tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25812551475095059302024-03-12T20:44:45.068-04:00The Dapper DarlingThe Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-58774403907726839412014-04-07T22:23:00.000-04:002014-04-07T22:23:43.131-04:00Easter Basket Revamp<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Easter baskets can be notorious for nasty candy, cheap toys that fall apart in a day and a new basket every year that clutters up more space in your child’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year I was on a mission to change that and it has been a hit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The great part is that you are going to eventually buy these things for your child this spring anyway so why not get a little organized and integrate it into your Easter basket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think outside the box and add things like:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A towel with your loved ones favorite character on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A new bathing suit for the season, sun glasses and hat to fend off those summer rays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A stuffed animal or book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">New Spring/Summer Jammies and Slippers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bracelets or necklaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fill eggs up with things other than sweets like temporary tattoos or a healthier snack like cheerios.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also have the kids put out the basket the night before so the bunny has a place to leave his gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way you save by not having to buy another basket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be creative, have fun and Happy Easter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-76245921404046345762014-03-11T10:05:00.000-04:002014-03-11T10:05:09.538-04:00St. Patty's Day Hole In One!!!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Patty’s Day is around the corner and this breakfast is
a perfectly fun way to celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
grandmother always made this easy and delicious breakfast for me growing up and
using a clover cookie cutter makes it all the more fun during the month of March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One slice of toast per person, we used organic whole wheat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One egg per person<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A little cooking spray or butter for the pan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salt and pepper <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One cookie cutter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use cookie cutter to cut out the middle of the slice of
bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a non-stick pan use a little
butter or cooking spray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over medium
heat put down your bread and break an egg into the hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the egg if
you like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toast your little cut out as
well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the egg starts to turn white most
of the way through very carefully give your toast a flip with a spatula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave it for about a minute and check the bread
to see if it is toasted the way you like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you leave the egg runny it’s fun to dip your cut out into it or you
can just as easily cook the egg through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Viola! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tips:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Substitute a green pepper ring for the toast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still has that clover look to it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just cut a pepper in half to make rings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make this anytime of year with other holiday cookie cutters
like a heart for Valentine’s Day or butterflies during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take some blue food coloring and add it to a bowl with your
egg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whip it gently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
way your clover will be green!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cheers,<br />
Amanda<br />
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The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-6561465631265958722013-11-20T08:32:00.000-05:002013-11-20T08:42:08.027-05:00Hand Print Turkey, an Oldie but a Goodie!This has to be one of the easiest Thanksgiving crafts out there, the kids love the mess and the bonus is years from now you get to remember how small those cute little hands were at one time. We took some paint to those paws keeping the palm and thumb brown and letting the kids choose the colors for the rest of the fingers. They become the feathers. <br />
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Have your little one press their hand on the paper and gently remove.<br />
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After it dries draw two legs and feet, a beak and now's the time to explain those red dangly things. <span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Snood: the flap of skin that hangs over the turkey's beak. Turns bright red during courtship or when the turkey is upset.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Wattle: the flap of skin under the turkey's chin. Turns bright red during courtship or when the turkey is upset.</span></div>
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The females think the bigger and redder the more attractive those boys become. </div>
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That may be a lesson for another day, however.</div>
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Have fun you turkeys!!!The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-37706705501783157892013-11-13T12:03:00.001-05:002013-11-13T12:03:22.635-05:00Old School Pillow Pet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSF6hegb-2w/UoOwqEZIbsI/AAAAAAAABbg/mm_qk24CjU0/s1600/wes&leila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSF6hegb-2w/UoOwqEZIbsI/AAAAAAAABbg/mm_qk24CjU0/s640/wes&leila.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-80140603858779920772013-11-13T09:13:00.002-05:002013-11-13T09:13:59.420-05:00Attack of the Killer PapersSometimes when my kindergartener comes home and unleashes a flood of papers onto the table and absolutely refuses to throw any of them away I feel like I'm drowning. I can feel myself get anxious as I add to the huge stack on the dining room table but know that she is proud and wants me to be proud of her as well. To fix this dilemma I turn to Amy Volk, owner of Simplified Living LLC. She has a great blog with loads of information on home and corporate organization. Check out her advice for school papers by clicking <a href="http://www.amyvolk.com/what-do-i-do-with-all-the-school-papers/" target="_blank">HERE!</a> Organization is not a skill that I was born with but as a mother I find I need it more and more every day to keep my sanity. Besides, who wouldn't want to use these cute folders? Find advice on school papers and more at <a href="http://www.amyvolk.com/">www.amyvolk.com</a>! Also, a great place to find storage containers and folders is <a href="http://www.thecontainerstore.com/" target="_blank">The Container Store</a>. With a little good advice and prep I know we can live simply in no time! <br />
