tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26665719257773866342024-03-19T05:34:40.689-05:00fresh juniperFresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-56665266897483268922016-02-17T23:49:00.000-06:002016-02-17T23:49:49.927-06:00The Journey of A Thousand Miles That Began New Year's Day On A Bicycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been working on something since New Year's Day. I've shared a bit with y'all about my personal struggle to regain control over anxiety through diet and exercise Not that I'm a fitness fan or anything like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, when life takes a nose dive and your sense of security and well-being starts to disappear, the pain and ensuing panic can force some much needed change in lifestyle and daily routine. Even if you're 50 something and completely out of shape. It can happen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A big part of my lifestyle change is riding a bicycle . Last spring I could barely ride one mile. It was hot and scary and exhausting. But guess what? By focusing all that excess stress and nervous energy on the bike and literally "riding it out", the anxiety began to subside. It was replaced by a sense of well being and accomplishment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I rode nearly every day and <a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2015/08/goatneck-bike-ride-2015-personal-victory.html" target="_blank">set a goal to join a local 10 mile bike ride event last summer</a>. After that the confidence increased and the anxiety waned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I began riding the bike to work occasionally- 10 miles each way. I decided to enter that local bike ride again and increase the distance from 10 to 27 miles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Towards the end of the year I was losing some momentum and struggling to find some motivation. The daylight hours were too few to ride to work. It was nearly dark by the time I got home each evening. I thought about setting a new goal - a really big, year-long goal. A thousand mile goal. Wow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A thousand miles is a long long long ride. No, I'm not riding from Texas to Utah. No, I'm not taking time off work to do it. This has to fit my schedule and be realistic. I won't ride on Sundays either. I have 6 days a week to ride. I can do it right here on my own street. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A thousand miles sounds easier when broken into segments. It is a bit less than 20 miles each week for the whole year. Yep, that is definitely doable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I rode 8 miles after work today, making the year-to-date total 196 miles. I'm trying to BEAT 20 miles per week. Thus far I've been riding 26 miles per week. The daily and year-to-date progress is recorded on the calendar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sharing this very personal journey because I hope to inspire others. No matter who you are or where you are on your journey right now, there is hope. You can overcome obstacles. If I can do this, anyone can. 804 miles to go. Ride on!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-35037862290750550932015-08-31T23:16:00.002-05:002015-08-31T23:16:25.037-05:00Goatneck Bike Ride 2015 - A Personal Victory<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A couple of years ago, my generally stressful life became much more stressful. Stressful events began happening back to back, then they started to snowball on me. Finally, my body began to break down. I could no longer manage the stress by myself. Anxiety attacks? Could a control freak like me truly be unable to control her own stress levels and experience a full blown anxiety attack? Yes. It happened. I didn't want to admit it, but it happened. HUBBY took me to the ER...and they gave me something I really hated to help control the anxiety - prescription medication. No way I could live the rest of my life popping pills to control my stress. No way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After much deliberation, searching, and prayer, I found a doctor who could help. Once thorough testing was completed, she prescribed thyroid medicine and bio-identical hormones, drastically changed my eating habits, and told me to begin regular walking and yoga. I was ready to try almost ANYTHING to avoid anxiety attacks and those awful pills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Walking? I started walking about a mile each day. I've never been much of a fitness buff. Can't</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> run very fast and just not very good at most sports. I could walk, but it wasn't much fun. In fact, walking was boring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, HUBBY and I started talking about bicycles. As a kid, I used to love bicycling. We had a small collection of bikes in the barn. He selected an old Huffy Roadmaster mountain bike and fixed it up for me. March 2015 was the beginning of a very positive change in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At first, I could only ride about a mile or so on that bike. I was 54 years old and more than a little afraid of breaking something - like a leg or an arm or worse. I started bicycling every other day or so - and gradually built up my strength and endurance level. The stronger I got, the less fearful I became about riding. Pretty soon I could go halfway up a big hill at one end of our street. Not too long after that, I could go halfway up the hill, back down to the lake, and home again. Gradually, I was able to go ALL the way up that big hill, down to the lake, and back home - a distance of about two and a half miles. Well, if I could do that route once, maybe I could do it one and a half times. Pretty soon I could do two rounds. I referred to it as two laps. Wow, two laps was equal to five miles!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Summer was fast approaching. It was getting hotter in Texas and climbing that big hill twice was not easy. By early May 2015, I got a water bottle and holder for the bike. That helped a lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Near our home, there is a popular annual bike event each summer called the <a href="http://thegoatneck.us/" target="_blank">Goatneck Bike Ride</a>. The 2015 Goatneck was scheduled for July 25, two days before my 55th birthday. As I stated earlier, I'm not an athletic-type person. I've never done any kind of organized bike ride in my life. But I started thinking to myself, "If I can do two laps (five miles) then maybe I can do three or four laps. I wonder how long the Goatneck Bike Ride is this year?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I looked it up, and the Goatneck Bike Ride has four different choices or divisions. The options for rides were ten miles, twenty-seven miles, forty-one miles, and seventy miles. Could I do ten miles? Four laps would equal ten miles. The wheels in my head started turning. I'm a Grandmother of six. Could I really do a ten mile bike ride? What if I failed - or had a collision with another bicyclist? What if I could actually complete it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I prayed a lot. God gave me strength and courage. The excitement built as I increased the distance to three laps (seven and a half miles). The Texas summer was upon us and it was getting hotter. Finally I could do four laps. It wasn't easy on that old Huffy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I looked over the Goatneck route map and decided to give it a try before the race. HUBBY was so supportive. He drove me and the bike to the starting point, then drove ahead a short distance to wait for me. As I passed him, he'd get back in the truck and drive ahead a little farther to wait. I'd pass him again and he'd drive a little further ahead. Bless his little pea-pickin' heart. He knew I was still nervous about it and he made sure I knew he'd stay nearby in case anything went wrong. Sure enough, I finished the ten mile ride on that Huffy. Whew, I finally knew I could do it! It took me a little over fifty minutes. I felt pretty good about my goal to ride Goatneck that day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During the next week, HUBBY pulled PRINCE's Bianchi bicycle out of the barn and began working on it. He asked me to try it out. We'd been to some bike shops looking for ways to modify the Huffy and make it easier to ride. Bike shops call the HUFFY Roadmaster Mountain Bike "an ironing board with wheels". They also told me that in any bike event, mountain bikes finish last. There wasn't any modification that would help it - or me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Reluctantly, I agreed to try riding the Bianchi. It was a TALL bike. After riding it for the first time, I realized I would NOT ride the Huffy in the Goatneck 2015 Bike Ride. The Bianchi bike was so much EASIER to pedal, especially up that BIG hill on my regular practice route.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I continued to train with the Bianchi, riding my four laps every other day or so. It was getting even hotter outside and some days it was tough to finish - particularly if it was windy outside. We decided to do one more practice run of the actual Goatneck ten mile route, this time on the Bianchi. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My courage had increased. I asked HUBBY to go farther ahead to wait for me to pass him each time. Riding the route on the Bianchi was so much more fun. It helped trim the ride time down to about forty-five minutes. My excitement continued to build.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HUBBY helped me shop for a new helmet, bike shirt and shorts, gloves, and tennis shoes. Never before did I understand why bicyclists needed gloves. It is to be able to grip the handlebars when your hands get sweaty. I registered online for the Goatneck Bike Ride about three weeks prior to the ride. About one week before the ride I picked up my packet at the designated bike shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The day I'd anticipated for months, July 25th, finally arrived. We woke up early, got the gear ready, and loaded the bikes into the truck for the trip into town. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Goatneck always starts and finishes at the high school. The seventy mile ride began first at 7:30 a.m. The forty-one mile ride began at 7:40 a.m. The twenty-seven mile ride began at 7:45 a.m. My ride, the ten mile, was set to begin at 7:50 a.m. I think it was about 7:55 or so when it actually started. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Off I went with lots of other bicycle riders. This was new to me. I was accustomed to riding solo. It was fun seeing all those people riding along enjoying themselves. Although the Goatneck Bike Ride is NOT a race, I wanted to improve my time. It was a thrill for me to challenge myself and try to do better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I finished at the Goatneck 2015 ten mile bike ride at 8:23 a.m. This time it only took about thirty minutes, a new personal best! Happy birthday to me!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for answering my prayers and helping me realize this dream, to HUBBY for working so hard and spending so much time to repair the bikes and buy the gear, and to PRINCE for letting me ride his Bianchi bicycle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although the Goatneck 2015 is over, I still ride the bike a few times per week. My new goal is to be able to complete the twenty-seven mile ride for Goatneck 2016.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I share this very personal story in hopes of inspiring others who are having trouble with anxiety. Riding the bike has really helped me to deflate my stress. At the end of each ride, I feel less anxious and much more joyful. If the anxiety is really bad, I ride till I'm just too tired to feel anxious about anything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll share more about the rest of the treatment plan - the diet change and prescription treatments - in future posts. I've lost about 35 pounds and gained strength, endurance, confidence, and muscle tone!</span><br />
Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-9366487935696542662015-03-08T23:35:00.001-05:002015-03-09T06:49:18.072-05:00Baby Shower Craft: DIY Applique Onesies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My daughter, the very pregnant lady in the tan stripe sweater, has some wonderfully talented friends. I was privileged to attend her baby shower recently. The hostess, seated just to the left of my daughter, put on a terrific event. My favorite part was a simple DIY Onesie Applique Craft. What a fun idea!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Her dining room table was set up with plain white onesies of various sizes in a plastic tub. A gold dish held assorted cardstock templates in cute shapes: rocket ship, alligator, mustache, sailboat, guitar, and the state of Texas. The other side of the dish was filled with </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">squares of brightly colored, coordinating cotton prints in shades of blue and green</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were also scissors, pencils, and iron on adhesive with paper backing.</span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s1Pe-mb-Xh1Q9GbhcoRSb9CxifX4qWxLV_MIVgsOKwuvblsVOCpf4qJhCF_XVw6GPqf6mmf9pAGnS0lrJP-H1P32Bn_0SfeOv2FjwVDiiFTLWFX1WUxYoTSmnJQ3oRZGrdMOUmQruGw/s1600/IMG_3400+Mother+helps+daughter+trace+applique+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="633" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each shower guest was invited to choose a printed cotton square, a template, and a onesie. The hostess helped her daughter craft a onesie, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next, it was time to iron the square of cotton fabric onto the adhesive with paper backing. The ironing table was set up in the breakfast area, and the craft area was set up at the dining table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the cotton fabric was ironed to the adhesive with paper backing, it was time to lay the cardstock template onto the paper backing and trace the design of the template onto the paper with a pencil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then it was cut along the pencil lines and taken back to the ironing table and ironed directly onto the onesie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once the applique was ironed onto the onesie, the paper backing was peeled off and voila, the craft was complete! Easy, quick, and fun:)</span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtP-OjzSJNPcPQdGtHwLPJFeHHEtH1_vsnUCCTYI0dQJjd2WdT2EmR2j1olsRk-AZuEwY3g4-_nJAAnbl1f5UwF8srI5kjzQNDMWigrPeq4IVLdtnadopisQLwJ5av2_m72_T0dLc_epc/s1600/IMG_3426+Baby+Shower+Applique+Onesies+fj+pm.jpg" height="632" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are the designs we made. Mine was the grey mustache in the center. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everyone enjoyed themselves and the onesies they made turned out to be very cute. It was one of the best baby showers I've ever attended.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This post is shared at:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.sewcando.com/2015/03/share-be-inspired-at-craftastic-monday.html" target="_blank">Sew Can Do: Craftastic Monday Link Party</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2015/03/sew-darn-crafty-linky-party_8.html" target="_blank">Sew Many Ways: Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS-iy3r_J1nI4pdtSoQCYjXGmEst3jYI9pcvCSmndEU1WpmLHCG9UspDGXcrHzvPdMm66kU7sHjZQ2DNaQlwqJxPCHCpdNWVihrSin6w_P-5PbKv4qd_cvuj4-UDaaidE01NQsgioq1Ew/s1600/polka+dot+sew+darn+crafty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS-iy3r_J1nI4pdtSoQCYjXGmEst3jYI9pcvCSmndEU1WpmLHCG9UspDGXcrHzvPdMm66kU7sHjZQ2DNaQlwqJxPCHCpdNWVihrSin6w_P-5PbKv4qd_cvuj4-UDaaidE01NQsgioq1Ew/s1600/polka+dot+sew+darn+crafty.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.emmymom2.com/2015/03/best-of-blogosphere-link-party-week-9.html" target="_blank">Emmy Mom: Best of Blogosphere Link Party</a></span></div>
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<br />Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-86907526668112149192014-08-28T20:28:00.001-05:002014-08-28T20:28:51.943-05:00Sew Sweet Little Purse Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms3c-xP-2gyyserDmNGaGkAnI0FxfMh0P9i9gFoLa1Juspj7fbUkcC1pBZp-n8fKijtMvW0WQm2YD2QxeRTVAiZoT0WEYGc28fvDfHSl9_i_zZ6Syr_gY6FV7YgBafIzAzZv_3RvBYFg/s1600/Girls+Purses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms3c-xP-2gyyserDmNGaGkAnI0FxfMh0P9i9gFoLa1Juspj7fbUkcC1pBZp-n8fKijtMvW0WQm2YD2QxeRTVAiZoT0WEYGc28fvDfHSl9_i_zZ6Syr_gY6FV7YgBafIzAzZv_3RvBYFg/s1600/Girls+Purses.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was such a joy to make these sweet little purses for two sweet little girls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Followed the directions from my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/52424783132344783/" target="_blank">Toddler Purse Tutorial by Getting Crafty</a> and it worked like a charm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've actually made four purses that match three girl (ages 4, 6, and 11) outfits AND coordinating American Girl Doll outfits. Sharing those photos in upcoming post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The materials I used are all from Hobby Lobby:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The other two purses (not shown) are done in black and white houndstooth and hot pink, black, and white Paris Eiffel Tower print with black stretch lace elastic and plastic black and silver chain (for the purse handle).</span></div>
Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-70798656430090910362014-07-15T20:16:00.003-05:002014-07-15T20:16:56.725-05:00Rust Stains on Carpet and Metal - Rust Remover Product Test and Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few years ago, our office had a water leak. We thought it was a leak in the roof, but discovered that the gutters were stopped up. What a mess! The office nearest the problem gutter had the biggest problem. A lot of water soaked the carpeting, and it happened more than once. Eventually, the gutter was cleaned out and the carpet finally dried. No one paid any attention to the once-soaked carpet until a file cabinet in that office had to be moved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The file cabinet was emptied, the drawers were removed, and two people tried to move it. But, it just wouldn't budge. Why? It was so severely RUSTED on the bottom that the rust actually adhered to the carpet. What a mess!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a lot of work, the rusted-to-the-carpet file cabinet was moved. Again, WHAT A MESS! What to do? How do you clean rust on carpet?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We purchased a product from <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ready-Strip-32-oz-Rust-Remover-Sprayer-66732/100665892?N=5yc1vZ4m0" target="_blank">Home Depot</a> called <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ready-Strip-32-oz-Rust-Remover-Sprayer-66732/100665892?N=5yc1vZ4m0" target="_blank">Back to Nature Ready-Strip Rust Remover</a>. The words on the bottle are: "Safely removes rust stains like magic from virtually any surface! Odor-free - Environmentally safe" and "Works on: Removes most rust spots and stains from interior and exterior surfaces, including concrete, toilets, sinks, bathtubs, appliances, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, clothing, <u>carpets,</u> upholstery, autos and rv's, fiberglass boats, rigging and sails, bicycles, metal, wrought iron fences, tools, stainless fittings, antiques, and furniture, house siding, sporting goods, and more."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wow, could it be true? Was there something that we could use to remove the rust from the carpet?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm happy to tell you the answer. After testing the product, I give it a big thumbs up. It worked!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8857hOmVYkLp5r5bt8SW6_m7DJmcriOu_Rd8qx4N0tiS-NVCUQ0wO-k7Ppr87M77nn-R6Itvn_RxRsPlHiRecGfGjbuen2hcQWtkaONToe4nDYcArwk-pCRDt6E7SKx0JEwKUyVoZ8c/s1600/Carpet+Rust+Stain+Removal+5+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8857hOmVYkLp5r5bt8SW6_m7DJmcriOu_Rd8qx4N0tiS-NVCUQ0wO-k7Ppr87M77nn-R6Itvn_RxRsPlHiRecGfGjbuen2hcQWtkaONToe4nDYcArwk-pCRDt6E7SKx0JEwKUyVoZ8c/s1600/Carpet+Rust+Stain+Removal+5+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="332" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really wish there were photos to share of what it looked like right after the file cabinet was moved. What a MESS! Trust me. In the photo above, the lower half of the area was treated using the rust removal product, and the upper half of the area was not yet treated. What a big difference!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just for fun, I'm also sharing a photo showing a large steel beam in our parking lot. It is VERY rusty. The white stripe in the background is a parking lot stripe. The photo below of the beam clearly shows, before treatment, during treatment, and after treatment. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCXrzGM9Uylzvo1SPTpVxyuj8i-AeDrIF-ctlCP9M6HeU_iVgEe9QK7kD8hx42aOse6M2gEEjkkh8yexz5hk9QeTrimMisLwA6LUeuG7JSsL8zmbazHE8Ov7PrFrCiMB7fiKXAbMINY4/s1600/Steel+Beam+Rust+Removal+collage+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCXrzGM9Uylzvo1SPTpVxyuj8i-AeDrIF-ctlCP9M6HeU_iVgEe9QK7kD8hx42aOse6M2gEEjkkh8yexz5hk9QeTrimMisLwA6LUeuG7JSsL8zmbazHE8Ov7PrFrCiMB7fiKXAbMINY4/s1600/Steel+Beam+Rust+Removal+collage+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="354" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used a soft wire brush to scrub the carpet AND the steel after the product was applied. It took a LOT of scrubbing for the carpet, but the steel only took about 30 seconds of scrubbing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">NOTE: I don't know if it is truly environmentally safe as it claims to be or not. I just know that it works on carpet and metal. The active ingredients are citric acid and oxalic acid. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is not a sponsored or paid review. All opinions are my own. This stuff works!</span></div>
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<br />Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-28038281087907590282014-05-30T20:30:00.002-05:002014-05-30T20:30:50.510-05:00Job Interviews Are Like First Dates - Free Printable Quote<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWhGKZ5VMkwP0COQR6SrjYOcltbAZr8CSk-d-YkJ83vsVUrD1vKCdtikAWjeACzRtieHttnBUFd6i3AwgGMrPUBgRVoINrYsoy8v47JWXjkAWONbmk34aG1E4ds8AwHjEpBzw9aGolaA/s1600/Job+interviews+are+like+first+dates+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWhGKZ5VMkwP0COQR6SrjYOcltbAZr8CSk-d-YkJ83vsVUrD1vKCdtikAWjeACzRtieHttnBUFd6i3AwgGMrPUBgRVoINrYsoy8v47JWXjkAWONbmk34aG1E4ds8AwHjEpBzw9aGolaA/s1600/Job+interviews+are+like+first+dates+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To me, being interviewed for a new a job is a lot like going out on a date with someone for the first time. I find both equally unappealing. What do you think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sharing my original quote as a free printable. Enjoy!</span></div>
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Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-43564020657210984942014-05-29T11:00:00.002-05:002014-05-29T11:00:34.646-05:00Potager Cafe in Arlington, Texas - Delicious Slow Food Prepared With Principles and Served On The Honor System<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next time you visit Arlington, Texas, go downtown and enjoy a real "slow food" meal at </span><a href="http://potagercafe.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Potager Cafe</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. Why? There are SO many reasons, but let's keep it short and simple. How about 10?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Top 10 Reasons To Dine at Potager Cafe</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>REASON #1</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You deserve better.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsstg3LdV7uge5tI1kBdODLC3FJa7sECBWpitoZcAqi-S0vmwBQ85JRprCuG83s5p-jz5eEywfKJibRRdhyphenhyphenxet9BujAuGZzGnrgujmcz1QZvw4lV16-dqcapO1pTfyIDvQag4jhfoXac/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+building+1+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsstg3LdV7uge5tI1kBdODLC3FJa7sECBWpitoZcAqi-S0vmwBQ85JRprCuG83s5p-jz5eEywfKJibRRdhyphenhyphenxet9BujAuGZzGnrgujmcz1QZvw4lV16-dqcapO1pTfyIDvQag4jhfoXac/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+building+1+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="594" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a true opposite of the typical fast food franchise, <a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager Cafe</a> offers something better. Folks, this is the good stuff. They call it "<a href="http://www.slowfood.com/" target="_blank">Slow Food</a>". You will like it. Trust me. </span><br />
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This definition for <a href="http://www.slowfood.com/" target="_blank">Slow Food</a> is from a link found on <a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager's site</a>:</span><br />
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none !important;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why the name Slow Food?</span></i></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; outline: none !important;"><b><i>It’s a way of saying no to the rise of fast food and fast life. Slow Food means living an unhurried life, taking time to enjoy simple pleasures, starting at the table.</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager</a> has tasty food prepared with principles.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CeU000Z6YRRfzzI_WtBGtAFiPZydx2wVriU0K5kYWmQXHOxsZFyh6aHtlT02Rywm16fny43pLXXbjZG_8iUP8NcKtoTmbs4Y9UNZLFCkFGCKaPKCJf82NeQ-j32QIfetNlI0nRACJpI/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Green+Salad+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CeU000Z6YRRfzzI_WtBGtAFiPZydx2wVriU0K5kYWmQXHOxsZFyh6aHtlT02Rywm16fny43pLXXbjZG_8iUP8NcKtoTmbs4Y9UNZLFCkFGCKaPKCJf82NeQ-j32QIfetNlI0nRACJpI/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Green+Salad+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Try the green salad and some tomato soup. It is lovely.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof1Khc8kFPMaz5j6C5JIdCH3LeA93ou_lkTex_bqVaMknuHm7KUzGr4SZZLkrFXBvocvp2F_rUMxJiYrtZqSAPGZf5BU9SSxnYrdJihKsfZFK5JhVP_GYsaz3MOzzCvyovsJI5oeK9OQ/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Soup+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof1Khc8kFPMaz5j6C5JIdCH3LeA93ou_lkTex_bqVaMknuHm7KUzGr4SZZLkrFXBvocvp2F_rUMxJiYrtZqSAPGZf5BU9SSxnYrdJihKsfZFK5JhVP_GYsaz3MOzzCvyovsJI5oeK9OQ/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Soup+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, so the food is good, but food with principles? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, it has principles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The proprietor has principles that shine brightly through the food on each plate. Her menu is full of "local" varieties and options. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: normal;">Here is a quote from the homepage:</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get to know where your food comes from. As much as possible, what we serve you comes from small, local farmers and ranchers ... our friends. Get to know them too ... they are very loveable!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"</span></b></i></div>
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<a href="http://potagercafe.com/uploads/3/1/6/4/3164537/5060059.jpg?127" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img alt="Picture" border="0" src="http://potagercafe.com/uploads/3/1/6/4/3164537/5060059.jpg?127" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>REASON #3 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager Cafe</a> has fair prices. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw5shfUXCxdtFnWGSNEbon_WC7EzyX2CWYvHlw1iWYiLojjnjeWCvNBlUKHKEKRcF00tqVa3W0ulJ3D2A00LYOEJ71kHijOyXf-ZFFGmjlZU6imJ7Th9QxVNZcfZyIP0ekbSzB2009VQ/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Suggested+Payments+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw5shfUXCxdtFnWGSNEbon_WC7EzyX2CWYvHlw1iWYiLojjnjeWCvNBlUKHKEKRcF00tqVa3W0ulJ3D2A00LYOEJ71kHijOyXf-ZFFGmjlZU6imJ7Th9QxVNZcfZyIP0ekbSzB2009VQ/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Suggested+Payments+fj+pm.jpg" height="578" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Price List is given only as a suggestion for payments. Each patron determines the price to be paid based on his or her own assessment of fairness. What a splendidly unorthodox concept.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>REASON #4</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager</a> has friendly, talented chefs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cfwwebRglQiEW3OzbxwUFp-KY5vfDGhfQNk1ZtgLLpNYz7gVtBcijAo7u1UHUQMoKBteBA2vzZ2NcWwhMWUOk9zrfDIYqKsaUyCr7Sf8Osslnkq6Ke_RoleBFOfrN7QhTCPPaRiGi7I/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+chef+and+assistant+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cfwwebRglQiEW3OzbxwUFp-KY5vfDGhfQNk1ZtgLLpNYz7gVtBcijAo7u1UHUQMoKBteBA2vzZ2NcWwhMWUOk9zrfDIYqKsaUyCr7Sf8Osslnkq6Ke_RoleBFOfrN7QhTCPPaRiGi7I/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+chef+and+assistant+fj+pm.jpg" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though they serve "slow food", you'll have a plate filled with it in a jiffy.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>REASON #5</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The atmosphere at <a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager Cafe</a> is mellow and relaxing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tJwQx2qztHckRP77i95GGYSa7GT66wE0jFE0OL7rit3GdnPGjDhdvANZpmu6PFlF2NyBwiMY2aWvAFhyphenhypheniTqpTKM6OzPfGRCnE7XXgC-RRrhy7ySHg_xRhYUVTMwRcK7nANyoV3BxsJM/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+blue+cabinet+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tJwQx2qztHckRP77i95GGYSa7GT66wE0jFE0OL7rit3GdnPGjDhdvANZpmu6PFlF2NyBwiMY2aWvAFhyphenhypheniTqpTKM6OzPfGRCnE7XXgC-RRrhy7ySHg_xRhYUVTMwRcK7nANyoV3BxsJM/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+blue+cabinet+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="532" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WiFi, television sets, blaring music, and self-service soft drink machines are NOT part of your dining experience. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pruOGgYT7rnQGI0qUMhz4JIwAFtXC_OTKt2kXt55f66M7f7NrNtInk_8fEQXg9C652mt9gnEv6_t2Huzb1Z0HRTW82t_sL2OrOivZCpy-A3XSoqjio-J7EGcjJBMUJV_opvbW69hR5c/s1600/Potager+Cafe+dining+al+fresco+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pruOGgYT7rnQGI0qUMhz4JIwAFtXC_OTKt2kXt55f66M7f7NrNtInk_8fEQXg9C652mt9gnEv6_t2Huzb1Z0HRTW82t_sL2OrOivZCpy-A3XSoqjio-J7EGcjJBMUJV_opvbW69hR5c/s1600/Potager+Cafe+dining+al+fresco+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Their standards and principles are so high that Potager doesn't allow soft drinks on the menu. In their own words, this is why</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">Yes, we are BYOB</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">, but please, no nasty soft drinks! </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;"> We want you to be healthy!!</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88iZS8xC-DOj5D9b7wJ4jten5HCMGHcXZJGaKGyuql3xj0i7ZWSbJpLKfBfk2IPb7VyOOh-KoFc3rCmkYxHSiYgkzM_iIdBwQ2CuUr6VnBl8t5IAxEXa-4GQK5N0zhraWzxOcL0YItYM/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Lighted+Peace+Sign+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88iZS8xC-DOj5D9b7wJ4jten5HCMGHcXZJGaKGyuql3xj0i7ZWSbJpLKfBfk2IPb7VyOOh-KoFc3rCmkYxHSiYgkzM_iIdBwQ2CuUr6VnBl8t5IAxEXa-4GQK5N0zhraWzxOcL0YItYM/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Lighted+Peace+Sign+fj+pm.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I fell in love with this groovy lighted peace sign over the door.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is it possible that they value people more highly than profit?</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">REASON #6</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The menu is easy to read and has plenty of options.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhrdMF5xnovkChk2ZF1nTouvnMrlQYJEtLJT402eUt_Wex7Qq_VPZIueKtZx3CXz-gvpbM0wO46fJthGDpvz4YPXVFiXXZMlFQVjtyscMig3kOxGZWQjSqEDavCkJYmhUpFZE11piZUQ/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Menu+Board+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhrdMF5xnovkChk2ZF1nTouvnMrlQYJEtLJT402eUt_Wex7Qq_VPZIueKtZx3CXz-gvpbM0wO46fJthGDpvz4YPXVFiXXZMlFQVjtyscMig3kOxGZWQjSqEDavCkJYmhUpFZE11piZUQ/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Menu+Board+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="466" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For me, eating at Potager almost like going back in time and enjoying a meal with Nanny and Papa. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please note that the menu changes daily.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">REASON #7</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They have a working garden.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_znJlxm4-PgYgRbavZz0kDPDrQ4v8MnB7Z-cMRQtWptSIAl07rY2nSGXI3CZ08epxRRCZ9JNJW6S1zEOpK1C-gNmRsZ0OIQaIiYjldlrPQmwWF_1HcAAO8YhkvRXPBNZfzrKx9yONWZ8/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Entrance+2+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_znJlxm4-PgYgRbavZz0kDPDrQ4v8MnB7Z-cMRQtWptSIAl07rY2nSGXI3CZ08epxRRCZ9JNJW6S1zEOpK1C-gNmRsZ0OIQaIiYjldlrPQmwWF_1HcAAO8YhkvRXPBNZfzrKx9yONWZ8/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Entrance+2+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="554" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The exterior of the cafe surrounded by a garden. Seeing it will make you smile.