tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60911447779287340772024-03-18T12:26:26.633-04:00Eating in the ShowerA blog about a military family, parenting, and DIY remodeling projects, one house at a time.Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-30140992644255973092019-01-29T16:56:00.000-05:002019-01-29T16:56:34.993-05:00Making Base Housing Feel Like Home: Small Bathroom Decor Ideas<br />
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Anyone who lives in military base housing knows all too well how challenging it is to create a space that feels like home when painting or major DIY renovation projects aren't always an option. Even the smallest changes or DIY project is done with the knowledge that time in base housing is temporary and any change made will have to be changed back when we move out! This usually results in living with things we don't necessarily like about our house.<br />
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When we moved into our home on base, I knew the small downstairs powder room was going to be a challenging space to brighten up because of its size and shape. The room is narrow and deep in a hallway with little natural light; so it is usually dark. Like the rest of our house, the walls are bright white and textured so any DIY bathroom decor ideas needed to include color to brighten the space. We knew we would be moving and because it's on-base housing any bathroom vanity makeover needed to be temporary, removable, and inexpensive. For just a bit more than $100 and without paint, the small powder room was transformed using materials that could move with us to our next home.<br />
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Here is the bathroom when we moved into the house. The room felt cold, sterile, and dark despite the bright white walls.<br />
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Because so many details bothered me, including the face-height towel bar nowhere near the sink, it was hard to decide where to begin. The 3-bulb vanity light was not very pretty and the sink itself had no storage or way to conceal the plumbing attachments. My main goal was to prevent that from being the first thing people would see looking into the room!<br />
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A serendipitous online clearance sale on rolls of blue vinyl stripes that perfectly fit the bathroom vanity wall width made the decision to create a striped accent wall an easy one. I love a red, white, and blue combination for a nautical-looking room; especially in a small one like a powder room.<br />
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I purchased two rolls of 10 pre-cut navy blue vinyl stripes for $28 for the accent wall. I ended up using eleven stripes for the accent wall and although I was worried that it might be difficult for the vinyl stripes to adhere to a heavily textured wall, they stayed in place perfectly.<br />
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I found a wood look mirror at Homegoods for $32 and knew it would fill the area over the sink much better than the flat, boring mirror that was there and hold up to splashes or cleaning. We hung the new mirror right over the top of the old one so we didn't even have to worry about re-hanging it when we move. When I found a clearance three light vanity light with metal shades for $40 at Home Depot, the vanity area came together exactly how I wanted it to!<br />
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I shopped the rest of my house for the accessories we used. The blue whale was sitting in our toy closet.<br />
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By itself, it seemed out of place on the white wall but after adding metal hooks, rope, and a burlap ribbon, it fits perfectly next to the wood toned mirror over the sink.<br />
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After hanging the whale, the red lobster towel hook and red metal octopus joined in and basically turned the blue and white bathroom makeover into a red, white, and blue color scheme with a nautical/ocean theme I hadn't really planned but went with anyway.<br />
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I added one of our red gas station number signs and moved the toilet paper holder back into the nook where the toilet is because it made better sense to have it there (base housing) and so it wasn't one of the first things you see looking into the room.<br />
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The red octopus looked strange to me on its own, like the whale did before adding rope and ribbon to it, so I used an old reclaimed wood frame to give it more of a space of its own.<br />
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The last things I added to the bathroom makeover were two $18 Ikea shelves that matched the same wood color of the vanity mirror and with metal brackets similar in look to the metal vanity light. The two shelves sit over the toilet and help break up the tall, plain, bright white wall.<br />
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I added a tall vase soon after installing the shelves and took away the happy sign which made even more of a difference in how stark and bland the wall looked back there in the little cave-like area where the toilet is.<br />
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For just over $100, our small base housing bathroom was transformed with a vinyl stripes accent wall, new mirror, new vanity light, and two floating shelves. Colorful wall hangings that we had on hand finished brightening up the stark, all-white bathroom. Even though it's not usually possible to make permanent or expensive changes to military base housing, try small changes like these to make your base housing feel like home!<br />
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<br />Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com356tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-81153571257764629902017-05-06T17:15:00.000-04:002019-01-13T07:07:59.331-05:00Making Base Housing Feel Like Home: Kids' Rooms <span style="font-size: large;"> I wasn't sure how living in base housing was going to be and worried about how I would make everything we own fit, how I'd make it feel like home without being able to change things that bothered me, and how I would be able to stand a completely white interior. Every single wall, ceiling, door, and inch of trim in this house is white. It's not that we couldn't paint if we wanted- we didn't want to. Who wants to paint a house only to have to return it to white in what could be less than a year's time? Instead, I slowly learned to like the way that most of our things work on a white wall. Today I'm sharing some photos of our son's room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Since we are getting ready to move again, I'm trying to take photos of my favorite spaces in this house so that I'll be able to help the kids remember what we call the "Blue House."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Out of all of the white walls in this house, their walls were the easiest to brighten up. The kids' rooms were the first to feel like 'home' and even if they don't always remember these details, I'll be able to show them the photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our son turned five not long after we moved here and his room is playful and full of bright colors. This little book wall is my favorite part of the room and turned what was a small, white, empty box feeling room into a space that feels happy as soon as you walk inside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Noah's Ark mobile has hung in all of his rooms since he was born and even though he's outgrowing having a mobile in his room I plan to hang it in one more!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiddltTOObM/WQ3_OWy9LRI/AAAAAAAADVM/hfwGKaxZW5s82Wnju3gLLMEnWVV2Lx0hACLcB/s1600/BaseHousingBoyRoom.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Colorful Decor for Base Housing in Kids Rooms" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiddltTOObM/WQ3_OWy9LRI/AAAAAAAADVM/hfwGKaxZW5s82Wnju3gLLMEnWVV2Lx0hACLcB/s640/BaseHousingBoyRoom.png.jpg" title="Base Housing Boy Room" width="502" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The gas station number sign for his age and some of his own artwork combine with whatever objects come and go from the shelf. Our neighbor made him the lightning bolt and I painted it yellow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The best part about finding ways to add color to base housing without painting- as we get ready for another move- is that all of these things are coming with us! I'll share some pictures of our daughter's room next time.</span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-18485480050387717142016-07-27T06:26:00.000-04:002016-07-30T10:19:43.863-04:00STEALTHY HEALTHY BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nG5jHg4vxCs/V5fSDabM_vI/AAAAAAAADMU/hV212QzP8WU_SLM4s8AjDvTAju54txwpACLcB/s1600/correctedrecipe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stealthy Healthy Smoothie Recipe" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nG5jHg4vxCs/V5fSDabM_vI/AAAAAAAADMU/hV212QzP8WU_SLM4s8AjDvTAju54txwpACLcB/s1600/correctedrecipe.png" title="A healthy smoothie recipe designed for picky eaters" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've come to realize that in our house, the food one child loves is often the food the other child can't stand. One loves fruit but the other won't eat it. One loves eggs and yogurt but the other refuses to try them. The list goes on and makes preparing meals more of a challenge than it should be. I've had success renaming foods to coax the kids to try them and our "power shakes" are the perfect stealthy healthy breakfast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Smoothies are a way for fruits, healthy fat, and dairy to go undercover as a sweet tasting "shake" and straight into the stomachs of little ones not always willing to eat them. They happily drink them down without knowing the secrets inside this stealthy 007-ingredient smoothie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">A nurse at our pediatrician's office suggested I use weight gain shakes to move our daughter higher up on the growth chart but I was concerned with the ingredients used in them and instead tried incorporating more healthy fat into her smoothie. My super healthy-eating friend suggested adding fats like cooked egg yolk and coconut milk to her drink and when combined with the avocado and high fat yogurt I'd been using, this stealthy healthy smoothie became our go to breakfast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A lot of people have asked me about using the egg, skeptical about whether their kids would drink it, but it's undetectable in ours. I usually eat the egg white myself so I make a batch every Sunday to last for the smoothies I'll make during the week. Boiling the eggs is about the only prep that goes into the week's smoothies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I use a coconut cream that's very thick and silky smooth instead of coconut milk. One can lasts for several smoothies and I just store the remaining cream in a covered container in the fridge. I also use half of an 8 oz. container of lemon or honey Noosa yogurt. We love it and have it on hand all of the time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pl227sE4LU/V5fKMYKrRwI/AAAAAAAADMI/odvsWlzeqlQi3asumJu-Iy1loqgISCbCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pl227sE4LU/V5fKMYKrRwI/AAAAAAAADMI/odvsWlzeqlQi3asumJu-Iy1loqgISCbCgCLcB/s640/IMG_1836.