tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16339725064179741402024-03-13T06:17:59.031-07:00The Diet Coke DietMorgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-2779271777928411622012-03-01T12:58:00.000-08:002012-03-01T12:58:16.944-08:00Healthy (ish) Chocolate Cookies<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Hello Friends! </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I have a recipe for you today. I know, it's been ages. But, I think that you will agree that this particular recipe was worth the wait!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd3moZOeCuE/T0_W-J80nqI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/iVHi4CUHCPI/s1600/IMG_9837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd3moZOeCuE/T0_W-J80nqI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/iVHi4CUHCPI/s200/IMG_9837.JPG" uda="true" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Lately, I've been wondering if it's possible to make a cookie/treat that is more healthy than "normal" but that does not become oddly textured or overly dry because of substitutions like applesauce or black beans for oils/butter in recipes (I've also seen zuccinni puree, recipes that omit the fat entirely and other adventurous substitutions). The problem, as I see it, is that people tend to use regular recipes and just swap out ingredients, rather than creating new recipes that take into account the properties of the substituted ingredient. This little chocolate cookie was created from scratch (haha!) around its special ingredient (raisins!), which I think helps make the final product much better. Soooo, with that long-winded explanation, I give you my latest creation! </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Sorry, one more note: You're going to want a food processor for this one. A blender might work, but it will be pretty difficult to get the puree out of the jar. It's really, really sticky. Really. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
First, puree about 1-1.5 cups of regular raisins. You want to end up with about 3/4 cup of the raisin puree. More puree is okay, so if you are concerned, it's better to puree more than you need than not enough. This takes a while in the food processor. Keep pureeing until it sticks together in a ball. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Next, add 1/4 c. softened, unsalted butter to the food processor (this is the -ish part of the recipe. I've yet to successfully test a recipe for any kind of baked good that is completely fat free. Well, I've made some, but they were basically inedible. SO. Healthy-ish. Still a treat, but one you can feel much better about!) and process it with the raisins until it's all combined nicely. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Dump this mixture into a mixing bowl and add 1/2 c. white sugar and 1/2 c. packed brown sugar (if you want a cookie that is more "semi-sweet" chocolate flavor, you could probably do 1/4 c. white sugar. I wouldn't reduce the brown sugar, though. It's more moist and helps give the cookie its soft, chewy texture). Cream together your raisin/butter mixture and the sugars. Add 2 eggs (I have never tried these with egg substitute, but if you are feeling adventurous, give it a try and let me know how it goes) and keep creaming. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Add in the salt, baking powder and vanilla. Keep mixing. Mix, mix, mix. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl; that raisin puree is sticky and you want it to fully incorporate. Add in the cocoa. Mix, mix, mix. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
This is the tricky part (not really)-adding in the flour. Depending on where you live, the humidity and all that jazz, this is going to take between 1 and 2 cups of flour. Honestly? I'd eyeball it. I put 1 cup in and mix it all up then add more in about 1/4c intervals until the consistency is right. It should be pretty stiff dough, but not dry. Sticky is good! (think of a thick brownie batter). </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Now, you have a choice. You can bake them "as is" and have little chocolatey cookie deliciousness or you can say to yourself, "Self, I've ommitted most of the fat. I'm going to dump in some chocolate chips!" Whatever floats your boat. :-) But, chocolate chips pretty much end any illusion that these are "healthy" and they just become super tasty chocolate chip cookies. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Drop these onto a cookie sheet that you've sprayed with cooking spray (this is really important-the sugars and the fact that these have very little butter are a bad combo-they will stick to the tray if you don't spray it) and bake at 350 for about 7-9 minutes. They are done when they are puffy and still soft to the touch. Better to underbake a bit than over bake. DO NOT OVERBAKE. The bottoms will become crusty and gross and burnt tasting. Let them cool and finish off for a couple minutes before transfering them to a cooling rack! They are soft, chewy (almost like a brownie) and yummy! Even my husband likes them!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
The Recipe: </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFS-cL1zp7g/T0_XDn-4MYI/AAAAAAAAAeY/aw7v9_sCqfk/s1600/IMG_9838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFS-cL1zp7g/T0_XDn-4MYI/AAAAAAAAAeY/aw7v9_sCqfk/s320/IMG_9838.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></strong></a><strong>Low-Fat Chewy Chocolate Cookies</strong></div>
3/4 C raisin puree<br />
1/4 C unsalted butter<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
1-2 C all-purpose flour</div>
2/3 C cocoa powder<br />
1/2 C sugar<br />
1/2 C packed brown sugar<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
1 tsp baking soda</div>
1 tsp vanilla<br />
2 large eggs<br />
<br />
Optional: Chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Cream puree, butter and sugars together. Add eggs. Mix well. Add cocoa, salt, baking soda, vanilla. Mix well. Slowly add flour until the texture is stiff, but still sticky. Drop onto a greased (cooking spray) cookie sheet at bake at 350 for 7-9 minutes. Makes 36 cookies. Approx. 1.5g. fat and 72 calories per cookieErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02990910933615131132noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-8729722247383777012011-10-28T06:09:00.000-07:002011-10-28T07:23:01.344-07:00Candy Corn Halloween Treat BagsHello DCDer's! How's your October been? We've been great, here in Alabama. 2 birthdays out of the way (Little Man is 1! I am older than 1!) and now on to Halloween! We are planning to take our Little Yoda around trick-or-treating on our street and I wanted him to have a treat-holder-thingy that he can carry by himself (Doing things BY HIMSELF is very important to Little Man these days) and all of the retail options I could find were either 1. Ugly or 2. Way to big for him to carry around. So, I decided to make a little bag myself. I came up with a cute, little drawstring bag that is SO, SO easy and can be made in approximately 15 minutes. No lie. AND, as an added bonus, you can make it any size you want, so if you have bigger trick-or-treaters, you can make yours bigger. Or smaller. You know. Whatevs. Here's the little bag:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tq29x4SBCs/TqncEJwJu9I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/US6jZGvBG3A/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tq29x4SBCs/TqncEJwJu9I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/US6jZGvBG3A/s320/IMG_9538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See! So cute!</div>
<br />
You'll need: (this is for an 8 inch-ish, square-ish bag, you can change the measurements to make the bags whatever size you want...more on that later)<br />
<br />
1 strip each yellow, orange and white fabric cut to 16 inches by about 3 inches (these measurements don't have to be perfect...just close enough)<br />
<br />
Some thread to sew the thing together<br />
<br />
Now:<br />
<br />
1. Sew the strips together along the long side: yellow, then orange, then white. Like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDsrHHK3bAc/TqndhkRkjdI/AAAAAAAAAbk/qNEsC5cM3dg/s1600/IMG_9532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDsrHHK3bAc/TqndhkRkjdI/AAAAAAAAAbk/qNEsC5cM3dg/s320/IMG_9532.JPG" width="320" /></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;">
2. Fold the top of the white strip over about 1/2 an inch (towards the wrong side) and sew that down right along the raw edge (I used a zig-zag...you can do whatever floats your boat.) </div>
<br />
3. Fold this in half "hamburger" style (so it's basically a square. It won't be perfectly square. That's okay) and sew the bottom seam and nearly to the top on the side seam. DON"T SEW THROUGH THE FOLDED OVER PART. That's where we are going to put the drawstring. Just stop right at the seam you made when you folded over the white strip. It should look like this now:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GvetnxezfE/Tqne7zmXMII/AAAAAAAAAbw/ONnQZzPPluQ/s1600/IMG_9536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GvetnxezfE/Tqne7zmXMII/AAAAAAAAAbw/ONnQZzPPluQ/s320/IMG_9536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Mostly square, inside out, top casing isn't sewn shut. Good to go.<br />
<br />
3. Take a strip of scrap fabric about 16 inches long and about 1/2in wide and stick a safety pin through one end. Use the safety pin to thread the strip through the casing at the top of the bag. Make sure you leave one end hanging out about 2 inches, other wise you have to pull it out and start again. The fabric will bunch up as you do this. Just keep pushing the strip through and straightening out the bunches as you go. It sounds more complicated than it is.<br />
<br />
