tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74622133997345473752024-03-12T05:42:44.943-07:00Anne's Odds and EndsA place to share my vintage fisher price toys, baby and kid ideas, healthy and/or oh-so-yummy recipes, house projects and whatever else I can think of.tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.comBlogger847125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-56088509269269449212017-12-29T09:39:00.001-07:002018-01-03T18:14:15.062-07:00See You Later <span style="font-size: large;">"Goodbye" seems so formal, especially since I see most of you fantastic readers either in real life or online other places. So instead I'll say see-you-later. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This blog has been a sweet escape and a creative outlet over the last few years. Here are some of the stats:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Years Blogged</b> 6 (2012-2017)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Entries</b> 857</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Page views</b> 745,000</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Most popular entry</b> Vanilla Ice Cream recipe (51k views)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Vintage Fisher Price Entries</b> 266</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Recipes</b> 245</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/Blog%20photos/fisher_price_happy_apple_baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/Blog%20photos/fisher_price_happy_apple_baby.jpg" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My girls in the beginning. </span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_presents_open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_presents_open.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My girls now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you dear readers for coming by to see what recipe, kid story, hot air balloon photo, dog pictures or vintage fisher price toys I had to share. I appreciated your comments, suggestions and <span style="background-color: white;">camaraderie</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">. I will miss my Odds and Ends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With thanks,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anne </span></div>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-28937860367308115172017-12-25T15:36:00.000-07:002017-12-25T15:36:45.641-07:00Merry Christmas<br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_eve_service_girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_eve_service_girls.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas! We've had a lovely and full weekend of celebrating. We started off on Saturday the 23rd as our "Presents Day". We have the fun family tradition of never waiting to open presents until the 25th we always do it early! The last couple years we've opened late (the 23rd) due to school break starting so late.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_before_after_gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_before_after_gifts.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="742" height="640" width="592" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Present highlights this year included a real sewing machine (oldest) and a My Friend Becky doll (youngest). Also books, a Kano computer kit and knock-off Fingerlings. ;) </span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_sewing_machine_gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_sewing_machine_gift.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_becky_doll_fisher_price.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_becky_doll_fisher_price.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This morning the girls opened stockings. I went ahead and wrapped the little gifts, but I must admit I pretty much phoned it in last night on the wrapping job. It looked like a blind monkey wrapped them. Fortunately the girls didn't seem to notice. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_morning20_stockings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_morning20_stockings.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today we also had Christmas lunch with my in-laws. This meant more gifts for the girls and another fun afternoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope that your Christmas has been merry too! Just a reminder that my blog is closing down in the new year. I've got one more week to wrap it up. </span></div>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-29918083719202093642017-12-22T13:43:00.001-07:002017-12-22T13:43:57.069-07:00Fisher Price Friday - Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hoping that you have a Merry "little" Christmas. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2016/12/have-merry-little-christmas.html">2016 (Little People Farm #915)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2015/12/have-merry-little-people-christmas.html">2015 (Snowmobile #705)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2014/12/fisher-price-friday-holiday-lights.html">2014 (Play Family A-Frame #909)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/12/merry-christmas.html">2013 (Play Family House #952)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/12/merry-christmas.html">2012 (Play Family Rooms #909)</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To get your own <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/259441476/vintage-fisher-price-christmas-photo?utm_medium=SellerListingTools&utm_campaign=Share&utm_source=Raw&share_time=1513974988000&utm_term=so.slt">Fisher Price Card</a> check out my Etsy Shop.</span></div>
tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-8124995415974659632017-12-21T09:16:00.002-07:002017-12-21T09:16:40.782-07:00Sewing Christmas Presents - Not "sew" simple :)<span style="font-size: large;">I continue to attempt sewing projects here and there; but am very much still a beginner. This summer I struggled through making my youngest an easy "20 minute" <a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2017/07/rubber-ducky-birthday-party-invites.html">rubber ducky skirt</a> that actually took hours. And although it photographed well at her birthday party it was a hot mess if you looked closely. ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately I have a friend who was willing to help me fix it and she ripped it all apart and I started over again but with step-by-step instructions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That skirt repair went so well that I decided to try making another skirt, this one with some 1960s fabric that I brought home from my parent's house awhile back. This distinctive 60s floral fabric was used in bridesmaid dresses back in 1970. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/60s_flower_fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/60s_flower_fabric.jpg" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="800" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out those lovely dresses; all sewn by hand. </span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/handmade_skirt_kid_and_doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/handmade_skirt_kid_and_doll.jpg" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The skirt turned out pretty fantastic if I do say so myself. Thanks to my friend's patient instruction and assistance. :) The pink band is made out of vintage linen fabric. I made the skirt as a Christmas present for my 10 year old and decided to whip up a doll sized skirt to add to her gift. She is going to freak!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/handmade_doll_skirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/handmade_doll_skirts.jpg" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not to leave my 6 year old out I made her a ducky skirt to match the previously-hot-mess birthday skirt. </span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/handmade_skirt_my_friend_doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/handmade_skirt_my_friend_doll.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2016/07/fisher-price-friday-special-birthday.html">My Friend doll Mandy</a> looks pretty cute doesn't she? And it matches her roller skating outfit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is it Christmas yet? :) Only 2 more days until we open presents on the 23rd. Woot woot!</span></div>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-33671567785672841952017-12-20T12:21:00.000-07:002017-12-20T12:21:52.749-07:00Memory Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/engraved_dad_necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/engraved_dad_necklace.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I received the most lovely and thoughtful gift last week. An engraved necklace that used the pattern of my father's handwriting. A special friend who also knows the pain of a parent with Alzheimer's ordered it for me.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/engraved_necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/engraved_necklace.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend used a photograph of the little note my father gave me decades ago as the pattern. How marvelous is that? </span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/engraved_necklace_70s_child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/engraved_necklace_70s_child.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the first Christmas since my father passed, so this memento is particularly special right now and it is lovely to have his words close to my heart. </span></div>
