tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56731428854020109972024-03-13T07:35:24.071-05:00Your Little BirdieMrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comBlogger904125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-67384029205035740142018-04-10T15:56:00.000-05:002018-04-10T15:56:00.946-05:00Whats for Dinner #10We have a busy next few weeks, so I'm grateful for a freezer full of various meats, casseroles and sauces to make dinner easier when we are running all around.<br />
<br />
Here are a few items we are having this week:<br />
<br />
<b>Meal #1</b><br />
Pot Roast with Carrots<br />
Instant Mashed Potatoes<br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxAdYVqZ6ogWEZ_4clOABBRGt_dMJM0sz1IwUWyv9xMOc69BVeZCzZ2LrE332xbsk03XvzFLyoxB8IlVrKnQLDVM6vhVV6hAmur9vQZsVW058bZBw6_XIQN_RHRFSpXj0BPDgOqDH_9I/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxAdYVqZ6ogWEZ_4clOABBRGt_dMJM0sz1IwUWyv9xMOc69BVeZCzZ2LrE332xbsk03XvzFLyoxB8IlVrKnQLDVM6vhVV6hAmur9vQZsVW058bZBw6_XIQN_RHRFSpXj0BPDgOqDH_9I/s320/thumbnail.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've wasted a lot of roasts trying to find a recipe we all liked. This one is our favorite!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Place a tender chuck roast in crock pot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sprinkle on top one packet of Ranch mix & one packet of Au Jus gravy mix. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Place one stick of butter on top and a couple of pepperoncini peppers. These are the neon yellow/green pepper often found on a salad bar. Do Not Add Water!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cook on low for about 4-6 hours, depending on your meat. I add in the baby carrots with about an hour to go.</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Meal #2</b><br />
Cuban Flank Steak<br />
Sauteed Squash Medley<br />
<br />
<u>Cuban Flank Steak</u><br />
Flank steak is a pretty popular choice in our house. I love that it is lower in price, boneless, and doesn't require a lot of fat trimming ahead of time. It marinades and cooks up quickly on the grill since it is thin. Here is the marinade we like best:<br />
<br />
1/3 c. lime juice (fresh or in the bottle)<br />
1/4 c. olive oil<br />
1 t ground cumin<br />
1 t dried oregano<br />
1 t onion powder<br />
1 t garlic powder<br />
1 T soy sauce<br />
2 t lime zest<br />
<br />
Mix marinade all together and place in a gallon baggies with 1-3# flank steak for a few hours or even overnight.<br />
<br />
<u>Sauteed Squash Medley</u><br />
This is a summer vegetable staple in our house! Just saute the following in a skillet about 8-10 minutes or until veggies are tender:<br />
<br />
2 T butter<br />
1 small squash, sliced and then slices cut in half<br />
1 zucchini, sliced and then slices cut in half<br />
1 medium purple onion, chopped<br />
1 sweet red bell pepper, chopped<br />
<b><br /></b>
Sprinkle with garlic salt and a little Parmesan cheese when done.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Meal #3</b><br />
Leftover Easter Ham<br />
Southern Living New Potato Salad<br />
<br />
I like all forms of potato salad! This one is a more modern version with an olive oil suace base and cubed new potatoes.<br />
<br />
<u>Southern Living New Potato Salad</u><br />
Boil 3# of new potatoes in water for about 20 minutes until done. Let cool, cube and add to sauce.<br />
Combine the following to make your sauce:<br />
1/3 c olive oil<br />
2T lemon juice<br />
2T mayonnaise<br />
1 t dried oregano<br />
1 t dry mustard<br />
1t salt<br />
2T parsley<br />
1/2 t black pepper<br />
3 green onions, finely chopped<br />
1/2 red or green bell pepper<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Meal #4</b><br />
<a href="https://www.seasonlycreations.com/easy-cheesy-baked-meatballs/">Easy Cheesy Baked Meatballs</a><br />
Penne Noodles<br />
Garlic Knows<br />
<br />
I made a double batch of these last time I made them and froze a serving of the meatballs. Now, I just have to thaw them, pour marinara on top, add some mozzarella cheese and bake them.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-45605543928066061502018-03-31T08:30:00.001-05:002018-03-31T08:30:12.127-05:00What's for Dinner #9Hello friends! Here is our Easter dinner plan and a few meals for the week... enjoy!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Easter Sunday</b></u><br />
Ham<br />
<a href="http://www.eunamaes.com/2013/10/euna-maes-mac-n-cheese.html">Euna Mae's Mac & Cheese</a><br />
Green Breans<br />
<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/deviled-eggs-recipe-2074740">Pioneer Woman's Deviled Eggs</a><br />
<a href="https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/coconut-cream-pie-2/">Coconut Cream Pie</a><br />
<br />
Dinner on Sunday night is just our little family of three, but I like holiday meals to be bigger and special, so I'm cooking away all afternoon! I bought a fully cooked ham with glaze at the grocery store. We'll barely put a dent in it, so I'll freeze the leftovers in dinner size portions and reheat it over the next few weeks in various forms.<br />
<br />
The mac & cheese and deviled eggs are family favorites and the coconut cream pie is a new recipe I'm trying. CC pie is a favorite of mine, but I'm picky. I don't want meringue on top, I prefer a whipped cream topping. This one sounds amazing!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Meal #1</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.greensnchocolate.com/2012/05/southwestern-chopped-chicken-salad/">Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad</a><br />
<br />
I always feel so accomplished making this meal. It is healthy, colorful, and super tasty! My daughter doesn't eat salad, so I just make her plate with all the components of the meal before I toss it together. The dressing for this is really good- we've made it for regular salads or even to pour sparingly over nachos.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Meal #2</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipe/pepperoni-pizza-puffs">Rachael Ray's Pizza Puffs</a><br />
Bag Salad<br />
<br />
These are a favorite of my daughter. They taste like pizza, but are made in a muffin tin. Since I don't like much sauce on my pizza, I love recipes like this. They can dip away and I don't even touch the sauce! I'm planning to use some cubed ham from Easter instead of pepperoni for this one.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Meal #3</u></b><br />
<a href="https://damndelicious.net/2014/05/30/pf-changs-chicken-lettuce-wraps/?m">PF Changs Copycat Lettuce Wraps</a><br />
Frozen Fried Rice<br />
<br />
We made these a few weeks ago and while messy to eat, they taste wonderful and are an easy low calorie fast dinner!<br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-16229016109682522652018-03-15T15:38:00.000-05:002018-03-15T15:38:07.821-05:00What's for Dinner #8<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I'm loving the Spring weather we are having as it makes me look at grilled meats for dinner. I love when we grill- it always smells so good, Marcus does the meat so I can make better side dishes, and there is less clean up! All good in my book!<br />
<br />
Here are a few dinners on our menu the next few days:<br />
<br />
<b>Dinner #1</b><br />
Grilled Chicken<br />
Baked Potatoes<br />
<br />
I'm trying this marinade for the first time. Just a little flavor for our grilled chicken. I love Salt Lick BBQ sauce to dip my grilled chicken in, but play around with marinades and rubs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stubbsbbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/chicken-marinade1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for stubb's chicken marinade" border="0" height="320" src="http://www.stubbsbbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/chicken-marinade1.png" width="108" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Dinner #2</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.gooseberrypatch.com/gooseberry/recipe.nsf/55e548eeef8c89b9852568d4004c5ffe/D2C22CCD7C7357228525784E00727D4E">Crispy Potato Chicken</a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Frozen Vegetable</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.target.com/p/brazi-bites-174-cheddar-parmesan-brazilian-cheese-bread-11-5oz/-/A-52536262">Brazilian Cheese Bread</a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is one of my favorite cookbooks and I'm trying this new chicken dish from it this week. I love that it gives a crisp to chicken with a vegetable instead of breadcrumbs! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Brazi cheesebread is found in the freezer section at Target. It is gluten free and low calorie! We love it- just like the little cheese rolls at the local Brazilian steakhouse.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lpi-cdn.gooseberrypatch.com/gooseberry?set%3Dimg%5Bm872.jpg%5D%2Csize%5B306%5D%26call%3Durl%5Bfile%3Athumbnail.chain%5D%26sink%5Bm872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cookbook" border="0" src="http://lpi-cdn.gooseberrypatch.com/gooseberry?set%3Dimg%5Bm872.jpg%5D%2Csize%5B306%5D%26call%3Durl%5Bfile%3Athumbnail.chain%5D%26sink%5Bm872.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Dinner #3</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Euna Mae's Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Cream Sauce</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cherries & Wild Rice</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The wild rice with cherries is amazing! It is served warm from the crockpot with wild rice, pecans, chicken stock, spices, and dried cherries. We love it and it is good for days!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Both of these are not online, but inside two of my favorite cookbooks:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Love-Welcome-Serve-Recipes-Gather/dp/1478992913/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1521146158&sr=1-1&keywords=love+welcome+serve+cookbook">Love Welcome Serve</a> by Amy Hannon</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Southern-Slow-Cooker-Bible-Delicious/dp/1401605001/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521145630&sr=8-4&keywords=southern+slow+cooker">Southern Slow Cooker Bible</a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Dinner #4</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Euna Mae's Mexican Casserole</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spanish Rice</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love Mexican food and this casserole is new to us, but sounds so good- crushed tortilla chips, rotel, shredded chicken, sliced Velveeta cheese! How can it not be amazing!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is also in the Love Welcome Serve cookbook above.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a great week!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anna</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-39209741990096898672018-03-06T09:07:00.000-06:002018-03-06T09:07:00.647-06:00What's For Dinner- Favorite DessertsI thought that this week I'd share my favorite go to sweets with you! These are recipes I've made over and over again for my family, friends, church events, you name it! I don't think you can go wrong with any of them!<br />
<br />
CAKES/CUPCAKES<br />
These <a href="http://cassiecraves.blogspot.com/2009/08/cookies-and-cream-cheesecake-cupcakes.html">Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes</a> are Abby's favorite and thanks to a school potluck, they are a favorite of a few teachers at her school too! Perfect for a hot summer day- light and creamy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBDHYoMBmWBYwbpHWfCgJNrEQoJANp3orGyKCNe9mZEUWdR6Iyb3l4pGlxIj_8U-tp3W8l_TxbK-kIe9Flv4in-Ac8B7dMEs5KHMJ287rrF8kT8XEmOOVPAEbYstZno3vVGvTPBeO51k/s1600/oreo+cupcakes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBDHYoMBmWBYwbpHWfCgJNrEQoJANp3orGyKCNe9mZEUWdR6Iyb3l4pGlxIj_8U-tp3W8l_TxbK-kIe9Flv4in-Ac8B7dMEs5KHMJ287rrF8kT8XEmOOVPAEbYstZno3vVGvTPBeO51k/s320/oreo+cupcakes+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have made <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/tres-leches-cake/">Pioneer Woman's Tres Leches cake</a> for years! It is so moist and flavorful and the perfect dessert to serve with Mexican food, a staple in Texas!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe6UbzwRRVVw8yChNM20IbCzGxViL4Sp9nMmyBNk6Dk2yLt1tbdej2oUnq7f5XjIyEk55EzetbwQbr58ixXn4VLH5Mx9PGuALEwzrUCs1iFZDugcL48GLOKkFQ0z9BUfFOr5Q_b55ZSw/s1600/tres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe6UbzwRRVVw8yChNM20IbCzGxViL4Sp9nMmyBNk6Dk2yLt1tbdej2oUnq7f5XjIyEk55EzetbwQbr58ixXn4VLH5Mx9PGuALEwzrUCs1iFZDugcL48GLOKkFQ0z9BUfFOr5Q_b55ZSw/s320/tres.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
COOKIES<br />
There are no cookies and big and impressive as these- <a href="http://picky-palate.com/oreo-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies/">Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>! We love making a batch of them and gifting them in a cellophane bag with a cute tag and ribbon. Because they are big, they are great for gifting to men!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSHrxkNk3hSXkPi8KOvNMWjvo4WKFoOT4bnFLZvvG6sWOVkzP7UTh1YzmKYvYqQwjfwB5t0WKYZTodRVZrqTK0NgoTaRE-8jXWt_3W2mUExoCEzNPxtmHg7-eHGpQEgPGHkFx80jmgIQ/s1600/Oreo-Stuffed-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="700" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSHrxkNk3hSXkPi8KOvNMWjvo4WKFoOT4bnFLZvvG6sWOVkzP7UTh1YzmKYvYqQwjfwB5t0WKYZTodRVZrqTK0NgoTaRE-8jXWt_3W2mUExoCEzNPxtmHg7-eHGpQEgPGHkFx80jmgIQ/s320/Oreo-Stuffed-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I won't lie- these cookies are a lot of work, but they are worth it! I like to make them at Christmas time. They even won best cookie at my Sunday school Christmas dinner one year. These Cranberry Bliss Cookies are just a great mix of flavors!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6f37ohPDO5Go_1pMiRPRpkB0Bhlg6dDVr4M-iFzSa_NJXJFYl_38lBus3whQDUD61PrqrNPvAudju4QZR40I2x3NORcVbpKVII1-36fi_084FtKuYgOQCD3KknyzXdRMfmKqZKetno8/s1600/cranberry-bliss-cookies-1-e1352090230554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="580" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6f37ohPDO5Go_1pMiRPRpkB0Bhlg6dDVr4M-iFzSa_NJXJFYl_38lBus3whQDUD61PrqrNPvAudju4QZR40I2x3NORcVbpKVII1-36fi_084FtKuYgOQCD3KknyzXdRMfmKqZKetno8/s320/cranberry-bliss-cookies-1-e1352090230554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My family has hosted an Easter egg hunt for many years and these <a href="https://www.iheartnaptime.net/jello-cookies/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Iheartnaptime1+%28I+heart+nap+time+%29">Jello cookies</a> were often part of it. They are perfectly colorful and flavorful! I'd recommend making them for Easter this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7w0XC84JNzu7npEmis06mJj2Bxc8CwJrBAG4YZkStoTCsRVEW4wDZmke6YOPBHrb4-TuJmxV3AbP3Mmzmziet25g7CZvGFrPDHe2MhS3xcsNIotpanglDWAr7vHa8pvx44JnWXXyNhQ/s1600/jello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="678" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7w0XC84JNzu7npEmis06mJj2Bxc8CwJrBAG4YZkStoTCsRVEW4wDZmke6YOPBHrb4-TuJmxV3AbP3Mmzmziet25g7CZvGFrPDHe2MhS3xcsNIotpanglDWAr7vHa8pvx44JnWXXyNhQ/s320/jello.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
PIES<br />
