tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51480026138923578302024-03-05T05:22:27.202-05:00natalie's sentimentsNatalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.comBlogger1093125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-47873267267185375372018-09-29T06:38:00.003-04:002018-09-29T06:40:17.527-04:00Collaboration over Competition
What does Collaboration over Competition mean to me?
It was about finding my tribe.
My entire life I have been a little confused by women. I liked women - as a whole. But individually I found them relatively bewildering. It was if all girls, and then women, were in competition with each other. For almost….. everything.
Competition is something that doesn't resinate with me. It’s almost as if I didn’t get that particular gene. Which in some ways has been good. I’m not a sore loser. I don’t feel bothered by others achievements, and I am rarely - if ever- intimidated.
But it also makes having relationships with other women difficult at times. I didn’t quite understand the rules. I’ve been extremely lucky to always have a few close friends. But I learned that large groups of women were dangerous. That women who felt lacking in particular areas, would lash out at women who didn’t appear to share those failings. That women who achieved were villainized. “Progress further at your own risk!”
To me, women who achieved were interesting. Women who were doing new things and meeting great goals were worth knowing. Were worth the effort of friendship. Would help me grow.
There was a time I had given up on having a large group of female friends. I had relied on finding them though mutual life experience. Women in my church. Women with children the same age as me. And while I met many very kind people, it never quite fit.
Then I became an entrepreneur. I will never forget the first Entrepreneurial meeting I went to. It was a revelation. A group of women discussing their ideas and goals - receiving nothing but sincere excitement and approval. Women contributing advice and praise - even when no personal gain was to be received. Women who did NOT SEE ANOTHER’S ACHIEVEMENTS AS THREATENING. I felt myself speaking plans, ideas and hopes, without reservation. The room was full of capable, smart, interesting and driven women. Not there to prove dominance - but to offer community.
I went home that night and told my husband that I had finally found my tribe.
To me - Collaboration over Competition is about women being strong enough to be the people they aspire to be. - And understanding that helping others with that same goal raises all of us together.
<p> <image class="centered"alt="post signature"src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png"/> </p>Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-76910279706922461842018-05-14T02:06:00.002-04:002018-09-29T06:39:11.494-04:00Happy Mother's DayIt's been a year! Does anyone still blog these days? - No matter - Happy Mother's Day to you!
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Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-23661297631888622422017-03-29T21:53:00.001-04:002017-09-12T02:34:08.636-04:00Downtown Boise Photoshoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Could not be more in love with these photos from <a href="http://www.amandacheriephoto.com/">Amanda Cherie Photography</a> and our photoshoot in Downtown Boise. Love Love Love. </div>
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<image alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png"> </image>Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-27965478924015084662016-12-12T16:04:00.003-05:002016-12-12T16:04:20.737-05:00Here's to winter in Idaho.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<image alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png"> </image>Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-26755322724007377362016-11-08T01:52:00.000-05:002016-11-08T01:52:03.336-05:00****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A little color, just for fun. </div>
<image alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png"> </image>Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-20422626184373672332016-09-26T23:35:00.003-04:002016-09-26T23:38:11.066-04:00Happy Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Taking a walk in Eagle Idaho. My baby isn't a baby anymore. </div>
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You can see more of our Idaho adventures at my Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hellomeridian/">Hello Meridian</a>. </div>
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<image alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png"> </image>Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-75804733630990266012016-05-13T02:15:00.000-04:002016-05-13T02:15:12.004-04:0015 Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In news. I'm still alive. </div>
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I now work as a Social Media Strategist so blogging is kind of a sad sometimes affair. </div>
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Working from home as a Stay at home mom is a challenge. Naptime is everything. </div>
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Shane grew a wicked beard. I think it may be here to stay. </div>
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We celebrated 15 years of marriage. </div>
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Marriage is awesome. I wrote a post about maintaining a good marriage <a href="http://www.nataliessentiments.com/2012/05/what-ive-learned-in-decade-of-marriage.html">here</a>.</div>
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I still get really great emails about it, so thanks. </div>
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People should take more anniversary photos. Why should engaged people have all the fun?</div>
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I really love being married to this guy.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Photos by <a href="http://www.camillemariephotography.com/">Camille Marie Photography</a>. </i></span></div>
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xoxo</div>
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<image alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png"> </image>Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-130252370499982302016-01-31T14:14:00.000-05:002016-01-31T14:14:50.021-05:00Spa Birthday Party! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lydia turned 10 this weekend! So she invited 9 of her friends over for a fantastic Spa Party.</div>
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Photo booth to show off cute jammies. </div>
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To make manicures a little more fun, we played "Manicure Spin the Bottle". Each girl picked their favorite bottle of mail polish. Then we spun an extra bottle, and whoever it landed on decided what finger everyone would paint using her color. 10 girls for 10 fingers and everyone ended up with identical manicures. </div>
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We did pedicures and the girls painted mud masks on each other's faces. Cucumbers on eyes, Pandora spa station and battery candles set the relaxing mood. </div>
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Lastly appetizers, fancy drinks (watermelon lemonade with a hit of sprite), and a big naked cake made by Daddy. </div>
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Perfectly lovely for our lovely girl.</div>
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Happy Birthday Lydia Jane!</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" /> Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-66949494842022840192015-12-26T00:47:00.004-05:002015-12-26T00:47:50.060-05:00From Our Family To Yours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hope it found you surrounded by those you love most. </div>