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<br />tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-78115717420764334532017-12-14T22:05:00.001-07:002017-12-14T22:05:56.933-07:00December Adventures<span style="font-size: large;">I only have a couple more weeks left in this blog but I've been too busy to write anything. Good busy mostly, but still busy. Between my job, parenting and Holiday activities we're booked! </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/december_adventures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/december_adventures.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="675" height="640" width="540" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is what we've been up to this month so far: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Loosing teeth (2 - Oldest)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Baking and decorating cookies with Grandma & Grandpa- 10 dozen (!!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sharing those lovely cookies with neighbors and friends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas light appreciation at <a href="https://illuminationaz.com/">Illumination</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Hiking in the desert, this weather is fantastic!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Nutcracker with our besties</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Starbucks dates with my beauties.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not to mention decorating, shopping, wrapping, <a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2017/12/advent-activities-and-calendar.html">advent'ing</a> and Christmas carol singing. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Man I love Christmastime!</span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/B46C82B3-F6C6-4F35-945C-689E078E3CB7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/B46C82B3-F6C6-4F35-945C-689E078E3CB7.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="599" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh and one more adventure, today is my wedding anniversary. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. </span></div>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-88109751502234016702017-12-08T13:06:00.000-07:002017-12-08T13:06:50.143-07:00One more House Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/house_party_clarisonic_mia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/house_party_clarisonic_mia.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last weekend I hosted another House Party. I've been doing House Parties for about 7 years and it had been awhile since my last event. I love House Party because I get *free* goodies to share with my friends. What's not to like about that?</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/house_party_mia_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/house_party_mia_2.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This time it was the most expensive Prize Pack yet. I was hosting a Clarisonic Mia 2 party and the company sent me 3 Clarisonic Mia 2s and a bunch of brush heads. The Mia 2 costs around $169 and the brushes are $27-35 each so that alone was amazing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The event said that I would get to keep one Mia 2 and to wait for instructions after the party of what to do with the other two. I figured I would have to send them back but they ended up telling me to gift them! Since I already had my own Mia 2 (two years and going strong) I was able to gift all 3 to ladies that came to my party. Best. Party. Prize Pack. Ever. :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/house_party_clarisonic_party_mia_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/house_party_clarisonic_party_mia_2.jpg" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="800" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So very fun! It will be hard to top this House Party.</span></div>
<br />tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-20181410174071246352017-12-03T13:40:00.000-07:002017-12-03T13:40:38.977-07:00Advent Activities and Calendar <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back in 2014 I bought a <a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2014/11/starbucks-christmas-advent-calendar.html">Starbucks advent calendar</a> with magnetic tins filled with goodies. The <a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2015/12/advent-calendar-ideas-for-kids.html">next year</a> I filled the tins with fun Christmas activities/ideas on pieces of paper. The year after that I was overwhelmed and although I did some of the same activities (make cookies, look at lights, etc) we didn't do the advent calendar.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/coley_kuyper_advent_calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/coley_kuyper_advent_calendar.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year I'm *sort* of on the ball. I'm doing the tins with activities/ideas and also added a beautiful paper advent calendar by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/257952982/christmas-advent-calendar-traditions?ref=shop_home_active_7">Coley Kuyper</a>. It has gorgeous designs on one side and verses about the Christmas story on the other. Love it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202015/starbucks_advent_calendar_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202015/starbucks_advent_calendar_.jpg" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the Advent ideas that I'm using this year with my 6 and 10 year old:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Set up paper advent together.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Set up the wood nativity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Do a Christmas craft together (foam tree).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Take a walk around the neighborhood to see lights.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Read a Christmas book together. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Illumination tonight! (local light show)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Treat </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. Make Lego Ornaments.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. Family Service Project. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10. Nutcracker!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">11. Hot Chocolate & Christmas books.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">12. Read a Christmas book together.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">13. Do a Christmas craft together (snow globe).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">14. Drive around to look at lights.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">15. Christmas shopping for family (sister & parents)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">16. Draw a picture/write a letter to a family member.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">17. Bake Cookies</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">18. Family game night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">19. Read a Christmas book together.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">20. Do a Christmas craft together (bead ornaments).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">21. Christmas activity books.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">22. Christmas movie night. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">23. Take a walk and look at lights.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">24. Set up luminaries. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">25. Christmas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The beauty of this system is that I can trade out papers if plans change. I can also sub in items like:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Wrap presents.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Decorate gingerbread house.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bike rides to look at decorations.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And in a pinch I could put in a "treat" of some sort like a little chocolate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love that we are incorporating the Christmas Bible Verses as well as other fun activities. I want my kids to grow up having sweet memories of our family holidays together. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-27689914231790360622017-12-01T13:08:00.000-07:002017-12-01T13:08:38.692-07:00Christmas Sneak Peak (Fisher Price)<br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_tree_kids_2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_tree_kids_2017.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's beginning to look like Christmas around here! We've got all five trees up and lights decorating outside. The kids are making wish-lists and I'm hiding away purchases to wrap for them later. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to give you a sneak peak of the Vintage Fisher Price that will be under the tree this year! This year I'm giving my youngest (age six) yet another My Friend Doll. This is the *last* one though as 4 is plenty! She's been getting one doll the last couple years on her Birthday and Christmas, so it's bittersweet for me that this is the last one. She is pretty sure she doesn't want the boy My Friend Doll by the way, which is why it won't be 5!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been able to purchase all 4 of the My Friend Dolls new in box, which I think is pretty amazing since they are 30-40+ years old! This last one I found months ago and have been hiding it up in the closet.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_218_my_friend_becky_doll_box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_218_my_friend_becky_doll_box.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" width="266" /></a> <a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_218_becky_doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_218_becky_doll.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is <b>My Friend Becky #218</b> made between 1980-1984. She has beautiful ginger hair and freckles. Cutest! She comes with a white hat, aqua dress and white shoes. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_my_friend_doll_clothes_new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_my_friend_doll_clothes_new.jpg" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've also been looking for more My Friend Doll clothes. Mostly used but I've found a few new in package too. A-mazing. Since she has 4 of these cuties to dress now I have duplicates of some outfits so that they can match. I accidentally bought too many of the "Winter Wear" outfits so if you need one check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageLittlePeople">Etsy shop</a>, I'll have one there soon. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_my_friend_doll_robe_nightgown_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_my_friend_doll_robe_nightgown_.jpg" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm most excited about this nightgown/robe/slippers set. I found two new in package for her!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to wrap these up and put them under the tree. I know she'll be super excited on our Christmas Present opening day (never the 25th....always a few days before). