tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38651534029650956772024-03-17T23:34:50.914-04:00The GoatKristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.comBlogger2194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-7027237376747551802021-08-20T18:58:00.006-04:002021-08-20T20:31:20.842-04:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejptnzS7MxI/YSAyQL7wCaI/AAAAAAAAY2w/npjwv5twNOQEV0x48ObBwYlHWNpSTPBygCLcBGAsYHQ/s976/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.52.20%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="976" height="349" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejptnzS7MxI/YSAyQL7wCaI/AAAAAAAAY2w/npjwv5twNOQEV0x48ObBwYlHWNpSTPBygCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h349/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.52.20%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p> It's been a heck of a pandemic, let me tell you! I see that even my blog was social distancing for almost a year. Not a whole lot has been going on at the homestead but Steve and I have been working on our designs for KNS Gear on both Zazzle and our Amazon Store. During the entirety of last year the number of new accounts that popped up on those two sites to sell designs was quadrupled (I imagine) as the competition was crazy. Now that people have realized that designing and maintaining on online only business is not as easy as just uploading a design and rake in the cash, most of those people have gone on to do other things. We are now back to the regular uncertainty of online sales and it's sort of comforting!</p><p>I have to say that Steve has really put some time and effort into coming up with new and creative transplant designs, which I will post next week. He even received an Amazon flag of quality called Amazon Choice. It means that the particular design is shown in the first few for a search! It's very exciting! You'll see all that next week.</p><p>However today, I have put up some Halloween items. Some fun designs that I found (and purchased) and created a little bundle of tote bags and tees. More will be coming but here's what we have right now. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YW6kqRILmqQ/YSAp9cCl48I/AAAAAAAAY1k/db-UsRe-JeoF62G1_svAyffdNcdkgvcUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s920/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.16.42%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YW6kqRILmqQ/YSAp9cCl48I/AAAAAAAAY1k/db-UsRe-JeoF62G1_svAyffdNcdkgvcUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h640/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.16.42%2BPM.png" width="498" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHkIcOHsfYs/YSAp9bC87mI/AAAAAAAAY1g/oqQD3jkbJUo5SM8yzGpvHqhwDf7Td1j6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s920/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.16.52%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHkIcOHsfYs/YSAp9bC87mI/AAAAAAAAY1g/oqQD3jkbJUo5SM8yzGpvHqhwDf7Td1j6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h640/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.16.52%2BPM.png" width="498" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/trick_or_treat_kids_halloween_candy_tote_bag-149470524161771618" target="_blank">Trick or Treat Bag 1</a></p><div style="text-align: left;">This is the front and back of the bag. The bag is a canvas tote with a very sturdy handle. The bag is designed to be for Halloween night, but it's a rugged tote that can be used all year to haul candy, groceries and kid stuff.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kTZjWqkfVQ/YSArRlhT3oI/AAAAAAAAY1w/001EvslsFO8T3n0oCRH85t-SbojJiru9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s920/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.22.45%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kTZjWqkfVQ/YSArRlhT3oI/AAAAAAAAY1w/001EvslsFO8T3n0oCRH85t-SbojJiru9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h640/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.22.45%2BPM.png" width="498" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/trick_or_treat_kids_halloween_candy_tote_bag-149883837128772787" target="_blank">Trick or Treat Bag 2</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The second bag has the exact same word art back but has a different Trick or Treat design for the front. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ms-Ffqt45Q/YSAr3sr00VI/AAAAAAAAY14/1AkIoJjWSAIzO5xYtQ40LtfegJVtw_ilQCLcBGAsYHQ/s920/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.24.02%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ms-Ffqt45Q/YSAr3sr00VI/AAAAAAAAY14/1AkIoJjWSAIzO5xYtQ40LtfegJVtw_ilQCLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h640/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.24.02%2BPM.png" width="498" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zGuwoSEOHI/YSAr3hlTYpI/AAAAAAAAY18/Gh2orvUL3kIaqP1NsdkyKb3eoi_52dq7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s920/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.24.08%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zGuwoSEOHI/YSAr3hlTYpI/AAAAAAAAY18/Gh2orvUL3kIaqP1NsdkyKb3eoi_52dq7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h640/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.24.08%2BPM.png" width="498" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/happy_halloween_october_31st_kids_candy_treat_tote_bag-149541963425868932" target="_blank">Oct 31st - Black Cat Bag</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A little vintage flair is on this bag. The retro black cat with the spiral design of orange and black is the backside of this tote. I remember having a few of these black cat decorations up around the house when I was little. The legs of the cat could move as they were attached by grommets. It was one of my favorite Halloween decorations. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The front of the tote bag is designed so that a name can be added to help make sure that no one gets their bag mixed up with anyone else! It was hard work to gather all that candy, right? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gY3nKRS_CiU/YSAtgWwTpuI/AAAAAAAAY2M/ExTl7XgzascTkY2s_CMKgs4jSpCKWyliQCLcBGAsYHQ/s919/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.31.54%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="661" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gY3nKRS_CiU/YSAtgWwTpuI/AAAAAAAAY2M/ExTl7XgzascTkY2s_CMKgs4jSpCKWyliQCLcBGAsYHQ/w460-h640/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.31.54%2BPM.png" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpUfOdBcuAg/YSAtgVsnD4I/AAAAAAAAY2I/YFCzk_aq2EAsfFE2fZ_3rTqAVFcIwtj9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s920/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.22.45%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpUfOdBcuAg/YSAtgVsnD4I/AAAAAAAAY2I/YFCzk_aq2EAsfFE2fZ_3rTqAVFcIwtj9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h640/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.22.45%2BPM.png" width="498" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/fang_tastic_kids_halloween_candy_tote_bag-149304895716131296" target="_blank">Fang Tastic Halloween Bag</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This bag is of course a play on Fantastic but with FANG in there instead. It can be personalized for the kids character or costume name on the bag. However, whatever the buyer wants to put in that customization section is fine and it can be deleted if they don't want it there at all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All of these bags are in our Zazzle shop and the links under the pictures will take you there. Steve is going to put some of these in our Amazon store, too. I will update with links when they are done. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final items that I have for this Halloween post is a t-shirt and a dishtowel using the same design. I loved this witches hat that I found but I loved it even more once I paired it with some watercolor backgrounds that I found. Once again, the links under the photos are to our Zazzle store. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AiY7fHhr4GU/YSAvdZRFJAI/AAAAAAAAY2Y/moBCLgbKXkU18QZfVpjBVvuVn6OSvWPegCLcBGAsYHQ/s706/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.40.41%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="670" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AiY7fHhr4GU/YSAvdZRFJAI/AAAAAAAAY2Y/moBCLgbKXkU18QZfVpjBVvuVn6OSvWPegCLcBGAsYHQ/w380-h400/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.40.41%2BPM.png" width="380" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/eat_drink_scary_witches_hat_watercolor_orange_t_shirt-235572361983229717" target="_blank">Eat, Drink & Be Scary</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A really fun design of a black witches hat, spiders and a lovely eye peering out from under the hat. Watercolor swooshes in shades of orange accentuate the overall design. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzL4NWkCTWM/YSAwOEKflxI/AAAAAAAAY2k/HSG4q3YzwjAzwKpyUcjgtvXWXZ769BIBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s857/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.43.04%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="643" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzL4NWkCTWM/YSAwOEKflxI/AAAAAAAAY2k/HSG4q3YzwjAzwKpyUcjgtvXWXZ769BIBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.43.04%2BPM.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RunYMP-PPAo/YSAwOLZEpoI/AAAAAAAAY2g/IULgXHgD2W4AyafM2XE6W7fzbCz9V1J8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s862/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.42.40%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="491" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RunYMP-PPAo/YSAwOLZEpoI/AAAAAAAAY2g/IULgXHgD2W4AyafM2XE6W7fzbCz9V1J8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/Screenshot%2B2021-08-20%2B6.42.40%2BPM.png" width="364" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/eat_drink_scary_witches_hat_watercolor_orange_dish_kitchen_towel-197184965001155541" target="_blank">Eat, Drink & Be Scary Dish Towel</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so excited about this dishtowel that when folded the EYE is so visible! It was an unexpected treat when I saw the towel folded like this. The eye is so dramatic - I just love it. The watercolor on the kitchen towel is a little different from the t-shirt as I could use the color all over. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love dishtowels, as you probably know if you know me in person, but I think the t-shirt design is equally as cool.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Please stop by our Zazzle store and poke around. We love showing off all of our cool designs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great day!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kristin</div><p></p>Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-63352333593716009322020-11-04T03:07:00.002-05:002020-11-04T03:07:32.121-05:00Family Cookbook & Beef with BasilA flavorful, fast, new favorite dish of ours. Beef and Basil with a splash of soy sauce. Serve with rice and a favorite vegetable side and you are done. <div><br />My cast iron skillets are the best. I have had this one for a few decades and nothing sticks to it. I have a 14" cast iron pan that I got a few years ago, we call it the big ass pan! It's so heavy! But it has seasoned up so nice. </div><div><br /><div class="separator"><div dir="auto" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><font face="inherit"> </font><img border="0" data-original-height="2698" data-original-width="1908" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3s1pd93pmA/XxIzuhIde7I/AAAAAAAAToM/StkZd-hv0N07z2vzvx_wj0QQI0UhKIGzQCPcBGAsYHg/w452-h640/20200707_222005.jpg" width="452" /></div></div><div class="separator"><div dir="auto" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">We made the beef and basil in the smaller 10" pan and put the rice in the rice cooker while I was gathering up the ingredients for the dish. The rice was done just about the same time the hamburger was done. The rice stays warm for a long time after cooking, so no need to try to time it perfectly. </div></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-size: small;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2493" data-original-width="1908" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAunrKRwKOM/XxIzusWZqeI/AAAAAAAAToM/tYVn5zCvYyQlpQCl7uA07SZiqV8ALZ0egCPcBGAsYHg/w490-h640/20200709_204001.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="490" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></font><font face="inherit"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-size: small;">After this batch, we added a lot more basil to the finished dish. Of course, I didn't take a picture of that dish, but oh well. Just imagine more green! </span></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-size: small;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6Ewnj3l76c/XxI25iL_Y4I/AAAAAAAAToo/g-esp-kGrtcOD1dgoNViQr-Fkgbq1DVOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200717_193857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1455" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6Ewnj3l76c/XxI25iL_Y4I/AAAAAAAAToo/g-esp-kGrtcOD1dgoNViQr-Fkgbq1DVOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w454-h640/20200717_193857.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">In 2016, Steve and I wanted to create a little recipe book for our families. The idea was to include as many handwritten recipes from family members as possible to help keep the memories of those who had passed still alive in those pages. We gathered recipes from our immediate family, scanned and deciphered as many as we could. </font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">We quickly discovered this was a huge undertaking for even a small book. The recipes from grand parents sometimes had no instructions only ingredients or had just a list of ingredients and no measurements. We had to pour through online recipes to figure out the proper measures, baking times and even modern day ingredients. Some of the recipe cards were so stained and soiled that you knew it was a family favorite.</font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">I called on family to send in original recipe cards, made some of the dishes and photographed them for th</font><span style="font-family: inherit;">e book but the hardest job was putting it altogether - the cards, text, photos, etc. The brunt of that work was done by my husband. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have to mention that because he worked tirelessly for over a month to get that recipe book gift ready. The cookbook making site we used (<a href="https://heritagecookbook.com/how-it-works/" target="_blank">Heritage Cookbook</a>) is a membership site but gives a month free. So we hustled our fannies to get that book perfected and done in that month! </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1223" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_O2JbYGzPg/XxI0NQ3zKjI/AAAAAAAAToU/MhsQ9TAkdpEws46IH5l1Hl1gBjNrLiwNQCLcBGAsYHQ/w382-h640/20200717_143731.jpg" width="382" /></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">Of course I made sure that some of my favorites were included and I love that they are now all contained in that book. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time trying new recipes. Even though these were family favorites, I still didn't venture past the ones I knew very often. The other night however, Steve suggested we try one from his brother in law</font><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Goodness, how did I miss this recipe? Beef and Basil. So easy and it sounded great. </span></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">Well, it's in our rotation now and </font><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really love the simplicity and flavor. I think we've made this a dozen times already. </span></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Recipe: </b></span></font><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ground Beef with Basil </b></span></span></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><b>1<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: small;">½</span> pounds ground beef</b></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: small;">½</span> cup fresh basil</b></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><b>2 -3 cloves of garlic</b></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><b>1t soy sauce </b></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><b>Brown hamburger in your pan. Add crushed or sliced garlic (I've done it with both) when hamburger is close to being done. Then add in chopped basil and soy sauce. Stir. </b></div><div dir="auto"><b>Serve over rice.</b> </div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">...for the leftovers we added in some chopped green onion. Next time I think we'll fry them up with the ground beef, maybe near the end.</font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">I know, you had to read all that to get to the recipe. You probably already make a version of this, but adding in the fresh basil is wonderful. It's so fragrant and completely makes this dish. I made a salad and we had that, too.</font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">Fresh basil is usually easy to find in the grocery store, if not in your garden. Fry up some hamburger and add it in. You will love it. </font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">Have a great day,</font></div><div dir="auto"><font face="inherit">Kristin <br /><br />P.S. I had written this months ago, but never posted. Basil was growing like crazy in gardens around the country, but now that it's November, it's not as easy to find in your backyard. So go get some at the grocery store. This recipe is a nice, warm meal for a chilly day. Enjoy! </font></div></div>Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-28161970664212191812020-09-28T21:48:00.007-04:002020-09-28T22:12:16.886-04:00KNS Christmas Store - Greeting CardsHello! Hello!!!<div><br /><div>KNS Gear has been gearing up Christmas Season and Zazzle is having a 40% off sale until October 1st, 11:59pm Pacific Time. Our Holiday Greeting Cards and Holiday Postcards have been updated this year and most now have a design on the inside or backside of the postcard. These distinctive design elements makes our cards stand out. The interiors are beautiful and have been made with you in mind. The colors are light enough so that you can easily write in pen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our Holiday Greeting card section (link below) shows all of our seasonal cards plus has a lot of seasonal envelope stickers and seasonal address labels. Steve and I have purchased one of almost everything we have made to insure that the quality of the product to our customers is top notch! So far we have been VERY satisfied with the quality of the items we have purchased. We truly believe that you will be extremely happy with your purchases.</div><div><br /><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_greeting_cards-119947502783624002" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Holiday Greeting Cards" height="640" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/holiday_greeting_cards_119947502783624002-r_zruem_qeytx_425.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="321" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_greeting_cards-119947502783624002" rel="nofollow">Holiday Greeting Cards</a>
