tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44720615085843045542024-03-05T21:00:33.091-05:00Singledou[b]tKim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.comBlogger294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-24087194943922056392013-12-10T11:00:00.000-05:002013-12-10T11:00:02.035-05:007 Can Soup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Today it is snowing. The first big snow of the season! We are expected to get 3-5 inches by the afternoon! What goes best with cold, snowy days? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So I thought I'd share with you my 7 can Soup. I think i got the original recipe from my grad school roommate and best friend, LeAnn but I think its adapted over the years. To be honest, I'm just not sure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Its called 7 can soup because it involves 7 cans. If you are an all natural, no processed foods person, this is not recipe for you or you can definitely substitute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 Can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 can of mixed veggies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 can of diced tomatoes </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2 cans of chunky soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Broth (chicken or veggie)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 onion, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2 cloves of garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cheddar Cheese</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Drain and rinse the beans. You can use the juice it comes in but I am pretty sure its high in not awesome things so I usually rinse the beans and substitute later for any lost liquids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Add all cans to a crock pot or stock pot. A crock pot will take longer but you can set it and forget it. A stock pot will cut the time significantly but you'll want to stir it occasionally.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLN735aZNaRpNLlAOk-bRPXSD-EBUtj5n3CbenSw-EVVZeRZ8oodolvORPnclM_2wGNzYyB4vOW3kQNWt_FoqrCMHo-UPEhaOpBc74hpaCx2iqWkTUbLi9K8Q_hKx7ZZVkkcYquwFMNc9/s1600/7+Can+Soup+2013-11-27+14.27.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLN735aZNaRpNLlAOk-bRPXSD-EBUtj5n3CbenSw-EVVZeRZ8oodolvORPnclM_2wGNzYyB4vOW3kQNWt_FoqrCMHo-UPEhaOpBc74hpaCx2iqWkTUbLi9K8Q_hKx7ZZVkkcYquwFMNc9/s640/7+Can+Soup+2013-11-27+14.27.51.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Chop up the onion into either large or small chunks. Slice up the garlic and add both to the soup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Add some chicken or vegetable stock/broth to the soup. I typically add 1-2 cups but you can add as much or as little as you prefer. I also use low sodium when possible but its really up to your preferences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I typically set my crock pot to 3-4 hours on low. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> When the soup is done, grate up some cheddar cheese. Add cheese and a </span>handful<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of corn ships to a served up bowl of soup. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Enjoy! Its a great recipe for a group of people or can be frozen and saved for a rainy/cold day!</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-59456047354647918482013-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:002013-11-29T08:00:02.783-05:00Black Friday Sales<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88nq3OqjZWqTFNauzIlGAWaRH6d_63P_DdZiAQkOlZ7Pm1t9GZXjna1ZS2lQNQ46bWJFsNQzqVidShnBWM0nWyNRSRqujsqze65iq3JBV7zu4wKljG8A2QHq47ss2iWohTDqk9A3vOpEX/s1600/Good+Friday+Sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88nq3OqjZWqTFNauzIlGAWaRH6d_63P_DdZiAQkOlZ7Pm1t9GZXjna1ZS2lQNQ46bWJFsNQzqVidShnBWM0nWyNRSRqujsqze65iq3JBV7zu4wKljG8A2QHq47ss2iWohTDqk9A3vOpEX/s320/Good+Friday+Sale.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Its Black Friday and that means great sales!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But you don't have to leave your home for this sale!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank">City Girl Creations 98</a> today and get 20% off your entire purchase, including sale items.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Items like these new coffee cup cozies</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170674407/coffee-cozy-various-colors-available?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztJsKWJIRlWCZz3jnoPSxIWy-cfmN1bAFZE3IlLFexzR8LZ9JJIW7vi8-X0vL3YCFEqJXvS1MP3-jyWVzli074iWpSCDBmYdGYN41LBpVJe5RpW_A2qqkJVeUtS9OMYWx2QOE5WQ6Q5gA/s320/Brown+and+Tan+Coffee+Cozy+01.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170674407/coffee-cozy-various-colors-available?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifYDxa8HPyFSTRNxzwoqOzRN6aGNK3450MYxpNX6f2EDoPFZqMWTOPOqp7CFiBI7U3LzRsLTosOHLwRMrB6BAvwJPLDNSCfsB9-_xbk30kxtkGLBpaQwBU1NDDoyx56XIm9NkpZNgnKgE/s320/Brown+and+Teal+Coffee+Cozie+01.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170674407/coffee-cozy-various-colors-available?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY6QnYUsA61qHRnDbfBrAxkdpPcQfVNYrHb1AGW1zJKzFqfb9wCRvz3Yf4HXa0MkMGmetC37o5PnDJXCOhEd5sBe_ihd742dJeN5khMjdZUdcfJzs4M_4uzrOXqSU_YKlgQLifYm-epWu/s320/Coffee+Cozies+03.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Or these new cute owl and pug cozies</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/167997571/owl-coffee-cozy?ref=related-3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjWwInh4E58Ug4dAgjEfLNKRruvW4AikUJ-nF_X2_wbVlzQ9ZNw-q9IgBXR44_ZZmM98qWBQafWMsCQjluAy1-TEiuJk1BlRe_T1_4c8VxNv0-OvK2FSrkeVsXum0sM7q-8qFOXamsilh/s320/Owl+Coffee+Cozy+01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/167997571/owl-coffee-cozy?ref=related-3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLzlNDkPILrCU5FL66x8KRfV3NUqvP9gwkOu3XsV8EgGvqpNX8d2PnTMG_3GwrKMPZMcG-U4PwaPPMFgRYq2FVBqrIU4806TDlmMWl-bYQzscD7_MkUN7-Q29r-h-FBErFoA0Wih85mHW/s320/Owl+Cozies+01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170650028/pug-coffee-cozy?ref=listing-shop-header-4" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgGPanns-FDjjmqdQXgvmjDyz6YC4PlFTc1kGEQ_WH1QuXu44-ER225_RobXgGh_gAIGUneMlTUGd5x8yDXqVquU54rThx114u2IaDw0pdSdJEQmLXuvewadIrqMefHdGEPjZN5OkWTzG/s320/Pug+Coffee+Cozy+02.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/167997571/owl-coffee-cozy?ref=related-3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-MbcwbJDUGgtH5QWmzqEkp2bKznjdrGANEmls7Shs0h4j0bSl1GYmtUiZs2bf9cn56x8XmqYGQnEWk1cF0qPgNqdZ3QD5JUTnex42ggurwAMblh1xwYcNyG5xZJHArmcPt_RDdmaXcch/s320/Teal+and+Brown+Owl+Cozies+02.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I also make fun kid's hats like these dinosaur and pug hats. Although not listed, these are available for custom orders. I can make owl hats as well. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SRm_Pk1PdAjdLbctX5YzzVIghkJXKW0FRxlhOnN3z1_2sjjjzErIrCk-XfVgpd9TCGH6-3fC8uME1zlpS36Nh1fe_aN6yQx-8cvM5w2C1ULf4IGa67HVsa9vSvU4cnsXquzn13MtZfBS/s320/Gray+and+Green+Dinasaur+Hat+01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpsz8gf-vcAhmgKNYKrA8_Ii4puHEjIXBNaDkzMYiyk2IYmrrjEOvS9RUV3jv7jXz_Liws7bDAAO_MCUM_7ZklVbb9Frnnt132y6-Ne9brY4dOXT2UAYond4Rh2oeuYGL2QD358ujb-eK/s320/Pug+Hat+01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I also have a wide variety of cowls, scarves, and hats. These are just a few. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDKOTBaqRbQ8i5qSVU7Aa6AF2q24GqcbE2GPQlylOKIKyMH53rEgUdxh9Twoa3tKfAzTeRb_DhNmcQsnsdV90x_IAHZ_RolDO62Kqw9HLm4bqXFDZoam15hnyTrv-K8qMYL9wnGKxNU2o/s320/Large+Gray+Brown+White+Infinity+Scarf+02.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidERM1Mo-Otb8FxkVjsYVFJooz2_xDVLWRHsx0XT_IoIuPxAcWBSJPFcHHfNo7l8luTwHWKy8rrcTaF4Aw2mpscCnI3-R3l_t11YS0dmmLUbm6_fZYy2UoRG-uIabSKcZsO9pirPrPFM_k/s320/Grey+and+White+Cowel+01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu4JHM12-rT87cwGDErXKXI2lAG7_SelxTSnpdbZiwMN9ZmleEcDMhm9WPrg5q-U0f9B4GHTLUiTxEkmO8R87_UdKRee7dzK96_ekuRKtgk9ogCGxCQCbGhTHsoCooEVebwoVmFfg1BvG/s320/Pink+Green+and+white+Flounce+Scarf+01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUi7_dGdKrWBr9FThKZOafW2O0_IBe7zUG6Och3cayRNbF28Ki0hvTjLK_nk9a1ck5jIq7DbjZ_AAOJpKsQnn1vnPCEqj2bkc0TMllilB_5p6abx-X47dvRhqrVDDJWv_Lo89thGjtXVI/s320/Alpaca+Slouch+Hat+03.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank">my shop</a> for more items!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCQ6oLi4CCbZ6F6bwl04IZkW6hzXlkAapycNHRC8I-Xy1aX27h2icEkppPW68v7rvXaA9WJILfVRZEvwqodnOCFGGL2Si9qYINFbG72VYrfEkuITrJ_j0iZayGmBq81uGUERIwwCoKHUh/s320/Good+Friday+Sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-10896857167393965902013-11-28T22:43:00.000-05:002013-11-28T22:43:12.150-05:00Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Bake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4FWqpNHepooRrDwgk3_acfRLciR-MdItA32pDTXphkD_g2aVl_jOfuUS7lZIZvTmbl3lPss_JGltaf_HEwg8Z6Ko0YeID79dPzjM23VcU_47Susq72TqwoNUmenLE_XJSper1zA5UnVB/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4FWqpNHepooRrDwgk3_acfRLciR-MdItA32pDTXphkD_g2aVl_jOfuUS7lZIZvTmbl3lPss_JGltaf_HEwg8Z6Ko0YeID79dPzjM23VcU_47Susq72TqwoNUmenLE_XJSper1zA5UnVB/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+Cover.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A few years ago one of my British interns gave me this recipe. I have since <strike>ruined</strike> blessed many people with this yummy side dish. I lovingly refer to it as Sweet Potato Crack. The 3 layer combination makes for a yummy in my tummy explosion. I never think to take pictures when i am making it so this year I made sure I was prepared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This year, we are spending our Thanksgiving with some friends of ours. They wanted to make the sides and asked us to make the turkey. This meant that I wasn't going to be able to make my Sweet Potato Bake so instead I made it the day before for my roommate and I to gorge on for days to come. We even had it for Thanksgiving day breakfast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I am not kidding this stuff is amazing. The main reason I am posting it is because people keep asking for the recipe. Are you ready, cause here we go. </span></div>