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more on our Fisher Price Dolls:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2017/08/fisher-price-friday-my-friend-jenny.html">#209 My Friend Jenny</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2014/09/fisher-price-friday-baby-ann.html">#204 Baby Ann</a> (a soft doll) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2017/01/fisher-price-friday-my-friend-nicky.html">#206 My Friend Nicky</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2016/07/fisher-price-friday-special-birthday.html">#4009 Special Birthday Mandy</a> </span></div>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-29120364974343572772017-11-28T19:07:00.002-07:002017-11-28T19:07:57.009-07:00First Days with an Italian Greyhound Puppy Take 2!<span style="font-size: large;">Five years ago I wrote about <a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-days-with-italian-greyhound-puppy.html">our first few days/weeks</a> with our latest puppy at the time, Bella. Well it's been five years and we have another puppy now, Button.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our first days with Button were similar to the other two Italian Greyhounds, but we tweaked a few things, learning from our past mistakes. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Also the products are constantly changing for pet care, and we used some of the latest and greatest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This time around we really wanted potty training to go well. This breed is known for being more difficult to train, and once bad habits are set it can be challenging to fix them. Mission accomplished (so far), at 4 months old she is accident free and doing great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The big difference this time is that my husband slept with her at night and when she needed to go out he took her. Puppies are a bit like babies, they have small bladders and initially can't hold it very long. At first he stayed in the living room with her at night, and then eventually moved to our room. At 4 months she is pretty much sleeping through the night and there have been no accidents in the bed. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's what we bought to prepare for the puppy. Some are similar to what we used for our last puppy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_training_set_up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_training_set_up.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Midwest Black Exercise Pen 24" </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We made the puppy her own space and put it in a central area of our home since we wanted her to be socialized. This pen was the perfect size as it's not too big and not too small. Also easy enough to reach over or walk over but high enough that she couldn't climb out. It also folds down easily and was pretty inexpensive. We put it on top of a folded over tarp (from Home Depot). Inside the pen we made a little puppy land for her complete with a sleeping area, potty area, toys and water. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Most of the time the door was open so that she could go out (and go in to potty), we rarely had her in there by herself for long. She would go into her crate when she needed to rest. We did not have her sleep in her crate area overnight like our last puppy. We took down the pen when she was about 3 months old. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dog Crate </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A dog crate is important for a variety of reasons. First your puppy needs a safe place to sleep or be alone. Second, you'll eventually need them to be in the crate when you leave the house. Lastly you may need a crate for traveling and transporting. You don't want one too big (so they don't have space to use it as a potty) or too small. It's tricky with a puppy since they'll be growing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This time around we bought a full size crate rather than a smaller temporary one. It is big enough to use as an adult but small enough to work for overnight trips. We started putting her in there for a few minutes at a time (20 or so) when we were in the same room. We also put her in there during our meals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We slowly worked up to longer periods of time, trying not to keep her in there more than 1-2 hours for the first couple of months. Now at 4 months we will leave her up to 2 hours, but no more than 3.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_adult_fawn_seal_white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_adult_fawn_seal_white.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dog Bed</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A dog bed is a must, and you may need more than one. We have dog beds in our office, bedroom and living spaces. Puppies (and dogs) sleep a lot and a comfortable space is needed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dog Toys</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Puppies need toys to chew on and play with. While they are getting and losing baby teeth chewing toys are helpful, otherwise they may go looking for your shoes! Our puppy also likes toys that squeak and that can be used as a tug of war. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I suggest getting a variety and seeing what they like best. Our daughter's Sophie giraffes have been the most popular around here. :) Get a basket and put the toys in it, bring the basket out during the day and put it away at night. Our puppy loves it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_fresh_patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_fresh_patch.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fresh Patch</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With our first dog we used paper/box training. With the second a reusable Potty Patch made of plastic that looked like grass. With our recent puppy we upgraded to the latest and greatest, a <a href="https://www.freshpatch.com/">Fresh Patch</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Every other week a box of *real* grass arrived at our door. It was the perfect way to train our puppy to go on grass, since it is real grass. After 2 weeks we had another box arrive and threw out the first one. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A little pricey but worth it, since she was able to easily transition to our real grass outside. We only needed 3 deliveries of Fresh Patch before she was going outside 100%. There are many codes out there to get discounts on Fresh Patch, google around to find one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other items</b>: water/food bowls, harness/leash, extra blankets.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We're making an effort to socialize Button more than we did Bella. With Dante (our first and currently 13 year old Italian Greyhound) he joined us before kids, so he was our fur-baby. We took him with us to restaurants, on vacations, on planes, in cars, etc. He got used to lots of ages, places and faces. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With Bella (5 years ago) I had a one year old baby and let's just say taking a dog, baby and a preschooler out was *not* in the cards. So this time around with Button we're taking her out and letting her experience more places and spaces. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_starbucks.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her first big non-vet outing was a doggie play-date with our fantastic pet-sitter and then to Starbucks. Button was freaked but a lot of reassurance a little puppuccino (Starbucks whipped cream) and lots of love and she survived. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A well fitting dog harness is a must for outings. A plain collar leash isn't as safe for this breed and especially puppies as they can slip out of them. The kind that goes around their middle (harness) is much safer and more comfortable. We have the kind that she steps into, so it's relatively easy to put on.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyound_snuggle_pile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyound_snuggle_pile.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a bit of an adjustment having three Italian Greyhounds but three really doesn't seem much more than two. :) And thankfully my husband has done most of the training so having Button in our family has been a fun addition. Yay puppies! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other Italian Greyhound Posts:</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-year-in-life-of-our-italian-greyhounds.html">A Year in the Life of our IGs (2015)</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-days-with-italian-greyhound-puppy.html"><span style="font-size: large;">First Days with an IG Puppy</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/04/semi-wordless-wednesday-italian.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Italian Greyhounds (wordless wednesday)</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/01/make-your-own-puppy-or-small-dog-sweater.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Make your own IG puppy sweater (out of a sock!)</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/12/wordless-wednesday-puppy-growing.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Puppy Growing (wordless wednesday)</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/09/semi-wordless-wednesday-puppy-days.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Puppy Days (wordless wednesday)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/09/semi-wordless-wednesday-new-puppy.html">New Puppy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/07/italian-greyhound-birthday.html">Italian Greyhound Birthday Party</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2015/12/italian-greyhound-in-christmas-sweater.html">Christmas Sweater Cuteness</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2016/04/italian-greyhound-buddies.html">Italian Greyhound Buddies</a></span></div>