<br />by <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/store/kns_card_shop" rel="nofollow">KNS Card Shop</a></div><p>Here are a few individual cards both the outside and the inside, so you can see what I'm talking about. Up first is our Winter Solstice card. We have this in both a greeting card and a postcard. The exterior says "Welcome the beginning of Winter and the return of the light." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWdnYj3pc5I/X3Iw-8No0TI/AAAAAAAAUzs/8LTOmfsDdxkgExV4Rq9_JEklaC6BQwuZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s699/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B2.50.42%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="699" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWdnYj3pc5I/X3Iw-8No0TI/AAAAAAAAUzs/8LTOmfsDdxkgExV4Rq9_JEklaC6BQwuZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h313/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B2.50.42%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The inside of the card has the beautiful crystal snowflake photograph and the customizable text space. You can change that to your name of course! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8kmn22LAzw/X3IxA3HA6WI/AAAAAAAAUzw/JjQ7Lyvj36ERjBVcigswBD9bT4FaygERACLcBGAsYHQ/s571/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B2.52.06%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="436" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8kmn22LAzw/X3IxA3HA6WI/AAAAAAAAUzw/JjQ7Lyvj36ERjBVcigswBD9bT4FaygERACLcBGAsYHQ/w488-h640/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B2.52.06%2BPM.png" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To see the card in our shop, click link below</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/winter_solstice_longest_day_return_to_light_winter_holiday_card-256635703487995438" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Winter Solstice Card</a></div><p> Here is the second Winter Solstice card that we created, with the same sentiment on the front but with a different photo on the front and different interior design. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uj2rf2VekkM/X3Ix9dyl8XI/AAAAAAAAU0E/h6WG6scGMpEL_47LLsic6IxgyPKdrfkGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s721/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B2.54.59%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="721" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uj2rf2VekkM/X3Ix9dyl8XI/AAAAAAAAU0E/h6WG6scGMpEL_47LLsic6IxgyPKdrfkGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h281/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B2.54.59%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOs8sEtot0o/X3IxxeZbioI/AAAAAAAAUz8/u9BGAQyKBdQE3m05f1ZT7fmzekEXbTOywCLcBGAsYHQ/s448/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B2.55.16%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="329" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOs8sEtot0o/X3IxxeZbioI/AAAAAAAAUz8/u9BGAQyKBdQE3m05f1ZT7fmzekEXbTOywCLcBGAsYHQ/w294-h400/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B2.55.16%2BPM.png" width="294" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To see the card in our shop, click link below</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/winter_solstice_longest_day_return_to_light_winter_holiday_card-256560891725788614" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Winter Solstice Card</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next card that I got a screen capture of is the truly unconventional card of the season. I discovered this photo and thought it was perfect for a holiday card - maybe a chef or home cook would enjoy a card that reflected their interests. Maybe someone who is known for having the holiday dinners would love this card design. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4spNIEkuTGo/X3Iy0NGSuCI/AAAAAAAAU0Y/lCWbPzx9ShQrAEqTt_tqcPkQUuNPfTGQACLcBGAsYHQ/s820/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.00.08%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="593" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4spNIEkuTGo/X3Iy0NGSuCI/AAAAAAAAU0Y/lCWbPzx9ShQrAEqTt_tqcPkQUuNPfTGQACLcBGAsYHQ/w462-h640/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.00.08%2BPM.png" width="462" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The sentiment inside the card is completely customizable and can say whatever the buyer wants. I put on there, "May we enjoy each other's company again, soon." as that is what I was thinking. I miss my friends and family and I cannot wait to share a meal with them again. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTiVpzKW3Z0/X3Iy9_n9J0I/AAAAAAAAU0c/LyjlwKt9bnM9rnIaeNb83u6i-DqVFf_-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s841/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.00.54%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="841" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTiVpzKW3Z0/X3Iy9_n9J0I/AAAAAAAAU0c/LyjlwKt9bnM9rnIaeNb83u6i-DqVFf_-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h295/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.00.54%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To see the card in our shop, click link below</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/christmas_dinner_herbs_spices_tomatoes_holiday_card-256849004808572877" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Christmas Dinner Holiday Card</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the last card that I'm featuring in this post and it's the iconic red car with a Christmas Tree on the roof. I find it funny that in this watercolor design, the tree has a few decorations already on it. I hope they don't drive too fast! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n2m_xMM6v4/X3Iz3f1knQI/AAAAAAAAU0s/bMLiCpzXnCwdu89h9gnqtKOhVX160LVnACLcBGAsYHQ/s818/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.04.00%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="596" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n2m_xMM6v4/X3Iz3f1knQI/AAAAAAAAU0s/bMLiCpzXnCwdu89h9gnqtKOhVX160LVnACLcBGAsYHQ/w466-h640/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.04.00%2BPM.png" width="466" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The inside of the card has a larger picture of the back of the car and the salutation is of course completely customizable. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bN4wiWEU1A/X3Iz7hcigCI/AAAAAAAAU0w/roypAdQrV7gVaPZLruw2GZlpQtTgqeG3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s835/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.04.27%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="835" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bN4wiWEU1A/X3Iz7hcigCI/AAAAAAAAU0w/roypAdQrV7gVaPZLruw2GZlpQtTgqeG3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.04.27%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To see the card in our shop, click link below </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/watercolor_fresh_cut_christmas_tree_red_car_holiday_card-256624785376535817" target="_blank">Watercolor Fresh Cut Christmas Tree</a></div><div style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 150%;">I have ordered about 50 postcards this past year and I love them. They are not those thin flimsy cards you can buy for a Dollar each, or that you are receiving in the mail by the dozens during election season. These postcards are thick, you can write with a Sharpie on them and it won't bleed through and still only takes a postcard stamp to mail. </div><div style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 150%;">You can see the whole Holiday Postcard Collection by clicking the link below. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_postcards-119590079073005893" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Holiday Postcards" height="640" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/holiday_postcards_119590079073005893-r_zruem_qey0t_425.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="321" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_postcards-119590079073005893" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;">Holiday Postcards</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">by </span><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/store/kns_card_shop" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;">KNS Card Shop</a></div></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">AND I know Zazzle will be having an ornament sale real soon, so I leave this collection for you to look at and ponder until a sale comes. </div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/christmas_ornaments-119660302746154386" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Christmas Ornaments" height="640" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/christmas_ornaments_119660302746154386-r_zruem_qeyqj_425.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="321" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/christmas_ornaments-119660302746154386" rel="nofollow">Christmas Ornaments</a>
<br />by <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/store/kns_christmas_store" rel="nofollow">KNS Christmas Store</a>
</div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">I believe that one should take advantage of sales and not buy full price if you don't have to, especially with Zazzle. Zazzle has a sale going on every single day for one type of product or more. Sometimes the sale is 20% off -- sometimes, like this week, it's 40%. If you sign up for Zazzle emails, you can get notice in your inbox as to what the sales are and how long they are on. If you sign up for Zazzle Black, you pay a small fee once a year and get regular shipping free all year.</div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b>Here is the current sale and abbreviated details</b>. </div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><div><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHsWZn-zxLE/X3I5gSJa2CI/AAAAAAAAU08/T26JBmxFklsxY_tqbRsZWo8RxjWX3qpjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.28.42%2BPM.png" width="320" /></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DljirJBPGjs/X3I5xDCgy2I/AAAAAAAAU1E/LmXY9NLGz44mc0Ga4-udZ8L3Zz03ZDihwCLcBGAsYHQ/s329/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.29.56%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="63" data-original-width="329" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DljirJBPGjs/X3I5xDCgy2I/AAAAAAAAU1E/LmXY9NLGz44mc0Ga4-udZ8L3Zz03ZDihwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2020-09-28%2Bat%2B3.29.56%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">A discount of up to 40% off the product net sale price shall apply when one or more qualifying products are purchased: Enter code CARDSFOR2020 in the promo code box at checkout...</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">This offer only applies to qualifying products marked "Sold by Zazzle." </span><b style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Valid until 10/1/2020 11:59:59 PM Pacific Standard Time.</b></div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">Thank you so much for stopping by.</div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">Have a great day!</div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">Kristin</div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">KNS Gear is Kristin 'n Steve. <br />That's us! My husband and me. </div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">#KNSGear #ChristmasCards #WinterSolsticeCards #WinterSolstice #ChristmasPostcards</div><div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
</div></div>Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-34048818545427664882020-09-25T14:24:00.004-04:002020-09-25T14:40:10.643-04:00Rubber band storage<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Rubber Band Storage</b></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_1VZR-_rI8/X24s4xvXjzI/AAAAAAAAUwc/KUK6pM3N7BAbMTB892jXfwmk3z9hAP8VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/rubberbands.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1678" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_1VZR-_rI8/X24s4xvXjzI/AAAAAAAAUwc/KUK6pM3N7BAbMTB892jXfwmk3z9hAP8VQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h400/rubberbands.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;">In true collector style I can't throw anything away that might be useful, so the rubber bands I'm talking about are not the rubber bands for your hair, I'm talking about the ones that come from produce or other types of packaging. I have a whole doorknob full of them. I see that we even had one that has a US flag attached to it. I guess I didn't realize that until I photographed it. </span><p>We get those very small diameter bands, that are very thick, from broccoli. The other common type we get are the teeny tiny thin ones from green onions. No junk drawer for these beauties, they are on full display 24/7, right on the pantry doorknob in the kitchen. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aa1R-piMqXk/X24thyw3fhI/AAAAAAAAUwk/OVaWwvkOxGUOcg0tnYbHsy6N7Coyuu30ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/broccoli_rubber_bands.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aa1R-piMqXk/X24thyw3fhI/AAAAAAAAUwk/OVaWwvkOxGUOcg0tnYbHsy6N7Coyuu30ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/broccoli_rubber_bands.jpg" /></a></div><p>I used two of the broccoli bands just the other day. I was taking a frozen cube of soup to a friend and we weren't going directly there, so I needed a little freezer pack. Since we haven't been going anywhere I took all of the freezer packs out of the freezer, no sense wasting valuable freezer space. While searching the freezer for something other than ice cubes, I found two 8 oz blocks of frozen cheese. The cheese worked perfectly to pack the soup and the rubber bands of course, held it altogether. I seriously felt like a fool presenting my friend with this cobbled together gift but it worked! The soup arrived just as frozen as when I packed it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNYQdRJ3IFM/X24yn60d5UI/AAAAAAAAUww/_ySKi1IIx8QbU3CwB4v3GyLsfR9VyZIlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/cheeseandsoup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="2048" height="357" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNYQdRJ3IFM/X24yn60d5UI/AAAAAAAAUww/_ySKi1IIx8QbU3CwB4v3GyLsfR9VyZIlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w547-h357/cheeseandsoup.jpg" width="547" /></a></div><br /><p>My friend didn't want the cheese, so I came home with the cheese and the two rubber bands, just in case you were desperately wondering. </p><p>I don't need to extol the virtues of rubber bands, but it is nice to be reminded how handy they are. </p><p>Here's the question begging to be asked! So where do you keep your rubber bands? Do you have a specific spot, are they in a drawer, in a cup, hanging on a binder clip somewhere? Do you throw them away? Tell me. Inquiring minds want to know.</p><p><br /></p><p>Have a great day!<br />Kristin</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-75154640740163297192020-09-11T05:48:00.000-04:002020-09-11T05:48:04.767-04:00Vote! November 3rd, 2020<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Vote!</span></b></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Vote!</b></div></span><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Vote!</b></div></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yf3DBoB7ziM/X1QTnTABvgI/AAAAAAAAUhg/J266sxH5QNAG1iVmS4GFdl3_D3NCRyMpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/element5-digital-ls8Kc0P9hAA-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="335" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yf3DBoB7ziM/X1QTnTABvgI/AAAAAAAAUhg/J266sxH5QNAG1iVmS4GFdl3_D3NCRyMpgCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h335/element5-digital-ls8Kc0P9hAA-unsplash.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@element5digital?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Element5 Digital</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/vote?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">On November 3rd, 2020 - this year - please vote! I have my own opinions on which way I'd like to see the votes go, for President that is, but that doesn't matter. What matters most is that YOU vote. Everyone that is eligible to vote should do so. <br /><br />Our country is on fire, literally from wild fires on the West Coast to protests in our streets. Your opinion matters from your local government to the President of the United States. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you cannot vote in person or would rather not because of Covid-19, then request a ballot. Many states allow for early voting and from past experience I found that the polling locations were not busy during the early voting time periods. They might be busier this year, but certainly not as crowded as on election day. <br /><br />Here is a link to see what the general rules are for your state as to early voting. It should be triple checked at the local level because Covid-19 has created many changes, but at least this will give you a first look to see what is the norm in your state. <a href="www.vote.org/early-voting-calendar/" target="_blank">Early Voting by State</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My husband, Steve and I have created some new designs for this time of year. If you'd like to ask people to vote without handing out fliers and getting into political conversations about it, you can wear a shirt that says VOTE! The retro vibe to the designs are fun to wear and might actually start a conversation. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The title below each shirt is a direct link to that shirt's Amazon page. We do receive a commission for each purchase. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZklNk4jVRs/X1QaF8_KzvI/AAAAAAAAUhs/OLt4xB9p2TAqaTGavRHhtbEo7yOoHsqiACLcBGAsYHQ/s918/Screenshot%2B2020-09-05%2Bat%2B7.06.41%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="918" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZklNk4jVRs/X1QaF8_KzvI/AAAAAAAAUhs/OLt4xB9p2TAqaTGavRHhtbEo7yOoHsqiACLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h306/Screenshot%2B2020-09-05%2Bat%2B7.06.41%2BPM.png" width="500" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HCBFHKS?customId=B07535YQNX&th=1" target="_blank">Retro Vote Get Out the Vote with Vintage Sunburst T-Shirt</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">by KNS Gear</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">You can decide if you want to discuss the political atmosphere of the country or just encourage the person in front of you to go vote and register their own opinion. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cllt_t40syc/X1QaoZlQfAI/AAAAAAAAUh0/d3F6pONInRERYXj86imbO9jdVk_lbGBmACLcBGAsYHQ/s915/Screenshot%2B2020-09-05%2Bat%2B7.09.05%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="915" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cllt_t40syc/X1QaoZlQfAI/AAAAAAAAUh0/d3F6pONInRERYXj86imbO9jdVk_lbGBmACLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h283/Screenshot%2B2020-09-05%2Bat%2B7.09.05%2BPM.png" width="500" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HJFPX1F?customId=B07537H5TD&th=1" target="_blank">I'm Just Here to Peacefully Protest</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">by KNS Gear</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are all for protesting, as peacefully as possible, as we do not encourage lawlessness. If you have something to say and are an ally of the Black Lives Matter protests, the Women's Movement, the Covid-19 lack of transparency or any number of issues that are present right now, go get yourself a Peacefully Protest shirt.