tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33199788019475993732024-03-14T02:38:00.186-04:00Sprinkles On TopRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.comBlogger583125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-55696232369048163342022-06-01T14:11:00.001-04:002023-01-21T14:12:58.536-05:00Summer Bucket List<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghcFnQsZEDYFagLVPq864f7mKDKQ-uU1st5kln-ntl7g4uoXeAn5-eC2VcliBFUX8SrHGBRcd2hPK7gnmTxGf6GlcEt9k5J6QnHEa_ZYNgnUHTOjaAF0qlRvc9S3OU0FHiSLSOhe-wNr1RSRVYiM9i46hE5du6h1mTBHGofBE7Tu-B1lIfm8ZoCUI/s2000/8BDD6965-6559-478C-9189-94B849219975.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1414" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghcFnQsZEDYFagLVPq864f7mKDKQ-uU1st5kln-ntl7g4uoXeAn5-eC2VcliBFUX8SrHGBRcd2hPK7gnmTxGf6GlcEt9k5J6QnHEa_ZYNgnUHTOjaAF0qlRvc9S3OU0FHiSLSOhe-wNr1RSRVYiM9i46hE5du6h1mTBHGofBE7Tu-B1lIfm8ZoCUI/w319-h451/8BDD6965-6559-478C-9189-94B849219975.png" width="319" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-22172652667703432202021-08-26T14:02:00.001-04:002021-08-26T14:02:14.965-04:00Powder Bathroom Renovation <p style="text-align: center;"> We've really slowed down on our home projects these last two years. There were several reasons why we took a step back and it was much needed for us to slow down, but we were very much missing the process of renovating. We still have a few rooms left to overhaul, but we're also coming around full circle with some projects we did years ago and wanting to change things up mostly because our tastes and styles have evolved. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Our powder bathroom was in need of a renovation and I'm so happy it's <i>nearly</i> done. I say nearly because I'm still on the hunt for artwork, waiting for<a href="https://www.schoolhouse.com/collections/bathroom-accessories/products/wash-hands-sign?variant=39424092635180" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #a64d79;"> this cute enamel sign</span></i></a> to arrive and there's four pieces of tile we need to add. Before we can do that we need to replace a piece of our wood flooring that was cut too short. This seems simple, I know, but taking the one board out means we also need to take off our baseboards in the entryway which has us itching to revamp. So those last four pieces of tile will start the process of redoing our entryway and we're very excited about it! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VV-yW3utXPQ/YSfPbODlVCI/AAAAAAAAJkY/9MN2-Km9Ei86Oi8c8chdbE0H3_1vIVBgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VV-yW3utXPQ/YSfPbODlVCI/AAAAAAAAJkY/9MN2-Km9Ei86Oi8c8chdbE0H3_1vIVBgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8787.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-puarpdcgyV4/YSfPaSJRDVI/AAAAAAAAJkI/HbuzERj2r2U_-P8ZhcXeXUbe9d2cM9XhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FullSizeRender2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-puarpdcgyV4/YSfPaSJRDVI/AAAAAAAAJkI/HbuzERj2r2U_-P8ZhcXeXUbe9d2cM9XhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/FullSizeRender2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p>But back to this powder bathroom...</p><p><br /></p><p>It started with our builder grade fixtures, flat paint (I swear is the worst, hello every scuff and fingerprint) and vinyl flooring. Our very first phase of giving this room a facelift included paint and changing out the faucet, but it really needed a complete overhaul. We started by choosing a fun patterned tile. I've been wanting to do something like this for awhile but had a difficult time committing to it because I'm constantly changing my mind. Who else is like this? When we laid the tile we really should have self-leveled the floors and we didn't because we didn't think it would make that big of a difference, but we definitely should have taken the step to do so. Live and learn.</p><p><br /></p><p>Once we had the tile laid, our next venture was wall color. Since we were installing vertical board and batten we needed to decide which half of the wall would carry color and the other white. This was quite the process because every color sample we tried it kept pulling blue. Blue is beautiful but our decor pulls more greens than blues. I called my trusted color smart friends and together we ultimately decided going dark was the best option and it added the perfect amount of drama. This worked well because we were able to tie it into our new door trim and crown molding. </p><p><i>(sources linked at the bottom of post)</i></p></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ql_XPMpmpN8/YSfPaW0zN6I/AAAAAAAAJkQ/G8X_byk1R6c5CHeDCmKzQ8U7gLfvCnmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FullSizeRender1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ql_XPMpmpN8/YSfPaW0zN6I/AAAAAAAAJkQ/G8X_byk1R6c5CHeDCmKzQ8U7gLfvCnmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/FullSizeRender1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-540s-3YO9GI/YSfPbJyV76I/AAAAAAAAJkc/Ej6AyVHd-psHowcxycEEvYIJY5i82ovFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-540s-3YO9GI/YSfPbJyV76I/AAAAAAAAJkc/Ej6AyVHd-psHowcxycEEvYIJY5i82ovFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8788.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfmP8A2r6xM/YSfS9U1rnqI/AAAAAAAAJlE/S7mj4M2UaUoBAKvWJIa1eLdgP3TFwPlTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FullSizeRender3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfmP8A2r6xM/YSfS9U1rnqI/AAAAAAAAJlE/S7mj4M2UaUoBAKvWJIa1eLdgP3TFwPlTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/FullSizeRender3.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p>Next on the list was vanity and hardware. I knew before starting this project I wanted to use brass. What I didn't account for was how difficult it is to match brass with other brass. Luckily for some brass finishes using a brass ager can help by changing the color to help match separate pieces better. As for our vanity we really needed storage and this piece works well in this space. The girls can keep their hair bin and accessories downstairs along with a few other extras that make our mornings so much easier. </p><p> I love the choices we made in this space. It's classic, modern and a touch of vintage cozy.</p><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's take a look at where we started earlier this year with this bathroom space because I can hardly believe this is the same room...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaz9ilC-Exs/YSfPbtlui6I/AAAAAAAAJko/Ls3eFE7o1voT-SICHd8uvUEweWZVmPAsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1095/IMG_8805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaz9ilC-Exs/YSfPbtlui6I/AAAAAAAAJko/Ls3eFE7o1voT-SICHd8uvUEweWZVmPAsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w303-h400/IMG_8805.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">| <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-Melpark-24-in-W-x-20-in-D-Bath-Vanity-in-White-with-Cultured-Marble-Vanity-Top-in-White-with-White-Sink-Melpark-24W/305853671" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Vanity</b></span></a> | <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Progress-Lighting-Archie-Collection-3-Light-Vintage-Brass-Clear-Double-Prismatic-Glass-Coastal-Bath-Vanity-Light-P2992-163/310409003" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Light Fixture</b></span></a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B694X2N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Faucet</span></b></a> | Towel Hook<i> (originally from Hobby Lobby, similar one linked </i><a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/aleah-inlay-towel-hook?color=011&size=One%20Size&inventoryCountry=US&countryCode=US&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=US%20-%20Brand%20-%20Shopping%20-%20Home%20-%20Desktop%20-%20TM%20-%20SC%20PLAs%20-%20F%26D&utm_content=All%20Products&utm_term=PRODUCT_GROUP&creative=439553320796&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&utm_kxconfid=vx6rd81ts&gclid=CjwKCAjw95yJBhAgEiwAmRrutMlZinNz0S2HKUFD9R95CMsqug-jthPhDZDwXr4QGj9CQ2Hd2ApkRxoCAO4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&type=STANDARD&quantity=1" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">HERE</span></b></a>) | Wall Color - BM Chantilly Lace | Trim Color - BM Black Pepper | <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/MSI-Azila-Encaustic-8-in-x-8-in-Matte-Porcelain-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-5-16-sq-ft-Case-NFLOBA8X8/308461080" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Tile</span></b></a> | <a href="https://www.target.com/p/24--34--x-30--34--rectangular-decorative-wall-mirror-with-rounded-corners-black---project-62--8482-/-/A-78428988" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Mirror</span></b></a> | <a href="https://www.target.com/p/waffle-hand-towel-light-gray-casaluna-8482/-/A-78429775" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Hand Towels</b></span></a> | <a href="https://www.schoolhouse.com/collections/bathroom-accessories/products/wash-hands-sign?variant=39424092635180"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Please Wash Hands Sign</span></b></a> | </div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-56728171663874664542021-02-14T11:35:00.002-05:002021-02-15T12:54:52.582-05:00Weekly Meal Plan: February Week 3 & Valentine’s Day<p style="text-align: center;"> Happy Valentine’s Day! The kids have been looking forward to this weekend for a few weeks and just love celebrating each holiday in both big and small ways. We decided to forego any Valentine gifts or baskets this year in order to keep things more simple. Leading up to Valentine’s we had a valentine exchange with our homeschool group, made heart garlands and added hearts into our everyday baking when possible. One of our traditions is to always make a fun dessert. This year the kids decided to choose the dessert and baked it themselves, they chose a flourless chocolate cake topped with homemade whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Oh my, it was absolutely delicious! We also made homemade donuts using Grands Biscuits. This was also a huge hit and tasted just like a funnel cake! We’ll be making these again and again. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWUF64MQbdE/YCqiJHFlqHI/AAAAAAAAJdQ/ekiVNfy4qbs8bNQVRSV2AJhM9BwoopRoACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2381D2DA-02C2-44B2-BCE0-019990BE72B3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWUF64MQbdE/YCqiJHFlqHI/AAAAAAAAJdQ/ekiVNfy4qbs8bNQVRSV2AJhM9BwoopRoACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/2381D2DA-02C2-44B2-BCE0-019990BE72B3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJEY7CYCDK0/YCqiJBJiToI/AAAAAAAAJdU/I827nMhngy8I67bHNy9CmHHEBXzWdn2pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A6B5C83F-C435-49DF-A07C-3862B67B7191.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJEY7CYCDK0/YCqiJBJiToI/AAAAAAAAJdU/I827nMhngy8I67bHNy9CmHHEBXzWdn2pgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/A6B5C83F-C435-49DF-A07C-3862B67B7191.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After indulging in some extra sweets this weekend, our meal plan for this week is focused on lots of vegetables as sides. I feel the need to boost our produce intake along with water. I’m always terrible about drinking water, it’s something I’ve always struggled with, but I can tell my pregnant body is holding on to things more than usual and I’m not feeling my best self. Hopefully this week I can help curb all of that and get back on track.</div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4_QYR53Tn8/YCqbH3o3BTI/AAAAAAAAJdE/0FsWF19sNREObn8kiBlDXy1lec-K8ekUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4_QYR53Tn8/YCqbH3o3BTI/AAAAAAAAJdE/0FsWF19sNREObn8kiBlDXy1lec-K8ekUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-10.