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<span class="ingquantity" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_htBtMGzZKwN9xDdHPIEk1SHf9BJ3SJljSVkocEOkfkZdE_vYl9uo4EZL6e-cSxr5krXP6qQkGzETbXjLyqSpKtPHKKs8PQBf_4nnkZY2z1v-f1_ycuqfmUOrPtLU-IZZHptYPJoVId-/s1600/What+You+Need.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_htBtMGzZKwN9xDdHPIEk1SHf9BJ3SJljSVkocEOkfkZdE_vYl9uo4EZL6e-cSxr5krXP6qQkGzETbXjLyqSpKtPHKKs8PQBf_4nnkZY2z1v-f1_ycuqfmUOrPtLU-IZZHptYPJoVId-/s200/What+You+Need.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="ingquantity" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">3</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> large sweet potatoes</span></div>
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<li class="item" id="3979476" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;">1</span> cup of sugar</span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979477" style="margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">1</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">stic</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">k of butter at room temperature</span></span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979478" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;">1</span> tsp of vanilla extract</span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979479" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;">2</span> eggs</span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979480" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;"></span>**Crumb topping**</span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979481" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;">1/3</span> cup of flour</span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979482" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;">1/3</span> cup softened butter</span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979483" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;">1/2</span> cup of oatmeal</span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979484" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;">1</span> cup of brown sugar</span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979485" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;">2</span> tablespoons of cinnamon</span></span></li>
<li class="item" id="3979486" style="color: #666666; margin: 4px 0px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="ingquantity" style="font-weight: bold;">2</span> cups of marshmallows</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBKhXbYwiQ1Oz7MHoiMSs0YDfo3iZ1zxYwQHNdZUndhiMhGu8TMSkIqTxgsWqKCGK6b3LBsYQKXa1cAjSQuqyHCY4_4kLPFZf6IZXgWpHptjbfZSr4r1EFmqxCeRCAsedV88HN-MClbCl/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBKhXbYwiQ1Oz7MHoiMSs0YDfo3iZ1zxYwQHNdZUndhiMhGu8TMSkIqTxgsWqKCGK6b3LBsYQKXa1cAjSQuqyHCY4_4kLPFZf6IZXgWpHptjbfZSr4r1EFmqxCeRCAsedV88HN-MClbCl/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+01.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Boil potatoes until they are soft in the center. You can cut them in halves or quarters to make them cook faster but cooking them whole is fine too. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo9TRRdH82X48npri1hBF8jNonY9D_d_50qdz64351KIt1pvQfEKaUxW3q2iVken0C3f0W0Ve1CLF-leuYD5JGNjPyoFytp3iYhXp-t8D_ACxt2kh7vbztnQvK2bw_NINk1WgNM8z256H/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo9TRRdH82X48npri1hBF8jNonY9D_d_50qdz64351KIt1pvQfEKaUxW3q2iVken0C3f0W0Ve1CLF-leuYD5JGNjPyoFytp3iYhXp-t8D_ACxt2kh7vbztnQvK2bw_NINk1WgNM8z256H/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When fully cooked, strain and let them cool off. Once they are cooled off, peel them and use a large bowl with a mixer. (if u don't have an electric mixer use a hand mixer).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxwS97c6yCwS9JhvAfg3Hhf3QRnTqG4D_aIfbwiWN5UtVZm-2LCM5GZltb8fCsHUteZ9t83_82JQifAr15piyVdQLFCroY02C_dyk8EPqIqAt5aqr9vhqTQPY4iBSjq92g9yDYJOhK3wi/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxwS97c6yCwS9JhvAfg3Hhf3QRnTqG4D_aIfbwiWN5UtVZm-2LCM5GZltb8fCsHUteZ9t83_82JQifAr15piyVdQLFCroY02C_dyk8EPqIqAt5aqr9vhqTQPY4iBSjq92g9yDYJOhK3wi/s200/Sweet+Potato+Bake+02.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCc5SFjl_vfxeKXm4ST8UFS0PEMALA4jZNvtP5UzTS2g6HlQf_pog1_jr4ETTVkv3w7CwbyECBTnCAhQhPmxxX_BV-IGIjPS2_HD9MRnsEWu_zsbz8mMO1n9kdjgmDCnR5AvXT8DmDzT4L/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCc5SFjl_vfxeKXm4ST8UFS0PEMALA4jZNvtP5UzTS2g6HlQf_pog1_jr4ETTVkv3w7CwbyECBTnCAhQhPmxxX_BV-IGIjPS2_HD9MRnsEWu_zsbz8mMO1n9kdjgmDCnR5AvXT8DmDzT4L/s200/Sweet+Potato+Bake+03.jpg" width="200" /></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Add the butter, sugar, & vanilla. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRy8MWZ5NTgZ1ZejQQvLB2rvu9hDck9keI622n3qv9syrUktwWnuu2CESVUt49Symeey7-vpRPTPSY__nLAsXCCR3ADNbr7wdugEJevof5kisdP8i1DqXQvYda0XTKvxA1Z_R5_xgfcyb8/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRy8MWZ5NTgZ1ZejQQvLB2rvu9hDck9keI622n3qv9syrUktwWnuu2CESVUt49Symeey7-vpRPTPSY__nLAsXCCR3ADNbr7wdugEJevof5kisdP8i1DqXQvYda0XTKvxA1Z_R5_xgfcyb8/s200/Sweet+Potato+Bake+05.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YSZPh5h3QFP9z7m_508I8lwRdQyFVv2Pfv5R8DxtHlZ-jK6R61betbU5mHaNiVDsLV_Qw3xN-d1uDDJ9Y8i5vwz4nSLyadjTLK4QNkqdYiPpPanmPfZc-ZjUoaDK4gyS9wSGI9HR69el/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YSZPh5h3QFP9z7m_508I8lwRdQyFVv2Pfv5R8DxtHlZ-jK6R61betbU5mHaNiVDsLV_Qw3xN-d1uDDJ9Y8i5vwz4nSLyadjTLK4QNkqdYiPpPanmPfZc-ZjUoaDK4gyS9wSGI9HR69el/s200/Sweet+Potato+Bake+06.jpg" width="200" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Add the eggs one at a time. The potatoes are hot and u don't want the eggs to scramble on you. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or more (I love cinnamon) </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW6pNPZKZiFPBZAkH21BMYCJN4mqlGTHHbHZbbViEl2qB8v2F_7ihILvEi1xraXHJT80PQyU_o7u36nhBXnEGyiQGUIjKK65qWCYxbVpQIXVeAVwhe5ASJiTTW6QASccQqVQic7vv2ERh/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+04+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW6pNPZKZiFPBZAkH21BMYCJN4mqlGTHHbHZbbViEl2qB8v2F_7ihILvEi1xraXHJT80PQyU_o7u36nhBXnEGyiQGUIjKK65qWCYxbVpQIXVeAVwhe5ASJiTTW6QASccQqVQic7vv2ERh/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+04+.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And mix it well til the consistency is thick w texture. Its ok if its lumpy.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdgThFX83PhQIoqof-Sn0eJR-3DP70akopI5DBBAc4RFMFK_WD2zaOYD1Vh0z_-UuTqxbEBe7SYlKJhz5PyakYNPKgHRWvxHKlFBeXcUuq0T2TtUoU4KLDT8ZlwCYM1uESAhlQ73opYit/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdgThFX83PhQIoqof-Sn0eJR-3DP70akopI5DBBAc4RFMFK_WD2zaOYD1Vh0z_-UuTqxbEBe7SYlKJhz5PyakYNPKgHRWvxHKlFBeXcUuq0T2TtUoU4KLDT8ZlwCYM1uESAhlQ73opYit/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+07.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Transfer potatoes to a greased baking dish and smooth it out.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Now its time for LAYER #2, the Crumb Topping!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Qgwcv8kb6a_tua2NYpFtriH6n2WOyrGZjGIELarNfD4bSzNZBSBtUa49FIhOKHTvCaW24UK5gEh2SA_X1T0L8Vxh0-ZvkbBjBAc_8hmzVDvl4jEQ0HGyDuEDA4-cvBodXZSQXdjamgNJ/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Qgwcv8kb6a_tua2NYpFtriH6n2WOyrGZjGIELarNfD4bSzNZBSBtUa49FIhOKHTvCaW24UK5gEh2SA_X1T0L8Vxh0-ZvkbBjBAc_8hmzVDvl4jEQ0HGyDuEDA4-cvBodXZSQXdjamgNJ/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+09.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In a mixer, place the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, oatmeal and mix together with a spoon or spatula. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HAjbfnpSuk1Wa9urqHz1xsKL4Viao3qvfN_TJ8D3uKurhDwCLWSqwxm1ZaHsYFhESMBUVhv-I_kDk_0oGSlji0hwjbS3Rc-jmcnUwmdSgwxrELrEzGXRu_WKmtJFFHGsVI6OnC_979kG/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HAjbfnpSuk1Wa9urqHz1xsKL4Viao3qvfN_TJ8D3uKurhDwCLWSqwxm1ZaHsYFhESMBUVhv-I_kDk_0oGSlji0hwjbS3Rc-jmcnUwmdSgwxrELrEzGXRu_WKmtJFFHGsVI6OnC_979kG/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+10.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Then add the softened butter. The original recipe called for chopped pecans. if you want to add those, then add them now.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQL-EVg1tZhxpe7hSav-dLwge6tfrxYKA6vhzquZ0yU8PYx8nkf3kq1QdkyEiHNELQeDk89fHDt4tTRG7t2kWNU13PL7V4CrSwuqj43Owab4FxgDWrLx7r9bjl46ZYwavQrhL2Cj0zifm/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQL-EVg1tZhxpe7hSav-dLwge6tfrxYKA6vhzquZ0yU8PYx8nkf3kq1QdkyEiHNELQeDk89fHDt4tTRG7t2kWNU13PL7V4CrSwuqj43Owab4FxgDWrLx7r9bjl46ZYwavQrhL2Cj0zifm/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+11.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mix well until it looks like small peas. This should be crumbly and feel sandy like.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_IauIoczxNiwvb8cTU_SOgf9QIx3vePh5UTUwvwGcRl_tWpeC0lhUsnvkti2DebS1bYQ4Aw1A2RlJs_N4GkLX6f9XNOcp4A7l_zBnnb7S43R8U88NQrJtCuKo6m45h6r-pG4tC3KkFbE/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_IauIoczxNiwvb8cTU_SOgf9QIx3vePh5UTUwvwGcRl_tWpeC0lhUsnvkti2DebS1bYQ4Aw1A2RlJs_N4GkLX6f9XNOcp4A7l_zBnnb7S43R8U88NQrJtCuKo6m45h6r-pG4tC3KkFbE/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+12.