I love coconut cream pie and will select it over any other dessert! These <a href="https://mixandmatchmama.com/?s=mini+coconut+cream+pies">Mini Coconut Cream Pies</a> are super easy to make and fun to eat!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E5jNHC-uVdEj6Rh9VigJP-HgDya5wiiOG4BXAR0CYok0eh0kW4yLQZT4MPBt2RP4Sc4oOOcb6oRte9VU5DEQlEBFlpEbL8c19JtM0194KIpd2G1L6sRAMpZ8GovARDCTyrEx5ajiVeU/s1600/Mini-Coconut-Cream-Pies-1080x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E5jNHC-uVdEj6Rh9VigJP-HgDya5wiiOG4BXAR0CYok0eh0kW4yLQZT4MPBt2RP4Sc4oOOcb6oRte9VU5DEQlEBFlpEbL8c19JtM0194KIpd2G1L6sRAMpZ8GovARDCTyrEx5ajiVeU/s320/Mini-Coconut-Cream-Pies-1080x720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I first ate these <a href="http://www.littlebitfunky.com/2011/10/what-i-made-for-monday.html">mini apple pies </a>at a baby shower and couldn't get them off my mind. So, I had to have the recipe. These are not complicated, but present really well! We love them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDHLQR4jOheL1H6xzc7czEV1D5e-rOSlbBN1GJV2W1Y8tnAmaGAPOP0OQIH0Dfa_b87jwIxid5WnqMr2-ZXuuae8kRjPPkJuc_N7DSwNNof9FyxzCk9k3dbnUzjwSSxRGRA5N9QOhCVU/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDHLQR4jOheL1H6xzc7czEV1D5e-rOSlbBN1GJV2W1Y8tnAmaGAPOP0OQIH0Dfa_b87jwIxid5WnqMr2-ZXuuae8kRjPPkJuc_N7DSwNNof9FyxzCk9k3dbnUzjwSSxRGRA5N9QOhCVU/s320/apples.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, I'm at big fan of Amy Hannon of Euna Mae's and so excited she will be at my church in April. I've made many of the desserts in her cookbook and none have failed me! I'd highly recommend her cookbook for the food and the desserts! You can buy a copy <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Love-Welcome-Serve-Recipes-Gather/dp/1478992913/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520347763&sr=8-1&keywords=love+welcome+serve+cookbook">here</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqvvEtV4E2MmBckAtnbdrhXXeVwUG6jLKZ2ZWgSRqI6_cxEIoM1Mwd4csrtynljWFB06SQgd_7dJ4e0ZqAoHVN8jYoQfUDSIUr310C0tqIQ01BwjnLEVtagawI-LtpkrT2gcnTO4lsGg/s1600/cookbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqvvEtV4E2MmBckAtnbdrhXXeVwUG6jLKZ2ZWgSRqI6_cxEIoM1Mwd4csrtynljWFB06SQgd_7dJ4e0ZqAoHVN8jYoQfUDSIUr310C0tqIQ01BwjnLEVtagawI-LtpkrT2gcnTO4lsGg/s320/cookbook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a great week and enjoy something sweet!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-91694357220150463542018-02-27T16:24:00.000-06:002018-03-02T15:26:34.441-06:00What's for Dinner EssentialsThis week is a little wonky- my husband has a couple of late night meetings and combined with school activities I am not really cooking. We love hot pockets, Auntie Annie's Pretzel Dogs, and popcorn shrimp on weeks like this!<br />
<br />
Instead, I thought I'd share a couple of my favorite kitchen supplies with you! Everything is linked, but I'm in no way paid or supported if you purchase.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00Y3JASH4/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_3499214142?_encoding=UTF8&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B00Y3JASH4&hvadid=167145808484&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028292&hvnetw=g&hvpone=&hvpos=1o1&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvrand=14082988424871743750&hvtargid=pla-310275612899&ie=UTF8&linkCode=df0&tag=hyprod-20">Herb Scissors</a><br />
These are like 5 scissors in one. So after you wash your herbs, you can just cut away and it keeps the pieces really small. I hated using fresh herbs until I got these.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2teHjqpF-r5jAtHEBGnKfOtXXk-igBWQ5RruAV4RQbKqPtE6rablYs-NQFLlEo4sPEaxOYuT3cGEIwvtRNMUVwaI5iYTKshjFVo00ApUF8jH26d67DXjTknvU3Xgc_4lTnKd6fCpIdU/s1600/herb+scissors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="478" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2teHjqpF-r5jAtHEBGnKfOtXXk-igBWQ5RruAV4RQbKqPtE6rablYs-NQFLlEo4sPEaxOYuT3cGEIwvtRNMUVwaI5iYTKshjFVo00ApUF8jH26d67DXjTknvU3Xgc_4lTnKd6fCpIdU/s200/herb+scissors.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Avocado-Slicer-Green/dp/B0088LR592/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1519753609&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=avocado+tool&psc=1">Avocado Tool</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This thing is the best- it cuts it open, takes the pit out and then slices it. Perfect for getting all of the meat of the fruit out! I use it to make guacamole whenever we have Mexican food.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepkKDt5bUG37BML1NLkIW7ZEaSLrUt15_RDOs26hKrA8hhN1vI8Kh0DYGRrSxr3zspa2Wv3vjNOTzFEPYVSqLrItreMLrEfBxkXgJwYU3tnMkGh5VaFQIinwlyEQN4YvvTJC5adI-vtk/s1600/avocado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepkKDt5bUG37BML1NLkIW7ZEaSLrUt15_RDOs26hKrA8hhN1vI8Kh0DYGRrSxr3zspa2Wv3vjNOTzFEPYVSqLrItreMLrEfBxkXgJwYU3tnMkGh5VaFQIinwlyEQN4YvvTJC5adI-vtk/s200/avocado.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Libertyware-SP610-Eigth-Aluminium-Sheet/dp/B003D0OREO/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1519753766&sr=1-5&keywords=small+jelly+roll+pan&dpID=31blHu%252B1EbL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Eighth Jelly Roll Pan</a><br />
These pans are perfect for heating up a handful of small things. I would say they are half of a cookie sheet, maybe a little smaller. They are great for 4 slices of garlic bread, two hot pockets, a handful of sausage balls. They are by far the most used pans in our kitchen! We have four of them and one is always in the sink!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjadWeNdDjSFM28RhpgFraZgp2D4CltgRrh8vg3zLkny2-aXAiOjTrdqAp1yMclGz9LNJ8ErzxuODIiBFv8xCZnLWUNY3xMrenlIUClRpcbP-mB9EYnZ2mZs51eJt7CehWfvCbH-AkaM/s1600/jelly+roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="463" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjadWeNdDjSFM28RhpgFraZgp2D4CltgRrh8vg3zLkny2-aXAiOjTrdqAp1yMclGz9LNJ8ErzxuODIiBFv8xCZnLWUNY3xMrenlIUClRpcbP-mB9EYnZ2mZs51eJt7CehWfvCbH-AkaM/s200/jelly+roll.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-Easy-8-Inch-Square-Baking/dp/B005JCZ0S6?th=1">8x8 Square Pyrex</a><br />
Because we are a family of three, I take most recipes and cut them in half. So what would normally go in a 13x9, I make in two 8x8 dishes. So, we cook one and freeze the other. These are perfect for casseroles to bake or freeze.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbv8C2zwlcrb68hFl-IPvuYpPJicWswk6phildohc8iWOFYnNPvwKbzRIayqeInw8-3zd6mwXtJ_auBakRsnk9DpqMBTC597mQe0sTRj0lJmOWjXjNLTAv9RzNQJnKF1E5ykBf6Y6oUg/s1600/pyrex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbv8C2zwlcrb68hFl-IPvuYpPJicWswk6phildohc8iWOFYnNPvwKbzRIayqeInw8-3zd6mwXtJ_auBakRsnk9DpqMBTC597mQe0sTRj0lJmOWjXjNLTAv9RzNQJnKF1E5ykBf6Y6oUg/s200/pyrex.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now these next few are pricier, but I swear by them! I've received them as Christmas gifts (from my own wish list) or bought them with bonus checks from work. They are all used often!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00CT9Y2H2/ref=twister_B00PIL9ZZC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1">Kitchenaid Mixer</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love to bake and I use this for baking always; however, more often than cookie dough, this thing is filled with boiled chicken breasts to shred! The paddle attachment shreds chicken in under a minute. I love it for that reason alone!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_cCMuz92eMYbDbWr2HyfZr8o6tG6YodrEvshsBRAGhPSmMMCC4J6F_Deyl-ydEg4Tv-Lrx0XXhrgvRcdURZDjkm7fuFcJff0R6tTvHlihwt_e1JJ6FQxaLuTRII2KpjwMlEdmj5FzS4/s1600/mixer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="425" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_cCMuz92eMYbDbWr2HyfZr8o6tG6YodrEvshsBRAGhPSmMMCC4J6F_Deyl-ydEg4Tv-Lrx0XXhrgvRcdURZDjkm7fuFcJff0R6tTvHlihwt_e1JJ6FQxaLuTRII2KpjwMlEdmj5FzS4/s200/mixer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0076NORDA/ref=twister_B007BA0OJO?th=1">Le Creuset Braiser</a><br />
I added this to my kitchen a few years ago at an outlet mall sale. The cashier told me it was her most used Le Creuset pan in her kitchen. I can see why! It is a giant skillet- it is perfect for the one pan meals where you brown meat, drain it and then add a bunch of stuff in. It can do 4 pounds of taco meat- huge! It can go right from the stove top to the oven and the lid is perfect for keeping everything warm if your side dish timing is off. I love this pan!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqFmMz3QBej7iZI9Y89x-WMop0x22y62NSedjVrvCe9z44wML4Vqgb4z9UvNQOjLepQ8-9obbmLz5V9NrDw9vHi2mucDM_3bYfdBirQKpAFHFzPhTH9WDevAHAePs_GWLg4Kbj7NV2ks/s1600/braiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="425" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqFmMz3QBej7iZI9Y89x-WMop0x22y62NSedjVrvCe9z44wML4Vqgb4z9UvNQOjLepQ8-9obbmLz5V9NrDw9vHi2mucDM_3bYfdBirQKpAFHFzPhTH9WDevAHAePs_GWLg4Kbj7NV2ks/s320/braiser.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Creuset-Signature-Enameled-Cast-Iron-Marseille/dp/B00I8S8UGW/ref=sr_1_6?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1519770077&sr=1-6&keywords=le%2Bcreuset%2Bdutch%2Boven&dpID=41NoGHIucNL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch&th=1">Le Creuset Dutch Oven</a><br />
The other Le Creuset that I own and love is my dutch oven. We cook all soups, stews and roasts in here. I went bigger than I thought I needed and don't regret it! I first bought the inexpensive HEB version of this to see how often I'd use it. The HEB version was great if you want to spend less. I found that the Le Cresuet version held a much tighter seal with the lid on which helped with moisture. If you can find a good deal on a Staub, they are almost the same! I own a smaller Staub version. It is black on the inside instead of cream, but I can't tell you another difference in the brands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEk_hKSif7WFAZLCGMHGIeHbMvIThWRCZYshorlPwqZbNt_-xyCwM13BetJdwH27BLtmXM4TjqpYOeK1T9JNaPHuGcGgjktPIe5MwnA-8TLBdNLVdBaq7n0mZ_rtdeZtvbEcWDSoPCEM/s1600/dutch+oven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="425" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEk_hKSif7WFAZLCGMHGIeHbMvIThWRCZYshorlPwqZbNt_-xyCwM13BetJdwH27BLtmXM4TjqpYOeK1T9JNaPHuGcGgjktPIe5MwnA-8TLBdNLVdBaq7n0mZ_rtdeZtvbEcWDSoPCEM/s320/dutch+oven.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
See you next week with some yummy meals!Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-84409366663435676842018-02-20T08:06:00.002-06:002018-02-20T08:07:05.047-06:00What's for Dinner #7Here are four dinners we are having this week:<br />
<br />
<b>Meal #1</b><br />
<a href="https://natashaskitchen.com/2014/06/26/creamy-chicken-and-rice-recipe/">Creamy Chicken and Rice</a><br />
Garden Salad<br />
Homemade Garlic Knots<br />
<br />
Growing up, chicken and rice included cream of mushroom soup and I hated it. It was brown and mushy and never my favorite dinner. This one has no mushrooms, but is colorful, cheesy and really delicious! It makes a really big pot and tastes great as leftovers.<br />
<br />
<b>Homemade Garlic Knots</b><br />
These come from Amy of Euna Mae's and they are fun to make and always a hit!<br />
<br />
Pillsbury Pizza Crust<br />
1/2 stick butter<br />
1 clove garlic<br />
oregano<br />
Parmesan cheese<br />
<br />
Roll out pizza crush on cutting board and cut into 12 strips. I use a tool like <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/SUKRAGRAHA-Stainless-Double-Crimper-bakeware/dp/B01HEX969G/ref=sr_1_13?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1519134972&sr=1-13&keywords=dough+cutter+roller">this</a>. Make knots with each strip and place on a cookie sheet spread out like you would cookies. Bake on 425 for 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
While it is baking, melt butter and garlic in small saucepan. Add a few shakes of oregano and spread on garlic knots. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.<br />
<br />
<b>Meal #2</b><br />
<a href="https://damndelicious.net/2014/05/30/pf-changs-chicken-lettuce-wraps/">Copycat Lettuce Wraps</a><br />
Trader Joe's Veggie Fried Rice<br />
Edamame<br />
<br />
I've never made lettuce wraps at home, but am excited to give these a try this week!<br />
<br />
<b>Meal #3</b><br />
<a href="https://www.aspicyperspective.com/healthy-slow-cooker-chicken-potato-soup/">Healthy Chicken Potato Soup</a><br />
<br />
We were in Las Vegas most of last week and all of the food was so rich and portions were so big! We ate a big breakfast and early dinner each day because we just weren't hungry for lunch. Coming home, Marcus said, "I just want a simple bowl of soup for dinner". So, soup is on the menu this week!<br />
<br />
<b>Meal #4</b><br />
Crispy Tacos<br />
Chips and Guacamole<br />
<br />
<b>Sweet Treat</b><br />
Our church has DNOW for our youth this weekend and I'm bringing these cookies. They look amazing and different!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://cookiesandcups.com/oreo-cheesecake-cookies/">Oreo Cheesecake Cookies</a><br />
<br />
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-3684471083840190272018-02-06T16:09:00.001-06:002018-02-07T17:56:50.024-06:00What's for Dinner #6Here are four dinners we are having this week:<br />
<br />
<b>MEAL #1</b><br />
<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/alvinzhou/your-slider-game-will-never-be-the-same-after-watching-this?sub=0_9239889&utm_term=.ej91Xx4zAY#.sxL4Jw8PMy">Chicken Parm Sliders</a>- these are super easy with rotisserie chicken, jar marinara and sliced cheese. We have them with tater tots and strawberries sweetened with a little sugar and whipped cream.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7QjPDEHuGHBpQHN6mGdAMBRF3OlJBrRwRnpcrLtJ_Vd6XNuuw4TQv6fz-xlkzu87byN3A8JmoxIuZMWvBJvOjsc5idy_SDvUX9E6jUIJ63XUJFBxKhBPOGqRSjS6WtDRDORBinff3Dk/s1600/chicken+parm.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="642" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7QjPDEHuGHBpQHN6mGdAMBRF3OlJBrRwRnpcrLtJ_Vd6XNuuw4TQv6fz-xlkzu87byN3A8JmoxIuZMWvBJvOjsc5idy_SDvUX9E6jUIJ63XUJFBxKhBPOGqRSjS6WtDRDORBinff3Dk/s320/chicken+parm.webp" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>MEAL #2</b><br />
<a href="http://www.eunamaes.com/2014/01/easy-homemade-chicken-noodle-soup.html">Euna Mae's Chicken Noodle soup</a><br />
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches<br />
<br />
We love this soup and it's perfect for a cold wet day! I make a half portion since it makes so much or make it all and have yummy leftovers. It is super easy to make and this time around I'm using the other half of the rotisserie chicken for the sliders above.<br />
<br />
My favorite food in all the world is a grilled cheese. I order it out and make it at home often. I had a yummy one at my friend Kristin's house and I make mine at home just like she did now. Use sourdough bread, mozzarella cheese and put a little Lawry's Seasoned Salt in the melted butter as your spread it on for grilling. It's so good!<br />
<br />
<b>MEAL #3</b><br />
Steak Burrito Bowls<br />
Chips and Guacamole<br />
<br />
I had these with my other Kristen friend and they were easy to make and everyone was happy building their own bowl. Here is what I include:<br />
<br />
Steak Fajita Meat or Grilled Chicken (I bought pre-seasoned steak fajita meat this time)<br />
Chipotle Copycat <a href="https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2015/04/copycat-chipotle-cilantro-lime-rice.html">Cilantro Lime Rice</a><br />
Beans- canned black or pinto rinsed really well<br />
Grated Cheddar Cheese<br />
Guacamole- I mash up avocados and add the store made pico de gallo, garlic salt and lime juice<br />
<br />
<b>MEAL #4</b><br />
<a href="https://www.seasonlycreations.com/easy-cheesy-baked-meatballs/">Cheesy Baked Meatballs</a><br />