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sheet-pan-harissa-chicken-with-chickpeas-and-sweet-potatoes/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas & Sweet Potatoes</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cookingclassy.com/sheet-pan-chicken-fajitas/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Easy Sheet Pan Fajitas</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-meatballs/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Greek Meatballs</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.macaroniandcheesecake.com/2009/04/spinach-stuffed-shells.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Spinach Stuffed Shells</b></span></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-55514052574086377552021-02-08T16:54:00.000-05:002021-02-08T16:54:07.102-05:00Weekly Meal Plan: February Weeks 1 & 2<p> </p>Last week came and went quickly and I didn’t share our meal plan, so sorry friends! If you ever noticed I missed posting here, I likely still shared on my Instagram account @rachbraden I would love to have you follow along there as well. Sometimes I share recipes over there that don’t always make it over here. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It’s interesting, some are surprised we meal plan for all seven days of the week. I never really thought about it because it’s just something we’ve always done. We love spending time at home and we all love to cook. There are days that come along and it’s just been one of those hectic and exhausting days where no one is up for cooking, even if we’ve meal planned. On those days we may grab something easy from the freezer or order take out. And sometimes if we’re out and about we change our plans and stop at one of our favorite restaurants and go out as a family. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">We love planning dates nights too, but we really have to plan those in advance. We have amazing babysitters whom our kids love, but since we don’t live anywhere near family dropping them off last minute with grandparents or even over-night (what’s that like?!?!) is never an option. However, Mike and I are trying to make a point to plan a date night each week, and you’ll see them showing up on our meal plan because I don’t just make this for you -- we actually use it, but those date nights will mostly be at-home-date-nights where we make something easy for the kids, put them to bed early and just spend time together. It’s still pretty cold here, but in the next several weeks we should start seeing some warmer temperatures that will allow us to spend more time outside in the backyard around the fire pit and we’re so excited!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aveh_S24UI4/YCGrC-WE7UI/AAAAAAAAJcg/rQEB8dnuAiMUEZPEWwyeORmWXzS8GV6xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aveh_S24UI4/YCGrC-WE7UI/AAAAAAAAJcg/rQEB8dnuAiMUEZPEWwyeORmWXzS8GV6xgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/1.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">February: Week 1</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDrHZIQ8bLQ/YCGrC2P7CbI/AAAAAAAAJck/HtZrIsYSblMLRIIx1s77JwFUY7uMaoEDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDrHZIQ8bLQ/YCGrC2P7CbI/AAAAAAAAJck/HtZrIsYSblMLRIIx1s77JwFUY7uMaoEDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/2.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">February: Week 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week I’m pulling a couple recipes from a cookbook my sweet friend Heidi wrote with her sister called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/735520530/food-from-the-heart-cookbook" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Food from the Heart</b></span></a>. I adore family recipes and this book is compiled of just those from cover to cover! We’ve made a few different recipes that we frequently go back to because they’re so good. This week we’re trying their fluffy dinner rolls. Olivia actually was helping me meal plan and asked if we could make them for dinner tonight. We’re also trying the ‘Bama’ Chicken recipe. This is a true southern recipes and the first time we actually tried ‘bama sauce was a few months ago from a local bbq restaurant. oh my goodness, it’s delicious and that’s coming from a Kansas City bbq raised girl. I’m really excited to try Heidi’s version this week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="Healthy Bruschetta Chicken with Balsamic Glaze" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Healthy Bruschetta Chicken with Balsamic Glaze</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Fluffy Dinner Rolls </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">(Food From the Heart Cookbook by Heidi Matson & Ann Traffie)</span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Beef Enchiladas</p><p style="text-align: center;">(recipes on my Instagram Account, originally from by brother-in-law)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">‘Bama’ Chicken</p><p style="text-align: center;">(Food From the Heart Cookbook)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://dishingouthealth.com/white-bean-soup/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">White Bean Soup</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://natashaskitchen.com/chicken-broccoli-and-mushroom-stir-fry/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Chicken & Broccoli Stirfry</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-88091818684725855392021-01-31T19:33:00.003-05:002021-01-31T19:51:54.576-05:00<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the month of February in my wellness community we are taking on a Faux Lash Challenge. Over the last few years I have loved finding and learning how to swap in natural recipes for different ailments and even more so, beauty hacks! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all know lashes are all the rage and of course we want fuller, longer, more luscious lashes and I’m sharing a recipe to help boost lash and hair growth naturally. Come join us as we take on this challenge as we’ll be starting February 14th!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Register for our February challenge by clicking <a href="https://getoiling.com/RachaelBraden/landing/faux-lash" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">HERE</span></b></a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Not yet a Young Living member? No problem, it’s so simple to get started. Grab yourself a Basic Starter Bundle by clicking <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/apps/enrollment/step/1" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">HERE</span></b></a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Add the needed Young Living essential oils to your order and grab the other supplies through the links provided in the email.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">4) Once your supplies arrive, go ahead and get started!</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZxHvTuxIgQ/YBdLdUu9xaI/AAAAAAAAJcI/Dxr0s6ysliEmyJ3p2L1xdxU2YzljtNPPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FauxLashes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZxHvTuxIgQ/YBdLdUu9xaI/AAAAAAAAJcI/Dxr0s6ysliEmyJ3p2L1xdxU2YzljtNPPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/FauxLashes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-52225405046721588852021-01-24T17:14:00.000-05:002021-01-24T17:14:31.486-05:00Weekly Meal Plan: January Week 4<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91CXyLpK9oc/YA3leBsniCI/AAAAAAAAJbk/yd0CBX-S4FcTrnTPQgpVYbevDVr1udNfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91CXyLpK9oc/YA3leBsniCI/AAAAAAAAJbk/yd0CBX-S4FcTrnTPQgpVYbevDVr1udNfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-9.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over the last few years we’ve made a bigger effort in eliminating processed foods and making more things from scratch. We decided on this to really eliminate the amount of sugar, sodium and MSG that’s often hiding in foods, especially when it comes to spice blends, dressings, marinades and sauces. This week I added two recipes for dry seasoning mixes in place of buying the packets at the grocery store. I’m all about convince, but it’s easy to mix up a larger batch of seasoning mixes and dry rubs and store them in the freezer or refrigerator if you don’t feel like you’ll use them quickly enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Same goes for salad dressings. Try making some of your own to control the amount of certain ingredients. They also taste so much better than the many found on the shelves at the store. For this week’s Cobb Salad, I suggest you use your favorite go to recipe, I always mix things up when it comes to Cobb salad because anything really goes. But instead of using a store bought dressing try making it yourself. This week we’re using Joanna Gaines’ Buttermilk Ranch Dressing from her first Magnolia Table cookbook. We also love using Ree Drummond’s from The Pioneer Woman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Buttermilk Tip: to make your own buttermilk use milk and either white vinegar or lemon juice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 26px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">1 cup of buttermilk</span> use <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">1 tablespoon</span> lemon juice/vinegar and fill the rest of the way with m</span>ilk<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">3/4 cup</span> use <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">2 1/4 teaspoons</span> lemon juice/vinegar<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">2/3 cup</span> use <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">2 teaspoons</span> lemon juice/vinegar<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">1/2 cup</span> use <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">1 1/2 teaspoons</span> lemon juice/vinegar<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">1/3 cup</span> use <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">1 teaspoon</span> lemon juice/vinegar<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">1/4 cup</span> use <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">3/4 teaspoon</span> lemon juice/vinegar</span></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.skinnytaste.com/mushroom-kale-lasagna-rolls/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Mushroom-Kale Lasagna Rolls</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-crunchwrap-supreme/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Healthier Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://belleofthekitchen.com/mississippi-pot-roast/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Mississippi Pot Roast</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thecountrycook.net/homemade-ranch-seasoning/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Dry Ranch Seasoning from Scratch</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://creativehomemaking.com/recipes/mixes/homemade-au-jus-mix/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Au Jus Seasoning from Scratch</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/crispy-cheesy-potatoes-stacks/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Potato Stacks</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-62650023063334745912021-01-17T17:10:00.001-05:002021-01-17T17:25:31.938-05:00Weekly Meal Plan: January Week 3<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWnR6ryrkj8/YAS1XlRDyEI/AAAAAAAAJaE/-ImdE-XrBN8UvNXiPbht2AmSqWHV19fGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWnR6ryrkj8/YAS1XlRDyEI/AAAAAAAAJaE/-ImdE-XrBN8UvNXiPbht2AmSqWHV19fGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-5.