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Place crumb topping over potatoes and bake at 350 for 30 mins.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId54gi1PPIgq1UOBw2jfBm5XkJxvahUTgyeIKNo6RCGbqT0GHuZj9pUEcsP4TosYAfT8rsnDN-Q4Peq69wldq4aIftY3tDeJ2GKt1C7afp6T38xsFkiEy2_EohoZ5Xg2pOdtINQrH2G-C/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId54gi1PPIgq1UOBw2jfBm5XkJxvahUTgyeIKNo6RCGbqT0GHuZj9pUEcsP4TosYAfT8rsnDN-Q4Peq69wldq4aIftY3tDeJ2GKt1C7afp6T38xsFkiEy2_EohoZ5Xg2pOdtINQrH2G-C/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+13.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Remove from the oven and add the marshmallows on top and bake again for 10 more minutes or until marshmallows are slightly browned.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4FWqpNHepooRrDwgk3_acfRLciR-MdItA32pDTXphkD_g2aVl_jOfuUS7lZIZvTmbl3lPss_JGltaf_HEwg8Z6Ko0YeID79dPzjM23VcU_47Susq72TqwoNUmenLE_XJSper1zA5UnVB/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Bake+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4FWqpNHepooRrDwgk3_acfRLciR-MdItA32pDTXphkD_g2aVl_jOfuUS7lZIZvTmbl3lPss_JGltaf_HEwg8Z6Ko0YeID79dPzjM23VcU_47Susq72TqwoNUmenLE_XJSper1zA5UnVB/s640/Sweet+Potato+Bake+Cover.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy! Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-66209876215687328952013-11-22T07:00:00.000-05:002013-11-27T07:45:39.201-05:00Let's Go On A Date & A Giveaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Happy Friday! </b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In celebration of the weekend and for those in the US, the preparation for Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share with you a fun little gift idea for those you love to spend time with.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /><br /> <a href="https://www.datevitation.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ondwuaYvNGMgM4j81Iv1RtM4hidJ78Iz4_WDA29zhafhWDDu_vgK7N-eqAIXoOJz6wP3Jb6oQfxIP_e4RnuPg1o_SXmDRxJyyfYEaXvTUq5cbzeskDnuBCZC9-c0Z-3a9yyFAAZQV2HJ/s640/8+-+Datevitation+Logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><a href="http://datevitation.com/" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Datevitation.com</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> is the web's first online platform to create a custom love coupon book. Unlike the pre-packaged love coupon books on the market, you pick the dates and can customize the text to your liking. They have pages and pages and pages of customizable "dates". </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">They have a </span><a href="http://datevitation.com/library" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">library that contains over 500 date ideas</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> ranging from skydiving to stargazing to steamy adult-only activities. They also have over 100 book cover options to suit any occasion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://www.datevitation.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq00lYFB0oqt0ZjLtRb0PwS-ztzCMNSehvJ9sFLQU4gJixg0QZvrvkJ13CoY6AjGB4uiQeYuMy2ClPJztxXuljhSMZzL9RFtiwugqk2UEXu4mqI_JHDllMxmiGOobaUaeYQ66ShrktHot/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+2.24.04+PM.png" /></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you are single, like me, this is a great gift to give to your best friend, nieces or nephews or even your immediate family members. I created mine for my sweet best friend and roommate. I thought it would be a great little gift for us to do some new things together. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /><br />There’s also an exciting feature that allows you to add photos of your own faces to the illustrations! At first I thought the generic ones were better but once I added our faces, I was pretty excited. It added even more of a personal touch.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.datevitation.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-48wCVzZ-SUhK41H9x49tXniRhigbIr-Wrqtya6Nq2NZgh56wOOI_BZrRazphJ9Ljyq-reqQFO82FGhdVzOfgM5Zhy3obC17Px4EPOGDwPYqBB_97QN5QqViKHtQmgyOy5a9NIkZgiKH3/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+2.34.18+PM.png" /></a><br /><br />I loved turning some of the pictures into motivational events for us, like making me go to the gym without complaint! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /> Once you are done customizing the text in your book, Datevitation will print it out and ship it to you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I wasn't sure what I thought about it at first. It seemed a little too cheesy especially for romantic dates but as I got into it, I got excited about how I could give back to the most generous person I know! I loved finding events or date ideas that fit us perfectly.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.datevitation.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTD2CLNg1PTprls99y1ROCTErJ-iURGwk87UXomaIJFS8ExfDsXNmgKXSG22h3LhL0KglSA0JjuDKGVFOq8MEhHwBcHd6W_n7cnqpWKedyEgW39NO9kF2a6aOBuHQ8T0Tkx4LQz9Gu9e6/s640/7-+Datevitation+Perfect+For+Any+Occasions.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Books normally start at just $25 so it makes for a thoughtful yet economical gift. But as a special treat for my followers, you can use the code ‘SINGLEDOUBT’ for $10 off your purchase plus free shipping (total value of $13.50) That means you can get your loved one a one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays starting at just $15! The order cut-off date for guaranteed delivery by Christmas is December 13 so make sure to get your order in before then!</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Datevitation is also giving away one free book to one of my followers! The giveaway is live and ends on December 6! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Make sure you check out <a href="https://www.datevitation.com/" target="_blank">datevitation</a> this holiday season! Its a very creative idea! If you are a creative type, like me, this will be a perfect gift to give to your loved ones!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8Nr2OfX-i5IOSKH8EdJZEWlAEwR_O6qnxc-yTWa3SSUpKmzCf3o49OPfozmkh5Lu5iYbJdZou9Niux-MNdBXHYOGarE6n8RKNYVo11KI0vJJ_BS9gmrr1OmbbWISNSc7IOwWFL1k0IZg/s1600/Signature+Kim+SIngledou%255Bb%255Dt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8Nr2OfX-i5IOSKH8EdJZEWlAEwR_O6qnxc-yTWa3SSUpKmzCf3o49OPfozmkh5Lu5iYbJdZou9Niux-MNdBXHYOGarE6n8RKNYVo11KI0vJJ_BS9gmrr1OmbbWISNSc7IOwWFL1k0IZg/s1600/Signature+Kim+SIngledou%255Bb%255Dt1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/62d246169/" id="rc-62d246169" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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*The opinions and views in this post are 100% my own.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-77676742260643595612013-11-18T17:34:00.000-05:002013-11-18T17:34:07.810-05:00Honey, I'm Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello Friends! Man its been a long time since i posted... If anyone even noticed! Its ok. We can be honest with each other. Although I missed posting, its been a nice break. I really didn't feel bad at all and even felt relieved that there was no expectation to post. But recently I've been thinking about getting back online and seeing what happens. I've had ideas and thought maybe you'd want to hear about them! And by you, i mean the 5 people i know read this from time to time [wink, wink]</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, I thought I'd share with you some of the things I have been up to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My roommate and I try and get away from the city every fall, just for the day. We rent or borrow a car and then drive upstate. This year we stopped off at <a href="http://www.mohonkpreserve.org/" target="_blank">Mohonk Mountain Preserve</a> and did a little hiking. We also were lucky enough to find the old abandoned house that we found on our first Fall Adventure day in 2009. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX7pqbMyB9bK5vuSL-PJFD8V758jBaNghZL9pfif8goIG6pgaBCZd6ws8VYgMeJxDru0VTncWeY15vvWarcBkTcNf9gMpnzSgHv2zF1Vp3PUZgjeCAZpSPfh3b8FoHogs8CQlpSsYKdRs/s1600/Fall+Adventure+Day.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX7pqbMyB9bK5vuSL-PJFD8V758jBaNghZL9pfif8goIG6pgaBCZd6ws8VYgMeJxDru0VTncWeY15vvWarcBkTcNf9gMpnzSgHv2zF1Vp3PUZgjeCAZpSPfh3b8FoHogs8CQlpSsYKdRs/s640/Fall+Adventure+Day.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIqNbQxGFXqdhRS6ab7N5ELIMrqXytDm5TIkB8ttK3UVakNdDTJIDx5zY-NzD2w3e4Llt42Wj8YFlN_aisWpNbHtpIjR8MJxZM_tGru7NiUCjaZuSp67V-LbAUlruPjOHykvtH7NcgvsE/s1600/Fall+adventure+day+03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIqNbQxGFXqdhRS6ab7N5ELIMrqXytDm5TIkB8ttK3UVakNdDTJIDx5zY-NzD2w3e4Llt42Wj8YFlN_aisWpNbHtpIjR8MJxZM_tGru7NiUCjaZuSp67V-LbAUlruPjOHykvtH7NcgvsE/s640/Fall+adventure+day+03.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsfaRp1iQ_9EOSIskWv3DNIK5iBvHY4wGYq4xXhjKvKyZMwH0T9M7tH5Hdn7tF72JjFhy_IHxIxHBNroumtdaCq6PqQCvNDd-SL7xUs5mlFLohTs2gWmD2dtDm39IV-ljIgZSKnfKhwKq/s1600/Fall+Adventure+day+02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsfaRp1iQ_9EOSIskWv3DNIK5iBvHY4wGYq4xXhjKvKyZMwH0T9M7tH5Hdn7tF72JjFhy_IHxIxHBNroumtdaCq6PqQCvNDd-SL7xUs5mlFLohTs2gWmD2dtDm39IV-ljIgZSKnfKhwKq/s640/Fall+Adventure+day+02.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>PHOTOGRAPHY FUN</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hadn't made my photography a huge priority over the last two years but when one of my closest friends, Kristina, from <a href="http://www.bigapplemami.net/" target="_blank">Big Apple Mami</a>, asked me to take their family portraits, I jumped at the chance. She has the best little family!