJN4jFjxEPNACPQ_OUZzGGByW290S2Aak2ROgCWSgq-apHo/s1600/Week+at+a+peek.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-organization-charts/">Better Homes and Gardens</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A friend of mine shared this great week at a peek printable a few months ago. I absolutely love it. We have our regular full calendar in the kitchen. This sheet, while a little redundant, hangs on the fridge with Phee's weekly lunch menu. It's at eye level, too, so I see it all the time and can reference just the week at hand quickly, instead of the entire calendar. Dinners are listed right there on the fridge. And, there's space for things that need to be done during the week which is quite useful for Doug and I to keep up with.<br />
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If you're itching to get yourself and your house cleaned up after the holiday and decluttered for the coming year, check these out!<br />
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What's your favorite way to tackle the big cleaning and organizing projects after the holidays?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-19064664710391383022014-12-18T09:24:00.001-06:002014-12-18T09:25:58.225-06:00Winter Note Cards (free printable)I love to write notes to people. It was a goal of mine last year to spend a little more time writing instead of emailing or just talking on FB. I enjoy the act of writing, using my pretty stationery and fancy pens. Taking that time to just say hello to someone is special for me, whether there is ever any return or not. The return isn't the point. Letting someone know that I'm thinking of them and hope they are well is important to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvYEz3YK53x6Dm4crWxMUtnrlZdQFfiJSljgOEL0fTgHq_r1WvyDa42ISpshynX8VcBB9SnnYRH_9RBqHP-FKjwCChkLLqp78hTIcZ02cCd61Bz-csqFMHbpW5HRoceX12lGrwVrbwAo/s1600/printable+winter+notecard+template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winter themed notecard (free printable) ~ Life in Random Bits #printable" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvYEz3YK53x6Dm4crWxMUtnrlZdQFfiJSljgOEL0fTgHq_r1WvyDa42ISpshynX8VcBB9SnnYRH_9RBqHP-FKjwCChkLLqp78hTIcZ02cCd61Bz-csqFMHbpW5HRoceX12lGrwVrbwAo/s1600/printable+winter+notecard+template.jpg" height="500" title="" width="398" /></a></div>
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Phee writes and colors her own thank you notes when appropriate. Sometimes, I feel the need to include a little note with those cards, especially if it's for someone we don't see very often. I like to include little notes with Christmas gifts sometimes, too, especially if it's for a teacher or someone at work. To that end, I created these simple quarter page note cards that easily tuck into a little bag or box.<br />
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Simply print out <a href="http://1drv.ms/1eXWv0X">this PDF</a> on 8.5 x 11 card stock and cut the page into quarters. Grab a nice pen and you're ready to brighten someone's day!<br />
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If you'd like to see other note cards, I made <a href="http://www.lifeinrandombits.com/2014/03/spring-note-cards.html">Spring</a> and <a href="http://www.lifeinrandombits.com/2014/06/summery-letterhead-free-printable.html">Summer</a> versions, too! <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-35733752722746263242014-12-17T09:42:00.003-06:002014-12-17T09:42:55.931-06:00Phee & Santa<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv3OLhHwZhTukaZhL5WqSXWB5PPukoFKkFLbks9ItPkuv3tFzR7tnUJXmQGlM0dP2R1wN4MMl3sAwxLprxB05BaLApIqK6BlWLItzBVJ2w_p-QCpK9zF_Cu1vy1bkagYcA4aB6zPours/s640/blogger-image--2096082056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv3OLhHwZhTukaZhL5WqSXWB5PPukoFKkFLbks9ItPkuv3tFzR7tnUJXmQGlM0dP2R1wN4MMl3sAwxLprxB05BaLApIqK6BlWLItzBVJ2w_p-QCpK9zF_Cu1vy1bkagYcA4aB6zPours/s1600/blogger-image--2096082056.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFzphwIM1LZMZ-2acRGl0tzCdKyiBHQhW5j7outeY_x1kjUamLSLyyiVI2nL0lf_utpbAXYIAvhZm__f31nWaQyAhcioB02MqK4LKbeG9Hr6ibD4io5BMv9iK39LUrqYxnhzwScHZtg4/s640/blogger-image-1985353884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFzphwIM1LZMZ-2acRGl0tzCdKyiBHQhW5j7outeY_x1kjUamLSLyyiVI2nL0lf_utpbAXYIAvhZm__f31nWaQyAhcioB02MqK4LKbeG9Hr6ibD4io5BMv9iK39LUrqYxnhzwScHZtg4/s640/blogger-image-1985353884.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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So glad that Phee's school has Santa pictures one day in November. No fighting the crowds for us. At least until next year when she's in Kindergarten.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-78380133103189589012014-12-15T09:51:00.000-06:002014-12-15T09:51:04.687-06:00Stocking stuffers for readers & writers<i>This post contains Amazon Associate links. It doesn't cost you
anything to click on or shop through the links, but it does give me a
small amount toward running the blog.</i><br />
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Last year, Doug got me some funny little stocking stuffers that I just loved. See those tattoos and bandaids below? They're awesome. I mean, who wouldn't love a little Edgar Allan Poe on their arm? He'd found some funny stocking stuffers for everyone since the family was all together, but these were, in my completely biased opinion, the best ones.<br />
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And so, I thought I should really share them so you can make the readers and writers in your life laugh when they open their stockings this year. There are so many fun little things you could get for that particular group, from paper and pens to page markers, sweet treats for an afternoon of reading and, especially, coffee.<br />
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So, here's a fun, and fairly funny, list of stocking stuffers you still have time to get for the writers and readers in your life. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eE1vOVVZ8a4-VR_5XbESkxKURwN0JWAC11J83bL98Rk7CXL0Y-lzsyjFHroGNKAhhFuKWdkWM1tvSyDZhwbfHj4ooGhg6vCZk6kpjDTcFrdt1qoX5dmRqw2H85vWX2HajSJD3qjOnH8/s1600/Writer+reader+stocking+stuffers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stocking stuffers for writers and readers ~ Life in Random Bits #gifts #christmas #presents" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eE1vOVVZ8a4-VR_5XbESkxKURwN0JWAC11J83bL98Rk7CXL0Y-lzsyjFHroGNKAhhFuKWdkWM1tvSyDZhwbfHj4ooGhg6vCZk6kpjDTcFrdt1qoX5dmRqw2H85vWX2HajSJD3qjOnH8/s1600/Writer+reader+stocking+stuffers.jpg" height="326" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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Personalized notepads from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tulaloo">Tulaloo</a><br />
You can never have too many notepads around when inspiration strikes, when you need to make note of some books, or you want to save a quote.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208111952/stack-of-tea-cups-personalized-notepad?ref=shop_home_active_22"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208111952/stack-of-tea-cups-personalized-notepad?ref=shop_home_active_22" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy6j61VZLfCJGR_g6kFF9zeI85nSx4PQIvbkgSKKX78YgLJYcuBwHd3E4HRxiOqQpHb4M8yyRP2Om3e1XOQ0xKw0FQfe_mVbfkxiBr9mPPFYPfuM4PW30yoF8BycPjZpi9WalD3cGDMo/s1600/Tulaloo.jpg" height="213" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FYV938A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FYV938A&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=L7VJPN3QWTZA7MHT">Edgar Allan Poe bandaids</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00FYV938A" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
Adults should get fun character bandaids, too!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FYV938A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FYV938A&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=SLHHOVB7XBNQZLWV"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00FYV938A&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ranbit09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00FYV938A" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Handmade ballpoint pen from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/wortheffort">Wortheffort</a><br />
These gorgeous pens are great for jotting down a quick note, making notations in a favorite book, or sending off a quick note to a friend.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202240775/foundwood-walnut-pen-ballpoint?ref=shop_home_active_2"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202240775/foundwood-walnut-pen-ballpoint?ref=shop_home_active_2" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK42KQoftypnQkLVo0bzIgyX2uuEYLxGfT3_1ArDuYvbPZRpJta0VfaHpZXcH9nyQMNRBO3yGaXES80TdVPExS_clzQzlidFppUaMqSR1ilUtYYdS3h_NcGJf53Rou_GeIi-VpV8-bvw0/s1600/Wortheffort.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HAW17JE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HAW17JE&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=5GJ6QRDVBWROYARP">Jane Austen tattoos</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HAW17JE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
Temporary tattoos are just fun. And these are particularly cute! <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HAW17JE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HAW17JE&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=7S4K5EOZM4LXYZ2C"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00HAW17JE&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ranbit09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HAW17JE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W09LTQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003W09LTQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=YP32PSP4MTXLATPG">Waterproof notepad</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003W09LTQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
You never know when inspiration will strike! I know I do a lot of good thinking in the shower. And then promptly forget it all once I'm dried off.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W09LTQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003W09LTQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=NZUORLL2P7MIHO6A"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003W09LTQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ranbit09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003W09LTQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Hemingway quote keychain from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FragileEliteDesign">Fragile Elite Design</a><br />