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Find the recipes for this week’s menu below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1j0u81KL5ZQ/YAS4og1urlI/AAAAAAAAJaU/-Satrr_GT2UqvHcBKotZ80cFBVRCLfiXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1j0u81KL5ZQ/YAS4og1urlI/AAAAAAAAJaU/-Satrr_GT2UqvHcBKotZ80cFBVRCLfiXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/6.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvy1TBj4zxE/YAS5Spe5rrI/AAAAAAAAJak/WO0Is0VsEzMK2Qh13lMNkvFFVc8HQGZsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvy1TBj4zxE/YAS5Spe5rrI/AAAAAAAAJak/WO0Is0VsEzMK2Qh13lMNkvFFVc8HQGZsACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-7.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Sweet Kale Salad recipe c/o Magnolia Table Vol. 2 page 125</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Homemade Tortillas</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/flour-tortillas/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Option 1</b></span></a> | <a href="https://thecafesucrefarine.com/best-ever-homemade-flour-tortillas/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Option 2</b></span></a> | <a href="https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/homemade-corn-tortillas/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Option 3</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.eatwell101.com/shrimp-and-broccoli-foil-packs-recipe" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79;">Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packets</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.recipetineats.com/one-pot-greek-chicken-lemon-rice/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>One Pot Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/egg-drop-soup/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Egg Drop Soup</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://40aprons.com/whole30-lettuce-wraps-pf-changs-recipe/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Lettuce Wraps</span></a></b></div><br /><p></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-2596869973973940382021-01-12T15:59:00.003-05:002021-01-12T15:59:40.524-05:00Emotions & Essential Oils<p style="text-align: center;"> This last week has been quite the rollercoaster ride on top of just finishing up one of the craziest years. It’s easy for us to be affected by events and situations which of course lead so many of us to feel an array of emotions that are difficult to navigate through. Being pregnant during all of this chaos doesn’t do well for my hormones to say the least. I know so many of my friends and family are incredibly hurt, confused, sad and angry. We all are experiencing these feelings. Since we started using essential oils as part of our daily routine I can say they have helped our family be more in control of the emotions. We still feel all of them, but they don’t take over and control everything we do and I’m thankful for that. In hopes of helping others deal with their current emotions I’m sharing some of my favorite essential oils to use for emotional support. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Many of you know we only use Young Living essential oils because we trust the quality and we’ve seen awesome results. The quality of essential oils is very important and if you’re interested in learning more about Young Living’s Seed to Seal promise of quality oils and products you can read more about that <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/discover/seed-to-seal" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>HERE</b></span></a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Essential oils have incredible benefits that can support the different systems of the body. What’s really cool about essential oils and other natural wellness elements is that they can work well with western medicine. It’s creating a balance of the two. This can work especially well for emotional support like our feelings. Young Living even has an entire kit just for emotional support called The Feelings Kit and you can learn more about it <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_us/products/feelings-kit-essential-oil-collection" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>HERE</b></span></a>. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here are some of our favorite essential oils to use for emotional support...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7x2Rjx_fkPw/X_4E8uL_imI/AAAAAAAAJZk/yLCyxpZFjugjW651QGaUtmPfbHzHXuIuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/6%2Boils%2Bto%2Bhelp%2Bwith%2Bemotions_.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7x2Rjx_fkPw/X_4E8uL_imI/AAAAAAAAJZk/yLCyxpZFjugjW651QGaUtmPfbHzHXuIuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/6%2Boils%2Bto%2Bhelp%2Bwith%2Bemotions_.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Use these oils aromatically by diffusing in a room or throughout the home. I also love using these oils topically by mixing them with a carrier oil and using them in a rollerball. These oils are great for our kids too. Let’s not forget all the emotions our kids may or still are walking through. We can use these tools to help support them just as much as ourselves and remember our emotional demeanor sets the tone for them. Keeping ourselves grounded and calm helps create an environment that feels safe and nurturing for our children. Our home is our safe place and we are the gatekeepers, we get to decide what we allow to come inside. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">In our oil community we talk all about how to use our favorite essential oils to help support our bodies and our homes through simple DIY’s, class events and recipes. Come learn more about our <a href="https://sprinkles-ontop.blogspot.com/p/essential-oils.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Wild & Grape community</b></span></a> and how to join in on the fun!</p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-66752439576939105892021-01-10T16:53:00.004-05:002021-01-10T16:53:54.481-05:00Weekly Meal Plan: January Week 2<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYt5zs5h8Eo/X_t2zZFx7AI/AAAAAAAAJZY/stOkkfFPa3QUDFIqKTWvEp_BaM7zAcr_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYt5zs5h8Eo/X_t2zZFx7AI/AAAAAAAAJZY/stOkkfFPa3QUDFIqKTWvEp_BaM7zAcr_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Meal%2BPlan_Pantry%2BStaples_Recipes%2BBLOG-3.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sprinkles-ontop.blogspot.com/2016/01/comforting-healing-hearts.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Spaghetti & Italian Meatballs</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.skinnytaste.com/cheese-stuffed-turkey-meatloaf/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.howsweeteats.com/2015/07/crispy-bacon-waffles-with-bourbon-butter-and-blueberry-syrup/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Crispy Bacon Waffles</span></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/214618/beer-can-chicken/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringContentType=Search&clickId=cardslot%202" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Beer Can Chicken</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chrislovesjulia.com/how-to-make-pho-fast/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Faux Pho</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-37667030084964085682021-01-07T15:45:00.000-05:002021-01-10T16:59:35.368-05:00Winter Reading Favorites & Reading Logs<p style="text-align: center;"> Winter reading logs are here for the new year! We’re swapping all our Christmas books out this week for our winter and Valentine books. December seemed to fly by and we didn’t read nearly as much as we had hoped, so hoping to kick it back into gear this month. What are some of your favorite winter books to add to your kids’ bookshelves? Since Kensi is reading chapter books I’ve been on the hunt for some winter themed ones. One of her favorites from last last year was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Winter-Things-Arnold-Louise/dp/1524790486/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=all+the+winter+things&qid=1610311460&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><u>All the Fun Winter Things</u> by Erica S. Perl</span></b></a>, this is an easy to read book, but it was perfect for her as she was just starting to get into chapter books. I think we’re going to have to make a visit to our local library to find a few new ones for her. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Also, to help keep Kensi on track with reading her chapter books I created an individual book log where she can track her chapters. She’s very much like me in the sense she likes to cross things off her to do lists. This particular book log I laminated so she can use it again and again with a wet erase marker. She also has the book log so once she finishes her chapter book she will record her book on the other sheet. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A74SQ9CL7zA/X_tlv38WvSI/AAAAAAAAJY0/mE1lGGs5EqwYcv1ZP1Fz-4tLESocAwUwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A74SQ9CL7zA/X_tlv38WvSI/AAAAAAAAJY0/mE1lGGs5EqwYcv1ZP1Fz-4tLESocAwUwACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/1.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">| <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Over-Under-Snow-Kate-Messner/dp/1452136467/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=over+under+book&qid=1610311251&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">one</span></a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Snow-Sisters-Kerri-Kokias/dp/1101938838/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=snow+sisters&qid=1610311297&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">two</span></a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Penguin-Problems-Jory-John/dp/0553513370/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=penguins+book&qid=1610301351&s=books&sr=1-15" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">three</span></a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Polar-Bear-Island-Lindsay-Bonilla/dp/1454928700/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=dMl6O&pf_rd_p=49ff6d7e-521c-4ccb-9f0a-35346bfc72eb&pf_rd_r=4XW7HPACHSM914ETY79H&pd_rd_r=efba1de3-f7f4-46e2-b580-d7024cdec17e&pd_rd_wg=exAX9&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_d" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">four</span></a> | <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Couch-Potato-Jory-John/dp/0062954539/ref=pd_bxgy_img_3/138-3688620-9429536?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0062954539&pd_rd_r=59766b42-3e5e-4a2c-81b1-61988f57ec96&pd_rd_w=TJ3DI&pd_rd_wg=vY4F9&pf_rd_p=f325d01c-4658-4593-be83-3e12ca663f0e&pf_rd_r=KR069CFZ4NN1H1Q855XJ&psc=1&refRID=KR069CFZ4NN1H1Q855XJ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">five</span></a> </span>| <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Story-Snow-Science-Winters-Wonder/dp/1452164363/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+story+of+snow&qid=1610311329&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">six</span></a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Letter-Anika-Aldamuy-Denise/dp/0062741578/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+love+letter+book&qid=1610311380&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">seven</span></a> |</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LLvTxeuESc/X_dGp927_uI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/nlpFiEEFwwoEXLpiImZFKWdgLE-W76yXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Summer%2BReading%2BLogs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LLvTxeuESc/X_dGp927_uI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/nlpFiEEFwwoEXLpiImZFKWdgLE-W76yXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w494-h640/Summer%2BReading%2BLogs.png" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cV-o44O457s/X_dGp0IcCnI/AAAAAAAAJYM/EEs2r97vkPASHOgXirRZ9fEe2q6EkNWpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Grey%2BIllustrated%2BOwl%2BReading%2BReward%2BChart.