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiMnNrGh6k9E2LaH-CBSSHkIeU72clT3xB9-Vu_Tf8lq29y6Yc1hcfZZBcIv4ZuubX5lKnFVrJo3us97ye-o1JdMsIAtntK0h6HhYsj3FZMODrW1XANp439h1B1wrY0Sh1iNeHO5AGpgJ/s1600/Torrejon+Pictures.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiMnNrGh6k9E2LaH-CBSSHkIeU72clT3xB9-Vu_Tf8lq29y6Yc1hcfZZBcIv4ZuubX5lKnFVrJo3us97ye-o1JdMsIAtntK0h6HhYsj3FZMODrW1XANp439h1B1wrY0Sh1iNeHO5AGpgJ/s640/Torrejon+Pictures.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>MY LITTLE SHOP</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have an etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank">City Girl Creations 98</a>. One of my favorite things to do is to find new things to create and even to try things on my own. My latest adventures have been these coffee cozies as well as slouch hats. I've also tried my hand at fun kids hats. </span>Those pictures will come later, but they are super cute. Keep an eye out at my shop for sales, discount codes and new creations. Some of the things I create haven't made it to etsy but you can see some of those items on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citygirlcreations98" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> or my <a href="http://instagram.com/kimpossible76" target="_blank">Instagram Page</a>. Feel free to email me or message me for custom orders!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4na5ljz4SZq_LNHQjq65nKb-rRjgJxpDMenSInVpQygrneWascUYp1qhAV5DxkHsPlZ2x2nlGsW8BXpe-MF9pWdMFI4g3azbh694e5hvwmEa_463HPpUJSFW892G3W4IwgGkm60gGUhdu/s640/Coffee+Cozies.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's what I have been up to. More exciting things will come later. I even have a review and giveaway happening later this week! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a lovely week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8Nr2OfX-i5IOSKH8EdJZEWlAEwR_O6qnxc-yTWa3SSUpKmzCf3o49OPfozmkh5Lu5iYbJdZou9Niux-MNdBXHYOGarE6n8RKNYVo11KI0vJJ_BS9gmrr1OmbbWISNSc7IOwWFL1k0IZg/s1600/Signature+Kim+SIngledou%255Bb%255Dt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8Nr2OfX-i5IOSKH8EdJZEWlAEwR_O6qnxc-yTWa3SSUpKmzCf3o49OPfozmkh5Lu5iYbJdZou9Niux-MNdBXHYOGarE6n8RKNYVo11KI0vJJ_BS9gmrr1OmbbWISNSc7IOwWFL1k0IZg/s1600/Signature+Kim+SIngledou%255Bb%255Dt1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-87635746251965563862013-07-29T12:29:00.000-04:002013-07-29T12:33:32.687-04:00Christmas In July<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you an early Christmas shopper? If so, you don't want to miss out on the last 3 days of my Christmas in July Sale at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98?ref=si_shop">City Girl Creations</a>. All items in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98?ref=si_shop">shop</a> and custom orders purchased by July 31 will be eligible for my Christmas in July discount. Use code: CHRISTMASJULY to receive 15% off your order. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can find items like these:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158096919/washcloths-citrus-cotton-crochet-set-of?ref=shop_home_active"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpShG3v9tOmypu7CLOL5VkGn0fkAArhRlY4HymTIM1YNS5yLdPVjpKEguZc-saCnJAhAoCI6-gX4_d6omjWhN0okQMzb9DG0agoHiAGouh_FNneBwsiUiTn9-nu75mC3_A1lei60oDBb9/s640/Crochet+washcloths+Citrus02.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158096919/washcloths-citrus-cotton-crochet-set-of?ref=shop_home_active">Citrus Colors Crochet Washcloths</a>, $8.00 plus shipping. 8 x 8 inches. Ready to ship as is or available for custom order. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158096919/washcloths-citrus-cotton-crochet-set-of"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OhWNohhkhCJK4U78bl09EAy__5Ta66s5Yq1lXZchbVTlrkFI7KdYXp2oEE_WBAkFJEpMKqPUfmoqcZXGAMN01ChfRKHrtWXGe55AbTxOO5unnmrgHynhwQ-mSi6Kc5UkdAv3ftzmXJgW/s640/Crochet+washcloths+Citrus03.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158096919/washcloths-citrus-cotton-crochet-set-of?ref=shop_home_active" style="text-align: center;">Citrus Colors Crochet Washcloths</a><span style="text-align: center;">, $8.00 plus shipping. 8 x 8 inches. Ready to ship as is or available for custom order. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/154243640/duel-toned-dishcloths-crochet-clean-set?ref=shop_home_active"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0OH_aI6IX8864igcPN34Wy3GKZj1r3s7WDOJ2xbFtJG1sSsdOjfWPQ9dk1UlepllUme1EqvtHtpX3WELZBlYh5Nn8LimvlBFiuLtoxn5Atq3Ld2sYv-7lpNDyG9S6uTorcwX9EtoWPAp/s640/DuelTone+Crochet+Dishcloth+01.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/154243640/duel-toned-dishcloths-crochet-clean-set?ref=shop_home_active">Duel Toned Dishcloths</a><span style="text-align: center;">, $7.00 plus shipping. 5 x 5 inches. Ready to ship as is or available for custom order. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/154237739/hot-pad-pot-holders-crochet-duel-toned?ref=v1_other_2"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0VWhwv7BVlKvKdxUctqWMk2h4c7dwzhCAvc7PkheE2YN7BTuSh6Lt5_7ZVBxYD-kjs4ZDt5igvGDwp-v_buvmyL9UbBAzCuXk4omlLJfoZeie7zLyp5TwWmw18Czue-F_4eCwKE3vmkt/s640/DuelTone+Crochet+Hotpad+02.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/154237739/hot-pad-pot-holders-crochet-duel-toned?ref=v1_other_2">Hotpads/Pot holders</a>, 6 x 6 inches, $8 plus shipping, Set of 2, ready to ship in color options above or available for custom order. Also available in Sets of 4.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122665980/large-knit-chunky-wool-blend-infinity?ref=shop_home_active"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd71tc8hjvlLolvMzIoUZujOSJTHhuEvAiwf9Nyg_xPcvEW8v-Fz3qEyLdpiu93vxIVb83cGaNg1LxcojR2H8Io3RHFmLT7zriWlBBxIDPtpcJk-nZa_rjVC6ze5ho72r39RkEd9MofJuv/s640/Barley+Large+Knit+1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122665980/large-knit-chunky-wool-blend-infinity?ref=shop_home_active">Chunky Knit Wool Cowl</a>, $18 plus shipping, Custom Orders available.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122373868/gray-chunky-cozy-cowl-shaw-hood"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeFx83f2oGzSuOXCxOVITB_Jab1PsMppYEEJd-KrdSoghWRMcHuwifEJV7QTw0QsyoDCsJVUMrMv5CvJGd5G0cBkFKO5tSy0OL8Y8PjOYqKVyhuZgby_FtpxG-xvDBHFk_rhsV9jsleA4/s640/Gray+Chunky+Cowl_002.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122373868/gray-chunky-cozy-cowl-shaw-hood">Gray Chunky Cowl/Shawl</a>, $25 plus shipping. Custom Order only.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/84079974/reusable-swiffer-covers-various-colors?ref=shop_home_feat"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLekDEdnPIE5NEus4P-R2IoAmG7mnEo-kNVEheOjSyHw05McNSv3IDnUYGa1YLkB1zoAsmoB1PP02FXSDS6TB3dBJB30sFSG3WuQY-Hb6T7W4RDXk4GjP3gHOBY4aBkpEizKotx2OrPJI/s640/Swiffer+Brown%2526Green+4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/84079974/reusable-swiffer-covers-various-colors?ref=shop_home_feat">Reusable Swiffer Cover</a>, $8 plus shipping, Available in many color options. Custom orders only. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113697661/biblical-felt-puppets-jesus?ref=v1_other_1"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Wmt-x2UF-YmSHxe73b6AjM5pYPDplkO8lqtGaWBiDTgmfxCMZa9Zlr8xdLp9L-Syz5ZHvXr2an27B7ujzyJ3Jca6C1OI9oQajmxzT8cGBqnTGHYCpohyphenhyphen6uZSheWP4WeOdecLtstaqzUF/s640/NewPuppetPics_029.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113697661/biblical-felt-puppets-jesus?ref=v1_other_1"> Felt Biblical Puppets</a>, $10.50 each, $40 for set of 4 plus shipping. Custom orders only. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/92134822/knitted-large-plush-toy-elephant-gray?ref=shop_home_active"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSuVQvvns4E/UfaOA7EDl6I/AAAAAAAAIg0/zsTNz8Tdeig/s640/Elephant+2.jpg" width="460" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/92134822/knitted-large-plush-toy-elephant-gray?ref=shop_home_active">Plus Knitted Elephant</a>, $45 plus shipping. Available in various color options. Custom orders only.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155073766/hand-knit-wool-mitten-ornaments-grays"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Dt2jtIwaX6x6u5zb6T-wmQ2v1fgWEhn929mrbri7j6qommJKxQwFPaHSYSyadl1xxLBv0oTzjihl-VHuNuCrWUyr1uM7t0jb0tUXQ2fMlQYy_u19pviL2HC3rusyJwe9-qVsUN6z1BR-/s640/New+Etsy+Items_090.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155073766/hand-knit-wool-mitten-ornaments-grays">Hand Knit Wool Mitten Ornaments</a>, $18 plus shipping for set of 3, custom orders only. Available in many color options.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98?ref=si_shop">my shop</a> for many many other items.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As an extra bonus, my followers and readers can use discount code: <span style="color: purple;"><b>CHRISTMASPREP</b></span> for 20% off your next order. This discount code cannot be used with other discount codes and is only good until end of August. Shipping time frames may be longer than listed with this coupon code, depending on cue and availability. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love working on custom orders, so don't be shy. <a href="mailto:kimpossible76@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email me</a>, message me or submit a custom order request at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98?ref=si_shop">my shop</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Brousing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TELL YOUR FRIENDS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and extra gift will be sent your way if you share these sales with a friend. For every purchase made by your referral you'll get $5 off your next order. Tell your friends to mention you at their purchase and I will send you a discount code.