4. When you have the strip all the way through and hanging out of both ends, get all the gathers out of the top, so that the bag will lay flat again and tie a knot as close to the bag as you can, then trim the excess strips. On the left, bunchy. On the right, pulled flat and tied off.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAn0kVi7ZaA/Tqnf6E2ojjI/AAAAAAAAAb8/E8kzLHDgS3A/s1600/IMG_9539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAn0kVi7ZaA/Tqnf6E2ojjI/AAAAAAAAAb8/E8kzLHDgS3A/s320/IMG_9539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
You're done! When you pull the bag closed, you'll have a handy little handle for your little person to hold onto as they hit the neighbors up for candy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also shrunk the bags a bit and made several tiny little treat bags to take to people at church. I just reduced the size of the strips to 2.5 inches wide and about 12 inches long, to make a final bag about 5 inches square. Here's the little ones with a finished bigger size.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0r9gvwcMe0/TqqoZbBAZKI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/0nH73VFovRE/s1600/IMG_9540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0r9gvwcMe0/TqqoZbBAZKI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/0nH73VFovRE/s320/IMG_9540.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
When they are closed, they look like little candy-corns! So cute! <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02990910933615131132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-10504357989596917822011-10-04T10:41:00.001-07:002011-10-04T10:41:12.659-07:00A Little Bit of Motivation...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZ0oOpIzefs/TotFL0UqxSI/AAAAAAAAAaw/x_bZYDBbSpY/s1600/LessPinning_2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZ0oOpIzefs/TotFL0UqxSI/AAAAAAAAAaw/x_bZYDBbSpY/s320/LessPinning_2-001.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02990910933615131132noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-88397038518915575562011-09-08T14:30:00.000-07:002011-09-08T14:31:05.462-07:00Eat Organic Cheaply, Part Deux<img height="150" src="http://palladinofarms.com/images/img_0475.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<i>Photo credit: Palladinofarms.com</i><br />
<br />
Okay, so if you're going to attempt to convert an entire family's diet from conventional to organic and continue to attempt to eat roughly the same way, well, you'll either fail or spend unbelievable amounts of money.<br />
<br />
You CAN eat processed organic foods. They are quite tasty sure, but at twice the price of regular old conventional foods, well, that seems kind of silly.<br />
<br />
Instead, perhaps, if you're striving for simply MORE organic and less conventional, you'll have more success by picking and choosing the things that matter most to you and your family's needs.<br />
<br />
For example, in our home the things that matter 100% the most are organic, free-range meats. The comparison between the two is unreal. So, for US, meat is king. It's also something we don't eat a lot of, so a couple of pounds of organic meat is do-able. If we had more sustainable, local options, believe me, we'd use them!<br />
<br />
So, choose what matters most. Is it the pesticides on conventional produce? Or is it freeing yourself from conventional dairy products? Read up, and find ways to get what you need at it's most basic form locally. If that fails, then move to grocers who support organic farming and sustainability.<br />
<br />
Be creative and find ways to get what you need. It doesn't have to double your food budget!Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-10710706364830101232011-08-30T20:27:00.000-07:002011-08-30T20:27:29.543-07:00How to Eat Organic Cheaply<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NOo52NsBl2b9-IZPPLql_2ScDvD0SCd95H9dOl-pm6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lmwQ1jLW5aM/Tl2obQZuGJI/AAAAAAAAKUc/W1Hcdn0cJOA/s400/IMG_20110830_174620%252520%2525281%252529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/August2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKiyqfiAv-XH6wE&feat=embedwebsite">August 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><i>Ezra enjoying gnawing toothlessly on an organic carrot stick. YUM. </i></div><div><br />
I can not tell a lie. Eating conventional foods is MUCH MUCH cheaper than eating their organic counterparts.<br />
<br />
I will not be going into WHY one should eat organic foods beyond this:. the facts are simple: our world is sick. Our children are sick. Autism rates are painfully high, allergies are terrifying real, asthma is plaguing people. People are obese and dying from it. Pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, antibiotics and hormones infect our food at alarming levels.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://naturalbias.com/7-major-reasons-to-go-organic/">Organic takes food to a different level.</a><br />
<br />
If you don't care, can't care, don't have the energy, I totally get that because I have been there. Maybe a small change here or there might make you happier and the world a little better. Maybe not. Totally YOUR CALL.<br />
<br />
Ain't life grand that way?<br />
<br />
If you're interested at all, then you should give it a whirl. Gone are the days of organic=cardboard. Healthful, organic foods are available in every single variety a person could desire, for every type of diet on the planet.<br />
<br />
If you're not convinced do some <a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/">further googling. </a>I promise you'll see what I'm saying. I'm a convert to the whole institution, and no I do not eat and feed my family organic foods 100% of the time. But I do as much as I can, which is far more than it used to be. I'm getting better each and every week.<br />
<br />
So, let's say you WANT to eat organic, but need to be careful on your budget? Welcome to my new series:<br />
<br />
HOW TO EAT ORGANIC CHEAPLY!<br />
<br />
Awesome-sauce. I know.<br />
<br />
Today's lesson: It's more of a "don't worry" than a "do do."<br />
<br />
Don't bother with organic bananas.<br />
<br />
Yup. If you want bananas, just buy conventional ones.<br />
<br />
Why? Because the skins are VERY VERY thick on bananas. So while they are still covered in pesticides and other yuckies, the fruit itself is fairly well protected.<br />
<br />
If you're eating on a budget, don't spend your careful grocery budget on organic bananas. There are things that matter FAR more.<br />
<br />
There? Don't you feel good? You're ALREADY ON THE RIGHT PATH!<br />
<br />
Congratulations.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned friends. This is a good one!</div>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-56102676857924181692011-08-24T20:27:00.000-07:002011-08-24T20:28:50.415-07:00Make Vintage-Inspired Blue Glass JarsI'm deeply in love with<a href="http://pinterest.com/doulamorgan/"> Pinterest.</a> The things I see on there! Mason jars are EVERYWHERE. And one of the coolest ones I saw was turning<a href="http://craftberrybush.blogspot.com/2011/03/mason-blue-glass-canning-jar-diy.html"> regular old clear glass into blue</a>.<br />
<br />
So pretty.<br />
<br />
So I did it myself for some vases for a baby shower I'm hosting.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6DLcF2-qo6476DktyVP8A2ScDvD0SCd95H9dOl-pm6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v555gM0UuUQ/TlXAUd6IYmI/AAAAAAAAKT4/R72_tWQ0j6c/s400/IMG_20110816_141025.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/August2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKiyqfiAv-XH6wE&feat=embedwebsite">August 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Rsu9gEUAsX_DAt1yeiPR2GScDvD0SCd95H9dOl-pm6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XhlMY9usGAs/TlXARAmcDuI/AAAAAAAAKTw/qqVhNZuWtYM/s400/IMG_20110816_141623.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/August2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKiyqfiAv-XH6wE&feat=embedwebsite">August 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zNOvmLgOFNd0aywXT1E3KWScDvD0SCd95H9dOl-pm6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UrSCtU_Grlk/TlXASU1jZqI/AAAAAAAAKT0/7kbzWfrlI60/s400/IMG_20110816_174641.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/August2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKiyqfiAv-XH6wE&feat=embedwebsite">August 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It's not quite as smooth or as clear as I would like. I need to mess with my glue to water ratio. I did exactly as she said and mine are cloudier than hers.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking I'll wash them off one more time and try again before Saturday to get them perfect.<br />
<br />
But it did work! So pretty!<br />
<br />
Mason jars. I love thee.<br />
<br />
<br />
Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-81466981418044739622011-08-22T19:52:00.000-07:002011-08-22T19:52:07.928-07:00Goals for the New School Year<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I85HHGvO_Auv8QBjktuYQ2ScDvD0SCd95H9dOl-pm6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z92xqmZ9krQ/TlMS_jG2tFI/AAAAAAAAKTc/Fh3DLleJvjc/s400/IMG_20110822_134920.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/August2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKiyqfiAv-XH6wE&feat=embedwebsite">August 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, the new school year is coming upon many of us. <div><br />
</div><div>A fresh start. </div><div><br />
</div><div>A blank slate. </div><div><br />
</div><div>A new spiral bound notebook of possibilities.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Okay, enough of that. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I am a bit obsessed with goal-setting. New Year's Resolutions? Don't mind if I do! Birthday? Goals galore? New school year? Yes please!</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, I've got a whole slew of goals to accomplish this year. Personal, for the kids and for our family. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Do you? </div><div><br />