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo0RTuJFumU/X1Qa7k-NfSI/AAAAAAAAUiA/4Uq96vTekX8eG78BvOlSia3PlbK-w1B0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s828/Screenshot%2B2020-09-05%2Bat%2B7.10.18%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="828" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo0RTuJFumU/X1Qa7k-NfSI/AAAAAAAAUiA/4Uq96vTekX8eG78BvOlSia3PlbK-w1B0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h260/Screenshot%2B2020-09-05%2Bat%2B7.10.18%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HC4Q4BM?customId=B0753863DZ&th=1" target="_blank">Retro Vote Get Out the Vote and 70s Tie Dye Vintage T-shirt</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">by KNS Gear</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoxW-D0WVjE/X1QbLyqr6hI/AAAAAAAAUiI/tKmYPzTfSfIfctfMMecpxpBvFDBCi7XlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s851/Screenshot%2B2020-09-05%2Bat%2B7.11.26%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="851" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoxW-D0WVjE/X1QbLyqr6hI/AAAAAAAAUiI/tKmYPzTfSfIfctfMMecpxpBvFDBCi7XlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h314/Screenshot%2B2020-09-05%2Bat%2B7.11.26%2BPM.png" width="500" /></a></span></div><div><h1 class="a-size-large a-spacing-none a-color-secondary" id="title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #565959; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><a data-lynx-mode="hover" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB08HKFXPN8%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR15JoUU-h98OtrYKAqjekSUimTFCB9O5m8ljGUgDd4jRMr0GoSZwrOPuTA&h=AT2ET_5r7anJz5y2x0BAH0YsOXrsKP836pxuxnzWCFP2nKUqDKTCbL7XKYwO3_oxIM6TXwFMEsNH4_CA-H1fstLaTeKndOhWp8lcNi5pZhpjd9UgoRWu4mYeCdQliqSpEfsQ1ILtQCF2XqRa" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HKFXPN8?fbclid=IwAR15JoUU-h98OtrYKAqjekSUimTFCB9O5m8ljGUgDd4jRMr0GoSZwrOPuTA" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Retro Vote Get Out the Vote and 70's Cartoon Vintage T-Shirt</span></a></h1></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">by KNS Political Gear</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My dear Steve is the main designer behind the shirts we have on our site -- he asks input from me and I help narrow down font choices or placement. In this series I suggested the tie dye design. Other than that, this is all Steve! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am so proud of the designs we produce. If you'd like to see more of our designs check out KNS Gear on Zazzle and Amazon. We have hundreds of designs from transplant to photographs and you can get those designs on t-shirts, tote bags, canvas or even kitchen dish towels.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day!<br />Kristin</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-26369312715472608182020-08-03T19:16:00.001-04:002020-08-03T19:16:49.307-04:00A Rose and a Thorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ez487i5Mdms/XyiXRyts1vI/AAAAAAAAUBs/RBvxQt_Bqb4aIFi7uWhkwnATDfCv3ioEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/zara-walker-9ouht2FSTDU-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1264" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ez487i5Mdms/XyiXRyts1vI/AAAAAAAAUBs/RBvxQt_Bqb4aIFi7uWhkwnATDfCv3ioEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/zara-walker-9ouht2FSTDU-unsplash.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@mojoblogs?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Zara Walker</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/rose-thorn?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></div><div><br /></div>Last night my husband and I started what I hope to be a new layer of our day with each other. We named our Rose and our Thorn of the day, then talked about each of them for quite a little while. I didn't come up with this idea all on my own, it was something that I heard on a TV program. <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27ll_Be_Gone_in_the_Dark" target="_blank">I'll be Gone in the Dark</a>, a book and an <a href="https://www.hbo.com/ill-be-gone-in-the-dark" target="_blank">HBO documentary</a> about Michelle McNamara (a writer, well known for her true crime interests), the Golden State Killer and the stories that surround the cases. (It's an incredible documentary if you are looking for something excellent to watch.) In the 5th part of the documentary the daughter tells one of her Aunts that she has her rose and thorn for the day. The sister then explains that Michelle had her daughter Alice come up with a rose and a thorn for her day and they'd discuss it when Michelle tucked her in at night. The rose being a good thing that happened during the day and the thorn being something that was a tough part of the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>I thought that was a neat idea, a lot better than, "How was your day, dear?" Steve and I are, like most folks, at home all day with each other. We both do our own thing for most of the day. He works on his computer - online businesses that we have, working on a book of his own, putting together special projects for friends or family and who knows what else. He can keep himself busy! So between the two of us fairly busy in the house, we don't get a chance to sort out our day until we both come together to watch some TV later on at night. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Go3_zcygN8A/XyiX7JPMZ-I/AAAAAAAAUB0/DLtKrPlmd7MeuinF3ldLJ6Zp79AYVSmLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/sheri-hooley-PB4jJeHC_nc-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Go3_zcygN8A/XyiX7JPMZ-I/AAAAAAAAUB0/DLtKrPlmd7MeuinF3ldLJ6Zp79AYVSmLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h342/sheri-hooley-PB4jJeHC_nc-unsplash.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@sherihoo?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Sheri Hooley</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/thorn?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The rose and thorn might be another way to talk about what we've been up to during the day but also a way to talk about a frustrating aspect of the day. Sometimes it's nice to be able to talk about something that bothered us but not want to dwell on it, or bring it up when there seems to be no need. The rose and thorn idea helps to be able to talk about the good and the bad without it being too much. (At least in theory.) We both agreed that each day the rose can't be that we are so happy that we are together or that we love each other so much! Although, on our first day, I did say that my rose was one of the cats. So I can't use that as my rose again for a long time. The cats are endlessly entertaining, this is a known fact. <br /><br />We are only on day one. I hope it continues. We aren't going to write them down or anything, just discuss. I think it'll be nice. Something new for our pandemic life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day! <br />Kristin</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-6951660703214831142020-08-02T19:37:00.003-04:002020-08-02T19:59:28.012-04:00Mushroom, Ricotta and Gruyere Sandwich <div style="text-align: center;"><b><font size="5">Mushroom, Ricotta and Gruyere Sandwich</font></b></div>
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This pandemic has kept me busy in the kitchen, that's for sure. My husband and I used to go out to eat at least once a week with friends, I was a trivia host twice a week right at the dinner hour, and there was always some reason to stop by some place else for a dinner to go. We always seemed to have leftovers in the fridge - really good leftovers. <div><br /></div><div>Now all of that has changed. As it has for many of you, I'm sure. I have spent hours looking through Pinterest, Foodgawker and other assorted places looking for new ideas on what to eat.<br />
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I have a giant library of great recipes, but with my MSG and L-glutamic acid avoidance, most of those recipes have to be tweaked a lot or I need to find new recipes. The past month I have been researching ricotta cheese recipes. I picked up a 3 pound tub of ricotta and gathered together all of the recipes that used it. I can't have any kind of tomato sauce, so white cheese all the way around. One of my first ricotta recipes we tried was this one - Mushroom, ricotta and Gruyere sandwiches. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-styjEGUhXNg/XxwGYCVy62I/AAAAAAAATwo/SHtVSyjNdvEp_bF9H8nJu2haXRIucgROQCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h240/20200724_174607.jpg" width="512" /></div>
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The above picture shows the middle of my prep -- the mushrooms and onions are almost done, the ricotta has been stirred and is ready to be put on the bread, and the Gruyere has been grated.<br />
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I didn't find any hearty rustic bread when I went to the store, so I opted for French bread. I cut the bread in a long diagonal to get as much surface area as I could. The 5th piece in the photo above, the one in the middle is the end slice that I couldn't just throw away, so I added all the fixings on it. I thought it might tip over in the baking process since the bottom was rounded, but it stayed upright. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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Here you can really see the layers. I tried not to overwhelm the bread with the toppings, mostly so we could pick these up and eat them and not have to use a knife and fork. </div><div><br /></div><div>I put a big dollop of ricotta mixture on the bread, spread it to all sides then took the bread to the pan with the mushroom mixture. I used a spatula and gathered up some of the mixture and poured it over the top. What didn't stick fell right back into the pan. If more was needed, I did it again. Doing it this way saved a lot of spilled mushrooms on the sheet pan.<br /><br />Next up, the Gruyere. I shredded my own and placed little bundles of cheese on top and made sure to spread the cheese to all edges. <br /><br />I slid the tray into the oven, on convection, for about 10 minutes and the photo below was the result. My husband and I ate these for dinner and we loved every single bite. The warm melty ricotta softened up the top of the bread just slightly, but created a rich, warm, creamy base. The mushroom and Gruyere mixture gave more texture to the sandwich and so much flavor! I forgot that we weren't eating a meat based dish. The bottom of the bread was browned and crunchy. All in all, this was a fairly quick, absolutely delicious meal. I do wish I had some chives, but sometimes you just gotta make do. We are absolutely keeping this on our dinner rotation. <br />
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Mushroom, Ricotta and Gruyere Sandwich</b><br />An open faced sandwich with sauted mushrooms, ricotta and Gruyere cheeses - then baked for a few minutes to become warm and toasty.<br />
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Ingredients</i><br />
1 T olive oil<br />
1 large onion, diced<br />
8 oz mushrooms, sliced<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced (or crushed)<br />
1 c ricotta cheese<br />
2 T chives, chopped<br />
4 slices thick sliced bread (rustic style, French baguette)<br />
1 c shredded Gruyere cheese<br />
salt<br />
pepper<br />
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Use a non stick liner or parchment paper to line baking sheet. Or you can use a non stick cooking spray.<br /><br />Slice French bread diagonally for the open faced sandwiches. Cut the bread while the onions are cooking.</div><div><br />
Heat olive oil in a large skillet - cook onions until translucent and then add in mushrooms. Stir often until cooked and browned. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mix in minced or crushed garlic and cook until full incorporated, about a minute or so, stir constantly. Season with salt and pepper, if so desired. <br /><br />
Combine ricotta with 1 tbsp. chives, then season to taste with salt and pepper. (I didn't have chives so I minced up some green onion tops)</div><div><br />Brush one side of the bread with olive oil, if you desire, and place oil side down. I didn't do that for ours.</div><div>Spread a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on the bread, top with the mushroom mixture and then top with Gruyere cheese. <br /><br />Bake the open faced sandwiches for about 15 minutes, a little less if you are using convection, until the cheese on top is hot and melted.<br /><br /></div><div>Top with extra chives if desired. </div><div><br /></div><div>Serve immediately. </div><div><br /></div><div>adapted from: <a href="https://hellolittlehome.com/mushroom-ricotta-open-faced-sandwich/" target="_blank">Hell</a><a href="https://hellolittlehome.com/mushroom-ricotta-open-faced-sandwich/" target="_blank">o Little Home</a></div><div><br /></div>Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-21796018198658417142020-05-31T15:30:00.000-04:002020-05-31T15:30:34.097-04:00Spring DIY Postcard Swap<br />
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Cat at the Beach</div>
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by Kristin Corlett</div>
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This is my second postcard swap with the folks at iHannah, a blogger, crafter, positive influencer from Sweden. I joined this swap just a week or two before the deadline, but being in the beginning stages of the lockdown from Covid-19, I was so grateful to have something creative to do.<br />
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</span> The Spring Post Card Swap 2020 was an event by the creator of the <a href="https://www.ihanna.nu/" target="_blank">Studio iHannah</a> blog and this was the 10 year celebration! She's been hosting this handmade postcard swap twice a year for 10 years. If you want to be notified the next time the swap comes around, sign up for her newsletter at the <a href="https://www.ihanna.nu/postcard-swap/" target="_blank">iHannah blog</a>. <br />
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It looks like I have 11 cards posted here, but I only mailed out 10 for the swap. Last time I created the postcards, I created scenes for a lot of them. This time was a bit more scattered in thought, but circles, stripes and squares were common in the cards.<br />
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The card at the top of the post, Cat at the Beach was a striped card that somehow turned into the adorable cat looking over the fence. It's a favorite of mine.<br />
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This one above with the CAMP sticker on it was circles and squares mostly with a few fun bits tossed in to make it more interesting.<br />
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I think this one with the sunset picture and the gift card envelope was my color blocking card. It was one of my last cards for the swap and I really wanted to use the gift card picture.<br />
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These next two, the one above and below were put together with all of the little bits that I wanted to use, but couldn't find a place for them. Also, I do recall that I was on the couch and most of my pictures and cut outs were in the other room, so yep, this is what I had around me at the time. On the postcard above, I have used a Fast Jax Trivia answer slip. No trivia shows for the near future with everything closed down, so it was nice to put one of the slips in the postcard collage.<br />
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This card was a two sided card - I think I sent this off to a person that lives in Germany, but I can't be positive We have a mini donut place here in Jacksonville, Florida called the Mini Bar. A bit of their advertisement on this card, plus a bowl of ice cream - chocolate, my favorite! The striped background is a portion of a gift bag. I am nearly positive that my cat chewed on the bag, so it couldn't be used anymore for gift giving!<br />
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The LOVE! That's about all I wanted this one to say -- love. I didn't want the message to be lost in the collage, so I added complementary colors on the remaining edge.<br />
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I received a message today that someone received a card with a recipe on it -- I wonder if it's this one? This was from the little monthly cookbook that Martha Stewart used to put out. It's a great size for the postcard project.<br />
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These two postcards with the olives are my top favorites! One was striped and the other blocked. I love olives, so much so that my husband and I came up with our own Olive Tapenade recipe. I swear, it's the best thing out there. It's here in my blog - called <a href="https://ttelroc.blogspot.com/2015/09/olive-tapenade-our-way.html" target="_blank">Olive Tapenade, our way</a>.<br />
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Funny about this one - I put a recipe for Potatoes Au Gratin on it and I made that dish last night, but not from this recipe - I had forgotten about it already! Mine didn't come out as awesome as I wanted, so I'll have to look at this recipe again.<br />
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The 11th card -- stripes are once again the theme. I found this page of hand drawn people and little blurbs about what they were doing throughout the day. I thought it was fun and quirky. So glad I was able to get one of those into the swap postcard.<br />
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I finally dug my sewing machine out of my closet and was able to add a little bit of stitching to each card. I love sewing paper with the sewing machine. It's easy to do, but if you sew fabric and try to use the needle that you used for paper, you will be disappointed. The needle will be quite dull. So make sure you have a new needle for your fabric.<br />
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That's all for today!<br />
I hope you are staying well.<br />
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Have a great day,<br />
Kristin<br />
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<br />Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-13869053926807604292020-05-29T02:07:00.000-04:002020-05-29T03:25:02.345-04:00Bread Bag Tag Lampshade<div class="separator">
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<b>Bread Bag Tag Lampshade</b></div>
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<i>by Kristin Corlett</i></div>
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This is <b>my</b> bag tag lampshade!</div>
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Bread bag tags. An obsession? Prolly. Not really, but I do think about what I can do with them very often. I've been a collector of bag tags for a decade or more and have recruited many family and friends to help in the collection as well. I just recently asked my neighborhood to help me collect so I can finish the lampshade. <br />
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What started this whole idea of a lampshade was this photo on Pinterest. I was completely drawn in. I needed to make it. I had to! I have scoured the internet and the only thing I have found is that this was from the Concordia student design show 2006. Just this photo, no instructions on how to make it, nothing. In fact I don't even know if it is a lampshade. Looks like I'm going to have to do it myself. </div>
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This is the Pinterest photo -- I found it on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tmoey/154459706/" target="_blank">flickr</a></div>
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I think if there had been a How-To for making the lampshade I might have started this project about 4 or 5 years earlier. Since I had to start from scratch I spent a lot of time thinking about what would work. How much time you ask? Years. I have been teased by many that I was never going to do anything with all those tags. I want to do a lot of projects and never do them, so I can see why this one would also be a lost cause.<br />
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But... it wasn't!<br />