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<a href="http://lillieranae.com/">Photos by Lillie Ranae</a></div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" /> Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-91672650299850308782015-12-02T00:25:00.000-05:002015-12-02T00:25:00.041-05:00For my Babies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" /> Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-39043334424480364072015-10-15T17:37:00.000-04:002015-10-15T17:39:39.118-04:00Kind of Famous Pumpkin Muffins<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Forever ago I had this idea to make a cooking blog just for myself to save all my favorite recipes. Well, then along came </span><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Pinterest</span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> and I didn't need it anymore. I kind of forgot about it until I started getting random messages that people were loving my pumpkin muffins. Huh?</span></span><br />
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Come to find out, this recipe on that tiny blog has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. What? And it's pinned all over Pinterest. Who knew! Well, might as well post this on my "real" blog then. Especially since I've developed the process just a bit more.</span><br />
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I must say, they are seriously yummy. It's my mom's recipe with just a few adjustments. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's best to double the recipe. You'll want to share. Enjoy! </span></div>
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Natalie's Pumpkin Muffins</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY_M0Fy4dTATKupMH0CDt5LRWI9a8a1unLlQpcdg0mNlTG0jfecZGEruhaoLR86Lp2d3PRIA0yeXOUXF8_hYgIRlBiFwFbp1_5zKRdECkx5sxz9CWKnEZvwzzmVxgxJ8Fj0L43UWpXhbg/s1600-h/pumkin+muffins+2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374101781269658466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY_M0Fy4dTATKupMH0CDt5LRWI9a8a1unLlQpcdg0mNlTG0jfecZGEruhaoLR86Lp2d3PRIA0yeXOUXF8_hYgIRlBiFwFbp1_5zKRdECkx5sxz9CWKnEZvwzzmVxgxJ8Fj0L43UWpXhbg/s1600/pumkin+muffins+2.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 4px;" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">1 1/2 cup flour</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">1/2 cup sugar</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">2 tsp baking powder</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">1/2 cup milk (</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">(room </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">temperature</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">) </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">1/2 cup canned pumpkin</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">1/2 cup melted butter, cooled but not solid.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1 egg (room </span>temperature<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">) </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">1/2 cup raisins (opt)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #666666; letter-spacing: 0px;">Mix all wet ingredients. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">(Having everything room </span>temperature<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> insures that the butter won't </span>solidify<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. If you add hot butter, you will curdle the eggs.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Mix dry </span>ingredients<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> in a </span>separate<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> bowl and add to wet </span>ingredients<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Stir until batter is just lumpy. Do not over mix. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Spoon into cupcake liners, sprayed with cooking spray, or into a well greased muffin tin.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Sprinkle 1/4 tsp sugar on each muffin just before baking to create a crust.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Bake at 400 degrees for 16-20 mins. I start checking at 15 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think they are best hot with butter. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yum. Fall, you rock my world.</span><br />
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Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-11773226354443777162015-10-12T17:48:00.001-04:002015-10-14T00:09:10.037-04:00Fall Flower Arrangements - less calories than chocolate! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you follow me on Instagram (@natssentiments) you may have noticed I like to "Stress Bake". When I get stressed, I immediately turn to my pantry to come up with something to fill the house with baking smells and tastes of dough (usually chocolate). However, I am trying to quit my sugar addiction. This is not easy, in case you were wondering. </div>
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Luckily, my second favorite way to de-stress is flower arranging. (Calorie Free.) And guess what? I got the best happy mail last week, huge box of Fall flowers from <a href="http://www.proflowers.com/">ProFlowers</a>. I also had a little event I needed some festive decor for, so I decided to clean out a pumpkin, stick in a mason jar and make a little pumpkin arrangement. I could have also used floral foam, but with such a deep pumpkin, it didn't seem necessary. I wanted it up high so it could be seen above the food on the serving table, so I found an old candle holder (I'm pretty sure I bought in Israel over a decade ago!) removed the glass holder and just used the base. The mason jar was a little too high to be completely hidden, so I tied a large silk ribbon around the base to hide it. I used a similar color as the greenery since I didn't want to distract from the pumpkin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf75gB6z6330Tty-Tof1UMU_-WQQ7JkU82NTh_LMNBEKSpWN8pafQwr20GbQy5HKI0t9WWd1cy73WlxLihDSAFgUmd9pJcMnYBxFNUBRGVQWM_ojwFgh1QGlijyfye1qJb6156QLyYD0/s1600/Image-1+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf75gB6z6330Tty-Tof1UMU_-WQQ7JkU82NTh_LMNBEKSpWN8pafQwr20GbQy5HKI0t9WWd1cy73WlxLihDSAFgUmd9pJcMnYBxFNUBRGVQWM_ojwFgh1QGlijyfye1qJb6156QLyYD0/s640/Image-1+%25283%2529.jpg" width="515" /></a></div>
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But what to do with extra flowers???</div>
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Just a few mums and a cluster of berries, and some greenery. </div>
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Terra-cotta pot (hobby lobby) plus a bit of wet floral foam.</div>
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Wet Floral foam makes arranging flowers really really easy. Really. </div>
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Same idea, just greenery instead of berries. </div>
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I've seriously had this pot (urn?) for years and never known what to do with it. </div>
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This seemed to work nicely. Again, used floral foam.</div>
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I added a gourd from the grocery store. I just put it on a wood bamboo stick I normally use for grilling kabobs. I added a few plastic berries so I could shape them.</div>
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Just look at all the calories I saved arranging flowers all afternoon! </div>
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Now I must go bake the goodies for the party. </div>