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-63593654508888785522013-07-23T15:35:00.000-04:002013-07-24T07:53:20.676-04:00Waiting Here For You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimH4nIvIm5cWzXc5BeVUDDw7L9S-D57BWIY1ytFYjvJw_QpETsWeAaM8xnwlDSkxPJraBbLHoLP_DRlboxsVq-opxflkLbtX-UlJ8i_HarE_8iijf0ZZC-PR-xbyckLI-QpwmC8emNE5VQ/s1600/Waiting+here+for+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimH4nIvIm5cWzXc5BeVUDDw7L9S-D57BWIY1ytFYjvJw_QpETsWeAaM8xnwlDSkxPJraBbLHoLP_DRlboxsVq-opxflkLbtX-UlJ8i_HarE_8iijf0ZZC-PR-xbyckLI-QpwmC8emNE5VQ/s640/Waiting+here+for+you.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been working from the comfort of my local coffee shop, <a href="http://www.taszo.com/">Taszo</a>, lately. I get so much done here. While I work I listen to <a href="http://www.pandora.com/">Pandora</a>. I have my pandora station set to play the perfect list for me! Its a mix of folky country, worship music, etc. I get my <a href="http://www.thelonebellow.com/">Lone Bellow</a> fix along with my Jesus music. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I was listening, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3OEGnH5x8g">Waiting Here for You</a> by Christy Nockels came on. The song made me pause my work to really take in the words and meaning. This song speaks right to the heart of where I am right now. I am in a place of expectation with my Lord. Not an </span><span style="font-size: large;">expectation</span><span style="font-size: large;"> without faith. I completely trust in His desire to provide. Its a sweet spot to be in. Its like the child waiting on the father, the sheep waiting on the shepherd. There is no doubt that He will come through. I just want to sit in it, praising and trusting in my Lord. I don't get this whole thing right </span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a lot of the time, but knowing He is the author of my salvation, my life, my destiny keeps me moving forward. I know a lot of people in my life don't get the faith I have but it really is my most precious possession. I can't imagine my life without Jesus as my Lord. I wish at times I could better articulate that but for now it will just have to be the way I live my life. </span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If faith can move the mountains</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Let the mountains move</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We come with expectation</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Waiting here for you, waiting here for you</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">You're the Lord of all creation</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">And still you know my heart</span></span></span></span></div>
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The author of salvation</div>
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You've loved us from the start</div>
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Waiting here for you</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With our hands lifte</span>d high in praise</div>
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And it's you we adore</div>
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Singing Alleluia</div>
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You are everything you've promised</div>
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Your faithfulness is true</div>
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And we're desperate for your presence</div>
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All we need is you</div>
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Waiting here for you, Lord</div>
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With our hands lifted high in praise</div>
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And it's you, Lord, we adore</div>
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Singing Alleluia</div>
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We will wait for you, Lord, he'll stand with you</div>
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We will sing alleluia</div>
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Singing Alleluia, alleluia</div>
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Singing Alleluia, alleluia</div>
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Waiting here for you</div>
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With our hands lifted high in praise</div>
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And it's you we adore, we adore</div>
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Singing Alleluia</div>
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Waiting here for you</div>
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With our hands lifted high in praise</div>
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And it's you we adore</div>
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Singing Alleluia, singing Alleluia</div>
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Waiting here for you</div>
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With our hands lifted high in praise</div>
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And it's you we adore, with our lives</div>
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Singing Alleluia, singing Alleluia</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-55263409596327847262013-07-11T08:00:00.000-04:002013-07-11T08:00:04.971-04:00A Real New Yorker - 10 years Today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Today I celebrate 10 years living in New York City. This is definitely the longest I've ever lived in one city and in one neighborhood. Its kind of insane especially given I thought I'd only be here 2 years. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So in honor of my 10 years, I thought I'd share with you some of my most favorite people and times in New York (through pictures only). I'll let them speak for themselves. They are in no particular order.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwBKY7_kgFQYrRV44fEB1fFOL_OHLhAV7tTvWMu6pJ27_4H-d2J8qIdHtDZQtwQYf0SIJjkfYhAHXyaxgh3X_hjsxI1-wqNDlQBo4cP0dRTLuKJ3_vU_zJMgKj_fc5u8uTRs82UQT9KPw/s1600/IheartNYCollage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwBKY7_kgFQYrRV44fEB1fFOL_OHLhAV7tTvWMu6pJ27_4H-d2J8qIdHtDZQtwQYf0SIJjkfYhAHXyaxgh3X_hjsxI1-wqNDlQBo4cP0dRTLuKJ3_vU_zJMgKj_fc5u8uTRs82UQT9KPw/s640/IheartNYCollage+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYK8F99HIBOvHhe5wBRmP0NppWNW-JXHmQnoNWed5gT4Kv-he4WGYc-UG6lEoa0gJrbmT1SYF6n4HeWcsDJATh1BOPhouToEYxIZpa94YPg7Om2igfdMUz5ov2LHxcFPBTWDH6M5yFPeFS/s1600/IhearNYcollage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYK8F99HIBOvHhe5wBRmP0NppWNW-JXHmQnoNWed5gT4Kv-he4WGYc-UG6lEoa0gJrbmT1SYF6n4HeWcsDJATh1BOPhouToEYxIZpa94YPg7Om2igfdMUz5ov2LHxcFPBTWDH6M5yFPeFS/s640/IhearNYcollage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Looking back, I wish I had put these into years but that's too much to redo now... Also, there are TONS more so maybe I'll share those with you another day. Alot has happened in my 10 years here. I look forward to 10 more!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">THANK YOU NEW YORK FOR BEING SO GOOD TO ME!</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-82334596336615548522013-07-10T10:00:00.000-04:002013-07-10T10:00:01.099-04:00I Heart NY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Its hard to believe that 10 years ago tomorrow I moved to New York City. Before March of 2003, moving to New York was never on my list. Chicago, London, South America, yes, but never New York. But fortunately God had another plan for me and New York was apparently in that plan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When I moved here I legitimately thought I'd be here 2 years and then I'd move to one of the places listed above. But a 2 year contract became 3 years and then I was permanently hired by the church I worked for. After that, moving wasn't an option, I was hooked. OK lets be honest. I was hooked on Day 1.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So here I am 10 years later and I have absolutely no desire to leave. My plans for life are definitely not what I thought they would be 10 years ago but for now, I am content with where they are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ironically enough, the last week... month, I've had more people ask me about fun things to do in the city than I've had in a long time. My only issue is, as a resident, what I consider fun and what non-New Yorkers consider fun are totally different. So its taken some brain power to think through what I would recommend to other people. I thought, in honor of 10 years in the city, I would share with my New York friends and my non-New York friends some of my favorite sites in the city. (these are in no particular order and yes I took all of the photos below) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Don't worry tomorrow I'll share some more personal memories of my 10 years in the city. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Central Park</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Central Park is a great, laid back place to visit. It is Manhattan's biggest park. The park begins at 59th Street (midtown) and goes all the way up to 110th Street (Harlem). There are lots of places to visit within the park such as </span><a href="http://www.centralpark.com/guide/attractions/bethesda-terrace/bethesda-fountain.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Bethesda fountain</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://www.centralpark.com/guide/attractions/lake.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">The Lake</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> (canoes available and prices are not bad), </span><a href="http://www.centralpark.com/guide/attractions/strawberry-fields.