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I had several unsuccessful attempts to get holes punched through the bag tags. The tags are strangely brittle when a hole is punched into it and they end up splitting or breaking. I tried heating them up so that the punch might not split the plastic, but that didn't work either. I finally decided that a wood burning tool was going to be the ticket to small holes and no breakage. Turns out I was right! I spent only a few days on the project seen here. Once I got going I was on fire!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="604" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkQcZjAxyHo/XtCUMHGa9MI/AAAAAAAARAQ/9HbCD5iTCooNNSyUb0SVOSwxKneid9fXQCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h400/shot_1586285364343.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little bits and pieces left over</td></tr>
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Here is how I made my bread bag tag lampshade, which by the way, most of those tags are from friends and family that have helped me collect them. It gives me so much JOY to know that people collect these for me. If only that they think of me as they toss that tag into the drawer or ziploc bag. Thank you to all who have contributed to my very long term project. <br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1600" height="353" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqDqGTsCB-o/Xo0pGaI1tuI/AAAAAAAAQyo/gG2JVi9XzKU9qiyM0lhZkvgJTZJBiIjswCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h353/20200407_150745.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<b>Sourcing the Tags</b><br />
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Tags can be sourced in a few ways - friends and family can save the tags for you and send them to you every so often. You can find some being sold on Etsy and right at this moment there are a few rolls of blue tags for sale on eBay. I have been told that if you ask some restaurants that use a lot of bread or veggies that come with those tags, they might save them for you. (Think diner/breakfast places) I had a friend in a restaurant that would gather them when she worked, but she only gave me white tags. You may have other ways to gather the tags and I welcome your suggestions in the comments.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="558" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfMN7z_Ae38/XtCWCyyhtNI/AAAAAAAARA0/HJ4vWwrll-84lvEwIeusomJqT0AZILCvwCK4BGAsYHg/s320/gallery-straight-sided-lamp-shade-rolled-edge-c.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<b>Finding a Lampshade</b><br />
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The Pinterest photo that I was using as my inspiration, had the bag tags definitely attached to white lampshade. You couldn't see through to the other side of the shade, so it had to be laying against something. I also realized that the shade had to be the same dimensions at the top and bottom if I wanted to do a pattern. I also wanted the shade to be round or oval so that the tags would easily go around, instead of trying to conform to a hard edge, like a 90 degree angle. So I found a 9" round linen shade and it turned out to be perfect.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1225" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LntkA21g9s/Xo0pC9s-6sI/AAAAAAAAQyk/0hBL6OI7oZQ6_THoilhnXNjk4NSMZGv0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w488-h640/20200407_150808.jpg" width="488" /></div>
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<b>Assembling the Tags</b><br />
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I had several misses when it came to punching holes in the tags, but my success came from a wood burning tool. The tags splintered when I tried punching holes in them so I knew I needed something hot. A basic woodburning tool had a long thin attachment that I thought would be perfect and it was. Thankfully the tags I used for this project were big enough for my fingers to hold the tag and put holes into the sides without burning my hands and fingers. The plastic cooled fast enough that when I flipped the tag around to do the other side, it wasn't hot anymore.</div>
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I purchased jump rings from Amazon and used those to attach the tags to one another. </div>
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In order to keep my fingers and hands from being all cut up and sore, I used two different tools to open and close the jump rings. I already had a pair of needle nose pliers so I used those and I purchased a pair of pliers that had a hollowed out area for the rings to fit into and make it easy to clamp them shut. Sometimes I pushed too hard and closed the rings into a tiny spiral, but after a few tries, I found the perfect pressure to use to get them to just touch together.</div>
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<b>Finding a Pattern</b><br />
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I followed the pattern that was the Pinterest inspiration, but not the colors, as I didn't have all those colors. I used the colors that I had the most of and then tried not to repeat the same color way again as I went around.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAM5qAQxEZg/Xo0pg_ThIKI/AAAAAAAAQzI/4fDnZjo3Zecu0KfSudF90ShD1YagQqriwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h189/20200324_180431.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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My lampshade is 2 of the same color with a one tag shift as it proceeds down the lampshade. It creates a nice diagonal line. I thought about doing mostly white (since that's the color I have the most of) with the colored pieces randomly placed in the design, but I really wanted this first one to be as precise as possible. I think my next project will be mostly white, so I can continue to play with the bread bag tags and not have to worry about running out of the colors I need.<br />
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<b>Order of Operation</b><br />
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1. Separate the tags into colors. Further separate to size and shape, although I didn't do that. It would be helpful though to know exactly how many of the shape/color you have available for your shade.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqDqGTsCB-o/Xo0pGaI1tuI/AAAAAAAAQzY/KA8z1g-3bRwEhFB3WlndR_6aR4t5taS7wCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoD5197l7FSeQPEa7KMjLAhGPn2PqH7a7qVepivRUxDKQd3awTnN7RjERVgHSh4eGN7H3EZcu9JItarmkTBiKNBAhZxX7M1zJZTBg5FcNlmkOsxDbKUWHP7VTBnHwr72CZDSbgPUu5u56P2ocmSp9LH3LJ1-Kg0HyQKb_iZENg2xnxU7yF0EBcV9yZlvPDjguddmvNrKdPo96eRbtuxTfHRjtClITz9JXr_yZF4-wGb-QnMcr6-zHFLysiPnVoEJ-kk1z-gHAZTrD2vFdoiC3CEcOwC7Yk1SRfpzLQeYE_PaBHqomUOXIlBy-4AF9aazEPEX3wXRcwEX-xr8c1VBQcRxu_yLCbCXci2x5d9NiSLMOl8oTXw91hGRfffxR8SARpQ2tZ_BUVhjqmze4BG0OB-EW7jL1BuSvNobt0g9gUHnjzbVSgNp_y3kRbPcDXNpshe-lOt_Rf4CXTYVNTJHV8Z5rDLr__cU9tgAhJG06TZF71dOXFmBj7Y_6LOGi8hBhddE5PE2StEyX7Z-0foVrDeS4LwggAe89wcN9NmkDt7UkCGqh2pRg-rosCLc-5LO9w9BB5Ia_jsyChhi_bIdGpFv5nAeITZvsqswltm09AU/s320/20200407_150745.jpg" width="320" /></div>
2. <b>Start!</b><br />
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Decide how you want your tags to line up. There are tabs that protrude out and corresponding places that go in to accommodate those tabs. I discovered when looking through my tags that most had writing on a specific side, so I chose to have the writing be on the backside. There were enough pieces that had the writing on the front side to make the shade look interesting. So that's how I decided which way to face the tags.<br />
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3. Heat up burning tool and make it just hot enough to go through the tag but not smoke. Carefully push the heated element through the tag in six different areas. Two at the top, two in the middle and two at the bottom. I did one side first, then flipped it around and did the other. I poked the wood burning tool through the backside of the tag so that the front facing side would be without scratches or blemishes from the tool or from scraping the wax off.<br />
I used the pliers with the rounded shape to take the plastic off of the tags after the burner went through it. The little plastic bits popped right off. I usually did three or four tags at a time.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jjh9fMfEx-g/Xo0pYeo78uI/AAAAAAAAQzY/HfGWqi6LWfIztg7bHLGnntv7KkuOLVCJACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoD5197l7FSeQPEa7KMjLAhGPn2PqH7a7qVepivRUxDKQd3awTnN7RjERVgHSh4eGN7H3EZcu9JItarmkTBiKNBAhZxX7M1zJZTBg5FcNlmkOsxDbKUWHP7VTBnHwr72CZDSbgPUu5u56P2ocmSp9LH3LJ1-Kg0HyQKb_iZENg2xnxU7yF0EBcV9yZlvPDjguddmvNrKdPo96eRbtuxTfHRjtClITz9JXr_yZF4-wGb-QnMcr6-zHFLysiPnVoEJ-kk1z-gHAZTrD2vFdoiC3CEcOwC7Yk1SRfpzLQeYE_PaBHqomUOXIlBy-4AF9aazEPEX3wXRcwEX-xr8c1VBQcRxu_yLCbCXci2x5d9NiSLMOl8oTXw91hGRfffxR8SARpQ2tZ_BUVhjqmze4BG0OB-EW7jL1BuSvNobt0g9gUHnjzbVSgNp_y3kRbPcDXNpshe-lOt_Rf4CXTYVNTJHV8Z5rDLr__cU9tgAhJG06TZF71dOXFmBj7Y_6LOGi8hBhddE5PE2StEyX7Z-0foVrDeS4LwggAe89wcN9NmkDt7UkCGqh2pRg-rosCLc-5LO9w9BB5Ia_jsyChhi_bIdGpFv5nAeITZvsqswltm09AU/w400-h189/20200404_154650.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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4. Attaching the tags together was fairly easy once I got the hang of it. I opened up the jump ring by holding one side and using the flat pliers to force the ring open. Then I put the tag on and attached to the next tag and closed the ring. I held on to the left side of the jump ring with the needle nose pliers and held the right side with the flat pliers. Then I used the flat pliers to gently squeeze together the ring. Sometimes I had to squeeze on two different sides to get it to come together perfectly.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1023" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUUmuCC3ZaU/Xo0pl_zySwI/AAAAAAAAQzM/m4RSbNLBhZQHDk-t8Y6JgTZlW-gWm-HDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w255-h400/20200324_195834.jpg" width="255" /></div>
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5. Continue. </div>
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For my 9" diameter lampshade I ended up with 28 tags across by 6 rows in length. I haven't done the last several rows on my lampshade as I ran out of a couple of colors, but if I do end up completing the shade, I figure it will end up being 9 rows.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEdDxstdMDQ/Xo0pWOL9UmI/AAAAAAAAQy8/WeOjR4vml9wevWszsdxkSRVFDIj_qoTbACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h189/20200405_114351.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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6. The holes on the very top row will be the only ones that are actually secured to the lampshade. They are secured by pushing through an open jump ring (as open as you can) through the shade right underneath the top wire of the lampshade. Secure one of the tags and push the jump ring closed with pliers. Continue all the way around the lampshade.</div>
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7. I had to change out a couple of rows to make the diagonal pattern I had come together perfectly. Since I purchased the lampshade after I had the tags together, I really didn't know how many I needed. Now I'd get the lampshade first so I would not have to redo a bunch. However, the two ends came together perfectly and there is no hitch in the pattern or colors. It looks like one continuous pattern.<br />
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8. Put shade on lamp, plug it in and behold your own bread bag tag lamp shade!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FE142ympGb8/XtCD9_B2HXI/AAAAAAAAQ_U/BFNtaujAu7UgFChWHteVYEPusX44RHIawCK4BGAsYHg/w302-h640/bread%2Bbag%2Btag%2Blamp%2Bshade%2Bwatermark%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="302" /></div>
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Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-91940891792542311792020-01-06T08:38:00.000-05:002020-01-06T08:38:39.865-05:00DIY Post Card Swap part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are already into the new year (2020) and I never did come back and finish my DIY Post Card Swap. As I mentioned in the previous <a href="http://ttelroc.blogspot.com/2019/11/diy-postcard-swap.html" target="_blank">post</a>, the Post Card Swap was an event by the creator of the <a href="https://www.ihanna.nu/postcard-swap/" target="_blank">Studio iHannah</a> blog and if you signed up you were tasked with creating 10 handmade postcards to mail to others in the swap -- I had a few international swaps, so that was real fun knowing they were going to be sent to another country. </div>
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I created most of my postcards out of paper ephemera (aka, stuff that most everyone throws away,) but I also used washi tape, magazine pages, stickers and bits and pieces of greeting cards. <br />
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The above post card was made (top to bottom) from two pieces of magazine pages (the donut and candy), a paper band taken from around silverware at a restaurant (coffee), a postcard sent out from a local retailer about a vintage sale near the beach (VW bug and flamingo) and finally the bottom part is from a greeting card. <br />
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The Beautiful card above is made with security envelopes, magazine cutouts, Kleenex box and yellow colored acetate. I try to keep all of the hanging lamps that I can find in magazines. It's so much fun to put them into a collage just hanging down from the top in whatever scene is going on. This one looks like it could be highlighting the miniature people. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvFCVZWRACk/XhMuSAUMWXI/AAAAAAAAQoc/smKfeeVvirg74FxTGpXFDRS3QzbogAZtwCEwYBhgL/s1600/postcard4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvFCVZWRACk/XhMuSAUMWXI/AAAAAAAAQoc/smKfeeVvirg74FxTGpXFDRS3QzbogAZtwCEwYBhgL/s400/postcard4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of our local pizza places has some of the best creative advertising. They were talking about their great bread and had this gondolier riding in a bread stick! How could I not use that. It was pure comedy. Then I found a magazine photo of real gondolas and gondoliers - the two were meant to be together.<br />
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Since this swap was all about mail, I chose to make one of the cards with several mail related items. A pick up tag for my mail at my mailbox, the return address from an Etsy purchase I made with a woman from Russia, my Park and Fly tag, the number I received when I took my car in for service, the stamp I got on a piece of mail and of course the *Fra-jeel-a sticker on a package I received. <br />
*ya know, from <b><i>A Christmas Story</i></b>!<br />
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This one all started with a FLOW magazine. I love those umbrella people and I also really liked the green paper with the abstract floral design and they were both found in that magazine. Then of course, I found a hanging light. The rest just sort of worked to make it look good. <br />
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I worked long and hard to find a place for the skate boarding kid. I had him all cut out and tried him on so many different backgrounds and configurations. I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to place him. I found this green plate or bowl that had just the right curves and the right size for the post card and that finally made the kid work. Then I decided he could "jump the shark" while he was cruising through the mountains. Unrealistic, sure, but fun!</div>
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The gorgeous fall colors of this mountainous area was the jumping off point for this postcard. The zig zag of the orange from a another Kleenex box, I thought played well with the mountain colors. The rest was fun foliage and of course a hanging element, this time a spider. The base for this postcard was the back cover of a braille book, so I used a portion of a page of braille to go with it. <br />
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The <a href="http://ttelroc.blogspot.com/2019/11/diy-postcard-swap.html" target="_blank">first post</a> I showed 3 of the cards and this one 7, so that concludes the 10 handmade post cards that I made for the DIY Post Card Swap. Coming up sometime soon, I will show what I received in the swap. <br />
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I hope you have a great day!<br />
Kristin<br />
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<br />Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-76019846992623966942019-12-30T07:48:00.001-05:002019-12-30T07:48:42.132-05:00Lemon Basil Dressing - homemade<br />
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<b>Lemon Basil Dressing</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">recipe by Steve Binder</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">makes 2 cups</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 oz container of basil leaves with small stems* finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">½ cup honey</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1/8</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> cup apple cider vinegar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2-4 garlic cloves, crushed</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1- 2 the juice of 1-2 lemons</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">¼ teaspoon salt</span><br />
1<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">½ c light olive oil (mild)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A local restaurant had the most wonderful lemon basil dressing and we always tried to bring home extra. We would order extra with our meal but they rarely let us buy some to take home. That would have been extra extra dressing and I guess that wasn't allowed. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Enough was enough. We had to have that dressing. My husband decided he was going to create a dressing that was as good or better than theirs and we would always be able to have it in the house! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Since I no longer can trust premade dressings, this is made without any unnecessary preservatives, additives, MSG, nothing. All real pure ingredients - as close as we could reasonably get. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">*I can usually find 4 oz containers of basil at our local Lucky's Market. I take all the leaves off the big stems and leave the little stems with the leaves. I whirl it up in the Cuisinart and divide it in half. I usually get about 2</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">½ ounces of chopped basil this way, so just over 1 ounce of basil per batch once it's all cleaned and chopped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">I put the 1+ ounce of whirled basil back in the Cuisinart. Add in the lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, cider vinegar, and salt. Blend it all together and leave it running while slowly pouring in the olive oil. The oil should emulsify the entire batch and it shouldn't separate for many days. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">The emulsifying process is new to me, so I'm not sure how long it will stay together. But when I just whisked everything together, it stayed together long enough to pour onto my salads. I like to put the dressing into a nice glass bottle (recycling at it's best - I use glass milk bottles or the Silly Cow hot chocolate mix jars.) I store the dressing in the fridge and when I want to use it, I let the contents warm up a bit and shake it real good to mix everything up again. If it's needed immediately I do a quick zap in the microwave. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is what the Lemon Basil dressing looks like when it's been just whisked together, no Cuisinart magic, and allowed to sit for a few minutes. Just shake and pour to use. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">The photo at the top of the page shows the gifts that I'm giving to friends. It's about 1 cup of Lemon Basil Dressing, in the Silly Cow jars. They look so lovely, even though I can't for the life of my get the wording off of the jars. I've tried a razor blade, nail polish remover, hot soapy water, the dishwasher - everything I can think of. Sooo, the advertising is still on the bottles. That's the way it goes. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">I use the Lemon Basil dressing on so many things other than salad - steamed veggies, fried calamari, fish, chicken, a drizzle on sandwiches, etc. It really is that good and versatile.</span></span><br />