</div><div>I mean, it can be as simple as, "Andrea will learn to tie her shoes this year!" And then you work with her on it. Even if she isn't quite there by summer 2012, at least you worked toward it! Good for you!</div><div><br />
</div><div>It could be also, "Read a book a month as a family." See how very school-related that is?</div><div><br />
</div><div>Set three goals for the school year! </div><div>1. Personal</div><div>2. Kids</div><div>3. Family</div><div><br />
</div><div>ANNNNDDD GO! </div>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-8330274113063040322011-08-15T19:56:00.000-07:002011-08-15T19:57:08.682-07:00*Is this thing on?*Hi Friends, can I still call you that? How are you? I'm fine, thanks...<br />
<br />
What would you say if I... um... started posting here again?<br />
<br />
You see, I've missed you, my diet coke diet friends. So much. My life is making more sense, and I found that I was posting A LOT of DCD-type material on my personal blog. Silly really. That's what THIS space is for.<br />
<br />
So, if you would be so kind, to um, read here again?<br />
<br />
I'll move some of my stuff over from <a href="http://ingfamily.blogspot.com/">The Ing Family</a> just for you.<br />
<br />
Does that sound like a plan?<br />
<br />
I think that we could have a lot of fun.<br />
<br />
Oh, and random sidenote, I think I will have to change the name of this here how-to blog. You see, some advertising/sponsorship opportunities have fallen through because of the *name* of The Diet Coke Diet. Some silly thing about "protected" or "copyright" or "Trademark." SILLY things really.<br />
<br />
Anyone have any good ideas? Cuz I got NOTHIN!<br />
<br />
Hi. It feels good to be back.Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-10881480152116983042011-08-12T19:59:00.000-07:002011-08-15T20:02:02.049-07:00Kid Art DisplayKids (all kids, I think) love to display the things they create. Heck, so do grown-ups! When the boys create something "artsy" they want to show it off. Our walls/fridge have served us well the past year of home schooling, but um, I realized we needed to make different arrangements when Spencer stapled (23 times) to the wall a piece of paper with a tiny bit of art on it.<br />
<br />
Don't believe me? Think I'm exaggerating?<br />
<br />
Exhibit A:<br />
<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ED_-8o3o_ctQmRo8e9ffR2ScDvD0SCd95H9dOl-pm6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bsJT79Eicn0/TkQsoKPgN0I/AAAAAAAAKQg/cRHVLY2SgV8/s400/IMG_20110811_130943.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/August2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKiyqfiAv-XH6wE&feat=embedwebsite">August 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Overkill much?<br />
<br />
So, I started combing the interwebz for options for "kids art displays" many featured frames and clothes pins and other lovely homey type things.<br />
<br />
Then the thrift store came to my rescue. What's that? A giant, glass-less frame for 10 dollars? Don't mind if I do! Excuse me? Krylon spray paint? Oh, yes please! Clothes pins? I'll just rob ma clothes line! Wire? Home Depot, you got my back!<br />
<br />
And thus the "kid art picture frame" was born. I just painted it, sanded it to make it look less, erm, nice. Cuz really, "nice" doesn't stand a chance around here. And then I attached a picture frame hanging kit three times to the back. It's pretty, and messed up a bit and uneven, and well, exactly as it should be.<br />
<br />
Not too shabby. Just shabby enough to fit in around here. I had the boys draw me some stuff to put up for picture taking. They came through... kind of. "This is you when you're angry, Mom," says Henry.<br />
<br />
Hmm.<br />
<br />
Alas, can't win them all.<br />
<br />
Here it is folks: $15 dollars.<br />
<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-zCmOgbRXHHzPIm9iiHfXWScDvD0SCd95H9dOl-pm6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eSyIFMFNuDU/TkQsnq2SPGI/AAAAAAAAKQc/vZRgDJTXUmY/s400/IMG_20110811_130848.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/August2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKiyqfiAv-XH6wE&feat=embedwebsite">August 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Love the shadow-y phone pics. Sigh, my SD card for my camera is MIA<br />
<div><br />
But, regardless of craptastic photography, I am in LOVE with it. LOVE!</div><br />
So, there. Yup, I have no conclusion to this post.<br />
<br />
<div><br />
</div>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-28770746043235698942011-06-25T19:58:00.000-07:002011-08-15T19:59:53.620-07:00Chicken Kabobs<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, I got the chance to participate in <a href="http://www.blogher.com/knorr-four-recipe-contest">BlogHer's Knorr Chicken Stock Recipe</a> contest. SO exciting. So, with Derek's help, we created something out of a little tub of concentrated stock. I get to now claim having created a recipe from absolute zero. It was a blast! And the results? Delicious. It makes a light but filling summer meal. I highly recommend it. But of course, I created it. ;)<br />
<br />
<u>Mediterranean Chicken </u></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 Knorr Stock Concentrate</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 cup boiling water</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/2 cup chopped chives</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2 garlic cloves chopped</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 teaspoon dried oregano</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon dried basil</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/4 teaspoon dried thyme</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/8 teaspoon dried ginger</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/8 teaspoon Red pepper</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Salt and pepper to taste</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2 tablespoons olive oil</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">8 chicken breasts, chopped</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u>Grilled Greek Olives</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">8 oz mixed olives</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 bell pepper</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/2 cup marinade</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u>Lemon Rice</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3 cups boiling water </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 Knorr Stock Concentrate</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3 cups rice</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/2 lemon, zested and juiced</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 teaspoon paprika</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Salt and pepper to taste</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Four pitas, cut in half (or 8 halves, depending on brand)</div></div><div></div><br />
<br />
Serves: 8<br />
Cook time:<br />
Chicken, 20 minutes<br />
Olives, 10 minutes<br />
Rice (instant) 15 minutes<br />
<br />
And now for the details!<br />
Marinade:<br />
<div></div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VdTr2Ft24n0e1-6o8VeCciRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gmq2ETPTkwo/ThE27EHQWaI/AAAAAAAAKEg/trk2lopsows/s400/107_1108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mIug8sZvFNqIEntARS9syiRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KTIvsyaoDbI/ThE2792ANuI/AAAAAAAAKEk/h70lISG1Kpg/s400/107_1109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Whisk stock and boiling water until dissolved</div><div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j2uPhdEWLSqoGnexdE7mtCRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VaLjKJl3Uic/ThE29H2IRSI/AAAAAAAAKEo/GmSr5UxXq1w/s400/107_1111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div>Mix in the yogurt until completely incorporated</div><div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ORCVQF9dOIkB_dxA7uIH1SRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iCfrQsQoJ-s/ThE297WHwCI/AAAAAAAAKEs/sTHf39W1Y-Y/s400/107_1112.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Add all the spices and olive oil together, then add to yogurt/stock mixture.</div><div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GELrBY58wC-Zk4uMKKn1TyRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Va_UhoYS3V0/ThE25rwvBUI/AAAAAAAAKEc/qYmfh6ipmZ0/s400/107_1105.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cO23dUZAJSubkgLPnJpemSRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-muYc4Wp3Oo0/ThE2-2wYWRI/AAAAAAAAKEw/PRq6qB_9h1A/s400/107_1113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div>Chop the chicken. </div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LOA-4m1iJHNcVyo0i_iu3SRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4qgSwiZ5te8/ThE3AQiFw9I/AAAAAAAAKE0/n4mOkNqBVec/s400/107_1114.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Cover chicken with marinade. Reserve 1/2 cup marinade (before covering the chicken) for later. </div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jl7DnlBQthnrCJh1xyCHKSRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WPTmziMLy7g/ThE3Bd5QPYI/AAAAAAAAKE4/Te4aVsMPCdk/s400/107_1115.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Refrigerate 6 hours. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Skewer the chicken and pour the marinade that dripped off from the chicken back over the chicken.</div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-UjBlODR4wcFL2Owwf7kmCRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dM5MJHWakdY/ThE3CfNBFMI/AAAAAAAAKE8/40HxBxGiKhU/s400/107_1120.