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After adding almond milk, banana, avocado, yogurt, coconut cream, and egg yolk, I add about 1.5- 2 cups of frozen fruit and blend for a minute or two. I typically buy a large bag of a Dole frozen blend that has peaches, pineapple, mango, and strawberries in it. Using frozen fruit keeps the consistency of the smoothie icy and milkshake-like. If it's too watery, they won't drink it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq3rxbydLYU/V5fHKcFJelI/AAAAAAAADL0/nJkesG9QlgcpESJqyHIDmL6Lpu44oqtNACLcB/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq3rxbydLYU/V5fHKcFJelI/AAAAAAAADL0/nJkesG9QlgcpESJqyHIDmL6Lpu44oqtNACLcB/s640/IMG_1858.JPG" width="506" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've also added a tablespoon or two of flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed depending on which one I have and you could certainly add spinach or other greens if you prefer and have kids that will tolerate it! I've found that when I really press my luck and try to add too many things into the mix, they don't drink it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our kids both drink one full serving and sometimes have seconds and they both have a favorite cup that's just for drinking their smoothies.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFDfaoE_AcQ/V5gMql3uJWI/AAAAAAAADMw/hrA61SS4B4gedsKFfrb_qI-osrOmF2cCACLcB/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFDfaoE_AcQ/V5gMql3uJWI/AAAAAAAADMw/hrA61SS4B4gedsKFfrb_qI-osrOmF2cCACLcB/s400/IMG_1868.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rather than waste any, I freeze the leftover mixture in these trays and add the cubes to a smoothie when I'm running low on any of the ingredients or just add to a glass of the juice they're drinking in place of ice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Directions:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Fill blender with 8 oz. almond milk</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Add avocado, banana, and cooked egg yolk</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Add coconut cream and yogurt</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Add 1 1/2 to 2 cups frozen fruit (this recipe uses pineapple, strawberries, peaches and mango)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Blend until smooth and serve with a straw</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any stealthy tricks or secret recipes of your own for getting your kids to eat healthy? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy blending your own 007 style smoothie! Here's the Stealthy Smoothie recipe one more time:</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nG5jHg4vxCs/V5fSDabM_vI/AAAAAAAADMg/LOWtek2JoXM9C87NdwZMxdFdP4UVa8HqACEw/s1600/correctedrecipe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stealthy Healthy Smoothie Recipe" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nG5jHg4vxCs/V5fSDabM_vI/AAAAAAAADMg/LOWtek2JoXM9C87NdwZMxdFdP4UVa8HqACEw/s640/correctedrecipe.png" title="A healthy smoothie recipe designed for picky eaters" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com270tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-48917026740625954352016-06-30T21:29:00.002-04:002016-06-30T21:29:31.769-04:00Tweets From the Drive-Thru<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyone that has spent enough time in the Starbucks drive-thru line can probably share an odd, funny, or irritating experience they've had there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">No car? No cash for a tip? Maybe they're just looking for fried chicken. These are the people that make the drive-thru line interesting, unnecessarily long, and inspire the coffee tweets that make me laugh when all I really want is caffeine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you somehow manage to avoid the drive-thru line, these Twitter users' Starbucks Drive-Thru tweets perfectly illustrate the characters you can expect to find there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Remember that time you were in line at the drive thru for a coffee and the person in front of you forgot milk is sold everywhere else?</span><br />
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remember when I was making mac n cheese but didn't have milk so I went through the starbucks drive thru for some..simpler times</div>
— kara (@karaalana) <a href="https://twitter.com/karaalana/status/744328978450767873">June 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><span style="font-size: x-large;">Immediately after her disco party ended she was banned for life from getting her drink made right.</span><br />
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Today I went through Starbucks in a batman onesie and made them sing Dancing Queen with me before pulling out of the drive thru.</div>
— AlexandriaTheGreat! (@loc33) <a href="https://twitter.com/loc33/status/744599657087664128">June 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But it would be <i>Our Pleasure</i> to make you a COFFEE!</span><br />
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a man came through the drive thru today and asked if he was at chikfila... i work at starbucks...</div>
— bec (@rebeccabaldwinn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rebeccabaldwinn/status/747887131213737984">June 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">There is a tip cup at the window. The barista assumes that if you tip, you'll tip cash. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
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My mom tipped the drive thru Starbucks worker a potato</div>
— Morgan Freeman (@bigseanimorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/bigseanimorgan/status/744914953182683136">June 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A barista paid that potato forward when his next customer was a horse.</span><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/TylerJRoney">@TylerJRoney</a> it actually happened <a href="https://t.co/b1B83BLpgF">pic.twitter.com/b1B83BLpgF</a></div>
— Katie Reuter (@kreuty) <a href="https://twitter.com/kreuty/status/741743219529125889">June 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you have what it takes to bring your horse through a drive-thru line, you better be riding it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/kreuty">@kreuty</a> Mason City Starbucks <a href="https://t.co/1sBdk1qEft">pic.twitter.com/1sBdk1qEft</a></div>
— Tyler Roney (@TylerJRoney) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerJRoney/status/741390742493351937">June 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Something tells me she wanted a frappuccino.</span><br />
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just went through the Starbucks drive thru but forgot to order at the little window and tried to pay for what I didn't order <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/help?src=hash">#help</a></div>
— LC (@lcarpenterrr) <a href="https://twitter.com/lcarpenterrr/status/748136977871024128">June 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">FYI- the person in the car behind you isn't wearing any pants.</span><br />
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I'm in the Starbucks drive thru with blue dye slathered all over my hair, an oversized sleeping shirt, & no pants on<br />
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Where is my life going</div>
— Zerggiee @ AX CRUNCH (@Zerggiee) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zerggiee/status/748565393669644288">June 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Slowly raises hand.....</span><br />
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raise your hand if you've ever felt personally victimized by the <a href="https://twitter.com/Starbucks">@Starbucks</a> drive thru...</div>
— Jennifer Martin (@goodmorningjoey) <a href="https://twitter.com/goodmorningjoey/status/748211606375501824">June 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyone else?</span><br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-67060697034150987102016-06-23T16:11:00.000-04:002016-06-23T16:11:48.694-04:00White Walls<span style="font-size: large;">How long does it take to decorate when you move to a new house? A month, three months, SIX months? We moved into a new house in March and I'm still not over the fact that every inch of every wall is painted white. The lack of color is weirdly overwhelming and at the rate I'm going, my white walls are going to stay bare all summer. Most of our wall hangings and artwork are leaning against the walls in the rooms I *think* they're going to hang in which I realize is inviting disaster.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qs2iHGkyu8/V2w5DmpycUI/AAAAAAAADKE/aRKXitkXxqUz9cTKzMw7Lgp_GpxK_YoFwCK4B/s1600/IMG_2767.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qs2iHGkyu8/V2w5DmpycUI/AAAAAAAADKE/aRKXitkXxqUz9cTKzMw7Lgp_GpxK_YoFwCK4B/s400/IMG_2767.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I go back and forth between not caring what the inside of the house looks like so I can just enjoy the summer with the kids and stressing about the fact that life seems to run so much smoother when everything is in "it's place". I know that kids could care less about what my walls look like and won't remember the time I spent hammering nails into the walls but hope that some of the adventures we've already had at this house were worth remembering.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt9EnmgQ0tQ/V2w7jrlauKI/AAAAAAAADKY/hSCzjRx_E4QYgoILTyTUut0wf3NxqnHsgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt9EnmgQ0tQ/V2w7jrlauKI/AAAAAAAADKY/hSCzjRx_E4QYgoILTyTUut0wf3NxqnHsgCLcB/s640/IMG_4115.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spring flew by and when it wasn't raining looked like this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfR-ALRE3a8/V2w_4s2ZWvI/AAAAAAAADK0/v7ZYU4KwOB8B-DmARV9bXyAd9qbhEdR5ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfR-ALRE3a8/V2w_4s2ZWvI/AAAAAAAADK0/v7ZYU4KwOB8B-DmARV9bXyAd9qbhEdR5ACLcB/s640/IMG_3695.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now our summer is in full swing with a beach trip and another upcoming trip to NY to see family.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUf51hRoMw8/V2xBxvuzwWI/AAAAAAAADLA/HuvDF_axz84KaV7EfG0LKycMEy9LN15iQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUf51hRoMw8/V2xBxvuzwWI/AAAAAAAADLA/HuvDF_axz84KaV7EfG0LKycMEy9LN15iQCLcB/s640/IMG_4716.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've thought about where to find more time for decorating, playing, taking trips, writing, working on editing about five million photos, and still getting sleep at night. I haven't found it but looking back at pictures like this one of our front hall I can see we've actually made a lot of progress!</span><br />
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Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-84510944923889161102016-04-07T12:14:00.000-04:002016-07-30T10:35:56.862-04:00Disastrophe: When Parenting Disasters Meet Catastrophe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After his first soccer practice yesterday while I was helping him change out of his cleats, my four-year-old looked at me and said "Someday I'll sit and watch you play soccer when I'm big," and whether he was promising this to repay or reward me, it melted my heart. As both kids are getting older these sweet moments are happen more frequently and I love the way little minds show us exactly what they're thinking when they think it. Of course, like every family we have our share of the not so Pinterest-worthy moments too...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My son shouted DISASTROPHE after crashing a tower of blocks down and ever since, it is our go-to term for the minor to major 'oops' moments that seem to happen all day long. He used to watch Gaspard and Lisa, a cartoon about French dog/children that look more like bunnies and go to school in Paris. At some point in each episode they yell CATASTROPHE and when he combined that with the word disaster, DISASTROPHE became the best way to punctuate our most terrible moments with a little French flair.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Kn8_RS0jP8/Vpqg04icNKI/AAAAAAAADF0/DtOWNgoktFA/s1600/DisastropheMeme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disastrophe for parenting fails" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Kn8_RS0jP8/Vpqg04icNKI/AAAAAAAADF0/DtOWNgoktFA/s640/DisastropheMeme.jpg" title="The term disastrophe describing parenting moments" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every parent knows how easily bad becomes worse and can probably think of a time when equal parts disaster and catastrophe combined to form the dreaded disastrophe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not only that the baby had a diaper blowout but had a diaper blowout on the couch, or that the same baby didn't just fall down at the park but fell onto a huge pile of green goose poop. Get the picture? Disaster is implied when a four year old screams "I NEED PAPER TOWELS" but followed by "FOR PUKE! ON THE RUG!" it's clearly a disastrophe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wrong color countertops were installed in the kitchen at our last house while I was at work. Some would decide that was a catastrophe and it sure felt like that to me when I arrived home to see a product installed in my house that I wouldn't have ever considered, but finding out that I signed paperwork with that wrong product listed clearly on it weeks earlier? Therein lies the disastrophe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As parents we have to try to stay on our toes for the survival of our little people but the reality is that a lot happens in the instant we let our guard down- whether it is once or ten times a day. These are the moments that produce our disastrophes. Beware when something seems like a disaster- "Mommy I SPILLED!" because that's when the words "your coffee" or "your wine" follow and a would-be disaster becomes disastrophe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like to think our use of disastrophe is the perfect way to indulge our melodramatic side and avoid offending those who may have experienced actual disasters or catastrophes. (Or those who haven't but would still be offended because they just need to laugh more)</span><br />