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<b>Lemon Basil Dressing</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">recipe by Steve Binder</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">makes 2 cups</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 oz container of basil leaves with small stems* finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">½ cup honey</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1/8</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> cup apple cider vinegar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2-4 garlic cloves, crushed</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1- 2 the juice of 1-2 lemons</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">¼ teaspoon salt</span><br />
1<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">½ c light olive oil (mild)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Prepare all of the ingredients, chop the basil in the Cuisinart, add the honey, vinegar, crushed garlic, juice of lemon(s) and salt. Pulse until all is incorporated. Then take the little lid off the top of the Cuisinart and slowly pour in the oil. When incorporated, stop the machine and taste test. This is where you can add more lemon or salt if needed. I use small lemons as they are easier to juice, so I usually need two of them. When taste testing is done, pour into desired container for storage in fridge. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-19892485816496658882019-11-10T02:44:00.000-05:002019-11-10T02:44:14.378-05:00DIY Postcard Swap <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRwiXxUQTNk/XcduZ-HuC3I/AAAAAAAAP-s/plPZ-25VpcE4AxHFTxbHtBxQCH4CqxSdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/nick-fewings-r4ay3dMFz1o-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRwiXxUQTNk/XcduZ-HuC3I/AAAAAAAAP-s/plPZ-25VpcE4AxHFTxbHtBxQCH4CqxSdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/nick-fewings-r4ay3dMFz1o-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #111111; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "san francisco" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ubuntu" , "roboto" , "noto" , "segoe ui" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@jannerboy62?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #767676; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; white-space: nowrap;">Nick Fewings</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #111111; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "san francisco" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ubuntu" , "roboto" , "noto" , "segoe ui" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/postcards?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #767676; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; white-space: nowrap;">Unsplash</a></div>
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DIY <a href="https://www.ihanna.nu/postcard-swap/" target="_blank">Post Card Swap</a> is something I found through <a href="https://www.ihanna.nu/postcard-swap/" target="_blank">Studio iHanna</a> just this year and just a few days ago. The time to sign up has passed and the postcards should have been mailed out by now, but she has two of these swaps each year, so if you're interested, please get on her email list or follow her blog or Instagram. Those that used the special hashtag when posting #diypostcardswap can be used to see what postcards have been made and sent out. <br />
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Sadly, my postcards did not get mailed out by the deadline, but they will be by Monday. I hate being late! I hate it!<br />
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I had such a great time creating my cards. I made just slightly bigger versions of my Index Card A Day project this summer. I was delighted to pull out my ephemera (paper) and collect even more bits and pieces the few days I was creating the cards. Steve, who usually rolls his eyes at me saving things that should be trash, helped collect a few things. He does love to see the childlike excitement that comes over me!<br />
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Here is one of the first postcards I did for the swap. My love of security envelopes is well known, but not for those that receive the card! I created mountains with the envelopes and then used the stickers that I had just recently received from an Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lissovacraft" target="_blank">Lissovacraft</a>, and the green stripes were from the packaging that she used. I absolutely love her work and will someday get a handmade poster with her paper plants and flowers, but for now, I have stickers. <br /><br />
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I used a few Jacksonville magazines for this card and a magazine that we received from Amazon for kids toys. The purple pinata was from that Amazon book. It was too funny to not use. There was a special section in the other magazine about doughnuts and cookies, so that worked real well with the pinata.<br />
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My birthday was last month and I hated to just bury the card that I received in a pile in my room so I recycled quite a bit of it into this post card. The Sunset block near the bottom is from a wetnap that was given to someone at a restaurant. I loved the retro look to it. This particular one happened to go through the washer - so it's extra distressed. <br />
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I created 10 postcards, so I hope you keep with me to see the remaining 7 in upcoming blog posts. I promise it will be soon. <br />
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Have a great day!<br />
Kristin<br />
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<br />Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-30592899062756009982019-07-02T05:32:00.001-04:002019-07-02T05:32:17.655-04:00Taco Seasoning - homemade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Would you like a great Taco seasoning mix that's pretty easy to put together and makes ground beef (or turkey or chicken for that matter) taste out of this world? This homemade taco seasoning mix uses all real ingredients, no fillers, just real 100% spices and herbs. If you want 100% real ingredients, make sure you read the labels on your spices to make sure. <br />
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Some really great things have come about because of my quest to get artificial chemicals and ingredients out of my life. Now I rarely if ever used store bought spice packets for my hamburger, so having an envelope of taco mix on hand was foreign to me. When I made taco meat before this, I'd add in some chili powder and salt and that's about it. I didn't feel the need to add more to it, but honestly, it was seriously bland.<br />
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When I married Steve, he regularly used seasonings to amp up the flavor for his taco meat. It was only natural for him to want more flavor for his taco meat than just chili powder and salt. He did occasionally use the taco seasoning envelopes, but was always concerned about the high salt content. We enjoy cooking together so finding something we both liked was important.<br />
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It wasn't until visiting my sister in Michigan one year that I saw her recipe for a homemade taco mix, that I realized we could make our own mix. I took a picture of it and shared it with Steve. He reminded me that he had a homemade mix, too, but hadn't made it in awhile. Here I had thought that a homemade mix was an "ah ha" moment! WOW! We can do this at home! <br />
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Clearly, at this point I wasn't much of a cook!<br />
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As it turned out, we liked Alison's taco mix very much and have been using it ever since. Definitely a hit!<br />
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There are a lot of ingredients, but this mix is so good it's worth it to keep all of these spices in stock. It's not overwhelmingly salty or sweet or peppery or hot. For me, it's just right. I do have to admit though, I do not use the full amount of black pepper as in the recipe, but that's because I am not a pepper person. But I will give the recipe as written and not my wimpy version.<br />
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A few years ago Steve and I created a cookbook for our families and in it we included this taco seasoning recipe. One version is nearly equivalent to a single package of a store bought taco mix envelope and the other is the recipe x4 (times 4), so that you can have some on hand whenever you wanted it. <br />
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The photos are of the x4. I took these photos in my kitchen just a few days ago. Who knew it would turn out to be so gorgeous. I put the chili powder in the dish first, so all that you can see is just the little red top right in the middle. <br />
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<b>Taco Seasoning</b><br />
(equivalent to one envelope of store bought)<br />
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1 T chili powder<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">¼</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span>t garlic powder<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">¼</span> t onion powder<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">¼</span> t dried oregano<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">½</span> t paprika<br />
1<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;">½</span> t ground cumin<br />
1 t sea salt<br />
1 t black pepper<br />
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<b>Taco Seasoning x4</b><br />
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4 T chili powder<br />
1 t garlic powder<br />
1 t onion powder<br />
1 t dried oregano<br />
2 t paprika<br />
2 T ground cumin<br />
4 t sea salt<br />
4 t black pepper<br />
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(2 Tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning = one store bought 1.25oz packet.)<br />
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*Most of the spices I use come from <a href="https://www.penzeys.com/" target="_blank"><b>Penzey's Spices</b></a> in Wisconsin. We had a local brick and mortar store up until recently. I am seriously bummed they closed but the rent just got too high for them to stay. They have an awesome online website and I can just order from there, or when traveling I look for a store. I have no affiliation with Penzey's, I've just been buying from them for a few decades and believe they are the best. <br />
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Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!<br />
Kristin<br />
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<br />Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-49614664168848837202018-12-23T14:44:00.002-05:002018-12-23T14:44:25.345-05:00Thirteen years already - liver transplant <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">There are times in our lives when we know life is going to change but it isn't until looking back you realize just how much. 13 years ago my life changed and a lot of lives changed.</span><br />
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My husband at the time, Tom, was just given a life saving liver transplant - on this day, Dec 23, 2005. My sister was in Daytona Beach, Florida and my mother was coming into town on Christmas Day to spend the holidays with us. Tom had a car in our driveway that was supposed to be picked up by a car transport service and dropped off to a guy that bought it from Tom. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tom with his favorite Post Transplant Coordinator</span></div>
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Nothing in that crazy Christmas time of 2005 worked out as planned. My mother and sister stayed in a hotel in Jacksonville instead of at my home in Daytona Beach and Tom's parents flew down the day or two after Christmas, to be with their son after transplant. </div>
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The guy who paid for the car and didn't receive it when he wanted, was sure we were Craigslist scammers. I mean who receives the call for a liver transplant the exact time as he's supposed to be preparing a car to be delivered?? He did finally get the car but it was a few weeks later. </div>
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Oh and did I mention that we closed on a condo in Jacksonville while Tom was in the hospital? Yep, Dec 28th. The folks came up to his hospital room and had him sign everything. </div>
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Since we couldn't move into the new place immediately, we had to rent a furnished condo for a month in Jax while Tom recuperated and had appointments at the Mayo Clinic nearly every day. </div>
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At this point in the story we are only to day 5 post transplant. </div>
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Whew!<br />
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Tom really came through transplant and recuperation remarkably well. He had several complications through the year - an emergency surgery 6 weeks post transplant, unexpected, debilitating pain about six months later and other assorted things, but now I see it is not out of the ordinary. I said then and say now, that it was the hardest year of my life. I was beat emotionally and physically. We had it easier than some and harder then others. It's a journey for sure. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tom and Stamer at a potluck dinner.</span></div>
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Tom received a life saving transplant and in so many ways, so did I. We moved to Jacksonville, purchased some rental properties, fixed them up, I started going to the Liver, Kidney, Pancreas Support Group and made a lot of friends. I learned so much more about transplant, recovery, patience, love etc., and found a real calling with those support group folks. I rented my condos to transplant patients, got to know most of them very well and went along for several years just being a part of the group. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A dinner with friends - I'm standing next to Steve, who wasn't yet my husband! I hadn't even thought of it yet. Tom is in the blue shirt, back row. </span></div>
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One day (or a month or year) I decided that I had a voice and wanted to change up some things, get more people to move to Jacksonville, have lunches be an every week activity after group, make potluck once monthly ever month, and more. I realized this group was 100% where I belonged and damn it felt good!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A typical scene - us sitting chatting and having a meal.</span></div>
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At some point, (not in order) I managed to get several families to move to Jacksonville, became one of the leaders in our group, divorced my husband, moved into one of my rentals, was the caregiver to a friend (Steve) who was in need of a kidney transplant, traveled all along the East Coast staying with friends and transplant recipients, blogged for many years and became a pretty decent photographer along the way. Then I married Steve and the love bubble was formed. </div>
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If Tom hadn't needed a liver transplant and received it at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville I would not have the life I have now. I am so very grateful to the donor family that said yes to donating their son's organs. In their grief they saw life in others. Tom is a pretty healthy, active, man in his post transplant years. He thinks I am a pretty awesome wife and that Steve is VERY lucky! I believe I'm the lucky one to have helped two people through transplant as their caregiver and to have found my best life with the transplant family.</div>
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Happy Liverversary, Tom</div>
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Merry Christmas everyone<br />
Love,</div>
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Kristin</div>
Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-86625866233543111462018-11-18T18:46:00.000-05:002018-11-18T18:46:49.026-05:00Getting a flu shot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHQSToKza9I/W_Hzy0vc1xI/AAAAAAAAMWg/w2uSNOZQpygJrbITI0zT5arbgG4KXfrmACLcBGAs/s1600/kelly-sikkema-516850-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="1600" height="301" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHQSToKza9I/W_Hzy0vc1xI/AAAAAAAAMWg/w2uSNOZQpygJrbITI0zT5arbgG4KXfrmACLcBGAs/s400/kelly-sikkema-516850-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/RmByg5kFfQg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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I have never had the flu, or if I have I didn't know it. I've been told though that I would <i>know</i> if I had had the flu. I've had colds, bronchitis, allergies, hay fever, you name it, but not influenza.<br />
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In the past I've heard that the flu shot only protects from the very specific strain that the vaccine was made for. The chances of getting that specific flu was rare. So why in the heck would I going to get a flu shot? I don't like shots. I doubt anyone does, but that's my first reaction.<br />
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I'm a Type 1 Diabetic. Do you know what that means? That means I give myself 5 or more shots a day. I don't think avoiding shots can be an excuse for me anymore. Also diabetics, both Type 1 and 2 are naturally more immune deficient. This means that a cold or flu can more easily take root in our systems because we aren't as able to fight them off as the regular folk.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGZmxEqN5eI/W_H5g3L-CWI/AAAAAAAAMXQ/x1oMf45ROcEH863eeU4SjdP1j1qlka9dgCLcBGAs/s1600/janko-ferlic-174927-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGZmxEqN5eI/W_H5g3L-CWI/AAAAAAAAMXQ/x1oMf45ROcEH863eeU4SjdP1j1qlka9dgCLcBGAs/s400/janko-ferlic-174927-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/sfL_QOnmy00" target="_blank">Photo by Janko Ferlič on Unsplash</a></span></div>
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Did you know that last year (2017) over 80,000 died from the flu? and that was just in the United States! That is an outrageous number and if you were to think of that being your community or town, that's everyone you know or have met...<br />
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I've done a little research.<br />