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGJlif4DqU3mASXMIuNZv4L21xw205MG8Y1gQ_P2GljhbbRqz_ZTuLzInEUWk74YJfyUlE3jI5a9AadOuejKWyuiigB2h_ghaMKZiy2RAoPSc2CelQrzrY1vIVJS6EzfmxqGM5wqwc6Q/s1600/Potager+Cafe+Parking+Lot+Blooms+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGJlif4DqU3mASXMIuNZv4L21xw205MG8Y1gQ_P2GljhbbRqz_ZTuLzInEUWk74YJfyUlE3jI5a9AadOuejKWyuiigB2h_ghaMKZiy2RAoPSc2CelQrzrY1vIVJS6EzfmxqGM5wqwc6Q/s1600/Potager+Cafe+Parking+Lot+Blooms+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of the lovely herbs and veggies in these photos will become part of future menu selections.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCbhMq0G5BFAFfBK8QYnuCOv60WokYvEfKBmaMOmjlwZT5rni1GLJdpF5eMfVC4p2HDbRPWjhcWRISHQT7teO2v8C1mhSIPPnIkBiy55J7HJJ2cv9pclsJijYAtiRpS2JdFyZf8ECDtw/s1600/Potager+flowers+and+herb+pots+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCbhMq0G5BFAFfBK8QYnuCOv60WokYvEfKBmaMOmjlwZT5rni1GLJdpF5eMfVC4p2HDbRPWjhcWRISHQT7teO2v8C1mhSIPPnIkBiy55J7HJJ2cv9pclsJijYAtiRpS2JdFyZf8ECDtw/s1600/Potager+flowers+and+herb+pots+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: normal;">Did you know Potager is a French word that means kitchen garden? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: normal;">There is something very comforting about eating food that is freshly picked from the garden - another little reminder of happy times spent with Nanny and Papa.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">REASON #8</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You need a reality check. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNAaKGjEx9OKOkiyKFdg7YjrL3S4n7yh4NhpvCZ-y7PIQvGrrNSS1PfOZEk6zw9UK46kxl4O6nUsUL5It8ud69KIKDuLhQ2aWSHOWNMa3Goj10cdVdqwyEkIr_aZQHiVm9Uv6yL3ntdA/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Water+Pitcher+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNAaKGjEx9OKOkiyKFdg7YjrL3S4n7yh4NhpvCZ-y7PIQvGrrNSS1PfOZEk6zw9UK46kxl4O6nUsUL5It8ud69KIKDuLhQ2aWSHOWNMa3Goj10cdVdqwyEkIr_aZQHiVm9Uv6yL3ntdA/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Water+Pitcher+fj+pm.jpg" height="572" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager</a> offers:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">REAL water (the kind that doesn't come from a plastic bottle)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">REAL glass water pitchers on each table</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">REAL glass glassware</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">REAL metal utensils</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">REAL cloth napkins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">REAL food</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">REASON #9</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Siri says so. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxemjfYkfAofMx4psZdswOVc-7WY6P7NDWa32XzsFIx9zxHutZgYW8JsvQFWq6EddpclNXCXklyzMy_jBDm40IL5ylOCYBg3gKiKpJdi1VKDcIaA3XOGdo2UrDflll6qYePexib2ZEJk/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+sign+1+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxemjfYkfAofMx4psZdswOVc-7WY6P7NDWa32XzsFIx9zxHutZgYW8JsvQFWq6EddpclNXCXklyzMy_jBDm40IL5ylOCYBg3gKiKpJdi1VKDcIaA3XOGdo2UrDflll6qYePexib2ZEJk/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+sign+1+fj+pm.jpg" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, Siri suggests dining at </span><a href="http://potagercafe.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Potager Cafe</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. In fact, she introduced me to <a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is how it went down:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was driving around during lunch break using Siri to search for an eating establishment where a suitable meal might be found.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Me: Siri, I'm hungry. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Siri: These 5 restaurants are fairly close to you. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She offered me McDonalds, Wendys, KFC, etc. I didn't really want any of those options, so I drove a bit further, pulled over, and tried once again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Me: Siri, I'm hungry. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Siri: These 5 restaurants are fairly close to you.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once again, she kept offering me no choices other than fast food franchises. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not to be dissuaded, I drove a bit further, pulled over, and told her I was hungry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, she broke her streak of corporate food chains and suggested <a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager Cafe</a>. Push Siri hard enough, and she'll show you the good stuff.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">REASON #10</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">They follow the Honor System.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO9e_PTsfwdiWQ1TO3xj5L3OlTGH415CInSEC7HPlmfcuRS31CH1mQAT2viQ36Fx93Xrk1MLVl5XHyYHuQ0HF5rT07rZIw_3UvxU7nfOZnziMiHfBEay2jhKVPB8JqUUWx9qC1xaZza8/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Watering+Can+fj+pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO9e_PTsfwdiWQ1TO3xj5L3OlTGH415CInSEC7HPlmfcuRS31CH1mQAT2viQ36Fx93Xrk1MLVl5XHyYHuQ0HF5rT07rZIw_3UvxU7nfOZnziMiHfBEay2jhKVPB8JqUUWx9qC1xaZza8/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Watering+Can+fj+pm.png" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager</a> did away with the need for outdated cash registers and credit card machines. Those relics were replaced with this handy Watering Can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">See the payment slot in the top? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOMPj9mGMJVnlLdZMCynTKYLHaWjk8P3mXrOb4wEP62yUN1F-aFk9SIRKRCytYMpHjO5yNGXidN-d3sA6zw_NPm01dKCQprZW5lrs52S4aX5413pYkDJMEcfIQYoaIUn-j1NenOwSJag/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Tuck+payment+in+seed+envelope+and+deposit+in+watering+can+fj+pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOMPj9mGMJVnlLdZMCynTKYLHaWjk8P3mXrOb4wEP62yUN1F-aFk9SIRKRCytYMpHjO5yNGXidN-d3sA6zw_NPm01dKCQprZW5lrs52S4aX5413pYkDJMEcfIQYoaIUn-j1NenOwSJag/s1600/Potager+Cafe+-+Tuck+payment+in+seed+envelope+and+deposit+in+watering+can+fj+pm.png" height="636" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because your remittance is done with the Honor System, there is no need for a cashier. They trust everyone to pay fairly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After you're finished eating, select one of </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">these sweet little handmade envelopes from the bowl, tuck the payment inside, and drop it in the slot. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjVus8E872gC8wadLE1iw8h4ZS_xa95liScVmVtHHeBp8xrzkNRzCM6tHHyv9TI_WlZIWkCT2rhbhIgX6zwLhqh1YXlc6L7XV9fiQgdXm_vuYJuXGsWqndSo6BeZdXcNiCmVuSgRNA5E/s1600/Potager+Cafe-+Bowl+filled+of+handmade+payment+envelopes+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjVus8E872gC8wadLE1iw8h4ZS_xa95liScVmVtHHeBp8xrzkNRzCM6tHHyv9TI_WlZIWkCT2rhbhIgX6zwLhqh1YXlc6L7XV9fiQgdXm_vuYJuXGsWqndSo6BeZdXcNiCmVuSgRNA5E/s1600/Potager+Cafe-+Bowl+filled+of+handmade+payment+envelopes+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="475" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you try <a href="http://potagercafe.com/" target="_blank">Potager Cafe</a>. Just remember to bring cash or a check. They don't accept plastic payments. Here are the details on location and hours from their website:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our Hours:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday and Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (limited menu between 3 and 5)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sorry, we don't take Credit/Debit Cards. Cash or Cheques only.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-53227827366502515352014-05-22T14:31:00.003-05:002014-05-22T14:31:28.420-05:00Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention - Free Printable Infographic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey y'all, did you know that May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month? Like many of you, I've known dear friends that suffered with Osteoporosis. The effects of this terrible disease are known to be debilitating and can be deadly. I hope ALL of you are taking care of yourselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For more information on this important health issue, please visit </span><a href="http://www.recallcenter.com/hip-replacement/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">http://www.recallcenter.com/hip-replacement/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Help us spread the word by sharing this post through email or your favorite social media sites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those readers in the USA, I wish you all a happy and HEALTHY Memorial Day holiday weekend.</span></div>
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Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-36400932139596390052014-05-13T20:31:00.001-05:002014-05-13T20:31:11.373-05:00Free Printable My Heavenly Father Loves Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1dcoYtNqqnjY7ekR1ACWde-gQVvf-nCAKu4zTlaqvqkG4yihUw9Coc0ADs_ds3GDSIKMTmcOhE2WYB_sQnL-3AS1xDpwaB5guGSWcc3cBy0RsMG2NT35v73tT9-ZCDS6zL5vjsC_N1Q/s1600/Free+Printable+My+Heavenly+Father+Loves+Me+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1dcoYtNqqnjY7ekR1ACWde-gQVvf-nCAKu4zTlaqvqkG4yihUw9Coc0ADs_ds3GDSIKMTmcOhE2WYB_sQnL-3AS1xDpwaB5guGSWcc3cBy0RsMG2NT35v73tT9-ZCDS6zL5vjsC_N1Q/s1600/Free+Printable+My+Heavenly+Father+Loves+Me+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My favorite song in the Primary Childrens Songbook is <a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/my-heavenly-father-loves-me?lang=eng" target="_blank">My Heavenly Father Loves Me</a> by Clara W. McMaster. I'm so happy to share a free printable with the entire first verse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I sing this song (out loud) to myself whenever I need to cheer myself up. If you want to listen to it or download the sheet music as a pdf, just click <a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/my-heavenly-father-loves-me?lang=eng" target="_blank">here</a>. It is free:)</span></div>
Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-793208606234794032014-05-06T22:37:00.004-05:002014-05-07T21:25:30.638-05:00DIY Mother's Day Flowers - Handprint Paper Lily Tutorial<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Mother's Day! The grandkids and I made these lovely Handprint Paper Lilies for their Mom and Great Grandmother.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZQft2jwLUHNg6AD21dQ33LgkF1npClL4pc-vlMjmCXRZiLg66_H_v1OZbTBayzkt5hvpfTd9bQYkvZhL1DqT2Eq-ypcquruWBx9PL_yPRIozSVCrmPrtbnUP6jihGsImlyZQJemQzXE/s1600/6769+DIY+Mother's+Day+Flowers+Mom+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZQft2jwLUHNg6AD21dQ33LgkF1npClL4pc-vlMjmCXRZiLg66_H_v1OZbTBayzkt5hvpfTd9bQYkvZhL1DqT2Eq-ypcquruWBx9PL_yPRIozSVCrmPrtbnUP6jihGsImlyZQJemQzXE/s1600/6769+DIY+Mother's+Day+Flowers+Mom+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />You wouldn't believe how easy and fun they are to make!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJ4AJa3803b6AFOWnZ8TgMAp7yGEt4zYkWekz_xL0F5DcLkNr0ic2NggqqVU3FMR34rMly3W1bDhQo1tcoj_aRg3nX1Psfip8MyvcEr_uLH8_17Xi6EFvLpX_bhE4QIB1Ob4HjDqlJoI/s1600/6775+Mother's+Day+Flowers+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJ4AJa3803b6AFOWnZ8TgMAp7yGEt4zYkWekz_xL0F5DcLkNr0ic2NggqqVU3FMR34rMly3W1bDhQo1tcoj_aRg3nX1Psfip8MyvcEr_uLH8_17Xi6EFvLpX_bhE4QIB1Ob4HjDqlJoI/s1600/6775+Mother's+Day+Flowers+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found this <a href="http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.jp/2012/03/eastermothers-day-hand-print-lily-craft.html" target="_blank">Handprint Lily Craft on Easy Preschool Craft</a> and followed it, making a few changes in order to make use of materials on hand. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7U65lPYIFMKNuxAneK2xdjKli6o5aywcfN34fWg0Yg8PqCCCWAyLKn-OKwnFioIDWZIVvQnTOUSZ8cc4KYcO-mrqYqtgiEhLbA_BkOYlBZNCeZv3s1Gs8OY_X_dN1Z_JD9MgrRHH_NI/s1600/paper+lillies+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7U65lPYIFMKNuxAneK2xdjKli6o5aywcfN34fWg0Yg8PqCCCWAyLKn-OKwnFioIDWZIVvQnTOUSZ8cc4KYcO-mrqYqtgiEhLbA_BkOYlBZNCeZv3s1Gs8OY_X_dN1Z_JD9MgrRHH_NI/s1600/paper+lillies+023.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.jp/2012/03/eastermothers-day-hand-print-lily-craft.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;" target="_blank">Easter/Mother's Day Handprint Lily Craft</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plain white copy paper (for lily petals)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Using the pencil, trace the child's handprint onto the white paper. (If you want to make 2 handprint lilies, fold the sheet of paper in half and trace on one side. Cut both sides together to make 2 handprints.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Using the pencil, draw leaves onto green paper. Make them as long as you want, and make sure the centers are wide enough to accommodate the center hole needed for inserting the painted dowel rod.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Paint the dowel rod(s) green. The kids love this part! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">TIP: To avoid making a mess in the house, do this step outside on the porch and use washable paints.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Cut a long yellow rectangular strip from the yellow solo cup. Shape it a bit, making the two tips fat and round and the center a bit more slender.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Poke or cut a hole in the center of the leaf and insert the painted dowel rod. Secure in place with glue dots or tape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. Attach yellow flower center, folded in half and curled a bit on the tips, to the top of the dowel rod with glue dots or tape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. Curl fingertips of handprint a little. Wrap handprint around dowel rod and yellow flower center, and use glue dots or tape to secure in place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. Make a construction paper heart and put the name Mom or Grandma on it. Use glue dot or tape to attach to solo cup vase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9. Poke a hole in the bottom of the solo cup and insert your lovely flower(s).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">NOTE: We had three kiddos ages 18 mos. to 4, so we made three different size lilies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy making some of these beautiful Handprint Paper Lilies for Mother's Day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This post is shared at:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.allthingswithpurpose.com/2014/05/all-things-thursday-link-up-31.html" target="_blank">All Things With Purpose: All Things Thursday Link-Up #31</a></span></div>