Pasta Side Dish, like Pasta-Roni<br />
Fresh Green Beans<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7P0hYPM6QNf-AFuXDOIMs-db9taFUkuMdIOXlantemIpKopfJU7PCLtNR0EWJmR9oy1d-P_ojTPzJODbXNfLpJZEZ_8uul8_17efvYswAplc71QWULgDXCwG2uDBaG7ysc3ITtu4C_e4/s1600/Easy-Cheesy-Baked-Meatballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7P0hYPM6QNf-AFuXDOIMs-db9taFUkuMdIOXlantemIpKopfJU7PCLtNR0EWJmR9oy1d-P_ojTPzJODbXNfLpJZEZ_8uul8_17efvYswAplc71QWULgDXCwG2uDBaG7ysc3ITtu4C_e4/s320/Easy-Cheesy-Baked-Meatballs.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These meatballs are really easy and really good! We make them and freeze them individually on a cookie sheet and once frozen, throw them in a baggie for future meals. When you go to make them the second time, you can thaw them and follow the directions to pour sauce and cheese on them. It makes 16 meatballs and 8 is enough for us. My daughter LOVES these meatballs!<br />
<br />
NOTE: Both of these photos aren't mine and come from the same source as the recipe.<br />
<br />
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-48546542180291321652018-01-30T08:33:00.001-06:002018-01-30T08:33:22.378-06:00What's For Dinner #5I sure haven't listed a lot of green vegetables on here! I don't love many vegetables on their own, so I try to incorporate them into the meal. But, I always keep on hand bags of frozen vegetables that my daughter likes and will heat up a small portion of thse for her each night. She also loves cold carrots and cucumbers (without Ranch) and eats those as her veggie or a big helping with her snack and then skips the extra veggie at dinner.<br />
<br />
This week's meals include:<br />
<br />
Meal #1<br />
<a href="http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/search?q=pulled+pork">Pulled Pork</a> over Mac and Cheese<br />
<br />
I always have pork tenderloin on hand. You can buy them in a four pack for around $20 at Costco or Sams and I just divide them into quart baggies and freeze them. We make sandwiches with them or I love it over mac and cheese. I have leftover <a href="http://www.eunamaes.com/2013/10/euna-maes-mac-n-cheese.html">mac and cheese from my favorite recipe</a> in the fridge, so we'll be having it with that this time around. This recipes makes a ton- so I half it and we still eat it twice!<br />
<br />
Meal #2<br />
<a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/2018/01/chicken-pot-pie.html#more">Chicken Pot Pie</a><br />
<br />
I'm trying this one for the first time. I love that it uses rotisserie chicken and that it makes two. Perfect for the freezer when we have a busy week.<br />
<br />
This is also the perfect hide all the vegetables meal! I love pot pie and have a number of recipes I like. If you haven't had this <a href="http://www.eunamaes.com/2013/12/turkey-pot-pie-with-rosemary-biscuit.html">Turkey Pot Pie</a>, you must change that. It is so so good!<br />
<br />
Meal #3<br />
Baked Penne with Garlic Bread<br />
<br />
I am using my favorite Pioneer Woman's spaghetti sauce for the penne. I just thaw the portion I had frozen perviously and then stir it in with boiled penne noodles and some mozzarella cheese and bake it until warm and gooey. It is super simple meal for homework night!<br />
<br />
We are also having leftovers one night and dinner out because it is girls weekend! Hooray for a fun friend filled time!<br />
<br />
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-63056975991363443632018-01-22T09:26:00.003-06:002018-01-22T09:26:51.195-06:00What's for Dinner #4This week is really simple meals and most everything came from my Trader Joe's run. I have found a few staple items from them that I love, so about once every 4-6 weeks we have a TJ week of simple meals. This week involves sickness, travel and a few late afternoons so it was the perfect TJ week.<br />
<br />
<b>Meal #1</b><br />
Chicken Nachos with Homemade Charro Beans<br />
Simple cheese qusadillas<br />
<br />
I like making this buffet style and everyone can pile on what they want. We used the shredded chicken I had frozen last week from chicken tacos and added cheese, beans, and pico de gallo. You can add as many toppings as you want- cilantro, guacamole, sour cream.<br />
<br />
Homemade Charro Beans<br />
When my Mom comes to visit, she always makes us a big pot of beans and we freeze them in family size side portions. I love her beans, but she hasn't been able to visit recently so I asked my chef friend Kristin for a charro bean recipe. Hers are excellent also and I cooked them all day Sunday.<br />
<br />
Bag of Pinto Beans<br />
1 finely chopped onion<br />
3T garlic (I used Dorat frozen cubes of garlic)<br />
pinch of salt<br />
2T tomato paste<br />
32 oz. chicken stock<br />
1 can diced tomatoes<br />
1/2 bunch cilantro<br />
1t cumin<br />
1t salt<br />
1/2t pepper<br />
1t chili powder<br />
<br />
Soak a bag of pinto beans in water for 4-6 hours. I dumped these in water before leaving for church and they were ready by mid-afternoon.<br />
<br />
In a large pot, saute onion, garlic and a little salt.<br />
<br />
Add tomato paste, stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften the paste and spread it through the onion mix. Add chicken stock and diced tomatoes. Stir well.<br />
<br />
Add beans, cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder.<br />
<br />
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or in crockpot on low for 6-8 hours. Stir about every 30 minutes and add water if needed.<br />
<br />
<b>Meal #2</b><br />
TJ Grilled Chicken Sausage<br />
TJ frozen Mac & Cheese Balls<br />
Sauteed brussel sprouts- I like that these are prepped and ready to throw in the pan! We like to mix them with chopped nuts and dried cranberries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPqMAsyZgS1Ek0-kYhy6s1SJ7gPtyxPR4JzuosWdb12gHgs2ugsEgjK5BkA3HAUvisdMNQq6eTWJT759AgL03lBw9tt0rj_5dkppOfTyrScDdCluaW0zCzyKnaTwQrDv2XVhKGa7DG5w/s1600/sprouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPqMAsyZgS1Ek0-kYhy6s1SJ7gPtyxPR4JzuosWdb12gHgs2ugsEgjK5BkA3HAUvisdMNQq6eTWJT759AgL03lBw9tt0rj_5dkppOfTyrScDdCluaW0zCzyKnaTwQrDv2XVhKGa7DG5w/s320/sprouts.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Meal #3</b><br />
TJ fresh Beef Ravioli<br />
Green salad<br />
Garlic toast<br />
<br />
This is Abby's favorite, so I always get it when I am there!<br />
<br />
<b>Meal #4</b><br />
Brisket Sliders<br />
Baked Potatoes<br />
<br />
Making brisket takes forever and usually costs too much or makes too much for us. I will often make my own sides and have Marcus get a 1/2 pound from the local BBQ place on the way home. I thought I'd try this one from TJ this week. It was reasonably priced and will be great on buns or on top of the baked potatoes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ_mJinDZjozGE2ylVQtJHEzYCa03Yj0bJqCCzjZ9VG9a2TP6RvWlqsBQvZei_wLAinbKatUB_I2ZU25mZlsl98dMVW-mgNt581MktMAJhQxYxChLTcdgVLg84uyW2oHoUzu70plEMgw/s1600/brisket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ_mJinDZjozGE2ylVQtJHEzYCa03Yj0bJqCCzjZ9VG9a2TP6RvWlqsBQvZei_wLAinbKatUB_I2ZU25mZlsl98dMVW-mgNt581MktMAJhQxYxChLTcdgVLg84uyW2oHoUzu70plEMgw/s320/brisket.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meal #5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Asian night :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Frozen vegetable fried rice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Potstickers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Edamame</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love love love Trader Joe's fried rice! You just throw it in the skillet and toss until warm. Combined with frozen potstickers and edamame and you have an easy Asian night!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipcXtbHMwf2uG_xq9lJQjdAeIsT5dBxUWz5c22DVXnRWgoaPFhs0Rtexw5kVpjMb6sEADyUVe8qdE-oYckl-l2JmxjusX3vRj5tlPyev67djNTMIrrHbPm-6ZpMb0AOYluaLRn4koP8o/s1600/rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipcXtbHMwf2uG_xq9lJQjdAeIsT5dBxUWz5c22DVXnRWgoaPFhs0Rtexw5kVpjMb6sEADyUVe8qdE-oYckl-l2JmxjusX3vRj5tlPyev67djNTMIrrHbPm-6ZpMb0AOYluaLRn4koP8o/s320/rice.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This isn't a healthy week at all, but it should give you some easy frozen options to stock up on from Trader Joes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While you are there, get these. They are my favorite! They taste like a garlic and paprika version of cheddar goldfish. Yummy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qRMKuoHpIuZn20ltkvW1EjobvQoy1so8ejvwCjJHNFQBl3Jq41Tpkrq5E79umEv_uhVBHWoGhp-ajMBIhI55dlcqhQo1hY5WkEuNx_-QrZX69vaGg_ku9P_3xeoj5gHv-ap_WYp3sus/s1600/rockets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qRMKuoHpIuZn20ltkvW1EjobvQoy1so8ejvwCjJHNFQBl3Jq41Tpkrq5E79umEv_uhVBHWoGhp-ajMBIhI55dlcqhQo1hY5WkEuNx_-QrZX69vaGg_ku9P_3xeoj5gHv-ap_WYp3sus/s320/rockets.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-13288940269689662272018-01-13T20:57:00.002-06:002018-01-13T20:57:50.011-06:00What's For Dinner #3Here are four dinners we plan to eat this week!<br />
<br />
Dinner #1<br />
Shredded Chicken Soft Tacos<br />
Chips and Guacamole<br />
Frozen Veggie<br />
<br />
Shredded chicken is so easy in the crockpot. Put 2-3 breasts in the crockpot with a jar of cheap salsa and cook on low for 4 hours. It will easily shred with a fork or you can put it in your Kitchenaid mixer with the paddle attachment and shred is easily. I love to double up recipes like this and freeze the shredded chicken for another meal.<br />
<br />
Dinner #2<br />
<a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/2016/08/cheeseburger-pie.html">Cheeseburger Pie</a><br />
Tater Tots<br />
thawed bag of Peaches<br />
<br />
This is Abby's very favorite dish that I make :)<br />
<br />
Dinner #3<br />
<a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2017/10/slow-cooker-tomato-tortellini-soup.html">Creamy Tomato Soup</a><br />
Beer Bread (mix from Trader Joe's)<br />
<br />
I've never made this soup before but I love the ingredients in it, so I had to give it a try. We love cheese tortellini in soup!<br />
<br />
Dinner #4<br />
<a href="http://www.cucinadeyung.com/2017/02/easy-slow-cooker-barbecue-ribs.html">Easy Slow Cooker Ribs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.eunamaes.com/2013/10/euna-maes-mac-n-cheese.html">Euna Mae's Mac and Cheese</a><br />
Frozen Veggie<br />
<br />
These ribs are high on Marcus' list of favorite things I make. I don't eat meat on a bone, so he breaks mine apart and I just have a yummy stack of BBQ! The mac and cheese recipe is my favorite! I half it and it makes the perfect 8x8 for our family to eat on twice. The full recipe has been taken to many a potluck and always comes home empty!Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-44794788356762316502018-01-05T09:49:00.000-06:002018-01-05T09:49:05.026-06:00What's for Dinner #2<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you all for the positive feedback on the new dinner series! It's always fun to peek inside other people's lives and I'm happy to share our menu. If you have a favorite go-to dinner, please share with me so I can try it too!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I normally shop on Fridays, so this week's post is for Sunday-Thursday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Sunday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/perfect-pot-roast-recipe-2118771">Pioneer Woman's Perfect Pot Roast</a> with carrots</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Easy packaged mashed potatoes</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This recipe isn't hard, but makes me feel like a successful cook! I totally recommend it for a Sunday dinner when you are home for a long cooking meal.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Monday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://hisugarplum.com/simple-crockpot-potato-soup/">Easy Crockpot Potato Soup</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
bread</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Abby is over soup and rolls her eyes when I tell her it is for dinner and yet she loves baked potatoes so I'm going to win her over with this one. I haven't made it before, but the list of ingredients sold me!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Tuesday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pork Tenderloin with Hollandaise sauce (just the Knorr packet)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Trader Joe's frozen gnocchi in marinara</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Green Beans</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I made this tenderloin a couple of times per month. I make it for dinner guests, parties, meals for others and even had it for Christmas Eve this year. It is easy and you can't go wrong with it!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 pork tenderloin (I buy the 4 pack at Sam's and then baggie them individually in the freezer)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Oregano</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Basil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Morton's Seasoning Blend (yellow bottle- mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cover pork tenderloin in three spices. Really coat it, sprinkle it all over. Bake on cookie sheet for 20-25 minutes at 350. We usually slice it thick around 20 minutes and let it finish up. Serve with Knorr packet of hollandiase sauce. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Wednesday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.eunamaes.com/2015/02/cream-cheese-chicken-enchiladas.html">Euna Mae's Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Can of Charro Beans</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Frozen Spanish Rice</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I made these enchiladas a few weeks ago and froze half of them, so I get to just pop them in the oven this time around. I freeze dishes all the time. I don't like leftovers as in eat the same meal twice after it sits in the fridge, but I like making a 13x9 dish in two 8x8 dishes and cooking one and freezing the other.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Thursday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is brinner night! I love breakfast but we don't get to do it in the mornings often, so tonight it is!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Scrambled Eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bacon</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.myrecipemagic.com/gluten-free-baked-oatmeal-casserole-2500598544.html">Gluten Free Baked Oatmeal Casserole</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I like dishes like this because you can reheat it for breakfast on Saturday morning!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-69139263483039872182018-01-02T10:27:00.001-06:002018-01-02T16:56:41.053-06:00What's for Dinner #1<div style="text-align: center;">
I have had some requests recently to bring back the blog from personal friends looking for new meal ideas. I'll be honest, I need meal ideas sometimes too and thought it would be nice to be able to jump back on the blog when meal planning and have a list of our favorites to pick from.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope to find time to do this regularly and will be sure to update on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/YourLittleBirdie/">blog's Facebook page</a> when I post so you'll see it and can meal plan using some of our family favorites.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Monday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Baked Chicken </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/orzo-with-parmesan-and-basil-2/">Orzo with Parmesan and Basil</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Frozen Peas</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Tuesday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/16114511140806026/">Wendy's Chili</a>*</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