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Each year the flu vaccine is made to help protect against 3 or 4 different strains. If you do happen to get the flu, the vaccine, even if it isn't the exact kind that was in your vaccine, it will help you not have the flu as bad and can protect you from a more severe reaction. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7s68QTgx_U/W_HxprWsWqI/AAAAAAAAMV4/mFv3S0zh6GUXsh0n9gtsAemJXxkxbblZQCLcBGAs/s1600/hyttalo-souza-1074680-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7s68QTgx_U/W_HxprWsWqI/AAAAAAAAMV4/mFv3S0zh6GUXsh0n9gtsAemJXxkxbblZQCLcBGAs/s400/hyttalo-souza-1074680-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a1p0Z7RSkL8" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Hyttalo Souza on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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Did you also know that it takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop the antibodies to fight the virus? So get that flu shot before anyone around you gets the flu. Don't wait. Flu season is from the end of October through May.<br />
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You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. The shot is not a live virus, so all that's doing is getting your antibodies fired up to fight the flu if it happens to come near you. The vaccine that is a nasal spray is a live virus but it is too weak to actually cause the flu, once again, it's just enough to get those antibodies started. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKOBcz38xfY/W_H4AOH5CUI/AAAAAAAAMXA/ImmTVGpnukMVfPzmNc9UdB6x2rqfsgLrwCLcBGAs/s1600/priscilla-du-preez-697322-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKOBcz38xfY/W_H4AOH5CUI/AAAAAAAAMXA/ImmTVGpnukMVfPzmNc9UdB6x2rqfsgLrwCLcBGAs/s400/priscilla-du-preez-697322-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/W3SEyZODn8U" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to share diseases. All that hugging and kissing and sharing the tasting spoon. Families who haven't seen each other in ages come together under one roof and share their germs. I know, it sounds awful, but it's true. Wash your hands a lot when you are with family. That can really help keep those germs from spreading.<br />
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I have been reading more and more about the herd immunization and how important it is for the majority of us in a society to have the immunizations or vaccines to keep the others that can't have those shots from getting sick. A lot of my friends are immune suppressed because they are transplant recipients or are in need of a transplant. If they are unable to get a flu shot, for whatever reason, I don't want to be the one to pass it along to them, that's for sure. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGzAETD8AZM/W_HybjB7lsI/AAAAAAAAMWA/FD0lRjy7EWAwS_qDWPqVWIVl166GuxIuQCLcBGAs/s1600/daniel-leone-658244-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGzAETD8AZM/W_HybjB7lsI/AAAAAAAAMWA/FD0lRjy7EWAwS_qDWPqVWIVl166GuxIuQCLcBGAs/s400/daniel-leone-658244-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/LXQx98FPPQ4" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Daniel Leone on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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Dr. Alan Taege, an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic gives a nice succinct reason why those of us who can should get the flu vaccine.<br />
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“The more people who get the vaccine, the more chance that we can avoid an epidemic,” Taege said. “It’s called ‘herd immunity’ —- the more vaccinated means less chance for widespread influenza.” </blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/which-flu-vaccine-should-you-get#The-socially-responsible-thing-to-do" target="_blank">Flu Shot Facts...source</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdzV8Tp2zxc/W_H1h0aYk_I/AAAAAAAAMW0/zehj1zMnGfED2HaMJWRNv62qctf4e5yOQCLcBGAs/s1600/rawpixel-780506-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdzV8Tp2zxc/W_H1h0aYk_I/AAAAAAAAMW0/zehj1zMnGfED2HaMJWRNv62qctf4e5yOQCLcBGAs/s400/rawpixel-780506-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/BvFFyByZt7U" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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I was fortunate enough that my medical insurance paid for my flu shot. You know it's kind of strange to go into a Walgreens and be behind a little room divider screen and sit in the chair and have a Pharmacist give me a shot and then walk away past the people picking up their prescriptions. You know I'm used to those types of things being held in a real doctor's office. But hey it's a lot easier running in there than it is to make an appointment at a doctor's office and wait to get call back and all of that.<br />
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Yep, I got my flu shot on Wednesday. My arm is still a little sore and I got a headache. That's about it folks. In this case I'm part of the herd. <br />
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Moo<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJwSSD8_ltM/W_Hy7wRg_fI/AAAAAAAAMWQ/1jyM4IrBsDQuWObBqS8n7zYMhBlpGwTFACLcBGAs/s1600/kaue-fonseca-642894-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJwSSD8_ltM/W_Hy7wRg_fI/AAAAAAAAMWQ/1jyM4IrBsDQuWObBqS8n7zYMhBlpGwTFACLcBGAs/s400/kaue-fonseca-642894-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/pgEx8PktyT8" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by KAUE FONSECA on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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Have a great day!<br />
Kristin<br />
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<br />Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-47561393106579798102018-11-16T23:02:00.001-05:002018-11-16T23:02:48.181-05:00Christmas at KNS Gear and KNS Transplant GearIt's always Christmas at KNS Gear and KNS Transplant Gear, because we work on it all year. I know, I know! It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but we sell through Zazzle and they are having so many deep discounts that I feel like we need to get the word out that we have Christmas items available. Today Zazzle had 60% of bunch of categories and if you sign up for Zazzle black you only have to pay shipping once and then get free shipping for the next 365 days. That's such a great deal. <br />
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SO! I am excited to present to you a scant few of the awesome products that we have in our <b style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/kns_christmas_store?rf=238605106900684558" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">KNS Christmas Store</a>. </b><br />
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We have a lot of watercolor designs, but this is by far one of my favorites. The car with the Christmas Tree on top is such a fun design. It's pretty popular, too. I get a kick out of this design because the tree already has some decorations on it. I can imagine it being taken to a friends house or someplace in public to brighten up a dark corner. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0c35CcDPUCA/W-9YA9W_wQI/AAAAAAAAKbw/4mQ0ft0jO-gxg9kQlWO89fT9WBuU0Wv-ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.46.09%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="912" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0c35CcDPUCA/W-9YA9W_wQI/AAAAAAAAKbw/4mQ0ft0jO-gxg9kQlWO89fT9WBuU0Wv-ACLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.46.09%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1803a?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Watercolor Car and Christmas Tree</b></a></div>
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Steve's awesome design of the black kitty with a sour look on his face is just a hoot. The Santa hat is the kicker. You know that hat didn't last long on that cat. We have this mug with a green background, red background and plain white. You can also choose a mug with an interior color as well. So many options!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5ig1y-apSU/W-9k448hLPI/AAAAAAAAKd4/uaAPjnKfbckP2ueW8uJdkPzE2AGgKcZEwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.46.13%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="463" height="287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5ig1y-apSU/W-9k448hLPI/AAAAAAAAKd4/uaAPjnKfbckP2ueW8uJdkPzE2AGgKcZEwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.46.13%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1803a?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Black Cat with Santa Hat</b></a></div>
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Naughty but Nice is a common phrase, but this graphic has a few iconic elements included. Christmas lights, Santa hats, mittens and the traditional red and green. I like the mug with the red interior and handle, too.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BuUNKnig3eg/W-9YA0c2q9I/AAAAAAAAKbs/uCJxvRSfCy8uHRsbbR6ZRMSw_sTPamOvwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.46.38%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="835" height="291" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BuUNKnig3eg/W-9YA0c2q9I/AAAAAAAAKbs/uCJxvRSfCy8uHRsbbR6ZRMSw_sTPamOvwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.46.38%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/18033?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Naughty Nice mug</b></a></div>
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We have a lot of Christmas Cards both Christmas Themed and Secular. They all can be customized to include any sentiment that you'd like and of course your name can be printed on it as well. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMeMajyu-H0/W-9YAsv5WTI/AAAAAAAAKbo/OFqIEcMoK8c1doe1s4hh5jW0gTrFUKVAACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.47.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="655" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMeMajyu-H0/W-9YAsv5WTI/AAAAAAAAKbo/OFqIEcMoK8c1doe1s4hh5jW0gTrFUKVAACLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.47.23%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180uz?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Jar with fairy lights</b></a></div>
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front and inside views</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sokYh1JWzas/W-9YBMcvFYI/AAAAAAAAKb0/kAAPN2XKgDEEvGh6YuNdC6F28sAmfTL6wCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.47.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="661" height="254" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sokYh1JWzas/W-9YBMcvFYI/AAAAAAAAKb0/kAAPN2XKgDEEvGh6YuNdC6F28sAmfTL6wCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.47.36%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have printed the inside of many of our cards specifically to make them very different from the usual cards. Still with lots of room to write or have a custom message printed. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yuR7lIKqg0/W-9YBcuf1kI/AAAAAAAAKb8/ZJ1QDjWjUdUSP0sXGtSXMAajIg79XxvsgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.49.11%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="728" height="247" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yuR7lIKqg0/W-9YBcuf1kI/AAAAAAAAKb8/ZJ1QDjWjUdUSP0sXGtSXMAajIg79XxvsgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.49.11%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180ca?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"> <b>Retro Ornaments - Secular card</b></a></div>
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If you like to add a sticker to the back of your envelope, we have those too. This specific one has one of my favorite sayings - Snowflakes are unassembled snowmen falling from the sky. This particular sticker has a watercolor background that sort of looks like Jack Frost has stopped by. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWx04UDplZM/W-9YBecGUcI/AAAAAAAAKb4/QWsfUkrd9CQo0q4Pkwl8mYPZ8lyDIdQtACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.47.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="553" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWx04UDplZM/W-9YBecGUcI/AAAAAAAAKb4/QWsfUkrd9CQo0q4Pkwl8mYPZ8lyDIdQtACLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.47.58%2BPM.png" width="308" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180u3?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Unassembled snowmen stickers </b></a></div>
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Shirts, long and short sleeved, hoodies, leggings, hats and about any other kind of apparel is available on Zazzle. We have a nice selection of Christmas shirts and leggings, but always feel free to see what is also available - there are so many deigns out there! <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVAXsmVlvUY/W-9YBpZzCEI/AAAAAAAAKcA/oVTVLbHp6dQdmupd3BbhX2AmlXz_V8NwwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.49.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVAXsmVlvUY/W-9YBpZzCEI/AAAAAAAAKcA/oVTVLbHp6dQdmupd3BbhX2AmlXz_V8NwwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.49.51%2BPM.png" width="237" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180qc?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Family Christmas Tee </b></a></div>
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Yoga pants, leggings, not pants but comfortable coverings for your legs - whatever you want to call them, these leggings are a lot of fun to design. We have these with snowflakes, some with clouds and sky and even transplant designs. Go ahead, take a look!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wsy08dpwErI/W-9YB3qflPI/AAAAAAAAKcE/N3EhMwFM_MwUjF9cbiS27rQcJa2Wop7-ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.50.11%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wsy08dpwErI/W-9YB3qflPI/AAAAAAAAKcE/N3EhMwFM_MwUjF9cbiS27rQcJa2Wop7-ACLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.50.11%2BPM.png" width="153" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180ql?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank">Snowflake leggings</a></b></div>
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The very end of Guardians of the Galaxy Peter says something like, what do you want to do next? A little good, a little bad, a little of both? That's kind of what this shirt is all about. A little good, a little bad? Definitely a little of both! <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dy2bB5TGaYY/W-9YCRNcpYI/AAAAAAAAKcI/2RFsXE9OIHg6gkXvtIF25vK3FO-HLuAYQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.51.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="506" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dy2bB5TGaYY/W-9YCRNcpYI/AAAAAAAAKcI/2RFsXE9OIHg6gkXvtIF25vK3FO-HLuAYQCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.51.00%2BPM.png" width="258" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180qi?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Naughty, Nice, Both</b></a></div>
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Steve had been working on increasing our holiday pillow section. They are so easy to display, buy, ship, give as a gift and store until next year. Here are a few of our newest designs. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fH2hSGFcq6Q/W-9YLq5M4fI/AAAAAAAAKcM/TS_hlKvi2vEsBT6DEs27QKtB37k16Nz3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.43.42%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="620" height="307" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fH2hSGFcq6Q/W-9YLq5M4fI/AAAAAAAAKcM/TS_hlKvi2vEsBT6DEs27QKtB37k16Nz3wCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.43.42%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1800y?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Santa Pillow</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYaUbTmc-NM/W-9YLvsqIDI/AAAAAAAAKcQ/_BOn9P3emGwGgyyn2El4dXnPZzlu6QJ5gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.44.15%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="596" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYaUbTmc-NM/W-9YLvsqIDI/AAAAAAAAKcQ/_BOn9P3emGwGgyyn2El4dXnPZzlu6QJ5gCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.44.15%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180ti?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b> Snowman Pillow</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxC2bdqpYjQ/W-9d8Nuw7eI/AAAAAAAAKc4/8alGyEQhE8A_jEYpC3Yt6Ep49HcQMCo5gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.53.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="613" height="302" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxC2bdqpYjQ/W-9d8Nuw7eI/AAAAAAAAKc4/8alGyEQhE8A_jEYpC3Yt6Ep49HcQMCo5gCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.53.18%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180cd?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank">Feliz Navidad pillow </a></b><br />
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This pillow, with Santa holding a sign, can be customized to say anything you'd like! It can be your name, some sarcastic remark or keep it as is. It's up to you. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwPsQR7MHUU/W-9kMXfVRmI/AAAAAAAAKdw/YQ3Zx7WQqjMLcqS66GnbVIA-lWQkYqvlQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.42.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="588" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwPsQR7MHUU/W-9kMXfVRmI/AAAAAAAAKdw/YQ3Zx7WQqjMLcqS66GnbVIA-lWQkYqvlQCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.42.40%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180sc?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Santa's sign throw pillow - Reindeer</b></a><br />
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I haven't purchased these bathtowels yet, so I honestly don't know how they look, feel, dry, etc., but they are adorable! You also don't have to buy the whole set - you can get just hand towels or wash cloths or bath towels. I may have to get the hand towels. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--szbMSGJVD8/W-9d8ESUiuI/AAAAAAAAKdA/O17UYUmVGoEfoWk6ZGuNZmRCsPb5TD-LwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.54.10%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="488" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--szbMSGJVD8/W-9d8ESUiuI/AAAAAAAAKdA/O17UYUmVGoEfoWk6ZGuNZmRCsPb5TD-LwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.54.10%2BPM.png" width="252" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180sh?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank">Snowflake bath towel set</a></b><br />
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I like this set. I thought the candy stripe was quite festive with the large floral design on the bath towel. It brings festive into the bathroom without having everything be matchy matchy. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c37P-PWMONI/W-9d8PNzL-I/AAAAAAAAKc8/Q7kbeA4O6ocBmsEvpbwAfY6I6w68XY0gwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.54.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="497" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c37P-PWMONI/W-9d8PNzL-I/AAAAAAAAKc8/Q7kbeA4O6ocBmsEvpbwAfY6I6w68XY0gwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.54.36%2BPM.png" width="258" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180sv?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Christmas Floral and Candy Stripe </b></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180sv?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank">Bath towel set</a></b></div>
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The Kissing Clauses, my photo of the pair that I found a few years ago. I love the Santa and Mrs. Clause pair, so much so that we have this photograph on about everything Christmasy that we could think of! Here they are in a lovely little heart shaped ornament. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6Eg5EiP4ew/W-9d8dzvy8I/AAAAAAAAKdE/BgKFaNl8IbYU5VGPSVG7Q_BZaX9GWL8qACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.55.15%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6Eg5EiP4ew/W-9d8dzvy8I/AAAAAAAAKdE/BgKFaNl8IbYU5VGPSVG7Q_BZaX9GWL8qACLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.55.15%2BPM.png" width="301" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1804g?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank">Kissing Clauses heart ornament</a></b></div>