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Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-19342396369376681622014-02-17T17:16:00.003-06:002014-02-22T16:18:27.183-06:00Vintage Lace Trim Jeans Tutorial - One Hour DIY Boutique Jeans<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjmBgxAN_5Dc-bENPExGL9kxSXeC7nZh37CL_iQ_xmEwUo6QahxvEXgBA8JNjAOdgni01tgG8c685DI-LgCln6JntnafVcLw6zg_H6-1Q_1ra8jYtUzMwrCI-hUjHWMkTKD9_1T-C_Ik/s1600/Vintage+Lace+Trimmed+Jeans+Collage+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjmBgxAN_5Dc-bENPExGL9kxSXeC7nZh37CL_iQ_xmEwUo6QahxvEXgBA8JNjAOdgni01tgG8c685DI-LgCln6JntnafVcLw6zg_H6-1Q_1ra8jYtUzMwrCI-hUjHWMkTKD9_1T-C_Ik/s1600/Vintage+Lace+Trimmed+Jeans+Collage+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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Do you have any blue jeans in your closet that are too short? They're still like brand new because you never wear them. We used to call them "High Water Jeans" because whenever you wore them people asked you if you were expecting a flood. In other words, short pants won't get wet as quickly as pants that are longer when the water starts rising. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've had a pair in my closet for about two years now. They shrunk after being laundered. The hem barely touched the tops of my ankles, and when I sat down they showed quite a bit of leg. Honestly I was so embarrassed about the length that I barely ever wore them....until yesterday.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jge3Wu_P3FkVDhNzkCxoi-O-deYm8cMN-nq7JWaEZ1Uat70a_2a5xRCeWFQujCfC0BLtSXrB0g8fHTlLTcmlZCFkxgPFxxtjf-Byl7ymoG6ap9x-maES3rT6I-yXPq7fER9ZjkIS6-E/s1600/Vintage+Lace+Trim+Blue+Jeans+Before+2559+fj+pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jge3Wu_P3FkVDhNzkCxoi-O-deYm8cMN-nq7JWaEZ1Uat70a_2a5xRCeWFQujCfC0BLtSXrB0g8fHTlLTcmlZCFkxgPFxxtjf-Byl7ymoG6ap9x-maES3rT6I-yXPq7fER9ZjkIS6-E/s1600/Vintage+Lace+Trim+Blue+Jeans+Before+2559+fj+pm.png" height="640" width="586" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was one of THOSE days. Procrastination changed the entire meaning of "Doing Laundry" and not in a good way. It had evolved in from a normal item on the "TO DO" list to an absolute NECESSITY. All the blue jeans that actually fit me were in the hamper waiting to be washed. The hairdo was beginning to look frumpy and unkempt, too. The tell-tale gray roots were much too obvious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, I wasn't about to wear sweat pants to the hairdresser. I grimaced and tried on my "high water" jeans. Looking in the mirror, I could see my ankles peeking out from beneath the jeans hem. Perfect. Just perfect. High waters are the perfect jeans to wear..... IF YOU'RE EXPECTING A FLOOD.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What to do, what to do? Why not add some lace trim to achieve the desired length on the jeans legs? I've seen lots of DIY blue jean projects over the years. Never before had it occurred to me to use my old tablecloth to make my jeans prettier and longer. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-vintage-lace-trim-upcycle-your-lace.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">DIY Vintage Lace Trim</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had quite a bit of the lace tablecloth leftover from making <a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-vintage-lace-trim-upcycle-your-lace.html" target="_blank">DIY Vintage Lace Trim</a> . My high water blue jean makeover </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">was a surprisingly quick and easy project. I love the way they look now.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9G5wLacOrTeHdM1aYzAU_JAD_s22cUcMyqp5cPU6FmMizWsF9g6euzDn4KBXwV5tTHiX8X2Kp5EIvgjKP9KxtWujeUoOQvwXUSQrw6wRfrnKg5hsH-S35iYzMMl2IlFu4gRCMXbSb_MU/s1600/VIntage+Lace+Trimmed+Jeans+After+2566+fj+pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9G5wLacOrTeHdM1aYzAU_JAD_s22cUcMyqp5cPU6FmMizWsF9g6euzDn4KBXwV5tTHiX8X2Kp5EIvgjKP9KxtWujeUoOQvwXUSQrw6wRfrnKg5hsH-S35iYzMMl2IlFu4gRCMXbSb_MU/s1600/VIntage+Lace+Trimmed+Jeans+After+2566+fj+pm.png" height="640" width="552" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">FYI, here is a link to the tutorial for creating repurposed lace trim from tablecloths, curtains, etc: <a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-vintage-lace-trim-upcycle-your-lace.html" target="_blank">DIY Vintage Lace Trim</a> just in case you need it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Vintage Lace Trim Jeans Tutorial</b></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Supplies </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lace Trim</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tape measure</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fabric marker or chalk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sewing Machine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thread</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 /4" to 3/8" width ribbon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2ZKZ-fCWNW92JK3mo7DSVFdpER59T3LjwN2Izy6qafclAIKWZw0iw5q0ur0ptRHQKwQz0qXQkNSm9i0WMmHZYV5c09-z1SeiEHC6PLX-wjcbZCFq5R_YvDwoyzt42Ut2aN8V46aybPk/s1600/Vintage+Lace+Trim+Jeans+cuffs+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2ZKZ-fCWNW92JK3mo7DSVFdpER59T3LjwN2Izy6qafclAIKWZw0iw5q0ur0ptRHQKwQz0qXQkNSm9i0WMmHZYV5c09-z1SeiEHC6PLX-wjcbZCFq5R_YvDwoyzt42Ut2aN8V46aybPk/s1600/Vintage+Lace+Trim+Jeans+cuffs+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="628" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Cut off the hem on both legs of jeans as close to the edge as possible. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhLMMZIjdmI9N-Bj29Y1lQsbdtzVIfCrD7UGlz3LebaOSGaXta6tt2UCbMEjYDpQf0IdyQzbSDtGU1uf0rJYX44ccFWbxDpwdyZLimEsgbvzVXh3JnLCiuTPm_lUfsJUUGm0gjVo70ks/s1600/Cuff+Stitch+fj+pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhLMMZIjdmI9N-Bj29Y1lQsbdtzVIfCrD7UGlz3LebaOSGaXta6tt2UCbMEjYDpQf0IdyQzbSDtGU1uf0rJYX44ccFWbxDpwdyZLimEsgbvzVXh3JnLCiuTPm_lUfsJUUGm0gjVo70ks/s1600/Cuff+Stitch+fj+pm.png" height="556" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Machine stitch around each leg near raw cut edge. This will help prevent fraying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Measure circumference of bottom of one jean leg.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Multiply x 2. Now add two inches to that number. This number is the length of lace needed to attach to jeans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Cut lace to desired length. Fold lace in half and cut again to achieve two equal lengths. Each one will be about an inch longer than the circumference of the jean leg.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Cut two pieces of ribbon to be the same length as the lace.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgmFjti9J-fwEN9Rm67mGKGJaZYAigKm_7E8XPwOfKoXjlmxEZ4WBmjrEgSnHJhwG7o4aFdJXCwAyqazWYJaK7ZM_hiV-2qxUWnD_G8NTO-xqP2yNt0gy49qxO1FsaL2vLkBw2_lfe3w/s1600/Stitching+ribbon+to+lace+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgmFjti9J-fwEN9Rm67mGKGJaZYAigKm_7E8XPwOfKoXjlmxEZ4WBmjrEgSnHJhwG7o4aFdJXCwAyqazWYJaK7ZM_hiV-2qxUWnD_G8NTO-xqP2yNt0gy49qxO1FsaL2vLkBw2_lfe3w/s1600/Stitching+ribbon+to+lace+fj+pm.jpg" height="640" width="594" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. Machine baste ribbon to each lace piece about 1/2" from top edge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">NOTE: The orange grosgrain ribbon basted on the lace is shown as an example because it contrasts nicely in photographs. When choosing ribbon for this project, try to match the color of your lace or the color of your jeans as closely as possible. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82f-7Ghx9Wq8B5OHA7N4-JKHbpgEZ_WWrzOS_oIKlkWP1hw3iNj_qVBl5Zbq0FCdnMS0XwNyXC5eYMOqq2jJgQUHB5DBAKDID7f1MIvfueH-dPHV5M-IYKTlIs7koIIH2csqWvfNDPRg/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82f-7Ghx9Wq8B5OHA7N4-JKHbpgEZ_WWrzOS_oIKlkWP1hw3iNj_qVBl5Zbq0FCdnMS0XwNyXC5eYMOqq2jJgQUHB5DBAKDID7f1MIvfueH-dPHV5M-IYKTlIs7koIIH2csqWvfNDPRg/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. Fold raw edge of lace over ribbon.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvXXZ3eVR3Hc8VWFnQJwg8fvBIdk2HYd7E28UWoHYszI3tN0xSgKKKreV2tOYcEYHTJA7YAAyWGZGm6rUfn7P7kcVqdc4y96pHfi6HA4JT-zRWbWR4tf92QMeinf1t7eHKzuxATVPoqs/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvXXZ3eVR3Hc8VWFnQJwg8fvBIdk2HYd7E28UWoHYszI3tN0xSgKKKreV2tOYcEYHTJA7YAAyWGZGm6rUfn7P7kcVqdc4y96pHfi6HA4JT-zRWbWR4tf92QMeinf1t7eHKzuxATVPoqs/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. Stitch folded over lace to ribbon. The ribbon adds stability to the lace and makes the top edge of lace more even. This is the part of the lace to be stitched to jeans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9. How much above the raw edge of jeans do you want the top edge of lace to be sewn? How much length do you need? How wide is lace? Knowing the answers to these questions gives you the right guidance on where to attach the lace.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ2Dfnw59ZwuXfGsVHTNaPys4Kc7MBfhBnY9aT0NrTqIxBb31J2yHU-w1vn2QdhhkEePWHzDAHBCDjID1V910EY0pGtOEMK7ayiOyzxUn9CBBJQCVB2jF-J2_Ecg35t2JmxfXFKqqQ8Q/s1600/Mark+and+sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ2Dfnw59ZwuXfGsVHTNaPys4Kc7MBfhBnY9aT0NrTqIxBb31J2yHU-w1vn2QdhhkEePWHzDAHBCDjID1V910EY0pGtOEMK7ayiOyzxUn9CBBJQCVB2jF-J2_Ecg35t2JmxfXFKqqQ8Q/s1600/Mark+and+sew.jpg" height="632" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Locations of dashed blue ink pen lines atop lace edge are indicated by red arrows.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10. Measure desired distance between raw edge at bottom of jean leg and top edge of lace and mark jeans with a little dashed line ----- using a fabric marker. (Because my blue denim jeans were quite dark, I used a blue ink pen to mark the dashes.) Move your tape over an inch or so and make another mark. Repeat all the way around both jean leg bottoms. This is your guide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">11. Put folded-under edge of lace against right side of jeans, place lace on jean so that top of lace just touches bottom of dashed lines starting at inside jeans seam. Machine baste lace to one jean leg.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12. Try on jeans. Do you like the finished length? If the answer is yes, then machine stitch lace to both jean legs. If the answer is no, then remove basting stitches, adjust lace accordingly, and then machine stitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">13. Allow lace to overlap itself up to 1/4" or so after you stitch around full circle of jean leg and come back to inseam. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">NOTE: Stretch lace may overlap at the top first before it overlaps at the bottom as shown in the photo below. If this happens to you, simply adjust the amount of overlap accordingly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLptLFvSuBobMxgkFUIItghEg9Sxgvh4VB5y0_RoMrQSOSJnKyVUNM6SKtzdV09rkEbqwg7Ss4xR9xdklXqTcSoCVl2aNwRS2D6RSOXCF3g_xz9KoloPhFETbASkMSW1vE-nno5lQiz4/s1600/Lace+Overlap+Stitched+and+Trimmed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLptLFvSuBobMxgkFUIItghEg9Sxgvh4VB5y0_RoMrQSOSJnKyVUNM6SKtzdV09rkEbqwg7Ss4xR9xdklXqTcSoCVl2aNwRS2D6RSOXCF3g_xz9KoloPhFETbASkMSW1vE-nno5lQiz4/s1600/Lace+Overlap+Stitched+and+Trimmed.jpg" height="640" width="634" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">14. Machine or hand stitch top layer of lace over bottom layer at overlap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">15. Trim any excess lace on top near stitching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now you have some cute, boutique-style jeans. Wear them and enjoy the compliments.</span></div>
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Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-42828050540836589662014-02-15T20:09:00.000-06:002014-02-22T16:00:53.178-06:00Valentine's Day Tech Gift from HUBBY Scores Big with This Blogger!! Gateway NE 52219u Notebook PC Review<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span> I am the luckiest gal in the . HUBBY is so good to me. Every year, without fail, he brings home my favorites - long stemmed red roses and gourmet chocolates. Who could ask for more? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year, HUBBY went all out to give me something that I really wanted and needed. A new Gateway NE52219u Notebook Computer! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know most people replace their desktops and laptops every few years. We are NOT most people. Wanna see our tech history? Read the very <a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-years-resolution-start-blog-january.html" target="_blank">first Fresh Juniper blog post</a>. The last NEW computer we purchased was in 2004. It was a Dell PC running Windows XP with a Pentium IV processor. HUBBY has kept it working fairly well. He upgraded the monitor, the RAM, the hard drive, etc. The Dell still works, but the 5 year old flat screen monitor finally crashed. It was a big tech reversal for us. HUBBY hooked the DELL up to an old-school monitor. Remember the ones that were bigger and heavier than a microwave oven? Yep, that's the dinosaur now occupying a major portion of the dining room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks to my dearly beloved HUBBY, today I enter the blogosphere with a new and modern vehicle. FYI don't judge me or my ability to write a laptop review by my former lack of tech advances at home. HUBBY is certified A+ Comp Tech. I work in a modern office with plenty of PC power. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love the new Gateway Laptop. For those of you who need specs, here is the label. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvq0xRcnpJxLpz-bafIYYWSwjRm5loptZ7e8buyqIKf2apIxSdgwBtSn9VhmycC2fE9fwiUgHjrU1u2YVTqPNR7ZMQMp3iBFXYgR7_Xe3Bh3TOtCCiYHSKTl4XnBDvIKq231mIku5P60/s1600/Gateway+NE+52219u+Notebook+Label+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvq0xRcnpJxLpz-bafIYYWSwjRm5loptZ7e8buyqIKf2apIxSdgwBtSn9VhmycC2fE9fwiUgHjrU1u2YVTqPNR7ZMQMp3iBFXYgR7_Xe3Bh3TOtCCiYHSKTl4XnBDvIKq231mIku5P60/s1600/Gateway+NE+52219u+Notebook+Label+pm.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> As I said, it is a <a href="http://www.hsn.com/products/gateway-156-quad-core-8gb-ram-1tb-laptop-with-office/7350577" target="_blank">Gateway NE52219u</a>. It has:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OS: Windows 8.1 OS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pr3 Loocessor: AMD Quad Core A4 5000</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">LCD: 15.6 WXGA Acer Cinecrystal LED LCD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Memory: 8GB DDR</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 8330</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hard Drive: 1 Terabyte</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Webcam</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and so much more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This baby zips through tasks like a hot knife through butter. It is so lightweight and easy to handle. I'm finally learning the Windows 8.1 OS. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wanna know how I got it? <a href="http://www.hsn.com/shop/flexpay/6849" target="_blank">FlexPay</a>. Yep, that's right. I am a big fan of <a href="http://www.hsn.com/" target="_blank">Home Shopping Network</a>, aka <a href="http://www.hsn.com/" target="_blank">HSN</a>. Don't judge me. Remember my <a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-years-resolution-start-blog-january.html" target="_blank">introductory blog post</a>. We still don't have cable television. Rural life, right!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are only SO many channels available to regular free TV viewers. <a href="http://www.hsn.com/" target="_blank">HSN</a> is one of my favorites. I'd been watching them show this laptop off and on since just before Christmas 2013. I lusted after the 8G RAM and everything that came with this package. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.hsn.com/shop/flexpay/6849" target="_blank">FlexPay</a> is <a href="http://www.hsn.com/" target="_blank">HSN</a>'s way of letting a customer pay out the purchase over time with no credit card and no interest. It's kinda like layaway, but you get the merchandise immediately with the first payment instead of waiting till it's paid off to bring it home. Pretty awesome of them, I know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another thing - their unbeatable 30 day money back guarantee. Try it out for yourself. If you don't like it, send it back. No need to invent a reason to return it, just tell the truth and send it right back. They stand behind everything they sell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">FYI this post is not sponsored by anyone. I just wanted to share something wonderful with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This post is shared at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/community/feb-22-share-favorite-post-saturday-sharefest/" target="_blank">The SITS Girls Saturday Sharefest February 22, 2014</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-15907954954920832972014-02-04T17:38:00.000-06:002014-02-04T17:38:17.823-06:00Seen Along A Road In Texas - Lone Star Legends #3 - Dr. Who's Toyota<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Surprises have become the norm for me when driving along Texas roads. I save the best ones to share with y'all here on FJ's Seen Along A Road In Texas - Lone Star Legends. I'd like to present edition #3 - Dr. Who's Toyota. This post is dedicated to all the Whovians in the blogosphere. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W13zGiRpVfKmMIgaJ_0vwoaFmnVUBsj-Tu6fefP3vWEsuIDSspK_UqBai_WgLC4eWbgaq8L52V2NcJPz-650gmXp6iNPDseqVNi98gxE80WH-VWnc85Lc8Ir8y1e1W5lhAyBNSfXMOI/s1600/Dr+Who+fj+pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W13zGiRpVfKmMIgaJ_0vwoaFmnVUBsj-Tu6fefP3vWEsuIDSspK_UqBai_WgLC4eWbgaq8L52V2NcJPz-650gmXp6iNPDseqVNi98gxE80WH-VWnc85Lc8Ir8y1e1W5lhAyBNSfXMOI/s1600/Dr+Who+fj+pm.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Surprise! When the Tardis is in the shop, Dr. Who drives his other car - a silver Toyota. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-59206549339461451842013-12-16T15:11:00.002-06:002015-12-19T15:17:45.277-06:00Free Printable Nativity<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope everyone has a Nativity Scene to display in their home for Christmas. Seeing the Nativity helps remove the worldliness from this sacred holiday and reminds us of the true reason we celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNY9mUhRon0bvABytxtjXRScqpDXY9U1MusTrNVeCqR6bKlRntJsegdmjVyyF09blZdvnoODVi4SqRfOHT5htqwyUFmRWDi674DdBj1IqhyphenhyphenXWfVGuc_nwD2ZN7aMdvtSHBIZgMEteHB0/s1600/Free+Printable+Nativity+from+lds.org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNY9mUhRon0bvABytxtjXRScqpDXY9U1MusTrNVeCqR6bKlRntJsegdmjVyyF09blZdvnoODVi4SqRfOHT5htqwyUFmRWDi674DdBj1IqhyphenhyphenXWfVGuc_nwD2ZN7aMdvtSHBIZgMEteHB0/s640/Free+Printable+Nativity+from+lds.org.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These photos are of the Free Printable Nativity I constructed from <a href="http://lds.org/" target="_blank">lds.org</a> and the link is shown below.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDARfWc2PfdKI_e4USqsVQWG_QVzuYrDwk8yBwZAqeWafzUlZtRPfC4JeOGVUHp90_EahfuH8Mkawx1wcFr4Ph-P-XAg2W1UtOAYfG_hzcMv58AO0Kyyz7Mhk5ekZloYFHe9e7opc09GU/s1600/Free+Printable+Nativity+from+lds.org+assembled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDARfWc2PfdKI_e4USqsVQWG_QVzuYrDwk8yBwZAqeWafzUlZtRPfC4JeOGVUHp90_EahfuH8Mkawx1wcFr4Ph-P-XAg2W1UtOAYfG_hzcMv58AO0Kyyz7Mhk5ekZloYFHe9e7opc09GU/s640/Free+Printable+Nativity+from+lds.org+assembled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please enjoy this <a href="https://www.lds.org/friend/2008/12/the-wondrous-nativity?lang=eng" target="_blank">Free Printable Nativity</a>. I've given these as Christmas gifts to my Primary class at church and to my grandchildren. I remember receiving one like it as a girl. I loved it!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is information from the publisher with assembly instructions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“<a href="https://www.lds.org/friend/2008/12/the-wondrous-nativity?lang=eng" target="_blank">The Wondrous Nativity</a>,”