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Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-72211005676678767692016-03-15T17:56:00.001-04:002016-03-16T19:51:18.409-04:00A Day in the Life of My Texts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the things I noticed right away after having kids was that the time or desire for talking on the phone no longer existed. My children can be playing quietly or even asleep but the second I get a phone call, they make a beeline for me and put an abrupt end to any adult conversation with questions, demands, or telling me they have to or have just pooped.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lucky for me, around the same time that my son was born, texting became the accepted and preferred way to communicate with just about everyone I know. Scrolling through my phone at the end of the day can be an amusing snapshot of how my day went and the kind of friends that played a role in it. Do you see yourself in any of the categories below?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The</b> <b>hungry pregnant friend</b>: "I want some really good chicken fingers with ranch" and "Where is there a donut shop?" These texts often come in at strange times because pregnant friends like to taunt their sleep deprived mom friends with the fact that they could be sleeping but aren't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The</b> <b>workout motivator</b>: "Did you get a workout in this morning?! Perfect weather for a run!" Depending on whether or not this text arrives before coffee you might hate this person but either way, unless you've already worked out, this text is super annoying. (Bonus points if your pregnant friend is also your workout motivator)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The</b> <b>best friend</b>: "I'm in the Starbuck's Drive-Thru. I'll be there in 5." They know your order and they know you're home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The</b> <b>'not quite there yet' texter</b>: These narratives often take the form of a hybrid voicemail-meets- email from your mom who knows you probably don't have time to talk at 11 a.m but somehow manages to do it anyway via giant texts. "Hi Kate, it's Mom. I just wanted to say hi and see how it went last night. It's snowing really hard here but Dad and I are getting ready to go out to breakfast and were wondering if you wanted us to mail you....." These texts disappear from your phone's screen before you can get to the punchline but you make a mental note to call later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The</b> <b>perfect husband</b>: "On the way. Want wine?" Experience and self preservation combine to ensure all is well at home after a long day. In time the wine in that sentence will be understood and the text will become a question only of "red or white?" but for now, I'm happy to reply a simple 'Y.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who am I kidding? My reply will still be 'Y'</span><br />
<br />Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-66806171516865608462016-03-09T06:00:00.000-05:002016-03-09T07:20:19.339-05:00Pot O' Gold Potato Gratin (An Ultimate Recipe Challenge Blog Hop)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so excited to team up with The Kim Six Fix and this group of amazing bloggers to share The Ultimate Recipe Challenge Blog Hop with you today! Each challenge will have a theme ingredient and our first challenge ingredient is potatoes. (Endless possibilities right?!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We love combining cheddar and Gruyere cheeses in our homemade macaroni and cheese but for this challenge we decided to try mixing Gruyere with a Dubliner for a St. Patrick's Day spin on a potato gratin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We used our mandoline slicer to get the potatoes super thin but you could also use the slicing attachment on a food processor. Just get them as thin as you can!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bubbling cream mixture that froths out of the sides of this dish when it's finished is practically dessert-like and it smells like fondue while it's cooking. Even though we make this for a side dish, it's rich enough that it could easily be the main dish served with a salad. My thoughts are more along the line of 'so rich it's best served with a good steak and an even better wine' but that's just me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our 'Pot O' Gold Gratin' came out so savory and delicious</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and I can't wait to try the recipes the other bloggers came up with for the challenge!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3 Pounds Gold Potatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Cup Finely Shredded Gruyere Cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Cup Finely Shredded Dubliner</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3/4 Cup Whole Milk</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 3/4 Cups Heavy Cream</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Cloves Fresh Garlic (smashed)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill (plus more for garnish)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Salt and Pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Butter for dish</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Steps:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Butter the bottom and the sides of a casserole/baking dish</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline slicer or food processor ( about 1/8 inch)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Combine milk, cream, chopped dill, and the smashed garlic in a saucepan and bring to a low simmer</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. While cream mixture is warming, grate cheeses </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. Layer the potatoes and cheese like a lasagna, seasoning as you go with salt and pepper and reserving about 1/4 of the cheese for the topping</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. Pour cream mixture through a fine mesh strainer over the dish to catch the garlic cloves and dill</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. Press hands down on top of the potato mixture forcing the liquid between the layers of the potatoes</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. Sprinkle remaining cheese mixture over the top layer</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">11. Bake for 90 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and browning to look like a Pot 'O Gold!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Garnish the finished dish with some sprigs of dill and serve in cheesy stacks. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjF7qEx5Wrw/Vt96tfI8yoI/AAAAAAAADH0/aoK8KcXEC50/s1600/IMG_8857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjF7qEx5Wrw/Vt96tfI8yoI/AAAAAAAADH0/aoK8KcXEC50/s640/IMG_8857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart's <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/339737/potato-gratin" target="_blank">Potato Gratin</a></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to check out how all of the other bloggers used their Potatoes in this Ultimate Recipe Challenge! </span><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-18601760009272281192015-11-02T11:50:00.000-05:002015-11-02T16:53:28.541-05:00Military Mondays at the Georgia Aquarium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our favorite place to visit in Atlanta is the Georgia Aquarium. I love looking back at our pictures to see how much has changed in the short time we've lived here.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk2qRppDPTA/VjeRh01pS5I/AAAAAAAADEg/ZGUBUWl0gSQ/s1600/IMG_4892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk2qRppDPTA/VjeRh01pS5I/AAAAAAAADEg/ZGUBUWl0gSQ/s640/IMG_4892.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Georgia Aquarium is the best we've ever been to and I'm excited to share that in honor of November being Military Family Appreciation Month, the Georgia Aquarium has launched Military Mondays!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5htk2DLm1g/VjeRnaUbwbI/AAAAAAAADEw/2zAtKCaVEwc/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5htk2DLm1g/VjeRnaUbwbI/AAAAAAAADEw/2zAtKCaVEwc/s640/IMG_2764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a token of gratitude, each Monday through December 28, plus November 7 and November 11, active and former military members receive free admission and their family members receive 30 percent off admission!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't been yet, or even if you have, be sure to take advantage of this wonderful offer from the Georgia Aquarium! You can find all of the details <a href="http://news.georgiaaquarium.org/news/georgia-aquarium-launches-offers-and-events-to-honor-military-and-veterans" target="_blank">here</a>.</span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-14996376414969440982015-05-24T15:00:00.003-04:002015-05-25T10:21:25.051-04:00Memorial Day Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was our first day of summer vacation with weather that was the best combination of warm, sunny, and breezy so I was determined to take the kids strawberry picking. I texted a few friends to see if they wanted to come and when no one did I hesistated for a second about going. I'd have the stroller, the camera, two kids, a backpack, and maybe it was too sunny?? I'm so happy that I didn't let anything stop me from going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a day that I'll always remember; the perfect way to start our summer vacation and Memorial Day weekend- making memories.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bq9rLF0XVqg/VWIYimxP-sI/AAAAAAAADBY/vrp2YnKlD_M/s1600/IMG_3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bq9rLF0XVqg/VWIYimxP-sI/AAAAAAAADBY/vrp2YnKlD_M/s640/IMG_3184.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can imagine what I would've done if we'd stayed home. Grocery shopping or cleaning, maybe a trip to a playground where the kids would've been occupied climbing or playing with the other kids there. We would've had fun but probably not a day to remember over the others.