I love the little ballpoint nib charm on this key chain. And the writers in your life will appreciate the quote!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183966847/ernest-hemingway-key-ring-quote-jewelry?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=gifts+for+writers&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183966847/ernest-hemingway-key-ring-quote-jewelry?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=gifts+for+writers&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQi-hRySwYwNivVU7-FsxuffhRmaI40MUt05w4OCv4b-XZi7CGU6DynAWK1fq7txS8Y8KXPyLOy3TFk90-R8toSMTFD20tcdqCD4cN2cGyIMoyrTVYgsysFKcMnAokLxoz2nh56-BDl8/s1600/Hemingway.jpg" height="267" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I7J5J8O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00I7J5J8O&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=VRRMEF62ABXJXDGD">Funny page flags</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00I7J5J8O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
Leave notes for yourself with style. Or at least humor!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I7J5J8O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00I7J5J8O&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=VRRMEF62ABXJXDGD"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00I7J5J8O&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ranbit09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00I7J5J8O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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And, of course, there's always tea or coffee. You need a warm drink to curl up with that book in winter!<br />
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What great things have you found for the readers and writers in your life this year?<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-10638695407587584412014-12-11T15:01:00.000-06:002014-12-12T09:47:39.628-06:00Chocolate Covered Ritz CookiesLast night I hosted a Christmas cookie party. Cookies and cocktails are a big hit and I was treated to a houseful of friends for a fun evening. Our little dining table was <i>covered</i> in delicious cookies!<br />
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It's such an easy and festive party to host for the holidays. Everyone wants Christmas cookies and what better way to show off your favorite family recipe or to try that new recipe that caught your eye on Pinterest. I'd love to show you a bunch of photos of my living room full of friends and laughter, but I was so busy talking and munching on cookies that I never once got my phone out for pictures. I checked with friends this morning, and they didn't take pictures either. I think it was a good party!<br />
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If you want to host a little cookie get together, it's something you still have time to pull of this month. Invite your friends, have everyone bake a couple dozen of their favorite cookies, and be sure they bring some copies of the recipe! Get some festive plates and napkins and lots of bags so people can take extra cookies home. Then, you just need to add some drinks. You can't go wrong with cocktails, but you'll probably want to throw some coffee and milk in there, too, just in case.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenghOF-RAz78HnZS4BsfUHiw4riSRQpcXmUthCpPAbiuu5MnQi5fabJyIapg2NFvEVTIE3GRKd0gHuDTgRWGX9VauOaBxfVcJmtmHKjMjZ-Xb65r_Mj_zv96q3W_OJLrcdsksCA8revU/s1600/Chocolate+covered+ritz+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Covered Ritz ~ Life in Random Bits #recipe #cookie" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenghOF-RAz78HnZS4BsfUHiw4riSRQpcXmUthCpPAbiuu5MnQi5fabJyIapg2NFvEVTIE3GRKd0gHuDTgRWGX9VauOaBxfVcJmtmHKjMjZ-Xb65r_Mj_zv96q3W_OJLrcdsksCA8revU/s1600/Chocolate+covered+ritz+cookies.jpg" height="378" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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I made chocolate covered Ritz cookies, one of my favorites. My mom makes these cookies every year, and has for as long as I can remember. It's a fairly easy recipe and the only thing that really takes a lot of time is dipping the cookies in chocolate. You could certainly make them any time of the year, but they always mean Christmas to me. I added some holiday sprinkles to my finished cookies as a festive topper.<br />
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What's your favorite cookie to make at Christmas? Do you have old family favorites that you make year after year, or are you more adventurous, trying out new recipes instead?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN4MqqjgC0vBwR6ju2WN5yqYdRgLW4y7ooqgvVtqyyatgYDiObh7QPFn9Qj19OkAYsXSGJfOeqdCtK6lPFva90QmNTLJvRPjS5kb9lu7QlWKHrRQi2vTe-NEgt-q647Hp47zC52HaB6s/s1600/Chocolate+covered+ritz+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Covered Ritz ~ Life in Random Bits #recipe #cookie" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN4MqqjgC0vBwR6ju2WN5yqYdRgLW4y7ooqgvVtqyyatgYDiObh7QPFn9Qj19OkAYsXSGJfOeqdCtK6lPFva90QmNTLJvRPjS5kb9lu7QlWKHrRQi2vTe-NEgt-q647Hp47zC52HaB6s/s1600/Chocolate+covered+ritz+cookie.jpg" height="540" title="" width="314" /></a></div>
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<b>Chocolate Covered Ritz Cookies</b><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Ritz crackers</li>
<li>peanut butter</li>
<li>chocolate chips</li>
<li>Crisco</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<ol>
<li>Spread peanut butter on Ritz crackers and make little cracker sandwiches.</li>
<li>Melt chocolate in a double boiler, adding 3-4 T Crisco to thin it enough for dipping. Add more Crisco or chocolate chips as needed.</li>
<li>Dip cracker sandwiches in chocolate, covering each one completely.</li>
<li>Place dipped cookies on parchment lined cookie sheets. Add sprinkles if desired. Cool in refrigerator. </li>
<li>Store in fridge. Can be served cold or at room temperature. </li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkBJiTkrFHFrZWz2AvLiFdzBYxFAk6CS3FndVTfLYIc3_DrciZZmpbw9vgM8kGT5J54OkH5zZVuKOk3YMP5zflk3d9b_Qd5-hod_G5WViRMr_DQJ5PLUcFs6HodaNInoZnOTZFYZAX0o/s1600/Chocolate+covered+ritz+plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Covered Ritz ~ Life in Random Bits #recipe #cookie" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkBJiTkrFHFrZWz2AvLiFdzBYxFAk6CS3FndVTfLYIc3_DrciZZmpbw9vgM8kGT5J54OkH5zZVuKOk3YMP5zflk3d9b_Qd5-hod_G5WViRMr_DQJ5PLUcFs6HodaNInoZnOTZFYZAX0o/s1600/Chocolate+covered+ritz+plate.jpg" height="392" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linked up at <a href="http://memoriesbythemile.com/2014/12/08/treasure-box-tuesday-49/">Memories by the Mile</a>, <a href="http://www.kenarry.com/think-make-thursday-link-party-10/">Kenarry</a>, <a href="http://foodyschmoodyblog.com/wednesday-roundup-week-54/">FoodySchmoody</a>, <a href="http://www.thecountrycook.net/2014/12/weekend-potluck-148.html">The Country Cook</a>, <a href="http://theevolutionofmom.com/momma-told-me-link-party-3/">The Evolution of Mom</a>, <a href="http://thetiptoefairy.com/blog/2014/12/pretty-pintastic-party-33.html">Tip Toe Fairy</a>, <a href="http://www.mamabzz.com/2014/12/inspire-wednesday-linky-party-issue-109.html">MamaBuzz</a>, <a href="http://livelaughrowe.com/snowmen-elves-paper-roses/">Live Laugh Rowe</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-15779924689647371582014-12-08T02:39:00.000-06:002014-12-08T09:02:44.099-06:00DIY Doll bedWe like DIY around here. A lot. I make things for the house, but my favorite thing to do is to make things for Phee. I've made her so many little things over the years... her own <a href="http://www.lifeinrandombits.com/2012/08/keychain-make-it-for-kids.html">key chain</a>, a <a href="http://www.lifeinrandombits.com/2012/05/book-of-colors-diy.html">book of colors</a>, her own <a href="http://www.lifeinrandombits.com/2012/07/memory-necklace-make-it-for-kids.html">lovey necklace</a>. It's a lot of fun and especially awesome when I hit upon something that she uses at the time, but keeps coming back to months, or even years, later.<br />
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For a couple years now, I've tried to make at least one of her Christmas presents. It's fun for me and I like the creativity it sparks in Phee. We've been making things together for years now, and her first instinct when she wants something is to ask if we can make it. So, I keep making things to keep us both on our toes when it comes to being creative, reusing things at the house, and thinking outside the box.<br />
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When I was little, my Grandma Helen made me a baby doll carrier out of a fruit basket. She covered it with fabric, lined the basket, and made a little pillow and blanket to fit inside. I loved that basket and it's still at my mom's house for Phee to play with. Two years ago, I made Phee her own little bed for her babies. It's been a hit and it gets used as so many things... baby bed, cave, wall in a fort... the possibilities with Phee's imagination are endless.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6-rwPG6CmJpdtJIQcBHXxQmhhXQekabo4bi0Z3YXUe1rzi2y2PwtblDEUqzZ6wX7RVcUEe1rAm7YbAhVftDwj2BtZtZzSUozW5gC3bM9wmqyc13hbZ5StIJgp4RmAMVmNpcJ8r1jwh4/s1600/DIY+Doll+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY doll bed you can make for your kids ~ Life in Random Bits #diy #toys #crochet" border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6-rwPG6CmJpdtJIQcBHXxQmhhXQekabo4bi0Z3YXUe1rzi2y2PwtblDEUqzZ6wX7RVcUEe1rAm7YbAhVftDwj2BtZtZzSUozW5gC3bM9wmqyc13hbZ5StIJgp4RmAMVmNpcJ8r1jwh4/s640/DIY+Doll+bed.jpg" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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This is a great little gift you can make on your own. And you can customize it so many ways. You can either put together a lot of ready-made pieces, or create a lot of pieces yourself. I did half and half. I picked a nice little basket from the Container Store. I used a travel pillow and pillowcase as the mattress. I used white felt and craft stuffing for the pillow. And then I crocheted a tiny blanket to complete the bed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7Y-jgiFpsapFOSAi7kNFayKgvEm2pe7I6Wsrtk9ZyAkpOizIc0Z9dOlfAKkXQBwr04uH32Ni9o5mvmBi2T-qTwWA7G8kuJ8FUYTwcJSZaOq4QTPpLwSC5DbFUNnqtraNdMzerrTRrnI/s1600/DIY+doll+bed+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY doll bed you can make for your kids ~ Life in Random Bits #diy #toys #crochet" border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7Y-jgiFpsapFOSAi7kNFayKgvEm2pe7I6Wsrtk9ZyAkpOizIc0Z9dOlfAKkXQBwr04uH32Ni9o5mvmBi2T-qTwWA7G8kuJ8FUYTwcJSZaOq4QTPpLwSC5DbFUNnqtraNdMzerrTRrnI/s640/DIY+doll+bed+3.jpg" title="" width="516" /></a></div>
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It's the perfect little bed for almost all of Phee's stuffed animals and babies. Two or three have been known to sleep in there. Phee keeps it on the floor next to her bed. It's really cute and I've always loved that she enjoys this gift so much.<br />