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Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-65363762573406638072015-09-14T00:39:00.003-04:002015-09-14T00:41:36.922-04:00Cookie Cake!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was my birthday last week, (Happy Birthday ME!) so when I went in to do some marking photos, I had birthdays on the brain. I love how this simple cookie "cake" turned out. You don't get much easier than this. I used cookies from <a href="http://entreatyourself.com/">Entreat Soda and Cookie Shop</a>, but store cookies or similar cookies from <a href="http://www.sodaliciousutah.com/">Sodalicious</a> or <a href="https://www.swigstop.com/">Swig</a> would work perfectly. </div>
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I may need to experiment with many more cookie cakes. I owe it to the culinary landscape. </div>
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Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-53494065306563449052015-08-01T09:22:00.000-04:002015-11-29T00:38:22.628-05:00D-MER - Breastfeeding's Darker Side<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't blogged in a while, but as it's World Breast Feeding week, I decided I wanted to write a post I've been thinking about for, well years.<br />
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I want to start by saying I love breast feeding. I love the way I am able to connect with my babies in such a powerful and tender way. I love the sounds of their tiny sucking mouth and the way it slowly lulls them to sleep. I am so grateful I have always had ample milk supply to let them eat to their little hearts content. When my three children eventually self-weened at 18 months, 11 months and 12 months, I cried at the loss of that precious bonding time.<br />
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Not that breast feeding is always easy. The first month is very very painful, even though my lactation specialist assured me that my babies latches were good. It just hurts a lot of women. But it is so worth enduring that pain until your breasts become acclimated and nursing becomes second nature.<br />
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But for some women, breast feeding takes on a very unexpected, and terrifying aspect.<br />
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I remember very clearly, the first time I expected what I then called "the wave". A couple weeks into breast feeding my first baby, Lydia, I felt something very strange about a minute into nursing. I was having a perfectly nice day. Lydia was happy, I was enjoying nursing my squishy little baby in my sunny room. Then, very slowing, I felt an ebbing sensation of dread take over me. I remember staring at the wall in complete terror as every possible emotion of loneliness, anxiety, self-loathing, depression and despair converged on me and held me in it's embrace. I couldn't speak, I could hardly see out of the darkness that had overtaken me. And then, as unexpected as it came, the feeling slowly washed away. And I was left feeling perfectly normal and happy again, though completely bewildered. As if I had just imagined the entire experience. All of this happened within two minutes. I thought I must have gone temporarily insane, but as I felt no residual effects of these terrible moments, I just put them out of my mind.<br />
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Until a few days later, when it happened all over again. My sweet moment with my baby swept away by the wave of misery, and then leaving me back in the moment as if nothing had happened. Something was definitely awry.<br />
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My first baby was not easy. She cried a lot and did not favor sleep. But even in the very stressful time of new motherhood, I was aware that I was not experiencing postpartum depression. I had none of the symptoms. Even in the stress and exhaustion of it all, I was able to continue normal function and enjoyment of life. I was happy with my marriage, little home and new baby. But "the wave" continued it's assault on my breast feeding.<br />
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After several months I made an appointment with my OB/GYN to discuss my experiences with "the wave". I explained first that even though I was sleep deprived and dealing with a very fussy baby, I was emotionally well. I discussed my breast feeding success and how much I enjoyed the lazy afternoons just holding my baby as she ate. Then I told him what sometimes happened to me. How right before my milk let down fully, in the midst of whatever emotion I was feeling, the wave of despair would take over me and hold me captive anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. I explained the horror of it all but emphasized that once the experience was over, the feelings left me completely. I was not left with any residual feelings of dread. I felt as I had before "the wave" happened.<br />
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<i>"Do you feel like you want to hurt your baby?"</i><br />
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"What? No, of course not. When it happens I'm too overcome to even really notice that she is there."<br />
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<i>"Do you feel resentful to your baby about your loss of freedom?"</i><br />
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"Huh? No, we tried to get pregnant for two years, I couldn't be more thrilled she is here. This problem has nothing to do with how I feel about my baby."<br />
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<i>"Do you find yourself not wanting to get out of bed during the day?"</i><br />
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"I have a new baby. I would sleep all day long if I could. But I get up and do all my mothering duties just the same. It wouldn't matter if I was having a terrible day, or if I was at Disneyland and I had just discovered that I won the lottery and that my jeans fit again. The feelings still happen when I start to nurse."<br />
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The doctor considered me for a moment and then told me that he believed I had postpartum depression and would like to medicate me for that. When I explained that I definitely did not have postpartum he just shrugged and said "I don't know what you want me to do for you then".<br />
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I left incredibly angry that my doctor dismissed me so completely, and equally as confused at what could possibly be happening to me that an experienced OB/GYN would not have seen in his practice.<br />
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Lydia breastfed for 18 months and the barrage of "the wave" just become part of nursing. It only lasted a minute or two, and after than, nursing became lovely once more. So I just endured. My husband understood that when I held my hand up to him while nursing, it meant that I couldn't speak and he just needed to wait until the anguish passed.<br />
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My son, Collin, was born a few years later, and a week or so into breastfeeding, "the wave" returned. This time, differently though. Instead of a slowly ebbing wave, it was a powerful rush. It was as if all the color in the world drained and I would never feel happiness again. Every negative emotion converged at once. I remember seeing the <a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Dementor">Dementors</a> in Harry Potter and yelling "that's what it feels like when I nurse!!!".<br />
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My last baby, Elise, was born two years ago. Soon after her birth I was at home, nursing my tiny perfect child. I remember thinking how content I was. Her nursery was full of cheerful treasures I had created for her, or that had passed down from her siblings. She was newly bathed and cozy in the softest jammies. I was touching her delicate skin as she ate. Then the familiar darkness entered from nowhere and overtook me. For two minutes I was bound in loneliness and despair.<br />