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Chop bell pepper and kabob with the olives, use the 1/2 cup reserved marinade on the veggies. </div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tQMCFDuT6t1S50ToPI4DpyRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MXppbqfzK7E/ThE3Dk5WcOI/AAAAAAAAKFA/dOwjpRWoThk/s400/107_1121.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dq0nyo1fAl2DNjdB2D5K8iRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kl3K5Tc3o1c/ThE3GULYbLI/AAAAAAAAKFE/rPypEL02Lvk/s400/107_1122.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Grill chicken for 20 minutes on medium heat, turning frequently to cook evenly. </div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kcg4lEc02MRDpKdMPaP0lyRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3zWJRstICQo/ThE3J9qUBRI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/7N19jhbLTLk/s400/107_1129.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Grill veggies for the final 10 minutes. </div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OLGC2OtJVQf5Z_qc3YZroCRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zQku_qigfq4/ThE3P-ebkrI/AAAAAAAAKFg/epDyy7iwxAM/s400/107_1133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M0hYirTROr2WGpvnkgX9BCRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jT1W6I1jePg/ThE3RTJy0WI/AAAAAAAAKFk/elpG-evbr7Y/s400/107_1134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Lemon Rice: </div><div>Boil 3 cups water, add 1 Knorr Stock Concentrate, whisk to combine, bring water to boil again, add rice, and 2 bay leaves. </div><div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qs_YvhfevMZDkt-iPxetwiRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aRvdkR_seOU/ThE3HsOlSaI/AAAAAAAAKFI/VK5LsSALA2I/s400/107_1124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1-G2Ad7JrnpbCAeqRatYXCRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WEGTGAHfchs/ThE3OooLrEI/AAAAAAAAKFc/p-OyXF0jH28/s400/107_1132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>Cook according to package instructions. </div><div><br />
</div><div>While the rice is cooking, zest and juice half a lemon.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yrfMlmkrhFvAVaRa6lisKyRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fzg6WdeXN7A/ThE3ImYeI1I/AAAAAAAAKFM/ujgO5kk0N1A/s400/107_1126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SbMuLP0SXw5uTo7ndxV-iCRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--OwUTSGdAk0/ThE3MF9WiMI/AAAAAAAAKFU/cFSOSRdDhlo/s400/107_1130.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>When rice is finished, remove the bay leaves and discard.<br />
<br />
Add lemon juice and zest, 1 teaspoon paprika and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Grill the pita for one minute on each side. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Viola! Mediterranean Chicken, Greek Olives and Lemon Rice with grilled pita on the side. </div><div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zT6EdN8q51JaZjencGdrfiRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4Ia2uCwokZU/ThE3TomZvKI/AAAAAAAAKFs/OZb2J3x19vs/s400/107_1144.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DgVdyU6g658-7_RGaGNc2yRTvKrPhD2SmAOk37rSpjk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UAKK2dW125E/ThE3SQxFObI/AAAAAAAAKFo/dzIdqswn-g0/s400/107_1140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/June2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyBm_XUjeToMw&feat=embedwebsite">June 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div>Yum!<br />
<br />
Some notes:<br />
<br />
~If you don't have time to marinade, just dredge the chicken and grill it immediately, it will still be delicious.<br />
<br />
~If you can't/don't grill then you can stove-top grill the chicken. Just skip the skewer stage and use a well-oiled skillet and turn frequently to avoid burning, cook it on medium and it will be done in about 10 minutes. Toss the olives and peppers in with the chicken the last few minutes.<br />
<br />
~ You can control the lemony flavor of the rice by adding more or less zest and lemon. An entire lemon's zest and juice yields a very tart rice, but the flavor will mellow by the next day, so if making ahead of time, a whole lemon won't be too much.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<u><br />
</u></div><div><br />
</div>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-73583068617722588542010-12-27T12:21:00.000-08:002010-12-27T12:21:11.829-08:00Hi Friends.It's me. Morgan. How are you? How were your Christmas celebrations? Did you get a new Ipad? Hope not, cuz the next one comes out in like three months and it's got a video camera. How about that?<br />
<br />
Anyway, sorry. We're not here to discuss Ipads.<br />
<br />
I'm here to tell you I'm retiring. <br />
<br />
Okay, not really, but I am <a href="http://www.ingfamily.blogspot.com/">moving locales</a>. See, I am finding that having 100 children is proving to be a bit like well, like the old woman who lived in the shoe, see? So, since I have so many children, I don't know what to do, and I don't believe in spanking, I'm forced to like, parent them and stuff. <br />
<br />
This is hard for me. <br />
<br />
And I am finding that since <a href="http://isaacanderin.blogspot.com/">Erin had a baby</a> and is working full time she's never around anymore. <br />
<br />
And I don't want to just leave The Diet Coke Diet to die a quiet death, slipping into the night like a long forgotten PBandJ sandwich left on the dinner table. Ya feel me? <br />
<br />
I know you do. <br />
<br />
And while I have a lot ideas, I have no time to make them come to fruition. Like I said, 100 children is a lot. <br />
<br />
Don't cry for me, Blog-friends. The truth is, I never left you. I've just been blogging primarily at my family's site. And I've decided to leave this space for a while, and take any and all how-to's I might create there with me. <br />
<br />
I'm toying with importing this here blog into that there blog, but frankly I'm not entirely certain how that would work and it makes me mighty twitchy. Cuz I don't want to mess up EITHER blog's content or dating, or whatev. <br />
<br />
So, for now, I'll not be updating here. Please PLEASE PLEASE join me at <a href="http://www.ingfamily.blogspot.com/">The -Ing Family</a> if you haven't already. It's a bit more "kids" and "family" but like I said, I'm going to go ahead and start incorporating some how-to's there as well. To keep it all balanced. <br />
<br />
Balance is important, I think. <br />
<br />
Right? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ingfamily.blogspot.com/">Join me friends</a>. It'll be fun. <br />
<br />
And if/when my 100 children cease to be a huge demand on my time to the point where the only how-to's I am writing are "How to check and see if anyone has on clean underwear" I'll let you know. I promise. You'll be the first to know. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ingfamily.blogspot.com/">Come on over</a>.Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-84493433402737974422010-12-17T14:01:00.000-08:002010-12-17T14:01:32.229-08:00How to Bring Christmas CheerHi all! So, I'm not fully "back" into the swing of things. Did you know that four kids is A LOT? Yes. It is.<br />
<br />
Anyway, because of our very very very new newbie + the stomach flu for the older three, it's been a little less than jolly around here. The baby is not so much the problem, he's kind of easy, and straightforward. Eat, sleep and poop, like all newborns. No, it's more the end of the semester for the husband (who not only is a PhD student but a professor as well, DOUBLE-WHAMMY!) and a leaky toilet causing all kinds of issues, and cold weather and did I mention the stomach flu?<br />
<br />
See? My days are looking a little less than merry and bright.<br />
<br />
But, that doesn't change the fact that it's CHRISTMAS in a week, and kids don't care if parents are stressed or tired or sick or anything else. They just want to enjoy Christmas.<br />
<br />
So, I'm trying to bring the cheer around here. We made cookies (during the stomach flu, I am FANTASTIC!). And I'm looking at fantastic Christmas crafts that I have no energy to do, but we did paint wooden ornaments.<br />
<br />
So, tell me friends, how are YOU bringing the cheer to your home this year? Parties? Baked goods? Got any good recipes to share? Ginger bread or graham cracker houses? Caroling? Service? What are you doing to be merry and bright? Inspire me, folks. I am a mama in need.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HlrSJiAy8FDN0_54myBb_cAYfNIzKhyh1qCxcFlzwtI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TPT70v46SVI/AAAAAAAAJH0/DacSMViqmSU/s400/107_0251.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/December2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCNSzqMiLm82N8gE&feat=embedwebsite">December 2010</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-58068128921309974452010-12-08T15:24:00.000-08:002010-12-08T15:24:16.098-08:00How to... Homebirth, I guess?Hi all. I had a baby!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ingfamily.blogspot.com/2010/12/worlds-longest-homebirth-story-story.html">You can read it here</a>.Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-10945912862624253722010-12-01T15:39:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:40:13.438-08:00Clothing Organizer BagWell, with almost four kids, I am attempting to streamline our "everyday" things, ya know? I mean, like getting dressed for instance. I'm not ready to pull a Duggars and make everyone wear blue every Tuesday, but still, a little bit of smooth-ness to our daily routine is not unwelcome.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>To that end, I decided the best way to get our mornings to be happy times (besides my grumpiness) is to set everything up the night before. But with little boys, "laying out" clothing is simply not an option. It will end up everywhere, all over the floor. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So, I created these "Clothing Bags," and each night, we'll throw tomorrow's outfit in each bag. It's great! It's adorable, and it's easy. Each bag is assigned a kid, there is no mistaking it. And Sundays? Prechurch? Forgetaboutit! I have big plans for that. We can even put their church shoes in the night before, so there is no, "WHERE IS SPENCER'S SHOE!" I am excited!</div><div><br />