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2000" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cV-o44O457s/X_dGp0IcCnI/AAAAAAAAJYM/EEs2r97vkPASHOgXirRZ9fEe2q6EkNWpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h452/Grey%2BIllustrated%2BOwl%2BReading%2BReward%2BChart.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-31743639227941872392021-01-05T13:15:00.001-05:002021-01-05T18:20:01.983-05:00Weekly Meal Plan: January Week 1<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy New Year friends! Several of you have asked throughout the last year about our meal plan and to be honest, we weren’t great about sticking with it the last few months. So in an effort to be better and get back on track I’ll be sharing our weekly dinner meal plan right here and on my Instagram account @rachbraden. I only meal plan for our dinners, it overwhelms me to try and meal plan all three meals each day. We’re pretty low key when it comes to breakfast and lunch anyways, often eating eggs and waffles for breakfast and either leftovers or something simple for lunch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I’ll also share where the recipes come from if I can link them. Often I throw something on the menu and just go with it such as our baked fish and sautéed green beans. I don’t do anything fancy, but season it with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Some days those simple meals we’ve made a hundred times are just what we need. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you want to try any of our meals we have planned go ahead and scroll down to either grab the recipe link or work it into your own weekly plan. Happy Meal Planning!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cApH4tdNL-4/X_Sm5scpNWI/AAAAAAAAJX0/bT8NRU8zcnUY9AjemecuetnC5tJSSk1TwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1449/IMG_4281.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cApH4tdNL-4/X_Sm5scpNWI/AAAAAAAAJX0/bT8NRU8zcnUY9AjemecuetnC5tJSSk1TwCLcBGAsYHQ/w366-h640/IMG_4281.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto/#recipe1329" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Pesto Recipe</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(We grow <strike>pesto</strike> basil (mom brain) in our garden in the summer, harvest it and make large batches of pesto to freeze so we can eat all winter long. Also omit the pine nuts if you have a nut allergy)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://platedcravings.com/air-fryer-potato-wedges/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Air Fryer Potato Wedges</span></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://sprinkles-ontop.blogspot.com/2016/05/nebraska-bred-girl.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Chipotle Lime Rice</span></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Taco Seasoning (see below)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/242363/lentil-soup-with-garlicky-vinaigrette/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringContentType=Search" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Lentil Soup with Garlicky Vinaigrette</span></a> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://tasty.co/recipe/ratatouille" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Ratatouille</span></a> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Homemade Pizza Dough from Magnolia Table Cookbook Vol. 2 page 29</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOyEsaqCOJw/X_SqSiGJANI/AAAAAAAAJYA/U7c8E7dHCsUs5fSc-AGjKt_ezqu7MG6swCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOyEsaqCOJw/X_SqSiGJANI/AAAAAAAAJYA/U7c8E7dHCsUs5fSc-AGjKt_ezqu7MG6swCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/3.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-71209576160299850542020-12-09T12:41:00.001-05:002020-12-22T13:31:52.785-05:00Christmas Gift Guides for Kids<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Lqt6taf0I/X-IzGyIc3EI/AAAAAAAAJWU/ziGCGEBDMDMQEpOsc_q8yIMosan5RhcwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Lqt6taf0I/X-IzGyIc3EI/AAAAAAAAJWU/ziGCGEBDMDMQEpOsc_q8yIMosan5RhcwACLcBGAsYHQ/w427-h640/3.png" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">| <a href="https://www.amazon.com/OOLY-Easy-Children-Crayon-133-5/dp/B00IPL2HH0/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=Ooly+crayons&qid=1608660996&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSERCODVGWkRGUk5MJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTcyOTY1M0NHUVhDNUs4SFhVRiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDIxMTk2M1E3M1hTUTJIRTVSMyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=" target="_blank">CRAYONS </a>| <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jellycat-Fuddlewuddle-Stuffed-Animal-Medium/dp/B0076J0PH6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=JELLYCAT+puppy&qid=1608660918&sr=8-2" target="_blank">PLUSH PUPPY</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/FUNNY-SUPPLY-Childrens-Playroom-Birthday/dp/B07RK2DYPB/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3TZU8BQKU1A4O&dchild=1&keywords=macrame+swing&psr=EY17&qid=1608661058&s=todays-deals&sprefix=macram%2Ctodays-deals%2C189&sr=1-4" target="_blank">SWING</a> | <a href="https://www.target.com/p/wooden-toy-farm-animal-set-hearth-38-hand-8482-with-magnolia/-/A-79679224#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">WOOD ANIMALS</a> | <a href="https://www.target.com/p/chuckle-38-roar-jumbo-4-39-x-3-39-aqua-draw-doodle-mat/-/A-79406358#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">DOODLE MAT </a>|</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Icsb-xF1nnE/X-IzG86_gGI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/0r-hhM3n618vLGtTEX5-3JLKyp4tPKT5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Icsb-xF1nnE/X-IzG86_gGI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/0r-hhM3n618vLGtTEX5-3JLKyp4tPKT5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/2.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">| <a href="https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=651086002&cid=9470&pcid=9470&vid=1&nav=meganav%3ABoys%3ACategories%3APajamas&grid=pds_19_50_1&cpos=21&cexp=1567&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D9470&cvar=11754&ctype=Listing&cpid=res20122210215219429328674#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">SLIPPERS</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Slinky-Brand-Collectors-Original-Multicolor/dp/B08GH7YQG9/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=slinky&psr=EY17&qid=1608659484&s=todays-deals&sr=1-3-catcorr" target="_blank">SLINKY</a> | <a href="https://www.target.com/p/wooden-toy-treehouse-hearth-38-hand-8482-with-magnolia/-/A-79679236#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">TREE HOUSE</a> | BOOK SET | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Luckkid-Night-Projector-Degree-Rotation/dp/B07HJ73ZMN/ref=sr_1_5?crid=V8MUFOWK0O21&dchild=1&keywords=star+night+light+projector&qid=1608661449&sprefix=star+night+light%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-5" target="_blank">STAR NIGHT LIGHT</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/CASSARO-Waldorf-Wooden-Play-Clips/dp/B07Q3X7QWY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=wood+fort+clips&psr=EY17&qid=1608661498&s=todays-deals&sr=1-1" target="_blank">WOOD CLIPS </a>|</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtusXPH8YVA/X-IzGqGR8xI/AAAAAAAAJWM/PglBjrMThDwfWKQb6yyiI_D5l5TwqM3FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtusXPH8YVA/X-IzGqGR8xI/AAAAAAAAJWM/PglBjrMThDwfWKQb6yyiI_D5l5TwqM3FwCLcBGAsYHQ/w427-h640/1.png" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">| <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Calico-Critters-Sunshine-Nursery-Bus/dp/B078J5LL3P/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=calico+critter+bus&qid=1608661537&sr=8-1" target="_blank">TOY BUS</a> | <a href="https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=651357002&cid=76918&pcid=76918&vid=1&nav=meganav%3AToddler%3AToddler%20Girl%2012m%20to%205y%3APajamas&grid=pds_63_91_1&cpos=75&cexp=1567&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D76918&ctype=Listing&cpid=res2012221029016179977458#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">SLIPPERS</a> | <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/stmt-story-magic-wood-abc-beads-set/5740731?country=US&currency=USD&mrkgadid=3313959804&mrkgcl=760&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=&utm_content=9386044433&utm_term=pla-70089859193&utm_channel=low_nd_shopping_standard&sp_source=google&sp_campaign=645549284&adpos=&creative=57224591633&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&acctid=21700000001689570&dskeywordid=92700049880279973&lid=92700049880279973&ds_s_kwgid=58700005465914516&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007631122&dsproductgroupid=70089859193&product_id=31804850&merchid=1243147&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&locationid=1021185&targetid=pla-70089859193&campaignid=645549284&adgroupid=9386044433&gclid=CjwKCAiAz4b_BRBbEiwA5XlVVuMsuwM0V5KQR4AtxsQURj2kdp4VdlEGK61dq2WVWWDa1OjtG0cmnxoCLkUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">BEAD SET </a>| <a href="https://campcastleplaymats.com/collections/mini-play-mats-1" target="_blank">ACTIVITY MAT</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BalanceFrom-Tri-Fold-Exercise-Gymnastics-Protective/dp/B07D3NZHV4/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=acro+mat&qid=1608661763&sr=8-5" target="_blank">ACRO MAT</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kuxuan-Inline-Adjustable-Rollerblades-Illuminating/dp/B07B93BZQH/ref=sr_1_14?crid=18FF2W2P7P6TE&dchild=1&keywords=rollerblades+for+girls&qid=1608661864&sprefix=rollerblades+%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-14" target="_blank">ROLLERBLADES </a>|</div><br /><p></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-36620243614857696042020-09-09T13:42:00.009-04:002020-09-09T13:47:22.131-04:00Fall Reading Logs<p style="text-align: center;"> Fall and Halloween reading logs are here! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKILWj-yP5M/X1kSItmmtOI/AAAAAAAAJTE/gmxv1Ow7KM4UjAA5Yjy2RuRO-llMZJUkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKILWj-yP5M/X1kSItmmtOI/AAAAAAAAJTE/gmxv1Ow7KM4UjAA5Yjy2RuRO-llMZJUkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w386-h500/2.png" width="386" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rd7-Wz0fje0/X1kSIjyd2RI/AAAAAAAAJTI/X-fN1u79wL0PV5CTCgh945Q3T0Xy0WZ1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rd7-Wz0fje0/X1kSIjyd2RI/AAAAAAAAJTI/X-fN1u79wL0PV5CTCgh945Q3T0Xy0WZ1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w386-h500/3.png" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>PDF File: <a href="https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:5d367a26-2518-4a99-984e-9e81fc601662 "><span style="color: #a64d79;">HERE</span></a></i></b></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-4739615119389425212020-09-05T16:23:00.003-04:002020-09-05T16:23:36.129-04:00autumn themed sensory rice<p style="text-align: center;">Now that I’m homeschooling all four kiddos at different levels I’m going back to my preschool days of teaching and pulling out all the sensory activities. Regardless of age all our kids love sensory play. Not only is it fun, but it also helps to break up their structured learning throughout the morning and it always keeps them busy. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs_9aU1lx8c/X1Pw350G01I/AAAAAAAAJSI/2S84YdABr68XspcGN2dE_h8XmjS-pBo_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/445D0890-AE67-4959-8A26-1A9E888F05FF-354BBC32-3D34-445C-A975-8D654A934120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs_9aU1lx8c/X1Pw350G01I/AAAAAAAAJSI/2S84YdABr68XspcGN2dE_h8XmjS-pBo_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/445D0890-AE67-4959-8A26-1A9E888F05FF-354BBC32-3D34-445C-A975-8D654A934120.JPG" width="400" /></a></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Today we made a few different batches of colored rice for our sensory table to use this fall. We mixed up green, orange and yellow for a fall leaf theme and we also mixed up purple, orange, green, pink and black for halloween. The kids have always enjoyed scooping and pouring rice, but it’s great for burying letters, numbers, flash cards, animals, pumpkins etc and trying to find them. Making colored rice is simple and there are a few different ways to do make it. I opted for all food safe ingredients just in case a few grains make it into Etta’s mouth! So here you go...instructions can be found at the bottom 😉</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fG_S7kRTNk/X1PwvSrCq-I/AAAAAAAAJR0/hJ6ojnG99_M1MVFAgCsyvCaqSrPxzIAUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8A93E766-EE8E-40AB-AC54-9D5042B631DF-CED0CB15-D9ED-4C21-88EE-CE1C9FDE7B3D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fG_S7kRTNk/X1PwvSrCq-I/AAAAAAAAJR0/hJ6ojnG99_M1MVFAgCsyvCaqSrPxzIAUACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/8A93E766-EE8E-40AB-AC54-9D5042B631DF-CED0CB15-D9ED-4C21-88EE-CE1C9FDE7B3D.JPG" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0x6142NPxE/X1Pw3m4t3PI/AAAAAAAAJSE/PTi5uQdxXlsJmumWGbIQoYj4NCyKJvAcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0E08482A-A6D7-4472-8789-B665D038F3BC-4A148F8C-0D69-4DCF-9CCA-CE7D9D649FBE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0x6142NPxE/X1Pw3m4t3PI/AAAAAAAAJSE/PTi5uQdxXlsJmumWGbIQoYj4NCyKJvAcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/0E08482A-A6D7-4472-8789-B665D038F3BC-4A148F8C-0D69-4DCF-9CCA-CE7D9D649FBE.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJzIAewshak/X1Pw4Bax_ZI/AAAAAAAAJSU/L3d046SgMbAavw6ej330jBGv-b-IgnbhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C90EDC2C-3F0B-4F33-94F0-84BC5C87038E-00274595-6283-4DCF-A7CD-8FF4D29CDD98.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJzIAewshak/X1Pw4Bax_ZI/AAAAAAAAJSU/L3d046SgMbAavw6ej330jBGv-b-IgnbhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/C90EDC2C-3F0B-4F33-94F0-84BC5C87038E-00274595-6283-4DCF-A7CD-8FF4D29CDD98.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcg9h8U8d4c/X1Pwhjk7wVI/AAAAAAAAJRw/VYJWkuQoLKEzGUkb_Lvg2DQNz9RhfhtwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FC77456F-33D1-48AA-98EB-484EB9EC002A-3A706157-99C4-4881-B15E-20CCA8FD90AA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcg9h8U8d4c/X1Pwhjk7wVI/AAAAAAAAJRw/VYJWkuQoLKEzGUkb_Lvg2DQNz9RhfhtwACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/FC77456F-33D1-48AA-98EB-484EB9EC002A-3A706157-99C4-4881-B15E-20CCA8FD90AA.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0ZNeLpsmL4/X1Pw35CQYsI/AAAAAAAAJSM/hpd0ZpNzKhMHdNeARiwoIHr7y5ACm9b1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8C715593-FE1B-44D3-8CA9-6EC2B05D3CA7-5D4FAF09-7E19-4CC1-B23E-D1F42BAE5527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0ZNeLpsmL4/X1Pw35CQYsI/AAAAAAAAJSM/hpd0ZpNzKhMHdNeARiwoIHr7y5ACm9b1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/8C715593-FE1B-44D3-8CA9-6EC2B05D3CA7-5D4FAF09-7E19-4CC1-B23E-D1F42BAE5527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp4_iNlUqQU/X1PywYXo65I/AAAAAAAAJS0/FKi_tOWGaXY1PR_EqAo9XBvo_U_flV8DwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Colored%2BSensory%2BRice.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp4_iNlUqQU/X1PywYXo65I/AAAAAAAAJS0/FKi_tOWGaXY1PR_EqAo9XBvo_U_flV8DwCLcBGAsYHQ/w333-h500/Colored%2BSensory%2BRice.png" width="333" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pdf version right <a href="https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:ef44122a-1046-48f2-9eeb-2880ce7c1759" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">HERE!</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-57539657411723967972020-07-09T10:42:00.000-04:002020-07-09T10:42:42.599-04:00printable chore charts<div style="text-align: center;">over the last few months our chore routine has become inconsistent. maybe this has happened in your home too. we’re not going anywhere, we’re not seeing anyone, the priority is still there, but it’s slid on the list of things to do. especially since we were out of town for several weeks and now we’re full blown into the summer months. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">it actually dawned on me to revise our chore charts for summer, but the thought slipped away and then i saw someone on IG share a free printable and of course i lost that too. so i recreated what i saw and if anyone you know who created this original design please let me know so i can credit them. anyways...we are not super strict on chores and don’t want to make it something the kids dread, but understand that we are all part of this family and we all contribute and help each other. this chart is simple to act as a checklist as they can look and know what age appropriate chores can be done each day. we’re also notorious for the ‘oh i forgot to do (blank)’...you know how distractions can easily get the best of us. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">so in an effort to find some kind of order again amongst the crazy i’ve added these charts below for you to print yourselves in case you need a little order in your life like me. happy friday!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:dfdabfe7-587f-4523-a61a-27d6d3f0fbee" target="_blank"><font color="#13786e">CHORE CHART LINK</font></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TL19wmX9QK8/XwcsPCPiVKI/AAAAAAAAJPQ/6S7bSR3_rbAvc7t6C17wdDLqRP4WugBBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TL19wmX9QK8/XwcsPCPiVKI/AAAAAAAAJPQ/6S7bSR3_rbAvc7t6C17wdDLqRP4WugBBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w386-h500/1.png" width="386" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISBQYP_hKBA/XwcsPNYcPdI/AAAAAAAAJPM/xHFrD4HBUnEULKuFpI6YaDlymk0cEiQbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISBQYP_hKBA/XwcsPNYcPdI/AAAAAAAAJPM/xHFrD4HBUnEULKuFpI6YaDlymk0cEiQbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w386-h500/2.png" width="386" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-27088303760197271232020-07-06T15:27:00.000-04:002020-07-09T10:42:30.769-04:00Chocolate Hazelnut Frozen Fudge Bars<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, so if you love fudge bars then you need to stop what you’re doing and mix these simple homemade fudge bars up right now! We love all the fun and festive frozen treats in the summer and I was eager to try and make our own fudge bars where I could control the ingredients and just try something different. I didn’t think fudge bars would be too difficult and my original thought was to just freeze chocolate milk, but I didn’t want it to be icy milk. Does that make sense? </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After looking at a few different recipes I chose to mix up two of our favorites chocolatey ingredients: fairlife chocolate milk and chocolate hazelnut spread. Mindblowing! Why has it taken us this long to put these two together?!?! First off if you haven’t had the Fairlife chocolate milk I really think you’re missing out. It’s absolutely delicious and to pair it with the hazelnut spread is just dynamite.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3g8JT57H9V4/XwN05VcIXvI/AAAAAAAAJOo/8CME8dcp-QMEUxYU5APnaL7anxZsIc2jgCK4BGAsYHg/s3024/A265DAFB-5E46-469E-AF5C-E7D108FD7945-F29CC7CD-703B-49DC-A257-CEB9C86B6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3g8JT57H9V4/XwN05VcIXvI/AAAAAAAAJOo/8CME8dcp-QMEUxYU5APnaL7anxZsIc2jgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/A265DAFB-5E46-469E-AF5C-E7D108FD7945-F29CC7CD-703B-49DC-A257-CEB9C86B6230.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Chocolate Hazelnut Frozen Fudge Bars</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*makes 6 frozen bars*</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1-1/2 cups chocolate milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a bowl whisk together chocolate hazelnut spread and chocolate milk until combine. Pour into popsicle mold. Freeze overnight. Remove and enjoy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XG_1iHj9RM/XwN046BHkKI/AAAAAAAAJOk/9hU9Wcj4tWICpM7HxghES17Z7z0VMOxjACK4BGAsYHg/s3024/4DB5777C-9822-4501-A987-98E1DDE01754-3BF05920-0737-4CB3-A404-97D3A61356D6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XG_1iHj9RM/XwN046BHkKI/AAAAAAAAJOk/9hU9Wcj4tWICpM7HxghES17Z7z0VMOxjACK4BGAsYHg/s320/4DB5777C-9822-4501-A987-98E1DDE01754-3BF05920-0737-4CB3-A404-97D3A61356D6.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This post is not at all sponsored, just me sharing something we love and use. </div></div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-39749212066732692582020-06-18T19:12:00.000-04:002020-06-18T19:12:19.619-04:00Guest Room Makeover for $500<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>In early March we had plans to host our friends and our guest room really needed some love. We hadn’t done anything to this space since building our home six years ago. It was a blank slate, a very boring, plain, blank slate and it was perfect for a little makeover.</div><div><br /></div><div>We wanted to try to use things we already had on hand and keep this makeover on a minimum budget of $500. We felt it was doable based on what we had and what we wanted to do. We already had the bed, linens, curtains and leftover paint in the garage. We built our design around those things and then went straight to work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our home is a craftsman style and our interior has some modern farmhouse touches so we decided to add some texture and dimension to the walls by adding board and batten using 1x3 boards. This was fairly simple for us since we installed this same thing in both our entryway and dining room a few years ago.</div><div>Instead of purchasing two full size bedside tables, we built two and attached them to the wall using a stair tread and two corbels for each side. We also swapped out the light for a ceiling fan to help keep guests comfortable and lastly, added some adorable wooden pegs near the door. </div><div><br /></div><div>For decor we shopped the house again and pulled the vintage floral print I found from a local antique shop a couple tears ago. I love having a diffuser for our guests as well especially if they’re not familiar with essential oils because this gives them an opportunity to try them. I think it’s also important to have extra blankets and throws just in case it’s a little chilly. </div><div>Hopefully we can host friends or family in this space soon, but until then it’s being used a nice little quiet getaway for us!