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<a href="http://www.amyvolk.com/what-do-i-do-with-all-the-school-papers/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amyvolk.com/what-do-i-do-with-all-the-school-papers/" class="size-full wp-image-290 aligncenter" height="400" src="http://www.amyvolk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/file-folders.jpg" title="file folders" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have any tips you can't live without? Please comment below! The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-39001601801315938162013-11-07T17:08:00.002-05:002013-11-07T17:08:47.487-05:0050% OFF & Free Shipping Through November 11th!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thedapperdarling.com/"><img alt="www.thedapperdarling.com" border="0" height="604" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-eYhija6X0/UnwPJjCk2HI/AAAAAAAABbQ/ZK_3ki6VmDc/s640/_dapper_mainpicveteranssale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-26948166017624289022013-11-06T06:31:00.003-05:002013-11-06T06:31:26.734-05:00Roasted Red Pepper Hummus<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Hummus is one of those easy to make foods that can be extremely versatile! Plus, it's great for your body so how can you go wrong? I tinkered around and came up with my favorite roasted red pepper version. Also, it's kid approved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">Roasted Red Pepper Hummus<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 15 oz can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 cloves garlic or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup jarred roasted red peppers<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 tablespoons Tahini (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 tablespoons olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">½ teaspoon cumin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">¼ teaspoon onion powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/8 teaspoon chili powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">¼ teaspoon sea salt or to taste<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">Combine all ingredients in food processor until smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serve with veggie sticks, tortilla or pita
chips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is also great in pitas or on
sandwiches. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Happy Hummussing!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98_qLxmavJc/UnomPYudUyI/AAAAAAAABa8/pxALtUPZTMA/s1600/weshummus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98_qLxmavJc/UnomPYudUyI/AAAAAAAABa8/pxALtUPZTMA/s640/weshummus.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-83416527607532620542013-10-30T13:30:00.002-04:002013-10-30T13:30:36.796-04:00Fall Leaf Impression <span style="font-size: large;">This is a simple and fun craft for kids at any age. Go outside and collect your favorite fallen leaves. Set or gently tape them down to the table. Set a sheet of paper over the leaves and at an angle draw back and forth over them. You can always make it educational by talking about the different parts of the leaves you can see through the impressions like the veins and leafstalk. See more interesting leaf info </span><a href="http://www.robinsonlibrary.com/science/botany/anatomy/leafparts.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. Happy Fall Ya'll!</span><br />
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The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-28831054048968241042013-10-21T13:02:00.000-04:002013-10-23T08:09:10.693-04:00Cupcake Wrapper Flowers<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Missing Summer Yet? We are! Make these cute flowers to bring the warmth back into your home with your little ones. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN6sDf3iBPg/UmVauAPYyyI/AAAAAAAABYc/CNnlx3-LG7A/s1600/DSC_4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN6sDf3iBPg/UmVauAPYyyI/AAAAAAAABYc/CNnlx3-LG7A/s640/DSC_4308.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You probably already have the items necessary to make these
cute spring flowers at your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids
love how simple and adorable they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Items needed:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Popsicle sticks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buttons or beads<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cupcake wrappers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Markers or paint<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Glue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green construction paper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steps:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paint your popsicle sticks green or use a marker to color
them and let dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paint your cupcake
wrappers as well if you want.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8gKM8EoFH0/UmVaouf2riI/AAAAAAAABYE/8L1tTAsOvVs/s1600/DSC_4297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8gKM8EoFH0/UmVaouf2riI/AAAAAAAABYE/8L1tTAsOvVs/s640/DSC_4297.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Push wrappers inside out and glue to your popsicle stick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Glue beads or buttons in the center of your cupcake wrapper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mlKeeDE0z4M/UmVakloMFdI/AAAAAAAABX0/f5RQxtQr-qo/s1600/DSC_4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mlKeeDE0z4M/UmVakloMFdI/AAAAAAAABX0/f5RQxtQr-qo/s640/DSC_4293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fold your construction paper in half and draw a leaf on the
folded edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cut them out, unfold and
glue to back of your sticks.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAQbIU6C7Sw/UmVcN62LktI/AAAAAAAABZE/0SWXt_MD_Qc/s1600/DSC_4299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAQbIU6C7Sw/UmVcN62LktI/AAAAAAAABZE/0SWXt_MD_Qc/s640/DSC_4299.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbQD-ShU7k4/UmVav47hYaI/AAAAAAAABYs/Anjrn9OZbR8/s1600/DSC_4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbQD-ShU7k4/UmVav47hYaI/AAAAAAAABYs/Anjrn9OZbR8/s640/DSC_4303.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can really get creative with these by doubling up the
wrappers to create a layered look or by cutting the wrappers to form shaped
petals and you can use almost anything for the center of the flower!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Play with them individually or glue them to a piece of construction paper to display!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-42433857411218252462013-10-15T14:14:00.000-04:002013-10-15T14:14:56.894-04:00Hot Air Balloon Craft
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is something magical about hot air balloons for both
children and adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way they
gracefully move up and down and only with the speed of the wind makes everyone,
young and old, stop and stare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this
simple craft you can create your own magical hot air balloon and make it as
simple or ornate as you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SQmbyfm4Cg/Ul2EgY6By3I/AAAAAAAABXE/kDyohd1OfQ8/s1600/hotairballoon+hanging+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SQmbyfm4Cg/Ul2EgY6By3I/AAAAAAAABXE/kDyohd1OfQ8/s640/hotairballoon+hanging+(2).jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You will need:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paper plates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Construction paper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yarn or string<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hole punch or glue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Markers, crayons or paints<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steps:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Decorate the paper plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We wanted to paint ours so we flipped it over to the non-waxy side and
used markers and watercolors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feel free
to use glitter, stickers or whatever excites your child and decorate both or
just one side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycs0OX_sLJc/Ul2Eji2OIrI/AAAAAAAABXc/FZgJqvG61rM/s1600/hotairballoonplatse+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycs0OX_sLJc/Ul2Eji2OIrI/AAAAAAAABXc/FZgJqvG61rM/s640/hotairballoonplatse+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cut out your basket from your construction paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can use a square or trapezoid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcMgiea0yJ0/Ul2EhLvN1sI/AAAAAAAABXM/bXwhK22Dg-I/s1600/basket+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcMgiea0yJ0/Ul2EhLvN1sI/AAAAAAAABXM/bXwhK22Dg-I/s640/basket+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Punch out holes in the plate and basket and string together