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Do you like to DIY gifts for your kids? What sorts of things have you made for them, or for anyone? I love to see the fantastic things that people make.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt8DkBI-RQZVA-34OSjTVa6XNBAUI-Bf7ndJ_hSymHeW_t0Cf7bYiPwSvjSzqhxVznDycDn2td-Z28RwjLy-4UMXMfAruqyORBC-lo0nqY442IKhibXp0_wtgP42z_4z3gB37o5YMBSk/s1600/DIY+doll+bed+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY doll bed you can make for your kids ~ Life in Random Bits #diy #toys #crochet" border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt8DkBI-RQZVA-34OSjTVa6XNBAUI-Bf7ndJ_hSymHeW_t0Cf7bYiPwSvjSzqhxVznDycDn2td-Z28RwjLy-4UMXMfAruqyORBC-lo0nqY442IKhibXp0_wtgP42z_4z3gB37o5YMBSk/s640/DIY+doll+bed+2.jpg" title="" width="366" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-20275222041941586302014-12-04T11:09:00.000-06:002014-12-04T11:19:15.671-06:00DIY glittery Christmas decorations<i>I received a box of Christmas goodies from Dollar Tree to create this post. Opinions and ideas are all mine.</i><br />
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We love decorating for Christmas. The fact that it's a really short month between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year is driving us nuts. We got our Christmas tree immediately after Thanksgiving so that we could enjoy it for as long as possible. It still might not be enough time!<br />
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Phee has totally gotten into it all this year. She made some different decorations and ornaments in her last acting class and she put those on the tree as soon as it was up and lit. She has her own little pink tree in her room, too, and that has become a bit of a campfire in her games. It's also covered in ornaments she made.<br />
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It's so much fun to see her enthusiasm and excitement for the holidays and then to see the pride on her face when she has an opportunity to display her crafts and projects. I'm thinking she gets part of that from me. I love it when I have time to make fun things for the holidays. This year, after making some great Halloween decor with items from Dollar Tree, I was invited to participate in their Christmas promotion as well. A box of Christmas goodies to go crazy with? Sign me up for sure!<br />
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I got all sorts of great things- ribbon, ornaments, wreaths, glitter covered everything. We're big fans of glitter in this house. Well, maybe not Doug so much, but Phee and I will use it whenever we can. After I sorted the box, I got to work grouping, organizing, thinking, and generally just playing around with the designs and colors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOCAhzvnPyMS9mv_I0KW9KvCF-dHc5vuRtKKDvCP13Bof1BhxIdIVNTsA8ojTXYn0fjNaF1LAoAjpw3i1OBqSxHWeKEqvoK0WbFgFahqXMTbSjVzTPDCUuN61KR3-0X6OtDIbI3xlOIs/s1600/Glittery+tray+dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glittery ornament centerpiece ~ Life in Random Bits #decor #christmas #diy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOCAhzvnPyMS9mv_I0KW9KvCF-dHc5vuRtKKDvCP13Bof1BhxIdIVNTsA8ojTXYn0fjNaF1LAoAjpw3i1OBqSxHWeKEqvoK0WbFgFahqXMTbSjVzTPDCUuN61KR3-0X6OtDIbI3xlOIs/s1600/Glittery+tray+dark.jpg" height="322" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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And then I made one of my favorite decorations. I have a heavy black tray I use on our dining room table to hold a plant on regular days, or decorations for holidays. But it wasn't being used for anything Christmasy. Well, no more! It's now a fabulous decoration that will be carried right into the new year. I emptied all the silver ornaments I received onto the tray and then nestled two votive holders in the center of the tray. With a LED candle in each one, it's a glittery decoration that I love to look at. It catches the light from the votives, the tree, and the living room and looks beautiful on the table.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6nnkc3fTz9YES_0SFYhVo5eNP2M0fmGAm7aSWLttkomIHClk3QHh0YRo9Cs1_Wbk3m8V-2Z9HHjziR2iIaIVx3Tb9ld5DKiOuxXt5JNFczNS-qfow6ldwlp08IhWAJbUw7N1TDll7hs/s1600/Glittery+tray+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glittery ornament centerpiece ~ Life in Random Bits #decor #christmas #diy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6nnkc3fTz9YES_0SFYhVo5eNP2M0fmGAm7aSWLttkomIHClk3QHh0YRo9Cs1_Wbk3m8V-2Z9HHjziR2iIaIVx3Tb9ld5DKiOuxXt5JNFczNS-qfow6ldwlp08IhWAJbUw7N1TDll7hs/s1600/Glittery+tray+light.jpg" height="354" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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I couldn't resist using some of the glittery items as well, so I made a wreath, too. I wrapped some candy-cane type ribbon around a wreath form and hot glued a big red bow to the bottom. After taking apart some decorative sprays, I regrouped the pieces I wanted into a smaller spray to one side of the bow. The final touch is a little gold bird happily sitting on the top of the wreath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLhauQ1AhZkBMNqAvo0DPKfdTt6eWR9pV-PoYA3QF-TvhYnDah9yB-Np7H-ac_YHHShHRYSTKlo09QQpZVtsAObxtwGf9tjb0gCLb30z1MIEdRBaQ_xdenFdJwkMlIbQ9Q3rwkz91Szw/s1600/Candy+cane+ribbon+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glittery candy can inspired wreath ~ Life in Random Bits #christmas #decor #diy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLhauQ1AhZkBMNqAvo0DPKfdTt6eWR9pV-PoYA3QF-TvhYnDah9yB-Np7H-ac_YHHShHRYSTKlo09QQpZVtsAObxtwGf9tjb0gCLb30z1MIEdRBaQ_xdenFdJwkMlIbQ9Q3rwkz91Szw/s1600/Candy+cane+ribbon+wreath.jpg" height="478" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
These both turned out so well. And you can't beat easy and inexpensive when it comes to decorating. Honestly, you could make either one of these for $5. You can check out the Dollar Tree <a href="http://www.ileavehappy.com/">website</a> for more decorating ideas, too!<br />
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What projects are you working on for the holidays this year? Are you making any decorations? Or gifts for anyone? I love making gifts!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-10683697727526434402014-12-01T03:00:00.000-06:002014-12-01T03:00:00.043-06:00Shiner Cheer cranberry bread with maple butter glazeI love to make bread. Except that I tend to eat it all when it's homemade. So, I end up not making it very often. I mean, I don't <i>need</i> a loaf of bread for dinner, no matter how good it is.<br />
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A few months ago I discovered beer bread. It's a basic recipe that essentially customizes itself based on the beer you choose to use. And there are so many beer choices out there! You could go for something sweeter with fruity flavors, or something local, or something seasonal. Turns out, you can add lots of extras, too, like shredded cheese, herbs, or fruit to make it even better.<br />
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After buying our first six pack of Shiner Cheer for the season, I decided that it needed to become beer bread. I like Cheer, but it's not my favorite Shiner. However, as a bread... it's <b>amazing</b>! I couldn't believe how well this turned out. In my mind, of course, it was a delicious, sweet bread with hints of the beer. It's a beautiful thing when your dreams come true.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrXgt_oHBjKJbukwhaMpSw4KHj3EHvDU1d-Z-FundWiDr7TRZVSDeg_UMiLAuAdsb4XTzf2Q1Qk4fuGgIKFHF0hMaQnayChYlEGP_j3jqoGuanzpUxaBUt1pWS-0PDLemTvsDMVpxAOk/s1600/shiner+cheer+beer+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shiner Cheer cranberry bread with maple butter glaze ~ Life in Random Bits" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrXgt_oHBjKJbukwhaMpSw4KHj3EHvDU1d-Z-FundWiDr7TRZVSDeg_UMiLAuAdsb4XTzf2Q1Qk4fuGgIKFHF0hMaQnayChYlEGP_j3jqoGuanzpUxaBUt1pWS-0PDLemTvsDMVpxAOk/s1600/shiner+cheer+beer+bread.jpg" height="408" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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You're going to want to get a few bottles of Cheer to keep on hand for the next month. This is a wonderful bread for sharing. Keep it warm for breakfast or brunch. Slice it into smaller chunks for an appetizer. Or, my personal favorite, make up loaves for friends, family, and teacher gifts. You can't go wrong with warm, fresh bread!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmw5S_9jHS5HC_oURIBrZcAr3M4HRAu_n_LnOQnNGNsgeUCQkQJG0uH9MmnMf3nLITJV9B0HWBFeWIsJmLi224Ob1hoJEIWDHLSca3CKIfDAekOuItck3KjQdN4A8PY3HmeiaCUapYcQ/s1600/shiner+cranberry+beer+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shiner Cheer cranberry bread with maple butter glaze ~ Life in Random Bits" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmw5S_9jHS5HC_oURIBrZcAr3M4HRAu_n_LnOQnNGNsgeUCQkQJG0uH9MmnMf3nLITJV9B0HWBFeWIsJmLi224Ob1hoJEIWDHLSca3CKIfDAekOuItck3KjQdN4A8PY3HmeiaCUapYcQ/s1600/shiner+cranberry+beer+bread.jpg" height="540" title="" width="448" /></a></div>
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<b>Shiner Cheer cranberry bread</b><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<ul>
<li>3 cups flour (you can use 3 cups self rising flour and omit the salt and baking powder)</li>
<li>1 1/2 t salt</li>
<li>4 1/2 t baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 c sugar</li>
<li>1 12oz can or bottle of Shiner Cheer beer</li>
<li>1 c dried cranberries</li>
<li>1/4 c crushed pecans</li>
<li>2 T melted butter</li>
<li>2 T maple syrup </li>
</ul>
<b>Directions</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. </li>
<li>Mix the flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, cranberries, and pecans.</li>
<li>Add the beer and stir until combined with wet ingredients.</li>
<li>Plop the dough into a lightly greased loaf pan.</li>
<li>Bake for 35 minutes.</li>
<li>Melt 2 T butter and mix with 2 T maple syrup.</li>
<li>Pull the bread out after 40 minutes and carefully poke 4 holes along the top of the bread with a knife.</li>
<li>Spoon the butter and syrup mixture over the top of the bread.</li>
<li>Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until done.</li>
<li>Let bread cool for 15-20 minutes before trying to cut it.</li>
<li>Best served warm with delicious spiced maple butter.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<b>Spiced maple butter</b><br />
<ul>
<li>4 T softened butter</li>
<li>1-2 T maple syrup</li>
<li>dash cinnamon</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Mix all ingredients and chill for 15-20 minutes.</li>