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHrBqmLHKaA/VWIXqkvWsDI/AAAAAAAADBM/y4afHWRIGQ0/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHrBqmLHKaA/VWIXqkvWsDI/AAAAAAAADBM/y4afHWRIGQ0/s640/IMG_3392.JPG" width="496" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder about the memories we have of the nearly fifteen years since September 11th and think about how different things were for me as a child. Memorial Day meant bringing flowers to the graves of grandparents, maybe a parade, and always a cookout. It's hard to accept that for so many children of the last decade, it means remembering a parent lost fighting a war and hard to avoid worrying whether my children will grow up with a different experience of Memorial Day than I had. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-G5j74C1Gg/VWIbZD_L4rI/AAAAAAAADBk/ns1lKJ_T5YE/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-G5j74C1Gg/VWIbZD_L4rI/AAAAAAAADBk/ns1lKJ_T5YE/s640/IMG_3263.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Someone posted recently that parents should make childhood magical for their kids and I thought about it for a long time after. Even though so many people seemed to find that idea ridiculous, why shouldn't there be a little magic in each day while we're here to experience it with them?</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3N7t9ws_-YI/VWIWzaLOcrI/AAAAAAAADBE/3bCoxYfopnw/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3N7t9ws_-YI/VWIWzaLOcrI/AAAAAAAADBE/3bCoxYfopnw/s640/IMG_3437.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many friends are posting reminders that this weekend isn't about parties or a summer kick-off and I agree that sometimes the meaning of the holiday is forgotten by the lucky few not affected by loss but I can't think of a better way to honor those who are no longer here or those who are missing them than by making happy memories with our families.</span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-66194681947571932882015-05-21T15:46:00.002-04:002015-05-21T15:46:39.302-04:00Celebrating the End of the School Year <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Summer vacation is here and we're so ready! It was really hard saying goodbye to the teachers this afternoon, even harder than I thought it would be. As often as we move and have to say goodbye to people, it truly doesn't ever get easier. The flowers were pretty but couldn't come close to showing how grateful we are to the teachers that cared so much for our son this year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the school picnic I made the kids' desserts and had fun making these very simple 'sand' buckets.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI-GEXN2hWo/VV4tE1zEJoI/AAAAAAAAC_4/d5UiNk7hJlE/s1600/sandybuckets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI-GEXN2hWo/VV4tE1zEJoI/AAAAAAAAC_4/d5UiNk7hJlE/s640/sandybuckets.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used vanilla pudding on the bottom of each bucket, topped with a thick layer of cool whip, and then covered the tops with crushed cookies to look just like sand. The buckets were a perfect size for the preschoolers and two packages of both the pudding and cool whip made 24 buckets. They're so easy to make (at 11:30 at night because that's the only time I can fill tiny toys with whipped cream and cookies in peace.)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCaL2XwpXF4/VV4xPQpX-TI/AAAAAAAADAQ/SJ-EEkuhwxE/s1600/sandpailpuddings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCaL2XwpXF4/VV4xPQpX-TI/AAAAAAAADAQ/SJ-EEkuhwxE/s640/sandpailpuddings.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids were excited to eat the sand and I will definitely make these again this summer for parties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For a non-dairy option I also made some little blue jello 'pools' with beachball cupcake toppers stuck in them.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybpfBByc7NY/VV4vmvf4JHI/AAAAAAAADAE/SqQNvEZ_Abc/s1600/jellopools.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybpfBByc7NY/VV4vmvf4JHI/AAAAAAAADAE/SqQNvEZ_Abc/s640/jellopools.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately for all of the parents, most kids tried both and ate the other desserts at the party as well. I have a headache from all of the sugar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the fall, I made this <a href="http://www.eatingintheshowerblog.com/2014/08/reusable-first-last-day-of-school-sign.html" target="_blank">sign</a> with the idea that I could reuse it on the last day and I'm happy that I actually remembered to do it! Here is the photo from the first day of school in August.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--2ACKRd7qy8/U__5b4kmYpI/AAAAAAAACQo/_kMncSAAWog/s1600/IMG_6034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--2ACKRd7qy8/U__5b4kmYpI/AAAAAAAACQo/_kMncSAAWog/s640/IMG_6034.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here is a photo from today with the new year and the word First changed to Last. He wanted to hold it in front of his head after it made me laugh but I did get a few pictures that show just how much his face has changed from baby to boy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HacgrcYIcLI/VV4ziTokFBI/AAAAAAAADAc/48of4zVx4Eg/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HacgrcYIcLI/VV4ziTokFBI/AAAAAAAADAc/48of4zVx4Eg/s640/IMG_3023.JPG" width="416" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now bring on the pool parties, road trips, family visits, backyard barbecues, and sleeping in (just kidding I have a toddler.) </span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-86769387533384390672015-05-18T15:20:00.000-04:002015-05-18T15:22:03.413-04:00A PSA for Vacation Rental Owners: What Every Parent Wishes You Knew<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You know that feeling you get when you walk through the door of your vacation rental after a long road trip to get there? It's the sort of relief for parents that comes with knowing it's time for worry free days filled with fun and relaxation, maybe for the first time all year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhZGhhZgkWc/VSwmCpJP0pI/AAAAAAAAC60/171DOdd2lOY/s1600/beachhousewarning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhZGhhZgkWc/VSwmCpJP0pI/AAAAAAAAC60/171DOdd2lOY/s640/beachhousewarning.jpg" title="" width="537" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now imagine walking into that house and seeing a sign on the wall as your 15 month old is scanning the room for his first target that reads:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Please DO NOT Move Furniture or Decorative Accessories! Things MUST remain in their original location! Inspector will check house upon checkout and you may be charged damages if things are not in their original location"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For a second I looked at the framed warning, its
font playfully encircled by colorful butterflies, and laughed at the absurdity
but the thud of a glass flounder hitting the carpet scared me back to reality
and the beach house went from a vacation to a nightmare before we’d even carried
in the suitcases. As I frantically
searched for the flounder's original location wondering what the fine would be
for moving him, I realized my vacation was going to be work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: large;">Summer is fast approaching and as rental
property owners prepare for a busy season hosting guests, many will overlook the
fact that their decor is a nightmare for parents. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: large;">So just how can a rental property owner ruin a parent’s
vacation?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Don’t Skimp on the Foliage</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"> – Arrange
fake plants, silk flowers, or even decora</span><span style="font-family: Times;">tive palm trees if space allows,
throughout each room of the house but don’t dust them or worry about accessibility
to little people who may try to tip, rip, or even eat them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Assume Everyone Loves Glass Tables</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"> - Each room needs at least one, preferably train table height,
and with very sharp corners. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Believe There’s No Such Thing as Too Small</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"> – Provide numerous choking hazards for rainy day
entertainment such as dice, marbles, and jax and store them where children can
most easily reach them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Don’t Think it’s Possible to go Wrong with Pastel</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"> - All furniture should be a pale pink, satiny fabric that the
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in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Forego Function for Whimsy</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"> – Litter the home with beach themed decor that resembles children's toys but is
in no way designed for children to play with like painted baby blocks or decorative
metal shovels that look like sand toys.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>When in Doubt Use Carpet</b>- Even the bathroom needs it</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Equip the Home with Poison</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;">- Make
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traps in the corners of rooms and keep insect sprays within easy reach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Relax When it Comes to Safety</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;">- Opt for nautical themed roping instead of railings or sturdy boards to prevent
falls from decks, docks, or terraces. Always resist the urge to mar the beauty
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: large;">Parents deserve to relax on their vacation so if
you happen to own one of the many vacation houses about to be rented this summer
please consider these ways your decor ruins a parent’s vacation. No house needs a glass flounder.</span></span></div>
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Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-36255616025611225242015-04-23T12:00:00.001-04:002019-01-13T07:14:26.406-05:00Heart Art for the Nursery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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\<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH45SNkr65E/VTkWeGQsWMI/AAAAAAAAC-8/4_C4K8NLAaw/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pink and red nursey decor" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH45SNkr65E/VTkWeGQsWMI/AAAAAAAAC-8/4_C4K8NLAaw/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG" title="Pink and red nursery" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I saw a hot pink animal print heart on clearance at 90% off I knew I could turn it into something a little less wild that would fit perfectly with the pinks and reds in the baby's room. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aK5eNn9EXOA/VPjFW9JzXSI/AAAAAAAACz0/KGTT28_iwzM/s1600/CheetahHeartBefore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aK5eNn9EXOA/VPjFW9JzXSI/AAAAAAAACz0/KGTT28_iwzM/s1600/CheetahHeartBefore.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even though we'll probably move again before it's finished, I've been trying to decorate her nursery with homemade artwork and crafts. I made this canvas sign:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOOiN50uv8Y/VB9w93QY8CI/AAAAAAAACUw/kUFgCw8g7Yo/s1600/sillysign-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOOiN50uv8Y/VB9w93QY8CI/AAAAAAAACUw/kUFgCw8g7Yo/s1600/sillysign-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I loved this trim so much and knew I was going to use some bright pink eyelet trim that I found on sale a while ago. Because the center of the cheetah heart is raised, it provided a nice border all around it to fasten the eyelet trim to.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zONT5NQs0g/VTgGq74u-8I/AAAAAAAAC84/0SzwwndIyAM/s1600/IMG_2657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="445" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zONT5NQs0g/VTgGq74u-8I/AAAAAAAAC84/0SzwwndIyAM/s1600/IMG_2657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first step was to cover the wild print and I used several coats of white paint to do it. The finish wasn't perfect but I wasn't expecting it to be after rescuing this piece from the cluttered clearance section.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I glued the fabric trim around the center heart and tried to trim the pieces in a way that made them fit together. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l88YP1oxXo4/VS64lCv27CI/AAAAAAAAC7I/a29efR5QhNQ/s1600/whiteheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l88YP1oxXo4/VS64lCv27CI/AAAAAAAAC7I/a29efR5QhNQ/s1600/whiteheart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I really didn't love the look with the heart painted white so I mixed some fuscia, red, and pink paints and colored the inside of the eyelet trim area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I painted a small letter A red for the center of the heart for my daughter's first initial and covered it with tiny paper polka dots before varnishing it for shine.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7w2GDuwFWU/VTf2UXm5-NI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/P7FTgIZ6YV8/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7w2GDuwFWU/VTf2UXm5-NI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/P7FTgIZ6YV8/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I really like the bright happy look of the red and pink combination in her room!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eUf2RfLozQ/VTg97EYeldI/AAAAAAAAC-I/cwgHhJ8TIJU/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eUf2RfLozQ/VTg97EYeldI/AAAAAAAAC-I/cwgHhJ8TIJU/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" width="446" /></a></div>