with yarn or use glue if you don’t have a hole punch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwRLTN7w3Rk/Ul2Eg6oGCMI/AAAAAAAABXI/D9LiSd249QQ/s1600/hotairballoonone+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwRLTN7w3Rk/Ul2Eg6oGCMI/AAAAAAAABXI/D9LiSd249QQ/s640/hotairballoonone+(2).jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hang it high and let it twist and turn in the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6vyvUa3cf8/Ul2EkBtDdhI/AAAAAAAABXg/0y6zMUnVvRo/s1600/hotairballoontwo+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6vyvUa3cf8/Ul2EkBtDdhI/AAAAAAAABXg/0y6zMUnVvRo/s640/hotairballoontwo+(2).jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
</div>
The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-63375441673710344412013-10-09T14:21:00.000-04:002013-10-09T14:21:16.470-04:00You’re on a roll bird feeder
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<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDDbhZTIYLY/UlWd2TJUU7I/AAAAAAAABWo/3P64bjuJl9Q/s1600/DSC_4067+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDDbhZTIYLY/UlWd2TJUU7I/AAAAAAAABWo/3P64bjuJl9Q/s640/DSC_4067+-+Copy.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The birds are on their way out of here but we try to
keep them coming back each morning with this easy and inexpensive diy bird
feeder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a perfect project for
little ones and they love the idea of feeding the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You will need:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Empty toilet paper rolls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peanut butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bird seed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steps:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use a knife to spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the
entire toilet paper roll.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3SsCoyfXU8/UlWd13v8JFI/AAAAAAAABWk/T5hj_HN9JHQ/s1600/DSC_4061+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3SsCoyfXU8/UlWd13v8JFI/AAAAAAAABWk/T5hj_HN9JHQ/s640/DSC_4061+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have your child roll it in the seeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ4hhTCMzSI/UlWd0gX-3SI/AAAAAAAABWc/tjr2I5lC6Y4/s1600/DSC_4062+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ4hhTCMzSI/UlWd0gX-3SI/AAAAAAAABWc/tjr2I5lC6Y4/s640/DSC_4062+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Slide it on a branch, and wait!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZMlpWU4Khw/UlWdyvkL7UI/AAAAAAAABWU/v5rxnB204m4/s1600/DSC_4065+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZMlpWU4Khw/UlWdyvkL7UI/AAAAAAAABWU/v5rxnB204m4/s640/DSC_4065+-+Copy.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-31674218220435869522013-10-09T13:06:00.000-04:002013-10-09T13:06:37.662-04:00Cinque Terre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KR6M8ThL1TA/UE5Ey94zHpI/AAAAAAAABQw/RnxVOKmj4FE/s1600/DSC_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KR6M8ThL1TA/UE5Ey94zHpI/AAAAAAAABQw/RnxVOKmj4FE/s640/DSC_2217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-31027851716019260592013-10-07T09:46:00.000-04:002013-10-07T09:46:46.307-04:00Edible Art
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a simple activity that can be educational and
tasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s great for learning how to
categorize and also helps to improve fine motor skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understanding how these treats can be
organized in different ways develops abstract thinking and putting them in
place on the paper improves eye hand coordination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You will need:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Glue stick if you want it to be permanent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colorful round cereal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cotton balls (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Print out sheets (2) You should be able to right click on them and choose to print</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steps:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rainbow Picture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spread
out a handful of cereal onto the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have you child choose three colors for the arches and then group them by
color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then have your child place each
piece in between the arches to form a rainbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Talk about how many you need on each arch and count them out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glue your cotton balls onto the clouds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point you can eat the cereal pieces or
glue them down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure they don’t eat them after they
adhere the glue. That's pretty obvious right? YUCK!</span></div>
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Flower bouquet: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
your child pick different colors and place at the top of each stem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glue down with glue stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about the parts of the flower such as the
stem, the petals and the seeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
forget about Mrs. Butterfly, she needs one on her wing!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have fun!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-57501729107176037032013-10-02T13:54:00.000-04:002013-10-07T09:47:10.923-04:00Easy Peazy Homemade Play Dough!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My kids love kneading, rolling and sometimes throwing play
dough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time when all the fun
is done the lid doesn’t get put on the jar correctly and it inevitably dries
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fear, homemade play dough is here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is super simple, non-toxic and I bet you
already have all of the ingredients in your cabinets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great way to “cook” with your kids and
when you are done in the kitchen the fun doesn’t have to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cup of all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cup of boiling water (try the microwave for 3 minutes)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup of salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tablespoons cream of tartar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tablespoons vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Food coloring (use at the end)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix all ingredients together in a bowl adding the water
last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom or Dad should handle the hot water!
Make sure the water doesn’t cool too much before you add it in, otherwise it
will not congeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use a wooden spoon to mix until it becomes too sticky to turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn out onto a table and knead to desired
consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Separate then add food
coloring and knead again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tips:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put your dough in a plastic zip bag and it will be ready for
next time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use essential oil to add scent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try lavender or peppermint!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A drop or two will do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why not add a little glitter?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gel food coloring tends to yield more vibrant colors but any
kind will do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not take this time to