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NOPE! Not this time. When it finally passed I made a decision that this time I would figure out WHAT THE HELL WAS HAPPENING!<br />
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I put the baby to bed and sat at my computer with the resolution I would not stop until I figured this out. I had searched many times before, but this time I did a search on a difference phrase. When trying to explain to my husband what I was experiencing, I called it "the anti-orgasm". So I tried doing a web search. Suddenly I discovered I was not crazy. I was not alone.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I have <span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://www.d-mer.org/">Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex</a>. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">D-MER.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I discovered other women describing my EXACT symptoms. It was like reading posts I had forgotten I'd written. Down to the exact detail. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white;">I started screaming and laughing and crying all at once. I called my husband. "I have Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex!!!! The anti-orgasm! It's a real thing!!! I'll explain when you get home, I need to read some more blogs!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white;">I cannot express the joy I felt in knowing this is a real medical condition. And also the anger at the several doctors who dismissed me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white;">This is what I learned about <a href="http://www.d-mer.org/">D-MER</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex is a condition affecting lactating women that is characterized by an abrupt dysphoria, or negative emotions, that</span><span style="font-family: "arial" ,; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">occur just before milk release and continuing not more than a few minutes. It is caused by an </span></span><a href="http://www.d-mer.org/Specifics_of_D-MER.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none;">inappropriate dopamine activity</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia";"> at the time of the milk ejection reflex.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia";">Dysphoria is defined as an unpleasant or uncomfortable mood, such as sadness, depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, or restlessness. Etymologically, it is the <i><b>opposite of euphoria</b></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">D-MER is <a href="http://www.d-mer.org/Is_It_Psychological_.html" style="text-decoration: none;">not a psychological response</a> to breastfeeding.<br /><br />D-MER is <a href="http://www.d-mer.org/Frequently_Asked_Questions.html#Physical_Symptoms" style="text-decoration: none;">not nausea with letdown</a> or any other isolated physical manifestation.<br /><br />D-MER is <a href="http://www.d-mer.org/Frequently_Asked_Questions.html" style="text-decoration: none;">not postpartum depression</a> or a postpartum mood disorder.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">D-MER is not <a href="http://www.d-mer.org/Frequently_Asked_Questions.html#Dislike" style="text-decoration: none;">a general dislike</a> of breastfeeding.<br /><br />D-MER is not the "<a href="http://www.d-mer.org/Frequently_Asked_Questions.html#Nursing_Aversion" style="text-decoration: none;">breastfeeding aversion</a>" that can happen to some mothers when nursing while pregnant or when nursing older toddlers.</span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16px;">D-MER is like a reflex. It is controlled by hormones and <b>can not be controlled by the mother. She can not talk herself out of the dysphoria.</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Dopamine is known for having an effect on moods and in a mother with D-MER dopamine is behaving somehow inappropriately in its drop. It is in this very quick and immediate drop that a mother with D-MER feels her dysphoria. As dopamine levels restabilized, the dysphoria is gone. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Finally understanding what was happening to me allowed me to continue to breastfeed my baby without fear and confusion. When my dopamine levels plummeted during letdown, I waited for the despair to pass, understanding what was happening to my body. When I brought up D-MER to my new OB/GYN she said she had only heard of it in passing. She has been practicing for over twenty years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">THIS IS SOMETHING NO WOMEN SHOULD HAVE TO EXPERIENCE WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS HAPPENING TO HER. Countless women over countless generations have experienced this terrible feeling alone. Nothing should diminish the beauty of breastfeeding. Especially not unawareness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">There are wonderful handouts available on <a href="http://d-mer.org/">D-MER.ORG</a> for lactating women, their loved ones and their doctors. No one should be afraid of breastfeeding. </span></div>
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Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-52297290639470642312015-04-04T00:00:00.000-04:002015-05-27T11:49:46.318-04:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3SwAA_v3fCYy_aVZc0UhTXf8HS_1erm5hWxbRCD63fd6OyBzHpmFX_WfBaVI7AMNrJtotXLjOhLs4w6BugS_t9QcGbWB1xnz9YLxrEs1JqZcYmVz2ZvT6335ONTtv2msEghvPuWI04I/s1600/easter+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3SwAA_v3fCYy_aVZc0UhTXf8HS_1erm5hWxbRCD63fd6OyBzHpmFX_WfBaVI7AMNrJtotXLjOhLs4w6BugS_t9QcGbWB1xnz9YLxrEs1JqZcYmVz2ZvT6335ONTtv2msEghvPuWI04I/s1600/easter+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKQkPLGbSfn7Ci-x7lelYr96eJZSVkRDNqSFfHoAR_6M2_RufLAjJweslZ_nqLmwhYLzKlkPgHC2Rq8raDUxnSnRfEbD5P2E9P6O4ZtMurnB3sR1XE-bC-ikTno4SP0EMafd3_Y5i6k4/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKQkPLGbSfn7Ci-x7lelYr96eJZSVkRDNqSFfHoAR_6M2_RufLAjJweslZ_nqLmwhYLzKlkPgHC2Rq8raDUxnSnRfEbD5P2E9P6O4ZtMurnB3sR1XE-bC-ikTno4SP0EMafd3_Y5i6k4/s1600/kids.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Hope it's perfect!</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" /> Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-4335083353901386102015-03-08T00:15:00.001-05:002015-03-08T01:01:03.847-05:00Hi there.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You guys are sweet. Thanks for checking on me through email and Instagram. This has been my longest hiatuses from blogging in the last eight years. </div>
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But thanks to Pinterest, my page views never went down, ha! </div>
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Take that people who say we should not slack.</div>
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So, why gone so long?</div>
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The reason I started this blog was to deal with the loneliness of having a husband who traveled all the time. It started when Lydia was not quite one. After a long day of mommying, blogging seemed like a better outlet than TV. And if I didn't have an outlet of some kind, I didn't know when to stop the never ending chores of being a mother. When Shane is home and the kids are asleep, he relaxes. And that tells me I can relax. But without him home, I just keep working. That that makes for a very worn out Natalie. So, I blogged. Or made jewelry. Or embroidery. Or read. Lots and lots and lots of books to fill the quiet time at night.</div>
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So in ways, Shane's travel was a blessing. I started new hobbies, stayed well read and made new friends in the blogging world.</div>