<br />Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-8260423184534487392015-03-31T14:43:00.001-04:002015-04-22T16:35:28.391-04:00Seeing Spots in the Foyer: My New Animal Print Lampshade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQJYH4YmRLs/VRrgCdmIeDI/AAAAAAAAC54/xtBgmMa9IV0/s1600/newlampsideview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQJYH4YmRLs/VRrgCdmIeDI/AAAAAAAAC54/xtBgmMa9IV0/s1600/newlampsideview.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As much as I liked the gallery <a href="http://www.eatingintheshowerblog.com/2014/08/entryway-gallery-wall.html" target="_blank">wall</a> in our foyer, I was never happy with the lampshade that came with the black lamp I used on the table. It's a sort of flat looking shade of gold and I knew I wanted something else.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYG2IIf7f3s/U9_RJu_U-0I/AAAAAAAAB_s/FTNpJv1-1Yg/s1600/IMG_5404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYG2IIf7f3s/U9_RJu_U-0I/AAAAAAAAB_s/FTNpJv1-1Yg/s1600/IMG_5404.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found a black and white animal print from Ballard Designs that was exactly what I wanted and waited for months to find one in the right size at the outlet. They often had it in the chandelier shades but it took a few trips and several phone calls to find the large drum I wanted. Here it is:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyHDjOc13_c/VRrmXyUMQXI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/vAFVL-DQ_w0/s1600/newlampcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyHDjOc13_c/VRrmXyUMQXI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/vAFVL-DQ_w0/s1600/newlampcloseup.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got such a great deal on it and love the new shade so much it's hard to resist looking for more to use somewhere else in the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One last look at the table with the old lamp:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kHKcb5knIVs/U9_gI1QuswI/AAAAAAAACAk/hws6QunQzSM/s1600/IMG_5365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kHKcb5knIVs/U9_gI1QuswI/AAAAAAAACAk/hws6QunQzSM/s1600/IMG_5365.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And a look at it now with the new lampshade:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsVwO2LJsVk/VRrjHuRqHDI/AAAAAAAAC6E/YK1eREZN61A/s1600/newlampfromdining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsVwO2LJsVk/VRrjHuRqHDI/AAAAAAAAC6E/YK1eREZN61A/s1600/newlampfromdining.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you think? Do you the like the new look better than the old gold shade?</span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-29850984279668491482015-03-29T15:31:00.000-04:002015-03-29T15:32:58.930-04:00Deviled Eggs Easter Appetizer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Trying to think of something to bring to your Easter gathering?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i95634GwkhY/VRhPyqG2WpI/AAAAAAAAC5U/HT5NkZX7bHk/s1600/deviledeggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i95634GwkhY/VRhPyqG2WpI/AAAAAAAAC5U/HT5NkZX7bHk/s1600/deviledeggs.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />A deviled eggs platter is an appetizer that signals the start of warm weather eating to me and goes so well on Easter brunch or dinner menus. But let's face it, it's not always the prettiest looking part of the table. To fix that problem, I make a normal batch of deviled eggs and then top them with a variety of colorful toppings.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLtZBYBERUE/VRhNoyEmUnI/AAAAAAAAC5A/PHsScsjIW-k/s1600/eggsplatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLtZBYBERUE/VRhNoyEmUnI/AAAAAAAAC5A/PHsScsjIW-k/s1600/eggsplatter.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I always mix horseradish into my filling and pipe the filling on with a frosting tip but also top some of the eggs with shredded beet and horseradish. It adds a nice bit of flavor and color.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also like to chop dill, chives, pickles, and green onion and sprinkle the eggs with all of the different toppings. Just a little extra effort makes what can be an overlooked dish more interesting to eat and look at.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i95634GwkhY/VRhPyqG2WpI/AAAAAAAAC5U/HT5NkZX7bHk/s1600/deviledeggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i95634GwkhY/VRhPyqG2WpI/AAAAAAAAC5U/HT5NkZX7bHk/s1600/deviledeggs.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everyone has seen the platter of deviled eggs sprinkled with paprika so next time jazz it up and bring these on your egg plate. I found this egg plate at TJ Maxx and love the honeycomb like pattern!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4izpzxQmr8/UVj2KiH1KrI/AAAAAAAAAaU/BxfaYeN44Ao/s640/IMG_7744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4izpzxQmr8/UVj2KiH1KrI/AAAAAAAAAaU/BxfaYeN44Ao/s640/IMG_7744.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you like to top your deviled eggs with?</span><br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-O4izpzxQmr8%2FUVj2KiH1KrI%2FAAAAAAAAAaU%2FBxfaYeN44Ao%2Fs640%2FIMG_7744.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4izpzxQmr8/UVj2KiH1KrI/AAAAAAAAAaU/BxfaYeN44Ao/s640/IMG_7744.JPG" -->Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-43022734783110573572015-03-19T14:12:00.001-04:002015-03-19T14:12:08.933-04:00Baby Shower Gift Card Bouquet for the Mom to Be<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pF9ynsnVSMk/VQnNPHJD13I/AAAAAAAAC3Y/ewJGJu-8seA/s1600/giftcardbouquetlabel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pF9ynsnVSMk/VQnNPHJD13I/AAAAAAAAC3Y/ewJGJu-8seA/s1600/giftcardbouquetlabel.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was looking for an idea for a baby shower gift that focused on pampering the mom to be and loved the idea of gift card bouquet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought about some of the things that became my reality when my babies were born. Aside from a Starbucks habit to combat my sleep deprivation, I spent time wondering how to make myself look presentable by way of beauty shortcuts and exercise. I decided to find some gift cards to meet those needs for her!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Starbucks gift card is great for any mom but especially for the mom of a newborn. Because I know this mom is super fit and anxious to start getting back in shape, I included an Itunes gift card so she can download some new workout music for days that only new music will motivate a tired body off the couch. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-hg0dFbFE4/VQr2ODCC_eI/AAAAAAAAC34/Xc5apWnXEng/s1600/bouquestcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-hg0dFbFE4/VQr2ODCC_eI/AAAAAAAAC34/Xc5apWnXEng/s1600/bouquestcloseup.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I included a Sephora card because I remember searching the site myself when my littles were newborns for new makeup, concealer, and moisturizer to hide the new mom face that I'd find in the mirror after a long night of no sleep!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also included a gift card for Buy Buy Baby so that she could grab something from her registry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of buying a gift card to a spa or for a massage, these cards could all be used from home. I know when I had a newborn, as nice as a massage sounded, I just didn't feel like I'd be able to enjoy myself going out and leaving him. I was always up for online shopping though!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9YtpMBZhcQ/VQr4TJReO1I/AAAAAAAAC4I/lmcmWMKDsZ0/s1600/bouquetonyellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9YtpMBZhcQ/VQr4TJReO1I/AAAAAAAAC4I/lmcmWMKDsZ0/s1600/bouquetonyellow.jpg" height="640" width="604" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To make the bouquet, I used a small yellow bucket and fit a yarn covered styrofoam ball inside. I cut flowers from scrapbook paper with my Silhouette Cameo and attached them to stick 'stems' pressed into the styrofoam ball to look like flowers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote this little ditty to go with the bouquet and explain why I chose the cards that I did:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your new
baby boy will be here in no time,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: -.5in; margin-right: -40.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So I got
you some cards and wrote you some rhymes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And as
your nights run into your days,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope
this bouquet helps in a number of ways:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
you’re tired, dragging, and been up all night,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These
‘bucks’ will revive you and make it alright<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
your patience is dwindling and it’s all going wrong,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: -.5in; margin-right: -40.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just
login to Itunes and buy some new songs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
it’s time for a shower but the baby won’t let you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: -.5in; margin-right: -40.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Use the Sephora card to buy dry shampoo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When all
else has failed and the madness non-stopping,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just go