</div><div>To make the bags, I used fabric I already had in my stash, which equaled out to FREE. It really doesn't need to cost a thing! If you haven't got fabric, why not slash up an old pillow case? That'd be SUPER easy!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I did the <a href="http://www.thedietcokediet.com/2010/08/how-to-make-nature-bag.html">Nature Bags</a> basically, but on a bigger scale and rather than a strap, I added a little loop to hang on a hook. Fabulous. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So, I started with one 15"x15" square and for the back, a 15"x20" rectangle. The rectangle makes the flap, see? Depending on how large your children are, you may need to make a different size. Do what you must. </div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sdn7LmFQUq5DWHgUtL2m9l6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TPbZErpSuqI/AAAAAAAAJI4/dFtYCxyQSjU/s400/107_0257.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I made three at once, cuz I have three boys. <br />
<br />
Then I did the monograms. I just used my pinking shears and sewed them on in the middle of the front square piece.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uSO68aT71VDplTqpts1iHl6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TPbZFL2rO5I/AAAAAAAAJI8/M_MsVQYOfUg/s400/107_0258.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Then the bags got sewn up and the flaps made. I sewed the loops just from scraps from the bags, on the back side, right in the middle.<br />
<br />
EASY!<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4UwVY7H4kJBUsnlh_iYXE16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TPbZGhd0NMI/AAAAAAAAJJA/-iIUxAQJKGg/s400/107_0259.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>And I use command hooks to hang them on. I purposely hang them up high, because really, I don't want them getting into them once they are packed for the next day. <br />
<br />
Some things I learned from this project:<br />
1. Polar fleece DOES NOT work for applique work. No, it does not. It stretches way way way too much. So, on attempt #2 I just used cotton and pinking shears was much more successful.<br />
2. Don't try to sew bags for your kids when they are hungry. It makes Mommy angry, which means I end up needing a seam ripper.<br />
<br />
So there it is. An easy way to streamline your life in the mornings.<br />
<br />
And if I utterly disappear for a while, well, I'm counting down the days (FIVE) until our fourth is due, so just hang tight. I'll be back, I promise!<br />
<div><br />
</div>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-52705932248306940912010-11-15T18:47:00.000-08:002010-11-15T18:47:01.744-08:00Thanksgiving ThankfulnessSo, my kids are very little, in comparison to... um... other people's kids??? Anyway, so we're working on gratitude and thankfulness since it's that season (I am a FIRM believer in Thanksgiving. Do not talk to me about Christmas until NEXT Friday, do you understand?) And since I love Thanksgiving and what it means, I want to instill in them the importance of being thankful for our blessings.<br />
<br />
Since they are so very young, things like, "my toys" are high on their lists, which I recognize is important. But, I want to start cultivating in them that deep-seeded joy that comes from realizing that we have WAY more than a lot of people, and are indeed, richly blessed.<br />
<br />
SO, tell me friends. How do you teach and cultivate that gratitude in your children? How do you help them recognize what they have?Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-25482476794209500552010-11-11T19:14:00.000-08:002010-11-20T13:05:52.304-08:00How to Buy UsedOkay, so moving has been totally kicking my trash. We've been occupants for almost two weeks of this house, but only actually LIVING here full time since Tuesday. It's been insane. In the meantime, other than wall-hangings and one random box that makes me tear up a bit we're in!<br />
<br />
Except I can't find my flinging-flanging camera, which is technically vital to today's post, but whatev, we're going at it, picture-less.<br />
<br />
When we left Las Vegas almost 8 months ago, we got rid of A LOT. I mean, anything I figured we didn't really *need* got sold or donated or chucked. Kitchen tables (two of them!) bookshelves, toddler bed, my dvd players (both of them apparently) my piano, the lovesac, the list goes on and on. We knew we'd be storing stuff for a long time, and didn't want to pay to store stuff we didn't really love.<br />
<br />
Well, suddenly, I am faced with an empty house, almost no furniture and zero money. Gotta love relocation, right? We needed a kitchen table, we needed a washer and dryer, we needed two couches, (seriously actually NEEDED!), we needed a DVD player, see? We had all this stuff, but we really really needed certain other things.<br />
<br />
A budget is a funny thing. You can *choose* to ignore it and pay the price later (hello credit card!) or you can choose to stay within it, and eat on the floor. OR there is indeed a third option.<br />
<br />
We found a happy middle ground: BUY USED.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
So, why do you need a cheapo new table from Walmart, when the thrift store (ala Goodwill, Desert Industries, etc) has a fantastic one for $10? Does it HAVE to be new? I don't have cash or space for fancy. So it's either big-box, mass-produced, not so good, or used and sturdy. I chose used and sturdy.<br />
<br />
I had exactly $250 to purchase a washer and dryer. Not each, TOTAL. Enter the internet. Craigslist is your friend. You have to sort through scams sometimes, but still, totally worth it. You can refine your search right down to what you need. In Utah, where I'm located, KSL.com classified are where it's at. Everywhere else in the world is Craigslist. Derek found me a set the night before we moved, $200 and the guy delivered them for FREE.<br />
<br />
That's right, I saved myself $50. (Derek is my hero! He is a classifieds professional.)<br />
<br />
Same with our "new" couches downstairs. We have a tiny house and a little basement and tight stairs. So, we went to Ikea and found the ONE couch that would go. ONE. It was $150. So, we decided to come back in a couple of days, when we could get it home, and buy it.<br />
<br />
That night, Derek found the exact same couch on the internet for $40. It was basically brand-new.<br />
<br />
I'm not telling you this to brag (okay a little!) I'm just saying, do not EVER discount the idea that someone else is desperately trying to get rid of whatever it is that you desperately need. If you have the money to pay $1,000 for couches, then great, I think you should. But for us, and our current situation, it just isn't possible.<br />
<br />
Add in the idea that recycling is a great thing to do, and buying used really is a good deal. You're lowering your own personal consumption of the resources of the world. Don't you feel good about that?<br />
<br />
I love that I can look around my home and see things that were 1. Given to me by loving family 2. Carefully purchased used or 3. Saved up for to purchase new. It is a great feeling of satisfaction when it isn't just "stuff."<br />
<br />
So, next time you need something, check your thrift stores, ask friends and family if anyone has one to sell, or hit the classifieds. I am willing to bet, even if it takes a bit longer than a trip to Walmart, that soon, you'll find exactly what you're looking for.<br />
<br />
Good luck!Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-29723963048365199822010-11-02T19:28:00.000-07:002010-11-02T19:31:07.448-07:00How to Make PantsWith no pattern...<br />
<br />
Now, don't judge. I realize that after <a href="http://www.thedietcokediet.com/2010/10/well-folks.html">THIS post</a> I have no business talking about how to make pants, but in reality, I really REALLY know how. Scout's honor!<br />
<br />
Step One: Choose fabric. For anything 4T or smaller 1 yard will work, anything bigger needs more, obviously. For jammies, flannel is fun. For "real" pants, you can do corduroy, or cotton or denim.<br />
<br />
Step Two: Use a pair of pants that you already have as a guide.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UOKQe_Fp-kXMJ3upvAjt3V6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TIT0Yi4s1nI/AAAAAAAAIxA/WCohJpENeRM/s400/103_1565.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Step Three: Use the pants as a guide, and pin them to your fabric, folded in half, to make a one-legged "pattern." Cut the leg out, giving yourself an inch seam allowance, except for the waist, and hem.. Do FOUR inches for the waist, and however much you need for a hem you'll be happy with. (I do about two inches.)<br />
<br />
Step Four: Unpin the pants, and flip them over, so you're making ANOTHER leg, two sided. Repeat the cutting out of the pants. You will have two legs that when laid next to each other, look like pants. <br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8xEHGVlMWUu-tPLWBk8_V16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TIT0ZV3s26I/AAAAAAAAIxE/ePqYxMA0F50/s400/103_1566.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Step Five: Sew up each pant leg on the OUTSIDE edge all the way to the top. Sew up each inside leg to the ANGLE (which is the crotch.) STOP sewing before the crotch. <br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IgkhfF8CjpRfhmPq1Tu-F16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TIT0aGmcUSI/AAAAAAAAIxI/72TUNXAJA7U/s400/103_1567.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Lookit! Pant-type-looking-thing!<br />