also make it a learning experience about color combinations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example how red and blue make purple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amanda Carson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-86288860574573304162012-10-03T07:49:00.002-04:002013-10-02T13:54:46.800-04:00Che Bella Siena<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87QUQg0bbJs/UE4zGmHuuII/AAAAAAAABI0/6-V5D5RryLA/s1600/DSC_2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87QUQg0bbJs/UE4zGmHuuII/AAAAAAAABI0/6-V5D5RryLA/s640/DSC_2034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siena is a town located in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is famous for many reasons but mostly for it's annual horse race and it's medieval and unique architecture. It has stayed this way over the years because the city was abandoned as a central hub because of the lack of a nearby waterway. Every great old city needs a waterway for transportation of goods, etc. Siena doesn't have one so it was not updated with new architecture over the years. The Florentines were able to take away power from them through treason of a single man and become the next great expanding power.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWpltNAsP4E/UE4zHRmNqoI/AAAAAAAABJA/34pe52NhmeU/s1600/DSC_2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWpltNAsP4E/UE4zHRmNqoI/AAAAAAAABJA/34pe52NhmeU/s640/DSC_2017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the left side of this picture you see the Basilica Santa Domenico of which you can find the head of Saint Catherine of Siena. Yes, the head. (To your benefit, photos were not allowed in the chuch). Relics, or bones or body parts, are often found in Catholic churches in honor of Saints. Our guide explained that before television and modern communication it was a way to prove that this person existed and people felt that there messages and prayers had more solidity if you could pass them along through the relics. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jObzHoa1y_E/UE4zIOvWDmI/AAAAAAAABJM/Q2CwoPR-l8k/s1600/DSC_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jObzHoa1y_E/UE4zIOvWDmI/AAAAAAAABJM/Q2CwoPR-l8k/s640/DSC_2028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint Catherine of Siena was one child of a family of 25. From childhood she became anorexic as she passed along any available food to her siblings. She remained a very small person because of this, almost child like until her 30's when she passed away. They say before her death she was only able to chew on herbs to stay alive because of the damage of her anorexia. She was a very influential person who had many powerful leaders knocking on her door and bowing down at her feet. She even convinced the pope to move to Rome after exiled to France where all proceeding have stayed ever since. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z37gi9CK6YA/UE4zIuf1xzI/AAAAAAAABJY/1oA3NpTpPFc/s1600/DSC_2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z37gi9CK6YA/UE4zIuf1xzI/AAAAAAAABJY/1oA3NpTpPFc/s640/DSC_2023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a shot of the basilica.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFYI0pZ6NCo/UE42x3M_JWI/AAAAAAAABKM/U3vZyIe-j64/s1600/DSC_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFYI0pZ6NCo/UE42x3M_JWI/AAAAAAAABKM/U3vZyIe-j64/s640/DSC_2038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This green and white marble tower sets Siena apart. It's absolutely breathtaking. The homes built around it follow the old city walls. They simply just kept expanding and it led to these waving streets and views.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Arq9A4wKM4I/UE42yd-HHqI/AAAAAAAABKY/ljetq_s5R30/s1600/DSC_2042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Arq9A4wKM4I/UE42yd-HHqI/AAAAAAAABKY/ljetq_s5R30/s640/DSC_2042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are many hills in Siena which make for beautiful sky line.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcWOjMzkWwA/UE42yzevWxI/AAAAAAAABKk/NoZ4YFUF6LU/s1600/DSC_2046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcWOjMzkWwA/UE42yzevWxI/AAAAAAAABKk/NoZ4YFUF6LU/s640/DSC_2046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siena had some of the first bathrooms as you can see here that were built off the homes interior. The only problem is the brick you see here was not originally there so, uh hum, the "goods" where just dropped onto the streets and pushed into the common areas by rain water. It's no surprise the plague took its toll here. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fsbI1U2p2g/UE42zQRXwKI/AAAAAAAABKw/viFSAyUUb-A/s1600/DSC_2049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fsbI1U2p2g/UE42zQRXwKI/AAAAAAAABKw/viFSAyUUb-A/s640/DSC_2049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the location of Saint Catherine's original home which of course looks very different today but the portico's are just beautiful aren't they?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qM0o8Gl3Y_k/UE46SNvTb9I/AAAAAAAABLo/RcfTM-owXbI/s1600/DSC_2052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qM0o8Gl3Y_k/UE46SNvTb9I/AAAAAAAABLo/RcfTM-owXbI/s640/DSC_2052.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you see some of the flags that hang all over the city to represent it's "region" or "team"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MIDN0ygBebY/UE46SR19aBI/AAAAAAAABL0/Ma9w74yxSHY/s1600/DSC_2055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MIDN0ygBebY/UE46SR19aBI/AAAAAAAABL0/Ma9w74yxSHY/s640/DSC_2055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of these simple foods and settings really make Italy charming.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXx256TUP6k/UE46S-DLsDI/AAAAAAAABMA/2QVIYO7RinM/s1600/DSC_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXx256TUP6k/UE46S-DLsDI/AAAAAAAABMA/2QVIYO7RinM/s640/DSC_2057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since the streets are so uneven, the ristorante's must make even ground for diners. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvNVA6JiZ4Q/UE46TnsiUZI/AAAAAAAABMM/GEX23vsITp8/s1600/DSC_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvNVA6JiZ4Q/UE46TnsiUZI/AAAAAAAABMM/GEX23vsITp8/s640/DSC_2061.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a photo of the most recent horse race winner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5jnv9tobi4/UE49ST4zmNI/AAAAAAAABNk/VLnc-BW7_ao/s1600/DSC_2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5jnv9tobi4/UE49ST4zmNI/AAAAAAAABNk/VLnc-BW7_ao/s640/DSC_2066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found lots of humor in Siena. The people that live here must be happy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfupM1Hn-iQ/UE49S9foHxI/AAAAAAAABNw/XSnIUZiFyP8/s1600/DSC_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfupM1Hn-iQ/UE49S9foHxI/AAAAAAAABNw/XSnIUZiFyP8/s640/DSC_2067.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical view from inside the city walls where very limited traffic is allowed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cK1fRpp9XIM/UE49TmO-OgI/AAAAAAAABN8/jQoBWODBaU4/s1600/DSC_2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cK1fRpp9XIM/UE49TmO-OgI/AAAAAAAABN8/jQoBWODBaU4/s640/DSC_2069.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More beautiful pottery and humor (see sign)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xhzoS93vXU/UE49UQKRjEI/AAAAAAAABOI/vsDKaAMz3KQ/s1600/DSC_2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xhzoS93vXU/UE49UQKRjEI/AAAAAAAABOI/vsDKaAMz3KQ/s640/DSC_2070.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful duomo that boasts the famous tower seen below. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--aVubNQHekA/UE4_IU1U9EI/AAAAAAAABOU/XSjIST142rk/s1600/DSC_2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--aVubNQHekA/UE4_IU1U9EI/AAAAAAAABOU/XSjIST142rk/s640/DSC_2076.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzmqHr-agPs/UE4_JCMtVNI/AAAAAAAABOg/5JDPhcKkk5g/s1600/DSC_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzmqHr-agPs/UE4_JCMtVNI/AAAAAAAABOg/5JDPhcKkk5g/s640/DSC_2078.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When visiting here you see the cathedral seems to spread out into the city because the marble keeps on going into the courtyards. The truth is that these outside walls were suppose to be inside. The plague struck when working on its expansion and because so many workers perished it was never completed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csbs5qL85wg/UE4_Jgl1eeI/AAAAAAAABOs/DFWp-vuEKqQ/s1600/DSC_2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csbs5qL85wg/UE4_Jgl1eeI/AAAAAAAABOs/DFWp-vuEKqQ/s640/DSC_2083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This area is famous for its wild pig. Here is more Sienese humor. (Note the glasses).