<i>Friend</i>,
Dec 2008,
24–25, 28</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2666571925777386634" name="2"></a></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To help remind you and your family of the wondrous story of Jesus Christ’s birth (see <a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/2/1-12#1" target="contentWindow">Matthew 2:1–12</a>; <a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/2/1-20#1" target="contentWindow">Luke 2:1–20</a>), make this nativity scene. Then display it where others can enjoy seeing it during the Christmas season.</span></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Glue pages 24–25 </span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(the two sides of the building)</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and 28 </span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(the characters)</span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to heavy paper. </span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(To avoid the need for glue, simply print the pages directly onto card stock paper.</span></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Cut out the scenes. On the largest scene cut the slits, as shown by the heavy black lines.</span></b></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. Fold the largest scene along the dotted lines so it will stand up and the roof will fold down.</span></b></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. Slide the slits of the baby Jesus scene into the largest scene’s
slits as illustrated. Then add the other two scenes as illustrated.</span></b></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Merry Christmas!</span></span> <br />
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Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-64683187035168804432013-12-13T17:35:00.003-06:002013-12-13T17:35:32.580-06:00The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge - Week #50<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY_SaJF6B-KBk2MhmvGtKCaqLQL3j6l_-2kp35z1O4mZWCpqpBfqV8ytBt6RVqnpOGEJ_9nHkn0hFyAx0LJXhKVUC3n7MWo-4b7RE8cRPypasxXwnjJwAyQDqUPIemZC_Eim8XOjo20s/s1600/Week+50+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY_SaJF6B-KBk2MhmvGtKCaqLQL3j6l_-2kp35z1O4mZWCpqpBfqV8ytBt6RVqnpOGEJ_9nHkn0hFyAx0LJXhKVUC3n7MWo-4b7RE8cRPypasxXwnjJwAyQDqUPIemZC_Eim8XOjo20s/s1600/Week+50+pm.jpg" height="640" width="538" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to Week #50 of The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. This week we save fifty dollars. Our total saved to date is one thousand two hundred seventy-five dollars. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WXCnzd9-mOvFYkhSTotx7qqLupe9TH0nD-fmsm3TOrM0_mJ1_uum17fIjjfIwg3nAsSrmssu7DrlzmutPyfg-PAGHmMt8PSmP-clemt30qwLKVJo5WnlfY8XWwLkcEsIrRQFagiTSHo/s1600/Updated+The+52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WXCnzd9-mOvFYkhSTotx7qqLupe9TH0nD-fmsm3TOrM0_mJ1_uum17fIjjfIwg3nAsSrmssu7DrlzmutPyfg-PAGHmMt8PSmP-clemt30qwLKVJo5WnlfY8XWwLkcEsIrRQFagiTSHo/s1600/Updated+The+52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" height="640" width="514" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only two more weeks remaining in our Challenge countdown. I am so proud of everyone who joined.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If
you're new to the challenge, welcome aboard. You can start saving the
weekly amounts with us and finish the year with about one hundred
dollars in savings. Another option would be to start with this week as
your Week #1. Next week would be your Week #2, and so forth. Use the
chart above to help you track your weekly amounts. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Happy saving!</span></span></span></span></div>
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Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-36761309587430854152013-12-09T17:57:00.000-06:002013-12-09T17:57:05.653-06:00Dish Towel Tutorial - November Edition: Vintage Elegance - 12 Months of Pretty Kitchen Towels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the latest in our 12 Months of Pretty Kitchen Towels series - November Edition: Vintage Elegance. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmO_PchwQM8sUjcomtt6yYicx3XjqeFpIW-TXgWcdIdK1O1aY06xJSOfkGwMr4LKs088wMqeuoqD5nwBMLRkzan3qu0xYtD11XGktq8Wl2Ie3Grv72UGOxq2xbrwIdK8vwZauEq6PeVY/s640/November+66+line+fin+full+view+fj+pm.jpg" width="608" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this design, <a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-vintage-lace-trim-upcycle-your-lace.html" target="_blank">Vintage Lace Trim</a> is incorporated into the unbleached muslin dish towel. A pretty chocolate brown ribbon, a blue ruffle, and gold embroidery leaves and the month "NOVEMBER" create a warm feeling of vintage elegance.</span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ARKxGvXINGpEkklhBnm11ITOrTruPF_AZuhXtUPUOwuEf4-zQH2PmwX1lxbVlVaMVcvTL8V0rQJWc_c8F77JBug9UzSvL9vOTFuTV_tZYyykh97He0_oQOIoThSpPrR1sY162Lvzf9Q/s640/November+12+fj+pm.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the <a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2013/05/dish-towel-tutorial-may-edition-12.html" target="_blank">May Edition: Ribbons and Ruffles Dish Towel Tutorial</a> for full instructions on creating your own basic dish towels from muslin fabric.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To add the lace and ribbon together, simply press a straight line across your dish towel, pin together, and sew as shown in the photo above.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The embroidery on the ribbon was done by machine. I think it would be lovely as simple hand embroidery work, too. </span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZLG74GlsZBBkqoje1A1l586TQyZnj8xkNLtck7P272geZkFn8UxFypXWqrySjPmgXkRAz1nFHw__2PrknSqDEyVfRFt8x_2LmOKngzH6DNBXWgFJHB94vC4f1bYWAECtuSG6fonmuvA/s640/November+embroidery+close+up+fj+pm.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The blue ruffle in this towel matches the valance posted in the <a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2013/04/kitchen-curtains-tutorial-give-your.html" target="_blank">Kitchen Curtains and Valance Tutorial</a>.</span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuRaLJyyPutmR7WH8u_4ouPiIRz-xhD7MBw-gEURW_ObmwLQjiFlsN9UGq1nccNYrMFTIoNbZwopcpSTQbRpp7HF-3DU-fbCGFPtpLR1V98-N9DyhepZaFbcn241pKtJjovwF5zxHrsI/s640/All+months+full+view+line+title+fj+pm.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-82685528289776447922013-12-07T20:40:00.004-06:002013-12-07T20:40:51.504-06:00The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge - Week #49<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to Week #49 of The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. This week we save forty-nine dollars. Our total saved to date is one thousand two hundred and twenty-five dollars. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYAV_xrG1bWoZ3uEVQIoFXcKDYWGeC-LueB5zgHUVdzBoLiPRUBTrunYONxbQGk6wdwtQgBph1RgPKcGP1HnhefvbMdl_WHuYlkUSHCzvPTSnXP7I2sYqIkdxhtgbTLGARMU3NTlgUxA/s1600/Updated+The+52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYAV_xrG1bWoZ3uEVQIoFXcKDYWGeC-LueB5zgHUVdzBoLiPRUBTrunYONxbQGk6wdwtQgBph1RgPKcGP1HnhefvbMdl_WHuYlkUSHCzvPTSnXP7I2sYqIkdxhtgbTLGARMU3NTlgUxA/s640/Updated+The+52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Three weeks left in our Challenge countdown and the savings is piling up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're new to the challenge, welcome aboard. You can start saving the weekly amounts with us and finish the year with about one hundred fifty dollars in savings. Another option would be to start with this week as your Week #1. Next week would be your Week #2, and so forth. Use the chart above to help you track your weekly savings. How is the challenge working for you? I love to hear your stories. What helps you the most? What advice would you give other challenge members? How would you improve the challenge? Shall we do a repeat challenge next year? Let me hear from you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy saving!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-62226321736795823322013-11-30T14:34:00.005-06:002013-11-30T14:34:44.176-06:00The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge - Week #48<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn-mMZZ-_HVRFK5E5PmklFY4wM39srXAN80TwKn02BhHMajr-BqSoQVueMvVEk_nUY9yNMlGf2ALZBdSFv5W9GKnrQViaPdEH2-bFxMi7hupuj0pJ3b9QCwz7fX9_Y2msDyevlsqIQ58/s640/Week+48pm.jpg" width="502" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to Week #48 of The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. This week we save forty-eight dollars. Our total saved to date is one thousand one hundred seventy-six dollars. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Four <span><span><span>weeks left in this year's challenge and the countdown continues. We are so near the finish line!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span>If
you are new to the challenge, welcome aboard! Jump in and save the
weekly amounts with us. If you start THIS week saving just the weekly
amounts that we save, you'll have about two hundred fifty dollars saved by
the end of this year. Alternatively, you can begin this week as your
Week #1. Save one dollar this week, two dollars next week, etc.
Whichever works best for you is great.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span></span><span><span><span>Whether
you're starting now or you've been saving with us from the beginning,
please let me hear from you. I'd like some feedback about your own
experience with The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. What do you like
about the challenge? What worked best
for you? What advice would you give others? Any ideas for
improvements? How has it helped you? What have you learned? Would you
like to participate in the challenge again next year? The
Suggestion Box is open. I look forward to hearing from you.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span>Happy saving! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-16615661650240721622013-11-21T19:34:00.003-06:002013-11-21T19:34:22.241-06:00The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge - Week #47<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCw9p1U7FaD-WHxeGN91F7CPLx1FJdkccZzThvuWJS1sqACfkAZQRnLQUzn3jOCn7hC8Nii36ZGT1YVOCUypbfAOyyAJ0TnzbXDNeF67W-6FLB67Qnqc_pOA4z1T0qCl8H-bJVl67PUxU/s1600/Week+47+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCw9p1U7FaD-WHxeGN91F7CPLx1FJdkccZzThvuWJS1sqACfkAZQRnLQUzn3jOCn7hC8Nii36ZGT1YVOCUypbfAOyyAJ0TnzbXDNeF67W-6FLB67Qnqc_pOA4z1T0qCl8H-bJVl67PUxU/s640/Week+47+pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to Week #47 of The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. This week we save forty-seven dollars. Our total savings now stands at one thousand one hundred and twenty-eight dollars. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dyWJTHOq16cT1eCgBegW7cjshOnHDeVMcjhQe8k4hNX3nXwP5duFSmJlszcE_c4FUigngqapp6E0Y9-jms8zK_ZwUeHDtxmehy32zjCZucE-Zm2pHvq21FuxteoT9_y9xG-IPJtfg6U/s640/52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" width="514" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span>Five weeks left in this year's challenge and the countdown continues. The time just flew by!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span><span>If
you are new to the challenge, welcome aboard! Jump in and save the
weekly amounts with us. If you start THIS week saving just the weekly amounts that we save, you'll have almost three hundred dollars saved by
the end of this year. Alternatively, you can begin this week as your
Week #1. Save one dollar this week, two dollars next week, etc.
Whichever works best for you is great.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span></span><span><span><span>Whether
you're starting now or you've been saving with us from the beginning,
please let me hear from you. I'd like some feedback about your own
experience with The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. What do you like about the challenge? What worked best
for you? What advice would you give others? Any ideas for
improvements? How has it helped you? What have you learned? Would you like to participate in the challenge again next year? The
Suggestion Box is open. I look forward to hearing from you.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-58700662898356812522013-11-14T17:37:00.001-06:002013-11-14T17:37:15.842-06:00The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge - Week #46<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R1roZTNjPdD2EnJnZdbDT4m6AUAB9sGAaBP_7c-92y4X_zAjG49UFIAH5U1zL8R5jr1TGwAlNuU4VToYWDtGe24jG2fccdmSpUkkX8GeXgL24L7ipkXoMc2FRWqkzYZnRx8pmt43it8/s1600/Weeks+46pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R1roZTNjPdD2EnJnZdbDT4m6AUAB9sGAaBP_7c-92y4X_zAjG49UFIAH5U1zL8R5jr1TGwAlNuU4VToYWDtGe24jG2fccdmSpUkkX8GeXgL24L7ipkXoMc2FRWqkzYZnRx8pmt43it8/s640/Weeks+46pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to Week #46 of The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. This week we save forty-six dollars. Our total saved to date is one thousand eighty-one dollars. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of savings, have you ever visited the <a href="http://www.feedthepig.org/" target="_blank">Feed the Pig</a> savings website? It is a free, non-profit site run by a national association of accounting professionals dedicated to helping us learn to plan ahead and save our hard-earned cash. Lots of great tips and tools on the site. I really like it!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dyWJTHOq16cT1eCgBegW7cjshOnHDeVMcjhQe8k4hNX3nXwP5duFSmJlszcE_c4FUigngqapp6E0Y9-jms8zK_ZwUeHDtxmehy32zjCZucE-Zm2pHvq21FuxteoT9_y9xG-IPJtfg6U/s1600/52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dyWJTHOq16cT1eCgBegW7cjshOnHDeVMcjhQe8k4hNX3nXwP5duFSmJlszcE_c4FUigngqapp6E0Y9-jms8zK_ZwUeHDtxmehy32zjCZucE-Zm2pHvq21FuxteoT9_y9xG-IPJtfg6U/s640/52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span>Only six weeks left in our Challenge year and the countdown continues! </span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span>If
you are new to the challenge, welcome aboard! Jump in and save the
weekly amounts with us. You'll have three hundred and fifty dollars saved by
the end of this year. Alternatively, you can begin this week as your
Week #1. Save one dollar this week, two dollars next week, etc.
Whichever works best for you is great.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span></span><span><span><span>Whether
you're starting now or you've been saving with us from the beginning,
please let me hear from you. I'd like some feedback about your own
experience with The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. What do you like about the challenge? What worked best
for you? What advice would you give others? Any ideas for
improvements? How has it helped you? What have you learned? The