JW Marriott Cornbread</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had this cornbread at a hotel recently and it was the best- ever! The chef wrote down the recipe for me. It is the perfect sweet cornbread!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2/3 cup sugar<br />
2 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup buttermilk</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 t baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 c cornmeal</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 c all purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 t kosher salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Preheat over to 375 and grease baking pan. Melt butter in skillet, remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add the eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir mixture into pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour and salt and blend until it isn't lumpy. Pour batter into baking pan and bake for 30-40 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*This makes a ton of chili and we normally eat half and freeze half; however, this time around we are taking a meal to a friend. It is perfect for sharing!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Wednesday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
EASY DINNER NIGHT! Whenever I need a quick and easy dinner night (normally on Tuesday when Abby is in dance), I rely on Trader Joe's meals. We plan to have either their beef ravioli with salad or frozen Mandarin chicken, fried rice and edamame.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Thursday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/spaghetti-sauce/">Pioneer Woman's spaghetti sauce</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Frozen Garlic Bread</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fresh Green Beans</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This recipe includes 5 pounds of beef, so it makes a TON! I make it on a Sunday afternoon when we are home and then freeze it in quart sized baggies. I can typically get 6 dinners from this sauce. I will use it for <span style="font-family: inherit;">spaghetti</span>, baked penne, lasagna. It works for it all and is super tasty.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Friday</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.evolvingtable.com/easy-skillet-sweet-potatoes-cilantro/">Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro and Green Onions</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
No Peek Beef Tips with Rice</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 lb cubed stew meat</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 can cream of mushroom soup</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 packet brown gravy mix</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 packet lipton dry onion soup mix</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 oz can mushrooms (I leave these out!)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup water </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Add cubed meat to a 9 x 13 inch pan. In a large bowl mix the remaining ingredients together and pour over the meat. Add mushrooms and stir to coat. Cover with foil and bake at 300 degrees for 3 Hours. Do not remove foil until done. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Servings 6-8</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Extra</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/29677/original-nestle-toll-house-chocolate-chip-pan-cookie/">Toll house Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our babysitter made these for us once and now they are a favorite!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-70072640688980135372016-06-07T09:39:00.000-05:002016-06-07T09:39:16.270-05:00Abby's 1515Home<div style="text-align: center;">
Our new home is 1515 square feet with 3 bedrooms. The two front bedrooms are much smaller than we had before and we went back and forth with how to arrange them.... Abby takes big room and smaller room is for guests or Abby has them both and we do bigger bed in bigger room and play room in smaller room or get her a twin bed and make the playroom bigger? It wore me out!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ultimately, we decided she is 7 and needs space to play. She has lots of toys that she loves and plays with and I don't want to hinder that. Our main guest is my Mom and she was fine sleeping on a twin, so we made the bedroom the small room and the bigger room is the playroom. In 3-5 years, we will likely get a small guest bedroom back and Abby won't need a playroom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The design for her room came from this fun bedding by Pillowfort at Target. We bought it before we moved and took the sham to Sherwin Williams where Abby and I looked at lots of paint. We decided on Mint Condition, a light and bright mint green and had both her rooms painted that color.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CuJZamx9MLRu4SZELtlXQywBgzA2EmlkLRkY1WFrnmwkc5WywiOx9skQXUsK3zSJfYAq994SCoQ6fFtd7xyb3PELCXGZFPJc8keSuPEHxr8mxjRPswDTgZ8c-qdXe7-jeiXXbawgTwY/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CuJZamx9MLRu4SZELtlXQywBgzA2EmlkLRkY1WFrnmwkc5WywiOx9skQXUsK3zSJfYAq994SCoQ6fFtd7xyb3PELCXGZFPJc8keSuPEHxr8mxjRPswDTgZ8c-qdXe7-jeiXXbawgTwY/s640/IMG_2105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bought her nightstand on a resale page for $15 and then painted it and used crystal knobs. It has great storage for books! I then shared that bedding with my friend Anna who made this sign for Abby as a surprise. It is her favorite Bible verse and fitting for a young girl learning kindness, humility, and beginning to be involved in extra activities. I love how it turned out!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqmXL7La3icZCeyZC9SaT5PmWFXdxfkv-67I4rLRUtB1lKniYbUXd1GMCdmTEPWCy0bTjr7m4JObKk9AeSHatB0_bDWydcvF5Ko8uBhzXC9e5guOCc6c_4FXZgYJUDcRNJUmiuk2cHgY/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqmXL7La3icZCeyZC9SaT5PmWFXdxfkv-67I4rLRUtB1lKniYbUXd1GMCdmTEPWCy0bTjr7m4JObKk9AeSHatB0_bDWydcvF5Ko8uBhzXC9e5guOCc6c_4FXZgYJUDcRNJUmiuk2cHgY/s640/IMG_2106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other side of her room has her IKEA Hemnes dresser with crystal knobs and a few of her favorite art pieces from the old house. She loves the bunny she painted and is excited to paint another one this summer!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNAKDVb3EMZqS5eyAZU-zErPpXYe8uC8IX6cftdjuXPwmRDYY_DLCx1gE8pc0UtMMbL3X2b7u2e12tMM2ZQ18xgOG8scJ_3oeQObQuFOK5qzsApkjdNAPvcYaQeKXRRBsecqsPTfDOZE/s1600/IMG_2104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNAKDVb3EMZqS5eyAZU-zErPpXYe8uC8IX6cftdjuXPwmRDYY_DLCx1gE8pc0UtMMbL3X2b7u2e12tMM2ZQ18xgOG8scJ_3oeQObQuFOK5qzsApkjdNAPvcYaQeKXRRBsecqsPTfDOZE/s640/IMG_2104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CuJZamx9MLRu4SZELtlXQywBgzA2EmlkLRkY1WFrnmwkc5WywiOx9skQXUsK3zSJfYAq994SCoQ6fFtd7xyb3PELCXGZFPJc8keSuPEHxr8mxjRPswDTgZ8c-qdXe7-jeiXXbawgTwY/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a sweet little room for my sweet little girl!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97FD-kotUnppkm9TAM-UFMaqcqzWNLKmfOAl22Xv1uL15pExT8swcaSCBWZHa_3biWFPD3rumXHK1WBwJH3SNbdkcR-I1OJ1fUU5teoW8j4rOs3IfaxLtSqHRlSI_Nx-66Nmlenqhyphenhyphen70/s1600/IMG_2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97FD-kotUnppkm9TAM-UFMaqcqzWNLKmfOAl22Xv1uL15pExT8swcaSCBWZHa_3biWFPD3rumXHK1WBwJH3SNbdkcR-I1OJ1fUU5teoW8j4rOs3IfaxLtSqHRlSI_Nx-66Nmlenqhyphenhyphen70/s640/IMG_2103.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next door to Abby's bedroom is her playroom. This room is full of fun! Most of the furniture was in her old playroom, we just added some different pieces and painted a few things!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2BSAlMYWNMmk5tjUK4ok4Ff6pnzhw73yRL6lm-ZZjhHGRFvB0lw5SIdV2DLYlHnhc23TYqGgwoaFEHnuakcfRlmmG4Hq39Sxt7KCexbayILmOmxxCcwmm8BU3IJni54Z2itr4FQNJRY/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2BSAlMYWNMmk5tjUK4ok4Ff6pnzhw73yRL6lm-ZZjhHGRFvB0lw5SIdV2DLYlHnhc23TYqGgwoaFEHnuakcfRlmmG4Hq39Sxt7KCexbayILmOmxxCcwmm8BU3IJni54Z2itr4FQNJRY/s640/IMG_2101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Playing off the mint green, I added peach, grey and gold using Target's pillowfort line again. Such cute stuff at the right time for me! We kept some pinks and blues since we had those pieces from the old house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9xLaaxMJCbQgcttPNaJPQd-MTXu_whnl4pAW5WeZ0W-5o-scs0xLYKDi7Y9vMBZrkNJSoyhWYaxnuewTpvtZ_hIB3rwXoE13U_SNufBVoRWyUhUw6uWJYq1f4PcYvrpmaHmZzfv19SA/s1600/IMG_2099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9xLaaxMJCbQgcttPNaJPQd-MTXu_whnl4pAW5WeZ0W-5o-scs0xLYKDi7Y9vMBZrkNJSoyhWYaxnuewTpvtZ_hIB3rwXoE13U_SNufBVoRWyUhUw6uWJYq1f4PcYvrpmaHmZzfv19SA/s640/IMG_2099.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
More importantly than her space, Abby's heart toward this move has been great! She is excited to start a new school in the fall where she already has lots of church friends. She surprised us all with her first vacation request when we talked about spending our money on things other than our house- Africa to see <a href="http://www.solehope.org/">Sole Hope</a> kids. That is the kind of confirmation a Momma needs!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-83109735035429345312016-06-04T09:05:00.000-05:002016-06-04T09:05:05.211-05:00Our 1515Home Lighting<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think lighting can make such a difference in a house, so our renovation week included 12 light fixtures! God love my husband and his triceps! He spent a lot of time on a ladder looking up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My favorite light fixture is this pendant cluster I found on Amazon. It hangs over the dining room table. It is fully adjustable and at under $150 makes a statement for a steal. I also love my collage wall behind it- I'm just waiting on a big wooden fork to come in above Bessie, the cow head.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtFInlbQX-fmZ3xAxvKlhkGcEFUDpadXGALJxpJeEVks_oRAsjE5IJTJ0P8LJsY373Np_rLo-PglHa7eX0uh0NNUnVZbn4ZBSsUIJPcLckcuGBslbr79rsDO-xywxD0jrxTL_OHwTyE0/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAW9j65LQM9tIsTWDTO7WOxXdKJ50O81Fd2KzKThG749oQx8xrJfBF9ZFo03hSWAn4R-MTeVxIurteUa34iP2ohVsuRP_4bJFnha2zs_GRwgPQHwYi28DNP4FyXNKIx94yed-2Sdsg-I/s1600/IMG_1900.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5mNGUFx99EDRzdZgGxsRcJBFLbmngZzfM1i3WGaEZkPU17_vQp4NsHIZyBBdGc26zOv13sXJNxFnjM4t3hYPH1DksR4WOuosQSwf_0OkeEVGa7gT2tMXkpoZNrm7BX-WyuVClu0xg84/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5mNGUFx99EDRzdZgGxsRcJBFLbmngZzfM1i3WGaEZkPU17_vQp4NsHIZyBBdGc26zOv13sXJNxFnjM4t3hYPH1DksR4WOuosQSwf_0OkeEVGa7gT2tMXkpoZNrm7BX-WyuVClu0xg84/s640/IMG_2059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtFInlbQX-fmZ3xAxvKlhkGcEFUDpadXGALJxpJeEVks_oRAsjE5IJTJ0P8LJsY373Np_rLo-PglHa7eX0uh0NNUnVZbn4ZBSsUIJPcLckcuGBslbr79rsDO-xywxD0jrxTL_OHwTyE0/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAW9j65LQM9tIsTWDTO7WOxXdKJ50O81Fd2KzKThG749oQx8xrJfBF9ZFo03hSWAn4R-MTeVxIurteUa34iP2ohVsuRP_4bJFnha2zs_GRwgPQHwYi28DNP4FyXNKIx94yed-2Sdsg-I/s1600/IMG_1900.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtFInlbQX-fmZ3xAxvKlhkGcEFUDpadXGALJxpJeEVks_oRAsjE5IJTJ0P8LJsY373Np_rLo-PglHa7eX0uh0NNUnVZbn4ZBSsUIJPcLckcuGBslbr79rsDO-xywxD0jrxTL_OHwTyE0/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAW9j65LQM9tIsTWDTO7WOxXdKJ50O81Fd2KzKThG749oQx8xrJfBF9ZFo03hSWAn4R-MTeVxIurteUa34iP2ohVsuRP_4bJFnha2zs_GRwgPQHwYi28DNP4FyXNKIx94yed-2Sdsg-I/s1600/IMG_1900.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the light fixture freshly installed with the lights off. It looks pretty on or off! You can also see the cabinets in the background before we chalk painted them and the gold bedroom before it was painted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf5i8zY0jUowrUHW8u6_IagqmgDty-mqs99hLqYkTJGOgQWe6ZV45mJbUq6NKFtLul9L_t2rVaakV561m1NdTQx0OwgWrb40DqEtIT_mj77lin1yHGeyYfpbjwnU4MytgQ6Z6jqALlVM/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf5i8zY0jUowrUHW8u6_IagqmgDty-mqs99hLqYkTJGOgQWe6ZV45mJbUq6NKFtLul9L_t2rVaakV561m1NdTQx0OwgWrb40DqEtIT_mj77lin1yHGeyYfpbjwnU4MytgQ6Z6jqALlVM/s640/IMG_1911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my favorite light fixtures in our old house was the mason jars pendant in my kitchen and dining room. I was able to do a similar look with these ceiling fans from Home Depot. They weren't in stores, but you can find them online. I looked and looked knowing I wanted dark wood, good lighting and no frosted glass for under $200! We installed these in 3 bedrooms, the living room and the office. If you love this look and have the popular tile that looks like wood in a weathered color, that is the opposite side fan blade!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRX9wzCWEOz7_lkDFCTI3-aa8fx_DGYmyPCELpJ0e9gnfGy3Gzhi2Z9wdx9MkEnXDq3NP4juwRtyxvV13zN1fqm1T0JDD9JmMxaaNoViyS9_wc0FX3V_3dtf6Lvo0IcO0QppfUqFa51A/s1600/IMG_1899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRX9wzCWEOz7_lkDFCTI3-aa8fx_DGYmyPCELpJ0e9gnfGy3Gzhi2Z9wdx9MkEnXDq3NP4juwRtyxvV13zN1fqm1T0JDD9JmMxaaNoViyS9_wc0FX3V_3dtf6Lvo0IcO0QppfUqFa51A/s640/IMG_1899.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next up, we removed 4 mushroom lights found in the hallway and laundry room and replaced them with small drum shades, also from Amazon. These give off great light and are low profile since our ceilings are only 8 foot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMBh_lprdl9QcDPdYQc-3ArjdF6Ko6cRnmKyRak4GbqB_lTwY2QJGZWcfu4u3LA8fCr2D7hG3Ny-ra_caFxxpKZ1Lre_H1Q-ta37fnE5tm98c4487SLmodeYkKFfOoPJPjDQFqzybVtk/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMBh_lprdl9QcDPdYQc-3ArjdF6Ko6cRnmKyRak4GbqB_lTwY2QJGZWcfu4u3LA8fCr2D7hG3Ny-ra_caFxxpKZ1Lre_H1Q-ta37fnE5tm98c4487SLmodeYkKFfOoPJPjDQFqzybVtk/s640/IMG_1883.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, we updated the two lights outdoors. Both shine good light on the porches of our home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskx2CbycnvXcuOp4EcOGJRWSaB6kTGeXBgC_R5NearVFiVGK93sn8whJDN8kPAhPbBosjVPlFvskR_KBSUqjLJtqpjso6bYsaOU968fasq_XhEDN_GS1a3gKRP9dTvCxmTFJXKh3xGOY/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskx2CbycnvXcuOp4EcOGJRWSaB6kTGeXBgC_R5NearVFiVGK93sn8whJDN8kPAhPbBosjVPlFvskR_KBSUqjLJtqpjso6bYsaOU968fasq_XhEDN_GS1a3gKRP9dTvCxmTFJXKh3xGOY/s320/IMG_1944.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1CD1uysEN3qaYscOAV2kXqNUPnU8XXJ2dCjQfhitTUlUmkOn5_9zcxqfdCH6d2567iTIroSPHqZjGWGYO_bBNplaBCKvBPpbzONMb1NA_MtbTtZI633h1XxIqRlSNmEH9OQ-7KlOns0/s1600/IMG_1943.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1CD1uysEN3qaYscOAV2kXqNUPnU8XXJ2dCjQfhitTUlUmkOn5_9zcxqfdCH6d2567iTIroSPHqZjGWGYO_bBNplaBCKvBPpbzONMb1NA_MtbTtZI633h1XxIqRlSNmEH9OQ-7KlOns0/s320/IMG_1943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for visiting our home!</div>
Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-58138934360383614082016-06-02T11:39:00.000-05:002016-06-02T11:39:05.040-05:00Our 1515Home Office<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I work from home so a home office was a must. I also own and use lots of craft supplies. We knew our home had to have a home office or a bedroom to make into a home office. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In our old home, I used a bedroom as my office and my husband had the traditional office. So we each had our own space. We are now sharing and realized how much we use the office at separate times. I work more during the day and he does computer gaming, etc. at night. It works for us!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our space has a large opening into the living room/kitchen and eventually we might do french doors, but for now, it is open. Knowing that, we bought all new office furniture that matches. After looking around, we settled on IKEA. It gave us the best wall to wall options for the price and I liked having white so that it wouldn't be too heavy for the small room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmwpd0IbsGkgbN0L8DSDK8jNQarHe5oVNrzphBcnw0YvV8PRWJ1OliLaj4sfFpGu85yjI1VBBamE343kVQuofn5lmSsI8bIThTHU5Q7Xhjk33DM8GFfNffNZgHLpMFNDUAbeXVmyvhC8/s1600/IMG_1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmwpd0IbsGkgbN0L8DSDK8jNQarHe5oVNrzphBcnw0YvV8PRWJ1OliLaj4sfFpGu85yjI1VBBamE343kVQuofn5lmSsI8bIThTHU5Q7Xhjk33DM8GFfNffNZgHLpMFNDUAbeXVmyvhC8/s640/IMG_1956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My wall is longer and holds the three pieces above while Marcus has a smaller wall and just a desk and bookcase. We had the walls painted Agreeable Grey and a new ceiling fan from Home Depot installed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent a little extra and had IKEA do both delivery and assembly. With all the projects we had going on, it was easy to outsource this one. And, we haven't always had the best luck with building IKEA ourselves. This was a no brainer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRv-lq69mT7IehyphenhyphenVqEDo35-2qJkQXII_PTGjqyK-sWWEeVHYfTYc6IpDgNx6N643lOXmvFKcKi3aajcz4CQrzbngzhOQ0atlVl2sFGRgEO0U7wVL-S2UFkQNpS9Pvv6BRvVF70r7KWlPk/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRv-lq69mT7IehyphenhyphenVqEDo35-2qJkQXII_PTGjqyK-sWWEeVHYfTYc6IpDgNx6N643lOXmvFKcKi3aajcz4CQrzbngzhOQ0atlVl2sFGRgEO0U7wVL-S2UFkQNpS9Pvv6BRvVF70r7KWlPk/s640/IMG_1957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is my space after unpacking. I love the vintage colors coming through in my office supplies. I added a glass top to our desks in the hopes that it keeps the furniture looking new longer. IKEA is often a softer wood and I didn't want us to damage it easily. Although my space is smaller, I honestly have better storage now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWFuMxy_Z3cEQk_2PwNdNRMq3-Ai9rPpdN7owGY7XnYuF6qn0MELVWMWboE5zzDXlEI3by1wuoml4-ZelDlScagMZzo2A_Dqntz4h2ckC42QdQYyQUNDcCqveBBmrGTzRYKOzUDgmJOc/s1600/IMG_2024.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWFuMxy_Z3cEQk_2PwNdNRMq3-Ai9rPpdN7owGY7XnYuF6qn0MELVWMWboE5zzDXlEI3by1wuoml4-ZelDlScagMZzo2A_Dqntz4h2ckC42QdQYyQUNDcCqveBBmrGTzRYKOzUDgmJOc/s640/IMG_2024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The final touch- I added pink vintage glass knobs in place of the black IKEA basic ones. For $30, it added that vintage feel rather than the clean modern feel of IKEA. I found these on Etsy and almost bought green!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE08yrQ4MR-H5ojxX2hPOtSi-HJHoybzJvJRpA-ZeILmqoWna6wBB4RXdXMm1aOlcWchj05EM_j0-aLyQb0NewPlwcgh7R-zyPujd2q2fKzXK2uzCJ0In-71IE2v36we8u56tcuemnMDc/s1600/IMG_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE08yrQ4MR-H5ojxX2hPOtSi-HJHoybzJvJRpA-ZeILmqoWna6wBB4RXdXMm1aOlcWchj05EM_j0-aLyQb0NewPlwcgh7R-zyPujd2q2fKzXK2uzCJ0In-71IE2v36we8u56tcuemnMDc/s640/IMG_2142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marcus' side features his beloved Millennium Falcon. This piece was designed and laser cut by a friend and he loves having it in his office rather than the garage!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-hpG_cb9eJqGIYf4Z8MD6ORjGWmHPK7JibnXiQYxiVv3uEe1CmJQ3EY4GVHNHP_azksdN_hbork1FfTnpDujxuAf1LFfI3WDllIQ1GXosaXlQTjjDYbLO7KUSeB3kSH1Rb1em2Wa3ug/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-hpG_cb9eJqGIYf4Z8MD6ORjGWmHPK7JibnXiQYxiVv3uEe1CmJQ3EY4GVHNHP_azksdN_hbork1FfTnpDujxuAf1LFfI3WDllIQ1GXosaXlQTjjDYbLO7KUSeB3kSH1Rb1em2Wa3ug/s640/IMG_2091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also hung our diplomas in here. We are still paying for those pieces of paper!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRPpEPLSqjwXExeW5n7uAk71_ZFZY1FzNiO6aUeSUIgyMi7iJSK1mtC45xyxCGFQJVRAxqFqomrDDzE5Alr8rGImlL8p3ht9siXqWDpujTJbTegttqwIUpdGsJghAamt9M-GHgjUrHvI/s1600/IMG_2116.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRPpEPLSqjwXExeW5n7uAk71_ZFZY1FzNiO6aUeSUIgyMi7iJSK1mtC45xyxCGFQJVRAxqFqomrDDzE5Alr8rGImlL8p3ht9siXqWDpujTJbTegttqwIUpdGsJghAamt9M-GHgjUrHvI/s640/IMG_2116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for visiting our little office!</div>
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-39006212224619450972016-05-31T10:56:00.000-05:002016-05-31T10:56:00.957-05:00Our 1515Home Bathrooms<div style="text-align: center;">
I love home decor. I love design. I like mixing colors and filling spaces. I wish I had studied it more in college. When we bought our last home, it was less than a year old. Everything was new and fresh and it wasn't smart for me to change things just because they weren't my style at the time. So, I hadn't embarked on a home renovation before. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This time around, the house was about 20 years old and I could personalize it. So, we set a budget and I started pinning, meeting with contractors, and visiting Home Depot, Lowe's, granite yards, and other stores to develop my game plan. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's start with our work in the bathrooms!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always loved vintage white hexagon tile. After shopping around, it was half price at Floor & Decor than it was many other places. It fits my style and with dark grout makes upkeep easier. So, within 24 hours of owning the home, Vinny was laying tile and removing the linoleum. We went with a medium grey/dark blue grout color. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjUJMwo7Lw8riXSPX_Cntl41pQAKZkvkxewzfV6NZVuOT3tP2T6ipi4ShmNaPeCZDFfS9R18a21C6UnyBqK9nrbuGyAbfEMFSSPutW968lgYj5yarhundDovcIFP_kF2Jw2PT_Bm1OsE/s1600/IMG_1897.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjUJMwo7Lw8riXSPX_Cntl41pQAKZkvkxewzfV6NZVuOT3tP2T6ipi4ShmNaPeCZDFfS9R18a21C6UnyBqK9nrbuGyAbfEMFSSPutW968lgYj5yarhundDovcIFP_kF2Jw2PT_Bm1OsE/s640/IMG_1897.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We put it in both bathrooms and our laundry room. This tile is just what I wanted, but I will give warning. It isn't perfect and with tiny little tiles and contrasting grout, it can't be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you ever replace tile in the bathroom, know they have to remove the toilet and then reset it. Because the cost of resetting the toilet was already built into the tile cost we were paying, we went ahead and bought new toilets. It just made sense.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next simple thing we did to update the bathrooms was changing out the light bulb covers. I had done this in my old home and love the impact it makes. I prefer clear glass seeded covers to the frosted ones most light fixtures come with. I actually hate frosted glass anywhere! At $4 per cover, these are super reasonable. We changed out the glass in both bathrooms and kept the brushed silver fixtures.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6CTXdB8DBGbbVioMcXot7SuBtq-kG5-dGrB4qV6EoTXLcxh2RckSl2pXoXsa7hB1dCKO4JVUGzhvPU-ZD5jZE87wVUs6PtQ5oXFXWMo8_Mqv0eHc9aWIj7AyOFrVv3pJSso5ETAya-M/s1600/IMG_1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6CTXdB8DBGbbVioMcXot7SuBtq-kG5-dGrB4qV6EoTXLcxh2RckSl2pXoXsa7hB1dCKO4JVUGzhvPU-ZD5jZE87wVUs6PtQ5oXFXWMo8_Mqv0eHc9aWIj7AyOFrVv3pJSso5ETAya-M/s640/IMG_1949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had the entire house painted- all walls, trim and doors. The entire home, minus Abby's rooms, are Agreeable Grey by Sherwin Williams. I love the color- very soft grey that works well with browns and beige also. I was torn between two colors and in the end picked it because it is the #1 SW color. I knew it had to be good if everyone else loved it, too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DoQ62lnm8ObsOWKz1scCNNTSF7jxmCOcwPE2czBJqvR-nl9KFGAVp3TMB4oQuYwmbMpW99j-pEkHQRkGtpFZx6dbpPJxx2LJiSCUfrqOCaASNYKGkhxLOwShReDOIWMEvlN0xk3BESM/s1600/IMG_1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DoQ62lnm8ObsOWKz1scCNNTSF7jxmCOcwPE2czBJqvR-nl9KFGAVp3TMB4oQuYwmbMpW99j-pEkHQRkGtpFZx6dbpPJxx2LJiSCUfrqOCaASNYKGkhxLOwShReDOIWMEvlN0xk3BESM/s640/IMG_1961.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another thing I don't like in most homes is the basic screwed in mirror. It is so easy to remove and replace with a framed mirror and makes such a custom statement. I replaced all three mirrors in our bathrooms for under $150. Abby's mirror is Moen and was on Amazon for less than Home Depot and Lowe's.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JgGvI2V1yU4znTQj7x8JhEULvbk9mbNE5MnOjCfEXJBYLguY1YuNWsfMDmykK-L_sZ5Ca5DYXxHyFoyDXUNDY-BeTsahH2ffL7gmVfEXtH_Rb40zCcpvojf24iiovaODjhGUSLNMgmQ/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JgGvI2V1yU4znTQj7x8JhEULvbk9mbNE5MnOjCfEXJBYLguY1YuNWsfMDmykK-L_sZ5Ca5DYXxHyFoyDXUNDY-BeTsahH2ffL7gmVfEXtH_Rb40zCcpvojf24iiovaODjhGUSLNMgmQ/s640/IMG_1960.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her bathroom is soft and simple with grey walls, peach towels, and this white ruffled shower curtain from Amazon. I love that is works now and isn't childish so she can grow with it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In our master bathroom, I decided to play with a little color. Everything else is really neutral. I think neutral colors help a small space feel less crowded. But, in our bathroom I wanted something special, so we used Annie Sloan Aubusson Blue chalk paint on the cabinets. I sealed them with a water based poly and they look great!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qWNeqNObN1pjVAQhSny1ysBVkJpbvljDZPtXQmxwqueAwXL7EDsZ6eItfEopbRf2A9KiHrZNnrwXSiOwQRHaHXR6tP36IBknefsFndNn2fcSLFeftniknPcHiCGBhb1feETxJC__SRQ/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qWNeqNObN1pjVAQhSny1ysBVkJpbvljDZPtXQmxwqueAwXL7EDsZ6eItfEopbRf2A9KiHrZNnrwXSiOwQRHaHXR6tP36IBknefsFndNn2fcSLFeftniknPcHiCGBhb1feETxJC__SRQ/s640/IMG_1914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We kept the silver faucets in here and added matching knobs on the new blue cabinets. Our master isn't big, but it is pretty!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnny4KEV8tiebrm4G7b0RqpR0h_LVY7aTvwgQbFJq6XzLkEfLLhWtzdnBePQxod4r9ktyoPs5d1Jr6J1iCa1MPUuwyjewZlSSWUcp8Bz7UHFO8Sw-feUNPduzcG0R1-CP3HYb4jZOpTM/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnny4KEV8tiebrm4G7b0RqpR0h_LVY7aTvwgQbFJq6XzLkEfLLhWtzdnBePQxod4r9ktyoPs5d1Jr6J1iCa1MPUuwyjewZlSSWUcp8Bz7UHFO8Sw-feUNPduzcG0R1-CP3HYb4jZOpTM/s640/IMG_1970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I knew I wanted a frame less mirror and the prices on Pottery Barn and other sites were killing me. So, I was patient and found just what I wanted at Kirklands. I never go in there but it was next to Home Goods so I walked in after striking out there. These were just what I wanted and only $40 each.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Down the road, I'd love to replace this cabinet top with new sinks, but for now, it is working.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O8L266xZCDCr_xsfCVX6MKTnRFi5qLHNz4wvdxIkRNoOwEPKkuDGM0rsWo_A_nXsprDRZd6NVyl30zmhzg-pADNKm0JmoL6-63ICcPg-yIc5ZQXb03zZ9EKf3mo38TrRpd_dHpQB-5s/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O8L266xZCDCr_xsfCVX6MKTnRFi5qLHNz4wvdxIkRNoOwEPKkuDGM0rsWo_A_nXsprDRZd6NVyl30zmhzg-pADNKm0JmoL6-63ICcPg-yIc5ZQXb03zZ9EKf3mo38TrRpd_dHpQB-5s/s640/IMG_1971.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, we added grey towels and a dark blue ticking stripe shower curtain. We didn't have a shower curtain in the old house, so it was fun to shop around!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDw_gM2XNDh9jogh_g0gI5lGoFlEspmcS1MUSLDAvjiAq7Cm8imQ8sRELr4U2q9HSLP6McxAoeDCRV9rG9Ccdjrq428QuVVDnmZnHgm-ie7vFodPIx6UxSPuLrvR2lN7OKG1nd2NDEEA/s1600/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDw_gM2XNDh9jogh_g0gI5lGoFlEspmcS1MUSLDAvjiAq7Cm8imQ8sRELr4U2q9HSLP6McxAoeDCRV9rG9Ccdjrq428QuVVDnmZnHgm-ie7vFodPIx6UxSPuLrvR2lN7OKG1nd2NDEEA/s640/IMG_1972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We lost a lot of square footage in our bathrooms. We gave up a powder room and our master bath is now smaller than our guest bath was, however, we have made the space we have functional and pretty so it works for us. It isn't fancy, but it is farmhouse!</div>
Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-45661554975580133092016-05-28T10:10:00.001-05:002016-05-28T10:11:58.442-05:00Our Big Move<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't blogged in a long time for a lot of reasons, but I can't say I have a domestic blog and never mention the fact that I moved and renovated a new home last month. I also can't tell the story of my move without telling a little background.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We bought our house in 2008. I worked full time and we were about to start IVF with the idea that twins were highly likely. We were in our early 30s and did what everyone around us did- we moved up. We went from our "starter home" to our dream home which was about $75K more. It had 4 bedrooms, a formal dining room for entertaining, soaring ceilings, and great schools. We had our daughter 9 months later and then 2 years later I began working part time so I could be home with her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over time we became the definition of house poor. My income had lessened and the value and mortgage on our house slowly increased. My husband's income has a commission component and some months was less than expected. Combine that with my "need" to decorate and fill this big house and we moved in the wrong direction financially.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the fall, we started getting serious about our budget and my husband took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. In February, I ran lots of numbers and we decided to sell our house. We wanted a smaller home, a smaller mortgage, and to pay off debt with some of our home equity. We prayed. We consulted. We prayed. We researched. And, God literally opened every day in His perfect timing that led us to this home.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge16Lb1DrnAyxJzDFUm5JmBE49yg2WUbrQtcLDGvS0koIatmav-MiAsLGNwvgDiUYNWH_OvfySY4hyphenhyphenWixDzMMe8ECefi2NZrU1hh8c1JeS5KRh0v6aQPr2mFdyo7PrnZNTnfNWy2Coaf8/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge16Lb1DrnAyxJzDFUm5JmBE49yg2WUbrQtcLDGvS0koIatmav-MiAsLGNwvgDiUYNWH_OvfySY4hyphenhyphenWixDzMMe8ECefi2NZrU1hh8c1JeS5KRh0v6aQPr2mFdyo7PrnZNTnfNWy2Coaf8/s640/IMG_2151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