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But things have changed for our family. At Christmas we received the amazing news that Shane won't be traveling for a couple years. Daddy's home every night. It's wonderful.</div>
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Now I have to figure out how to keep up with my personal little world of diversions when I don't have an empty home. </div>
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And it doesn't help that I have three children. It's a lot more than two.</div>
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We are often all in bed with lights out by 9:30. We are just a very tired family. </div>
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But I miss blogging. So, I'll be around here a little more often. </div>
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Just an update, for those of you that aren't on Instagram. (I'm @natssentiments by the way)</div>
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My hubby has a new downtown Boise office, which has a great view and perfect for makeout sessions. </div>
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Collin's family portrait. Shane's valentine card. Family selfies, my Christmas gift to the kids and Elise's first day of nursery! </div>
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Lydia turned NINE!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GdMX_2JqITFSd0xGx10ZjMDH-7Zj-2XrucMNRxf-E5ERKEgXTjs9Ee8vo-NSpoWA-nyKdCes8Qi2VtUh1QG80M1PYCmZeLP81iRG8utU6VtsxWHViTsMd2QOU4xNFrVxvMauTbH0eAM/s1600/birthday-hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GdMX_2JqITFSd0xGx10ZjMDH-7Zj-2XrucMNRxf-E5ERKEgXTjs9Ee8vo-NSpoWA-nyKdCes8Qi2VtUh1QG80M1PYCmZeLP81iRG8utU6VtsxWHViTsMd2QOU4xNFrVxvMauTbH0eAM/s1600/birthday-hair.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Birthday updos with her best friend. </div>
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Doughnut cake. Just didn't feel like baking.<br />
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(Three dozen doughnuts, bamboo sticks and long candles. Took 5 minutes.)</div>
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Seriously, could they be any cuter?</div>
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Dear Shane. THIS is what I do all day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHqiLwFiNPyDSb093pbEsvrnPr5uc4n0nUIoqmFifmsSdBx59Yropa1e5CfjdPtisAnzq3EhpIR1h_DBL3l1dWhdiDyNBjRkA0ClcdGtF6u4IUOQI_WyHln9zVwk_aldch8iO6zIiEjo/s1600/tv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHqiLwFiNPyDSb093pbEsvrnPr5uc4n0nUIoqmFifmsSdBx59Yropa1e5CfjdPtisAnzq3EhpIR1h_DBL3l1dWhdiDyNBjRkA0ClcdGtF6u4IUOQI_WyHln9zVwk_aldch8iO6zIiEjo/s1600/tv1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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And sometimes pacify my 18 month old with reddi-whip so I can internet shop.</div>
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And, TV works too.</div>
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Yep! Still alive over here!</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" /> Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-34307121175544262662014-12-19T20:04:00.000-05:002015-02-28T16:38:50.239-05:00Insta-Friday #61 - Christmas time is here!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You guys! My baby is sleeping and my kids are playing nicely in the living room. I think I have about 20 minutes of <i>prime time free time</i>!!!! (Prime time free time is any free time that happens before bedtime. It's exorbitantly rare for me. Am I the only one? I really wish I could have a heart to heart with baby Elise and let her know that babies are supposed to take a couple hour nap in the day where their mommy's can shower and pee and maybe, just maybe, do a non-mommy thing. But no. She likes the 45 minute nap plan. Also known as the "mommy is about to lose it plan". )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But right now I have 20 minutes. Well, about 18 now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hold up. Kids bumped heads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cry-Cry-Cry, mom kisses heads, "go play."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 15 minutes left. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay. Here's what we've been up to....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">CHRISTMAS!!!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9J0iV-YyPaXSwjHIHaMseivdSo6Nnr_BWKB5u0OQ72iVNIhdxMY_ZSxNbfT8QAwBMJTggz08vmpKnI8X_OOBjoFJXS4Peoy4ZGFWOS144jLDOJfN_zyu3cc-vcgYu32mtyXwS93-cmEM/s1600/xmas10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9J0iV-YyPaXSwjHIHaMseivdSo6Nnr_BWKB5u0OQ72iVNIhdxMY_ZSxNbfT8QAwBMJTggz08vmpKnI8X_OOBjoFJXS4Peoy4ZGFWOS144jLDOJfN_zyu3cc-vcgYu32mtyXwS93-cmEM/s1600/xmas10.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I LOVE our "Merry and Bright" theme. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a really cool change from our usual traditional decor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And my mantel is my favorite.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh6w2PbhUirkzNoBadfSzFBjG0iuoBQeyY1BoNTbhPqIETxXTFxYB1DAPjbBNT_lSEZ6hZw3n6rmfiokMjR36miBlUjuY34oPbYqmArOOSWHekHuS6UQ8gBgkt5JHYi_njo1IqL4cmlA/s1600/xmas11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh6w2PbhUirkzNoBadfSzFBjG0iuoBQeyY1BoNTbhPqIETxXTFxYB1DAPjbBNT_lSEZ6hZw3n6rmfiokMjR36miBlUjuY34oPbYqmArOOSWHekHuS6UQ8gBgkt5JHYi_njo1IqL4cmlA/s1600/xmas11.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Took a vintage cheese dome and turned it into this snowy goodness. Miniatures and Epson salt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My new obsession.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwt8xpxaBgu8u6JKpfP1bNZfOnDwAzvQf9578yfvrWPLfKwJJrkSTU6V5eubuWy1OEo2WzTfOMtmCIgy017RFmjK6O_kM1zDYkT_tVElp0N5r9yHk96KKoIMPgvfiU52JAjQ1tDUWGh3A/s1600/xmas12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwt8xpxaBgu8u6JKpfP1bNZfOnDwAzvQf9578yfvrWPLfKwJJrkSTU6V5eubuWy1OEo2WzTfOMtmCIgy017RFmjK6O_kM1zDYkT_tVElp0N5r9yHk96KKoIMPgvfiU52JAjQ1tDUWGh3A/s1600/xmas12.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm putting everything in jars and dumping in epson salt. It's kind of an </span>obsessive<span style="font-family: inherit;"> habit at this point. (House globe from Target. My other obsession. )</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCbC3uAkXCN2VOhZhsYENU2__4E5IWg0amNCFjNkYCqy1heDYXCg7pAx5NyqeKzPCdfO1z9d4CPl-6Xcl5eCu1t9pSXLi6ACO0WXwLr_AWusO97BpF8hDPo_o6Y7HvuOn7Nfn-7sffH4/s1600/xmas6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifVDkGhPMIh3eSass1DeyxKIW2cKfy4d1ei4B6h3lfb1CeY4yjdFDv1c4Vg8pXwBZKVTrxeUQkh_LxuCk6FKf4240sX8bTj5Kj88eCmOD3n1pX6vBJh2OvyDVTS1NhcFtFyMQyiVNbuI/s1600/xmas6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifVDkGhPMIh3eSass1DeyxKIW2cKfy4d1ei4B6h3lfb1CeY4yjdFDv1c4Vg8pXwBZKVTrxeUQkh_LxuCk6FKf4240sX8bTj5Kj88eCmOD3n1pX6vBJh2OvyDVTS1NhcFtFyMQyiVNbuI/s1600/xmas6.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm finally jumping on the felt bandwagon. I was looking at Pinterest months ago saw a great nativity. I thought "</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I could do that. What a nice handmade gift for my babies." FIFTY HOURS of cutting and hand embroidery later, and I'm done. The donkey alone took three hours of stitching. All I can say is they better freaking cherish it. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">(</span></span><a href="http://stayathomeeducator.com/a-felt-nativity-story/" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Instructions here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">. I did a lot of extra </span></span><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">stitching</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">. Don't do the extra stitching. In fact, do no stitching and you could cut this down to a 10 hour project. But I do like the stitching...)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGH0ih09cKXsAQRVcj9TJcefXkF1udBwlNG4Q_Q6IvsI5yescxzlJgJVjOK8wqtfzpkVnsXj9sDH8TljanH16vrK-iMoaOwVRnSz_Nu0K0GAXZVjm_tUoTpUOB7rQLK1gyaoCPl0-OyA/s1600/xmas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGH0ih09cKXsAQRVcj9TJcefXkF1udBwlNG4Q_Q6IvsI5yescxzlJgJVjOK8wqtfzpkVnsXj9sDH8TljanH16vrK-iMoaOwVRnSz_Nu0K0GAXZVjm_tUoTpUOB7rQLK1gyaoCPl0-OyA/s1600/xmas1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then I got tired of stitching and decided to start burning wood. </div>