<br />
Step Six: Turn one pant leg right side out, and leave the other inside out. <br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X1RYgmNN_KZMjqFY8AlZ6F6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TIT0cVeT3wI/AAAAAAAAIxQ/lhP2k4i4kNo/s400/103_1570.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Step Seven: Stick the RIGHT SIDE OUT leg inside the INSIDE OUT LEG and pin the crotch together. And sew the half circle seam.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oiUxQp7TAOfZYMD3ntkW-F6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TIT0d7L1t2I/AAAAAAAAIxY/NrIkEdJ7JlQ/s400/103_1572.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Woah! Pants. <br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kn0LtKolvcmBNFYq8zszbl6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TIT0eu1zjEI/AAAAAAAAIxc/2u-budKYnBw/s400/103_1573.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Step Eight: <a href="http://www.thedietcokediet.com/2010/07/how-to-make-skirt-with-no-pattern.html">Do the waist band</a> (some things never change!)<br />
<br />
Step Nine: <a href="http://www.thedietcokediet.com/2010/07/how-to-make-skirt-with-no-pattern.html">Do the hem. </a><br />
<br />
Step Ten: Wear the pants (or have your kid wear them.)<br />
<br />
Here is a stack of little boy pants I made from an old sheet. <br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tCdSqNJTGTSKUlJ1vXkjpF6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TIT0fnoXMYI/AAAAAAAAIxg/M-1oS9-KGOc/s400/103_1574.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Incidentally, this is the same fabric I attempted to create my OWN pants and failed so miserably. But, see??? I can do it. And so can you. <br />
<br />
Here are the pants in action, Oliver DESTROYING the kitchen. <br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CBJF2rLEbzrgC3RQY-3m6Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKyE52rhtcI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/u7QRwTFk-SM/s400/105_0120.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/October2010?feat=embedwebsite">October 2010</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-36132702089078821742010-10-27T07:26:00.000-07:002010-10-27T07:27:41.999-07:00Halloween Traditions<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u8iANH_a3xLEbaMR2J26Dw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TMY1YWHwjeI/AAAAAAAAI9M/jvORHIG6htw/s400/107_0100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/October2010?feat=embedwebsite">October 2010</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Halloween can be SO fun, especially for families. There is a lot of gross, scary, nasty stuff out there, which I despise, but there is also tons of fun to be had. If you're struggling with how to celebrate a totally silly Holiday, here are some ideas to make it "mean" something (even if these days Halloween means basically nothing!)<br />
<br />
1. Decor (which we already talked about!) Kids seeing the same decorations year after year gives them a sense of tradition. I *still* love my mom's Halloween decorations and many of my own mirror hers. The kids have their favorites too, which is fun.<br />
<br />
2. Pumpkin Gathering. However you do it, make it fun! Pumpkin patches are a blast, but so can a special trip to the grocery store wherein you buy pumpkins and candy corn.<br />
<br />
3. Pumpkin carving. This can be a whole evening experience. Have a special dinner, watch "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" and carve away. Do it in the week before Halloween. Make it a ritual.<br />
<br />
4. Special Halloween Meal. This can be Halloween-themed or not. We eat Chinese food. I don't know why. but if you have a lot energy, you can do seriously fun things with food on All Hallow's Eve.<br />
<br />
5. Trick or Treating. This might be becoming a lost art where you live, but around here, it's still going strong.<br />
<br />
6. Other venues for costume-wearing. I mean you either spent money to BUY the costume, or you slaved away to CREATE the costume, right? You really ought to find reasons to drag your kids around town in their costumes. And you can call it a tradition. Library story time in costume? TRADITION!<br />
<br />
No matter what you decide to do, if you find things that are TRADITION your kids will always remember, and they will love it.Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-43581806032717939762010-10-25T12:19:00.000-07:002010-10-25T12:21:07.133-07:00How to Make Easy Halloween DecorationsWell, if you're like me, the fact that Halloween is this week is BLOWING MY MIND. I mean, seriously.<br />
<br />
Anyway, so I have my standard Halloween decor that goes up every year, but this year, we've had a blast creating our own fun things. Spencer and Henry are big enough to do very simple crafts, and turning them into decorations has been so fun for them. To see THEIR work decorating the house has been cute.<br />
<br />
So, here are some simple, easy decorations you can make this week to jazz up the house before All Hallow's Eve.<br />
<br />
1. A Halloween banner. Either with Halloween paper or fabric, let the kids help cut out the shapes, and if you're using paper, staple them to a bias tape or yarn, if it's fabric, sew it on. SO easy and fun.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SpZlmXv6QjV6o9OuFgRKk16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TMXWjWpv-SI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/BUKwucZ5t10/s400/107_0089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>2. Q-Tip Skeletons. I just found the skeleton picture on Google Images and then cut up Q-tips in different sizes. They glued them on as "bones." If your kids are older, they probably wouldn't even need the template.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6GlsajAXi6kTDe1Sph10Q16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TMXWiHnSD0I/AAAAAAAAI8I/ae8e6vfv90I/s400/107_0087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RZuwWwPLzw8RXLbXK1MO1V6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TMXWivNpi9I/AAAAAAAAI8M/8M6QZs289hA/s400/107_0088.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>3. Bats on a stick. Ours got ripped, but we made construction paper bats and then taped them to skewers. The plan was to stick them all over the house plants, but like I said, ours got loves a bit too much. So no pictures.<br />
<br />
4. Paper Towel Roll Mummies. Ours are actually a wrapping paper roll cut up, but toilet paper would work as well. We made "paper mache" which was actually white glue, diluted until it was pretty thin. We dipped white strips of paper, about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long, in the glue and paper mached the rolls. It took a whole day to dry, but when they did, they were rock hard. Then, we traced the paper mache lines and had our "mummy" look. We added faces, and BAM cute mummies.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XrS-3Lp-OnSIwkZAhgVGSF6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TMXWj4fJxoI/AAAAAAAAI8U/qaX1KuHbJgs/s400/107_0090.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>5. Halloween collage. Simple as it sounds, we drew Halloween pictures, and stuck them to an orange piece of poster board. Viola. Collage.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3t2ESVjU911A5z-giOLWOF6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TMXWkhhQJqI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/_m0666U6Lss/s400/107_0091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So there ya have it, five projects for the week. The only things I actually purchased were the supplies for the banner. Everything else was stuff we had on hand.<br />
<br />
Have fun!Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-9288245103534091842010-10-18T07:16:00.000-07:002010-10-18T07:16:26.634-07:00How to Deodorize CheaplyOkay, so there are like 1,456,754 products on the market to encourage our houses to smell nice, good, fruity, flowery, sugar n' spicy, you get the idea, right? Candles, sprays, gel beads, oh my! Your options are seriously endless. <div><br />
</div><div>HOWEVER, when it comes to actual deodorizing, and by that I mean immediate neutralization of seriously bad smells, all of these FAIL. Why? Because they just mask the scent that is currently invading your home and your nostrils. Even products that claim to neutralize before they deodorize don't, from my personal experience. </div><div><br />
</div><div>And can I just add that almost NOTHING smells better when it has been sprayed with a flowery aersol? NOTHING. Stinky fish + fruits of the forest is NOT better than stinky fish. I'm just sayin'. It's down right gag inducing.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, feel free to use candles and sprays and whatnot whenever you want. </div><div><br />
</div><div>EXCEPT for when you're dying because of an immediate stench. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Stinky garbage? </div><div>Inhuman bathroom conditions? </div><div>A pet who is out to kill you with his smell? </div><div>Lingering smells from dishes you left from Thursday to Monday? </div><div><br />
</div><div>The answer is so simple it's scary, and perhaps you already know what the answer is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TLxWMCC4FzI/AAAAAAAAI7o/000h1LEEEjg/s1600/Lit+match.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TLxWMCC4FzI/AAAAAAAAI7o/000h1LEEEjg/s1600/Lit+match.gif" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Light a match. </div><div><br />