</ul>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsVHfYQWpjZXZrqb5O8zLj1Exhf-8Y0oarcuHhD80AxkctLJaC8PnwUT0UP1y4zkcI4a6e7EBFM-pDDP2swkS0Wh3KlYqmJkdTFRuPgbdftMCry56Ma78wQmLgrZl8pXTB3UcOvMlj18/s1600/Shiner+cheer+cranberry+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shiner Cheer cranberry bread with maple butter glaze ~ Life in Random Bits" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsVHfYQWpjZXZrqb5O8zLj1Exhf-8Y0oarcuHhD80AxkctLJaC8PnwUT0UP1y4zkcI4a6e7EBFM-pDDP2swkS0Wh3KlYqmJkdTFRuPgbdftMCry56Ma78wQmLgrZl8pXTB3UcOvMlj18/s1600/Shiner+cheer+cranberry+bread.jpg" height="386" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm going to be making this all month long. It was a hit cut up into small pieces as a Thanksgiving appetizer. It's going to be an extra at my Christmas cookie party. And it's definitely going to make an appearance on Christmas day!<br />
<br />
What special seasonal treats do you love to make during the holidays?<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-25301323335337503912014-11-28T03:14:00.000-06:002014-12-01T09:35:00.271-06:00Austin Christmas Bucket ListChristmas is coming! I can't wait. I've been itching to go out and look at lights and decorations since Halloween. I have a pretty hard and fast "no Christmas until I see Santa at the end of the Macy's parade" rule. Wanna know a secret? I get teary every time I see Santa at the end of that parade. Every year. I just get so excited for the holidays and it's such a happy thing. So, the parade ends, we turn on the Christmas music and Thanksgiving dinner happens.<br />
<br />
Christmas is Doug's favorite holiday. It's quickly becoming one of Phee's as well, though, as she once said, all the holidays are her favorite, "Valentine's Day, Christmas, fall..." Last year, Phee really got into everything, helping us decorate, singing so many songs, baking cookies. We traveled last year, so we didn't get to do everything that I wanted to do in town. Plus, with Phee's birthday at the beginning of the month, we lose a bit of time to birthday activities. <br />
<br />
This year, I'm ready to go. I've got a big list of Christmas activities that I want to tackle in and around town. There are so many awesome things going on in December in Austin. Pack up the family, grab your friends, and go out and have some awesome holiday fun!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHSFXSBKKZVbSQZ1PxF14rcdFbARtyEJEUnxFIckHSx0dGC0KWm0dlIp901QeRqsu1AHxbEzRfNY6vyp4yq7rcW4ENJtnpUTpAsTkAie7nMh45qNdaTo6oDV3rBaoi8-wErz84KYqOF4/s1600/Austin+Christmas+bucket+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Austin Christmas event bucket list ~ Life in Random Bits #austin #christmas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHSFXSBKKZVbSQZ1PxF14rcdFbARtyEJEUnxFIckHSx0dGC0KWm0dlIp901QeRqsu1AHxbEzRfNY6vyp4yq7rcW4ENJtnpUTpAsTkAie7nMh45qNdaTo6oDV3rBaoi8-wErz84KYqOF4/s1600/Austin+Christmas+bucket+list.jpg" height="640" title="" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.driskillhotel.com/">Driskill Hotel</a> gingerbread display<br />
<a href="http://austintrailoflights.org/">Trail of Lights</a><br />
Hot chocolate & lights at <a href="http://mozartscoffee.com/">Mozart's</a><br />
Austin steam train <a href="http://www.austinsteamtrain.org/events">North Pole Flyer</a><br />
Ballet Austin <a href="http://www.balletaustin.org/atb/nutcracker2014.php">Nutcracker</a><br />
Make <a href="https://thinkeryaustin.org/gingerbread/">gingerbread houses</a> at the Thinkery<br />
Snow at the <a href="http://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/go/mallevents.cfm?eventID=2145432704">Hill Country Galleria</a><br />
Ice skating at <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/events?store=6606">Whole Foods</a><br />
Round Rock <a href="http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/rocknlights">Rock'N Lights</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wildflower.org/luminations/">Luminations</a> at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center<br />
<a href="http://do512.com/ParamountHolidayFilmSeries">Paramount</a> holiday film series<br />
<br />
And my personal favorite: A drive around the neighborhood with hot chocolate and Christmas music to see people's lights.<br />
<br />
Click on the picture to enlarge it and save it, or <a href="http://1drv.ms/1xow4QA">click here</a> for a printable PDF. <br />
<br />
What's your favorite Austin holiday event? What awesome Austin thing have I missed?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-86265336498879972472014-11-27T04:37:00.000-06:002014-11-27T04:37:00.770-06:00Happy Thanksgiving<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/AVvXsEhzT1YQvbdQoYbdlUhI7oRF5Nz8HMP9TM7Km9uMrD0k_xDbmhSRs8mlll5GRoxksw-3i6BPvDPClKn6lY9n1IXy3FEDCUUWgkooqFyNf5ZVZATjsuMrjcRV8l1v6uGS9TZ8iLjjM6j4Ngk/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Happy Thanksgiving! ~ Life in Random Bits #thanksgiving #vintage" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT1YQvbdQoYbdlUhI7oRF5Nz8HMP9TM7Km9uMrD0k_xDbmhSRs8mlll5GRoxksw-3i6BPvDPClKn6lY9n1IXy3FEDCUUWgkooqFyNf5ZVZATjsuMrjcRV8l1v6uGS9TZ8iLjjM6j4Ngk/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" height="352" title="" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagehalloweencollector/1855909244/in/set-72157594431391623">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Wishing you a holiday full of fun, laughter, friends, and family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy those delicious meals and have a great time relaxing and enjoying the holiday!<br />
<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-64991435865441703922014-11-24T04:20:00.000-06:002014-11-24T09:00:13.594-06:00Elegant Thanksgiving place cardsDo you have your Thanksgiving menu planned yet? Are you ready to get started on the food prep and cooking? I know I am! I just love Thanksgiving and everything that goes with it. The planning, the buying (but not the crowded stores!), the endless chopping at the kitchen counter... it's all fun.<br />
<br />
This year, we're having Thanksgiving a day early with friends. For years our holidays haven't been on the actual calendar holidays. It's something we're used to and this year we're continuing with what has become tradition for us. Doug is on a more regular, Monday-Friday schedule these days, which is something we're quite grateful for. But not all of our friends have that same schedule and here, with no blood family nearby, these friends are our family.<br />
<br />
I like to get the china out for Thanksgiving and this year will be no exception. Phee's old enough to handle it and we'll have a table of almost all adults. With any luck, I will be able to handle it, too, and I won't drop anything on the floor!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc0e2HkiymWopWOHymxMSOqp5V6Kzfp302PFoJmbyWk0DPXzYETMZ-Ee-8ldpz65jS5vWWcjzoap6gmzHUXPvweGyIn-AleNclRBLPoGqK_2EQU-PkeFEQKnOyfiTFzsiSI2zjz0LPno/s1600/Meemaw+place+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My meemaw's place cards from Thanksgivings past ~ Life in Random Bits " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc0e2HkiymWopWOHymxMSOqp5V6Kzfp302PFoJmbyWk0DPXzYETMZ-Ee-8ldpz65jS5vWWcjzoap6gmzHUXPvweGyIn-AleNclRBLPoGqK_2EQU-PkeFEQKnOyfiTFzsiSI2zjz0LPno/s1600/Meemaw+place+cards.jpg" height="540" title="" width="528" /></a></div>
<br />
When I was a kid we spent a few years alternating holidays between Ohio
and Virginia so we could see both sides of the family. The first year we
had Thanksgiving in Virginia, I remember Meemaw getting out a bunch of
cute place cards that she had made for past Thanksgivings. As a finishing touch for our table this year, I created these elegant little place
cards. They aren't quite like the beautiful ones Meemaw made, but I can't wait to print them out and put them on our dark green
tablecloth. They'll look fantastic! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw2TXY3rCn8_NGO54s8swyc8jEhIcT1F4ivAYt_lfJB70kE6maPZ_m2H_oEOLrTbeq7yaFklfmG5DlN-wj7F3md2tFt9WiAM4hYDPzhGjb1Rt60MzzoY2UXgfVLfxxVzWS4Wlvn2jqy8/s1600/thanksgiving+place+cards+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thanksgiving place cards (with printable) ~ Life in Random Bits #printable #thanksgiving" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw2TXY3rCn8_NGO54s8swyc8jEhIcT1F4ivAYt_lfJB70kE6maPZ_m2H_oEOLrTbeq7yaFklfmG5DlN-wj7F3md2tFt9WiAM4hYDPzhGjb1Rt60MzzoY2UXgfVLfxxVzWS4Wlvn2jqy8/s1600/thanksgiving+place+cards+1.jpg" height="318" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1drv.ms/14AZQ8M">Grab the file here</a> and print them out on heavy card stock. You can cut them in quarters to have a larger place card with a white border. Or, you can cut them closer to the red border and have a smaller card. Use a fancy pen, or a thin felt tip marker to add names and add that last elegant touch to your Thanksgiving table.<br />
<br />
What's your plan for your Thanksgiving table this year: china or everyday dishes? This is about the only time I use my china, though every year I vow to get it out more often!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVykQNkZQb2vIIXKYGqJKXKj4c-Oe3xeybcekaQWxi3VO8bfj9nA2RcDOBd5uqUAKQKlnPQ_7DCTBKTphWQYY4fQRmkq24tgLohf_m6UGaEyrJ0ss78VlZiDyITo3y5RJQLr_PLsr1hbU/s1600/Thanksgiving+place+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thanksgiving place cards (with printable) ~ Life in Random Bits #printable #thanksgiving" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVykQNkZQb2vIIXKYGqJKXKj4c-Oe3xeybcekaQWxi3VO8bfj9nA2RcDOBd5uqUAKQKlnPQ_7DCTBKTphWQYY4fQRmkq24tgLohf_m6UGaEyrJ0ss78VlZiDyITo3y5RJQLr_PLsr1hbU/s1600/Thanksgiving+place+cards.jpg" height="540" title="" width="476" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-21225522387283048222014-11-20T02:57:00.000-06:002014-11-20T15:32:59.966-06:00Thanksgiving crafts for kids (with printable)<br />
There are lots of great projects out there to get the kids involved in Thanksgiving preparation. Try one of these projects with your kids and then stand back and enjoy the pride on their faces as they see their handiwork laid out on the Thanksgiving table.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-rgcS7CDE9_xfwq7qoyr6j36NwmVHFRdGLgKuMd4rFV4wdI0UkQDzun9Ob4KdFOSKYzcWAV-F7WCIMNSlG7uxMt6DNw19hk9HPKp5RXzfp3KCufFIIruSbJrgiHk1wdnq4QQM8UcWAg/s1600/Thanksgiving+Day+crafts+for+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thanksgiving crafts for kids: get the kids involved in decorating your Thanksgiving table ~ Life in Random Bits #thanksgiving #kids #crafts" border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-rgcS7CDE9_xfwq7qoyr6j36NwmVHFRdGLgKuMd4rFV4wdI0UkQDzun9Ob4KdFOSKYzcWAV-F7WCIMNSlG7uxMt6DNw19hk9HPKp5RXzfp3KCufFIIruSbJrgiHk1wdnq4QQM8UcWAg/s640/Thanksgiving+Day+crafts+for+kids.jpg" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifeinrandombits.com/2012/06/holiday-placemats-kid-craft.html"><b>Placemats</b></a><br />
Use cardboard cut to the size you want, card stock, or construction paper.
Draw a Thanksgiving picture, use Thanksgiving stickers or stamps, or make a Thanksgiving collage from magazine cutouts.