to BuyBuy Baby and have some fun shopping!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love that the gift card bouquet was a way of treating the mom after the long months of pregnancy and to help her ease into the new schedule that is sure to be a challenge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The poem I wrote might be a little on the silly side but what better way to welcome her new role than with a sense of humor?!</span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-68906021292137583232015-03-11T15:03:00.002-04:002015-03-11T15:03:46.591-04:00How to Use Engineering Prints to Decorate at a Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pbqg_GLqq7s/VQCDouHSjrI/AAAAAAAAC2g/sYFYylNoknc/s1600/firstbirthdayphotowalllabel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pbqg_GLqq7s/VQCDouHSjrI/AAAAAAAAC2g/sYFYylNoknc/s1600/firstbirthdayphotowalllabel.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite decorating touches at our daughter's first birthday party was the photo collage I made with engineering prints and poster board. Just as I did with my son, I took photos of her every month of her first year wearing numbered onesie stickers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At my son's first birthday <a href="http://www.eatingintheshowerblog.com/2013/04/puppy-dog-tails-first-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">party</a>, I hung a banner with his photos from each month. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h86pdQY-eVo/U9fxEAfqfSI/AAAAAAAAB74/5t-GKtY8ezk/s1600/FirstBirthdayPartyBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h86pdQY-eVo/U9fxEAfqfSI/AAAAAAAAB74/5t-GKtY8ezk/s1600/FirstBirthdayPartyBanner.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I knew that I wanted to do something similar for her party. Instead of a banner, I made a collage of the 12 photos with PicMonkey and then had a large engineering print of the collage made.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueXNSiTOIEI/VP9J8Qj2bMI/AAAAAAAAC1s/JeVNeVCl2d8/s1600/twelvemonthcollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueXNSiTOIEI/VP9J8Qj2bMI/AAAAAAAAC1s/JeVNeVCl2d8/s1600/twelvemonthcollage1.jpg" height="576" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is the engineering print of the photo collage on black poster board and on the wall. I used felt roses for some extra pops of red and to disguise the tacks that I hung the board with.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCI8JXf69OU/VP9Vc5Xbw6I/AAAAAAAAC2M/E2ip5-TAa2s/s1600/twelvemonthscloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCI8JXf69OU/VP9Vc5Xbw6I/AAAAAAAAC2M/E2ip5-TAa2s/s1600/twelvemonthscloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCI8JXf69OU/VP9Vc5Xbw6I/AAAAAAAAC2M/E2ip5-TAa2s/s1600/twelvemonthscloseup.jpg" height="419" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I loved the way it turned out so much, the was process so simple, and the cost so low, that I decided to choose several of my favorite photos of her from birth to a year and make prints of them to use at the party as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A lot of people have asked me how and where I made the prints for the photo wall so I'm going to show you how I did it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used Staples and was really happy with the quality and how fast they were done but you can do it at other copy/print/mail centers as well. Follow these instructions if you want to do it using the Staples website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you get to the Staples Copy & Print online store, click on 'Oversized Prints'</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7FORTyhi4HY/VP8Qcnb1-lI/AAAAAAAAC0k/7J6TJOixdyA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-10%2Bat%2B11.39.39%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7FORTyhi4HY/VP8Qcnb1-lI/AAAAAAAAC0k/7J6TJOixdyA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-10%2Bat%2B11.39.39%2BAM.png" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I selected 'Engineering Prints in B/W'</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7hqTfPcfxM/VP8RKQjZBEI/AAAAAAAAC0s/m9KfjKaaQBw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-10%2Bat%2B11.43.01%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7hqTfPcfxM/VP8RKQjZBEI/AAAAAAAAC0s/m9KfjKaaQBw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-10%2Bat%2B11.43.01%2BAM.png" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You'll need to click on Media (Blueprints...) to select the size you want. I chose the 18X24 size. Check the box at the bottom that says 'Fit content to Paper'</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CG-FldBp3MI/VP8aWRhPlqI/AAAAAAAAC08/5_SXUDZSEz0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-10%2Bat%2B12.22.16%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CG-FldBp3MI/VP8aWRhPlqI/AAAAAAAAC08/5_SXUDZSEz0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-10%2Bat%2B12.22.16%2BPM.png" height="332" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click on 'Add Files' in the upper left corner and select a photo from your computer or disk that you want to print. This is the photo that I used to make a poster for the mantel.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3CRQyG_oTo/VP8b1gWVKyI/AAAAAAAAC1E/gcK4xeZPryk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-10%2Bat%2B12.28.47%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3CRQyG_oTo/VP8b1gWVKyI/AAAAAAAAC1E/gcK4xeZPryk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-03-10%2Bat%2B12.28.47%2BPM.png" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After previewing your photo, just add to your cart and order! All of mine were ready for me to pick them up within an hour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the wall collage I used a combination of washi tape, heart clothespins, and clear tacks to affix my prints to poster boards. Because the paper for the prints is so thin, you might not want to use any kind of adhesive that could bleed through the paper and stain the photo. I hung the prints with a LOVE sign that I made out of leftover paneling and vinyl lettering and it made for such a sweet Valentine's Day first birthday photo wall.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7pUxp6in54/VQCNkqCQh5I/AAAAAAAAC28/pctEWHLS-v8/s1600/photowallatparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7pUxp6in54/VQCNkqCQh5I/AAAAAAAAC28/pctEWHLS-v8/s1600/photowallatparty.jpg" height="406" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The engineering prints are perfect for a party decoration or something like a word art print but are not meant for high resolution photo printing. Photo canvases are still my favorite way to display my pictures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That said, I'm going to order one of these engineering prints before purchasing photo canvases in the future. Because it's difficult to visualize how a photo will look when it's really large, this is a perfect way to determine what will look good before paying big bucks for the canvas that can't be returned.</span><br />
<br />Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-75836028271328073992015-03-04T13:53:00.001-05:002016-03-16T19:53:41.503-04:00Preppy Bunny Silhouette for Spring<span style="font-size: large;">Even though my oldest stopped napping, an enforced 'quiet time' while the baby takes her afternoon nap leaves me a small window of time to get things done. That something varies from cleaning to crafting but whichever it is, it has to be fast. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZvNaoXbMqI/VPc8oqfuCEI/AAAAAAAACyA/oAV8ssKZgns/s1600/BunnySilhouetteonStandLabel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="639" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZvNaoXbMqI/VPc8oqfuCEI/AAAAAAAACyA/oAV8ssKZgns/s1600/BunnySilhouetteonStandLabel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This rabbit silhouette for spring and Easter decorating was a super easy and fast project that I made mostly with materials I had on hand. I bought the fluffy yarn for the cottontail and the furniture nails.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHQUiQSv36A/VPdOXlyOaPI/AAAAAAAACy8/U7nNeyw4W08/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHQUiQSv36A/VPdOXlyOaPI/AAAAAAAACy8/U7nNeyw4W08/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First I used a staple gun to cover a small canvas I had with a piece of an extra drop cloth we had. I hammered bronze colored furniture nails all around the border of the canvas.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AysvDRd6Bzs/VPdJSb-uhDI/AAAAAAAACys/7hJvHobMJZ8/s1600/nailheads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AysvDRd6Bzs/VPdJSb-uhDI/AAAAAAAACys/7hJvHobMJZ8/s1600/nailheads.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut the rabbit silhouettes out of cardstock and then used spray adhesive to apply them. I already had the cut file for my Silhouette saved from a project I'm working on in my son's room but there are a ton of free printables</span><span style="font-size: large;"> that could be used if you don't have one. Just print one out and trace it onto the fabric or paper that you want and then cut it with scissors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the preppy look I made the bunnies in navy and green and gave one a little pink ribbon around her neck.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWSQfKHRJrQ/VPdHXCxlrII/AAAAAAAACyc/rapVUYYqafE/s1600/FinishedBunnyCanvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWSQfKHRJrQ/VPdHXCxlrII/AAAAAAAACyc/rapVUYYqafE/s1600/FinishedBunnyCanvas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the cottontail I thought I would cover a small styrofoam ball with the yarn but it was too big. Instead, I just wound the yarn around my finger until it was the right size and hot glued the ball onto the rabbit. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMbrDQ3-6Z8/VPdRc_CCaaI/AAAAAAAACzQ/CoFw3IO5UXY/s1600/Bunnycloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMbrDQ3-6Z8/VPdRc_CCaaI/AAAAAAAACzQ/CoFw3IO5UXY/s1600/Bunnycloseup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The canvas is going to bring a sweet and preppy spring touch to the mantel (when I take down the Valentine's Day decor) and will be a perfect Easter decoration. Not bad for a project that took less than an hour from start to finish!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5N7tEQTkmww/VPdS-Yi0UWI/AAAAAAAACzg/V29Hw497yMg/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5N7tEQTkmww/VPdS-Yi0UWI/AAAAAAAACzg/V29Hw497yMg/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For now it looks so cute sitting on the front room table.</span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-45797901441010006322015-03-01T16:44:00.000-05:002015-03-01T16:44:39.248-05:00A Sweet February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSzB4xbuAPY/VPJo9pC5EyI/AAAAAAAACts/F_xmqgxvEFI/s1600/lovesignonmirror_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mirror decorated for a Valentine's Day party" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSzB4xbuAPY/VPJo9pC5EyI/AAAAAAAACts/F_xmqgxvEFI/s1600/lovesignonmirror_edited-1.jpg" height="518" title="Love sign" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure how it happened. Not only did the last month pass in the blink of an eye but I don't see how we celebrated our baby's first birthday already. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjOcA7zRD8Y/VPJo0wKYENI/AAAAAAAACtc/_lWDYUWxffQ/s1600/felthearts_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valentine's Day decorating with an adorable felt hearts garland" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjOcA7zRD8Y/VPJo0wKYENI/AAAAAAAACtc/_lWDYUWxffQ/s1600/felthearts_edited-1.jpg" height="425" title="Felt hearts garland" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A girls (and baby girls) getaway weekend to the mountains, two parties, and three snow days capped off with a stomach flu made our cold month fly by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When my daughter was born a year ago I knew starting another 'baby phase' meant potentially two more years of a nursing baby dependent on me and the schedule that entails. I'm so grateful to have friends that not only wanted me to come away for the weekend with them but also didn't blink an eye at letting me bring a baby on a moms' getaway trip! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YRn53gzIbg/VPNw5GpSuqI/AAAAAAAACuI/X-XJnjU8y58/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YRn53gzIbg/VPNw5GpSuqI/AAAAAAAACuI/X-XJnjU8y58/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" height="640" width="497" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We stayed at a beautiful house in Cashiers, NC. Although I'm sure it would've been more relaxing to go alone, I'm just not at a point in my life that leaving my baby home would feel like a vacation. She enjoyed all of the attention that she got and the chance to be spoiled. The house had a sandy beach and dock and I enjoyed the chance to take some photos in the sunshine.