</div><div>That's all. Lighters won't do it, Scentsy warmers won't do it. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Just light a match or two, depending on the level of offense. Let it burn down a bit, but you know, use discretion and don't burn yourself.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Trust me on this. The smell from the match being lit lasts a few minutes, but the smell that was making you wish you were dead is GONE. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Cheap, incredibly easy, and it works literally better than anything else, ever. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Throw a box up high, away from the kids, in the kitchen and bathrooms. Encourage life partners to participate in your match-lighting program. </div><div><br />
</div><div>You will thank me for this. Seriously. </div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>*photo from topheatingcooling.com*</i></div><div><br />
</div>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-20779322150344661232010-10-11T07:40:00.000-07:002010-10-11T07:41:53.985-07:00This is because I love you.Well, folks. I would like to tell you a story. It is story of a pregnant girl who desired new jammies. See, my old pjs are fine, I have like... three pair of pants mixed with the random t-shirts, you know?<br />
<br />
But, I felt a hankering deep down inside for NEW ones. I had the fabric, and NO PATTERN, and a flat tire on my van. So I figured, NOT A PROBLEM, I can whip up little boy pants with no pattern in 30 minutes. NOT A PROBLEM.<br />
<br />
So, I began.<br />
<br />
And well, folks. First, they were too small. This was a marvel unto me considering I'd used MY OWN PANTS as a pattern. But, the original pants had been stretchy. WHOOPS!<br />
<br />
TOO SMALL.<br />
<br />
Rather than start over (I had enough fabric), I decided to just ADD PANELS.<br />
<br />
This, my friends, was a mistake.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
But I continued, imaging the fantastic post I'd write for you about how to save a pair of PJs.<br />
<br />
But then the crotch was too low, (we call that a "rise"). NOT A PROBLEM said I. I just decided to add ANOTHER panel to to the top.<br />
<br />
Except I failed to measure, and came up 5 inches short on the waist. AND I sewed it on upside down and backwards.<br />
<br />
AND I thought, "THIS IS A PROBLEM."<br />
<br />
So now dear readers, I give unto you, Morgan's epic fail for the week, in pictures:<br />
I am wiping away tears because I was laughing so hard. Don't feel bad for me. It was seriously hilarious. Made more funny because my 16 year old brother was there to witness, and Erin came in there at the end and took the pictures.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MB2HlCIZ-lEkGneE8fFf016e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TK6OMjs2NSI/AAAAAAAAI7E/6ao8QsIU-RE/s400/106_0014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JdubP1kly_g48EhR1vl0Al6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TK6ONsZsskI/AAAAAAAAI7M/CAkj5R1J7Nw/s400/106_0016.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>And the crotch was still too low. I could barely climb up on that chair. Note Henry laughing at me as well.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>EPIC FAIL! </div><div><br />
</div><div>You're welcome.<br />
<br />
ETA: My hand is on my chestal area to HOLD UP the stupid pants. </div>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-40527178942964182272010-10-06T19:02:00.000-07:002010-10-06T19:04:04.996-07:00How to Enjoy the Autumn<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CRTMAFBZM67gRlm-R9Decw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/StTbPseiV4I/AAAAAAAAG34/bAmgACyvFkY/s400/100_2184.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/October2009?feat=embedwebsite">October 2009</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I lurve the word "autumn." I much prefer it over "fall."<br />
<br />
And random tidbit, did you know, we do NOT capitalize the seasons? We do it all the time, but it's not proper. Weird, eh? I learned that in 2nd grade and never forgot it.<br />
<br />
Okay, so anyway, the weather has beautifully, blessedly cooled off, and I am praying it's for keeps.<br />
<br />
Do you have any idea how much I LOVE autumn? Not just the word, but the actual season? SO SO SO much.<br />
<br />
And here are my tops ways to enjoy the autumn:<br />
1. Hot Chocolate, in the mornings, first thing. I don't do coffee, but if I did, I swear unto you, I would replace it with Hot Chocolate as soon as the weather turns crisp.<br />
2. Long sleeves and layers. I adore sweaters and the "layered" look. I do not care for the summer attire of "being as naked as is allowed by law and common decency."<br />
3. Decor. Oh the leaves, and browns and the yellows and the oranges. LOVE LOVE LOVE!<br />
4. Baking. I ceased all baking for the good of survival in the summer. Bring on the baking!<br />
5. Walks and hikes. Walking in the woods, with the color dripping from the trees, and the cool air... mmmm.<br />
6. Halloween. I don't do the the "scary and gross" stuff. Just cutesy witches and Charlie Brown's great pumpkin. Kids in costumes, MY FAVORITE.<br />
7. Pumpkins. All orange and round and delightful. Roast some seeds. DELICIOUS. Cookies? Yes please!<br />
8. Hats! I love hats and when the weather turns brisk, I plop them atop my kiddos' heads with reckless abandon.<br />
9. Wind. I swear, autumn is windy windy and well. The sound and feel of wind is magic.<br />
10. Leaves. Jumping in them, collecting them, raking them, whatever. I think they are so fun!<br />
<br />
Okay, so, all you autumn-haters, who only despise it because it means winter is around the corner, don't be haters, just make a list of all the GOOD things. If you can't think of any, give some of mine a whirl. Autumn is magic. MAGIC I say.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/073hZ333_gDQrGrR4wuq-A?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/StTbKfS0qQI/AAAAAAAAG3w/vVbk0Tpt8L0/s400/100_2182.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/October2009?feat=embedwebsite">October 2009</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ENqfWWp7Yqj1M9bDKWd6jA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/StTbZWMwaNI/AAAAAAAAG4I/LrvAEzLwOxo/s400/100_2188.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/October2009?feat=embedwebsite">October 2009</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>*<i>pictures are from last October... a walk in the woods. DELIGHT!*</i>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-35190604976513440562010-10-05T07:24:00.000-07:002010-11-11T19:21:13.464-08:00How to Make A Kid-Sized SnuggieGuys, I just wrote this entire post and then accidentally deleted it and then Blogger SO kindly autosaved an empty post. I AM SAD.<br />
<br />
Anyway, so, to make a Snuggie, or not to make a Snuggie, that is the question.<br />
<br />
Well, if you can get polar fleece material for $5 a yard or less, then yes, it's worth it, for a kid-sized Snuggie.<br />
<br />
You can't buy them in the store for less than $15. Another fun reason, is then you have a MILLION patterns to choose from.<br />
<br />
So, if you get the fleece on sale, then Snuggie-making is a worthy endeavor. I made 2 kid Snuggies and a fleece blanket for Oliver for $15. A good deal, if I do say so myself.<br />
<br />
<b>What you'll need:</b><br />
1 yard per Snuggie of polar, anti-pill fleece<br />
Thread<br />
Measuring tape and pins<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
Measure your kid and then decide what size to go with.<br />
Measure shoulder to floor length, chest width and arm length.I ended up making mine 40 inches by 40 inches square.<br />
Cut off any logo or salvage edge before cutting your Snuggie.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-F3bxpY-BDAu-5ajaE8Nil6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsmUG7rG-I/AAAAAAAAI4M/4h4XXOCQF1Q/s400/105_0093.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xbB-e2jC9Xmx4G0u9AhmJ16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsmTMzcqyI/AAAAAAAAI4E/GMtZw4ydb1Y/s400/105_0091.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There! The blanket-part is done.<br />
<br />
SLEEVES:<br />
<div>Using your measurement, make the sleeves by cutting two rectangles of fabric. Add six inches to the length and make them double as wide as you want the finished sleeves. Henry's arm length was 18, so I cut a 24x18 rectangle for each sleeve.<br />
<img height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsmWzkr9KI/AAAAAAAAI4U/KZhg8T7HoZk/s400/105_0095.JPG" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Fold the sleeve in half, length-wise (hot dog style!) and sew up the open side, leaving six inches unsewn at the top. <br />
<img height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsmV3D4N5I/AAAAAAAAI4Q/eEqdxJMteyo/s400/105_0094.JPG" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Do this with both sleeves. Leave them inside out, for now.<br />
Cut top part of the sleeve with notches. This will allow it to lay flatter when you sew it on.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yWLpDwEpcAAycQJQuStsnV6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsmZRaGngI/AAAAAAAAI4k/c3-DR6Pg05c/s400/105_0100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Now, to place your sleeves, measure down from the top of your blanket piece 10 or so inches. Then, find the exact middle and pin it. (Mine was 20 inches.) Then find the THIRDS and pin.<br />
<br />
So, I had pins in 20 inches, 10 inches and 30 inches. Does that make sense? If your Snuggie isn't 40 inches, then the math part is ALL you.<br />
<br />
The THIRDS measurements are your exact middle of each sleeve.<br />
<br />