After the placemats are finished, you can laminate them or use clear contact paper to preserve them for future holidays.<br />
<br />
<b>Place Cards</b><br />
Have kids draw turkeys, pilgrim hats, cornucopias, corn, pies or whatever autumn and Thanksgiving pieces they love. Print out the name of each person coming to dinner. Cut out those names and affix them to the drawings. Cut the drawings out and glue to small blocks of wood. Or, even easier, just tape the place cards to the kids’ building blocks. Each person can take their place card home as a memento of the holiday and the blocks go back in the toy box!<br />
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<b>Napkin Rings</b><br />
Download <a href="http://1drv.ms/1zx9Iu7">this file</a> or grab the photo below and print it on white or ivory card stock and let your kids color their hearts out. It's a little more work on your end to cut each napkin ring out, but they really are pretty darn cute. And the kids will love showing off their work to everyone at the table!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nznxLa5TvmgouS7Nq9JUVdNio3HM3CjwkcQodM4-3J0pJjsAnr395iFUQ1rCT_M-g8cC6e5FlpOcI_KldBL3B6gnnTWFWuYTxQCh_nIocZiPAevgTq50sgNA22qo25MBQw4RkEinlcY/s1600/Turkey+napkin+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Turkey napkin ring: let the kids color in this turkey to spruce up your Thanksgiving table! ~ Life in Random Bits #coloring #kids #thanksgiving" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nznxLa5TvmgouS7Nq9JUVdNio3HM3CjwkcQodM4-3J0pJjsAnr395iFUQ1rCT_M-g8cC6e5FlpOcI_KldBL3B6gnnTWFWuYTxQCh_nIocZiPAevgTq50sgNA22qo25MBQw4RkEinlcY/s1600/Turkey+napkin+ring.jpg" height="275" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Centerpiece</b><br />
There are so many options for centerpieces. Using candles? Let your kids use fall colored ribbons to wrap the bottom halves. Using gourds? Let the kids arrange them in a basket or bowl with some pretty fall leaves and pine cones. Or, get a pretty basket, cut out leaf shapes from construction paper and let the kids decorate them with things they’re thankful for.<br />
<br />
How do you get your kids involved in Thanksgiving preparation? I love to hear about the ways people get their kids involved in holidays and create new traditions.<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linked up at<a href="http://memoriesbythemile.com/2014/11/17/treasure-box-tuesday-46/"> Memories by the Mile</a>, <a href="http://homeofmalones.blogspot.com/2014/11/setting-table-for-thanksgiving.html">Home of Malones</a>, <a href="http://jugglingactmama.com/2014/11/christmas-bucket-list-printable.html">Juggling Act Mama</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-70071053656609825772014-11-19T08:55:00.002-06:002014-11-19T09:14:45.037-06:00Get more!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82HMDJS6M1Bw4LQYbEDcGx8SVHrZx_FnHPFM_opV-P2uF4O9Cz9hDkS66eg5BCtoHrJIORzmS9Ci06V58-4_6BnMSBOgPn0IX6M4-LeRSL3WmPf3qFcs4HCj-3Cfm7BnH0uWNldYAIUQ/s1600/Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Get more out of life with Coffee (Mozart's Austin) ~ Life in Random Bits #coffee #austin" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82HMDJS6M1Bw4LQYbEDcGx8SVHrZx_FnHPFM_opV-P2uF4O9Cz9hDkS66eg5BCtoHrJIORzmS9Ci06V58-4_6BnMSBOgPn0IX6M4-LeRSL3WmPf3qFcs4HCj-3Cfm7BnH0uWNldYAIUQ/s1600/Coffee.jpg" height="540" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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Saw this over the weekend while we were out writing and working on projects at Mozart's.</div>
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Sums up my life pretty well!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linked up at <a href="http://www.enjoyingthislife.com/2014/11/19/cold-morning-sunrise/">Enjoying this Life</a>, <a href="http://coffeejitters.net/blog/2014/11/white-house/">Coffee Jitters</a>, <a href="http://mybizarrefamily.com/social-media-in-real-life-ww/">My Bizarre Family</a>, <a href="http://feedmedearly.com/2014/11/17/remembrance-day/">Feed Me Dearly</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/museum-science-industry-chicago/">The Jenny Evolution</a>, <a href="http://www.astarinmyownuniverse.com/2014/11/19/wordless-wednesday-110-happy-birthday/">A Star in My Own Universe</a>.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-35585451209183093192014-11-17T03:21:00.000-06:002014-11-20T15:37:29.439-06:00White bean & spinach soupI love a good, hearty soup in the winter. Really, we eat soup year-round because Doug and I both really like it and find it very convenient to take for lunches. But in the winter, it's especially perfect for cozy dinners on blustery days.<br />
<br />
This soup is filling, but it's great for any time of year. In the summer, we like it with salad or sandwiches. In the winter it's great with fresh bread, or hot cornbread. Really, you can't go wrong with any bread on the side of soup, can you? Bring on the carbs!<br />
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With two of my favorites, white beans and spinach, this dish is going to end up in our regular rotation. I get fresh sausage links at the co-op where we do our grocery shopping and the local, organic ingredients really kick up the flavor of this soup.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwvnjaLm4wl3mblMKvKeJuLagKZi-wX1Fpj9-jeRw1QfCVR3gT0r6OOofPA86IjRKr0LI2i3qtvinXEgMmew0vHsVxlSnylwWfStiIPP_A0kISTpyrmoqHFRbn_HuwEeGn62XxHcCi2c/s1600/White+bean+sausage+soup+spoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="White bean & spinach soup ~ Life in Random Bits #crockpot #soup #weightwatchers" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwvnjaLm4wl3mblMKvKeJuLagKZi-wX1Fpj9-jeRw1QfCVR3gT0r6OOofPA86IjRKr0LI2i3qtvinXEgMmew0vHsVxlSnylwWfStiIPP_A0kISTpyrmoqHFRbn_HuwEeGn62XxHcCi2c/s1600/White+bean+sausage+soup+spoon.jpg" height="524" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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<b>White bean & spinach soup</b> (Weight Watchers = 4 PP per serving)<br />
makes 10 servings<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<ul>
<li>6 cups chicken broth</li>
<li>2 links Italian sausage </li>
<li>2 cans Great Northern beans, drained</li>
<li>1/2 onion, chopped</li>
<li>1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained</li>
<li>1 T Italian seasoning</li>
<li>1/4 t black pepper</li>
<li>4 c fresh spinach</li>
<li>grated Parmesan </li>
</ul>
<b>Directions</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Cook the sausage. Then cut it lengthwise into quarters and dice.</li>
<li>Add all ingredients except spinach and Parmesan to the crock pot.</li>
<li>Cook on low 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.</li>
<li>30 minutes before serving, add spinach to the soup, stir, and cover.</li>
<li>Add some freshly grated Parmesan before serving.</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQayYwX4Gszh1SV3OwEHy5Z1wlQmH2mztFBJmmCMupDlaP4IuQZJZ4eBXdwE9QgO6-rOzaoc5Jb9JX8bnpRh5QESRVgk8asdufn60rhRcFLnYEvnxPuoel-oO6Qq4hwvetYFV4g2Dx6c/s1600/white+bean+sausage+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="White bean & spinach soup ~ Life in Random Bits #crockpot #soup #weightwatchers" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQayYwX4Gszh1SV3OwEHy5Z1wlQmH2mztFBJmmCMupDlaP4IuQZJZ4eBXdwE9QgO6-rOzaoc5Jb9JX8bnpRh5QESRVgk8asdufn60rhRcFLnYEvnxPuoel-oO6Qq4hwvetYFV4g2Dx6c/s1600/white+bean+sausage+soup.jpg" height="540" title="" width="394" /></a></div>
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Linked up at <a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/11/fridays-unfolded-link-party-135.html">Nancherrow</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-61017451527642301482014-11-13T14:00:00.002-06:002014-11-20T15:36:35.477-06:00DIY Fall leaf votive holders<i>This post contains Amazon Associate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on or shop through the links, but it does give me a small amount toward running the blog.</i><br />
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I love fall. I miss the changing leaves of Ohio and New England, but this year and last year we've been pleasantly surprised with a bit of an actual fall here in Austin. The polar vortex this week is certainly reminding us of the weather we left behind when we moved!<br />
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One of my favorite things about fall is gearing up for the holidays. I love the planning for Thanksgiving dinner. The anticipation of Christmas music and movies and TV specials. With Phee's birthday at the beginning of December, the six weeks from Thanksgiving through the new year feels like one big holiday.<br />
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Decorating for all these holidays is one the most fun things to do. Phee loves to help which makes it all the more fun and exciting. She's so enthusiastic and eager about everything and that attitude is infectious. It's such a joy to work on a project with her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7R7p1rSgM4MiDg5Bn_Nk24XooGIT-sDEhJgj4xtwnbIyXlEcBodJMpE7o3RwjeHHWs4zxV8kNTGCjiUR5R6r4A583j0cdw7pUqTZxJ9TKE_72A6Fb7k16BWTZfoYA0fHoPkVHM3eL4II/s1600/Fall+leaf+votive+holders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY fall leaf votive holders ~ Life in Random Bits #diy #thanksgiving #candles" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7R7p1rSgM4MiDg5Bn_Nk24XooGIT-sDEhJgj4xtwnbIyXlEcBodJMpE7o3RwjeHHWs4zxV8kNTGCjiUR5R6r4A583j0cdw7pUqTZxJ9TKE_72A6Fb7k16BWTZfoYA0fHoPkVHM3eL4II/s640/Fall+leaf+votive+holders.jpg" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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This week, we had some extra time together due to a bit of a cold that knocked Phee out for a couple days. One afternoon, we worked together to make leaf votive holders for our Thanksgiving table. Right now, they're adorning our faux mantle with our other little decorations. We use little LED tea lights for all our decorations and the light they shine through these votives is warm and welcoming. I can't wait to arrange them on the table when our friends join us for Thanksgiving dinner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg7DOb7Ma4zReRZlJRBpYamCd_b5A7mr-oljXr9WGULcalyBX5r4bdvBIwOomHc8zg9zyTFbnX4Q4xdAr087j7yNo_ZQi5Sfx6Vk73_XyQe8mokBtxtWIhxi2lA-BDHuocgUhwLqV5W4/s1600/DIY+Fall+leaf+votive+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY fall leaf votive holders ~ Life in Random Bits #diy #thanksgiving #candles" border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg7DOb7Ma4zReRZlJRBpYamCd_b5A7mr-oljXr9WGULcalyBX5r4bdvBIwOomHc8zg9zyTFbnX4Q4xdAr087j7yNo_ZQi5Sfx6Vk73_XyQe8mokBtxtWIhxi2lA-BDHuocgUhwLqV5W4/s640/DIY+Fall+leaf+votive+holder.jpg" title="" width="432" /></a></div>