</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36e6GF64P4k/Xuvwlxmg8VI/AAAAAAAAJLo/kesynShxniEy69tlYD40vEmiIUGp2QnbgCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/AC613B0C-3623-4490-8DA9-FA87AEB0773D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36e6GF64P4k/Xuvwlxmg8VI/AAAAAAAAJLo/kesynShxniEy69tlYD40vEmiIUGp2QnbgCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h375/AC613B0C-3623-4490-8DA9-FA87AEB0773D.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9No9VpYbtE/XuvwmhQFGhI/AAAAAAAAJLs/Y5r-EESTJIwO7QdeNtFG4hIzyCv-GltdQCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/0EAEC6A5-00E2-4773-889B-064E64DDA087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9No9VpYbtE/XuvwmhQFGhI/AAAAAAAAJLs/Y5r-EESTJIwO7QdeNtFG4hIzyCv-GltdQCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h375/0EAEC6A5-00E2-4773-889B-064E64DDA087.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xl2vkQO-Mjs/XuvwnAntSqI/AAAAAAAAJLw/Nf1FKZaFvMA4M9gangeH45_Dvspn-194ACK4BGAsYHg/s4032/3BC83ACD-16A1-4426-A86B-74FFA1071C86.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xl2vkQO-Mjs/XuvwnAntSqI/AAAAAAAAJLw/Nf1FKZaFvMA4M9gangeH45_Dvspn-194ACK4BGAsYHg/w375-h500/3BC83ACD-16A1-4426-A86B-74FFA1071C86.JPG" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb4doua_17w/Xuvwn6-vA1I/AAAAAAAAJL0/HZDdnjOXQsoaP8UcmMBcExxb9ZpKmWIfgCK4BGAsYHg/s3024/4D1D0D6E-2BF8-4F56-8955-4A22E31D182C.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb4doua_17w/Xuvwn6-vA1I/AAAAAAAAJL0/HZDdnjOXQsoaP8UcmMBcExxb9ZpKmWIfgCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h500/4D1D0D6E-2BF8-4F56-8955-4A22E31D182C.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SaRGSw7hRE/XuvwoWHkdaI/AAAAAAAAJL4/_1kM9BPZ2-kNV2_b-MfYBVuZAK7R8HJXACK4BGAsYHg/s3024/2A5E2C8E-758B-4403-A302-2B7B97FBC7B9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SaRGSw7hRE/XuvwoWHkdaI/AAAAAAAAJL4/_1kM9BPZ2-kNV2_b-MfYBVuZAK7R8HJXACK4BGAsYHg/w500-h500/2A5E2C8E-758B-4403-A302-2B7B97FBC7B9.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3FvqECzb0g/XuvwpdVM-cI/AAAAAAAAJL8/WHf8HCmCZzQKalhhcke9wjSbMs2-0c-6wCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/14363BF7-CABE-4B26-B9AA-6D92674EADED.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3FvqECzb0g/XuvwpdVM-cI/AAAAAAAAJL8/WHf8HCmCZzQKalhhcke9wjSbMs2-0c-6wCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h375/14363BF7-CABE-4B26-B9AA-6D92674EADED.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here’s the room before we started...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lKD8bDXg768/XuvwqOWqEJI/AAAAAAAAJMA/6jjcXLlEo3Y4hP-EbCQq4liFGLdbgo70QCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_6162.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lKD8bDXg768/XuvwqOWqEJI/AAAAAAAAJMA/6jjcXLlEo3Y4hP-EbCQq4liFGLdbgo70QCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h375/IMG_6162.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">//source list//</div><div style="text-align: center;">table lamp / <a href="https://www.target.com/p/knox-adjustable-shaded-table-lamp-black-threshold-8482/-/A-54581415" target="_blank"><font color="#24745f">target</font></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">rug / <a href="https://www.target.com/p/tri-striped-area-rug-hearth-hand-with-magnolia/-/A-79524188?preselect=76845091#lnk=sametab" target="_blank"><font color="#27554c">hearth & hand by magnolia</font></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">bed / <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/keyword.php?keyword=metal+bed&class_id=" target="_blank"><font color="#28593f">joss & main</font></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">bedding / <a href="https://www.potterybarn.com/shop/bedding/?cm_type=gnav" target="_blank"><font color="#2d5e4a">pottery barn</font></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">board & batten paint color / BM Super White</div><div style="text-align: center;">wall color / SW Still Water</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-32116928952401331972020-05-18T15:32:00.000-04:002020-05-28T12:07:20.833-04:00Summer Reading <div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Summer break is here and we can hardly believe it, mostly because the last couple of months have been anything but normal. We finished our school year by driving from North Carolina to Nebraska and we’re spending a few weeks with family. We were all in need of a break and change of scenery and this was just the ticket. The kids have been loving all the time with grandparents and just being somewhere new. </div>
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It’s been fun to kick off our summer with so much family around, but to keep the kids on some sort of a schedule while we’re here and even through summer I’m keeping reading high priority. We actually changed things up this past year with our required reading at home. Instead of giving our kids allowance for doing chores we decided to shift it to reading. Why? Mostly because we feel that household chores should be part of our family unit and instead we’re giving the kids an allowance for <i>reading! </i>This has encouraged them to read and we hope it leads them to a love for reading. I’ve heard of families doing this several different ways either paying by number of pages, chapters or by completed book. I love this so much because it really can be tailored to any reader, family and income. Based on our readers we base the allowance by every 50 pages and round to the nearest 50. Here’s an example....Let’s say every 50 pages earns $1. For a child who’s currently reading 100-150 pages books gets her an average of $2 to $3 per book.</div>
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We also have a few stipulations; the kids have to be able to read the majority of the book on their own cover to cover and they have to give us a simple report on the book to help build on comprehensive. </div>
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The best thing about this change has been if the kids are trying to save up for something they’re usually spending more time reading than anything else. So far this whole idea has been a win! </div>
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Since we’re now on summer break I created simple reading logs for the kids. These are fun to keep track of books read and gives some fun topics that may be outside of their radar, but are still centered around summer themes. For older kids I included a basic log to write each book title and pages read. Once it’s filled, we will print another one and keep on reading. I’m really hoping our local libraries will open soon, but if not we can always dig through our own books or reach out to friends and do a book swap!</div>
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To print our fun Summertime Reading Logs scroll to the bottom for the PDF link or just save each picture.</div>
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Happy Reading!</div>
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Click below to grab our reading logs.</div>
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<b><a href="https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:bdf49e43-fe63-4fc0-978c-949da3b5483d" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Summer Reading Logs</span></a></b></div>
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-14076611865158566472020-04-07T14:54:00.000-04:002020-04-07T14:54:21.334-04:00Simple Potato Stamping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbJt4RZDwJc/XozIRQ7alDI/AAAAAAAAJHU/RcnCKknqb6k8PwU3ejrtxEAP1rOWJcmQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pink%2BPhoto%2BQuote%2BWomen%2527s%2BDay%2BInstagram%2BPost.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbJt4RZDwJc/XozIRQ7alDI/AAAAAAAAJHU/RcnCKknqb6k8PwU3ejrtxEAP1rOWJcmQACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Pink%2BPhoto%2BQuote%2BWomen%2527s%2BDay%2BInstagram%2BPost.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seeking some spring inspired art fun? Potato stamping isn’t just an oldie, but it’s a goody and one that can be thoroughly enjoyed by all ages. If you have older kids have them help carve different designs and pictures into the potatoes using kitchen utensils, forks or a toothpick. The trick to good potato stamps is letting the potatoes dry out before using so they’re not too wet. </div>
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Materials Needed:</div>
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Potatoes</div>
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Sharp Knife</div>
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Tool to carve such as a toothpick, fork, or measuring spoon.</div>
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Paper towel</div>
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Paints</div>
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Paintbrush (optional)</div>
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Paper</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESim4oC6G04/XozIZ8KlHqI/AAAAAAAAJH0/aoWK8mtzx3IhBJ93qt8ywwZvU5qAL2zCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/F1D3F2EF-957E-428F-9179-F592AD308CF6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESim4oC6G04/XozIZ8KlHqI/AAAAAAAAJH0/aoWK8mtzx3IhBJ93qt8ywwZvU5qAL2zCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/F1D3F2EF-957E-428F-9179-F592AD308CF6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Start by slicing potatoes in half and pat dry. If potatoes are really large, you may want to cut into thirds so smaller hand can hold them. </div>
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Next, use different kitchen utensils to carve shapes and pattern design into each potato slice. We used a tiny measuring spoon to create polka dots, a seafood pick to draw a bunny, rainbow and even zigzags. Once you have carved your design, lay each potato slice face down on a paper towel to let them dry for a few minutes while you get the paint ready.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw4tCsh56p4/XozIVrlXGCI/AAAAAAAAJHc/obR2OzOusX8rCZ6ywmTtazHnnke7rg4aACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2329C9F5-93FD-4B4D-B73D-7700EE849DFF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw4tCsh56p4/XozIVrlXGCI/AAAAAAAAJHc/obR2OzOusX8rCZ6ywmTtazHnnke7rg4aACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2329C9F5-93FD-4B4D-B73D-7700EE849DFF.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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To begin stamping dip each potato slice into desired color. If paint is a little thick you may want to blot it slightly or you can do what my kids did, they painted their potato surface. This was perfect for adding more than one color to each stamp. Then press potato down firmly on paper and lift. You now have a fun a unique design left behind.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9N0YPmSJlSI/XozIVBV0mKI/AAAAAAAAJHY/AvCJIymRgvoCht7pCPFNkIzG9ZajtE5rACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1118E44C-6E80-443D-87FD-4F8BF39F2850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9N0YPmSJlSI/XozIVBV0mKI/AAAAAAAAJHY/AvCJIymRgvoCht7pCPFNkIzG9ZajtE5rACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/1118E44C-6E80-443D-87FD-4F8BF39F2850.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-55680544606145506432020-03-15T13:17:00.000-04:002020-03-15T14:15:21.251-04:00Educational Resources<div style="text-align: center;">
Need ideas for keep your kids busy these next few weeks? We totally have your back!</div>
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If you caught my stories (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachbraden/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">@rachbraden</span></a>) this morning remember to embrace these next few weeks with your kiddos as we navigate through this crazy time. Don’t forget to breathe, give yourself a lot of grace and have fun! Today I talked to my teachers and fellow homeschooling friends and collected tons of resources for you to use with your families. I’ll be sharing more on social media as they become available and known, so be sure to follow me so you can be informed!</div>