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It's crazy fun and makes my home smell like a campfire. </div>
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(And this is why you snag fallen branches after storms like a crazy hoarder. )</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-fo2PB-ADDkN5D6F9b9U8YpyL_sr4a9UuwFRp5-fZ4hMncLyLnOhaLa1eV97uGshmiDxntyb9deE463d0CSkTzAb8QsQXcttNX75dIW_IlpHhIfbdSSMC6qiM5WOxrJs5lXNMccLP6Q/s1600/xmas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-fo2PB-ADDkN5D6F9b9U8YpyL_sr4a9UuwFRp5-fZ4hMncLyLnOhaLa1eV97uGshmiDxntyb9deE463d0CSkTzAb8QsQXcttNX75dIW_IlpHhIfbdSSMC6qiM5WOxrJs5lXNMccLP6Q/s1600/xmas3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I thought my projects were pretty cool. Then my sister Abby sends me this made from the drift wood near her home. I know. You can't top this. Wow. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I'm still working on my embroidery projects. I may get them up here before Christmas. Or I may throw them across the room and shove fist-fulls of fudge in my face. I'm still deciding. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hfR3Kalh7mQBiRHj88AYVB50dVg-3RQYL9U9YtbfMVvMiRg83hHkxbWasBT5dYCGOGU6ejTp9eCFPYw7mv1CJZIw01L9pCTVZ-opIMyWZZZrjf4MBpRfdJAat8aKyMqOxwBX23XWe4o/s1600/xmas+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hfR3Kalh7mQBiRHj88AYVB50dVg-3RQYL9U9YtbfMVvMiRg83hHkxbWasBT5dYCGOGU6ejTp9eCFPYw7mv1CJZIw01L9pCTVZ-opIMyWZZZrjf4MBpRfdJAat8aKyMqOxwBX23XWe4o/s1600/xmas+collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Hope everyone else is ignoring nightly chores to do fun holiday projects too!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I love Christmas!!!!!</span></span></span></span><br />
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Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-24494363759094273972014-12-15T20:05:00.002-05:002014-12-15T20:26:45.880-05:00Perfect Christmas Trifle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YlMozSg1UxK17Dc82q68I0zt4DH67t_qpXPvmcYR81-_F6h-Qc4vBTCtSqCQ05EdhyCYjEX1XY4PRLPfMbthBmfQPlNDBh9VSV3fRbD683mQW1exX5jLc3YUwbRD6SvSZ-VbTvXyzEY/s1600/christmas-trifle+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YlMozSg1UxK17Dc82q68I0zt4DH67t_qpXPvmcYR81-_F6h-Qc4vBTCtSqCQ05EdhyCYjEX1XY4PRLPfMbthBmfQPlNDBh9VSV3fRbD683mQW1exX5jLc3YUwbRD6SvSZ-VbTvXyzEY/s1600/christmas-trifle+.png" height="640" width="476" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ah, Christmas desserts. The one time of year that utter decadence is allowed guilt free. I've been limiting my sugar this year to the occasional small indulgence. But I'm going to shove my face into every dessert available this Christmas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year I hosted a big Christmas Day party and I wanted to have a showstopper dessert to go along with the goodies my friends were bringing. I wanted to combine some of my favorite holiday flavors into one dessert. And thus my version of a Perfect Christmas Trifle was born. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the cake - Mace Bundt cake. This cake tastes like Christmas. Really, it does. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mace Bundt Cake</span></strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">(Do not preheat oven)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;">1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature + 4 TBS for pan</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;">2 cups sugar</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;">5 large eggs, room temperature</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;">2 cups sifted all purpose flour</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;">1 TBS Ground Mace (found in spice section of almost any grocery store.)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;">1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, I think better without for the trifle)</span></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cream the one cup butter; add sugar gradually; beat until very light and fluffy.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add eggs one at a time- beating well after each addition.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add dry ingredients to blend, add nuts</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grease Bundt pan using 3-4 TBS butter (You REALLY want to get that pan greased up.)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;">Bake at 300 degrees 50-60 minutes. Watch carefully!</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.1000003814697px; text-align: start;">Turn out immediately. Cool to room temperature.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Paula Dean Egg Nog Pudding</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">Ingredients</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">1/4 cup all-purpose flour</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">1 tablespoon cornstarch</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">3/4 cup sugar</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">3 cups milk</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">2 egg yolks</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">1 tablespoon butter</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">2 egg whites, stiffly beaten</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">Freshly grated nutmeg</span></span><br style="background-color: #efece3; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">Directions</span><br style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">Mix together flour, cornstarch and sugar in a saucepan. Add 1/4 cup of the milk to the flour mixture and stir until smooth. In another saucepan, scald the remaining 2 3/4 cups milk; add to flour mixture. Cook and stir mixture over medium-low heat; do not allow to boil. In a bowl beat the yolks; remove 1/2 cup hot mixture and add to yolks to temper them; mix well and return to pot. Continue to cook over low heat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat; add butter and vanilla. Thoroughly fold egg whites into the hot mixture. Place in bowl, sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg and chill.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">OR - <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/eggnog-pudding/">Just make a pudding mix taste like eggnog</a>! That makes it a bit easier.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I use raspberries for this dessert, but they are a little pricey at Christmas time. I've found if you defrost frozen raspberries, mix in a little sugar, they are fantastic drizzled on the inside of the trifle, buy a tiny container of fresh berries just for the top. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Layer cake, raspberries soaked in sugar and then pudding. Repeat until almost to the top of the trifle bowl. Lastly, top with fresh whipping cream (flavored with sugar and vanilla of course) and fresh raspberries. Refrigerate for several hours. Served chilled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">YUM!!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" /></span> Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-11496037761358360672014-11-27T12:52:00.002-05:002014-12-15T20:05:57.964-05:00Hope it's wonderful!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYw0NQCL4QQVPeeoqvYQYrYO-7sNuXT5uETQ0_82SYmpvv_5oS8-mQWWp8w4v-A1GVLAflKHXF6YigJyGmOtcTfjXyLhURnZ9ZiHfg_XXhLcbn6EF-WgPA18K-WUla5uKkUJFeYgnuc4/s1600/happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYw0NQCL4QQVPeeoqvYQYrYO-7sNuXT5uETQ0_82SYmpvv_5oS8-mQWWp8w4v-A1GVLAflKHXF6YigJyGmOtcTfjXyLhURnZ9ZiHfg_XXhLcbn6EF-WgPA18K-WUla5uKkUJFeYgnuc4/s1600/happy.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">As we focus this week on all we are grateful for, I keep thinking about these little treasures and how, for right now, they're all mine. Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.</span></div>