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<br />tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-40926270399903284992017-11-23T17:21:00.001-07:002017-11-23T17:21:21.792-07:00Happy Thanksgiving!<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving! I've made Little People Thanksgiving pictures for 5 years now and I ran out of ideas! Good thing this is the last year of the blog! But seriously I've done the First Thanksgiving with Indigenous People and Pilgrims (a few times), Family Flag Football games and even a modern family dinner. What else is there people? Hmm, maybe a parade? Shoot, that would have been cute. Oh well. Instead I have more Pilgrims and Indigenous People. You're welcome.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202014/fisher_price_thanksgiving_pilgrims_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202014/fisher_price_thanksgiving_pilgrims_.jpg" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope your Thanksgiving was pie-tastic!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more Little People Turkey-day fun check out:</span></center>
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<a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2016/11/happy-thanksgiving.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Turkey Dinner 2016</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2015/11/happy-thanksgiving.html">Pilgrims 2015</a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2014/11/happy-thanksgiving.html"><span style="font-size: large;">First Thanksgiving 2014</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/11/happy-thanksgiving-2013.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Family Flag Football 2013</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/11/happy-thanksgiving.html"></a><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/11/happy-thanksgiving.html"><span style="font-size: large;">First Thanksgiving 2012</span></a></div>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-33312595029338269582017-11-21T13:45:00.000-07:002017-11-21T13:45:56.924-07:006 Flying Tips for Traveling with School Aged Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/flying_tips_school_aged_kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/flying_tips_school_aged_kids.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ah flying, one of the most fun activities in life, especially with kids. Not! Unfortunately it is still a necessary way to get from Point A to Point B. The good news is there are ways to make it more pleasant for everyone. Well except for that one grouchy guy sitting near you that refuses to smile and will complain about EVERYTHING. That guy is on <i>all</i> flights, just try not to sit near him if you can. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6 Flying Tips</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Sit near the restroom and behind/around other families. They most likely won't complain about seat-kicking as much as the grumpy man in front of you! Being near the restroom you can have an eye on your child without having to actually try to squeeze yourself into the itty-bitty bathroom! And if you have more than one child then you can stay with one while watching the other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Pack headphones for everyone and at least 2 different electronic devices (kindle, iPad, etc). You never know if your plane will have programming or if it's age appropriate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Bring a bag to put trash in. You would not believe how much trash your little people can make in a flight, even a short one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Pick airlines that allow children/families to board early. This is super helpful in these days of not being able to reserve seats together ahead. I prefer Southwest because their policy allows families to board between A and B as long as one child is 6 or younger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Bring layers. Even if it is hot where you are planes get cold. Make sure to have a sweater or jacket for each child and consider a light blanket as well. Also socks! Tiny feet get cold in sandals on planes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. Bring wipes. Yes, your kids are diaper free now that they're school age but wipes are a must! Use them to wipe down the table seats (b/c on the flight before you a diaper might have been changed on it......), sticky hands after snacks or spills, etc. Trust me, wipes are still important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So there you go, 6 last travel tips. I have to say that traveling is MUCH MUCH easier now with my older girls. There was a time (babies, toddlers, cough cough) that I swore we'd never fly again. I remember one trip where I actually threatened to stay in Hawaii because I refused to fly back home with my crazy toddler. Ah, those were the days. (ha!) But now my kids are great travelers both in the car and on a plane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So if you have younger kids my advice is to hang in there, it will get better! But here are some links to my travel tips for younger kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/09/road-trips-with-kids-tips-and-tricks.html">Road Trips with Babies & Pre-Schoolers</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/05/traveling-with-toddler-activity-kits.html">Traveling with a Toddler - Airplane Activity Kits</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/09/drugging-your-kids-and-other-ways-to.html">Drugging Your Kids and Other Ways to Survive a Red Eye Flight</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2014/09/disneyland-with-small-children-tips-and.html">Disneyland with Small Children - Tips and Tricks</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">And more for older kids</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cspan%20style=%22font-size:%20large;%22%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E%3C/span%3E%20%3Cspan%20style=%22font-size:%20large;%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/09/road-trips-with-kids-tips-and-tricks.html%22%3ERoad%20Trips%20with%20Babies%20&amp;%20Pre-Schoolers%3C/a%3E%3C/span%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E%20%3Cspan%20style=%22font-size:%20large;%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/05/traveling-with-toddler-activity-kits.html%22%3ETraveling%20with%20a%20Toddler%20-%20Airplane%20Activity%20Kits%3C/a%3E%3C/span%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E%20%3Cspan%20style=%22font-size:%20large;%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/09/drugging-your-kids-and-other-ways-to.html%22%3EDrugging%20Your%20Kids%20and%20Other%20Ways%20to%20Survive%20a%20Red%20Eye%20Flight%3C/a%3E%3C/span%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E%20%3Cspan%20style=%22font-size:%20large;%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2014/09/disneyland-with-small-children-tips-and.html%22%3EDisneyland%20with%20Small%20Children%20-%20Tips%20and%20Tricks%3C/a%3E%3C/span%3E"><span style="font-size: medium;">Road Trip Bags for School Aged Kids</span></a></span><br />
<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2017/09/disneyland-take-2.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Disneyland with School Aged Kids</span></a>tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-2040393258501075172017-11-13T09:01:00.000-07:002017-11-13T09:01:49.577-07:00(Mostly) Horrible yet entertaining Christmas Movie Rundown<span style="font-size: large;">I realize that it's the week before Thanksgiving but it's already that time of year again, Holiday music playing in your car and Christmas movies on your television. The girls and I started watching holiday films on Netflix this weekend did you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've done some research the last couple years and watched oh-so-many Xmas films. Here are a few short summaries/rundowns so you can decide what to watch and what to skip. Call it one of my last Christmas Presents for my blog readers. You're welcome!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_movies_review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/christmas_movies_review.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Holiday in Handcuffs</b> - Avoid this one at all costs. Way too cheesy with an impossibly horrendous story line that I couldn't get past. Well that and the makeup on Mario Lopez. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The 12 Dates of Christmas</b> (2011) - Cheesy but actually entertaining. It is a take on Groundhog day where the main character relives the same Christmas Eve (with another Saved By the Bell actor) over and over for 12 days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Princess for Christmas</b> (2011) - Family movie, definitely made-for-TV but not too painful to watch. Basic plot is a young aunt raising her daughter's 2 kids after their mother-father died (the year before). Cue rich/titled foreign and estranged (b/c his son married a commoner) Grandfather to invite them to visit his castle for Christmas. Enter young handsome uncle who happens to be a Prince and I bet you can figure out what happens next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bridget Jones Diary</b> (2001) - A classic. I love all of the dreamy snow swirling around at night scenes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Four Christmases</b> (2008) - A Major Motion film, no made-for-TV here. This one had Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn. A bit crass, not at all appropriate for the family (the first scene includes having sex in a bar bathroom) but it made a good date-night show for my husband and me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason</b> (2004) - Ah, another relatively painful movie to watch due to her bumbling antics. This movie is much less of a Christmas-y film as only the first and last scenes take place at Christmas-time. Not exactly a Christmas classic but entertaining none-the-less.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Love Actually</b> (2003) - A feel good Christmas-time movie. If this one doesn't make you laugh and then cry at the end you probably are the Grinch. This one will make you want to hug everyone around you during the final scene. I will point out that it is another non-family movie as there is nudity and adult elements (sex, porn and swearing to name a few). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer</b> (1964) - The classic of all classic children's Christmas films. This movie was made with claymation in the 60's. It's a surprisingly long (in-my-opinion) movie about Rudolph and the elf that wanted to be a dentist. They didn't fit in but found each other and saved Christmas by being themselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Holiday Engagement</b> (2011) - Another made for TV movie, this one has Shellie Long in it. I'm not going to lie, it was Cheesy with a capital C. However, it was a step up from Holiday in Handcuffs so it wasn't the worst on the list. Let's just say the ending (obvious green screen and all) will make you laugh and that's something! The family could watch this one but I think kids would be pretty bored, it has a more grown-up storyline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sleepless in Seattle</b> (1993) - I think this one is reaching a little as a "Christmas" movie. If anything I'd say it's a Valentine's Movie since the last scene takes place on Feb 14th but it was on a Christmas list so I watched it. I love this film as it brings back memories of watching it in my college dorm on a regular basis. Ha! I went to school in Seattle so it was fitting I guess. Anyway it's a sweet film and mostly family appropriate (there are a few swear words here and there as well as the theme of death/loss).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>White Christmas </b>(1954) - A must see Christmas Musical from the 1950s with Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney crooning and freaky-small waisted Vera-Ellen dancing (seriously, it was only 17 inches around in this film!!!). Complete with snow and ending with "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas". Love this one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christmas Lodge</b> (2011) - This was a made-for-TV movie with a religious theme. It's what you would expect (no swear words or improper scenes here and NO Santa) and although it's family-friendly (of course) I don't think my daughter would have been interested. I'd say it's better for the 11 and up crowd. Not my favorite but it still beats Holiday in Handcuffs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Radio City Christmas Spectacular</b> (2007) - Not bad, but a little long and cheesy. Lots of dancers kicking and costume changes. Kids enjoyed most of it, but got bored part way through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nutcracker: The Motion Picture</b> (1986) This is my favorite version of the Nutcracker. We have a VHS version but no longer have a VHS player. Sigh. For a few years it was on Netflix around Christmastime. If you can find it watch it! It is a lovely full stage presentation from the 1980s (Pacific Northwest Ballet). You may be able to find it other places online as well. And if anyone wants to buy or borrow my VHS copy just let me know. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>12 Dog Days Till Christmas</b> (2014) Troubled foster teenager has to do community service at Christmastime. He's assigned to find homes for 12 unwanted dogs. Add awkward acting, some teen angst and a little romance and you've got a family-friendly holiday film that may be more interesting to your tweens/teens than younger kids. There are a couple familiar C list actors in this film but the real draw are the dogs. My dog loving kids enjoyed all the dog scenes and tolerated the rest. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Christmas</b> (2014) I'm a big Anna Kendrick fan so she's the main reason I watched this film. It's story about a 20-something woman (Kendrick) who after a breakup moves in with her brother and his wife/baby. She's irresponsible (drinking/partying) and her sister-in-law is a bored SAHM. The film is low budget and although it has Christmas in the title it's a stretch to call it a Christmas film (or Happy for that matter!). This is an adult film, not so much family friendly. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christmas Belle</b> (2013) Belle (Haylie Duff) is sent to handle the sale of an estate and it's contents the week before Christmas. Add a suitor back home and a grumpy/Grinch (often shirtless Nicholas Gonzales) estate owner and you've got a Holiday Love triangle! I won't give the (somewhat drawn out) ending away but this movie although expectedly cheesy is worth a view. </span>tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-66183442942914221792017-11-10T16:36:00.000-07:002017-11-10T16:36:16.545-07:00Unicorn Birthday Party Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_Party.jpg" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm back with Part II of my daughter's 10th Unicorn Birthday Party! Today I'll go over our activities, games and favors.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_name_game_birthday_party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_name_game_birthday_party.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Unicorn Name Game</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was our only game and lasted during the whole party. When the girls first arrived they looked up their unicorn names using our chart and wrote them on a name tag. For the rest of the party the girls referred to each other by their unicorn names. If they slipped and accidentally used their real names they got a line on their name tag. Whoever had the least amount of lines at the end of the party was the winner!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My unicorn name was <i>Perky Happy Feet</i> by the way. Ha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note: Adults were exempt from the game!</span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_party_photo_booth_props.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_party_photo_booth_props.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Unicorn Photo Booth</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another fun activity appropriate for the tween set was a photo booth. I ordered a (cheap) <a href="http://amzn.to/2hpRz3X">background</a> and also <a href="http://amzn.to/2yr0dCo">Photo Props</a> from Amazon and set them up in one of the rooms. I had each girl take photos alone, with the birthday girl and in any other combinations they wanted. So fun!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_party_tank_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_party_tank_top.jpg" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="800" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The grownups enjoyed the photos too. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_poop_eraser_creatibles_craft_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_poop_eraser_creatibles_craft_.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Unicorn Poop Eraser</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first craft was creating "Unicorn Poop". I'm telling you, this was a hit! We used eraser clay and had the girls roll out colors, combine them and make a poop pile shape. Ha! Added a little glitter, baked them in the oven and voila - a poop eraser!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2yscMNZ">Eraser clay</a> was a first for me, but it's pretty easy to use! I ordered our clay from Amazon and found directions on YouTube for making the poop shape. I had the girls watch the <a href="https://youtu.be/-qCUm4RfyLM">YouTube video </a>first and then they were off (easier than explaining it myself).</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_pumpkin_birthday_party_craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_pumpkin_birthday_party_craft.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Unicorn Pumpkin Decorating</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We saw a few versions of pumpkin decorating on Pinterest and adapted them to fit our needs. I bought little white pumpkins ($1 each!) rather than painting orange ones. This project was appropriate for the party and the time of year, since my daughter's birthday is right before Halloween. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For decorating we used:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Crayola <a href="http://amzn.to/2zzbzHS">Model Magic</a> to form the horns </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Flowers from Hobby Lobby, separated so each girl could use some (about 4-5 each)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Curling Ribbons for hair and tails.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Sharpie pen to draw on faces </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Pink and white <a href="http://amzn.to/2yrAABy">foam sheets</a> to cut out ear shapes</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We attached their chosen items with hot glue and patience. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_pinata_target_birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_pinata_target_birthday.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Unicorn Pinata</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/341073/81938/2092?u=%2F%2Fgoto.target.com%2Fc%2F341073%2F81938%2F2092">Unicorn Pinata</a> from Target was a big hit (haha). At only $15.49 and free shipping it was a great deal too! We filled it with tween goodies including:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-Tiny nail polish bottles (wrapped in bubble wrap so they wouldn't break)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Pop Rocks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Unicorn stretch toys</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Rainbow Skittles</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-Rainbow Hair Ties</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_bags.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Favors</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We used the homemade <a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2017/11/unicorn-birthday-party-part-i.html">Unicorn Goodie Bags</a> for the girls to place their pinata goodies inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They also received:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-unicorn cookies</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-unicorn headbands</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-unicorn Poop eraser</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-unicorn Pumpkin</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A grand haul!