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Some of these websites are always free, some usually come with a fee, but the company has waived it for our special circumstances. Keep in mind a lot of these offer an array of educational lessons and activities for a wide age range. Also, don’t forget kids learn so much through PLAY! It may seem like they’re just playing with blocks or the kitchen but they are applying different concepts all the time!</div>
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These two links below have OODLES of ideas for you!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">3 Weeks of Maker Stations</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T4CZCt8hJqYLVT5ZVYpR7SgHLWDWaaUO/view"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T4CZCt8hJqYLVT5ZVYpR7SgHLWDWaaUO/view</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">150+ Enrichment Activities for Children While Parents are Working Remotely </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KCFnWreu4v7VoO3NbgP-Qcq2LyE1FvliYSoiTLRY7Qg/htmlview?usp=sharing&sle=true"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KCFnWreu4v7VoO3NbgP-Qcq2LyE1FvliYSoiTLRY7Qg/htmlview?usp=sharing&sle=true</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>YouTube Channels</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Cosmic Kids Yoga</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">National Geographic Kids</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXVCgDuD_QCkI7gTKU7-tpg"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXVCgDuD_QCkI7gTKU7-tpg</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Art for Kids Hub</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ArtforKidsHub"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.youtube.com/user/ArtforKidsHub</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Homeschool Pop</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPyVJEBD7Di1YYjTdS2v8g"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfPyVJEBD7Di1YYjTdS2v8g</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Smile & Learn</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxoDMG0tvaYO5Xobvtqw5nw/featured"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxoDMG0tvaYO5Xobvtqw5nw/featured</span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Learning Resources</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Crayola</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">The Mailbox</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.themailbox.com/search/lessons"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.themailbox.com/search/lessons</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Learn in Color</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://learnincolor.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://learnincolor.com</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Dallas Mom Collective</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://dallas.momcollective.com/20-indoor-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://dallas.momcollective.com/20-indoor-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Storyline Online</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.storylineonline.net/library/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.storylineonline.net/library/</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Learning A-Z</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.learninga-z.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.learninga-z.com</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Mystery Science</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://mysteryscience.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://mysteryscience.com</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Switcheroo Zoo</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://switchzoo.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://switchzoo.com</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Teachers Pay Teachers </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.teacherspayteachers.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>StarFall</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.starfall.com/h/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.starfall.com/h/</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">EPIC</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.getepic.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.getepic.com</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Into The Book</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://reading.ecb.org/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://reading.ecb.org</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Suessville</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.seussville.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.seussville.com</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">ABC YA</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.abcya.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.abcya.com</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Fun Brain</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.funbrain.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.funbrain.com</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">PBS Kids</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://pbskids.org/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://pbskids.org</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Highlights</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.highlights.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">https://www.highlights.com</span></a></div>
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If you’re looking to build you library at home I highly suggest checking out Usborne Books. We have several and they have outstanding books for learning. </div>
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If you don’t know an Usborne Book Lady check out my friend Lindsey </div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">(</span><a href="https://e9369.myubam.com/c/154/learning-at-home" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Click HERE</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c;">)</span></b></div>
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Lastly, check out my Amazon Idea Lists for homeschooling, art supplies, games and sensory fun!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://a.co/6DCA11L" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Homeschool List</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://a.co/5lPiR8I" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Art Supplies</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><a href="http://a.co/hXnwXRs" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Sensory Play</a></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://a.co/bUxY8RE" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Games</a></span></b></div>
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Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-84825936372070938442019-10-07T14:50:00.001-04:002019-10-07T14:50:24.967-04:00Fall Movie Marathon 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our weeks have become very busy this year, so much so that whenever we have a teeny bit of downtime we try to rest as much as possible. We are movie fanatics and love to spend a cozy fall afternoon cozied up on the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn watching one of our favorite fall flicks. </div>
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It’s easy to look at fall and just think about spooky movies that focus around halloween, but there are so many other good ones that fall into the fall category that aren’t at all spooky and totally family friendly. We are all currently obsessed with Wonder and have watched over and over again!</div>
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What are some of your favorite flicks to snuggle up to in the fall? We’d love to hear about them!</div>
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-74814074800279720502019-09-30T18:23:00.000-04:002019-09-30T18:23:28.596-04:00How We Saved $400 in a Month<div style="text-align: center;">
We are clearly in the thick on parenting and babies which keeps us pretty busy when we’re not getting busy. Yep. I just said that. It’s no secret. With lots of babies comes lots of things to drain our money like activities, clothes, food, etc etc etc. We make it a priority to be as frugal as possible in the areas we see fit. Sure, we could save probably more than what I’ve titled this blog post, but we choose to spend money in areas that may not be a priority to others and that’s okay. Where we save money, may be an area where someone wants to spend a little more. To each their own! But if you’re in the trenches of life and finances are getting the best of you, maybe sharing how we save can help you save.</div>
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Here we go! Four ways to save big...</div>
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1) Satellite TV. Over the summer we decided to cut the cord on our satellite tv package. We did this when we were first married because we were always working and never home. Now we’re home, but still not watching tv enough to make it worth shelling out $120 just for cable. Truth be told we stream Netflix more than anything and will subscribe to Disney’s new streaming platform once it’s available. We still like having access to a few of our favorites so we opted for SlingTV for as low as $25 a month. Doing this over the summer for us made it so much easier since there weren’t a lot of shows on anyways. There are also other options depending what fits you best like Hulu, Philo, PlayStation Vue, YouTube TV and DirecTV Now, but overall if you’re looking to save ditching the cable is a big one!</div>
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**Check out this article to learn and compare different services.<a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/best-live-tv-streaming-services-for-cord-cutters/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b> HERE</b></span></a></div>
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2) Spending Freeze Week. If you’re not familiar with Jordan Page, she’s is queen of savings and the one whom we adopted this concept from. Nearly every month we plan for a week where we freeze all our spending. That means no eating out, no grocery shopping, no home shopping, no clothing shopping, nothing....unless there’s an emergency, but it has to be a legitimate emergency like running out of diapers or one of the kids is sick sort of thing. </div>
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**Learn more about Jordan Page on her site <a href="https://funcheaporfree.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Fun Cheap OR Free</b></span></a></div>
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3) Dining Out Freeze Week. Depending what our schedule looks like this week saves us from our lazy-I’m-tired-and-I-don’t-want-to-cook-because-the-kids-have-been-driving-me-crazy days. Let’s be real, grabbing lunch out, stopping at the coffee shop, ordering dinner, going out for ice cream all adds up quickly! These two weeks (spending freeze & dine out freeze) can be huge savings!</div>