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzrvLtlLxBM/UE4_KCnvjeI/AAAAAAAABO4/-1n5z2X6PD0/s1600/DSC_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzrvLtlLxBM/UE4_KCnvjeI/AAAAAAAABO4/-1n5z2X6PD0/s640/DSC_2089.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This piazza when entering takes your breath away. Its shaped like a seashell and sloped upwards. This is the bottom of the seashell seen here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjMkEGkX9_k/UE5CVyYB_zI/AAAAAAAABPs/U0oQi4opSQk/s1600/DSC_2093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjMkEGkX9_k/UE5CVyYB_zI/AAAAAAAABPs/U0oQi4opSQk/s640/DSC_2093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you see some amazing architecture with the Siena seal and clock tower at the base of the piazza.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdxJ6i5vyDY/UE5CWpbFDYI/AAAAAAAABP4/NNEMVpbMAvs/s1600/DSC_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdxJ6i5vyDY/UE5CWpbFDYI/AAAAAAAABP4/NNEMVpbMAvs/s640/DSC_2094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanning out into the piazza you can see the shell start to take place. Apparently the corner seen ahead is the most treacherous during the race. Many horses and jockeys go down here. It was interesting for me to find out that the race is only three laps and if the horse finishes without the jockey it is still considered a win. They consider the horse more of a racer than the jockey. Only 10 horses out of th 17 regional teams qualify for the race that takes place twice a year. July and August. The entire piazza fills with people on the inside and is covered with sand to help the horses. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVMwpJSqStU/UE5CXHsJ4yI/AAAAAAAABQE/0BfBb_Qrixs/s1600/DSC_2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVMwpJSqStU/UE5CXHsJ4yI/AAAAAAAABQE/0BfBb_Qrixs/s640/DSC_2096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the top of the shell. There is such a variety of architecture shown here. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3N_OvMjqdk/UE5CXv4DKwI/AAAAAAAABQQ/q7sH5nWhIHQ/s1600/DSC_2099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3N_OvMjqdk/UE5CXv4DKwI/AAAAAAAABQQ/q7sH5nWhIHQ/s640/DSC_2099.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More fantastic craftsmanship.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4r1z58m8sjU/UE5DVPNg4QI/AAAAAAAABQc/nY9PVHsf5N4/s1600/DSC_2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4r1z58m8sjU/UE5DVPNg4QI/AAAAAAAABQc/nY9PVHsf5N4/s640/DSC_2101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The she wolf is a symbol of the city as seen above. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DuKjVRH2QJU/UE5DVhqf1XI/AAAAAAAABQo/5nJtPIRKIn0/s1600/DSC_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DuKjVRH2QJU/UE5DVhqf1XI/AAAAAAAABQo/5nJtPIRKIn0/s640/DSC_2107.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am having an amazing lunch and Chianti wine to end my day in Siena. The veal and chicken liver is famous in the area so I had to try it. It was delicious but I never do feel right about eating veal. However, as the expression goes, When in Rome.....or Siena in this case! </td></tr>
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The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-72095096779386517292012-08-09T14:41:00.000-04:002013-10-02T13:55:25.808-04:00Pretty PortofinoI was able to spend an afternoon on the Italian Riviera in a town called Portofino. It's a small village on the water near the famous Cinque Terre in the Genoa region of Italy. It was first documented as early as the year 986. It's best accessed by water so we boarded a small boat at the port of Santa Margarita Ligura.
Here you can see a statue of Christopher Columbus pointing the way to America in Santa Margherita Ligure. This is the second statue of its kind I have seen on my travels. The other was in Barcelona Spain, only on a much grander scale.
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We "had" to wait here for the boat.
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I was stunned pulling away and into the harbor at the number of four story yachts.
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The views are, of course, spectacular and when you arrive in Portofino row homes of all the colors of the rainbow draw you in and make art of the coast line. Many of the homes are painted to look like they have elaborate wood work on the outside but in a up close view I was surprised to find they were flat stucco buildings. Not only did the number of big and small boats amaze me but the port is also lined with floating restaurants so you can enjoy a glass of wine and float along with the sailors pulling in.
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There are just a handful of must see landmarks here including two churches, a castle and lighthouse. All easily accessible by foot. We spent four hours touring the village and having a leisurely lunch. This was ample time spent here and I really can't imagine spending any more time there unless you just want to RELAX. I'm not that kind of traveler these days so a four hour tour was just right for me.
The view from the castle was spectacular.
A perfect day!
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The garden outside "Castle Brown".
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From inside the castle
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There was a VERY interesting art garden of which I would have loved to seen. A hanging rhino welcomes you. If that doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Walking the winding streets
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Standing by the harbor
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdVCM8QtIGY/UBlu69Ouv-I/AAAAAAAABH0/UOYIYpxaWEc/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdVCM8QtIGY/UBlu69Ouv-I/AAAAAAAABH0/UOYIYpxaWEc/s400/IMG_1678.JPG" /></a></div>The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-43375883692092205202012-07-27T01:54:00.001-04:002013-10-02T13:54:54.763-04:00Pretty PortofinoThe Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-65170327335883638192012-07-18T12:56:00.000-04:002012-07-18T12:56:51.359-04:00VERY JANECheck out one of my favorite "Deal a Day" sites <a href="http://veryjane.com">www.Veryjane.com</a>. If you like Etsy...You'll be in artsy fartsy heaven. They are currently having a give away, you can sign up below!
<a id="rc-da14ce1" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/da14ce1/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-11576054814693301572012-06-07T03:39:00.000-04:002012-06-07T03:39:05.708-04:00With love from, PISAWe made a day trip to Pisa. Pictures of the famous leaning tower and immediate surrounding area would lead you to believe that the entire city is adorned with white polished marble sparkling as one might envision heaven to be. Au Contraire, Mon Frère. What you see in these photos is the only section of Pisa that looks like this. From our driving tour it appeared as if the tower and two adjacent buildings were the beginning of some amazing project that was abandoned. The rest of the city is dark and old. We found that the tower was about all we wanted to see in Pisa and that was fine because it was not a disappointment. It's gorgeous and it leans something fierce. Before 2001 it leaned about 5.5 degrees and after some restoration it now leans about 3.99 degrees (that means the top is almost 13 feet off from being perfectly vertical.) It really looks like it's going to topple over at any minute. They have a strict age limit to climb up the tower (not that we wanted to anyway) so we just walked the perfectly manicured lawn and took our silly pictures holding up the tower and watched other people's acts of acrobats as they too took these ridiculous photos. They also have a unique fountain with three very large cherubs that we admired for some time. The tower is a free standing bell tower for the cathedral it stands next to. It took 177 years to complete the tower. Work began in 1173 and it only took 5 years for the subsoil and flawed designed to cause it to lean.
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I would highly recommend seeing it if you are in Tuscany but since it only takes an hour or so to enjoy it, why not then head to Lucca? It's an amazing little city only 20 minutes from the tower by car. That's what we did! Here we are entering the it's famous intact Renaissance-era city walls. It is quite enchanting. We couldn't figure out if we could park within the walls so we parked outside the city walls and walked in.