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more information on the cookies, snacks and decorations check out: <a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2017/11/unicorn-birthday-party-part-i.html">Unicorn Birthday Party Part I</a></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some links for the products that I used for the party:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=ansodanen-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00BSB4ES4&asins=B00BSB4ES4&linkId=432e933b89a492b426eff055d8dd4690&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=ansodanen-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01MFAPUSJ&asins=B01MFAPUSJ&linkId=8ac3ce3b4db3aff035b186692c2aece5&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="font-size: x-large; height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=ansodanen-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B075D6PG7G&asins=B075D6PG7G&linkId=85bfcb63d07226278ed9a87dde5d2961&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="font-size: x-large; height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=ansodanen-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B001KW72YY&asins=B001KW72YY&linkId=d66cf974a2b9df9f84ea6ec4947eb964&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="font-size: x-large; height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=ansodanen-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00OA6T8TO&asins=B00OA6T8TO&linkId=f9b6bd9ba4677756bac5e383b30a1728&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="font-size: x-large; height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-65757617421964450742017-11-09T12:00:00.001-07:002017-11-09T12:00:59.928-07:00Another (unconventional) first<span style="font-size: large;">I'm one of those moms that document as many of my kid's firsts as possible. First teeth, first steps, first airplane trip, first day of school, etc. However, we also keep track of other firsts like first time getting out of the crib, first public tantrum and first blowout. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/glue_cut_6_year_old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/glue_cut_6_year_old.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday's first was my youngest's first ER visit! Also first cut requiring medical attention. Fortunately she didn't need stitches, just some glue. Also she was lucky enough to have the cut right at her eyebrow so scarring will be less likely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She was a trooper, enjoying all the attention from the nurses and staff. She was reluctant to have the purple glue attached but only fussed a little. A popsicle and toy helped cheer her up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's hoping we don't have anymore medical firsts this year such as first broken bone or stitches! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note: The cut happened at school when some kids tripped her and she fell on the playground steps. </span>tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-75550076704879781172017-11-08T11:06:00.002-07:002017-11-08T11:09:39.556-07:00Unicorn Birthday Party! Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_girl_balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_girl_balloon.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My big beautiful girl turned 10 last month and we celebrated with a Unicorn Birthday Party. Now that she's older we had a fun time planning this party together. It was a small party but full of lots of Unicorns!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today I'm going to show our decorations and food, then I'll be back for the games, activities and favors.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_invitation.jpg" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="570" height="422" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First up were the invitations. We found these beauties at an Etsy shop called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/536601342/unicorn-birthday-invitation?ref=shop_home_active_6">Visual6Graphics</a>. They were a steal at only $.65 each (plus shipping) and the quality was fantastic too!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_balloon.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Next up were decorations. We bought Unicorn Balloons from Party City and regular mylars from the Dollar Tree.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_decorations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_decorations.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="400" width="266" /></span></a><a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/IMG_2373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/IMG_2373.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those beautiful cookies were made by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kimscookiecottage/">Kim's Cookie Cottage</a> here in Phoenix. She is an amazing cookie artist who can make anything! We used the cookies as decorations and each girl got to take a unicorn cookie home. The gold charger was from Dollar Tree. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_bags.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See those adorable unicorn bags? We made those to use as decorations and also treat bags. It was an easy and fun project we just cut out ear and horn shapes (from foam sheets) and colored them with pink or gold markers. Simple sharpe drawn eyes and that's all we needed!</span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_target_LLR_leggings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_target_LLR_leggings.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="400" width="266" /></span></a><a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_party_tank_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_party_tank_top.jpg" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="800" height="252" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The girls and I matched the theme by wearing Unicorn leggings! The <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/341073/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgirls-unicorn-favorite-leggings-cat-jack-153-black%2F-%2FA-52494203%23lnk%3Dsametab%26preselect%3D52300627">girls's leggings</a> are from Target and mine are from Lularoe. The birthday girl had a matching <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/341073/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgirls-3-4-sleeve-unicorn-print-baseball-t-shirt-cat-jack-153-light-blue%2F-%2FA-52387962%23lnk%3Dsametab%26preselect%3D52220841">Unicorn t-shirt</a> from Target and see those <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/341073/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Funicorn-headband-spritz-153%2F-%2FA-51144036%23lnk%3Dsametab">Unicorn headbands</a>? Those were from Target too, only $3 each ($2 if you do store p/u)! The biggest steal was the pink "Full time Unicorn" tank tops that I found for me and my BFF. They were on clearance at Charming Charlie and ended up only costing $2 each! </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_floats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_floats.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most of the other decorations were from Target including the <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/341073/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Funicorn-blue-disposable-table-cover-spritz-153%2F-%2FA-51138991%3Flnk%3Drec%7Cadaptpdph2%7Crecently_viewed_r2%7Cadaptpdph2%7C51138991%7C2">tablecloth</a>, <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/341073/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2F10-ct-happy-birthday-unicorn-disposable-plates-spritz-153%2F-%2FA-51131220%3Flnk%3Drec%7Cadaptpdph1_531_c%7Crelated_prods_vv%7Cadaptpdph1_531_c%7C51131220%7C2">plates</a>, <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/341073/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2F20-ct-unicorn-napkin-spritz-153%2F-%2FA-51131428%23lnk%3Dsametab">napkins</a> and rainbow <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/341073/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2F20-ct-unicorn-straws-spritz-153%2F-%2FA-51095668%3Flnk%3Drec%7Cadaptpdph1_531_c%7Crelated_prods_vv%7Cadaptpdph1_531_c%7C51095668%7C3">Unicorn straws</a>! The rainbow tray is from Ikea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those pretty rainbow floats were made out of rainbow sorbet and sprite. Our other snacks included popcorn and of course cupcakes!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_cupcakes_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/unicorn_birthday_party_cupcakes_.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully here in Phoenix late October is still nice and warm so the girls enjoyed cupcakes on the back patio. In fact my daughter was almost too hot in her long-sleeved T. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll be back later with the games, activities and favors. </span></div>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-8494694154806454362017-10-31T12:08:00.003-07:002017-10-31T12:08:37.916-07:00Happy Halloween from My Friends :) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_halloween_my_friend_dolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_halloween_my_friend_dolls.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friends wanted to wish you a Happy Halloween! Ha, sorry couldn't resist. These Fisher Price My Friend Dolls do have costumes though and are ready to Trick-or-Treat.</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And one more from our Vintage Fisher Price Little People. </span></center>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_halloween_2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_halloween_2017.jpg" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For past Halloween Fun check out:</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2016/10/happy-halloween.html">2016 - Halloween</a></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2015/10/fisher-price-friday-happy-halloween.html">2015 - Little People Costumes</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2014/10/fisher-price-friday-happy-halloween.html"><span style="font-size: large;">2014 - Puzzle Puppy Trick-or-Treat</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/10/happy-halloween.html"><span style="font-size: large;">2013 - Little People Pumpkin Patch</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/10/happy-halloween.html"><span style="font-size: large;">2012 - Little People Trick-or-Treat</span></a></div>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-8995430166139762312017-10-17T13:35:00.000-07:002017-10-17T13:35:44.063-07:00Lost and Found<span style="font-size: large;">I've got a little story to share with you today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once upon a time there was a woman who loved to hike (when it wasn't over 100 degrees!) and went as often as she could. One lovely (and sort of warm) morning she hiked up her favorite trail keeping a good pace and working up a nice "glow" (ha!). </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/camelback_fanny_pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/camelback_fanny_pack.