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4) Create a budget. This was a foreign concept to us 5 years ago. We were scared of feeling like we couldn’t spend any money on anything, but that’s the lie that keeps so many people from creating a budget and finding freedom in their finances. A budget doesn’t mean you can’t spend money, it allows you to spend money; money that you are comfortable and able to spend. </div>
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We adapted the envelope cash system and love it. It’s been a huge blessing for us and has helped stay on track. Please know we are by no means perfect and we have months where we slip, but the there’s always a new month and you start over. We created different categories for our needs (grocery, home improvement, going out, etc) and place the cash into each category. Once the cash is gone for the month, it is gone. Anything leftover gets to go into our savings where we use for trips or use for Christmas. </div>
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Need to make a little extra? Start shopping your house for items you no longer use and put them up for sale. Clothes, toys, furniture, framed art are all easy to sell items. This is an easy way to bring in a little extra cash and set aside for fun things to do with the family or set it aside and save for something you’ve been needing or wanting without ever feeling like you’re breaking the bank!</div>
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-62501625406658230532019-09-26T14:26:00.003-04:002020-03-15T13:18:02.118-04:00Fall Bucket List 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It’s the first week of fall and we’re already crossing items off our bucket list! We get so excited for this time of the year as it’s always so fun and magical! Here’s what we’ve come up with for this glorious fall season...</div>
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-45025878136706259202019-09-10T23:48:00.000-04:002019-09-10T23:49:08.683-04:00Playroom Makeover<div style="text-align: center;">
The playroom is the one room that has gone through the most makeovers. In the last 5 years it’s been painted four times. If you remember we’ve done the chalkboard wall, gray and white stripes, plain white and now this deep aqua color. I love changing up a room even if it’s multiple times for a couple reasons...<br />
1) painting a room is one of the most inexpensive ways to completely change a space and<br />
2) I truly believe your home should always be evolving with your style. </div>
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Prior to this weekend the playroom was painted a shade of white with a lot of white furniture. It’s safe to say white is my safety net because anything can go with it, but all the white on white was boring me and I needed a change. Cue a few of my favorite IG accounts, one in particular, Chris Loves Julia. In their last house they painted their den a beautiful dark and moody color and added accents of wood. It was gorgeous and I knew the playroom would be the perfect room to do something similar. This room has a large double window with lots of natural light and white colored furniture to pop. </div>
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We started with a few different paint samples and chose Sherwin Williams Still Water. This color is so beautiful, but the tone can change depending on light and accents in a room. In the playroom it pulls more green, but in our kitchen it pulls more blue. (Yes, we painted a small section on the side of the kitchen cabinets to compare). It makes the room super cozy and warm and it’s feeding into all the fall vibes.<br />
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This room is also doubling as our homeschool room and we desperately needed a larger kids sized table. I didn’t find anything I loved without spending much more than I wanted so Mike and I planned to build one ourselves. However, early last week we realized we still had our old tall dining table and decided to up cycle it for the playroom. Mike trimmed the legs down to about 24 inches that fit our current chairs nicely and I gave it a coat of primer and white trim paint we had leftover in the garage. A crazy simple way to save money and reuse what we already had in the house! </div>
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I absolutely love how our white furniture pieces pop against the new color. The cabinets we purchased from IKEA over the summer have become the focal point of the room, but they’ve also created so much storage for us. It houses so many of our playroom favorites including all our art supplies, block sets, puzzles and games. I planned to share more about our playroom favorites, but since I want to share more specific items with you I’m going to save that for its own post. </div>
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To completely finish the room we’re ordering an additional set of chairs and on the hunt for a different rug to bring in a little more contrast. The kids are definitely looking forward to more seating, but more than anything they love how this room has become more and more of a space for them and I’m excited to create a space they love! </div>
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\Sources\</div>
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Wall Color \ <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6223-still-water#/6223/?s=coordinatingColors&p=PS0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Sherwin Williams Still Water</span></a></div>
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Glass Door Cabinets \<a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S29265820/#/S39265810" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> IKEA</span></a></div>
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Play Kitchen \ <a href="https://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/gray-chelsea-kitchen/?pkey=ckitchens&isx=0.0.604&group=1&sku=3918245" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Pottery Barn Kids</span></a></div>
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Rug \<a href="https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/rugs" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #134f5c;">Rugs USA</span></a></div>
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Chairs \<a href="https://www.target.com/p/set-of-2-industrial-activity-chair-pillowfort-153/-/A-53151341?preselect=52975280#lnk=sametab" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #134f5c;">Target</span></a></div>
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3319978801947599373.post-13106900974905617252019-08-25T10:26:00.003-04:002020-12-22T13:46:22.490-05:00Never Say Never<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week was a big week for us, Kensington started first grade! However, we are going against everything we’ve been taught and know. We started our homeschooling journey, something I said I would NEVER do! Do you have any idea how many times I’ve eaten that word, <i>never</i>? My mom always told me ‘<i>never say never</i>’ and you would think I would have learned, but I haven’t. I don’t think we ever do when we feel so sure about something. My mom and I laughed about it on the phone this week. She asked me what other things I said ‘never’ to and I thought I’d share...</div>
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<li>I would <i>NEVER</i> play basketball again after being horrible at it in 7th grade. I lack hand-eye coordination, trust me ask my hubby, but I somehow managed to make the team two years in a row in high school </li>
<li>I would <i>NEVER</i> move out of Nebraska. We have moved out of state twice, once to Maryland days after we were married and then to North Carolina. </li>
<li>I would <i>NEVER</i> marry a guy named Mike or Michael because there were too many in our family. This is just laughable because we began dating in high school. </li>
<li>I would <i>NEVER</i> homeschool annnnnnd here I am!</li>
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This whole process started about a year and a half ago and trust me I have been dragging my feet to get here. I most definitely did not want to do it, but Mike and I believe it’s a total God thing. He started preparing the way even though I tried to come up with a different solution over and over again. I have a teaching background and I know the social value of going to school. I know the independent growth that takes place. I know the standards. But as we got closer and closer to Kensington starting school I could literally feel it in my body that our public school system wasn’t the right fit for her. Based on some of her needs and her summer birthday we held her back for kindergarten and we loved the school we chose, but it was a preschool and didn’t offer first grade or higher. So we decided we would send her to our local charter school. It has a year round schedule and we liked their program. When the time came to enroll her the first grade class was full and our name was put into a lottery. At the end of spring we went to the lottery drawing to see where we fell on the waitlist and sure enough Kensi’s name was drawn dead last. Despite friends telling us she would surely get in at least by the first day of school that started in July we stayed hopeful but guess what, that school’s first day came and went and we never got a phone call about an available spot. Every single time I thought I could find a way around homeschooling, God shut the door and he shut it hard. With every door He closed on me, the more I felt uncomfortable and irritated. I was upset it wasn’t going as I had planned it. Why was this easy for everyone else except for us? Through the process I learned in order to grow we have to get out of our comfort zone and I was definitely moving out of my comfort zone. So we began to prepare for homeschooling and I became so overwhelmed and scared. I’ve gone through all the emotions and thoughts of am I going to mess her up? How am I going to teach her with the other kids at home? Will she be missing out? How is she going to make friends? What if I fail?<br />
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But God’s plan is ALWAYS so much better than our plan.<br />
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I didn’t realize the freedom that comes with homeschooling. I’ll be honest, when I said I would NEVER homeschool, all my thoughts lied with the homeschooling culture that was in Omaha during my time in college. It was nearly nonexistent and homeschooled children were viewed as odd balls. Omaha has several amazing school districts and options for parents and that’s what I was use to. Here, it’s not as broad, but we have an amazing homeschooling community! We have freedom in our schedule, freedom in our curriculum, freedom in teaching style, freedom in how she learns and freedom to choose what we expose to her. We even have a few families who homeschool on our street that we’ve become close with too.<br />
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I know we’ll have hard days. I know we will have days I’m going to lose my freakin’ mind and I’m going to want to throw the towel in and say forget it! But this past week, our first week, I have felt so much peace and I don’t doubt this is exactly what we’re meant to be doing. I have no doubt we were led to this exact place, with these exact neighbors, to our exact church with amazing mentors, to do this exact thing. I know I found my people and it looks so much different in every way I ever imagined it would be and it’s so good, because He is so GOOD.<br />
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834305379247082052noreply@blogger.com0