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This city dates back to before 180 BC.
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Below is an old Roman amphitheater whose outlines can still be seen in the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. We happily had lunch there. You can see the buildings are in an oval shape.
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Marcella stole everyone's hearts walking by as she "walked" her new kitty balloon down the old streets.
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You can walk or bike on top of the gorgeous city walls which is what we tried to do until the kids started to melt down. Nap time! There are some great parks there too so you can rest as the kids play.
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It's no wonder Napoleon conquered Lucca and made his sister queen. Do you think Wesley would do the same for Marcella?
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I needed a little jolt to get me home so my hubby got me some pocket espresso at the gas station. It tastes like liquid chocolate and even though you look kind of ridiculous drinking from the tiny straw, it works!
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Our exhausted little troopers taking their much deserved nap! Can't wait to show you the next trip!The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-14451224291932863932012-05-14T08:55:00.000-04:002012-05-15T03:02:52.695-04:00Bologna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bologna is not just an unappetizing piece of meat you put on a sandwich. It is also an amazing city in the North of Italy. My family and I were able to visit this past week and my husband now raves about it being his favorite city to visit, even over Florence and Verona. The history runs VERY deep. This poor city was taken over by so many different people it makes my head spin. The Romans, Etruscans, Celtics etc. It therefore has amazing architecture, food and culture. They also have so many "in the world" titles to brag about as well. The oldest university "in the world." The longest stretch of porticos "in the world." The fifth largest church "in the world." It also holds a special place in my daughters heart because it is home to her favorite food dish "in the world." Bologna is certainly a foodie's dream. The ragu sauce that us Americans like to chomp on is a bastardized version of the original Tagliatelle alla ragu or the better known Pasta Bolognese. It it just as amazingly tasty as you would imagine.
Our visit began as we drove to the north of the city and parked in an underground garage under the piazza 8 Agosto. It happened to be market day and we only walked through a small portion because it was enormous but if you are a shoe person, this is your heaven on earth. Rows and rows of beautiful Italian made shoes for much less than you could get anywhere in the States. My husband pushed me along with horse blinders so that I couldn't get distracted. You could easily spend the entire day there.
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We walked the gorgeous porticos that seemed to last for blocks taking in the city's architecture, locals and traffic. In Italy you must watch yourself crossing any street. Scooters and bikes and pedestrians buzz around like fruit flies on an old apple dancing around smart cars and buses. It is very chaotic.
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We walked straight to the Piazza Maggiore, the heart of downtown. It was almost completely destroyed in WWII but has been beautifully restored.
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This is also where Basilica di San Petronio is located. It is enormous and unfortunately they do not let you photograph inside. The front was being restored so no photograph was taken.
The whole piazza feels medieval as if you could see a princess walking about but of course as soon as you walk into the library it's contemporary decor pulls you right back into the 21st century.
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That is until you look down through the glass floor and see Roman ruins right under your feet. The city is full of many ruins and open to the public. Two meters under the city is well, an entire other city. The Europeans just built right on top of existing homes and streets, etc. Unfortunately there are no tunnels to take you under but there is so much information available at the library you hardly need to. There are also two or more free museums that I hear are amazing. Next time we are there, that is on our list of things to do!
Of course we stopped for our pasta ragu and a small break for your two very tired troops.
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We then headed toward the University to check out the scene. It is like most school campuses. Full of life and graffiti.
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We also saw the two famous towers of Bologna.
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Then, we got lost. Which I always think is part of the fun because you then see some unexpected gems.
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That was the end of our fun day in Bologna. I would recommend 2 days here especially if you want to visit the museums and many church's. I can't wait to go again.The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-57342025901006315392012-05-06T16:15:00.000-04:002012-05-15T03:03:08.931-04:00FiestaFor the fiesta weekend I ate way too much food. What's new? I was also very disappointed to find out about this holidays NON-meaning. Cinco de Mayo really doesn't mean much to Mexico but it's still a good reason to party I suppose. Here is some Mexican inspired food I made and stuffed my face full of!
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The Pepito! Toasted bread smeared with re-fried beans and melted mozzarella with marinated flank steak and avocado.
I also made these adorable sombrero cookies with Rolo's, butter cream frosting and sprinkles. OLAY! I used <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/gale-gand/quick-vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/index.html">THIS butter cream frosting recipe</a> but cut it in half as I knew I wasn't going to need much. I put it all in a plastic bag and cut a small hole in the corner to pipe just enough under and around the Rolo as well as on the edge of the cookie. I then "sprinkled" my sprinkles on. I would pipe 5 and sprinkled 5 at a time because otherwise the butter cream would harden before the sprinkles had a chance to grab on for dear life.
See recipes for the Pepito's <a href="http://patismexicantable.com/2011/04/steak-avocado-sandwich.html">HERE</a>...and sombrero sugar cookies <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-sugar-cookies/">HERE</a>. This recipe called for white sugar but I used natural sugar and it tasted amazing.