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When she arrived back home she realized with much distress that her Driver's License was missing out of her oh-so-fashionable <a href="http://amzn.to/2gOe92K">CamelBak hiking fanny pack</a>. It must have slipped out one of them times she switched the music on her phone. Sigh.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/apache_wash_trailhead_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/apache_wash_trailhead_.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/apache_wash_trail_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/apache_wash_trail_.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She immediately but somewhat reluctantly returned to the preserve to re-trace her steps. Back up the steep trail she hiked, much slower this time since she was both tired and scanning all over for the ID. She also asked every single hiker/biker that she passed if they'd seen her license.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Despite hiking the entire trail her license was not recovered. So she returned back home even more tired, hot and downright smelly than before. She reported the license as lost to the police and drove very very carefully to pick up her kids from school. Sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Later that afternoon the most amazing thing happened. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The doorbell rang and it was a family returning her license! This family had seen the license on the neighborhood entry box and brought it to the house. That means that there was another kind person that found her license on the trail and brought it as far as the neighborhood gate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kind people are still out there! Happy endings all around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The End.</span><br />
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-29494592419738999512017-10-13T12:33:00.001-07:002017-10-13T12:33:55.660-07:00Fisher Price Friday - Chatter Telephone Wireless Speaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_chatter_phone_bluetooth_player.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_chatter_phone_bluetooth_player.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Does this look familiar? The <a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/10/fisher-price-friday-chatter-telephone.html">Chatter Telephone #747</a> you say? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Look closer. </span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_bluetooth_player_back_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_bluetooth_player_back_.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's that switch on the back? Why yes, it's an On and Off switch! This isn't just any Chatter Phone, it's a Wireless Speaker (bluetooth) Phone. </span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_chatter_phone_blue_tooth_player_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_chatter_phone_blue_tooth_player_.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It looks so much like the original phone (on the right) but is a little more boxy, larger and doesn't move or make clicking sounds. Instead it plays the music of your choice via your Smartphone or other bluetooth playing device. So cool.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_bluetooth_player_chatter_phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/fisher%20price%202017/fisher_price_bluetooth_player_chatter_phone.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I pair it with my iPhone to play music in the playroom when I'm hanging out with my girls. Doesn't it fit right in on the top of our shelving? :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They also make a Record Player version but I thought the Chatter Phone was cuter (and smaller). These players are not that easy to find unfortunately, and as of yet have not been carried widely. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I found my Chatter Phone with a Groupon. I have seen them on other daily deal sites as well as Cracker Barrel stores. They run about $30.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a super fun addition to our little Fisher Price collection and Christmas is coming so keep a look out to get one of your own!</span></div>
tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-3883691882527059912017-10-12T13:37:00.000-07:002017-10-12T13:37:20.852-07:00Digital Into Physical - Blog2Print Books<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shared the news a week ago that I will be closing down my blog at the end of this year. One of my big concerns when I thought about ending Anne's Odd and Ends was the loss of all my content! All those photos/stories of my girls growing up as well as recipes. I use my own blog as a recipe resource almost every week, ha! So I started researching ways to turn my digital words into a physical book.</span></center>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog2print_book_review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog2print_book_review.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My research lead me to select the company Blog2Print to make my memories a reality. I had 5 (almost 6) years of blog entries so I had to make more than one volume. What I discovered is that the book size is limited by the amount of photos more than the amount of entries. They could not put more than 2000 in one volume (and 430 pages). That may sound like a lot but I quickly found that I had too many photos! They have three photos options (small, medium, large) and I went with the medium choice. </span></center>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog2print_making_a_book_from_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog2print_making_a_book_from_blog.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I ended up making three volumes and will do my last book after I finish out 2017. Volume I is the biggest at 356 pages, Volume II: 269 and Volume III: 273. I think that volume IV will be around the same range. Remember my pages were limited by the number of photos I had which is why I never made it to 430!</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So what did I think?</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was very pleased with the book outcome. It is a big (8x11) hard bound book with professional looking pages, photos and printing. It included a Contents section (needed to find all those different recipes!) and of course page numbers. The books can be customized quite a bit, with font, color, cover colors, etc. I was also able to make a different dedication page for each volume. </span></center>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog2print_pages_review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog2print_pages_review.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shipping/Creating took awhile, about 2 weeks from when I ordered the book till I received it. The books all came VERY well packed, wrapped in bubble sleeves, surrounded by paper in a big box. No damage there!</span></center>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog2print_wordpress_blog_review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog2print_wordpress_blog_review.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These books are definitely not cheap although the cost can be offset with coupons codes and by selecting a softbound cover instead of hard. Another super budget option is to just buy the PDF version of your book. Those only cost $8.95! That way you would have a permanent copy that you could copy later. My books cost about $120 each (that's with coupon codes). Worth every penny!</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tips for making your own book cheaper and easier:</span></center>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Go through your blog ahead and remove all unneeded entries. Fluff like product sales, promotions, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Go through each blog entry (tedious but worth it!) and remove extra photos. For example, I didn't really need 5 photos of a soup recipe. Removing them made my book smaller and easier to read. I kept all the kid photos though!!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more information on Blog2Print go <a href="http://www.blog2print.com/">here</a>. </span></center>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog_2_print_blogger_blog_review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/blog_2_print_blogger_blog_review.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-44549463374109176672017-10-08T10:41:00.002-07:002017-10-08T10:41:30.756-07:00Balloons and Button<span style="font-size: large;">This week has had it's challenges but it has also been full of the life and beauty of our puppy Button and lots of hot air balloons! We're coming into that sweet spot of balloon season where the launches/landings correspond with the same time we're headed to school in the morning.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/hot_air_balloon_north_phoenix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/hot_air_balloon_north_phoenix.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It starts our day (or my morning hikes) off right to see these beauties floating beside, over and around us. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_12_weeks_5_years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_12_weeks_5_years.jpg" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Button is 13 weeks old now and she continues to be a sweet and time consuming fur-baby family member. :) She is especially fond of our 5 year old fur-baby Bella, and is constantly playing with, chasing and basically pestering her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_senior_snoozes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_senior_snoozes.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Button is trying to make friends with our senior (13 year old) Dante, but they mostly only spend time together when they're taking naps. Dante doesn't mind her so much then. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In fact right now as I type this they are snuggled together next to me just like this photo. *love*</span></div>
tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-65978494872188852492017-10-05T10:05:00.000-07:002017-10-05T10:05:36.434-07:00How my oldest discovered the Tooth Fairy Isn't Real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">My firstborn is quickly approaching age 10 (this month!!!) and she just discovered that the Tooth Fairy is Mom. I was pretty sure she already knew this summer after she peppered me one morning with so so many questions...but she insisted that she believed until her Dad told her the truth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes that's right, her father told her last weekend when she lost tooth #14 that the Tooth Fairy was Mom. It was my fault because I fell asleep early that night and forgot to slip the note/money under her pillow. The next morning she came out sad faced to her Dad and he decided it was time to tell her the truth (his response "she's almost 10"). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He sat her down and told her that it was Mom all these years and that she'll still get money even though she knows. Also that we need to keep the secret from her sister for a few more years (she's only 6). My daughter took it well and I showed her where I'd collected all her teeth (I know I know, it's weird) and she enjoyed looking them over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So for now she only believes in Mermaids and Unicorns. Love my big girl!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202014/tooth_fairy_tradition_ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202014/tooth_fairy_tradition_ideas.jpg" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tooth #1</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more on how our family does the Tooth Fairy check out: <a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2014/01/tooth-fairy-traditions.html">Tooth Fairy Traditions</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/tooth_fairy_truth_age_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/tooth_fairy_truth_age_10.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tooth #14</td></tr>
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tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-41723759887110535832017-10-03T07:16:00.000-07:002017-10-03T07:16:34.210-07:00The end of Anne's Odds and Ends<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Readers,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My that sounds so formal, but I'm going with it. I wanted to let you know that Anne's Odds and Ends is ending at the end of this year. On January 1st I'm wrapping up this blog and removing it from the Internet. Well as much as you can actually remove anything from the Internet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started this blog back in the beginning of 2012. I was a SAHM with a baby and a preschooler. I blogged about babies, recipes, diapering and of course vintage Fisher Price. It was a way for me to get my voice out into the world when I was at home feeling isolated at times with all things babies and parenting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was also a way to share my love of Vintage Fisher Price with the world, and I enjoyed researching, photographing and then sharing our (oh-so-many) different sets with you all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Six years later I have two school aged children, three Italian Greyhounds and a PT job. I've also basically run out of vintage Fisher Price toys to share! Blogging does not bring me as much joy and I've decided that this is a logical time to stop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A big part of why I am stopping and also having to remove my blog are the photos. I have used Photobucket all these years and this summer they completely changed their hosting costs. In order to continue having my pictures appear on Anne's Odds and Ends (after Dec 31st) I would need to pay hundreds of dollars a year. Since I have thousands of images on here switching to another hosting site and changing all the links is...not going to happen! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still have more to share with you all before I close up at the end of the year, but I wanted to give you a heads up in case there is a toy reference, recipe or link that you want to jot down before it all goes away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have made a hard copy of my blog (more on that later) to keep my memories but this online resource will be disappearing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for sharing with me and reading along all these years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anne </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-39982622319412741142017-09-29T07:30:00.000-07:002017-09-29T07:30:37.826-07:00Today is National Coffee Day!<span style="font-size: large;">Oh yes, one of my favorite not-really-holidays is today!! National Coffee Day! As I say every year, National Coffee Day is pretty much a daily holiday for us coffee drinkers but it's nice to get a free cup on September 29th.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here is where you can get some free java today, drink up!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.cinnabon.com/">Cinnabon</a> - Free 12 oz coffee</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en">Dunkin Donuts</a> - BOGO free hot coffee</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://krispykreme.com/">Krispie Kreme</a> - Free any sized hot coffee or small iced coffee all weekend long!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For my local peeps:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.elevatecoffee.com/">Elevate Coffee</a> (Shops at Norterra) - Free 12 oz hot coffee between 6am - 10pm</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://therefugeaz.com/">The Refuge</a> - Free Cup of black coffee all day</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.presscoffee.com/">Press Coffee Roasters</a> - Free small cup of drip or cold brew</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ellysrestaurants.com/">Elly's Brunch and Cafe</a> - Free 12 oz iced cappuccino </span><br />
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<br />tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462213399734547375.post-52652039058415482152017-09-27T13:13:00.000-07:002017-11-28T18:15:26.863-07:00Puppy! Our days are ruled by a tiny 4 lb ball of energy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_seal_white_puppy_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_seal_white_puppy_.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have I mentioned that we have a puppy? ;) But seriously, our lives are run by this tiny little 11 week old 4 lb tiny dog. Fortunately she's as cute and sweet as can be, but she's a handful! Training is no joke! A bonus for me is that my husband is doing most of the puppy care/training, whew!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She also takes a lot of naps, so we get some breaks. In fact right now I am sitting outside on our back patio on my computer while she snoozes next to me. Now that's living! </span><br />
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_white_seal_11_wks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_white_seal_11_wks.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" width="300" /></span></a><a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_seal_white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_seal_white.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My girls are smitten with this little bundle of energy and I have no trouble getting them out of bed in the mornings, they're excited to see the puppy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our other two Italian Greyhounds are handling the adjustment surprisingly well. Our senior mostly ignores her but does not resist if she wants to cuddle with him. He is also eating better, something that is a challenge for him, but he seems more interested now that other dogs are eating at the same time too!</span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_adult_fawn_seal_white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_puppy_adult_fawn_seal_white.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The middle age IG has the hardest job, as she's the one that Button goes to play, chase, jump on and hang out with. Bella seems often excited to have a friend/playmate, and other times wants her to be far far away. I get that. :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_DIY_sock_sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/anneg/blog%20photos%202017/italian_greyhound_DIY_sock_sweater.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My husband made another <a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/01/make-your-own-puppy-or-small-dog-sweater.html">DIY sock sweater </a>for Button, hey it's a tradition around here! And sadly it won't last long as she's growing growing growing. Go <a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/01/make-your-own-puppy-or-small-dog-sweater.html">here</a> for a look at our other two dogs in puppy sock sweaters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other Italian Greyhound Posts:</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-year-in-life-of-our-italian-greyhounds.html">A Year in the Life of our IGs (2015)</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-days-with-italian-greyhound-puppy.html"><span style="font-size: large;">First Days with an IG Puppy</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/04/semi-wordless-wednesday-italian.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Italian Greyhounds (wordless wednesday)</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/01/make-your-own-puppy-or-small-dog-sweater.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Make your own IG puppy sweater (out of a sock!)</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/12/wordless-wednesday-puppy-growing.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Puppy Growing (wordless wednesday)</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/09/semi-wordless-wednesday-puppy-days.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Puppy Days (wordless wednesday)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2012/09/semi-wordless-wednesday-new-puppy.html">New Puppy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2013/07/italian-greyhound-birthday.html">Italian Greyhound Birthday Party</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2015/12/italian-greyhound-in-christmas-sweater.html">Christmas Sweater Cuteness</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annesoddsandends.blogspot.com/2016/04/italian-greyhound-buddies.html">Italian Greyhound Buddies</a></span></div>
tea_timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14479695681160600029noreply@blogger.com0