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf6hJHFJSzg/VPN_EKOoYtI/AAAAAAAACuw/MZJEQ2tuKd0/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf6hJHFJSzg/VPN_EKOoYtI/AAAAAAAACuw/MZJEQ2tuKd0/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">February was just filled with sweet smiles, sweet friends, and so many sweet desserts! I made three cakes this month, 4 dozen cupcakes, rice krispie pops, cookies, and polished off a box of chocolates. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few of our friends and their littles helped us celebrate a 'Bee Mine' first birthday on Valentine's Day. I made this beehive cake with little sugar bees and a heart door and topper.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx-ukfFMxnQ/VPN8HZYmt7I/AAAAAAAACuk/dxGraiBP8O0/s1600/beehivecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adorable beehive cake for a bee mine Valentine's Day birthday party" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx-ukfFMxnQ/VPN8HZYmt7I/AAAAAAAACuk/dxGraiBP8O0/s1600/beehivecake.jpg" height="640" title="Beehive birthday cake" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also made a little strawberry smash cake for the ever adorable 'first taste of cake' photos.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uh5oMtkLpPk/VPJo4RcBkYI/AAAAAAAACtk/rHolaTlBAT0/s1600/IMG_0907_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sweet little smash cake for a Bee Mine themed first birthday party" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uh5oMtkLpPk/VPJo4RcBkYI/AAAAAAAACtk/rHolaTlBAT0/s1600/IMG_0907_edited-2.jpg" height="400" title="Bee Mine Smash Cake" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made cupcakes with marshmallow frosting and fondant bee toppers.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pENg0ly53yE/VPOFeooK4fI/AAAAAAAACvI/yH7IRGKnkjo/s1600/beecupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pENg0ly53yE/VPOFeooK4fI/AAAAAAAACvI/yH7IRGKnkjo/s1600/beecupcake.jpg" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had way more fun with the 'Bee Mine' theme than I thought I would and was left wondering how I waited this long to have a Valentine's Day party. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nb2TYxzrTc/VPJpCw5-rcI/AAAAAAAACt0/WC646Ixb7CI/s1600/Photowall_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decorating with giant photos for the Valentine's Day first birthday party" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nb2TYxzrTc/VPJpCw5-rcI/AAAAAAAACt0/WC646Ixb7CI/s1600/Photowall_edited-1.jpg" height="484" title="First Birthday Party Decor" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I covered our living room wall with giant photos from the baby's first year including a collage of 12 months of photos. I'll share the details on how I did it for less than 10$ and other details from her party soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The month of sweet moments ended yesterday with a beach themed baby shower and I made this 'baby footprints on the beach' cake for it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rl2GtQYGm-k/VPN55wfh-oI/AAAAAAAACuY/WiilsU-YP3A/s1600/StarfishBabyCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adorable Beach theme baby shower cake with starfish and baby footprints" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rl2GtQYGm-k/VPN55wfh-oI/AAAAAAAACuY/WiilsU-YP3A/s1600/StarfishBabyCake.jpg" height="640" title="Baby Footprints Cake" width="573" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to March with plans to do a ton of spring cleaning, organizing and projects, helping out at my son's school, warm weather (I hope) and taking a short break from parties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll share more photos and details from the 'Bee Mine' party this week and also some new projects I've been working on soon!</span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-81251191626361825102015-01-23T08:28:00.000-05:002019-01-20T07:15:07.590-05:00DIY Valentine's Day Craft : Hearts Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taking down all of the Christmas red is always a little sad and can make the house seem as cold as the air outside. While I was shopping the after Christmas sales this year, I kept finding red decorations that would be just as cute for Valentine's Day. Because I'm planning a Valentine's Day first birthday party, I've started to get the house ready and I'm loving having bright red all over the house again. So if the house is feeling a little blah after taking down the Christmas glitz, just do what I'm doing and throw some hearts all over it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTjPiiLZmS0/VMFw8JG9D5I/AAAAAAAACsw/LJMuKj6IdeY/s1600/HeartsTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valentine's Day Hearts Tree" border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTjPiiLZmS0/VMFw8JG9D5I/AAAAAAAACsw/LJMuKj6IdeY/s1600/HeartsTree.jpg" title="Sweet Valentine's Day Tree with felt hearts that's simple to make." width="435" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used red felt hearts to trim the same white spray painted branch I use all of the time and instantly brightened and warmed up the foyer. Love it. I'm still deciding whether to keep it in the entry or use somewhere else at the party so more pictures to follow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the best bargains I found after Christmas was a stack of wild looking sparkly floral accents. They were 90% off because they were a holiday item so each stem was about 30 cents. Even if they end up being a tad sparkly at Christmas, for a Valentine's Day party centerpiece or mantel, I love them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqo8_Kq1WDQ/VMFxFVMqfeI/AAAAAAAACs4/GOSjqKJ0KuQ/s1600/ValentineBranches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valentine's Day Branches" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqo8_Kq1WDQ/VMFxFVMqfeI/AAAAAAAACs4/GOSjqKJ0KuQ/s1600/ValentineBranches.jpg" title="Decorating the mantel for Valentine's Day with clearance floral accents from after Christmas sales" width="442" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm having so much fun planning a Valentine's Day party as crazy and a little sad as it is to me how fast this first birthday has arrived. There are a lot of hearts flying around here and I'm loving it.</span><br />
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<br />Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-83821925521132408702014-11-26T09:30:00.000-05:002014-11-26T09:30:25.627-05:00Heart of Gold Ornament <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Even though I doubt there's a gift teachers like to receive more than a gift card, I wanted to make something to include with it for our son's teachers.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_tTG_vPN2s/VHXgnaxNnpI/AAAAAAAACq0/oaQOiMTCeKQ/s1600/IMG_8527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_tTG_vPN2s/VHXgnaxNnpI/AAAAAAAACq0/oaQOiMTCeKQ/s1600/IMG_8527.JPG" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
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I used a sparkly sequined paper to cover an mdf heart and created a shiny ornament with a message on the back that we appreciate their heart of gold. <br />
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To keep the paper from tearing and to keep the tiny little bits of sequins from falling off, I coated the heart with sealer before threading the rope back through.<br />
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I wrote a message on the back with a gold marker.<br />
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I might use the ornament as a gift tag on the gift card box. I think it would also be really cute to make a gold star for a teacher gift!</div>
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<br />Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-85581351899670572622014-11-19T15:59:00.002-05:002014-11-19T15:59:32.546-05:00Make Guests Feel at Home during the HolidaysEach year since we lived in San Diego we have served Thanksgiving at our house. Our tables were set in an apartment in California for just the two of us and my sister, for a table full of Marines in our house in Yemen, and for a table crowded with family with high chairs and messy faced babies in New York.<br />
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I spent some time today looking back at all of the photos from those Novembers, all the way back to 2002. My taste (both in food and decorating) has changed but what remains is a love for this holiday and the way it brings people special to us to our table.<br />
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Here is the cheese log we made in Yemen with cheese I ordered online for the occasion. For some reason this seems so funny to me looking back at it.<br />
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Here was our cheese and appetizer setting a few years ago when we served nuts as an accompaniment to the cheese instead of rolling it in them!<br />
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As the years passed, the Thanksgiving table and cheese became less of the focus and my photos started to show the faces of the people who joined us saying cheese. My parents have traveled to Switzerland, North Carolina, and now Georgia to spend Thanksgiving with us and I'm so thankful they're able. No holiday decorating, no side dishes or desserts, no place setting matters to me as much as the feeling of having my family spend that time together.<br />
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Because we travel to visit family so often, I know how it feels to be a guest in someone's home. Clean and comfortable rooms are great but what always stands out are the little gestures that make them feel relaxed and welcome. Instead of trying to make my home into a hotel, my favorite way to welcome guests is to help them feel like my home is home.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKxqNzpvmTs/VG0CMPoeIgI/AAAAAAAACo8/Qa3VUQHu4sY/s1600/IMG_8481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKxqNzpvmTs/VG0CMPoeIgI/AAAAAAAACo8/Qa3VUQHu4sY/s1600/IMG_8481.JPG" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
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We all know how it feels to need something in the kitchen at someone else's home. If the host is preparing a meal, it can be uneasy to ask them for something. To prevent that in my house, I used these little chalkboard stickers and labeled the most important cabinets in the kitchen!<br />
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Labeling doors like the coat closet or the kitchen cabinets to save someone from opening them all in search of one thing is easy, quick, and a nice touch.<br />
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Labeling your doors is a way of not just saying 'please help yourself' but actually helping the guests to do so.<br />
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No one wants to be the first one awake and not know where to find the coffee!<br />