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My life revolves around organ donation and transplant, so it only makes sense that I HAD to have one Donate Life reference in this list. The retro sign design is a Steve original and I couldn't be happier in how wonderful it turned out. The silver snowflake ornament is one of the most popular sellers. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LV3SeD6wI1U/W-9YMHBihbI/AAAAAAAAKcY/BFR626PRKgwLD3fgLcQR7gI5oowjaihqQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.45.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="569" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LV3SeD6wI1U/W-9YMHBihbI/AAAAAAAAKcY/BFR626PRKgwLD3fgLcQR7gI5oowjaihqQCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B6.45.17%2BPM.png" width="306" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/180tb?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"><b>Donate Life snowflake ornament</b></a></div>
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Most of the items sold on Zazzle can be customized with your own photo, but here's one we made that has a fun string of lights around the outside. Find a photo you love and see how it looks!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imn7taACdaw/W-9d9D_IZ5I/AAAAAAAAKdM/wkq9Mf1C4PICzUJqsRfzLNtV0Y7xWdeowCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.14.14%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imn7taACdaw/W-9d9D_IZ5I/AAAAAAAAKdM/wkq9Mf1C4PICzUJqsRfzLNtV0Y7xWdeowCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.14.14%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1804i?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank">Christmas Lights ornament </a></b><br />
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A great stocking stuffer would be this magnet with one of my original photos of a vintage Santa Clause. This Santa is a Christmas Tree Stand - I wish I could have purchased it for my own collection, but all I could do was get a photo of it. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKkj0N_J58Q/W-9d9VGcG4I/AAAAAAAAKdQ/avudmw7I_ecNykELyd9_ZlT8Iw7qGB8FACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.15.12%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="604" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKkj0N_J58Q/W-9d9VGcG4I/AAAAAAAAKdQ/avudmw7I_ecNykELyd9_ZlT8Iw7qGB8FACLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.15.12%2BPM.png" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1804u?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank"> <b>Vintage Santa Magnet</b></a><br />
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Finally for today is a doormat. The iconic car with Christmas Tree - customizable with your name or whatever you wish. You can even change the color of the text or the font. So much in Zazzle is customizable and you can make it yours. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDc56hnsfm8/W-9d9U2ZKDI/AAAAAAAAKdU/7Ub6R8Ea3kQBHK7SJgWhcz90PL0EX2WigCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.16.12%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1046" height="243" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDc56hnsfm8/W-9d9U2ZKDI/AAAAAAAAKdU/7Ub6R8Ea3kQBHK7SJgWhcz90PL0EX2WigCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-11-16%2Bat%2B7.16.12%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1803r?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank">Customizable Christmas Doormat</a></b></div>
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If you would like to see almost all that we have created for Christmas, below are the different collections. You can click on the link and be taken right there. We have apparel, cards, mugs and decor. We also have stuff for transplant recipients, caregivers and those that like to spread the word of organ donation. (But that will be another post!) </div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_apparel-119881751428477935?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Holiday Apparel" height="400" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/holiday_apparel_119881751428477935-r_zrue5_by3c9_325.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_apparel-119881751428477935?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow"><b>Holiday Apparel</b></a><br />
by <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/mbr/238605106900684558?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow">Kristin 'n' Steve</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_greeting_cards-119947502783624002?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Holiday Greeting Cards" height="266" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/holiday_greeting_cards_119947502783624002-r_zrued_byy7z_325.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_greeting_cards-119947502783624002?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow"><b>Holiday Greeting Cards</b></a><br />
by <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/mbr/238605106900684558?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow">Kristin 'n' Steve</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_decor-119508721108546562?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Holiday Decor" height="400" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/holiday_decor_119508721108546562-r_zrue5_byy81_325.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/holiday_decor-119508721108546562?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow"><b>Holiday Decor</b></a><br />
by <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/mbr/238605106900684558?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow">Kristin 'n' Steve</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/festive_mugs-119961501920336134?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Festive Mugs" height="300" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/festive_mugs_119961501920336134-r_zruep_byyvu_325.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/collections/festive_mugs-119961501920336134?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow"><b>Festive Mugs</b></a><br />
by <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/mbr/238605106900684558?rf=238605106900684558" rel="nofollow">Kristin 'n' Steve</a><br />
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Thank you so much for looking at our stores. </div>
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Have a great day!</div>
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Kristin (and Steve, too)</div>
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Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-19413148370336560312018-11-14T01:42:00.000-05:002018-11-15T03:04:42.898-05:00Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan and Panko<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11CpP-u61ew/W-zX5gP_baI/AAAAAAAAKaY/c0Hvjm7QKjApU9zSV3C0Ak9IUeVCTIYNgCLcBGAs/s1600/GBs011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11CpP-u61ew/W-zX5gP_baI/AAAAAAAAKaY/c0Hvjm7QKjApU9zSV3C0Ak9IUeVCTIYNgCLcBGAs/s400/GBs011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Roasted green beans with Parmesan and Panko bread crumbs was a new recipe to me, but no more. (I changed the recipe just a little from what I used in the photo.) The absolute ease in preparing this delicious smelling and tasting side dish was so noticeable. I had almost zero dishes to wash and I had everything in my fridge already. The longest it took was to clean the beans, but having had that job since I was a kid, it hardly seems like a chore. Snap, toss in bin, snap, toss in bin, snap, toss...<br />
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The cast of characters. Green beans, panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt and a sheet pan with sides. I purchased fresh green beans today and the remaining ingredients were already in the house.</div>
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I broke off the stem end of the green beans, no sense breaking off the other as it's just fine to eat that little tail. I washed them thoroughly and laid them out on the sheet pan with a dishtowel over the top and dried them as best as I could. Drying the green beans makes sure the beans roast and not steam. It also helps the oil stick to them.<br />
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Here's my Parmesan Cheese, I always keep some handy as it's a versatile ingredient and it keeps such a long time in either the fridge or freezer. I have shredded, ground up (like above) and whole wedges. A shape for any purpose!<br />
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I recently purchased an Oskar chopper. I used one when I lived with a boyfriend and when we went our separate ways, in 1994, he gave me Oskar. When I separated from my husband in 2013 he asked for Oskar and I thought, Sure! It's from an ex-boyfriend, I might as well have the soon-to-be ex-husband take it. Maybe it will be good mojo to pass it along.<br />
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HOWEVER, I really, really missed him! Oskar, that is. I was really regretting giving him away. When I started having to cook more and more at home I was almost in a panic that I didn't have the versatility of Oskar. Since giving Oskar away I had used several different kinds of small electric choppers and for me, they didn't work like I wanted them to. When I met Steve he had a Cuisinart Food Processor, the large one, the awesome one and I really enjoyed using it, but I really missed having a smaller version for smaller tasks.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goDvoBN0yHE/W-0cbhVukUI/AAAAAAAAKaw/7KVHyikLef0AvitbdgDfe9poBi3BVML1QCLcBGAs/s1600/oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goDvoBN0yHE/W-0cbhVukUI/AAAAAAAAKaw/7KVHyikLef0AvitbdgDfe9poBi3BVML1QCLcBGAs/s400/oscar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I went on a mission. I did a little research and you know what? Those Sunbeam Oskars are very much sought after. The Oskar hasn't been made in quite awhile probably because these devils don't die! Seriously, how many appliances have you had for several decades? There's one on eBay that's over $300. I certainly wasn't going to pay <i>that</i> price. Searching wasn't too difficult as there were several online for sale, as well as a bunch of parts available to fix old ones. When it was all said and done I paid about $60 for the whole shebang including shipping.<br />
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All of this talk about Oskar was just to say - the Parmesan that's in the bowl was chopped in the Oskar. I didn't do anything but chunk it up and put it in and whirl. Small little pieces of parm, easy to use, store, refrigerate and freeze.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">before roasting</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">after roasting</span></div>
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Back to the roasted green beans. I roasted them and then immediately plated them for us. I wanted them right off the sheet pan. No waiting.<br />
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The Panko was a little salty and crispy because the Parmesan melted right into it. The green beans were still a bit crunchy and roasting always brings out such a different flavor than just plain boiling. Roasted, rustic, nutty flavor with some crunch.<br />
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YUM!<br />
You have to try this.<br />
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Come back and let me know what you thought of it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roasted Green Beans</b></span></div>
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<b>with <span style="font-size: large;">Parmesan and Panko</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.madetobeamomma.com/roasted-parmesan-green-beans/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Recipe adapted from: Made to be a Momma</span></a></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 lb fresh green beans, stemmed and washed<br />
1 T olive oil<br />
2 T grated Parmesan Cheese<br />
2 T Panko bread crumbs<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">½</span> t salt<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">½</span> t garlic powder<br />
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<b>Instructions</b><br />
Preheat oven to 400° F<br />
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Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; toss to coat. If you need more olive oil, add in just enough. You don't want the entire dish to be too oily.<br />
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Spread green beans on a large baking sheet with sides.<br />
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Roast for 15-20 minutes; turn the beans halfway through.<br />
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Eat as soon as possible, they cool off quickly but don't worry, they are good cooled off, too.<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
KristinKristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-9854778861880386832018-11-08T22:04:00.000-05:002018-11-08T22:04:06.093-05:00Individual Quiches made in a muffin tin.<h1 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's Potluck Day! </h1>
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And I am making Individual Quiches that are made in a muffin tin.</h3>
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I love our monthly potlucks and this month's theme is Appetizers. Mini foods and smaller portions so that more food can fit on your plate! This happens to be one of our most anticipated theme months. Appetizers seem easy or maybe just sound easy and everyone really enjoys all the different foods that show up. </div>
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My quiche is becoming epic - if only in our own home - but it is so good! I wrote about our quiche making project about 3 years ago. If you are looking for a full sized deep dish 9" quiche, <a href="https://ttelroc.blogspot.com/2015/04/spinach-and-bacon-quiche.html" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to see that post. </div>
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<a href="https://ttelroc.blogspot.com/2015/04/spinach-and-bacon-quiche.html" target="_blank">For the full sized quiche recipe - Click Here</a> </div>
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I've made mini quiches before and then made even more and froze them. Oh my goodness, 2 minutes in the microwave straight from frozen and they are nearly as fabulous as when they are pulled out of the oven. Those frozen muffin sized quiches have been one of my favorite go to morning breakfasts. </div>
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Now that I am having to eat real whole foods with very little if any additives, it's very nice to have something quick. It's also pretty awesome that so many others like it as well. That is why all of the recommended cheeses are white or are white in the photos. No added colors to help keep me well. </div>
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I have to admit, last month I brought the muffin sized quiche for potluck, but I wasn't feeling well, so I was only able to make 12. Not too many people were able to try them and those that did loved them. For this month's potluck I prepped everything the day before, so I just had to mix the liquids and fill the muffin pan. </div>
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Now that I have made the mini quiches a few times I have learned a few tricks. </div>
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1. Fill each of the muffin cups up to the top with ingredients.<br />
2. Pour the liquid in slowly and stop just before overflowing.<br />
3. Make sure you have the muffin pan on a level surface and then fill each muffin up to the very top.<br />
4. If done correctly, a the liquid egg mixture should fill all 12 muffins to the very top. </blockquote>
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If everything is prepared in advance, it should only take about 15 minutes to fill the 12 muffin tins and get it into the oven. They bake for 35 minutes and you can eat them right away. </div>
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Here are the layers I used for this particular batch. You can use any combination of items that you'd like. I just sprinkle the portions into each well.<br />
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-chopped spinach and mushrooms on the bottom<br />
-a layer of sharp cheddar cheese<br />
-green onions and bacon<br />
-monterey jack cheese - I put a good amount in there.<br />
-Then mix up the liquid egg and cream and pour that in<br />
-top each of the wells with shredded parmesan cheese<br />
-pour remaining egg mixture to the very top of each well.<br />
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As you can see, I don't stuff the quiches with ingredients. I like there to be a cheese layer between and I want to make sure that the egg mixture can really bind everything together.<br />
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I add in dried dill, some garlic powder and onion powder into the eggs. A pinch or two of salt if you'd like as well.<br />
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This is the first pouring of the liquid and the topping of each one with parmesan.<br />
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This is the final pour and I got every drop of the liquid into those muffin tins.<br />
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Right out of the oven those quiches are an inch or two above the muffin pan, but even just a few seconds later they have already deflated. I tried to get a photo of them really tall, but they deflate quickly! </div>
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In this batch of quiches I added more spinach to the top layer, just under the parmesan. I had extra spinach, so I decided to use it up. I think it made the quiche look a lot prettier. </div>
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We took 23 quiches to the appetizer potluck tonight. (We ate one as a tester!) 12 will fit in a 9x13 baking dish and ours has a lid, so I put that lid on right away - an hour later those quiche were still warm. Now that's potluck GOLD to have warm food. I have 2 of those 9x13 baking dishes, so I used both to transport the whole shebang.<br />
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I have an electric skillet that I could have used to keep these warm, but I didn't want to fuss with trying to plug it in at our venue. The quiche are good both hot and cold.<br />
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We came home with 3.<br />
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Quiche - Muffin sized<br />
yield: 12 quiches<br />
350 degrees F<br />
35 minutes<br />
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The Filling<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">- as many of these as you'd like<br />
10 - 20 oz frozen spinach, thawed, drained, squeezed nearly dry<br />
*fresh mushrooms, sliced, sauteed <br />
*sliced green onions<br />
*onion, sliced, sauteed<br />
*sundried tomatoes, chopped and patted dry<br />
*chopped fresh dill (or dried dill)<br />
*minced garlic (or roasted garlic or garlic powder)<br />
*bacon cooked and crumbled</span><br />
The Liquid Mixture<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">10 large eggs</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">2 cups whole milk - (or Half and Half and 2% milk) (or heavy whipping cream and 2%) all of these are good combos. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">salt and pepper, to taste</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">the dried spices if you chose to go that route. </span><br />
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The Cheeses<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">shredded cheese - Use 2 if you'd like (Cheddar, Gouda, Mozzarella, Swiss, Moneterey Jack)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">grated Parmesan cheese or Dubliner</span><br />