It was the home of a friend that hadn't hit the market yet. It was a 3 bedroom with an office and cost less than we paid for our home in 2008. It had good bones, an amazing backyard, and is within a mile of lots of our friends. It feeds into the only school we wanted outside of our own. It needed cosmetic upgrades only. It was an answered prayer. And after an offer, it was ours. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLjj9DK6u3Kr_BfNUO9EzL6WGegltxZ45TGN40urpYGRws21Pot7cgnBuWgmXi-LxNXcwKOElszwjfnMzHToDJyDIYSAUaibvx3fYjkjIvvU4rpUmKWd1c9nSwe9VETePq6QQLPWaCcY/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLjj9DK6u3Kr_BfNUO9EzL6WGegltxZ45TGN40urpYGRws21Pot7cgnBuWgmXi-LxNXcwKOElszwjfnMzHToDJyDIYSAUaibvx3fYjkjIvvU4rpUmKWd1c9nSwe9VETePq6QQLPWaCcY/s640/IMG_1940.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Suddenly we had a new home and a current home that needed to be sold. We got our house ready and it sold in 2 days above asking. The timeline was perfect for us and we were really moving. God had lined it all up and our obedience led to financial freedom and a home renovation. I was somehow going to save money every month, pay off debt, and get to renovate a home. It seemed too good to be true!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XKu5rYg8mf9_gezdnBJfGjyj7g4jZhqaxu4bwXHFSW1y6H-hhiJs-ji8nemGkiBu4pOpeVJ3VDnNZmlTyUSQ-qEaRjasgi2GMoY4FkBxmsWeLOjq_C-gWbkeHLC3p4SQNFz3Iqu3zAE/s1600/IMG_2085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XKu5rYg8mf9_gezdnBJfGjyj7g4jZhqaxu4bwXHFSW1y6H-hhiJs-ji8nemGkiBu4pOpeVJ3VDnNZmlTyUSQ-qEaRjasgi2GMoY4FkBxmsWeLOjq_C-gWbkeHLC3p4SQNFz3Iqu3zAE/s640/IMG_2085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are now in our new home and almost all renovations are completed. We are happy with our decision and haven't looked back. I always looked at the nice neighborhood next to ours as the next step and God has really changed my heart. I see those big homes and see work and upkeep now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are loving our backyard full of big trees and the shade they provide. We are loving the cozy feel a smaller home gives us. We are loving thinking about our money going toward trips to Disney World, Hawaii, and Africa. </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: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn5ajQIFUauAeFAzwegOSJsfwuDAXdMH6T0qqexVt8fN-um8NU-Uz2SY2RArIQsZiT0jl2s9VszdRrdYflZqhUIH9gZ0LzA6rY6W440PFRl4O7eYRw1HxNC3VJfDHVkxsjRJoUFnazkw/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn5ajQIFUauAeFAzwegOSJsfwuDAXdMH6T0qqexVt8fN-um8NU-Uz2SY2RArIQsZiT0jl2s9VszdRrdYflZqhUIH9gZ0LzA6rY6W440PFRl4O7eYRw1HxNC3VJfDHVkxsjRJoUFnazkw/s640/IMG_2158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
We are loving the "second backyard" as Abby calls it. The field behind our home is open and the perfect spot for flying kites, hitting baseballs and watching fireworks!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzu0cOx69N2fcrJ33xa9crUNH2lEVfTbQ5VEs3di2wOrEkwa65wKnrVGMyICdAi-bAZ4p6AbKH6kge_8tV7qY6_1vkpxQItkIfzRCXozzQT-nu_J6uRvL5qlrKJtItqTtR1OoSdYpeug/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzu0cOx69N2fcrJ33xa9crUNH2lEVfTbQ5VEs3di2wOrEkwa65wKnrVGMyICdAi-bAZ4p6AbKH6kge_8tV7qY6_1vkpxQItkIfzRCXozzQT-nu_J6uRvL5qlrKJtItqTtR1OoSdYpeug/s640/IMG_1932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the next few weeks I will share more of the inside. I have always loved farmhouse style and it is so popular right now that I have so many options! We've done paint, flooring, lighting, doors, fixtures, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, fireplace and more!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay tuned!</div>
Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-85987248492264569512015-07-01T08:00:00.000-05:002015-07-01T08:00:00.365-05:00July Desktop Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy July! This is always one of my favorite months of the year- summer is in full swing, vacation Bible school, 4th of July, my wedding anniversary, and lots of watermelon eating. Have a great month!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh6JG20pvRZ_UZq9_PyHs3R8OOKJoiJr1iNvfm-P4VXa06J1-jWItwDKNtGPdd2mhlUp59FiYR3RrBR2wYFOZkcVs6hmwmsrmV2pNrOSDRjUo6YbVM0acaZ3rKdXPu6sllyLyTBuwbkM/s1600/July.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh6JG20pvRZ_UZq9_PyHs3R8OOKJoiJr1iNvfm-P4VXa06J1-jWItwDKNtGPdd2mhlUp59FiYR3RrBR2wYFOZkcVs6hmwmsrmV2pNrOSDRjUo6YbVM0acaZ3rKdXPu6sllyLyTBuwbkM/s640/July.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
To enjoy this desktop calendar all month long, simply right click on it and save. Then open it and make it your desktop background.Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-4936083882410666792015-06-28T18:17:00.000-05:002015-06-28T18:17:00.687-05:00Worldly Summer: Antarctica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The second place in the world Abby wanted to study was Antarctica. So, while it has been 90 degrees here in Texas, we've had fun with cold things inside!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We made a snow globe and decided to let our little friend Olaf live inside. You can see directions <a href="http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/2011/12/handmade-christmas-gift-card-snow-globe.html">here</a>. It really is simple- glue a toy on the lid, fill with water and glitter, screw on the lid, and shake!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3ERASmHJmRiqF3mKC9iOU3_Zlos4krCAaXlnDMqDfds6ZOcdA2XUd2SjKh6Yo9hyphenhyphen1WeAftbM5HFOstbMvYeOODCykVA3qZ7J8fTHOMQ6lHIA-uPJX-l-MUUXlN4JY1AYfTLDTvABcII/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3ERASmHJmRiqF3mKC9iOU3_Zlos4krCAaXlnDMqDfds6ZOcdA2XUd2SjKh6Yo9hyphenhyphen1WeAftbM5HFOstbMvYeOODCykVA3qZ7J8fTHOMQ6lHIA-uPJX-l-MUUXlN4JY1AYfTLDTvABcII/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The next thing we made was snow! It only took two ingredients and a few minutes to make a big mess, I mean big fun times! Abby's littlest pet shop enjoyed throwing snow, sliding in the snow and burying each other. The directions are <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/01/erupting-snow-recipe.html?m=1">here</a>.... just note, it takes a few minutes to set. It felt like shaving cream for a while and then suddenly was more "snow" like. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF4WE8yedRJYOHOZODT4viXuhP1-RBDI4G4J2ACAi3nEGAokYa-QZd5gK79jp20JH9Vff0tTE3zvdwQtnV2iR_pSi77OcXvs0Q6mpP-UdpZQkZIyv1ywlzEs51tStOJqnNyJbvQQwEyA/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF4WE8yedRJYOHOZODT4viXuhP1-RBDI4G4J2ACAi3nEGAokYa-QZd5gK79jp20JH9Vff0tTE3zvdwQtnV2iR_pSi77OcXvs0Q6mpP-UdpZQkZIyv1ywlzEs51tStOJqnNyJbvQQwEyA/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also watched Happy Feet this week and learned a lot about penguins, sea lions, whales and the environment. Such a cute movie!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBk0Hdm8afGtvR9Lqpi7UCI2WcKVwG-dGtlKkfavolh3M-vNANgLjKDII8jqYqxlmOkYk1-HRRwAP8J-7uvUnkwe6HDvEcG3p7pbxCm0olBHgQbU-t9Z5z6VItQryC_AMiMakbC85WcU/s1600/Happy_Feet_HD_movie_wallpaper_19_1600x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBk0Hdm8afGtvR9Lqpi7UCI2WcKVwG-dGtlKkfavolh3M-vNANgLjKDII8jqYqxlmOkYk1-HRRwAP8J-7uvUnkwe6HDvEcG3p7pbxCm0olBHgQbU-t9Z5z6VItQryC_AMiMakbC85WcU/s640/Happy_Feet_HD_movie_wallpaper_19_1600x1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The library was our trusty friend and we found lots of books on Antarctica and learned about weather, climate, researchers, animals, ice, snow, and even how the Earth and the Sun rotate.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since there are not people living in Antarctica, our food had to be a little more creative. We made two types of COLD ice cream this week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://detoxinista.com/2013/02/pineapple-whip/">Pineapple Whip</a> was delicious and super healthy. We will make this again for sure! I like that it is only 3 clean ingredients and tastes like sweet whipped pineapples.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix12Ss1eYVB61uQ9y5hH-ANIwYa9qdB9DyRJXw63-8ZttMHlMenUlpFE2VWdI6Pw7LYf44fU5txGMcd9RxfC6SoklU-zU2rTbSoJNfknJ0dqM6Ncnp8f-Pl-Rour7R7V7yQwlReSbW26E/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix12Ss1eYVB61uQ9y5hH-ANIwYa9qdB9DyRJXw63-8ZttMHlMenUlpFE2VWdI6Pw7LYf44fU5txGMcd9RxfC6SoklU-zU2rTbSoJNfknJ0dqM6Ncnp8f-Pl-Rour7R7V7yQwlReSbW26E/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, we pulled out my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Pops-Best-Classic-Treats/dp/1452101922/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1435415300&sr=8-3&keywords=popsicle+cookbook">Perfect Pops cookbook</a> and <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/set-of-6-ice-pop-molds/s686321?b=1?affiliate=1552&adpos=1o1&creative=44761147496&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQjwk7msBRCJj67khY2z_NIBEiQAPTFjvznhS5KTE3j9ddgiwCb2y9sTjvG4onCKaVWia7fKSh4aAqM_8P8HAQ">molds </a>and Abby picked Cookies and Cream popsicles. We enjoyed those to conclude our cold study of Antarctica!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9eoNa9SkzEoZLcVO0Y0qaixrqayiUF-B03nM1p7Jbadb2ZCkhOST_iOMRB1WP9t4NWmXwyoXhILBQJsKTaOjeRN4UDsnlpm6chBJXNlfZ9Rl5FwIypj3Nb8tD313Je22PqdwvdHyilk/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9eoNa9SkzEoZLcVO0Y0qaixrqayiUF-B03nM1p7Jbadb2ZCkhOST_iOMRB1WP9t4NWmXwyoXhILBQJsKTaOjeRN4UDsnlpm6chBJXNlfZ9Rl5FwIypj3Nb8tD313Je22PqdwvdHyilk/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It really has been fun and easy to travel the world this summer. I know I am enjoying having some easy activities during the day when swimming and iPad time are done.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To see more of our summer, click <a href="http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/search/label/Worldly%20Summer">here </a>or check out all my World Summer pins <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mrsannajenk/abby-lu-worldly-summer/">here</a>. Next up, we are studying the parts of the world Jesus visited!</div>
<br />
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-2767286499625472182015-06-24T16:21:00.000-05:002015-06-24T16:21:00.786-05:00Worldly Summer: Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a little bit of a homeschool Mom in me, so this summer we are going around the world with my daughter who will enter 1st grade next year. She picked the countries she wanted to study (with a little help from my husband and I) and we've come up with food, crafts, books, movies, and more to study the culture of the people there. We are planning to do this over 7 weeks of the summer when we don't have other big things planned like VBS or vacation. I'll share craft ideas and recipes as we go!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hola! We visited Mexico for our first world summer stop! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We studied the beaches of Mexico- Cancun, Cozumel and Cabo and made this fun beach craft with playdoh, salt dough, and a paper plate. See details <a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Nature/minibeach/minibeach.html">here</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-McFh6o4Xmaf5dbQbd3KgFROaUJALd3Q-4o_QqrCRgQ01z3frSOKZDtfAIT47Nbm2SfBeyyq0BEpPP8md09Z9Oz0euU3f2USp5jrlWSoD2C3W0R6-x4BPsjAOHb8SY07JoeykvuzqPLU/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-McFh6o4Xmaf5dbQbd3KgFROaUJALd3Q-4o_QqrCRgQ01z3frSOKZDtfAIT47Nbm2SfBeyyq0BEpPP8md09Z9Oz0euU3f2USp5jrlWSoD2C3W0R6-x4BPsjAOHb8SY07JoeykvuzqPLU/s640/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are keeping this really simple so we checked out books from the library to learn more about the country, climate, people, and history and bought a fun <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Doras-Book-Words-Libro-Palabras/dp/0689856261">Dora book</a> that helps teach simple Spanish words. It had pull tabs and Abby really enjoyed it. She made us laugh with her deep voice for crab!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyq1mvYfzPBPgXQepw6dIIL14T_rPODFZtF9CxO6sQtGXT3xqo4kvBppv-PFKJBBDYGOowLy_cDas7yGTXe4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We did math with Mexican coins, sampled Mexican candies from the local convenient store, enjoyed <a href="https://snapguide.com/guides/make-mangonadas/">Mangonada</a>, and Pioneer Woman's <a href="http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/2009/11/tres-leches-cake.html">Tres Leches</a> cake. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pinned lots of ideas <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mrsannajenk/abby-lu-worldly-summer/">here </a>if you want to preview our summer! This week, we are studying Antarctica! Brr! :)</div>
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-45116014552857380972015-06-21T19:48:00.001-05:002015-06-21T19:48:46.906-05:00Chicago for Kids- Our Favorite Places, Food and Travel Tips<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband, 6 year old and I just returned from a week in Chicago. Everyone has asked me this weekend how was it and I have to say over and over again, I LOVE THAT CITY! Chicago has it all- water, parks, playgrounds, museums, culture, free zoo, awesome food. We had visited before my daughter was born and enjoyed it as adults, but with a kid in the big city for the first time, it was even better!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Both times we have been to Chicago we stayed on The Magnificent Mile. I can't imagine staying anywhere else. It is the big city! Abby loved calling cabs and the big circular doors. We loved all the stores, food and coffee shops within walking distance.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few of my favorites places to see, places to eat and tips for navigating Chicago!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Favorite Places to See</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first night we walked out to Navy Pier. We ate pizza, rode the swings and the Ferris wheel. It is just fun for kids- everything is lit up, water is all around you, and you can see the city so easily from the Pier. It is a must see! Rides are about $6-$8/person/ride. So, we split up and my husband did the swings with Abby and I did the Ferris wheel with her. The wheel is best at sunset so we did swings, ate dinner and walked the little souvenir shops and then did the Ferris wheel last. Be sure to get a bag of Garrett's Popcorn when you visit. We bought a big bag and snacked on it all week!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1N9Zgtre9cbfIvhbpk2JAlNe4OM3ei49tIAboti1jmGQ_zgVc7JFp00elEQGiYAMdNbLL1BwIxSPIKTRlKuaHfPEOxtHDD5xP6nxxB_oJdj_E9MdCKgHhZ4HS9HaHizVgk8bBGJokrI/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1N9Zgtre9cbfIvhbpk2JAlNe4OM3ei49tIAboti1jmGQ_zgVc7JFp00elEQGiYAMdNbLL1BwIxSPIKTRlKuaHfPEOxtHDD5xP6nxxB_oJdj_E9MdCKgHhZ4HS9HaHizVgk8bBGJokrI/s640/077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hands down, our favorite place was Maggie Daley Park. It just opened a few months before our trip and was like no other park. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQE4hDt-az9Ejl5Oq_JTnWP9VD0NHqYM1H9uuaPLNDFoFKiSqe9PnZpZgCuiPLZaeZXHeCzz4yBwrBpOgEKbzMFXvMnRdsUijR4cNI_EJ1jwJwvrvAh0LK-xX8K1uwLK4UaZIDjX0x4c/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQE4hDt-az9Ejl5Oq_JTnWP9VD0NHqYM1H9uuaPLNDFoFKiSqe9PnZpZgCuiPLZaeZXHeCzz4yBwrBpOgEKbzMFXvMnRdsUijR4cNI_EJ1jwJwvrvAh0LK-xX8K1uwLK4UaZIDjX0x4c/s640/126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We visited it twice. The backdrop was amazing! The slides were so creative! Abby had fun running around and being a kid! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFuzaDBkrVPnfj32FT5mrW2ZTZZew7AmF90e333xDP-dtYCWqsXPjjRdzjnAFvt9gsPPw8eJWQFuz0kMNKYZOfbukdo9vr-oxxyTSV2vSF5y7cbJhrmNerp1XdI7DBVIrPJ6DBXeHsKI/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFuzaDBkrVPnfj32FT5mrW2ZTZZew7AmF90e333xDP-dtYCWqsXPjjRdzjnAFvt9gsPPw8eJWQFuz0kMNKYZOfbukdo9vr-oxxyTSV2vSF5y7cbJhrmNerp1XdI7DBVIrPJ6DBXeHsKI/s640/127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The whole place is just full of laughter and imagination. We really loved it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-wCC3A5_wXMmAhKCNZ4Mguq9YPzUNKRY4-P5s-rh9Yx5EJX7Q1ldL6Hl5VoU2aXQ6uE9G2ubLeovRbgFV7F-SQo9Sq68bOXN7L46jcGth0kTdNahV5nOz1xcFLG2TwK6VBAeYrCv_cg/s1600/173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-wCC3A5_wXMmAhKCNZ4Mguq9YPzUNKRY4-P5s-rh9Yx5EJX7Q1ldL6Hl5VoU2aXQ6uE9G2ubLeovRbgFV7F-SQo9Sq68bOXN7L46jcGth0kTdNahV5nOz1xcFLG2TwK6VBAeYrCv_cg/s640/173.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From Maggie Daley park, you can take a fun footbridge over to Millennium Park to see the famous bean and also the Crown Fountains. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztyHMw0bx5S8QnkaCdvNMq9NebQVH8s6-A3wgLvS8qmyqmDM2ui4ePXdqkMKDaoIw9yWtmTB4OookdEIwbOnns1vedrdhv-oqHL37u8dFtSLd6zVz0Y8T5-2t-hDqwVaT9B8f4tzuNDo/s1600/140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztyHMw0bx5S8QnkaCdvNMq9NebQVH8s6-A3wgLvS8qmyqmDM2ui4ePXdqkMKDaoIw9yWtmTB4OookdEIwbOnns1vedrdhv-oqHL37u8dFtSLd6zVz0Y8T5-2t-hDqwVaT9B8f4tzuNDo/s640/140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Be sure to pack clothes to change into. Abby loved seeing the fountains spit water out on all the kids. We just rolled her jeans up and limited her fountain time. Lots of kids come in swimsuits!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBb9-rxAICDsm-cUaoPKdGn5ZOrGpQClfuvpn8F0pNzu5S7I469X3uGcvprkPl8w5R3Up63oent0lt2coJwyImU2VmYsOo7yWGa0iDIv0iD2dNXC05Vq9sRzPHoHVDTKQxGQM6goV12U/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBb9-rxAICDsm-cUaoPKdGn5ZOrGpQClfuvpn8F0pNzu5S7I469X3uGcvprkPl8w5R3Up63oent0lt2coJwyImU2VmYsOo7yWGa0iDIv0iD2dNXC05Vq9sRzPHoHVDTKQxGQM6goV12U/s640/142.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is so much to learn in Chicago and the zoo was a must see. It is a free zoo, so there are gates open all around and people in the parks surrounding the zoo. They had picnic lunches, flew kites, and ran all around the grassy fields near the zoo. We took the bus and were there in time for lunch before we started exploring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are zoo people- we have visited 8 other zoos and really loved this one. I judge a zoo based upon the ability to not get lost and the ability to see the animals well. I dislike a zoo with the animals all in hiding indoors. We saw everything! They had more monkeys than I've ever seen- big ones, little ones, playful ones, old and tired ones. There is an entire primate house to show all the different monkeys!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXckwk_06vne24-oOqIPvwncelPkTFnXEKL_D6t9Zly95PisoZy4LAxzBPKrReBE51eQKyNhijIn-T0KD7TDj5KZ9o6rf4yvsue96WlPkHW3nKY4K2FT-fq9RnZaK69ak9vM7owUmIrM/s1600/145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXckwk_06vne24-oOqIPvwncelPkTFnXEKL_D6t9Zly95PisoZy4LAxzBPKrReBE51eQKyNhijIn-T0KD7TDj5KZ9o6rf4yvsue96WlPkHW3nKY4K2FT-fq9RnZaK69ak9vM7owUmIrM/s640/145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Due to rain and chilly temps for us warm Texans, we skipped our beach day and ended up at The Field Museum. It was a great Plan B! This is Sue, she is the most complete dinosaur I believe in the world. Only a small handful of her bones were recreated. This is the museum of natural history which houses animals, culture, and artifacts from centuries ago. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNwwZANGjHMJgiBxt2maKPPx9m7v5zZyg7D76J_gDp53WKKssMuSxFuxe5bMILziwMFENuVNtDv_7HmbRfFc9AE-ZlMw_AV-BYaAWRPjyva0bTjdt-z1JurvrsTBMwPNBN0WNikElnsg/s1600/197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNwwZANGjHMJgiBxt2maKPPx9m7v5zZyg7D76J_gDp53WKKssMuSxFuxe5bMILziwMFENuVNtDv_7HmbRfFc9AE-ZlMw_AV-BYaAWRPjyva0bTjdt-z1JurvrsTBMwPNBN0WNikElnsg/s640/197.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also visited the Museum of Science and Industry- our FAVORITE museum. It is all about how science and technology have influenced our world from combines helping farmers or robots building toys. It was super cool and very hands on!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tDgU7sM_EoIECg2XrTwjqUG9wVbqQi6htoSOUHm8fSFi8hdUi8MldhyphenhyphenTKe42qEpnTGZPampqhQy0vR4uy-jvfOplcm4wHi85xZNN6azptXLeYD4JYVs2NDz-V8QyTbGmlTSHV2NqFu4/s1600/254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tDgU7sM_EoIECg2XrTwjqUG9wVbqQi6htoSOUHm8fSFi8hdUi8MldhyphenhyphenTKe42qEpnTGZPampqhQy0vR4uy-jvfOplcm4wHi85xZNN6azptXLeYD4JYVs2NDz-V8QyTbGmlTSHV2NqFu4/s640/254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Favorite Places to Eat</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We did a lot of really good eating and a lot of walking in Chicago, so it all balances out, right? I sent a request out on social media and put everyone's suggestions into a Word document and saved it on the Google drive so my husband and I could access it. I knew the place, address, hours and food types from peeking online. It helped us decide on the fly!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a few of my favorites... we splurged on Glazed & Infused Doughnuts one morning. Oh so good! I had that giant Lemon Blueberry Toffee doughnut. So good! Plus, they had the best Iced Chai tea I've ever had. Lots of locations around Chicago!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2mIaysjaJh7T49bolPKu30mE_j0f_JiQItN2cOQaunU68peRGSwP5AxYEqnHIrBybqT4mJvLzb9dArr7yApbn2f-p0qY3IrIVyU-A3-MVcvWel4l1_gxzaS1We0IC2dbcbMy84xBLMg/s1600/178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2mIaysjaJh7T49bolPKu30mE_j0f_JiQItN2cOQaunU68peRGSwP5AxYEqnHIrBybqT4mJvLzb9dArr7yApbn2f-p0qY3IrIVyU-A3-MVcvWel4l1_gxzaS1We0IC2dbcbMy84xBLMg/s640/178.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course a proper lunch at American Girl was enjoyed!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYOWu3-cCR9KSo4CE_TO44tNT4q3b4mV-eDA9HzCrmR_AKu2QsL8N23mbZi6Isf1U2VfUSdFj1nDVMGebQN-6TYIVocJby9danpByjGY65asfVBGHCzlATihZGqp4WJQEEkk1zrXUmNs/s1600/IMG_4305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYOWu3-cCR9KSo4CE_TO44tNT4q3b4mV-eDA9HzCrmR_AKu2QsL8N23mbZi6Isf1U2VfUSdFj1nDVMGebQN-6TYIVocJby9danpByjGY65asfVBGHCzlATihZGqp4WJQEEkk1zrXUmNs/s640/IMG_4305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chicago is known for their hot dogs and pizza and we made sure to sample some of the best!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkCuUHry89zOTPYvSjIsYWd4ZLTtpXREsDVUMtlCbdCZ59-bS6AAz4rNGM6SLkiEQExG_qE9UYyQSDVxLP0aZWrQquTuvHbjL4Qco9ZJZbus_-Wcod6cGwyr13X7N0Mdkq3srGXI0QNg/s1600/148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkCuUHry89zOTPYvSjIsYWd4ZLTtpXREsDVUMtlCbdCZ59-bS6AAz4rNGM6SLkiEQExG_qE9UYyQSDVxLP0aZWrQquTuvHbjL4Qco9ZJZbus_-Wcod6cGwyr13X7N0Mdkq3srGXI0QNg/s640/148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I like my hot dog plain- no ketchup, mustard, nothing. Plain! So, this was a lot to take in. Marcus loved them both!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv4ak1H2pGB2ymlXVvXaFIfokWD4tmQnw8LLcY6JZJ-1a_Y0fo6b5ftFEUdGSTmfzJoGxrTnqooCUyLtCEFM_ct6u-JBGdLw06CbJbLdW9weROF0d9EBQkvo-V2AL2jsSbsGhCc3gkm0/s1600/258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv4ak1H2pGB2ymlXVvXaFIfokWD4tmQnw8LLcY6JZJ-1a_Y0fo6b5ftFEUdGSTmfzJoGxrTnqooCUyLtCEFM_ct6u-JBGdLw06CbJbLdW9weROF0d9EBQkvo-V2AL2jsSbsGhCc3gkm0/s640/258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Within walking distance of the zoo was the Chicago Pizza and Grinder Company. It is a tiny little place with a cool history. They make their pizzas in a bowl! They fill it with cheese, then meat sauce and then cover the bowl with bread. It bakes and then as they bring it to the table, they flip it over. It was like a yummy pizza soup inside a bread bowl. Very cool and unique.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXARR44lxey4d4z4YEQutwp-BTXUrqgC0mWcDgBZOEgwlm-YT6HkYSAQHO6oQRgd3vePBVk5P13eyxkkG1_3Ne3unYLF_znhqGkky4zVUdcbYJUA489HjbPyT1NTHYwzM_-MiGB4jPgU/s1600/170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXARR44lxey4d4z4YEQutwp-BTXUrqgC0mWcDgBZOEgwlm-YT6HkYSAQHO6oQRgd3vePBVk5P13eyxkkG1_3Ne3unYLF_znhqGkky4zVUdcbYJUA489HjbPyT1NTHYwzM_-MiGB4jPgU/s640/170.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were seated in the back of the restaurant and every table we passed was eating this, so we ordered it. Best decision! Their Mediterranean bread was a thin bread covered in seasonings, dried peppers and cheese. So good and perfect while our pizza cooked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8x6xZR1NMOjwY0vTsKlFxLeXp8cQGN1N8fe1aTryFuZV-GUvr1ehyphenhyphenWs8SM4_SKPixo7LA0wVlNrq6xpF-EE3-qMn8ljskh2PDfZ2cjjBdFOSJDCju0Dek4nLqcVEFCZbRVAPSLFvxWc/s1600/171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8x6xZR1NMOjwY0vTsKlFxLeXp8cQGN1N8fe1aTryFuZV-GUvr1ehyphenhyphenWs8SM4_SKPixo7LA0wVlNrq6xpF-EE3-qMn8ljskh2PDfZ2cjjBdFOSJDCju0Dek4nLqcVEFCZbRVAPSLFvxWc/s640/171.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the middle of our busy trip, we had a fireworks boat cruise planned out on Lake Michigan. We had made that day lighter and were in the hotel room for naps by 3 PM. We ordered deep dish from Lou Malnatis for dinner and had it delivered to our room. It was so good- the best pizza we've ever had. Normally I don't like deep dish because it is too saucy, but this was just extra cheesy! The salad with sweet vinaigrette was also wonderful. I'm happy to know they ship!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsiExJuhdEGtz_XdzFbKTgJOF-lqTCL11SHvR09mKnAS4kFXO_6SrAiUnNGKvatCKMOB5VnPZkZrj95YUIKBdwU-WYePP8V6dLUf0XpT5mH6TTDDtlZ3Q4Omddgy49Ac-lngjz4bde_w/s1600/192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsiExJuhdEGtz_XdzFbKTgJOF-lqTCL11SHvR09mKnAS4kFXO_6SrAiUnNGKvatCKMOB5VnPZkZrj95YUIKBdwU-WYePP8V6dLUf0XpT5mH6TTDDtlZ3Q4Omddgy49Ac-lngjz4bde_w/s640/192.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally, on our last night in town we ventured to Ed Debevic's. It is a 50's style diner with dancing wait staff, jukeboxes, silly hats and sassy waiters. As in, when I ordered Abby a grilled cheese, he said, "something you could make cheaper at home." It was fun and really good! They are known for the world's smallest sundae. It was cute and the perfect ending! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lhSjh1r32cDwYKBEL4HASzgRMMAsTgAzOIH9Jk5tI5GYIOCj9m8GUMM6GCY7M9hU6us3L8OfzIxgV1-6AMbzIaq3XlLJPCUlEDwSUTCGMoisxBdJ77DEE0A9oKoaWC2lZ0vf0b35fS4/s1600/257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lhSjh1r32cDwYKBEL4HASzgRMMAsTgAzOIH9Jk5tI5GYIOCj9m8GUMM6GCY7M9hU6us3L8OfzIxgV1-6AMbzIaq3XlLJPCUlEDwSUTCGMoisxBdJ77DEE0A9oKoaWC2lZ0vf0b35fS4/s640/257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tips for Navigating Chicago</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First of all, we went no fancy camera on this trip. I knew I would not want to pull it out! But, I also hate the storage almost full message that always comes at the wrong time! We installed Google drive on our phones before the trip and set up a Chicago folder both my husband and I could access. At night in our hotel room, we would transfer our pictures from everyone's devices into the drive and they were off our phones and easy to access back at home. I'll do this for every trip from now on!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speaking of technology, I would have been so lost without the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/citymapper-ultimate-real-time/id469463298?mt=8">Citymapper</a> app and they have it for lots of cities worldwide. It has over 1200 reviews and almost 5 stars! You can easily enter where you want to go- address or just place like The Bean- and it will map it out for you. Then, it will offer you bus routes, train options, walking, or can call an Uber (like a private taxi) for you. It never failed us- we used it over and over each day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1nfJkCyz_RjfrT23QMvMajnYx0QUU2ynGRcsYLgKXlAOF4vC97EYT-3r45F0RY5jVfM2tMXCMpnn-3ULcB8bJNUj65ms7pEBnDws6HX8SRYiU2D5cAz2rxZMOvqv8FW8subYHyoQa9M/s1600/272.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1nfJkCyz_RjfrT23QMvMajnYx0QUU2ynGRcsYLgKXlAOF4vC97EYT-3r45F0RY5jVfM2tMXCMpnn-3ULcB8bJNUj65ms7pEBnDws6HX8SRYiU2D5cAz2rxZMOvqv8FW8subYHyoQa9M/s320/272.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I feel like we timed a big city trip with our daughter really well- no stroller, she could walk about a mile without complaining, she can stay up late without a nap, etc. But, we still needed a booster seat according to Illinois state law. So, we bought this cheap and light one for $12.99 at <a href="http://www.target.com/p/cosco-no-back-booster/-/A-13999429#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=booster+car+seat">Target</a>. We knew if it was lost, we would be okay and also that it was light to carry all around. We were able to pay $1 and coat check it at museums and then the hooks attached onto my husband's backpack easily. The foam cover also comes right off which was good for the rain we experienced! She used it on the plane and whenever we took a taxi.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7G2uHcqRmTbP6zbJouEGr4nzevtJ5UFfQzJdkkiRvOsCieO3NEL2kSIQuOHcoXMCkeNHpzT7Xi08wgEBiZO38h53p8ACsU0ONCqXfXeM1U0E7lXylUOLOqHSED1ssa-bFQ85hOnWT2Fo/s1600/car+seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7G2uHcqRmTbP6zbJouEGr4nzevtJ5UFfQzJdkkiRvOsCieO3NEL2kSIQuOHcoXMCkeNHpzT7Xi08wgEBiZO38h53p8ACsU0ONCqXfXeM1U0E7lXylUOLOqHSED1ssa-bFQ85hOnWT2Fo/s320/car+seat.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;">
And speaking of rain, we were pretty bummed to miss out on a Cubs game at Wrigley Field when torrential rain invaded our Tuesday. They cancelled the game as we entered Addison station on the train to exit for Wrigley. It was pretty disappointing. My email was then notified of the cancellation and they let me know my tickets were now good for the rescheduled game on August 24th. I called the Cubs ticket office to see if I could get a refund or if I could use my tickets for the next night's game and was told no. I clearly won't be at the August 24th game since I live 1000 miles away and essentially lost my $100. Because of that, I would recommend buying Cubs tickets online the same day or day before. We didn't need top of the line seats, we just wanted to be in the stadium. Our tickets were purchased 6 weeks out and were the same price online that day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cFp4z3R3bTz2emMnhBRJFIgth4CixCR56f4q2zxnPZLQamEBAppKIl3arAE8D-7u5JpwHFvN-9JxWsS_0tgQ5TBcvqlDvVW87MzP-ElWEZsblMnVtmEKxyh9XZHWkOGzuG_RdEWpRb4/s1600/wrigley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cFp4z3R3bTz2emMnhBRJFIgth4CixCR56f4q2zxnPZLQamEBAppKIl3arAE8D-7u5JpwHFvN-9JxWsS_0tgQ5TBcvqlDvVW87MzP-ElWEZsblMnVtmEKxyh9XZHWkOGzuG_RdEWpRb4/s640/wrigley.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally, my daughter brought along my old iPhone 4s as her own camera and we allowed her to capture pictures of whatever interested her. It really kept her engaged. She loved getting "the shot" and showing us what all she had captured at the end of the day. Here she is checking out her skyline picture at Maggie Daley Park.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJfLBiNxZl0OGkWAVbczjA5Gi9YXJ3oLBzJz6MMrlWygFGTNQaSX6nQ70_ebhap8BYM3K9QgA5HZOD7aNmwdoVHLqzvO-2WDQTiNA1yPs8qsoBeEotUTuoQE9b7KPdiEeJYFp41KLYOc/s1600/263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJfLBiNxZl0OGkWAVbczjA5Gi9YXJ3oLBzJz6MMrlWygFGTNQaSX6nQ70_ebhap8BYM3K9QgA5HZOD7aNmwdoVHLqzvO-2WDQTiNA1yPs8qsoBeEotUTuoQE9b7KPdiEeJYFp41KLYOc/s640/263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feel free to let me know if you have any questions- I'm happy to answer based on our experience!</div>
Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-25738569624609360032015-06-01T08:00:00.000-05:002015-06-01T08:00:10.984-05:00Desktops are Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Due to popular demand (Hi Lisney!), desktop calendars are back! I took some time off from making monthly calendar desktops, but decided I missed them and enjoy playing with my digital scrapbook software on occasion. So, look for these on the first of each month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdZZNyG-ohxLc3ZZi1kXjhfyIW7FrVrPh4M3XN6DDGQnLBNJJGAf0fjRE6vdLiB3cU-fDQZqX1qPo-bvJzA0RsI5zje9s021rZyy1GmpulkVHu4I-ghplB0M1wOI23A6PvPyqMXo9X-8/s1600/June.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdZZNyG-ohxLc3ZZi1kXjhfyIW7FrVrPh4M3XN6DDGQnLBNJJGAf0fjRE6vdLiB3cU-fDQZqX1qPo-bvJzA0RsI5zje9s021rZyy1GmpulkVHu4I-ghplB0M1wOI23A6PvPyqMXo9X-8/s640/June.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Right click on the picture to save it and then upload it as your desktop background. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-70481000446483730972015-05-26T17:17:00.000-05:002015-05-26T17:17:08.318-05:00New Powder Room with Tin Ceiling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It sure is hard to get a good picture in a dimly lit powder room, so bear with me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My powder room was painted baby blue years ago. It was supposed to be a calm blue grey color, but was more of a nursery blue. I've lived with it, until now!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I first pulled down my copper brown mirror and painted it Annie Sloan cream and added a little dark wax in the details. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7vg_NCp0npNdzUT7jitEjpYy6dLYEC1Erm33v71I4vhMqcAJy3yeFAgJzi9SVO5ul1QrjRZM29CxrdDIBynVrpPxx9vTfxZfcLsLHgd3jsHujs7FNQwmEH8yuiAVEVtkZknntqcsVOE/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7vg_NCp0npNdzUT7jitEjpYy6dLYEC1Erm33v71I4vhMqcAJy3yeFAgJzi9SVO5ul1QrjRZM29CxrdDIBynVrpPxx9vTfxZfcLsLHgd3jsHujs7FNQwmEH8yuiAVEVtkZknntqcsVOE/s640/101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next came the small cabinet over the toilet, I also painted it cream and added dark wax with a tiny little paintbrush. I really love how this cabinet turned out!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy36CEt7ry-N88AD-Oi5vingCVbDwMDCcyQfba-Cjw8hpGzbMaSVbDis9bKtKrEkQMJEw2V7-unfDZ64HHsfi-a2ndcrIHPG2qwIo0FpxHIPgX6qb5s-t1FLkveqem7dmeipnnbLa5BM/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy36CEt7ry-N88AD-Oi5vingCVbDwMDCcyQfba-Cjw8hpGzbMaSVbDis9bKtKrEkQMJEw2V7-unfDZ64HHsfi-a2ndcrIHPG2qwIo0FpxHIPgX6qb5s-t1FLkveqem7dmeipnnbLa5BM/s640/108.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next, it was time for a wall color. I spent lots of time on Pinterest looking at "greige" colors. Since my last color went badly, I knew I needed to get it right this time! I used Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige. After I painted a little on the walls, I took it back and had them add the color in a second time making it 200% color. I wanted a chocolate milk shade of brown. Really creamy and warm, but not really dark.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FjUOOee47PuS2zt_oowsoX_hzUC2TKgSdUKiQ8ehiYhfSWEEZj_ZVnOqQg95CVntu8b5s976I-uGTWT_wOetN6eCn7wHwqAyLaKNU_-jyBeP7srxEPN3GnQaTeQEBoSf7OELELulv2o/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FjUOOee47PuS2zt_oowsoX_hzUC2TKgSdUKiQ8ehiYhfSWEEZj_ZVnOqQg95CVntu8b5s976I-uGTWT_wOetN6eCn7wHwqAyLaKNU_-jyBeP7srxEPN3GnQaTeQEBoSf7OELELulv2o/s640/107.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next was the ceiling tin project! Since we painted first, we were able to be sloppy in the ceiling. Let me tell you what a blessing that was. Painting a tiny powder room is the worst. I had to sit in funky positions, put my head behind my toilet while straddling it, try and get behind the pedestal sink without getting the sink or pipes coming out of it. It was work! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiextS0994-LKFbi40ATbGYkzNnps7YymajxbKFou15kf_i7XIeefuCSHychwskWn4MwtG444gSR5ulxRvEXfXbkskXPAdptJ3qvOCqZaUGbL8gCq1aTo7VDWiPbiZpWhVS2H4URZBZd4U/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiextS0994-LKFbi40ATbGYkzNnps7YymajxbKFou15kf_i7XIeefuCSHychwskWn4MwtG444gSR5ulxRvEXfXbkskXPAdptJ3qvOCqZaUGbL8gCq1aTo7VDWiPbiZpWhVS2H4URZBZd4U/s640/082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But oh the work was worth it! Here is the same ceiling as above with the tin up and the vent cover back on. The tin I had used before on a <a href="http://journeywiththejenks.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-kitchen-backsplash.html">backsplash in our old house</a> and knew it was easy. It cuts with scissors and applies with heavy duty spray adhesive. It really doesn't get much easier! This time around, it was given to us from a friend with leftovers, but can be found at <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_240793-82801-B50-21_1z0z33u__?productId=1068567&pl=1">Lowe's</a>. Our powder room used 9 sheets.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4iMYNWpA4h_EahPUYmnO_q4lt9mylHytTHS5T1QIZB9V62YB9gHscT73VgM21Xp7ByEp1Cd-7gxMfghoybFrUN9tD3FvoBnXAa78OSkSXuIsX9K7qBSlOcchQBWiWz85t_n9XEkkN7s/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4iMYNWpA4h_EahPUYmnO_q4lt9mylHytTHS5T1QIZB9V62YB9gHscT73VgM21Xp7ByEp1Cd-7gxMfghoybFrUN9tD3FvoBnXAa78OSkSXuIsX9K7qBSlOcchQBWiWz85t_n9XEkkN7s/s640/085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now it was the fun time to add a few accessories. The crate and twig ball are from Home Goods and the greenery and chicken wire bottle are from Hobby Lobby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT8AwQU9YiHvVHLPovhqcVCnZyeGTDeMLpKQVTqu_G7_Shk4FPIue11b10tgsk39evQW9xIVzOTFC9wF6fTZdHm9DlJnG87-gRrPcTw_wxCwclM83VFm6gtgJc7QlQRyrnP4qUaVkdos/s1600/104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT8AwQU9YiHvVHLPovhqcVCnZyeGTDeMLpKQVTqu_G7_Shk4FPIue11b10tgsk39evQW9xIVzOTFC9wF6fTZdHm9DlJnG87-gRrPcTw_wxCwclM83VFm6gtgJc7QlQRyrnP4qUaVkdos/s640/104.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I added a vintage wire basket from <a href="http://www.decorsteals.com/">Decor Steals</a> to make getting a new roll easier on our guests. Housing it in the cabinet above the toilet was tricky when new paper was needed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4zlPmnCorTf5yiJak_mJRpADu50WRolgGO6Rv1YiPL4fKIGFGZ1U4D4maBcjK7yz8rn4-CqqC7b7Ff4HO8pNtE3Qh260leHOF9oAFFmg668ym5sT-SQKXoRz5c59lFZuvT9lX4iijgw/s1600/102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4zlPmnCorTf5yiJak_mJRpADu50WRolgGO6Rv1YiPL4fKIGFGZ1U4D4maBcjK7yz8rn4-CqqC7b7Ff4HO8pNtE3Qh260leHOF9oAFFmg668ym5sT-SQKXoRz5c59lFZuvT9lX4iijgw/s640/102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally, I added a preserved cotton wreath above the toilet. It is also from <a href="http://www.decorsteals.com/">Decor Steals</a>, the newest most dangerous flash sale site I know!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfEQdZE_X1CtlcR5qipYtkvnEYi7rYrzW0qNym6C_YykACJi0V50elZtv3eEXrkRlRESfGSFW2kRtHqshx_Pjirjwot9h2_W3PqcR9Rjy3icPv7eYJ4rek4Q9kxpHDCIQcuokHzHzo5c/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfEQdZE_X1CtlcR5qipYtkvnEYi7rYrzW0qNym6C_YykACJi0V50elZtv3eEXrkRlRESfGSFW2kRtHqshx_Pjirjwot9h2_W3PqcR9Rjy3icPv7eYJ4rek4Q9kxpHDCIQcuokHzHzo5c/s640/105.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, what do you think? Want to add tin to a room in your house? </div>
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-53688482269413781382015-05-06T19:59:00.003-05:002015-05-06T19:59:57.180-05:00Five Things I'm Loving Right Now...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a few things that have caught my attention this week...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted a couple of new cover ups for the pool this summer. How cute is this one? And, it is under $30 and comes in different colors and prints!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyDyp-G9_jGyBQzIWAqV0ExPPvAsZVqoDvZ6ttXf10QI2BPeA_WqGH83JUzwtbkW43B4CP2C2oyVLVnAT04qntWNuRXpAesi0RhM02Lk6oYD2VyErt8xnebuPyErdxWzxvBO4hn6HHBE/s1600/cover+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyDyp-G9_jGyBQzIWAqV0ExPPvAsZVqoDvZ6ttXf10QI2BPeA_WqGH83JUzwtbkW43B4CP2C2oyVLVnAT04qntWNuRXpAesi0RhM02Lk6oYD2VyErt8xnebuPyErdxWzxvBO4hn6HHBE/s1600/cover+up.jpg" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/Red-Short-Blouson-Dress">from Swimsuits for All</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next up, if you have dry hair, <a href="http://www.aveda.com/product/5233/29612/Collections/Dry-RemedyTM/dry-remedy-moisturizing-shampoo/index.tmpl">this Aveda shampoo</a> will change your life. The longer my hair gets, the more it tangles. The more it tangles, the more it looks bad. The more it looks bad, the more I want to cut it off! This shampoo feels like conditioner! It is amazing! I had a sample from my hairdresser and used it every other day and found it had the same effect. Great news, since it isn't cheap!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD0xtdwYd-eOc0Q4yeg9YW5imOFE-ZkATDbfxkpEY2AG5OfXG4k_ZOnkRQX2ndYd6ZIWzOe-eYpwtdtDBTeB06MkIlRdrATP9tnium1J6r_qUyrxqExyqxvAi8GI5MxBG5pGjhA9ixp4/s1600/dry+remedy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD0xtdwYd-eOc0Q4yeg9YW5imOFE-ZkATDbfxkpEY2AG5OfXG4k_ZOnkRQX2ndYd6ZIWzOe-eYpwtdtDBTeB06MkIlRdrATP9tnium1J6r_qUyrxqExyqxvAi8GI5MxBG5pGjhA9ixp4/s1600/dry+remedy.JPG" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I want this shirt in my closet. But first, I want it in my size. It is darling! I want to wear it with white pants and pink flats!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnU0h60xSz-Plj9sARhAt5jwm_-AtpCBNrErKARCBi735LM4Gpicry-A7I21ycIF5yO0TbmJsCCwuvxPVOEFGem-LVKGGItwpjMSx_1yXlc9A1QBsCC26a49fONVnHV7FrnIJGf5AZlc/s1600/top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnU0h60xSz-Plj9sARhAt5jwm_-AtpCBNrErKARCBi735LM4Gpicry-A7I21ycIF5yO0TbmJsCCwuvxPVOEFGem-LVKGGItwpjMSx_1yXlc9A1QBsCC26a49fONVnHV7FrnIJGf5AZlc/s1600/top.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blouses/festive-the-best-top">from Mod Cloth</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As an event planner, my feet hurt onsite! I stand and walk a lot. On the flip side, I am home all day and barefoot and my feet hurt. So, I visited a local store specializing in shoes for people with foot problems. You know the one, with more Birkenstocks than you knew existed. I tried these on and loved them! I wore them Saturday night and both girls with me wanted them, too! They look like cute wedges on the outside, but on the inside, they feel like perfect! Lucky for me, the store was having a big semi-annual sale!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1mj0rYJjWFC69f7mDyOTnT8vDpURupitEcHsVJpkWGMdPv6y2e5d4CN287kMIDCUJRlZ_jJsjeAHUioMqqBmMKF7iW3Cne-AUUcXTtWvO9Y7WoS12I-JDt5lXxm0ioiR8MyGNiWEqyU/s1600/1215-L058-BS1555-E-BLACK-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1mj0rYJjWFC69f7mDyOTnT8vDpURupitEcHsVJpkWGMdPv6y2e5d4CN287kMIDCUJRlZ_jJsjeAHUioMqqBmMKF7iW3Cne-AUUcXTtWvO9Y7WoS12I-JDt5lXxm0ioiR8MyGNiWEqyU/s1600/1215-L058-BS1555-E-BLACK-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bussolastyle.com/collections/sandals/products/00-formentera-incisions-flatform-sandals-black">Bussola style sandals</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally, on Cinco de Mayo we made watermelon mojitos and they taste like vacation. I want them to transport me to a beach in Mexico. Trust me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRijjtKrORIvvOX8QvQbcfJvETAi3iSETqZdp9NkKYS7xJQUkHkHEVjncBzQ1fqPvVVkK1rEg55D6zRHk__LSxabc_okI9QOns6IQJ9dSHBnT-PJdqY7OlE67aO0QiSBNScNnNUKdksM/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRijjtKrORIvvOX8QvQbcfJvETAi3iSETqZdp9NkKYS7xJQUkHkHEVjncBzQ1fqPvVVkK1rEg55D6zRHk__LSxabc_okI9QOns6IQJ9dSHBnT-PJdqY7OlE67aO0QiSBNScNnNUKdksM/s1600/059.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We used Fancy Ashley's recipe <a href="http://www.fancyashley.com/2015/05/05/mojitorevisted/">here</a> and used coconut rum instead of Bacardi and then added in fresh watermelon. Delish!</div>
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673142885402010997.post-40622124900393547052015-04-29T08:38:00.000-05:002015-04-29T08:38:02.334-05:00Teacher Appreciation for under $10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been blessed with some wonderful women that have served as teachers to my daughter. So, teacher appreciation is a fun week for me because I get to shop, be creative, and express to them in little gestures all week how appreciated they are.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year, I took all of my gift ideas from the teacher cheat sheet at Abby's school. The PTA gathers the teacher's favorites into a binder and we can get a copy at anytime to help us gift them well. This has been so helpful to me because Abby's Kindergarten teacher isn't girly like I am, so I would have struggled to find what she liked!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqGMAggjk_wezbKT5hkd-oMpbGSoTfCyOMktw4-E8lP58Jo2hF145K2MPuGEvcm9hyphenhyphenZOqd72_cVJyxhE9CpWvDMNM8OV9ymE13QMCayWQrN0V8PqYxp-iEXUBLc44Ie5a12zk4AwAm8g/s1600/Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqGMAggjk_wezbKT5hkd-oMpbGSoTfCyOMktw4-E8lP58Jo2hF145K2MPuGEvcm9hyphenhyphenZOqd72_cVJyxhE9CpWvDMNM8OV9ymE13QMCayWQrN0V8PqYxp-iEXUBLc44Ie5a12zk4AwAm8g/s1600/Collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each day next week, we will be bringing her one of the items pictured above. She loves popcorn, chocolate chip cookies, and gardening. The colored pencils are a vase to hold her favorite flower- carnations. I simply glued 36 colored pencils around a tall melamine glass with my hot glue gun. Everything was purchased at Target.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, on Friday we are giving her a gift card to Target using this cute printable from <a href="http://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/2013/05/teacher-gift-idea-printable-target-gift-card-holder.html">Landee See Landee Do</a> blog. I usually dislike gift cards, but love them packaged all cute!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzpvHhBqLPUb0wJEGv7BdtJ4DkIltVlEOUchyphenhyphenTTHOmmDyDnHeJ1_sLMqV8wc0F1gIUioXHHY_ZWdaf43hAk1KSosC1vOxkJLRDRfrLXeDf5sDgtULt15CnFh7OxQ5bCRPrOuuei5YxF0/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzpvHhBqLPUb0wJEGv7BdtJ4DkIltVlEOUchyphenhyphenTTHOmmDyDnHeJ1_sLMqV8wc0F1gIUioXHHY_ZWdaf43hAk1KSosC1vOxkJLRDRfrLXeDf5sDgtULt15CnFh7OxQ5bCRPrOuuei5YxF0/s1600/014.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Need more ideas- I've got you covered...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fun crafts to make for the teacher <a href="http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/2010/04/show-us-your-life-teacher-gifts.html">here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cute little bag of goodies with a tag <a href="http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/2011/05/quick-and-easy-teacher-gifts.html">here</a> or <a href="http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/search?q=andes">here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer goody bag ideas <a href="http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/2013/05/summer-goody-bags-for-teachers.html">here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer pedicure kit <a href="http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/2014/05/toe-tally-awesome-teacher-gift-for.html">here </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Mrs. Jenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13440937917953317351noreply@blogger.com