Open up the sleeve on the unsewn edge. Lay the sleeve so the open, unsewn side is open wide and flat on the bottom and the "mountains" are splayed out on the top, like a peacock tail. Make sure it's centered at the pin-mark. So the exact middle of my sleeves lined up at 10 inches and 30 inches. Makes sense, right?</div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kq7-5r3oJTG4n0FaQWzxj16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsmau1Z5vI/AAAAAAAAI4o/miKBlVE4gcQ/s400/105_0101.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Can you see how that is? I tried oh so hard to make it clear.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Pin and sew. </div><div><br />
</div><div>When you're done sewing the sleeve on, you'll have, on the OTHER side, this: </div><div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/erww6i8oPW7CMcNbl4xsYV6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsmbvy_gCI/AAAAAAAAI4s/XQ_vCnQrHf0/s400/105_0102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Insert your scissors and cut away the fabric, revealing the sleeve. Cut as close to the seam as you can. Cut as nice and neatly as possible and pull the sleeve through the hole. On the BACK side your sleeve will look like this: </div><div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U1vDSQ9yny7pKyjQ9WJEnl6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsmc5z7KDI/AAAAAAAAI4w/YzBGzFYTlwM/s400/105_0105.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Trim the edges super short and as neat as can be. On the outside, you'll have a bit of a raw edge showing. But we don't care because it's fleece, and it doesn't fray. NICE!<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Em0NY1mFlAHJ-Q110Rwvp16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsw7j4EirI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/K4fBr2k7CA0/s400/105_0106.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>That picture is horrible, but you can kind of see the raw edge. But it looks smooth. </div><div><br />
Repeat, on the other side.<br />
<br />
And SNUGGIE!:<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q3PuaNPRCX8RSxinkw2RT16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKsmeBHAK9I/AAAAAAAAI44/9Y28OT45vEQ/s400/105_0113.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I wish I could show it to you on a kid, but they are for Christmas, so no-go.<br />
<br />
OH BUT WAIT! I did manage to coerce my littlest brother to try on Henry's. It's a bit small, but DANG he is ROCKING that Snuggie.<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yclLCIopz02-JssJXWp-0V6e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="385" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKvl7MoezdI/AAAAAAAAI5w/oqeuCgg3He8/s400/105_0115.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
WAIT! One more!<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wQMJC8B28CCYjvBjGevmr16e3zma0ZhGrztNmGUZzdY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="360" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKvl7xaos8I/AAAAAAAAI50/gJcu3GFkc1Y/s400/105_0116.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/morganhagey/TheDietCokeDiet?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeDrPOr0JDyNw&feat=embedwebsite">The Diet Coke Diet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>And he's such a good sport!<br />
<br />
But really, it's super easy! The sleeves are the trickiest part, but even then, you can TOTALLY do it. Affordable, custom-made, cute-patterned snuggies. GREAT for the cold weather ahead and cozy movie and book time. </div><div><br />
</div><div>YAY! It took me about 30 minutes to make one, once I figured out the sleeves. :)<br />
<br />
Give it whirl.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-23109500840791011172010-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:002010-09-30T07:00:03.868-07:00How to Visit the Library with Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKQMfspCHEI/AAAAAAAAI3o/xyoop3SP7yo/s1600/library_child_care_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_txS9L0vo1GE/TKQMfspCHEI/AAAAAAAAI3o/xyoop3SP7yo/s1600/library_child_care_1.jpg" /></a></div>Mmkay, so when Henry was like 20 months old, I had Spencer, and then for some reason decided that Story Time at the Library was totally where I needed to be, once a week. It was a DISASTER. He was not ready, he was too little, he preferred to play in the curtains, rather than pay attention to the book.<br />
<br />
So, we quit the library.<br />
<br />
But not forever. We moved, Henry grew a year, and we decided to try again. And ever since, the library has been a staple in our lives. It is a WONDERFUL resource for entertainment, enlightenment and education for everyone of all ages. But of course you knew that.<br />
<br />
However, going to the library with shortlings can be prove to be harried and un-fun. If you're just going for an activity such as Story Time or a puppet show it's easier, because the fun is being provided for you.<br />
<br />
But if you're just going for books/movies, then you've got to be prepared, when your kids are small.<br />
<br />
Here are some tried and true methods of successful library-ing-a-go-go. At least for us:<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>1. Go during non-peak times. </b><br />
<b></b>The later in the day it gets, the busier it gets, until early evening when the population usually peters off. If your kids are school-aged, a trip after dinner is a nice, quiet evening activity. Don't go to the library during some kind of special activity unless you are planning to ATTEND the special activity. (I have made this mistake more than once.)<br />
<b>2. Get a calendar of events from the Information Desk.</b> Then you can pick and choose activities you do want to attend. And you can decide when a safe time to just check out materials is as well.<br />
<b>3. Get anyone who can write their name their own card.</b> Just like when you were a kid. We still have all our kids on our cards because no one can write. But as soon as Henry can legibly write his name, he is going to learn the art of library-card-possession.<br />
<b>4. Bring the Stroller and a cloth bag.</b><br />
It's a great place to strap in toddlers with a board book, a great place to stack books, and to make kids HOLD ON TO when you're moving about. Most libraries have kids' sections but sometimes navigating the realms of shelves to GET there is a challenge. Using the stroller as a home base can be a life-saver, and keeps your kids near you. The bag is obvious, right? For your stash?<br />
<b>5. Let the kids help with returning books and check-out. </b>This is especially fun if your library has a self-check. It teaches them about the whole of idea of "borrowing" and it keeps them occupied while you're trying to finish up, instead of running around and knocking things over (not that I know from experience or anything...) My kids like to each take a turn scanning the books, and sliding the card. It's fun for all!<br />
<b>6. If you're in need of materials of your own, get the kids squared away FIRST! </b><br />
<b></b>Then you can plant them in the stroller or if they are old enough, in a chair nearby, and let them look at their new stuff, while you dig for what you need.<br />
<b>7. Don't censor what your kids check out</b>.<br />
OKAY! Now this does not come without stipulations. My kids tend to be pretty willy-nilly about the whole thing. They grab and go. I rarely put books back. If they want to try it out, then great! HOWEVER, they are small, and we are talking picture books. If your kids are school-aged, tweens or older, some censorship might be necessary. Only you can know what you want YOUR kids reading. But, unless it's dirty, or totally against your values, letting kids explore the written word freely is kind of awesome. Some weeks we have a great collection and other weeks, it's mostly stinkers. But my goodness we are having FUN! I do limit the number of materials we take home to 2 DVDs and no more than 7 books because I can't keep track of anymore than that.<br />
<br />
So there ya go. If you've never really been a library-goer, it's not too late to start! I swear, even high schoolers can learn to love the written word, in whatever form is their "thing." Most libraries these days have huge audio-book selections, every magazine and newspaper under the sun and many are implementing e-readers into their collections. Encourage kids to read whatever they *think* they might like. Mine are so tiny, they really tend to love most of what they choose, but as they grow, I'm sure that scope will narrow.<br />
<br />
I love LOVE to read, and I love the library as a resource for my kids to pick up on that love. And they are. For some reason, passing on a love for books is just very satisfying to me. I hope that that love doesn't wane as they grow older. Convincing boys to love to read can be a challenge when they are older, so I've heard...<br />
<br />
The BEST part is though, our true favorites; the ones they make me read three times a day for the duration of the book's stay at our house, well, we get to go to the book store and BUY those ones. It's a win-win.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><i>*Photo from childcareoptions.ca*</i></span>Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633972506417974140.post-88782876118667605712010-09-29T18:57:00.000-07:002010-09-29T18:57:09.512-07:00How to Stay Awake...without the caffeine.<br />
<br />
I dunno ya'll. When my eyes are closing despite my best efforts, the only honest answer seems to be... to go to bed.<br />
<br />
I've got two in bed and one to go. Tomorrow I'll return with a real how-to that will make you happy. It makes ME happy. So, I'm hopeful for your sakes as well.<br />
<br />
In the meantime... I must go convince a sweet/crazy three year old that a warm cozy bed is much more fun than being awake.<br />
<br />
Dishes? I think thou shalt wait until the morrow.<br />
<br />
And that's how it's done.Morgan Hageyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477753070828406848noreply@blogger.com0