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<i>Winner of the handmade earring.... HeidiK! Email me and I'll send you your prize. </i></div>
Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-58283154174484490552014-11-09T20:42:00.001-05:002014-11-09T20:42:23.306-05:00Thanksgiving Dress Rehersal. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are hosting Thanksgiving this year and I've asked Shane to handle the turkey. So naturally, he wanted to do a test run. We found <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/REC-241475/Classic+Herb-Roasted+Turkey">a recipe from Sur la table</a> that looked promising. Something about starting with the breast-side down and herb butter under the skin sounded intriguing.<br />
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It was the best turkey I have ever had. He followed the directions exactly and it was perfectly moist and unbelievably flavorful. The drippings made scrumptious gravy.<br />
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Just in case the link is temporary, here's all the details:<br />
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Classic Herb Roasted Turkey<br />
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<span class="servings" style="font-weight: bold; margin-right: 10px;">Serves:</span> Yields 10 to 12 servings</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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<li style="word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, neck and giblets removed</li>
<li style="word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">2 to 3 tablespoons kosher salt</li>
<li style="word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled, divided</li>
<li style="word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley</li>
<li style="word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">2 tablespoons each minced fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary leaves</li>
<li style="word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">1 to 2 cups chicken or turkey stock, as needed</li>
<li style="word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">1 large yellow onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces</li>
<li style="word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces</li>
<li style="word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">2 large stalks celery, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces</li>
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<div class="procedures" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Procedures:</div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Buy your turkey (and thaw if needed) two days before the big day so you have time to salt the meat and dry the skin in the refrigerator. Make sure to save the turkey neck and giblets, except the liver, to make a delicious stock to flavor your gravy.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Wash the turkey thoroughly in cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a large cutting board and run your hand gently between the skin and meat to loosen the skin, being careful not to tear the skin. Loosen as much skin as possible over the breasts, legs, and thighs. Rub the meat with kosher salt to coat the meat evenly, again taking care not to rip the skin. Transfer the turkey to a baking dish large enough to hold it and place uncovered in the refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. and place a rack in the lower third. Remove turkey from the refrigerator and transfer to a cutting board. Place ½ of the melted butter in a small mixing bowl, add chopped herbs and stir to combine. Rub the turkey meat with the butter mixture, coating all parts equally. Gently stretch skin to cover breast meat completely. Coat turkey skin with remaining melted butter. Using kitchen twine, tie the legs together at the ankles and tuck wing tips under breasts. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Place a heavy roasting rack inside a large roasting pan and lightly oil the rack. Flip turkey breast side down and place on top of rack. Place turkey in oven and roast for 60 minutes, turning the roasting pan every 30 minutes to ensure even browning. Check roasting pan to make sure pan drippings do not scorch, adding stock or water as needed. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">After 60 minutes, remove roasting pan from oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Using turkey lifters or clean kitchen towels, carefully lift turkey off the rack and flip breast side up. Return turkey to rack, breast side up, and baste with pan juices. Scatter onion, carrot, and celery pieces across bottom of roasting pan, stirring to coat with pan juices. Return turkey to oven and continue roasting until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 170 degrees. Remove turkey from oven, place roasting pan on a heatproof surface, and tent turkey loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm. Rest turkey for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Strain pan drippings, pressing on solids to remove liquid, and reserve drippings to make gravy. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">To serve, remove legs and thighs using a sharp carving knife. Slice the breasts into ¼-inch slices and place on a serving platter with legs and thighs. Serve immediately. </span><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" />Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-3705343475947847172014-10-30T09:41:00.000-04:002014-11-27T12:53:12.256-05:00Tomorrow is Halloween! - Insta-Friday #60 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last weekend Shane realized Elise has never experienced his shaped pancakes!</div>
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He rectified that immediately. </div>
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Took her on her first hayride as well.</div>
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First corn maze. We got lost. Didn't tell the kids. </div>
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And first attack of leaves from big brother. </div>
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So far, a pretty eventful October. </div>
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(Oh yea, I also cut 7 inches off my hair. I like it.)</div>
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Can't wait for tomorrow!!!!</div>
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<b>Follow me on instagram @natssentiments</b></div>
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<a href="http://liferearranged.com/"><img alt="life rearranged" border="0" src="http://liferearranged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/instafridaybutton.jpg" height="120" width="200" /></a>Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-73827243039756766262014-10-12T23:44:00.001-04:002014-10-13T00:33:59.692-04:00Still here.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">It's Fall!</span></i></div>