Suggestion Box is open. I look forward to hearing from you.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span><span>Happy saving! </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-40868392527916641682013-11-13T20:55:00.000-06:002013-11-13T23:33:30.815-06:00Bye, Bye Birdie - How Plaza Theatre Company and Plaza Academy Create Magic That Lingers Well Beyond The Finale<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056891/" target="_blank">Bye, Bye Birdie</a> will always be one of my favorite shows. I love the award nominated movie musical version of Birdie that helped put <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000268/bio" target="_blank">Ann-Margret</a> on course to become a box office star and teen idol. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfABdR7bwDXfY0LTnbl1GN2_cdZEXQVcE6VrzS39alcgyyanRTINOYC_5OTvx1pomOkev-6nz-kDRDld6yB7iyz_eZe-kjdyAdyyJ3DBZ3s8ZKVVIqHbNtWIch65JZf5XhjLqWxedWadg/s1600/IMG_8464.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfABdR7bwDXfY0LTnbl1GN2_cdZEXQVcE6VrzS39alcgyyanRTINOYC_5OTvx1pomOkev-6nz-kDRDld6yB7iyz_eZe-kjdyAdyyJ3DBZ3s8ZKVVIqHbNtWIch65JZf5XhjLqWxedWadg/s640/IMG_8464.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Conrad Birdie (BRANDON MCCORMICK) sings Sincere to star-struck citizens of Sweetapple</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite
parts has always been Hymn for a Sunday Evening, aka The Ed Sullivan Show Song. See the photo of me wearing an awesome green vintage dress and singing that song? I LOVE the costumes in our show!! The costumer even allowed me to alter the green dress myself. For some tips about altering and repairing vintage clothing and theatre costumes, check out the <a href="http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com/2013/08/vintage-dress-tutorial-how-to-adjust.html" target="_blank">Vintage Dress Alteration Tutorial</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW18nyOTT3RpBwvRTTIQWgtU7HSgt5BziyXBlXX8knvh3eAyVjnJLDeVlfd63VE-A_uQuA4Yr3_k1leQRl9vVTLGEBWFIwiMTBQ_UHlQDdyfoGeEGMvHBBXc07BmdWrREJ0B0QYJOfhNE/s1600/IMG_9809.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW18nyOTT3RpBwvRTTIQWgtU7HSgt5BziyXBlXX8knvh3eAyVjnJLDeVlfd63VE-A_uQuA4Yr3_k1leQRl9vVTLGEBWFIwiMTBQ_UHlQDdyfoGeEGMvHBBXc07BmdWrREJ0B0QYJOfhNE/s640/IMG_9809.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mayor's Family in Hymn for a Sunday Evening - Mayor's Wife (ME), Mayor's Daughters (KYLIE and TESS SCARBOROUGH), Mayor (KYLE SCARBOROUGH) and Mayor's son/Hugo Peabody (JESSE BOWRON)</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">HUBBY and I bought Bye, Bye Birdie! on DVD when our family was young. We have fond memories of watching it together as a family. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was exciting to learn that <a href="http://www.plaza-theatre.com/" target="_blank">Plaza Theatre Company</a>, in conjunction with <a href="http://www.plaza-theatre.com/plazaacademy.asp" target="_blank">Plaza Academy</a>, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">was producing <a href="http://www.plaza-theatre.com/show/2013/bye-bye-birdie" target="_blank">Bye, Bye Birdie</a> </span>for their annual <a href="http://www.plaza-theatre.com/plazaacademy-summer_camps.asp" target="_blank">Summer Camp Show</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9K_izijmHDxfWV_rFvaLxmcoKwc-xRoAlq_pbQNXJpxn4sky69OTbpCzhd_p3GxRgSSEDmFuNlTgfg49mGdfpigLmu2_VQJs5cmBksiIV7sOJPGtru9aljg1VRlka_Y5Yei2GdhGrKQ/s1600/birdie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9K_izijmHDxfWV_rFvaLxmcoKwc-xRoAlq_pbQNXJpxn4sky69OTbpCzhd_p3GxRgSSEDmFuNlTgfg49mGdfpigLmu2_VQJs5cmBksiIV7sOJPGtru9aljg1VRlka_Y5Yei2GdhGrKQ/s640/birdie.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.plaza-theatre.com/" target="_blank">Plaza</a> always puts on a great show. The Summer Camp Show is particularly special. Teenagers who've spent time training at <a href="http://Plaza Academy" target="_blank">Plaza Academy</a> Summer Camp become part of the cast and are incorporated into </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the show. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYgC-ey80IH1LcULFx4xFVDCdb8z7oRA-qzsbUE7XA9IlA0cyR7cCczi4bIklbdzUx94q1TLL_uxxgy6_8xbAsG4BH397hrcChxl-IcNXX9lIvCxwIXgPaQMn4S5a9yXAk_X08mKgaV8/s640/IMG_1304.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Camp kids join the cast for big show numbers like Lotta Livin'</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For some of the students, this
is their first time to appear onstage in a live musical theatre
production - an absolutely tremendous educational experience! Certainly many youth cast members will carry the memories of Birdie with them
forever.</span> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8BpBEsMm4aFxV73NBRFzn0s2Ia7gBfJThGyG8cv6FK4_w_3OI1uZUan9HL9-7KYS2PersZrO8zFkplAPKtiAkfY0APGXlcgOpSjAhOakWHTIBVbd-4f6oedYvPxPACOQ7EawLE5L-2o/s1600/pop+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8BpBEsMm4aFxV73NBRFzn0s2Ia7gBfJThGyG8cv6FK4_w_3OI1uZUan9HL9-7KYS2PersZrO8zFkplAPKtiAkfY0APGXlcgOpSjAhOakWHTIBVbd-4f6oedYvPxPACOQ7EawLE5L-2o/s640/pop+phone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pop Phone</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The "Telephone Hour" musical
number included many of the youth cast members. They used these iPhone
accessories called Pop Phones as props. Adorable!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvR3KgPPPmSZ2xW62C_acY_OL0ig-PvD5xv4q3qh2wGU4u2ayW67QyxAmYcBF3joM6V8MZpfiiwS2CUb-7cDC6KSBDYxhMC97lzb334hI3FBrImvzK0yZcDuinWNLMZ4_ZdcpiSW_FCY/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvR3KgPPPmSZ2xW62C_acY_OL0ig-PvD5xv4q3qh2wGU4u2ayW67QyxAmYcBF3joM6V8MZpfiiwS2CUb-7cDC6KSBDYxhMC97lzb334hI3FBrImvzK0yZcDuinWNLMZ4_ZdcpiSW_FCY/s640/IMG_1337.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">STORY HARRELL as dancer/teen ensemble and MOLLY MORGAN as Ursula Merkle</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Being a part of Bye, Bye Birdie has been a blessing, a challenge, and a reminder for me.</span> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh8x5C3LPyscVfcyGtMqeFBgCy1ADiSOP4pbqn0Y3-B6FdJLMcsSwWHEPq4r_3QkmCOkoKooIWHjAQxHt-T49l3THGVgaU_xoEaYFiUrt2uGuSvG86VPZgl0gNCyQKZVO9c4GLfQtfxk/s640/IMG_9003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mr. & Mrs. Macafee (AARON SILER and EMILY WARWICK) with other parents of teens perform Kids</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Birdie Blessings</span></b><u> </u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of the many blessings BIRDIE brought my way included finding new friends, connecting with other
friends that I'd missed, and the joy of performing onstage for a live
audience. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLcDSv3goDnMKeTjEcHLWexDHtD2Y3J1QoMTbn-rmR_oPEmDUvl3OBINnn3G4jYUsxwv3WBmVi7SZTShtuv0cb7Wt9E9glPRpFJSqsYQX4LgnIy8wxf0fJoCjVj_aGe8rE032OJe9m5A/s640/IMG_8315.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The 'teen' cast is full of splendid dancers.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It is particularly joyful for me to watch the energy, excitement, and talent of the youth performers. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVCEp7B8AXguYoGxDBNarmOGN32xJp9aluTtrd0mmauv972B4WX_QA1YQYKy-Sn86TSEi2Iu65FBVNy6Gw_gc9iLA9VCoOwwlAbM8Nt7K1s5Mwt45zY2g1IjKx_XTSfXBivCCZK4t2EQ/s640/telephone+hour.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> MELODY, right, NANCY and STEPHANIE rehearse Telephone Hour with the 'teen' cast.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The greatest blessing was the privilege to share the stage with my beautiful and talented youngest
daughter, MELODY. What a rare opportunity it was for us - just the two of us - to spend time
together and share something as special as BIRDIE. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERtfYChDUxir3kCuaj5H9AmsQL0lvLxC4R3CWFCZ8I-zhsQhgfp6bBNWnmlb69I9na0wqL76jvbgv05LnIh7qw8Ulii96AmwdEMN99en5ELo-UZjrxD6r5WFMPPuv1JiUgjyqgju-WAw/s640/IMG_9091.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">MELODY with her fellow cast member and friend BEN MIDKIFF perform Telephone Hour as part of the 'teen' cast.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">NOTE: While many members
of the 'teen' cast are actually teenagers, MELODY and a handful of
other 'teen' cast members are well past their teenage years. When I
refer to them as part of the 'teen' cast, it is simply because they play
their roles as teens in BIRDIE. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUbDzdYa6-chTORRhgBd_XPyeAsZi4_NRbBoD51c3IfuCbA6NjOsmu3EY_E4XFGToM_r6Af7wHEvFLSwvsCHIoD5B0UdQn8s7NVwIBvx6WQYrNRAKbubZNS_FA2kjMVA0aEW07D_DmX4/s640/Birdie+rehearsals+%281%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bye Bye Birdie Cast pre-show antics with ANNA LOONEY(dancer, teen ensemble), DEVLIN POLLOCK (dancer/teen ensemble), and MELODY</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Birdie Challenges</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The challenge involved making time for rehearsals, learning music and choreography, and trying to keep up with everything else too (full-time job, blog projects, family, teaching 10 year olds each Sunday morning, etc.). </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Was it worth all the extra work? You bet!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6cl6WaN7GiyOcONAuOOA0HI1kNJ8Ivsl7V2kc3dIBxukNPy3mEqpxhzp3Q9FVy5qsODYCjYLGlavSzBGN3csjdld1E_lbHYL9tHOMWbexbWdb5Xld5qWMWPU5inMzzeC8il98xT7MrA/s640/Birdie+rehearsals+%285%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bye, Bye Birdie Cast Circle - BEN, MOLLY, EMILY, DREW, and JESSE</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What a special moment we experienced together as a cast and crew when everyone formed a circle around the stage prior to the start of each show.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtAY4zt-sMVJgmUrM68pQ-FVhay0avizphcAJtBmPxsaJrneTDCoHQHbukDAlVtMN44V6cY_XECYrSlN5zR5hkhpetstoypaGC6SJM4VtgmbDRq76JQwhw7wM5bNbNzPBIfCj81RmUkk/s640/Birdie+rehearsals+%286%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bye, Bye Birdie Cast Circle - JOSH, KYLE, KYLEE, TRICH, JUSTIN, MIMI, BRANDON, and AL</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After announcements, we join hands and bow our heads for a moment where we can pray silently or just send love and positive energy to each other. After that moment, a cast or crew member gets to choose a word or phrase for the day. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-UTCBSCvBpuFno6sCifvDoZwvjl58U4tvllaXyhKk_tfEbk3ad60JWIiXHGKS1vVgTQ4aAiVvkMbWpB6E1ZH0NrnLMvDp9zXBCKsNzvow3_kVAaDMyxx6E_ME79CCBSiZzzDrMJtEd8/s1600/IMG_8448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-UTCBSCvBpuFno6sCifvDoZwvjl58U4tvllaXyhKk_tfEbk3ad60JWIiXHGKS1vVgTQ4aAiVvkMbWpB6E1ZH0NrnLMvDp9zXBCKsNzvow3_kVAaDMyxx6E_ME79CCBSiZzzDrMJtEd8/s640/IMG_8448.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PARKER BARRUS (Hugo Peabody) dances with MADELINE SMITH (Kim Macafee) and BEN MIDKIFF (Harvey Johnson) dances with ANNA LOONEY (teen ensemble, dancer) while Kim sings One Boy.</span><b><br /></b></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The show onstage is full of entertainment. The lively cast members have fun, too. There is always a flurry of activity in the ladies dressing room before, during, and after the show. I was blessed to work with an outstanding group of talented and dynamic women.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7pz78W8_K3AXUci2qPScJ-72D1RA1Ue-n9FWKUmbvGQfQhiAIz9j7slkFpGVzOs3SjZD_I2_WMxLL2Y4xisFFLpReKnHeV-Pb-6GMBNDMeNhXTohQnwGxv7HKjncl4u0ZgvG9TtauRU/s640/005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Backstage Birdie - The ladies dressing room is busy, but we still make time to be silly and have fun. EDEN BARRUS (childrens ensemble, tap dancer) holds her bunny rabbit and has a sad face while SAMANTHA ROBINSON (adult ensemble) photo bombs in the background.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Birdie Reminders</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The reminders were significant. During a rehearsal of Put On A Happy Face,
Tina Barrus, one of our Birdie directors, reminded us to smile. Well,
of course you need to smile if you're dancing and singing a song like Put On A Happy Face! Duh! </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn86911PghlQLaEL7Hbl-QNT1GPCC4dN4pMxALrVdrRhXe0J2Krldf9Yigim-wishZYGrJFe_taLhnSR5k3vMOoaLAgZ_YGndsjyUnOJ_fG67Nk-EPIWVKdX88g6O-R_qxIsI4cPgxcSQ/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn86911PghlQLaEL7Hbl-QNT1GPCC4dN4pMxALrVdrRhXe0J2Krldf9Yigim-wishZYGrJFe_taLhnSR5k3vMOoaLAgZ_YGndsjyUnOJ_fG67Nk-EPIWVKdX88g6O-R_qxIsI4cPgxcSQ/s640/IMG_1340.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">MELODY, ANNA, and NANCY performing with the 'teen' cast in American Boy.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">However, we needed a reminder. Some of
us were putting so much focus on getting the choreography, the words,
and the notes all correct and in sync...that we forgot to smile. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpgGoRqSCtFxsHiiKwUoNipQrabhjLoT9X7RexkxpB7rz22BWv7BozCq3gMg101_MvSEjeAcNtaYY6bRK0M2gmQSFSDTpatPeXzH-tft3ve5eYD7L2n_rJz5eazVHd4lNK21RdHTiy7U/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpgGoRqSCtFxsHiiKwUoNipQrabhjLoT9X7RexkxpB7rz22BWv7BozCq3gMg101_MvSEjeAcNtaYY6bRK0M2gmQSFSDTpatPeXzH-tft3ve5eYD7L2n_rJz5eazVHd4lNK21RdHTiy7U/s640/IMG_1342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">American Boy performance of 'teen' cast with MELODY, TABITHA BARRUS (Gloria Rasputin/Nancy/ BIRDIE Director) , CAMERON BARRUS (dancer/teen ensemble), MICHAEL SORTER (dancer/teen ensemble), and HAYDEN CAYWOOD (tap dancer).</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tina
then explained the importance of smiling during this song. She reminded
us that the audience is here to find some enjoyment. Some of them may
really need a temporary escape from the outside world. This is a part
of the show where we can bring a little joy and happiness to them. Tina
was absolutely right.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JBPhNcHoOIZVpvBRDFMwTn5qxuSHMawKkWgIQ4l1vmnJ59M-2KKm_oMYR41iy5KR9Vo7_fA6s6i5OSBrDWrrChxb0bpeUp_ybbZJPLr7KrVkqa3XTVy4Nak0fvH9NXPXtA1jEFMb560/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JBPhNcHoOIZVpvBRDFMwTn5qxuSHMawKkWgIQ4l1vmnJ59M-2KKm_oMYR41iy5KR9Vo7_fA6s6i5OSBrDWrrChxb0bpeUp_ybbZJPLr7KrVkqa3XTVy4Nak0fvH9NXPXtA1jEFMb560/s640/IMG_8749.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">CAITLAN LEBLO (Rose Alvarez) and JOSH LEBLO (Albert Peterson)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had the unique privilege of being in the audience on
Friday, our big opening night, to observe this phenomena. ( Being 'double-cast', I was Mayor's Wife in two of the four weekly shows and my friend Michelle Cawood was Mayor's Wife in the other two.) Seated beside me was a nice couple in their 70s that lived in in a neighboring town. It was their first Plaza show! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmABjwk_pcMrzHf3-AEIrE9LjuGEbc1bsNkQoP2ZDb9F6ry4z_25oUXlWCItqajLT_ANgslmojdh1hwKjnzrSabx0pxEHmoBN7GDjsXYeNo-NUQge4sjDGlavfQwSP5x1EQjqsNad_FOQ/s1600/IMG_8390.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmABjwk_pcMrzHf3-AEIrE9LjuGEbc1bsNkQoP2ZDb9F6ry4z_25oUXlWCItqajLT_ANgslmojdh1hwKjnzrSabx0pxEHmoBN7GDjsXYeNo-NUQge4sjDGlavfQwSP5x1EQjqsNad_FOQ/s640/IMG_8390.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">JOSH LEBLO (Albert Peterson) performs "Put on a Happy Face" with tap dancers EDEN BARRUS (tap dancer/childrens ensemble), DAVID MIDKIFF (Randolph Macafee/tap dancer), and EMMA WHITEHORN (tap dancer/childrens ensemble)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They had a wonderful time. The</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Birdie cast tap-danced, sang, sparkled and smiled
beautifully whilst performing Put On A Happy Face, giving the entire audience a moment of pure joy.</span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduZkGujjzcy9ZNqNwPwu61GHCs2P2PMgAcQ0Pc3xVHY1xNXyvAn3E9sQBtKTO09K8-8BIdEIz8Rno_FN3plqT33pDXhK-sMr31agCfNiKXKdCxQ-wKT9PZr0ef5RC8Ti8kW4wR8AwvYI/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduZkGujjzcy9ZNqNwPwu61GHCs2P2PMgAcQ0Pc3xVHY1xNXyvAn3E9sQBtKTO09K8-8BIdEIz8Rno_FN3plqT33pDXhK-sMr31agCfNiKXKdCxQ-wKT9PZr0ef5RC8Ti8kW4wR8AwvYI/s640/IMG_1387.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">TABITHA BARRUS as Gloria Rasputin and TRICH ZAITOON as Mae Peterson</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The reminder was reinforced on a more personal level for me the very next night, Saturday, as we left the stage after the close of our show. At the end of</span><span style="font-size: large;">
each performance, Plaza cast members make two lines in the lobby to
greet patrons as they exit the theatre. For a big summer show cast,
these lines extend out past the entrance doors to the sidewalk. </span></span><br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid92ktzvnTQioH59OoqJ63YP5pYXeGqxI6bxBJb9GckWrdYAWGU7bItt_FDMlik81l9R9d43V72HWTbL3TQtbNsodkMv5_Mp5MwjSe9kbeFB-Zo_-uTcgGdFLCYMlygP2wwt4BUt5lNSk/s1600/IMG_8359.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid92ktzvnTQioH59OoqJ63YP5pYXeGqxI6bxBJb9GckWrdYAWGU7bItt_FDMlik81l9R9d43V72HWTbL3TQtbNsodkMv5_Mp5MwjSe9kbeFB-Zo_-uTcgGdFLCYMlygP2wwt4BUt5lNSk/s640/IMG_8359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Telephone Hour teen cast members including MELODY, MOLLY, ANNA, BEN, MICHAEL, and CAMERON.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Following our Saturday evening show, my daughter and I were
standing beside each other in line near the open doors at Plaza's front entrance, greeting