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<b>DIY leaf votive holders</b><br />
<b>Materials</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093WI1ZC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0093WI1ZC&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=JF2COED6GTZTNFRE">silk leaves</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0093WI1ZC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C1LIHK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001C1LIHK&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=VQBLOIDH4BIAZDKT">plastic punch cups</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001C1LIHK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IKES5O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001IKES5O&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=H4IW52IIAW27EY4B">Mod Podge</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001IKES5O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Brush a generous layer of Mod Podge onto a clear plastic cup.</li>
<li>Add a leaf to the cup and hold it at the top while you add another layer of Mod Podge to the bottom half of the leaf. It's tricky and messy and the leaves wiggle around.</li>
<li>Continue to add leaves, one a time, giving each one a healthy dose of Mod Podge.</li>
<li>Set the finished votives aside and let them dry for a couple hours.</li>
<li>Add <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008TLZSKY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008TLZSKY&linkCode=as2&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=W2TAQZTRCPDV2VIN">LED tea lights</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008TLZSKY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and let your candle holders glow!</li>
</ul>
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So, Mod Podging the leaves to the cup is messy. The leaves wiggle a lot and slide around. But the Mod Podge holds the leave well once everything is dry. We only glued the bottom half of our leaves down so that the top half was loose and could fan around the outside of the plastic cup.<br />
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Have you worked on any Thanksgiving projects so far this month? Next week, I'll have some great projects to get kids involved with planning for Thanksgiving dinner. Come back and join in the fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSTl-ETRG30cztxYAGlC2CfpfKelBmv_1_0_ytw6tkKpY4fb6dcNOR2RJXzVrr9BaqhwFEPZp57APSa9LGYNGDyGrgNs3at5dm_zX7_SX3e-ifMpa-fUmVSUC2mxN8j4wJ2snEgstUDE/s1600/Fall+leaf+votive+holder+mantle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY fall leaf votive holders ~ Life in Random Bits #diy #thanksgiving #candles" border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSTl-ETRG30cztxYAGlC2CfpfKelBmv_1_0_ytw6tkKpY4fb6dcNOR2RJXzVrr9BaqhwFEPZp57APSa9LGYNGDyGrgNs3at5dm_zX7_SX3e-ifMpa-fUmVSUC2mxN8j4wJ2snEgstUDE/s640/Fall+leaf+votive+holder+mantle.jpg" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linked up at <a href="http://busybeingjennifer.com/2014/11/craft-frenzy-friday-41/">Busy Being Jennifer</a>, <a href="http://jennymaire.blogspot.com/2014/11/paper-seedlings-meet-up-monday-i-hope.html">Jenny Marie</a>, <a href="http://www.texaswomenbloggers.com/sweet-tea-social-link-party-71/">Texas Women Bloggers</a>, <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/community/november-15th-sharefest/">SITS Girls</a>, <a href="http://homeofmalones.blogspot.com/2014/11/setting-table-for-thanksgiving.html">Home of Malones</a>, <a href="http://jugglingactmama.com/2014/11/christmas-bucket-list-printable.html">Juggling Act Mama</a>, <a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/11/fridays-unfolded-link-party-135.html">Nancherrow</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-39475054496196914142014-11-12T08:21:00.001-06:002014-11-12T08:21:42.153-06:00Don't forget it<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNqfTkElL9uI8s6hpFfguQU0hiDAc9ev8RXwjTgcBnC9zgcWqjxnkLtuD_-ll4zGIsjWyqGsIHbGpOLchb3J7oxTrTAT5kSanAnAe8IqOcb69QNVrW_Un0tUJIiMSzztbBjkb10Uch5Q/s640/blogger-image--1367575368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNqfTkElL9uI8s6hpFfguQU0hiDAc9ev8RXwjTgcBnC9zgcWqjxnkLtuD_-ll4zGIsjWyqGsIHbGpOLchb3J7oxTrTAT5kSanAnAe8IqOcb69QNVrW_Un0tUJIiMSzztbBjkb10Uch5Q/s640/blogger-image--1367575368.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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Everyone could use a reminder. </div>
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My friend Shelley talked about a day <a href="http://slightly-off-kilter.com/about_me/compliment-day/">full of compliments</a> yesterday. I think that's something we can all work on every day. It's so nice to hear kind words, but it's even better to give those kind words to someone else. Try it- your day is guaranteed to be better, and who knows what kind of day you'll improve for someone else.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-50939196824151877312014-11-10T11:41:00.000-06:002014-11-11T15:40:45.384-06:00Strawberry Applesauce<i>This post contains Amazon Associate links. It doesn't cost you a thing to click or shop through the links, but it does help me keep the blog up and running.</i><br />
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To say that Phee loves applesauce would be an understatement. There are two things we always have in the house for snacks: applesauce and yogurt. She'll eat it plain,with cinnamon, blueberry, strawberry, chunky, smooth... I think it's the only food about which she isn't picky in the least.<br />
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Just before she and Doug got home from New Hampshire with fresh apples a couple weeks ago, I made up a batch of applesauce to use up the apples we had. I was cleaning out the fridge and had a container of strawberries I hadn't finished up. And so, fresh strawberry applesauce.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd33_r2e4AeqR7wK95HaWopYV27cL_9N0FKyjiQVieJGXf-aBVffkuKN5zPyYoSY7W19xGu5rRw4U3LXQ_HhdkJjuXyme7kbJaQ6X9wgeo4gxScsCdCreeMATVcagJBnDRyRF42kiu_y4/s1600/Strawberry+applesauce+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Strawberry applesauce ~ Life in Random Bits #apples #strawberries #thanksgiving" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd33_r2e4AeqR7wK95HaWopYV27cL_9N0FKyjiQVieJGXf-aBVffkuKN5zPyYoSY7W19xGu5rRw4U3LXQ_HhdkJjuXyme7kbJaQ6X9wgeo4gxScsCdCreeMATVcagJBnDRyRF42kiu_y4/s1600/Strawberry+applesauce+2.jpg" height="498" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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This isn't any harder to make than regular applesauce. And it has a pretty pink color. The strawberries add just a bit more sweetness to the apples. It's not
overpowering at all. The berries pair beautifully with the apples and
cinnamon.<br />
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I think we'll make another batch for Thanksgiving this year. I love to have applesauce on the table to go with all the savory dishes. Doug's mom often makes her <a href="http://www.lifeinrandombits.com/2014/05/cook-thing-fruited-jello.html">fruited jello</a> as well, but with a smaller group, I usually just stick with the applesauce. This one will look nice on the table and it will be delicious with all of our regular Thanksgiving favorites.<br />
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<b>Strawberry Applesauce</b><br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<ul>
<li>2 lbs apples, peeled and cut into chunks</li>
<li>1 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced</li>
<li>cinnamon to taste</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Put your peeled apple chunks in a large pot and add just a little bit of water.</li>
<li>Add cinnamon to taste.</li>
<li>Simmer for 10-15 minutes until apples are soft. You can cook the apples for more or less time depending on how chunky you like your applesauce.</li>
<li>Using a blender, immersion blender, or food processor, puree the strawberries.</li>
<li>Puree or mash the applesauce (I pureed because I prefer smooth applesauce and I think the berries mix in better this way).</li>
<li>Add the strawberries and mix well.</li>
</ol>
What are your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes? Do you have a twist on an old standard this year?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr13DIwAo4ygmhf_mRIkcyDKOrToK9wLmjLt_gNAbibh8CEn3kLi9DJCySsLKrnI_tm6kIjr4Dk0Vwff7PuHQuunEVP5r9-EwEn5GbStiG60xskJ6Qat_khTgeWB5FMD_sKtup_VMx_Ks/s1600/Strawberry+applesauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Strawberry applesauce ~ Life in Random Bits #apples #strawberries #thanksgiving" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr13DIwAo4ygmhf_mRIkcyDKOrToK9wLmjLt_gNAbibh8CEn3kLi9DJCySsLKrnI_tm6kIjr4Dk0Vwff7PuHQuunEVP5r9-EwEn5GbStiG60xskJ6Qat_khTgeWB5FMD_sKtup_VMx_Ks/s1600/Strawberry+applesauce.jpg" height="540" title="" width="402" /></a></div>
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Looking for great Thanksgiving foods and ideas? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Food-Dinner/b/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1413999841153&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&node=387560011&tag=ranbit09-20&linkId=A5IOWEJCWPU6E2YQ" target="_blank">Shop Amazon - Thanksgiving Dinner and Desserts - Prepare the Perfect Feast</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ranbit09-20&l=pf4&o=1" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-47253018006660027642014-11-07T10:44:00.001-06:002014-11-07T11:02:16.571-06:00Thanksgiving TreeFor Thanksgiving this year, we're working on a month-long project focused on things we're thankful for. We created a tree in our dining room and every day we add leaves to it, decorating the tree, brightening the house, and taking a little bit of time to think about the good things that have happened.<br />
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This is such a fun project. Phee helped me create the tree trunk and branches. Then, I dug out some pretty scrapbook paper and cut out a bunch of leaves. She is so excited to add her leaf each day and find the perfect spot for it on the tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaFb784iI17hQFqrdcgZk-03QjlXFGOfu-Na8CMg2pfOypbIKJUu9ahPRhxOxUQEATDCk5tdHY1gnHFEnn15pErbyFhyRhWb_poEF-RL-kvCBZPEcx2wQQKSZD8ouRMPa8VRljTLMfDw/s1600/Thanksgiving+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thanksgiving Tree: a month of things we're thankful for ~ Life in Random Bits #thanksgiving" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaFb784iI17hQFqrdcgZk-03QjlXFGOfu-Na8CMg2pfOypbIKJUu9ahPRhxOxUQEATDCk5tdHY1gnHFEnn15pErbyFhyRhWb_poEF-RL-kvCBZPEcx2wQQKSZD8ouRMPa8VRljTLMfDw/s1600/Thanksgiving+tree.jpg" height="540" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Taking a minute to think about the good things that happen during the day isn't new for us. Every night I ask Phee about her three good things for the day- good things that happened, that she did, or that she saw someone else do. Our schedule has flip flopped again in the last few months and we've gotten out of the daily habit of three good things, but this beautiful tree is giving us an opportunity to keep that little tradition alive.<br />