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Well hello there! Anyone still around? I'm dusting off some cobwebs just for a moment since I am forcing myself to stay awake until Shane gets home from a recent trip. To Alaska. Alaska is really far away. I kind of wish I could head to Alaska for a week. Or really anywhere that had a nice hotel with a plush bed and room service. I am beat.<br />
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So why the crazy lull in blogging? Well, I'll tell you. I have three children. It doesn't really seem like a lot when you just say it like that. 3 kids. That really is only one more than two. And two is less than the American average. But take it from me, 3 is a lot.<br />
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I love having three kids. I can't believe how scrumptious my baby is. She is so funny and bright and my other two find so much joy watching her grow. Today we all sat on a blanket and laughed as she continuously tried to escape us to go eat dirt.<br />
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For the most part, being a mom to these little darlings is about as good as I could imagine it to be. With the exception that Elise does not feel the need to nap for much longer than 45 minutes at a time, which is pretty much the bane of my existence. (And let's be honest. A whole lot of the time I think I am going to freaking lose my mind. But, I've realized that is just part of the mom status quo.)<br />
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AND - one more big reason for blogging lull?.... I made the (TOTALLY INSAIN) decision to hand-make almost all my Christmas gifts. I've been working since June. I kid you not. So all that fun blogging time that I used to have around 9:30 at night? I'm at home working with a glue gun, needle and thread or pounding nails with my tiny hammer. I'll make sure to show you some of my creations coming up.<br />
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I miss ya'll! Happy Autumn :)<br />
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they are pretty cute.</div>
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<i>P.S. - you can always catch me on Instagram @natssentiments</i><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" />Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-89917666653572888722014-09-07T23:21:00.001-04:002014-09-07T23:21:24.592-04:00Super Saturday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey readers, I'm bogarting my blog for a tic for a church activity. Hope you don't mind. </div>
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Hello McMillan Relief Society ladies! It's crunch time for our Super Saturday. We need all your order forms and money by WEDNESDAY!!! If you're still not sure about what our crafts are, take a look....</div>
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We will have a table of starched fabric and will be teaching how to <a href="http://kailochic.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-make-fabric-wall-decals.html">make removable wall decals</a>.</div>
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I was playing around with some other uses of starched fabric and made a cute little garland and hanging decor. We can teach you to make these, but you will need to bring your own embroidery hoop and/or bakers twine. </div>
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Do you have scrap fabric laying around? We need donations to keep this project free! </div>
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Questions or need an order form? <a href="mailto:nataliessentiments@gmail.com">Email me</a> or Sally at<a href="mailto:sldarley@gmail.com"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: 'normal arial', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">sldarley</span><wbr style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: 'normal arial', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></wbr><span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: 'normal arial', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">@gmail.com</span></a></div>
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Be excited!!!!</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" /> Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-17103438776359609082014-08-18T00:48:00.000-04:002014-08-18T00:48:00.052-04:00Whidbey Island is Dreamy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey! How about we pack 9 kids (8 under the age of 5) </div>
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+ 4 moms and head for a little vacation on beautiful Whidbey Island! </div>
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Crazy! Let's do it! </div>
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"YAY!" Says baby Elise!</div>
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Maybe we'll even get a sisters only afternoon out of it!</div>
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Cousin beach time.</div>
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Rocks are yummy!</div>
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These kids were seriously in heaven. </div>
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WE LOVE THIS BATHTUB!</div>
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I LOVE THIS BATHTUB!</div>
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Smores anyone?</div>
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Berry picking. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuBxyY-JmanFUHoV0aS77RtDal91ymXu_YoKCBRnWMFUMZh7Kcax8nw54JjJvaNmZtc5PzP2v8p-97wrC5rpuj07IdVnH0E45ztn9Dx3F67_EKxRj8Eh1kjNRab6KYWgaU0XouGV0ABc/s1600/summer17.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuBxyY-JmanFUHoV0aS77RtDal91ymXu_YoKCBRnWMFUMZh7Kcax8nw54JjJvaNmZtc5PzP2v8p-97wrC5rpuj07IdVnH0E45ztn9Dx3F67_EKxRj8Eh1kjNRab6KYWgaU0XouGV0ABc/s1600/summer17.jpg.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or giant slugs perhaps?</div>
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Thanks to my sister Abby for deciding she needed a log home....</div>
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over-looking the ocean.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTCUicQBhVGX6TCJPsoQs-ahcFSFvJPp-wkEVPGvmfod7xA0wMUhGkGqGrXWT5WVQiYu01D66veo_6T0n7f0hSuOi3yaKEwivaLhyphenhyphenhOkpIvJ_b4CxUkAcYauuIOn8QbsTmzEZLKXd7W4/s1600/summer1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTCUicQBhVGX6TCJPsoQs-ahcFSFvJPp-wkEVPGvmfod7xA0wMUhGkGqGrXWT5WVQiYu01D66veo_6T0n7f0hSuOi3yaKEwivaLhyphenhyphenhOkpIvJ_b4CxUkAcYauuIOn8QbsTmzEZLKXd7W4/s1600/summer1.jpg.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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We'll be coming back here for sure.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Follow me on instagram @natssentiments</i></span></b></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" /> Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5148002613892357830.post-85565424958902164632014-08-14T21:43:00.000-04:002014-08-14T21:43:09.428-04:00Guess whose ONE?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4-_fngQ5F5TPd_2qDHFHMRW1ToxeItGbq6ZYShCKN_h1Mxzj8zbyzPX1iihR7SWKpEIWUW-maUtQcEGSr5BvAlD-Kheq1qrijcfo-4rV-fAUu2lnV8xQkm3Lw75W97pbnVzntLqqUpQ/s1600/cake-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4-_fngQ5F5TPd_2qDHFHMRW1ToxeItGbq6ZYShCKN_h1Mxzj8zbyzPX1iihR7SWKpEIWUW-maUtQcEGSr5BvAlD-Kheq1qrijcfo-4rV-fAUu2lnV8xQkm3Lw75W97pbnVzntLqqUpQ/s1600/cake-11.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Cake....</div>
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Baby.....</div>
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SMASH!!!!</div>
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Happy Birthday Elise Juliet! We love you more than tongue can tell.</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l148/kha02a/natalie_sig_zpse97f62d4.png" /> Natalie Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15581810849562301572noreply@blogger.com4