Hope you had a great weekend as well!The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-5863640379761436722012-04-26T02:05:00.000-04:002012-05-15T03:03:22.591-04:00The Count DownWe now know we have one year left to live in Italy. This of course gives me mixed emotions. I am so ready to spend time with friends and family in the States but I really LOVE it here as well. Life is a little slower and the food is heaps better. In the four years we have lived here I have had two adorable babies. I was pregnant or breastfeeding for almost all four years. Well this milk well is now dry and its time for Mama to have a little fun. Responsibly of course :) We haven't been able to do much traveling which I have a serious bug for. We have little funds and big responsibilities at home but still with that being said we pledge to travel at least once per month to somewhere we haven't been. Even if it's just a 30 minute drive and only for 8 hours. I'll try to keep you abreast of every where we go! I'm happy I can share with you some of the places in this amazing country you may not see otherwise. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7S-eTxVF-eY/T5jknLBK31I/AAAAAAAAAyY/EAGJOSSogA0/s1600/italy_pol96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7S-eTxVF-eY/T5jknLBK31I/AAAAAAAAAyY/EAGJOSSogA0/s200/italy_pol96.jpg" /></a></div>The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-27287352063095511522012-02-28T04:09:00.017-05:002012-02-28T05:35:50.409-05:00Little Man Party!My son just turned one! We had a great "little man" party with little man food and cupcakes and a really fun photo booth. I think the adults had more fun than the kids at points. I was getting a few questions about how I set it all up so here you go!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrkVVACGAPk/T0yr3pOKnZI/AAAAAAAAAyA/hj1Q6kjO7PY/s1600/DSC_0473.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrkVVACGAPk/T0yr3pOKnZI/AAAAAAAAAyA/hj1Q6kjO7PY/s200/DSC_0473.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714130999672741266" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qL-B5ljIWU0/T0yr3Lw9DkI/AAAAAAAAAx0/PheU_Anl-_8/s1600/DSC_0439.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qL-B5ljIWU0/T0yr3Lw9DkI/AAAAAAAAAx0/PheU_Anl-_8/s200/DSC_0439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714130991765589570" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OALjjypMsiY/T0yr2tv5CNI/AAAAAAAAAxo/_ZKfGJQdNXE/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OALjjypMsiY/T0yr2tv5CNI/AAAAAAAAAxo/_ZKfGJQdNXE/s200/DSC_0440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714130983708068050" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXRdAhpX1JQ/T0yr3-qI4DI/AAAAAAAAAyI/qOMEUTxg8o0/s1600/DSC_0533.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXRdAhpX1JQ/T0yr3-qI4DI/AAAAAAAAAyI/qOMEUTxg8o0/s200/DSC_0533.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714131005427212338" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnlGikufy90/T0yoi5ocSsI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/-zMQiIl_lf0/s1600/DSC_0432.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnlGikufy90/T0yoi5ocSsI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/-zMQiIl_lf0/s200/DSC_0432.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714127344765782722" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9E3EiZgIow/T0yoiTuMa-I/AAAAAAAAAxE/hb9zbKVGbEY/s1600/DSC_0436.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9E3EiZgIow/T0yoiTuMa-I/AAAAAAAAAxE/hb9zbKVGbEY/s200/DSC_0436.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714127334589361122" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMS31_-upa8/T0yoh5vc4fI/AAAAAAAAAw4/9zQ2uSZPwYY/s1600/DSC_0433.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMS31_-upa8/T0yoh5vc4fI/AAAAAAAAAw4/9zQ2uSZPwYY/s200/DSC_0433.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714127327615312370" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ49Q5HDmyA/T0yojSCsWUI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Ukrlmzhn-bw/s1600/DSC_0431.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ49Q5HDmyA/T0yojSCsWUI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Ukrlmzhn-bw/s200/DSC_0431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714127351318337858" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uykd4y59lug/T0ykZKIyL6I/AAAAAAAAAwg/pv932eDosOo/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uykd4y59lug/T0ykZKIyL6I/AAAAAAAAAwg/pv932eDosOo/s200/DSC_0438.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714122779351199650" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXmjjUQz0kU/T0ykYvOx6VI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/5Bz1-mAqx8I/s1600/DSC_0441.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXmjjUQz0kU/T0ykYvOx6VI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/5Bz1-mAqx8I/s200/DSC_0441.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714122772128590162" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyKsy2D_X8E/T0ykYFGg-3I/AAAAAAAAAwI/RLOwTXcVQpc/s1600/DSC_0442.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyKsy2D_X8E/T0ykYFGg-3I/AAAAAAAAAwI/RLOwTXcVQpc/s200/DSC_0442.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714122760819637106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xew8enIGOTQ/T0ykXxl8wkI/AAAAAAAAAv8/zDkNSM4fdDY/s1600/DSC_0443.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xew8enIGOTQ/T0ykXxl8wkI/AAAAAAAAAv8/zDkNSM4fdDY/s200/DSC_0443.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714122755582771778" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgB2aLSOJjg/T0ykZR1kkmI/AAAAAAAAAws/UwPFx2L7UHQ/s1600/DSC_0437.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgB2aLSOJjg/T0ykZR1kkmI/AAAAAAAAAws/UwPFx2L7UHQ/s200/DSC_0437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714122781418099298" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbZoCU0ayTU/T0yiTzLqXQI/AAAAAAAAAvw/lMd1O46-0sc/s1600/DSC_0455.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbZoCU0ayTU/T0yiTzLqXQI/AAAAAAAAAvw/lMd1O46-0sc/s200/DSC_0455.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714120488266652930" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4HH8VFZX90/T0yh1i6O4vI/AAAAAAAAAvk/Ifr484BNbHs/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4HH8VFZX90/T0yh1i6O4vI/AAAAAAAAAvk/Ifr484BNbHs/s200/DSC_0463.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714119968502506226" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAhURZK8p9A/T0yhVh9n9sI/AAAAAAAAAvY/lhkEpkmZ-NA/s1600/DSC_0456.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAhURZK8p9A/T0yhVh9n9sI/AAAAAAAAAvY/lhkEpkmZ-NA/s200/DSC_0456.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714119418492483266" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-285U_qe9i9o/T0yg1rjW5bI/AAAAAAAAAvM/1JN_A4voeWg/s1600/DSC_0498.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-285U_qe9i9o/T0yg1rjW5bI/AAAAAAAAAvM/1JN_A4voeWg/s200/DSC_0498.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714118871310853554" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UANLvZScweQ/T0ygYObRtbI/AAAAAAAAAvA/D-ygxbKvwkk/s1600/DSC_0505.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UANLvZScweQ/T0ygYObRtbI/AAAAAAAAAvA/D-ygxbKvwkk/s200/DSC_0505.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714118365276124594" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I decided upon the little man theme because my little guy is well...not petite. So to outfit him to look like a little man I bought him a "tie" onsie and bib to rock on the big day. I chose a color scheme based on the invitations I ordered. Red, light blue and black. <br /><br /> I decided that a little man party should have little man food. So men like...beer...ok root BEER floats. The root beer float station was a hit! Don't forget the whipped cream and cherries. Men like burgers and fries...ok sliders and curly fries. Little sliders with pickles and all the fixings. They were really great but I made way too many. I estimated one per child and two per adult. Then of course for me its a necessity to always have fruits and veggies. Another side...hmmm well my husband loves chips and dip so I thought little individual dips would be fun. It was a little time consuming but well worth it for the 7 layer Mexican dips. I would definitely make them again especially for smaller gatherings. For dessert it just made sense that everyone would get their own little cupcakes. I made all chocolate cupcakes with butter cream frosting. I split the frosting in half and used food coloring in one batch to make it light blue. Sprinkles on top and they all looked wonderful!