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Strawberry fields</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> (John Lennon memorial), </span><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>Belvedere</u></span><a href="http://www.centralpark.com/guide/attractions/belvedere-castle.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"> Castle</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://www.centralpark.com/guide/attractions/conservatory-garden.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Conservatory Gardens</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://www.centralpark.com/guide/central-park-zoo.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Central Park Zoo</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> etc.</span></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Natural History Museum</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.amnh.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">museum</a> is one of hundreds of museums in the city. Most people don't know that they have a <a href="http://www.amnh.org/tickets" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">suggested donation</a>, which means, pay what you want. If you aren't seeing an exhibit and just enjoying the museum you can pay what you want. It is located at 79th Street and Central Park West (across from Central Park)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z0gEvOHg11z9mLmgiaUhjSKQpgtIxcTtq7mN0GyKW13G0MAiWpjk9GR96pcnZjstSQLoHCGUX4mNsKwheAU1fcqaCpdpmWEHKqjeOnpSlGLKXnfg9UOsit1vDGh_3AqmITY0NvWrgxr5/s1600/Museum+of+natural+history+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z0gEvOHg11z9mLmgiaUhjSKQpgtIxcTtq7mN0GyKW13G0MAiWpjk9GR96pcnZjstSQLoHCGUX4mNsKwheAU1fcqaCpdpmWEHKqjeOnpSlGLKXnfg9UOsit1vDGh_3AqmITY0NvWrgxr5/s640/Museum+of+natural+history+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Staten Island Ferry</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/staten-island-ferry.shtml" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Staten Island Ferry</a> is a great FREE option for the city. It takes you from the southern tip of Manhattan to Staten Island and then you can get a ferry back. Its totally free. You see the statue of liberty and the city from decent views. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Brooklyn Bridge</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Walking the </span><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>Brooklyn</u></span><a href="http://brooklyn.about.com/od/brooklynbridge/a/How-To-Walk-The-Brooklyn-Bridge-Manhattan-To-Brooklyn-Brooklyn-To-Manhattan.htm" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"> Bridge</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is a must. Its a nice walk and you get great views of the city. AND ITS FREE. The Brooklyn Bridge is at the south eastern tip of the island and leads to Brooklyn. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBLch73idtgIMGmdy1JKwGTfGioBgqHBKJikPzdnRBkxDS7zfQ83umTFzknuV_-L-BBeLI8Ymrj7aoD3peQa6qf1QUXiBQXcOl2XP3lZG71qW2gp8idI1e_0GyeQF6ZrTXgruk85zZMAS/s1600/Brooklyn+Bridge+Colloge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBLch73idtgIMGmdy1JKwGTfGioBgqHBKJikPzdnRBkxDS7zfQ83umTFzknuV_-L-BBeLI8Ymrj7aoD3peQa6qf1QUXiBQXcOl2XP3lZG71qW2gp8idI1e_0GyeQF6ZrTXgruk85zZMAS/s640/Brooklyn+Bridge+Colloge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Grand Central Station</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">They are <a href="http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">celebrating 100 years</a> this year but it is a great stop on any walking tour. Its beautiful and has rich history. There are some must sees in the station, such as the main concourse and the <a href="http://manhattan.about.com/od/historyandlandmarks/a/secretgrandcent.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">whispering arches</a>. Grand Central is located at Park Ave and 42nd Street (Midtown). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I have lived blocks from the bridge for years now and until this summer had never walked across. Its a shame because its one of the best views of the city! I am totally hooked and even more in love with the bridge and the neighborhood.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuWRYbITqtFN6hY2lSNRBN1sW8j1BBpoe6c6bSAVEWdz6yaFIt_jVzrO4_tphxpp9nnokWrlWqQzh884T7ZZEKsg9kFBU7XIx3DJz8lbf3fpqHVi_lU3rTbohLfeMXLvKtJo8hH2pop6v/s1600/George+Washington+Bridge+Colloge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuWRYbITqtFN6hY2lSNRBN1sW8j1BBpoe6c6bSAVEWdz6yaFIt_jVzrO4_tphxpp9nnokWrlWqQzh884T7ZZEKsg9kFBU7XIx3DJz8lbf3fpqHVi_lU3rTbohLfeMXLvKtJo8hH2pop6v/s640/George+Washington+Bridge+Colloge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">These are just a few of the great things to do in the city. I could list several more but I think that is enough. Come back tomorrow for a walk through my life in the BIG CITY!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What are your New York Favorites?</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com2New York, NY 10032, USA40.8409822 -73.94479939999996540.7929267 -74.025480399999964 40.889037699999996 -73.864118399999967tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-57016572775328552022013-07-08T07:00:00.000-04:002013-07-08T07:00:03.822-04:00Big Apple Mami 2 Year Blogoversary <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, I am celebrating my girl, Kristina, from <a href="http://www.bigapplemami.net/" target="_blank">Big Apple Mami</a>! Its her 2 year Blogoversary!</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Come celebrate with us!</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">2 years ago this </span><a href="http://www.bigapplemami.net/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Big Apple Mami</a><span style="text-align: left;"> started this little blog and today, to celebrate, we're having a giveaway!! </span></span></center>
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One reader wins it all! Happy Entering!</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.becomingfab.com/" target="_blank">Becoming Fab</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.andnothingelsematters.com/" target="_blank">And Nothing Else Matters</a> &<a href="http://kmcilrath.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Singledou[b]t</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GUnJ_IdCRQpF9pv-pWd9v944Q92KRufPYPRpP8DcI11IxVQFTfKDfOqhHhVvEEJWkvdOsvZ6bWjLn42Q7IzKWJTmXFshJxtb13_q58jFr-kq8c36WSmhVntqjKNtIlGnwNjEPZsOXKM/s1600/bam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GUnJ_IdCRQpF9pv-pWd9v944Q92KRufPYPRpP8DcI11IxVQFTfKDfOqhHhVvEEJWkvdOsvZ6bWjLn42Q7IzKWJTmXFshJxtb13_q58jFr-kq8c36WSmhVntqjKNtIlGnwNjEPZsOXKM/s640/bam.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_voB5WEKobGU_e68Ocuk_RXniQth5Bh23GtmtPxbIQ5p8M5W951W5gexmXb9rj0lj098WkocLdNmaipjvo0-zPy43jKHqD9W2azylGzFZrWotS4IavcPtW77gzKUXj0CgfYbCA4qHrc/s1600/stacyandmelanie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_voB5WEKobGU_e68Ocuk_RXniQth5Bh23GtmtPxbIQ5p8M5W951W5gexmXb9rj0lj098WkocLdNmaipjvo0-zPy43jKHqD9W2azylGzFZrWotS4IavcPtW77gzKUXj0CgfYbCA4qHrc/s640/stacyandmelanie.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vanwynsberg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Van Wynsberg Nest</a> & <a href="http://www.plushpaisleylane.com/" target="_blank">plush paisley lane</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e11c8036/" id="rc-e11c8036" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-90005003163619901502013-06-28T13:24:00.000-04:002013-06-28T14:31:20.380-04:00Warby Parker - Help Me Choose<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I've been itching to get a new pair of glasses for months now. My current ones are wearing down and I was confident my prescription had changed. So finally, at my wits end, I made an appointment to get my eyes checked. I had been frustrated with those chains in town who charge what seems like too much for OK frames and sub par lenses. A friend of mine had told me about <a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/women"><b><i>Warby Parker</i></b></a>, so i decided to check them out!</span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/women"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImL8Y0KB1sbRQtl3DiMm4OpdyXLm7wxBy8qpo0Yk34KjmIJs2GRUix9nYEuBPS5x8EJ_93Rmuo1tZ8ikTpHH6aEJBxtG84oDSxE6DN_Hypj-AEQQC4zO6mwAtqQZTIpa8CyLVC7OwojCH/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-06-28+at+12.08.07+PM.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">They are mostly an online store. The great thing about them is you can actually try on 5 pair before purchasing. You visit the site, pick your top 5 pairs. They send you demo frames. You pick which one you want and then you purchase the one you want. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Their business practices are even better than their ease of shopping. They have a buy a pair/give a pair policy. For each pair you buy, they give a pair to someone who needs it. Find out more about that <a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/do-good/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/women"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkmLmUbuFSOKAkBzIMRlJL3Cmgh4XnZ2Z6GzI6OmCrONggtBWUrSRjcUNqa5cXrtsDR7fK4WARIbvz_7OWk1-m6KqWUhzv4OGGVfuC6Co3MJdyu7HkvEooa2xp3drgnHBMvqLJTJpss-5/s640/Warby+Park+Box.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> I got my 5 pairs to try on Wednesday. I couldn't wait to try them on. My roommate and I narrowed it down to two pair but I thought I'd see what you guys thought! Help a girl out and tell me which pair you like the best. Forgive the pictures. I did them solo and well.. i am just not photogenic. </span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/women"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJ9Zs8cTace2jLGoHijEJ68j8R_mit0fUcRqENXLq4Yawric-25R8s5pZeqirrthmJfI3LvdGyKu4E8wf9Lj7VK4ztPVaKaS8SS_IQpTPvZP4mnsEV1ylmSGF03uqaZCBfgs4UkN-tHMW/s640/Warby+Parker+Front+View+Tabbed.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/women"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaKXH0uBBw8j99Yi3sb1ccVt8_JFeYMWIOkVJ5Wx5BSxdvdL_bROXyRwT3gt4SC9aO36uYJY2LqbgbBymCqTzml0j2R_gXfnZfiB9O9oJh5C12OPRkHpbQZ7zGL8hb9ibAXKoKxQZ-if6/s640/Warby+Parker+Side+View+tabbed.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought I'd give you a front view and side view of each pair. They look very similar but maybe you can help make the final decision. Let me know which is your favorite by filling out the </span>survey<span style="font-family: inherit;"> below.</span></span><br />