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I'm looking forward to pulling our regular table out of the dining room on Thanksgiving and making space for our large table when friends join us for dinner. Our tree will add wonderful color and decoration to the day.<br />
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What ways do you highlight gratitude and good things in your life? Have you found a way to bring that same awareness to your kids?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HK9C_o8-PEIW2inJpJPazgPAxwlNN4HvItPFQ_bjBo79JXSAwT5P3-Sb6uXYSty98KS6an0SR2yj0by_RT820BMrADnHtNHpyEj7ueuxSpB37rQzyzJXiZkWnH3t4veg6lLp8e4r81c/s1600/Thanksgiving+tree+leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thanksgiving Tree: a month of things we're thankful for ~ Life in Random Bits #thanksgiving" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HK9C_o8-PEIW2inJpJPazgPAxwlNN4HvItPFQ_bjBo79JXSAwT5P3-Sb6uXYSty98KS6an0SR2yj0by_RT820BMrADnHtNHpyEj7ueuxSpB37rQzyzJXiZkWnH3t4veg6lLp8e4r81c/s1600/Thanksgiving+tree+leaves.jpg" height="480" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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<b>Thanksgiving Tree</b><br />
<b>Materials</b><br />
<ul>
<li>construction paper, brown paper bags, brown wrapping or craft paper</li>
<li>fall colored construction or scrapbook paper</li>
<li>leaf templates</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>tape</li>
<li>marker</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Tape construction paper together to form a long column, or cut open a brown paper bag, or unroll a length of brown craft paper.</li>
<li>Draw, or freehand cut, your trunk shape.</li>
<li>Add branches of different sizes.</li>
<li>Arrange and tape everything to a wall.</li>
<li>Trace, or freehand cut some leaf shapes.</li>
<li>Add your leaves to the tree every day and watch the Thanksgiving Tree grow!</li>
</ol>
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Linked up at <a href="http://busybeingjennifer.com/2014/11/craft-frenzy-friday-40/">Busy Being Jennifer</a>, <a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/11/fridays-unfolded-link-party-133-bigger-better-ever.html">Nancherrow</a>, <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/2014/11/pinworthy-projects-party-83/#more-9695">Just Us Four</a>. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-53335149849896988232014-11-05T11:17:00.001-06:002014-11-05T11:18:07.621-06:00My favorite days<div style="text-align: center;">
My favorite days involve three things:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0XK65RWO313k_gumgWG44SZIc3PzL2NPzRCMF7J5RnLjC77d5jaRniZvYwLYLMVDskgwIIV1dgL5puGFiOZ56TMLhdmjf9Qx9nHtJG5H5jJWM2dI1MSxrMWp2VcFlhPzq_S15pUNNt8/s1600/Rainy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="My favorite days ~ Life in Random Bits" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0XK65RWO313k_gumgWG44SZIc3PzL2NPzRCMF7J5RnLjC77d5jaRniZvYwLYLMVDskgwIIV1dgL5puGFiOZ56TMLhdmjf9Qx9nHtJG5H5jJWM2dI1MSxrMWp2VcFlhPzq_S15pUNNt8/s1600/Rainy.jpg" height="400" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH64QAAlGWJ2Tvvs6OmF5ngLl25aQ1MeX3Eue6cA-SQvxfkzRoODt7c12AYpkCPr5Ig0BhXMSegSqYhDvQBC41VKQVQwFiyN2C4i9cC3QNn5A3OmCs_u6R-FZ0ERs96y7Pzl7fQ35QZc/s1600/Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My favorite days ~ Life in Random Bits" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH64QAAlGWJ2Tvvs6OmF5ngLl25aQ1MeX3Eue6cA-SQvxfkzRoODt7c12AYpkCPr5Ig0BhXMSegSqYhDvQBC41VKQVQwFiyN2C4i9cC3QNn5A3OmCs_u6R-FZ0ERs96y7Pzl7fQ35QZc/s1600/Coffee.jpg" height="392" title="" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLwPaekRbL80Lb7PZ-UbXGIRRy4QKdpBUCFF6fLuOZR_O9k1Qw3WqTt9FZ3qDx72YmLY_dk7M6t68uqJsXio1rq2YxwsEIJ8iyJV8vO2F3G6SDYJJN8-I05cQbK187-YhlbLyBmY4buo/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My favorite days ~ Life in Random Bits" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLwPaekRbL80Lb7PZ-UbXGIRRy4QKdpBUCFF6fLuOZR_O9k1Qw3WqTt9FZ3qDx72YmLY_dk7M6t68uqJsXio1rq2YxwsEIJ8iyJV8vO2F3G6SDYJJN8-I05cQbK187-YhlbLyBmY4buo/s1600/Books.jpg" height="400" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today would be one of those days, except I'm at work, working, with no window to see the rain.</div>
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At least there's coffee.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-23331379463381782082014-11-03T09:07:00.000-06:002014-11-11T22:29:15.075-06:00Oven toasted bagelsI love to make big breakfasts on the weekend, Sundays especially. I think it stems from all the family breakfasts we used to have at Grandma Helen's house growing up. Those breakfasts were amazing. Fruit, pancakes, waffles, sausage... everything. Not at once of course, but certainly a handful of them every week.<br />
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One of the great things was that everyone helped out. Aunt Carolyn would help man the toaster. Mostly, because Grandma burned it all the time. When we had waffles, Uncle Jack was in charge of those. We ate in shifts as people trickled in from mass or from across the driveway. Dishes were done in shifts, too, so no one got stuck washing them all. More often than not, I was in charge of sweeping the floor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXV8qpTn_jjDD6LgHJZAQr2UGMlqueWsWG7SWszNTsbN-ozN1TWrVUtibImJa1JHZjJMtqcxObClyaKpY8_dqbZLM0vpTWL6DHm_sbWfZRunN6B_YoMgY1pXWoJrgkGzFUbSfrm7vrPw/s1600/Bagel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oven toasted bagels- Perfectly timed bagels, eggs & bacon with this quick tip! ~ Life in Random Bits #breakfast #tips" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXV8qpTn_jjDD6LgHJZAQr2UGMlqueWsWG7SWszNTsbN-ozN1TWrVUtibImJa1JHZjJMtqcxObClyaKpY8_dqbZLM0vpTWL6DHm_sbWfZRunN6B_YoMgY1pXWoJrgkGzFUbSfrm7vrPw/s1600/Bagel.jpg" height="380" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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It's just three of us at our house, so you'd think making a big breakfast would be easy. Less to cook, less to coordinate, and it doesn't have to be spread across the whole kitchen. Still, there are some things I can't quite manage. Pancakes, bacon, and fruit salad? No problem! I can whip that up in my sleep. Bacon, eggs, and bagels? For the same breakfast? Ready at the same time? Not a chance.<br />
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I don't know why, but the bagels throw me off. Maybe because I only have a two slot toaster. Maybe because I hate it when they get cold and butter won't melt. Or because Phee only wants hers barely toasted. Whatever the reason, I feel like it flops when I try to make bagels for everyone's breakfast.<br />
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One morning, standing in the kitchen prepping everything, I was trying to figure out how I could fix the bagel problem. No toaster oven, two slot toaster... what's left? The oven. I wrapped the bagels in foil and popped them in the oven. I figured the worst case scenario was that the bagels didn't get toasted, or even warm, and I had to pop them in the toaster anyway. So, really, I wouldn't be any worse off than I was.<br />
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Turned out, it totally worked. Eggs, not burnt bacon, and perfectly warm, toasty bagels all ready to go at the same time. A breakfast success!<br />
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If you want to give this a try, slice the bagels, wrap them in foil, and put them in the oven on 300 degrees for about 10-15 minutes. To make it work for me, I gather up all my breakfast cooking supplies and get them ready. I put the bagels in the oven first then start the bacon. Eggs happen last. It all comes together and nothing is burnt. Delicious!<br />
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What's your best breakfast cooking tip? I could use some more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_5fRm9W0aBRTyeYsWmOthqO21-1eKiatCqnFMgQbLoIl1qbccBED_fDE0_NG74_p9CMQA1mBR743Yh2jvD2jcSeXBUTGiQUxR3-6oonI-gZsQPQuo9BWHVU3syIxCpjHxmro8JZzy_I/s1600/Oven+toasted+bagel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oven toasted bagels- Perfectly timed bagels, eggs & bacon with this quick tip! ~ Life in Random Bits #breakfast #tips" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_5fRm9W0aBRTyeYsWmOthqO21-1eKiatCqnFMgQbLoIl1qbccBED_fDE0_NG74_p9CMQA1mBR743Yh2jvD2jcSeXBUTGiQUxR3-6oonI-gZsQPQuo9BWHVU3syIxCpjHxmro8JZzy_I/s1600/Oven+toasted+bagel.jpg" height="540" title="" width="504" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-82897813904298118812014-10-31T08:56:00.001-05:002014-10-31T08:58:13.036-05:00Happy Halloween!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Happy Halloween!!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span>Phee was quite excited to wear her costume today.</div>
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She is Peg, from the PBS show<a href="http://pbskids.org/peg/"> Peg + Cat</a>.</div>
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For trick-or-treating tonight, I'll be dressed up as Cat.</div>
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We highly recommend checking out the show- it's so funny!</div>