<br /><br />For decorations:<br /><br />I glued toothpicks to "cupcake toppers" and put them in the fruit and veggies. <br /><br />I punched circles out and strung them along twine for garland. <br /><br />I hung a happy birthday sign over the food table so it didn't look so bare above. <br /><br />For the photo booth I chose a corner of the house that doesn't get much traffic. I set out props that made for good "little man" pictures. Hats, glasses and ties. I knew everyone needed some whiskers so I set out chocolate mustache pops. I hung a blue sheet that matched the party colors and made a garland from twine and crepe paper. We set up a tripod but with the different heights for adults and kids we ended up holding the camera the whole time. <br /><br />The party was so much fun and really not too much work to put together. I hope your next party is a blast too!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The chocolate mustaches were from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BonBono?ref=seller_info">Bon Bono at Etsy</a> <br /><br />The invitations and cupcake toppers were made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BelvaJune">Belva June at Etsy</a> <br /><br />The Happy Birthday sign is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CowCountryCreations">Cow Country Creations at Etsy</a> <br /><br />Onsie and bib made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChicCoutureBoutique">Chic Couture Boutique</a> <br /><br />The plates, napkins forks and knives: <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/">Oriental Trading</a><br /><br />Recipe for the 7 layer Mexican dip from <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/12/individual-seven-layer-dips.html">The girl who ate everything</a>The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-66759023876770362762012-02-14T04:39:00.007-05:002012-02-14T09:13:22.454-05:00Valentine Garland<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_kJItscrnA/TzprENKiLVI/AAAAAAAAAu0/-7u0i_Y1S1g/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_kJItscrnA/TzprENKiLVI/AAAAAAAAAu0/-7u0i_Y1S1g/s200/DSC_0033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708993197643017554" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAAplNjSur4/TzprCb4G8VI/AAAAAAAAAuo/UfuHvM1FVY4/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAAplNjSur4/TzprCb4G8VI/AAAAAAAAAuo/UfuHvM1FVY4/s200/DSC_0027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708993167232528722" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBey5LsHJLk/TzpDB6ui5rI/AAAAAAAAAuc/H12TMAGoXQA/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBey5LsHJLk/TzpDB6ui5rI/AAAAAAAAAuc/H12TMAGoXQA/s200/DSC_0029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708949177868936882" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dc7wdgUkwgg/Tzo6B1WjOBI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/g-WAqBKVBH8/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dc7wdgUkwgg/Tzo6B1WjOBI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/g-WAqBKVBH8/s200/DSC_0028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708939280821467154" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Happy Valentine's Day! Here is a fun and easy craft to make with your loved ones. This is sure to spread the spirit in the house. <br />Supplies:<br />We used twine but ribbon or even fishing wire will work. <br />Paper, various colors<br />Heart shaped cookie cutters (if you don't have this, draw one, cut it out and trace it)<br />Hole punch or exacto knife.<br /><br />We wanted various shades of pink red and orange so we got a couple sheets of each folded them in half and traced the cookie cutters. We cut them out with scissors and punched them with the hole puncher on either side. If you do not have a hole punch use an exacto knife to cut two parallel 1/2" cuts. Run the twine in through one hole and out the other. Continue until you have the perfect amount of hearts for you. String them on the mantle or a door. Anyway your heart desires.<br /><br />Happy Valentine's Day. Hope its full of hugs and kisses!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WgScT440sc/Tzo1QFglP_I/AAAAAAAAAuE/NrWt6dckUUM/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WgScT440sc/Tzo1QFglP_I/AAAAAAAAAuE/NrWt6dckUUM/s200/DSC_0041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708934028118540274" /></a>The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2581255147509505930.post-40618835012744060682012-01-23T10:52:00.001-05:002012-01-27T15:56:56.802-05:00My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software Giveaway!Congrats to "The Doherty Clan"!!! You won! <br /><br />Thank you to all who entered and don't forget there is a coupon code at the bottom if you would like to purchase it! <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apZza86PUvw/Txb0KXcW9CI/AAAAAAAAAt4/EKGyrdt1rus/s1600/Wesleybday_2-001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apZza86PUvw/Txb0KXcW9CI/AAAAAAAAAt4/EKGyrdt1rus/s400/Wesleybday_2-001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699010837412770850" /></a><br />I have been given the opportunity to give away one <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software"><span style="font-weight:bold;">My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software Pack</span></a>! (a $40.00 value). I was able to use the program this past week and it was so easy and fun. My sons birthday is in a couple of weeks so I thought I would create a page in honor of him. What do you think? I used an already put together page and customized it as I wished. I added more photos and text and embellishments and the best part is no sticky glue fingers. Scrapbooking via PC is definitely for me. There are so many creative ways to use this software. I think I will print and frame it to have out at his birthday party.<br /> <br />So how do I get this? you ask. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Easy</span>! This Friday, January 27th, I will choose a random winner from the comments under this post. <br /><br /><br />To enter please visit <a href="http://mymemories.com">www.MyMemories.com</a> and choose your favorite digital paper pack or layout, then comment on this post telling me which ones you like best. ( Make sure you leave your email address if you have an anonymous comment.) <br /><br />For extra entries: <br /><br />Follow the My Memories <a href="http://blog.mymemories.com/">Blog</a>: <br />Like them on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593">Facebook</a>: <br />Follow on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite">Twitter</a>: <br />Or Follow This Blog!<br /><br />Make a separate comment on this post for each that you do!<br /><br />If you simply cannot wait, no sweat! Here is your very own Share the Memories code that provides a <span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">$10 discount</span></span> off the purchase of the <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software">My Memories Suite Scrapbook software</a> and a <span style="font-weight:bold;">$10 coupon</span> for the <a href="http://mymemories.com">MyMemories.com store</a> - <span style="font-weight:bold;">$20 value!</span> Feel free to share it with family and friends.<br />Code: STMMMS47841<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software"><img src="http://www.mymemories.com/images/stm/BestSoftware-500x120.jpg" alt="" height="120" width="500" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software">here</a> for the <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software">My Memories Suite link</a> <br /><br />Good Luck!The Dapper Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08244147102946953872noreply@blogger.com17