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<script src="http://www.surveymonkey.com/jsEmbed.aspx?sm=PCquGyCNS1AbOmgKsqQHtg_3d_3d"> </script></div>
Create your free online surveys with <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">SurveyMonkey</a> , the world's leading questionnaire tool.</div>
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*** Disclaimer: The opinions and comments in this post are 100% mine. Warby Parker did not approach me in any way. I am simply a fan of their business and was excited to share with the world.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-26895204807843267792013-06-15T11:30:00.000-04:002013-06-15T11:30:00.297-04:00Snow Boots in the Kitchen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You know when you get older you start to see things in yourself that you didn't see before. You realize patterns, quirks, habits, etc that you may not have noticed before. One of mine is that I HATE to be startled. Up until recently, I thought I was weirdly afraid of mice. But this week, I realized its not really the mouse, its the surprise of the mouse. Especially when you are minding your own business in your kitchen.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So we have a mouse. You might have missed that in the paragraph above. [winky face] He's a tiny little guy that likes to taunt me. I've done everything from put down traps, plugged up holes, laid down peppermint oil, and even poison. Its definitely a part of living in the city but I really don't like the idea of a little creature scurrying under my feet. I've tried rationalizing that its just a harmless mouse but yet, going into the kitchen is now a process. I walk up to the entryway, turn the light on and wait. Wait for him to scurry past before I enter. He'll disappear for a few weeks or even months but I always seem to know when he's back. "How?" you say. Its like those people know when its going to rain because their knees ache. I know he's back because I suddenly am aware of every sound and movement in the apartment. Inevitably within a day or two he'll be spotted.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj724t3ywHlTZSfUmLSO3HD0RspzcyXIzOvffVOL0dSZ2sFWQsSgJMxoV8dfZIb1q_E-n2GnpszRmELdS-6SUs8teUdx5XANvLF63WRCuYSY93G7g6tMkWpKGvwW1nKDclmd3jB3FV1XIgW/s1600/2013-06-14+10.04.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj724t3ywHlTZSfUmLSO3HD0RspzcyXIzOvffVOL0dSZ2sFWQsSgJMxoV8dfZIb1q_E-n2GnpszRmELdS-6SUs8teUdx5XANvLF63WRCuYSY93G7g6tMkWpKGvwW1nKDclmd3jB3FV1XIgW/s400/2013-06-14+10.04.43.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The moment I realized it wasn't the mouse, it was the surprised attack of the mouse that i was scared of was when I started wearing boots in the house. I don't like it when people sneak up on me. I don't like it when I think someone is going to sneak up on me. So the other night when my "worst fear" happened as this little 2 inch ball of fur ran over my foot, I lost it. That is when I went and put on my winter boots and proceeded to walk around the kitchen in them. And even the next day when i needed to get a lot of cooking done, I wore them for the first hour or so until i felt comfortable that he wasn't going to surprise me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I know its silly! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But that little guy has almost given me a heart attack TOO many times. </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-12148317686641605612013-06-14T16:35:00.000-04:002013-06-14T16:35:41.525-04:00MIA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">WOW... so its been a while since I posted anything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Didn't notice? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Yeah me either :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But I am back.... atleast I think I am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Been working on a few things that I look forward to blogging about some time. I have been busy living life, enjoying friends... you know... stuff. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'll leave you with a few photos.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-37105023969702293832013-05-08T10:36:00.000-04:002013-05-08T10:36:07.891-04:00Thinking of Peyton<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://fontenblog.blogspot.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1jSktL6HgS5B85JzieZbRfW1kHMKz1S0OgbQ7jI3jiR9jyEqYGU5SWfRMUuGIJX7GfXqBBqxa8C646DuttbMoQlBpYnKhcdWxYZfgFAOy8BmBNZNeE975Rwl0y9RDxJ1zZIZbGPhGTDO/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-05-08+at+10.07.09+AM.png" width="141" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1jSktL6HgS5B85JzieZbRfW1kHMKz1S0OgbQ7jI3jiR9jyEqYGU5SWfRMUuGIJX7GfXqBBqxa8C646DuttbMoQlBpYnKhcdWxYZfgFAOy8BmBNZNeE975Rwl0y9RDxJ1zZIZbGPhGTDO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-08+at+10.07.09+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Through the last year, I've gotten to know some amazing bloggers. I've grown somewhat attached to a few (see sidebar for a list of those). Either their writing or their story has gotten my attention. Sarah at <a href="http://fontenblog.blogspot.com/">Fontenot Four</a> is one of those people/blogs. I've been such a follower of her and her newer blog about her daughter, <a href="http://peytonfontenot.blogspot.com/">Perfectly Peyton</a>, </span><span style="font-size: large;">that sometimes I forget I don't actually know them in real life. If you don't know Sarah or her story, I encourage you to get to know her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This weekend she suffered one of the most devastating losses a mother could face. Her little girl, Peyton, went to be with Jesus. To read more about Peyton and her journey go <a href="http://peytonfontenot.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-very-long-overdue-update.html">here</a> or <a href="http://peytonfontenot.blogspot.com/2013/05/hospital-lifeday-37.html">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today and tomorrow are the visitation services and funeral for Peyton. I find myself thinking of them constantly and wishing I could do more then just follow her story. Today I am dedicating my post to her. Please stop by her blog and get to know this precious family. Send them your thoughts and prayers. </span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-50280548182728655192013-05-03T17:00:00.001-04:002013-05-03T17:00:11.421-04:00Running The Distance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">I love to compare my relationship with the Lord to my running habits. In this stage of life, its kind of appropriate. This week I started running again and it brought to mind several parallels between the two. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHfHHnBrdTZ4fkPXkjZf1rzXZKaEWQxlPk5THIkgoj2-T3R-IxSFwenXN6yYaL-IGg7iBxQYJhRAv2_tOdsmcD_yB9Fj8evAZUcG4VfefoqJrmQHQFN38C4d0te3QzwxKl1qkOp85-tFj/s1600/Running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHfHHnBrdTZ4fkPXkjZf1rzXZKaEWQxlPk5THIkgoj2-T3R-IxSFwenXN6yYaL-IGg7iBxQYJhRAv2_tOdsmcD_yB9Fj8evAZUcG4VfefoqJrmQHQFN38C4d0te3QzwxKl1qkOp85-tFj/s640/Running.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>GETTING HEALTHY</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Like my faith, I start running because I feel its a good way to get healthy. The lethargic feeling, the extra padding around my waist, the tighter fitting clothes don't make me feel all that healthy and well. I want to live and feel better so running is one of the biggest ways I try that. The same goes with the way I live out my faith. When I am not actively seeking God's heart, I feel lethargic, directionless, and slow when it comes to who I see God as and even more so how i think God sees me. I stop trying. I stop feeling the urge to pursue a deeper relationship with him. When I start doing the things that bring me back into a true and deep sense of the grace and peace of God I feel more healthy and together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MOTIVATION</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know about you but I have found a dizzying pattern with my desire to run. I feel the urge to start running again so I plan a day to run. I am excited about the opportunity and often will guard against anything getting in the way of that run. But then the day of the run hits and the motivation starts to fade. The closer I get to the run, the more I don't want to do it. I will do almost anything to get out of it without it being too obvious. But in those occasions where I power through the urge to stay at home, I find the run exhilarating and definitely not as challenging as I thought it would be. So I plan another run and am excited about the next run and the run after that.... but then right before that run, i not longer have a passion or desire to do anything requiring energy. The same often goes with my spiritual life. I see the need to grow deeper and I feel the pull of the spirit to learn more, go deeper, love more. So i make a plan. I pray for opportunities. But without fail, when the opportunities arise I find myself preferring to watch TV, surf the web, or anything really other than that. Like with running, when i power through the urge to be lazy, i am exited about what i see and what i learn. Yet the next opportunity comes along and I find myself desiring to do the lesser thing. I am not saying resting is bad but the absence of pursuit of the Father is not a good thing and I choose most things over Him many many times.