audience members and thanking them for coming to see the show. Then we
spotted two friends we recognized. They were sisters who've been friends of ours for years. Our whole family loves them and their sweet
mother and father, too. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuJp75kc7A0sTQEvpjLihP_oMoTMhdYiLrJzyF8CmhLfu8xcp5_bnVaSEDKhkPM_AeJ7mmV6xEdNIWZ9nlmg2F-rYzru2H70HLdL1eod0GiTUNBlk6ADJ-9TVfWsH5cQPgDfPHzPAm90/s1600/IMG_8402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuJp75kc7A0sTQEvpjLihP_oMoTMhdYiLrJzyF8CmhLfu8xcp5_bnVaSEDKhkPM_AeJ7mmV6xEdNIWZ9nlmg2F-rYzru2H70HLdL1eod0GiTUNBlk6ADJ-9TVfWsH5cQPgDfPHzPAm90/s640/IMG_8402.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">BIRDIE stars JOSH and TRICH as Albert and his mom, Mrs. Peterson.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As soon as I saw our friends, Tina's reminder to SMILE and
bring needed joy to our audience became poignantly clear. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqCu1LZ2NjZTw7HCjmVLJ19Kd2hM78oPJznn-CZGnUNZxm3u0MbBKw53WXvlRy8qbMlbeOJqyKOc7Kdy9yaE6i4jRjEZZLOCPBQ_P39CX1xv_bi2JCHc_HRt7UdzLLOtYwUNMCUJgea0/s1600/IMG_8436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqCu1LZ2NjZTw7HCjmVLJ19Kd2hM78oPJznn-CZGnUNZxm3u0MbBKw53WXvlRy8qbMlbeOJqyKOc7Kdy9yaE6i4jRjEZZLOCPBQ_P39CX1xv_bi2JCHc_HRt7UdzLLOtYwUNMCUJgea0/s640/IMG_8436.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">MADISON sings One Boy and dances with PARKER and dance ensemble including SCOUT, STOREY, DEVLIN, and NANCY.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sisters came to see the show with their mother. Their father, a
dear and funny man who always attended Plaza Shows with the mother, was
not there. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDwtdDkmv5WrhR_EGFH7mEc9LDk0_TZo3mCiD_jtQVMS1fHlHeRJnmBcSGqSxG2j4v44Xp7AbO8dvBqm-AnDRHhmnaSiOycfSZR2hgCRRg2yikRD9_IXtZSrxznGXVGVhNDn5rU5lPLY/s1600/IMG_8444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDwtdDkmv5WrhR_EGFH7mEc9LDk0_TZo3mCiD_jtQVMS1fHlHeRJnmBcSGqSxG2j4v44Xp7AbO8dvBqm-AnDRHhmnaSiOycfSZR2hgCRRg2yikRD9_IXtZSrxznGXVGVhNDn5rU5lPLY/s640/IMG_8444.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">MADISON as Kim Macafee and PARKER as Kim's boyfriend Hugo</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In fact, their father had died suddenly and unexpectedly two
weeks earlier. This family had come to see our show, Bye, Bye Birdie! Birdie could offer them a brief respite - a few hours of light-hearted entertainment. I wish I could describe the emotion I felt, but sometimes there are no words - even for a blogger.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTzLmw_kQyT0TpxSZFzwlIGuSb_l7350FoCrshe5guS9Kg1mrZTa-LWt2Bn6cbGouOyxNwNFYiT0nqRd5DDUXiTlPSc3lhkIJM5vsLH0zqUnCckUyjIb7_9FijZZax5WiWxqBHEMdDOw/s1600/IMG_8458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTzLmw_kQyT0TpxSZFzwlIGuSb_l7350FoCrshe5guS9Kg1mrZTa-LWt2Bn6cbGouOyxNwNFYiT0nqRd5DDUXiTlPSc3lhkIJM5vsLH0zqUnCckUyjIb7_9FijZZax5WiWxqBHEMdDOw/s640/IMG_8458.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">SCOUT HARRELL as Ursula swoons over BRANDON (Conrad Birdie) while the Macafee family, the Mayor (RICH CAWOOD) with wife Edna (MICHELLE CAWOOD) and other townspeople watch.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Supporting
community theatre is vitally important. Bringing joy and creating
theatre magic provides fun for some, entertainment for others, and can
even temporarily lighten a heavy load for a few souls in need of a
break. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95lNbCurvwH211nR1GZR7-_Q8itiE9TSsEX_RRE8ycvcPDbL4M5aLUYcQ2ruG9DMigbePabwTTFz0h1XF3KXYLp9eahJ7k6_9qyFkcCpftDLDq3TguDKxJdpQFmmCl4sumH13-FmmBOg/s1600/IMG_8463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95lNbCurvwH211nR1GZR7-_Q8itiE9TSsEX_RRE8ycvcPDbL4M5aLUYcQ2ruG9DMigbePabwTTFz0h1XF3KXYLp9eahJ7k6_9qyFkcCpftDLDq3TguDKxJdpQFmmCl4sumH13-FmmBOg/s640/IMG_8463.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Conrad (BRANDON) sings "Sincere" at a Sweetapple gathering in his honor</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">FYI, Plaza isn't just another community theater. It is a
family-friendly, award winning, small-town community theatre that defied
the expectations of many residents and members of the performing arts
community throughout the the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuuMDywxKQRMBVpDtJn5h-NhFde6OviLpL9IGTgzPhv-s-eXGLunsjjMlyliKYOt8uFQZkJWY9ejPc73qmvFwpO99qyOdAt_bEbuydYfDtFb5GpN2Yfqa8Abp01gw3lX2RbbvpFh3Px8/s1600/IMG_9732.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuuMDywxKQRMBVpDtJn5h-NhFde6OviLpL9IGTgzPhv-s-eXGLunsjjMlyliKYOt8uFQZkJWY9ejPc73qmvFwpO99qyOdAt_bEbuydYfDtFb5GpN2Yfqa8Abp01gw3lX2RbbvpFh3Px8/s640/IMG_9732.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">High energy dancers breathe life into the entire show.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plaza
opened its doors during the spring of 2007, just before the United
States experienced the worst financial meltdown since The Great
Depression. While other businesses struggled, laid off workers, and
declared bankruptcy, Plaza Theatre Company battled back against the odds
and found ways to grow, flourish, and expand. This gutsy start-up
could have chosen a location in a much more densely populated area like
the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAjWA9gjRQpj622nT5AZ7MXHu94Gbqd8bCv-4KBM8kJFcDkyjAZCry3WUhAerVArO1x-j4AwcX9WzZ8kdRfoj-iZQ8nodinSEHayZqkytUVnpMA7_1p6EiAaSl6iKk9tS7hoTjDCAcR8/s1600/IMG_8487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAjWA9gjRQpj622nT5AZ7MXHu94Gbqd8bCv-4KBM8kJFcDkyjAZCry3WUhAerVArO1x-j4AwcX9WzZ8kdRfoj-iZQ8nodinSEHayZqkytUVnpMA7_1p6EiAaSl6iKk9tS7hoTjDCAcR8/s640/IMG_8487.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">AARON as Mr. Macafee tries to eat breakfast before EMILY as Mrs. Macafee and MADISON as Kim take it away from him.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead, it opened in <a href="http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hec02" target="_blank">Cleburne</a>, a place named after a <a href="http://www.cleburnechamber.com/chamber/history/" target="_blank">Civil War general</a> - a dusty little Texas town whose claim to fame was being a watering hole on The <a href="http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ayc02" target="_blank">Chisolm Trail</a>, a temporary camp on an old wagon trail for civil war soldiers, and eventually the county seat of Johnson County, Texas. </span><br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIthcm6XqGOAARAU2N5IB-T_1VCMmQig-6xuQO4HIT9WMC9zjMGD4US4mT0bfadlqz0N6-8glBkn4-j8rOqQSX_jeYc2bvlOVfx9FpFkPaygqNoJ3eqgmBOti9tevUxMXxgEUeTW6smk/s1600/IMG_8557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIthcm6XqGOAARAU2N5IB-T_1VCMmQig-6xuQO4HIT9WMC9zjMGD4US4mT0bfadlqz0N6-8glBkn4-j8rOqQSX_jeYc2bvlOVfx9FpFkPaygqNoJ3eqgmBOti9tevUxMXxgEUeTW6smk/s640/IMG_8557.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Macafee Family (Kim-MADELINE, AARON-Mr. Macafee, EMILY-Mrs. Macafee, and HENRY CAWOOD-Randolph) sing Hymn For A Sunday Evening as they dream of being on the Ed Sullivan Show.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To
be clear, I do love Cleburne. I relocated here in 1980. Back then, we
had one movie theater, one mall, one high school, one VFW, one Elks
Lodge, and no full-time community theater capable of producing nearly a
dozen consecutive plays and musicals each year. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSo-XGB9gqi0O7LskXzDibfyPHS838Vzzf3J9BpnxynPCf6GLHyCo_moHFdOwiQHmvuobJl6ZEKoy-Iy7gVswEMEvIrjP7PGRB3MTx6kP8dsRLXfEWrWfzwEqd5bjLoncpupOnxrzE4k/s1600/IMG_8726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSo-XGB9gqi0O7LskXzDibfyPHS838Vzzf3J9BpnxynPCf6GLHyCo_moHFdOwiQHmvuobJl6ZEKoy-Iy7gVswEMEvIrjP7PGRB3MTx6kP8dsRLXfEWrWfzwEqd5bjLoncpupOnxrzE4k/s640/IMG_8726.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">JUSTIN DIYER (Maude/Reporter/adult ensemble) and CRYSTAL TODD (adult ensemble) perform Kids</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the exception of
honky-tonk entertainment, the only live performing arts consistently
available here and based here before <a href="http://www.plaza-theatre.com/" target="_blank">Plaza</a> opened its doors in 2007 were the handful of absolutely wonderful shows produced yearly by <a href="http://www.carnegieplayers.org/" target="_blank">Carnegie Players</a>, the assortment of musical and dramatic performances put on by the high school and some of the churches.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I3WbTjoa5Km5yNmy0LNCnnS5zTVcoWX9wlYyVtZaRB7CapaCI-PTY1oAG9QpY7CtmRC-SnlYY0ED7U-curHEqeeHXtVKqUYyNolntEP5gj7nm0irOsBORdYtxIRN8BLf8lbw86Sxwmc/s1600/IMG_9811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I3WbTjoa5Km5yNmy0LNCnnS5zTVcoWX9wlYyVtZaRB7CapaCI-PTY1oAG9QpY7CtmRC-SnlYY0ED7U-curHEqeeHXtVKqUYyNolntEP5gj7nm0irOsBORdYtxIRN8BLf8lbw86Sxwmc/s640/IMG_9811.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Conrad (BRANDON) sings "One Last Kiss" to Kim (MADELINE) at a special Sweetapple segment of The Ed Sullivan Show while Mr. Macafee (AARON), Mrs. Macafee (EMILY), Randolph Macafee (DAVID), SAMANTHA (adult ensemble), and CHERIE (Mrs. Merkle) and most of the rest of the townspeople watch in adoration.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To me, the texture of Cleburne has
changed so much. In terms of cultural arts, living in Cleburne feels so
much better now that </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.plaza-theatre.com/" target="_blank">Plaza Theatre Company</a></span> is here. It's wonderful place where you can enjoy a show, volunteer, and meet friendly people. <a href="http://plaza%20academy/" target="_blank">Plaza Academy</a> is a great way to start or advance kids with lessons in theater arts including dance, voice, acting, etc.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFbiQxRp6fmZ8MMCr-3jRAU2jHM9nWdAznRhmKSTcMxmPH98B3X6uJgYNem6q4KWC-Im0lXY_HOR9d-vh95VkE3E8m1kE44UFnV89IbYw6XT4K1jaOFkmQpiyXc2fB5aZ5Geb36FZloc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFbiQxRp6fmZ8MMCr-3jRAU2jHM9nWdAznRhmKSTcMxmPH98B3X6uJgYNem6q4KWC-Im0lXY_HOR9d-vh95VkE3E8m1kE44UFnV89IbYw6XT4K1jaOFkmQpiyXc2fB5aZ5Geb36FZloc/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">CHERIE ROBINSON was Mrs. Merkle. Her daughter SAMANTHA ROBINSON was in the adult ensemble.</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love the performing
arts. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to share that love with
others. Plaza believed in me enough to let me make it through the
audition process and actually be cast in a few shows. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuWmjEe2gBs3mwSyZNWHXIcSfMAkkSiTYAtqwRSJc0Wl8N-S4axS9oNQfYiGXf0Simq861fcCMNM7lSeXZzq8NhTm0E4gGCVj6x6YwbM82IrltonA_zLt8OmMaonaq-J5OQojI05fCoM/s1600/IMG_9163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuWmjEe2gBs3mwSyZNWHXIcSfMAkkSiTYAtqwRSJc0Wl8N-S4axS9oNQfYiGXf0Simq861fcCMNM7lSeXZzq8NhTm0E4gGCVj6x6YwbM82IrltonA_zLt8OmMaonaq-J5OQojI05fCoM/s640/IMG_9163.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">BRANDON (Conrad) sings "Sincere" and the teens swoon.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Placing such focus on
being a good mother, grandmother, wife, employee, church volunteer, etc. I almost lost touch with a big part myself...of the girl I once was. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDYzg8E5WrwKYSqTXaFe6BDrmGroe5J60tJU8vgS2dQHHL_M4OkwYa2aBkpXWyte5EY8SOuXqr6WvwbnsQZYkTFTpZmEqOfJJ0rm_HYE14bEmUjK7O4rGnhQGSayQyF6tNPcJedP_rNI/s1600/IMG_9192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDYzg8E5WrwKYSqTXaFe6BDrmGroe5J60tJU8vgS2dQHHL_M4OkwYa2aBkpXWyte5EY8SOuXqr6WvwbnsQZYkTFTpZmEqOfJJ0rm_HYE14bEmUjK7O4rGnhQGSayQyF6tNPcJedP_rNI/s640/IMG_9192.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Conrad sings One Last Kiss to Kim as he prepares to give kiss her.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">She loved to sing and dance and perform music on stage. She
dreamed of getting a college degree in music from UNT. Overall, that is
the greatest gift I've received from my association with Plaza. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPembQ7QdWUNOZVwE2bRczoQrNCcn3ym_8TXgy1UgxONjKbCBgvXTFDMro80J03Qxyc6SK7RfGktRdPSKE8XtqUAxAPDQ2wSddQ_P_Svo3oQCwXRnE3xW686_gwxO2wzrt_JUz_BOY-XA/s1600/IMG_9216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPembQ7QdWUNOZVwE2bRczoQrNCcn3ym_8TXgy1UgxONjKbCBgvXTFDMro80J03Qxyc6SK7RfGktRdPSKE8XtqUAxAPDQ2wSddQ_P_Svo3oQCwXRnE3xW686_gwxO2wzrt_JUz_BOY-XA/s640/IMG_9216.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The teen ensemble with Plaza Academy students.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
reconnected with the spirit of that girl who believed in herself, her
talent, her mother's advice: You have the ability to do anything you
want to do and become whoever you wish to become. The sky is the
limit! Indeed, BIRDIE was a catalyst for change. It helped connect that idealistic girl of my past with this overly-busy wife, grandmother, and blogger...and in a very good way. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICLFSuR-dpBkP1xl1AICSskmfIPW4baPzOOhwL9KL09J-WNi93mPYbJ5RGX4WbKUiWX77vFaPwvKSyKCbGp89EBxDCQhrAhykzmeXEeH9gl0eBCD8ea3uGIvtusYEyig4elzmc7YwAHs/s1600/IMG_9281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICLFSuR-dpBkP1xl1AICSskmfIPW4baPzOOhwL9KL09J-WNi93mPYbJ5RGX4WbKUiWX77vFaPwvKSyKCbGp89EBxDCQhrAhykzmeXEeH9gl0eBCD8ea3uGIvtusYEyig4elzmc7YwAHs/s640/IMG_9281.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Closing show number "Put On A Happy Face" included the ENTIRE cast!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all need to keep growing, learning, and connecting with other good people.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MgIu2DHKSMdtCI09fVCD8JiIIcid-aD0bjAM3DVGhqYePUK1rq8wB0inBL7458UGzVBiE75MbxqTa8bRM_fksZ0KgD0sr57CtQvyFl7CBqHpxuk2Lb5Ihe0dzGQRHQiAIWrRC__8GQw/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MgIu2DHKSMdtCI09fVCD8JiIIcid-aD0bjAM3DVGhqYePUK1rq8wB0inBL7458UGzVBiE75MbxqTa8bRM_fksZ0KgD0sr57CtQvyFl7CBqHpxuk2Lb5Ihe0dzGQRHQiAIWrRC__8GQw/s640/IMG_1368.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The entire town fainted as Conrad sang "Sincere". The unconscious Mayor still grips the Key to the City of Sweetapple. The key was to be given to Conrad. Rosie Alvarez steps over the fainted citizens, takes the key from the Mayor's hand, and presents it to Conrad.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd like to close with a bit of advice to everyone about community theater. Get involved. Be supportive. Buy tickets and see shows. Volunteer. Audition. Help out backstage. By making this special venue a part of your life, you enrich yourself and your community. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NOTE: Most photos shown are provided courtesy of Stacey Greenwalt King. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-17584474971606564132013-11-09T16:10:00.001-06:002013-11-09T16:10:59.319-06:00The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge - Week #45<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to Week #45 of The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. This week we save forty-five dollars. Our total saved to date is one thousand and thirty-five dollars. New milestone: over one thousand dollars saved!!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY48JDbn83k_ONFDeWaS4r1p-aDKT6irPFuF_ErTO2YWwjHcHAaSZf6_cOic0jpsUSEKe6sBEgMv2SBhonQqhK73nn08IHTZzTYgaj9JWAuXiwZG7UD0g5I0Ox-E7K11uVELmQ8AQfD_k/s1600/Updated+The+52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY48JDbn83k_ONFDeWaS4r1p-aDKT6irPFuF_ErTO2YWwjHcHAaSZf6_cOic0jpsUSEKe6sBEgMv2SBhonQqhK73nn08IHTZzTYgaj9JWAuXiwZG7UD0g5I0Ox-E7K11uVELmQ8AQfD_k/s640/Updated+The+52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" width="514" zsa="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only seven weeks left in our Challenge year and the countdown continues! </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span>If you are new to the challenge, welcome aboard! Jump in and save the weekly amounts with us. You'll have about four hundred dollars saved by the end of this year. Alternatively, you can begin this week as your Week #1. Save one dollar this week, two dollars next week, etc. Whichever works best for you is great.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Whether you're starting now or you've been saving with us from the beginning, please let me hear from you. I'd like some feedback about your own experience with The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. What worked best for you? What advice would you give others? Any ideas for improvements? How has it helped you? What have you learned? The Suggestion Box is open. I look forward to hearing from you.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Happy saving! </span></span></span></span></div>
Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-16147790868187961722013-11-07T15:18:00.003-06:002013-11-22T09:53:02.811-06:00Diamond Candles Review and Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yahoo and a very EARLY Merry Christmas to all y'all!! I am SO excited to host the first official Fresh Juniper Review and Giveaway for Diamond Candles!!! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Christmas_g54-Santa_Claus_Hat_With_Grey_Christmas_Gift_Box_p125078.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FRL0Re-Hoh6IKPck6n2tPzgdsg-tF25BJYwylIw92m7WeuKNbT3G5DHvois4HRVPc6ud5GzV_YhOKLwrESRPUeldp3AsI59aS1cMSPLcBz3B1KmbcZlSVJMKjd9Qtwxt0doLm0hXjKA/s640/Christmas+Present+Win+pm.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Christmas_g54-Santa_Claus_Hat_With_Grey_Christmas_Gift_Box_p125078.html" target="_blank">Image courtesy of cescassawin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you love candles like I do? Have any Christmas presents left on your list that aren't purchased yet? Do you enjoy FREE giveaways that are TRULY free? (If your odds of winning are pretty good because you know there won't be a kazillion entries in the giveaway, are you more likely to enter?) Would you like to win a NICE gift that you'd be proud to keep for yourself of give to a friend? If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then READ ON!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOCSZ_GPEPTg8HGQtugxERycbKJUj5COeoAHWNXhFmgdtZlSuB955sb20Ti0hUeztJ2DzOeOwtlDQ6n8XQHJgYBT1bUlr6ZrnpYnGLXx1WPhjvBTtHflQTVEKVJ3SXbYQJpvavfcVSqw/s1600/DC+5+pre+lit+fj+pm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOCSZ_GPEPTg8HGQtugxERycbKJUj5COeoAHWNXhFmgdtZlSuB955sb20Ti0hUeztJ2DzOeOwtlDQ6n8XQHJgYBT1bUlr6ZrnpYnGLXx1WPhjvBTtHflQTVEKVJ3SXbYQJpvavfcVSqw/s640/DC+5+pre+lit+fj+pm.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently I was contacted by <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/" target="_blank">Diamond Candles</a>. Ever heard of <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/" target="_blank">Diamond Candles</a> before? Me neither, which is why I did a little digging on my own to find out more about them. I learned that </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/" target="_blank">Diamond Candles</a></span></span> is a veritable "MADE IN THE USA" family business dream come true. If you'd like to know the whole wonderful story, watch their <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/about" target="_blank">video</a>. I watched it and was quite impressed. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqKtJDNlKqt4WvipltwzZOKT85l0rDQpNDjKRlISHSu9RRNWuwrp9jmmWXSQvB_vQa5LJolHAg-Uqpccl5juBSXW32OFKyF2ApoLAfEJ1E6bZnWWrCIk1OpWcPbv_8zsdRH7sUlcui68/s1600/DC+11+lit+fj+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqKtJDNlKqt4WvipltwzZOKT85l0rDQpNDjKRlISHSu9RRNWuwrp9jmmWXSQvB_vQa5LJolHAg-Uqpccl5juBSXW32OFKyF2ApoLAfEJ1E6bZnWWrCIk1OpWcPbv_8zsdRH7sUlcui68/s640/DC+11+lit+fj+pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, they asked me to review one of their candles and give y'all my honest opinion. On top of that, they offered to let one of Y'ALL WIN a free candle of your choice. In Texas, we call it a 'Two-fer'. I get one free to review, and one lucky reader gets a Diamond Candle of their choice free. I mean FREE y'all. You don't pay ANYTHING for the candle. Even the SHIPPING is FREE. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn6FX8PQ29YVpN3jwyokmRpdWJV8ZO3-i-SEXO_58SKOWZNlEwcFUrp_kWXFntW5pnlT-oN89odZWqClglqKODVyyw3H2XqdICA3XOjPTDLxUWSbqosftWkcOpW8lYDoo3_9tq0-BURY/s1600/DC+13+top+center+fj+pm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn6FX8PQ29YVpN3jwyokmRpdWJV8ZO3-i-SEXO_58SKOWZNlEwcFUrp_kWXFntW5pnlT-oN89odZWqClglqKODVyyw3H2XqdICA3XOjPTDLxUWSbqosftWkcOpW8lYDoo3_9tq0-BURY/s640/DC+13+top+center+fj+pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I couldn't resist THAT offer, so I picked out a candle. Blue is my favorite color, so I chose a pretty blue candle called <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/products/ocean-mist-ring-candle" target="_blank">OCEAN MIST</a>. Who can resist the smell of the cucumber, melon, and sea grass? It was absolutely intoxicating. Love at first whiff!! I asked HUBBY and two of our grown children, PUMPKIN and PRINCE, for their honest opinions, too. Everyone loved it! These candles are produced with 100% soy wax and every single one is MADE IN THE U.S.A. They smell great and last a very long time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of Two-fers, here's the best part. You get a FREE RING inside each candle. I repeat, there is a FREE RING inside each candle. It's like the prize you get every time you open a box of Crackerjacks, but much more elegant. These aren't kiddie toy rings. No way. They are beautiful and unique designs. Each ring is worth at LEAST $10. Now, fasten your safety belts and get ready for this: Some rings are worth MUCH more than $10. Some have a retail value of $100, $1,000 and even $5,000!!! You won't find anything like THAT inside a little ol' box of Crackerjacks, but you WILL find a ring inside EVERY single Diamond Candle. How much will yours be worth?</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1mHwBQ7J2tn8OOjbqAcDEp7OQgwRGKMYMb-Wm61ZFmnSuhXmwNM5okDYa4dy1WV11BpavetzjkTZhxphEXGU8g1sfSu5tl4vG6IcQrMilZwtpaKmZGg3ODUNv-ETEYgFtIVOHdtGgDQ/s1600/Macy's+Herald+Square+Christmas+Shoppers+by+Robert+Mecea+for+New+York+Daily+News.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1mHwBQ7J2tn8OOjbqAcDEp7OQgwRGKMYMb-Wm61ZFmnSuhXmwNM5okDYa4dy1WV11BpavetzjkTZhxphEXGU8g1sfSu5tl4vG6IcQrMilZwtpaKmZGg3ODUNv-ETEYgFtIVOHdtGgDQ/s1600/Macy's+Herald+Square+Christmas+Shoppers+by+Robert+Mecea+for+New+York+Daily+News.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/tis-shopping-season-bargain-hunters-lining-black-friday-article-1.1206635" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Macy's Herald Square Christmas Shoppers - photo by Robert Mecea for New York Daily News</span></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Listen up. I do love to spend a little time doing some good ol' fashion Christmas shopping at the malls every year. The music is playing and (some) folks are full of the traditional festive holiday spirit. There's nothing quite like rubbin' shoulders with folks in the crowd, grippin' my purse to keep it safe from the pick-pockets workin' the aforementioned crowd...you know the routine. But before the season gets into full swing, let's get on with the FREE DIAMOND CANDLE GIVEAWAY!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In summary, this candle is WELL worth at LEAST $25. Additionally, the FREE ring inside is worth anywhere from $10 to $5,000. I love mine. You will too. Looky here at all 6 ways you can enter to win. Do 'em ALL. Here's a very early Merry Christmas to y'all, and good luck!</span></span><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/70076f85/" id="rc-70076f85" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Giveaway Update </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11/21/2013: The giveaway is completed and the winner is Dana. Congratulations Dana!! Details on how to get your free candle have been sent to your email. Woohoo, enjoy!</span></span><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-65340472763393300862013-11-06T14:27:00.004-06:002013-11-06T16:42:37.221-06:00Mini Peanut Butter Cups - Reese's vs. Walmart Great Value vs. Aldi Choceur - A 3-Way Battle For Best Flavor AND Best Value<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For chocolate and peanut butter lovers everywhere, I shall attempt to solve a great mystery. Does higher price mean better flavor? If the answer is YES, then the value is clear. The big price tag is worth it because great taste is the ultimate payoff. However, is there any certainty that higher price IS better flavor? Read on!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peanut Butter Cup Price Comparison: Reese's vs. Walmart Great Value Brand vs. Aldi Choceur Brand </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How much will you pay for your chocolate and peanut butter fix?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>REESE'S</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you want to buy the NAME BRAND, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Minis, the price is $2.50 for an 8 ounce bag at Walmart. It is a little over 31 cents per ounce. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QOrG2YjXX70KBWFVIMuoozbxPti6AuIUSd4RCR8iRnvcOP38k2tAGfQy-QWnPmIzSatnqtVrk4CAi6Whde9_7aivF1uFeTvCSJUdfD4ArkqHnOvkbNrChFDKjaP5esHsOvNtaYClFRg/s1600/Reese%2527s+Peanut+Butter+Cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QOrG2YjXX70KBWFVIMuoozbxPti6AuIUSd4RCR8iRnvcOP38k2tAGfQy-QWnPmIzSatnqtVrk4CAi6Whde9_7aivF1uFeTvCSJUdfD4ArkqHnOvkbNrChFDKjaP5esHsOvNtaYClFRg/s400/Reese%2527s+Peanut+Butter+Cups.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Reese-s-Minis-Unwrapped-Peanut-Butter-Cups-8-oz/17056801" target="_blank">Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Mini's</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Walmart Great Value </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you tried Walmart's Great Value Peanut Butter Cups? The price per ounce definitely less expensive. You'll pay $2.82 for a 12 ounce bag. The price per ounce is 23.5 cents.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CZ8BOPdmHsJT0HnewYXC8OvyZTFpm64snsxc8kRAiZTNnvrquFahBQ9X1Kvi0Hte3BMXdr2ZOHQyF_av-HuIMYhxRl1_X-yZpzmOdmB83BqV6-nwhX80dcCgrtDlYWJShFq8B5MtVqs/s1600/Walmart+Great+Value+Brand+Peanut+Butter+Cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CZ8BOPdmHsJT0HnewYXC8OvyZTFpm64snsxc8kRAiZTNnvrquFahBQ9X1Kvi0Hte3BMXdr2ZOHQyF_av-HuIMYhxRl1_X-yZpzmOdmB83BqV6-nwhX80dcCgrtDlYWJShFq8B5MtVqs/s400/Walmart+Great+Value+Brand+Peanut+Butter+Cups.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Peanut-Butter-Milk-Chocolate-Cups-12-Oz/11047597" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Walmart Great Value Peanut Butter Cups</span></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Aldi Choceur</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever been to an Aldi store? Their Choceur Peanut Butter Cups cost $2.49 for a 12 ounce tub. That's a little less than 21 cents per ounce.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh9cRrH2_VjSGdbekwqgq_RG2ZeS0_uE3utzGUdq5v_T90aQmCHQ12Z9qGMbHuhZhrFxuONfPGb924sqxqE9MGBXip_ZKlElZZfDrUf02s2bNkZcVXcDbMA5I8WjuZcTz89tum1vl3yM/s1600/Aldi+Chocuer+Brand+Peanut+Butter+Cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh9cRrH2_VjSGdbekwqgq_RG2ZeS0_uE3utzGUdq5v_T90aQmCHQ12Z9qGMbHuhZhrFxuONfPGb924sqxqE9MGBXip_ZKlElZZfDrUf02s2bNkZcVXcDbMA5I8WjuZcTz89tum1vl3yM/s400/Aldi+Chocuer+Brand+Peanut+Butter+Cups.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The price of a good peanut butter cup can vary from store to store. The prices for this post were calculated in November 2013 and will undoubtedly change over time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">PRICE SUMMARY</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">31 cents per ounce - Reese's Peanut Butter Cups</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">23.5 cents per ounce - Walmart Great Value Peanut Butter Cups</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">21 cents per ounce - Aldi Choceur Peanut Butter Cups</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peanut Butter Cup Taste Comparison: Reese's vs. Walmart Great Value Brand vs. Aldi Choceur Brand </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Which Peanut Butter Cup really tastes the best?</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">REESE'S</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are delicious. They are the candy everyone else tries to copy. The flavor is wonderful. The chocolate covering is sweet and rich. The peanut butter center is less moist than Aldi Choceur or Walmart Great Value. They taste as good as any (non-gourmet) peanut butter cup on the market.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Walmart </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Walmart Great Value Peanut Butter Cups are wonderful. They provide a tasty alternative to the pricier Reese's brand. The chocolate shell is almost just as good as Reese's and the peanut butter center is the most moist, gooey, and sweet of the three brands compared in this post. If you don't mind the extra gooey center, they REALLY are a "Great Value". I love them and buy them often.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Aldi</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am a new fan of Aldi Choceur Peanut Butter Cups. The chocolate shell is rich and delicious. The flavor is equal to any (non-gourmet) competitor on the market. The peanut butter center is moist but not gooey. The consistency and flavor of the peanut butter is amazing.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">FLAVOR SUMMARY</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4 Stars - Reese's Mini Peanut Butter Cups </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3 Stars - Walmart Great Value Peanut Butter Cups</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4 Stars - Aldi Choceur Peanut Butter Cups</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">AND THE WINNER IS....</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The easy winner for overall flavor and value is <u><b>Aldi Choceur Peanut Butter Cups</b></u>. Surprisingly, they are the least expensive of the brands compared. The price even beat the Walmart brand. The Aldi Choceur Peanut Butter Cups are JUST as delicious as Reese's. In fact, I might actually prefer the flavor of the chocolate and the peanut butter OVER Reese's. The combination of rich, sweet milk chocolate with creamy (not too gooey), delicious peanut butter satisfies my 'sweet and salty' cravings 100%. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Congratulations to Aldi Choceur Peanut Butter Cups. You win! </span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">DISCLAIMERS:</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. This is NOT a sponsored post. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. I AM a chocolaholic.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. My given name is REECEA (pronounced REE sa). This name has been the subject of "Reese's" or "Reese's Peanut Butter Cups" references and jokes since the mid 1960s.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. I LOVE the taste of quality peanut butter cups.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. Many peanut butter cups have been absolutely annihilated during years of preparation for this post. Most of them were delicious. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6. In my 50+ years, I have probably tasted every brand of (non-gourmet) peanut butter cup on the market. I like the the three brands compared in this post best of all.</span></span><br />
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<br />Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2666571925777386634.post-67902532962924476882013-11-02T17:02:00.002-05:002013-11-02T17:03:18.799-05:00The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge - Week #44<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJyRI3I9T_oe2s2gEhbz_hWCCR1ytOl_j6Yjn2QCPdX4TXMbZtLCNbOKODlR5lX_hQNZbIL7hQaHsk5pjUZ_hRGexDPdcoZhRCj0Z4g1bZX3vBcQTzQSUQ0UucHRCAYnPkLGJqfCJQxg/s1600/Week+44pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJyRI3I9T_oe2s2gEhbz_hWCCR1ytOl_j6Yjn2QCPdX4TXMbZtLCNbOKODlR5lX_hQNZbIL7hQaHsk5pjUZ_hRGexDPdcoZhRCj0Z4g1bZX3vBcQTzQSUQ0UucHRCAYnPkLGJqfCJQxg/s640/Week+44pm.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to Week #44 of
The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. This week we save forty-four
dollars. Our total saved is now nine hundred ninety dollars. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGoBJYt6RD4paiKnkuByNn78NZ8hczNk2U4Ux6FbKFBQmEKFfWbcxxyoblG4v_0WZ-mVVx90AUVYQnrylVbw_k6QKx8XkwXmQofTMditzHW7Ip7McRaKqdMq66-YS-Gvjzkyy5hSFDPo/s1600/Updated+The+52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGoBJYt6RD4paiKnkuByNn78NZ8hczNk2U4Ux6FbKFBQmEKFfWbcxxyoblG4v_0WZ-mVVx90AUVYQnrylVbw_k6QKx8XkwXmQofTMditzHW7Ip7McRaKqdMq66-YS-Gvjzkyy5hSFDPo/s640/Updated+The+52+Week+Money+Challenge+Chart.jpg" width="514" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The countdown continues with only eight weeks left in our Challenge year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span>If
you are new to the challenge, welcome aboard! Jump in and save the
weekly amounts with us. You'll have over four hundred dollars saved by
the end of this year! Alternatively, you can begin this week as your
Week #1. Save one dollar this week, two dollars next week, etc.
Whichever works best for you is great.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Whether
you're starting now or you've been saving with us from the beginning,
please let me hear from you. I'd like some feedback about your own
experience with The 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. What worked best
for you? What advice would you give others? Any ideas for
improvements? How has it helped you? What have you learned? The
Suggestion Box is open. I look forward to hearing from you.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Happy saving! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span> </span></span></div>
Fresh Juniperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430735373747430943noreply@blogger.com0