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Have a fantastic Halloween!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2-Hok49I7M0WFh9AxcJlw6UsCu4J1d_BxwD6HzQp7_VZK5e8DQ2CtUsRPnOA4NsS7ZvzeyhmRFM4fgnmbeDwq-tgMRETBUfCQuVFzlk-ZzfAvuxqDcRGN2ctdleYE4n_O8jjcGb3evI/s1600/Phee+peg+plus+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Peg plus Cat costume ~ Life in Random Bits #halloween #costume #diy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2-Hok49I7M0WFh9AxcJlw6UsCu4J1d_BxwD6HzQp7_VZK5e8DQ2CtUsRPnOA4NsS7ZvzeyhmRFM4fgnmbeDwq-tgMRETBUfCQuVFzlk-ZzfAvuxqDcRGN2ctdleYE4n_O8jjcGb3evI/s1600/Phee+peg+plus+cat.jpg" height="484" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-30793410430566308622014-10-29T09:31:00.003-05:002014-10-29T09:43:45.815-05:00October, you're gorgeous<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPABfoFnciWMwBYVlmrjfNkoM4vSOFtL5QtWZrJ5iC9QdSHLqpwPhTX9HWZ2jC_mo9Z4XPNBFb3_tHwCg4-Q3gJfacfG3xKF_cjx7RXZesyP0bbSU0L1Uejjuf0hsHw06s7_zjCIWtyc/s1600/Sun+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="October sunrise in Austin ~ Life in Random Bits #nature #austin #sunrise" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPABfoFnciWMwBYVlmrjfNkoM4vSOFtL5QtWZrJ5iC9QdSHLqpwPhTX9HWZ2jC_mo9Z4XPNBFb3_tHwCg4-Q3gJfacfG3xKF_cjx7RXZesyP0bbSU0L1Uejjuf0hsHw06s7_zjCIWtyc/s1600/Sun+1.jpg" height="400" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftK2g6OePmqbQPvHhYSC0C7H8eua2oVYZflaW_CVjqkPDaXUECY-RyHjCCBIP3Nx-qKcu4JtQmhSvCo0MUFA63Fe-BHiHcY-bbjBV37kn_rsOkJD1raGwyBS9fN6p6M-kuxv40mDSQIc/s1600/Sun+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="October sunrise in Austin ~ Life in Random Bits #nature #austin #sunrise" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftK2g6OePmqbQPvHhYSC0C7H8eua2oVYZflaW_CVjqkPDaXUECY-RyHjCCBIP3Nx-qKcu4JtQmhSvCo0MUFA63Fe-BHiHcY-bbjBV37kn_rsOkJD1raGwyBS9fN6p6M-kuxv40mDSQIc/s1600/Sun+5.jpg" height="400" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnfxmeeVfjimK3CJm3zGOTsotYl0UNTcUpj0LRoUbuAhpAtgCzX0Y5PbHZVPPrPyjqmGinQv56r8TKsmEekVFy9W2F_5aAxhVqpol0rGb-hFFlNnZbkPWd3iorlVvVOr290n6kHEknuI/s1600/Sun+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="October sunrise in Austin ~ Life in Random Bits #nature #austin #sunrise" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnfxmeeVfjimK3CJm3zGOTsotYl0UNTcUpj0LRoUbuAhpAtgCzX0Y5PbHZVPPrPyjqmGinQv56r8TKsmEekVFy9W2F_5aAxhVqpol0rGb-hFFlNnZbkPWd3iorlVvVOr290n6kHEknuI/s1600/Sun+2.jpg" height="400" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjMq1QiAz-BsX5ZM3B4VkGIvFpxCK20IgyuCU6eNt7hSfN26Gcq31str3QK5qXiZ2WXPIZB8dwl3yw4U5jGaCLDNRBQaYui3kcsZSdOg601qLu-ZiO7Q0-XYhBrJGpt_e4C4-y2niAHc/s1600/Sun+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="October sunrise in Austin ~ Life in Random Bits #nature #austin #sunrise" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjMq1QiAz-BsX5ZM3B4VkGIvFpxCK20IgyuCU6eNt7hSfN26Gcq31str3QK5qXiZ2WXPIZB8dwl3yw4U5jGaCLDNRBQaYui3kcsZSdOg601qLu-ZiO7Q0-XYhBrJGpt_e4C4-y2niAHc/s1600/Sun+3.jpg" height="400" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw8t0559ghRtFc1wTnxwjDoX5A3oChoKV3h3MyfQtNlsA9QkRRkgGPyWBNxmFdGD3-dHgGsA6oJMxgL39ZCybzr45uHIe5u6R6wPwxUKSAwZ46bWudaSRb3l0uuQZEf1XJYo7Xga8LEs/s1600/Sun+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="October sunrise in Austin ~ Life in Random Bits #nature #austin #sunrise" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw8t0559ghRtFc1wTnxwjDoX5A3oChoKV3h3MyfQtNlsA9QkRRkgGPyWBNxmFdGD3-dHgGsA6oJMxgL39ZCybzr45uHIe5u6R6wPwxUKSAwZ46bWudaSRb3l0uuQZEf1XJYo7Xga8LEs/s1600/Sun+4.jpg" height="400" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMXTTMObf_2EDuHAov67K_RhMbwBUH8iokjEI6ms8d_pQfebwtdE05mDX62zZUWpqYLi4NtKnoS-bKYwUTFXVHomDLCJ7GQEC2Ql4tF7duK6oozCES01YDsuorBsMOs0ysl92DJqg8cY/s1600/Sun+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="October sunrise in Austin ~ Life in Random Bits #nature #austin #sunrise" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMXTTMObf_2EDuHAov67K_RhMbwBUH8iokjEI6ms8d_pQfebwtdE05mDX62zZUWpqYLi4NtKnoS-bKYwUTFXVHomDLCJ7GQEC2Ql4tF7duK6oozCES01YDsuorBsMOs0ysl92DJqg8cY/s1600/Sun+6.jpg" height="400" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linked up at <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/ausable-chasm">The Jenny Evolution</a>, <a href="http://parentclub.ca/2014/10/ww-w-linky-vacation-please/">Parent Club</a>, <a href="http://www.carriewithchildren.com/2014/10/wordless-wednesday-linky-pumpkins-october-29-2014.html">Carrie with Children</a>, <a href="http://feedmedearly.com/2014/10/27/at-1700-hours/">Feed Me Dearly</a>, <a href="http://www.randommommy.com/2014/10/shes-darn-cool/">Random Mommy</a>. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-66630046774242717952014-10-27T03:15:00.000-05:002014-10-27T10:57:41.604-05:00Last minute Halloween costumesIt never fails. Someone has a last minute Halloween party and you didn’t plan on dressing up this year. Or, your child changes gears days before Halloween. Here are a few last minute ideas to help you out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaeKgNXc8MO3sfMI6Ba7wv7vyzmZE_XcqMzlYKS_l2v7LowicuCLiTBwf7Qa9hyfddIB9OjnW4EyQZ6_GK2WfInY-cOj4Ia2T18oLpMoMdDHTK8PKMFmwcc9GQQhGoYZKpsU_8-IBjqs/s1600/Last+minute+halloween+costumes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Last minute DIY Halloween costume ideas ~ Life in Random Bits #halloween #costumes #kids #diy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaeKgNXc8MO3sfMI6Ba7wv7vyzmZE_XcqMzlYKS_l2v7LowicuCLiTBwf7Qa9hyfddIB9OjnW4EyQZ6_GK2WfInY-cOj4Ia2T18oLpMoMdDHTK8PKMFmwcc9GQQhGoYZKpsU_8-IBjqs/s1600/Last+minute+halloween+costumes.png" height="390" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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<b>Fairy</b><br />
Get a set of cheap wings from the dollar store, or borrowed from a friend, or made out of paper/fabric covered clothes hangers. Wear shirt, tights, or pants of the same color. Wear a tutu, if you have one, or you can tie strips of fabric and ribbon around a belt to cover the belt and create a tutu effect. And then add lots of glitter, of course!<br />
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<b>Plant or Tree</b><br />
Wear a green shirt and pants, or brown pants and a green shirt for a tree. Get a green hat. Cut out leaves from construction paper, extra fabric, or even use real leaves and attach them to the hat, shoulders, arms… wherever you want leaves! You can customize this costume as a fruit tree with an apple or other fruit cut out and stuck to the shirt. Or even flowers!<br />
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<b>Beach</b><br />
Wear all tan or khaki. Carry a sand pail. Wear a blue hat and affix a printed out seagull. Print out and affix shells, seaweed, crabs, etc. to your clothes. (This is an excellent use of full page labels! Print out, cut out, and use them as stickers.)<br />
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<b>Book</b><br />
Wear all black clothes. You’ll need two large pieces of cardboard cut to the same size rectangle. Paint, draw, or otherwise illustrate the cardboard as the front and back covers of a book. Cut holes in the “spine” ends of the covers and tie them together with ribbon or fabric. Affix black ribbon or fabric to the top of the book covers so that the book can be worn over the shoulders.<br />
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So, have you ever found yourself scrambling to put a costume together at the last minute? What did you end up doing?<br />
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Looking for some more costumes? <a href="http://www.lifeinrandombits.com/search/label/costumes">Check these out</a>!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413036762671738911.post-78265024475345898972014-10-23T03:18:00.000-05:002014-10-23T08:36:39.879-05:008 layer dipI love a good Halloween party. It's fun to dress up when you know there are going to be lots of other people dressed up, too. In the past, we haven't done much dressing up for Halloween. But, Phee has changed that and likes us to dress up with her sometimes.<br />
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We have good friends that <i>love</i> Halloween. They often throw a party and we went last year. I didn't take my 8 layer dip, but I wish I had. The one I made was tasty, but there was a similar dip already on the table when I got there. I've never gone to a party with this 8 layer dip in hand and had it be a duplicate dish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXBQs9DrLhWvAcTxFEOlI4fe40R-yFobhJWPL_x45y1Ry73Y6f_HfysHtlJmM4nQZV6W5PJiP_3hfIT2DrSk0Hfuu7F_J5BoJfnVJGrj0v2Gj6Mc7yZRX9JpcFGyRkoXi5CuaJKR4VO8/s1600/8+layer+dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="8 layer dip ~ Life in Random Bits #recipe #party #dip #mexican" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXBQs9DrLhWvAcTxFEOlI4fe40R-yFobhJWPL_x45y1Ry73Y6f_HfysHtlJmM4nQZV6W5PJiP_3hfIT2DrSk0Hfuu7F_J5BoJfnVJGrj0v2Gj6Mc7yZRX9JpcFGyRkoXi5CuaJKR4VO8/s1600/8+layer+dip.jpg" height="540" title="" width="532" /></a></div>
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I love this dip. It's like nachos, without the mess. And there's plenty of cheese. I hate it when I make nachos and there are cheeseless chips. This dip has everything- beans, meat, cheese. It's been requested a number of times and I always enjoy making it! If you're heading out to a Halloween party this year, take this with you. You won't be sorry!<br />
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<b>8 layer dip </b><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 can refried beans</li>
<li>1 lb ground beef (or turkey) browned and seasoned with taco seasoning</li>
<li>shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li>1 small can sliced black olives</li>
<li>1 tomato, chopped</li>
<li>shredded lettuce</li>
<li>sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)</li>
<li>guacamole</li>
</ul>
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<b>Directions</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Spread black beans on the bottom of a 8x8 pan.</li>
<li>Spread guacamole on top of the beans.</li>
<li>Add a layer of seasoned ground beef (or turkey).</li>
<li>Spread with sour cream (or Greek yogurt).</li>
<li>Sprinkle with shredded cheddar.</li>
<li>Add a layer of black olives.</li>
<li>Add chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce.</li>
<li>Feel free to sprinkle a little more cheese on top.</li>
<li>Serve with chips and enjoy!</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2FyA5tdkdpOsijIg5G7wI7AHoay6o6jKUr2U8SdLn1YqIh703eAB-nIiYbnyly8awpn_k7cdSBrw1eojdnqcdKFTQXaps_oVjXBHkASN-GFte3oLbdw-2zitbVuI2QdOe_Mh78JZYtE/s1600/eight+layer+dip+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="8 layer dip ~ Life in Random Bits #recipe #party #dip #mexican" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2FyA5tdkdpOsijIg5G7wI7AHoay6o6jKUr2U8SdLn1YqIh703eAB-nIiYbnyly8awpn_k7cdSBrw1eojdnqcdKFTQXaps_oVjXBHkASN-GFte3oLbdw-2zitbVuI2QdOe_Mh78JZYtE/s1600/eight+layer+dip+closeup.jpg" height="444" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nYpLug7V2YAZFBQzpONFaLAx0QjTOT3IMHJeZLElZccPKxK-aJOTW-58IeW5b5sY-JdgWQPxBy9fITjh6GPlKttbJVtk09rDCdwHuqODtoHJHu4_u1P462jE1tta_WWIUDr8K4mDzB4/s1600/layer+dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="8 layer dip ~ Life in Random Bits #recipe #party #dip #mexican" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nYpLug7V2YAZFBQzpONFaLAx0QjTOT3IMHJeZLElZccPKxK-aJOTW-58IeW5b5sY-JdgWQPxBy9fITjh6GPlKttbJVtk09rDCdwHuqODtoHJHu4_u1P462jE1tta_WWIUDr8K4mDzB4/s1600/layer+dip.jpg" height="380" title="" width="540" /></a></div>
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What's your favorite party dish? Do you go all out and make lots of appetizer type foods, or do you like to keep it simple and go with more dips, chips, and veggie trays?<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com