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<br />Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-44494096371068705842014-11-05T21:44:00.000-05:002014-11-05T21:44:04.572-05:00G is for Grateful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWSkXpOwp-s/VFrRhjymvzI/AAAAAAAACmo/Wt4gpKsKwco/s1600/pineconehornofplenty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWSkXpOwp-s/VFrRhjymvzI/AAAAAAAACmo/Wt4gpKsKwco/s1600/pineconehornofplenty.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was hard not to give in to the temptation to decorate for Christmas this week when I put away all of the Halloween gear but a fall chill in the air and the leaves finally turning put me in the mood for Thanksgiving style around the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had this fall leaves wreath above the door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just inside the front door a green and brown vase is filled with fall colors. Even though I don't love fake flowers, this time of year the faux seems to work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The foyer table has a horn of plenty pine cones and the same spray painted white branch I've been using around the house since a New York Easter it spent as an egg tree.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4ZH6WFz2xw/VFrWXyZfdSI/AAAAAAAACm0/Lhqfe_Qhouw/s1600/fallfoyertable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4ZH6WFz2xw/VFrWXyZfdSI/AAAAAAAACm0/Lhqfe_Qhouw/s1600/fallfoyertable.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like to stuff the horn of plenty with dinner rolls on the Thanksgiving table but pine cones and gourds work in the meantime. (and I just like saying horn of plenty)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the mantel, I took away the orange but left the white pumpkins from Halloween. I added the 'Grateful' <a href="http://www.eatingintheshowerblog.com/2013/11/modge-podge-leaves-thanksgiving-art.html" target="_blank">leaves canvas</a> I made with my son and some sparkly flowers that I've used in the past to decorate a grapevine wreath.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQU7bJiNKis/VFrO4zP3oXI/AAAAAAAACmY/v4_W6LtqeqE/s1600/fallmantel-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQU7bJiNKis/VFrO4zP3oXI/AAAAAAAACmY/v4_W6LtqeqE/s1600/fallmantel-001.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfcYRdYDwug/VFrgJofN_FI/AAAAAAAACnI/9_Xj32y14NM/s1600/leavescanvasonmantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfcYRdYDwug/VFrgJofN_FI/AAAAAAAACnI/9_Xj32y14NM/s1600/leavescanvasonmantel.jpg" height="495" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nearby some paper leaves and a 'Count Your Blessings' pumpkin warm up a corner of the living room bookcase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are only a few simple fall items here and there throughout the downstairs, leaving it room to breathe for the next few weeks until I cover every inch of it in Christmas cheer. But right now the only thing I want decorating the kitchen is the pumpkin bread. </span>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-19083967341009658862014-10-24T16:23:00.000-04:002016-07-30T10:33:03.714-04:00Trash to Treat: Candy Corn Pumpkin Stands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWFbnqi3Qho/VEqvslsRMdI/AAAAAAAACj8/J8mJapdphjU/s1600/IMG_7640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Candy Corn Pumpkin Stands" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWFbnqi3Qho/VEqvslsRMdI/AAAAAAAACj8/J8mJapdphjU/s1600/IMG_7640.jpg" title="Trash cans turned into candy corn pumpkin stands." /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone who knows me knows how much I love candy. Halloween is a tempting time for me because it ends up being such an all out treat fest. I decided this year that I wasn't buying candy for trick or treaters until the morning of Halloween because if it's in the house, I'm eating it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So it's no surprise that when I looked at this black Ikea FNISS trash can, I saw an upside candy corn. Can you see it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trash bin upside down plus orange, white, and yellow paint, equals candy corn!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mX9PrhsvCA0/VEqpNjkVgoI/AAAAAAAACjk/R9nzb8mH_ag/s1600/CoverImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Candy Corn Pumpkin Stand " border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mX9PrhsvCA0/VEqpNjkVgoI/AAAAAAAACjk/R9nzb8mH_ag/s1600/CoverImage.jpg" title="Trash can painted to look like a candy corn" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The trash cans were already being used for plant stands so my candy obsession is only partially to blame. Over the summer I bought two for $1.49 each and used them as stands for ferns on either side of the front door. They're just the right height for our entry and much cheaper than any other planter or stand available.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLouO8rAHPU/VEqrT8FdSEI/AAAAAAAACjs/_pwa-G-a3pA/s1600/IMG_7637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trash Can Candy Corn Pumpkin Stand" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLouO8rAHPU/VEqrT8FdSEI/AAAAAAAACjs/_pwa-G-a3pA/s1600/IMG_7637.jpg" title="Trash can painted to look like a candy corn holding a pumpkin" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I knew they could double as pumpkin stands for our carved jack-o-lanterns and again as stands for our fall mums.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFYe-G6sDyY/VEqz-mAqpDI/AAAAAAAACkM/JXqV5NQT0aU/s1600/IMG_7609%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFYe-G6sDyY/VEqz-mAqpDI/AAAAAAAACkM/JXqV5NQT0aU/s1600/IMG_7609%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because the can is a series of rings that act as a guide, painting the three sections was easy and I rolled it on without taping. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1ify_7XZ1Y/VEqwXXmKIgI/AAAAAAAACkE/mg18i3tuMwk/s1600/IMG_7622%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Front Door Candy Corn Decorations" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1ify_7XZ1Y/VEqwXXmKIgI/AAAAAAAACkE/mg18i3tuMwk/s1600/IMG_7622%2Bcopy.jpg" title="Trash cans painted to look like a candy corn for fall decorating" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm already planning my red and white striped candy cane Christmas tree bases!</span><br />
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<br />Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091144777928734077.post-9448156344343005722014-10-17T17:40:00.000-04:002014-10-25T07:04:13.425-04:00Picasso Pumpkin Portraits: Inspired by Creative Galaxy on Amazon Prime Instant Video <!-- Amazon Prime Instant Video: Creative Galaxy / Clever Girls Snippet --><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For most of my son's first two years, he didn't watch much t.v. or play with the IPAD. I believe in many cases, screen time ends up 'thinking' for children rather than inspiring them to think creatively. Like it or not, as he got older and a baby sister shared my attention, more shows and apps found their way onto our screens. That's why I jumped at the opportunity to review the <i><a href="http://clvr.li/XW3oyJ" target="_blank">Creative Galaxy</a></i> series from Out of the Blue Enterprises, produced by Angela Santomero (Blue's Clues and Super Why) and offered via <a href="http://clvr.li/XW3oyJ" target="_blank">Amazon Prime Instant Video</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Creative Galaxy</i> is a create along, interactive art adventure series for preschoolers following Arty and Epiphany as they travel through the galaxy solving problems with art. The episodes are designed to inspire children to use their imaginations and instill an awareness of how art is all around us. At the end of each segment, there is a live action piece with children creating their own projects based on the art created in the show.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tXDwHc0WYE/VEFvfxxMQEI/AAAAAAAAChk/KNvvvV_AQdE/s1600/amazon_studios-creative_galaxy_S1_E13-episode_still_2.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tXDwHc0WYE/VEFvfxxMQEI/AAAAAAAAChk/KNvvvV_AQdE/s1600/amazon_studios-creative_galaxy_S1_E13-episode_still_2.tif" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My three year old son enjoyed the characters, storylines, and the 'problem to solve' style plot that he's very into. It's common for him to act out the scenarios that he watches on a show. We often have 'rescues' for trains trapped in a mine or need to tow an engine that has derailed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After watching only one episode, I saw him make a circle in the air with his finger and when I asked what he was doing, he said he was drawing the spaceship that Arty flies in. What makes <i><a href="http://clvr.li/XW3oyJ" target="_blank">Creative Galaxy</a></i> unique and valuable as a learning tool is that seeing characters create on the screen made him imagine he was creating, rather than just miming what he saw. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VV1MswVlLug/VEF0C4CjkkI/AAAAAAAAChw/XlZJ1DfLHzM/s1600/twopumpkinswithtext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted pumpkins kid craft" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VV1MswVlLug/VEF0C4CjkkI/AAAAAAAAChw/XlZJ1DfLHzM/s1600/twopumpkinswithtext.jpg" title="Creative Galaxy inspired craft" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In one of my favorite episodes, Arty paints a portrait of his friend Annie but is frustrated when the crooked features on his canvas don't look at all like her. The episode conveys the message "If you like it, it's not a mistake" and goes into a lesson about Pablo Picasso's style of painting and surrealism, making Arty realize that his portrait was perfect just the way it was because he liked it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWSFDTTM3F4/VD05vzYFlNI/AAAAAAAACgQ/u6nmZe__vHQ/s1600/amazon_studios-creative_galaxy_S1_E10-episode_still_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWSFDTTM3F4/VD05vzYFlNI/AAAAAAAACgQ/u6nmZe__vHQ/s1600/amazon_studios-creative_galaxy_S1_E10-episode_still_2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We decided to paint our own Picasso-esque portraits of baby sister on some foam pumpkins. After he showed me where he wanted to glue the eyes, my son chose to use red and blue to paint her features on the pumpkins while she 'posed' in her chair watching his every move. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsuti9F80w0/VEF7WempGnI/AAAAAAAACh8/NPx8XByU2us/s1600/avenmodel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsuti9F80w0/VEF7WempGnI/AAAAAAAACh8/NPx8XByU2us/s1600/avenmodel.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I asked him to paint her eyebrows, nose, and mouth and he understood that I wanted him to look at her and try to paint her face because he had just watched Arty and Annie in that same scenario.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-s7KsMyan4/VEBFwy9d35I/AAAAAAAAChA/fYqM00KtkE4/s1600/orangepumpkinongreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted pumpkins kid craft" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-s7KsMyan4/VEBFwy9d35I/AAAAAAAAChA/fYqM00KtkE4/s1600/orangepumpkinongreen.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Watching episodes of <i><a href="http://clvr.li/XW3oyJ" target="_blank">Creative Galaxy</a></i> followed up with an art project is a great addition to the art class my son gets in preschool. With many schools cutting art classes, I could also see this helping parents that may not have an art background, give their young children a lesson at home! Parents that are versed in art history will get a kick out of seeing artists like Seurat, Pollock, or Picasso referenced in the series. (Because I was a fan, I also just have to mention that any parents who were fans of 90210 will recognize the voice of 'Sketch' the pencil as Jason Priestley.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Teaching young children that it's fine to paint trees that are purple or draw a dog with five tails if that's what makes them happy isn't always easy but so important for building on their creative ability and <i><a href="http://clvr.li/XW3oyJ" target="_blank">Creative Galaxy</a></i> did a great job getting that point across. It's a good lesson for anyone to take away- focusing too much on perfection or little details can cause you to miss more important parts of an experience; in this case, the creating. I know these pumpkin portraits mean the world to me because of who created them!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyF8GPOar8w/VEEGWVLMaVI/AAAAAAAAChM/pRKTFtzZskM/s1600/twopumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted pumpkins kid craft" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyF8GPOar8w/VEEGWVLMaVI/AAAAAAAAChM/pRKTFtzZskM/s1600/twopumpkins.jpg" height="640" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>I was selected for this opportunity as a member of <a href="http://clvr.li/OHjC82" target="_blank">Clever Girls</a> and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.</i>Kate @ Eating in the Shower Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10211044270170516466noreply@blogger.com1