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Slice, dice, thaw, squeeze dry, grate and crumble everything that you want to go into the quiches.<br />
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Spray your muffin tin with a nonstick cooking spray.<br />
Fill the tins, making sure to leave each layer airy so the liquid egg mixture can seep through everything.<br />
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I like to use a hardish cheese (sharp cheddar) near the bottom, put my melty cheese like Mozzarella or Monterrey Jack in the middle and then top with the hardest cheese, Parmesan on the top.<br />
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Fill each well with the liquid egg mixture and fill each one to the very top. I found that my 12 pack of quiches bakes for 35 minutes in a 350 degree oven. I do not have a convection oven, so I do not know how they they would take in one of those fancy ovens.<br />
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Please be sure to read the step by step above with the photos. It's easier to explain with pictures, but once you've done it once or twice you won't need anything but the numbers for the liquid egg mixture. That's all I have on a sticky note on the inside of one of the cabinet doors.<br />
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That's all she wrote for tonight.<br />
Have a great day!<br />
Kristin<br />
<br />Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-42850493167009958252018-11-07T22:30:00.000-05:002018-11-08T00:16:42.543-05:00Faith in Humanity<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDdCwKNry-8/W-PAPua9xSI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/93vI3bK3EcAmHqmJX9D3ne5j6fndOv0sgCLcBGAs/s1600/jonas-vincent-2717-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDdCwKNry-8/W-PAPua9xSI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/93vI3bK3EcAmHqmJX9D3ne5j6fndOv0sgCLcBGAs/s640/jonas-vincent-2717-unsplash.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/xulIYVIbYIc" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Jonas Vincent on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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Have you ever read or watched a video that started off with... this will restore your faith in humanity? That has got to be one of my biggest pet peeves, because you see no matter how bad it may seem on any given day or year, I have never lost faith in humanity.<br />
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/LbMy35NyCNg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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Every day there are millions upon millions of people doing good in our world. From a baby kissing a kitty to people willing to help someone cross the street. Libraries being filled with donated books and people being given life saving blood by people willing to give of themselves, literally. Neighbors helping neighbors in times of need or writing a Thank You letter to someone.<br />
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It all matters.<br />
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/MGKGuMP9nLY" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Ashley Whitlatch on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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I love the idea of good vibes being sent out from me, making a ripple throughout the world. What happens when my good vibes hit someone else's good vibes and someone else's? A never ending vibration. It's there, I just know it is.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/TamMbr4okv4" target="_blank">Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash</a></span></div>
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I'm sure everyone in my life has been a volunteer at some point in their lives. More often than not, my friends, family and even acquaintances are regular volunteers. I see and hear about it all the time. You all coach soccer, drive half the neighborhood kids to their games, make costumes for the local theater, take people to the airport or just volunteer your time sitting with someone at a doctors appointment. <br />
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/1SjD5ZEiUsA" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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My faith in humanity is strengthened by just the nice things that people do on a daily basis. Simple things like smiling, holding the door or letting someone pull into traffic in front if you. I know many people who make food for a friend, if they find they aren't feeling well. I hear all the time about those that pay for the coffee for the person behind them at the drive thru, but just as often those that have received that random act of kindness.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crBU1GxPvAk/W-O-6slF-cI/AAAAAAAAJ7I/EliV8uGXOVoIzsQAlK8IQVqFdJ8As7y-wCLcBGAs/s1600/ty-williams-466945-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crBU1GxPvAk/W-O-6slF-cI/AAAAAAAAJ7I/EliV8uGXOVoIzsQAlK8IQVqFdJ8As7y-wCLcBGAs/s400/ty-williams-466945-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/R2glnKGBoPE" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Ty Williams on Unsplash</span></a></div>
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I have not lost faith in humanity. I will not lose faith in us. We are the strong, the loving, the beautiful and the giving. We make this world a joy to behold and we make people laugh, smile and feel loved. <br />
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Have a great day!<br />
Kristin<br />
<br />Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-71917434608980939862018-11-06T23:00:00.000-05:002018-11-07T01:49:08.934-05:00Give me your tired, your poor... election day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/12s7p?rf=238605106900684558" target="_blank">Statue of Liberty inscription </a></div>
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On this day of our National election, it's good to look back on a bit of the inscription on pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, written by American poet Emma Lazarus</div>
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"Give me your tired, your poor,</div>
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Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,</div>
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The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.</div>
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Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,</div>
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I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"</div>
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Kristin and Steve<br />
<a href="http://www.knsgear.com/" target="_blank">KNS Gear</a><br />
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Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-73939628840423389792018-11-05T23:55:00.000-05:002018-11-05T23:55:30.820-05:00Hungarian Potato Soup<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Hungarian Potato Soup</b></div>
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This potato soup recipe has been in my family for as long as I can remember. I know that my Mom added the cauliflower to the soup, probably to make it a bit more healthy. It may make it healthier but it gives the soup a great crunch. I love it. My husband wasn't too thrilled about having cauliflower in the soup, but he loved it too. The soup doesn't taste like cauliflower, I promise.<br />
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Here are most of the ingredients that you need for making the soup. My goal in making food is to use ingredients that have as few additives as possible. This is so I can minimize the free glutimate acid and MSG that is found in so many prepared or manufactured products.<br />
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The Daisy sour cream is made with one ingredient - cultured cream. Compare that list to others and you will see a huge difference. Fairlife 2% Milk also has very few ingredients and no thickeners. Tabasco Sauce is made with peppers, vinegar and salt.<br />
For having several manufactured products, it's a great soup for me.<br />
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The onions are being cooked in butter</div>
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This soup is as pure as it can be and still be more than just potatoes and water! The photo below is the mixture of sour cream, paprika, salt, and flour. I added the Tabasco in there as well because I knew I was going put it in and I wanted it to cook in a bit. You can add it later or not at all, it's totally up to you.<br />
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Sour cream and the spices</div>
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I used flour in today's soup but when I take it to potluck, I always make it with corn starch to make it gluten free for those that may have a gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease.</div>
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This soup cooks up pretty quickly, doesn't need to simmer for very long at all before it's ready to eat. It's just as good the day it's made as it is the next!<br />
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<b>Hungarian Potato Soup</b><br />
½ c onion<br />
2 T butter<br />
4 med potatoes, diced<br />
½ t salt<br />
1c water<br />
¼c flour<br />
1½ t paprika<br />
1c sour cream<br />
2½c milk<br />
½ head of cauliflower, chunked into bite sized pieces<br />
Add Tabasco and garlic powder as needed<br />
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Cook onion in butter until tender - add potatoes, salt and the water.<br />
Cover and cook 15 minutes or until tender.<br />
Blend four, paprika and sour cream until smooth.<br />
Stir into potato mixture.<br />
Add cauliflower and milk.<br />
Heat to boiling while stirring.<br />
Let simmer until cauliflower is tender.<br />
Taste and add Tabasco sauce and garlic powder as needed.<br />
Serve hot with a sprinkle of paprika on the top of the soup as garnish.<br />
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ENJOY!<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
KristinKristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-40128004815986007652018-11-04T19:34:00.002-05:002018-11-04T19:34:57.697-05:00I Will Live Forever by Robert Test<br />
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<b>I Will Live Forever</b></div>
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<b>by Robert Test</b></div>
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The day will come when my body will lie upon a white sheet neatly tucked under four corners of a mattress located in a hospital; busily occupied with the living and the dying. <br />
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At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped. <br />
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When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body by the use of a machine. And don't call this my deathbed. Let it be called the bed of life, and let my body be taken from it to help others lead longer lives. <br />
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Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby's face or love in the eyes of a woman. <br />
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Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain. <br />
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Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play. <br />
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Give my kidneys to the one who depends on a machine to exist wee to week. <br />
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Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk. <br />
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Explore every corner of my brain. <br />
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Take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that, someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain against her window. <br />
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Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow. <br />
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If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weakness and all prejudice against my fellow man.<br />
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Give my sins to the devil. Give my soul to God.<br />
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If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. <br />
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Poem by Robert TestKristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-79953803689803862402018-11-03T21:37:00.001-04:002018-11-03T21:37:12.868-04:00Little Cookbooks from the Michigan State University Library<br />
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Do you ever look for the original recipe or the old fashioned way of making something? Sometimes recipes get so manufactured or low fatted, sugar freed and skinny that it in no way resembles the original dish. <br />
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In my quest to become MSG free and eliminate nearly all processed foods, I am constantly looking at vintage recipes. It's back before Cream of Mushroom soup that the cook in the house made everything from scratch. (Obviously that's not entirely true, but it's certainly easier to find an entire cookbook with everything made from scratch from that era.)<br />
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For example, lately I've been looking for a cake recipe to take to one of my monthly potlucks. Just a plain cake to add to make an "easy" dessert. Those ubiquitous dump cake mixtures are pretty good, but I can't have the regular cake mixes anymore. I have found plain cake recipes, that aren't vintage, but they aren't in the middle of an old cookbook. I'm having more fun looking at the old photos, I bet. <br />
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Front cover of Kate Smith's book</div>
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All the photos in this post are from the <a href="https://lib.msu.edu/exhibits/sliker/jpgview.jsp?id=812&page=1" target="_blank"><b>MSU Library - Kate Smith's Favorite Recipes</b></a>. It's one of the small cookbooks, just 48 pages long, from the Brocker Collection. </div>
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Lately on Pinterest I have been finding a bunch of vintage cookbooks and many of them have linked back to Michigan State University. MSU has an extensive digital library of cookbooks and I keep finding more and more of them. The books have been scanned from the front cover to the back. If the books aren't useful to you, they sure are an interesting look at life in that time period. I've been entertained for several hours on the ins and outs of how to dig cellar and store crops for winter. After reading that one, I know for sure that I wasn't cut out for that life! <br />
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Back cover of Kate Smith's book</div>
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sponge cakes</div>
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Brownies, economical cupcakes and more</div>
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If you would like to see what other digital subjects are available at the MSU digital library, you can search <a href="https://lib.msu.edu/branches/dmc/digital/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.</div>
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I haven't found the perfect cake mix yet, but I'm sure it won't be long. I'll be sure and tell you all about it when I do. For now, I keep all of my vintage handwritten recipes and vintage cookbooks on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/photosontherun/recipes/" target="_blank"><b>Recipes board</b></a> in my Pinterest. You are more than welcome to peruse and pin at your leisure. </div>
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If you have any leads on some awesome digital cookbooks let me know! </div>
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Have a great day!</div>
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Kristin</div>
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Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-23961602503866008532018-11-02T23:30:00.000-04:002018-11-03T01:50:15.683-04:00Cat toys show up for food, too!<div style="text-align: center;">
Cat toys show up for food, too! </div>
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This morning when I woke up I noticed that there was a group of cat toys that had been assembled in and around the cat food. <br />
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I thought that one of the funniest was that little black and white cow was perched on the edge, just sort of peeking in. <br />
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The poor pink fish bones cat toy was flopped over the side and the Dali horse, had jumped right in. <br />
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Loki, the kitty, sniffed all of the toys and agreed that they were OK to have a meal with.<br />
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He decided to dine with everyone. Here it is a dozen hours later and the toys are still there, but nearly all the cat food has been eaten - except from under the horse. The horse always hides some. It's the emergency stash, I believe. <br />
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Have a great day!<br />
KristinKristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3865153402965095677.post-29812781962583275362018-11-01T23:08:00.000-04:002018-11-01T23:08:33.337-04:00Mini cupcakes<br />
Have you ever gotten a pack of those mini cupcakes? Our local Publix Supermarket has these all the time and usually around a holiday they come decorated in the current theme.<br />
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At our monthly potlucks, someone always seems to bring a pack of these and they are so good -- but I can never figure out how to get them out of the plastic without picking up the whole thing or getting my fingers into all of the surrounding cupcakes.<br />
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I know it may not seem like a big deal, but I was thrilled to pieces when I discovered how to pick them up! We had a pack of these mini cupcakes left at our house from our Halloween party last weekend. We had so many desserts that this little mini pack was totally ignored and wasn't opened.<br />
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So here I was, at home and looking for a treat and those mini cupcakes were just staring at me. Since I was home and not in public, I was able to make a mess trying to get the first few cupcakes out of the plastic container. At some point, after dinner a few days later, I had a fork in my hand while going by the cupcakes. I realized I could stab my fork into one and pull it right out!!<br />
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I swear lightning struck. The cake came right out. I didn't have to try to push from the bottom, touch other cakes or get frosting all over my knuckles. It was pure genius. Even if it took me three tries to spell genius, it was a genius move. Trust me.<br />
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The next time we have potluck - I'm going to put a couple forks into the mini cupcakes and I bet it will catch on and there will never me any leftover minis.<br />
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Enjoy your day!<br />
Kristin<br />
<br />Kristin - The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08856336718919208752noreply@blogger.com1