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTCl4YrbWRM/UYQdTp1ByTI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/hCmByCPdabk/s1600/Shoes+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTCl4YrbWRM/UYQdTp1ByTI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/hCmByCPdabk/s640/Shoes+Cropped.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ENDURANCE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When running, I often listen to my body in regards to how long to run, how fast to run and even where to run. When I am running, I often experience muscle and joint aches. Most of the time, I am mentally aware enough to run through those aches. I know my body enough, typically, to know a good pain and a bad pain and when to give in or slow down. Often times the energy or the breathing is what gets me and many many times I am unaware that I have slowed down, even stopped running. The initial burn I am aware of. If its a good day I can train myself to think of other things or focus on other areas. But sometimes I will go from a steady run to a walk without even realizing I've done it. I think the same happens in my relationship with the Lord. I am moving along, sometimes aware of his presence, sometimes not. I feel confident, like i can take on the world. But then I start to lose energy or I feel the pressure of outside sources, or worse, sin (past or present) creeps in and my stamina begins to waver. If I am lucky, I notice it and begin praying for ways to move beyond the insecurity, the fear, and even the pride. But most of the time, I don't realize how bad things have gotten in my own life that i have completely given up. Not in a conscious way but in a subconscious way. I no longer am seeking or even desiring a daily life with Him. I am doing everything in my own energy and my own power which leaves me feeling deflated and exhausted.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w28imegaFVk/UYQecYPdfYI/AAAAAAAAIRE/Y5dn5VQghGs/s1600/RunningShoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w28imegaFVk/UYQecYPdfYI/AAAAAAAAIRE/Y5dn5VQghGs/s640/RunningShoe.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RUNNING THE HILLS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Living in a place with lots of hills, I have accepted that in all of my runs I will face at least one hill if not 2 or 3. Some are super steep and others are mid-sized hills. As you are running, you can typically see the hill coming. I have this subconscious routine in my head where I decide as I approach the hill what my goal is. For the smaller to mid sized hills, I typically tell myself to make it to the top before stopping. The speed at which I run the hill is negotiable but running the hill is not. For the steeper/longer hills, I will give myself permission to stop at a certain point. The reality though of these hills is that I rarely live up to the plan. For the smaller/mid-sized hills I get about 2/3rds up and I am toast. I think I can't make it and like above, before i know it I stop mid run. The issue is that, nothing is broken and rarely do I think I will pass out or die so I know its all a mental game. This last week, i found myself stopping on a hill and as soon as I was conscious of the stop I said "NO, you have so little distance to go, get your butt up this hill." so I ran it. I have to have conversations with myself. Sometimes Jillian Michaels is in my ear screaming at me. These "hills" in my spiritual and emotional life are the hard times. I am running along enjoying life and then a problem arrises. Sometimes I can see it coming but many times I can't. If I am lucky enough to see it coming, I make a plan. I think of ways to guard my heart against the attacks I will face. Ways to punch the doubts and fears directly on so that they don't stop me in my tracks. Unfortunately though, life isn't always so subtle and the punches come out of nowhere, leaving me feeling winded, frustrated and isolated. I often stop there in mid crisis and shut down spiritually. I give in to the emotions I am experiencing and let them define me. Its never really a conscious thing. I don't realize i have gone there until its already there. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-gkUxUAEIsKtUAjma-B-uE_pjYa6sJRYNJAmx_5CtbFDCOu6PY9KLogoYS9FuJ_IsFdKmRNZkKCydAAukhyZXsRX75CUHGqBbmbHvFFw2nsFo4t2vzPPng-948RIlivCZSABpwcsELxA/s1600/AshleyRunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-gkUxUAEIsKtUAjma-B-uE_pjYa6sJRYNJAmx_5CtbFDCOu6PY9KLogoYS9FuJ_IsFdKmRNZkKCydAAukhyZXsRX75CUHGqBbmbHvFFw2nsFo4t2vzPPng-948RIlivCZSABpwcsELxA/s640/AshleyRunning.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Like in running, there are times when you think you can't go any further. You're tired, in pain, and just feel alone. But something causes you to keep going. Something gives you motivation to run the last bit with more energy than you had the entire run, at least in long distances they do. The Spirit gives you the extra nudge to jump back into the routine of knowing and seeking the Lord. You pick up the bible and read with fervor or more simply, you pray for the spirit to give you those things; desire, hope, perseverance. You run the race for which you started and feel the excitement of getting to your destination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Do you not know that in a </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">race</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> all the </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">run</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">ners </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">run</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, but only one gets the prize? </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Run</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> in such a way as to get the prize. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>1 Corinthians 9:24</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="text Heb-12-1" id="en-NIV-30214" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30214A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> with perseverance<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30214B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>the race marked out for us,</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-2" id="en-NIV-30215" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">fixing our eyes on Jesus,<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> the pioneer<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> scorning its shame,<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-3" id="en-NIV-30216" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30216H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> and lose heart. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="text Heb-12-3" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Hebrews 12:1-3</b></span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-23040320423561916712013-04-25T07:59:00.000-04:002013-04-25T21:45:20.331-04:00Another day in the Park: Fort Tryon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> One of the things I LOVE about New York City is that its really just one big museum. It also has some of the prettiest parks. Fort Tryon is one of those parks. It is one of the largest parks in Manhattan and hosts <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/en/visit/visit-the-cloisters">The Cloisters</a>. Fort Tryon is in my neighborhood but sadly I don't get to go nearly as much as I should. So yesterday, after a meeting, my camera and I went for a nice spring stroll up to the park. Because Spring is so late, the blooms were a little sporatic. Some were late and some were already on their way out. But I got some pretty great tight shots of the ones that were there. Some of these prints will be in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98?section_id=10775651">my shop</a> later this week for digital download. If you see something you like let me know and I will make sure it goes up soon. Enjoy and if you are ever in the city, make sure you take a stroll through the Fort Tryon Park.</span><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130403364/digital-download-fort-tryon-tulips?ref=v1_other_2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3nr8rCKOk4Prl70-53qR0eh_9pSIv2O_UP_zQgUJQ5zHgDQarRjiOUwXhlQhqqwYdGoZ7mgJ4zBh7jAaHEvFgFO2OdPi5kNu9f1dq9AFzjW0JpJi8SCfXl_Hzlf2mWVpXGusJjJaiVX8/s640/Fort+Tryon+2013+KMP+53+16x12+WM.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-46488757884443852152013-04-23T10:30:00.000-04:002013-04-23T10:30:00.803-04:00Central Park in the Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">This summer I will celebrate 10 years in New York City and I still love it like I did when I first arrived. In NYC, Central Park is one of my favorites! Especially Central Park in the spring. Each year I love to see what they will do and what they will plant. About 2 years ago, I discovered the Conservatory Gardens at the North East part of the park. They usually have some amazing tulip gardens but this year they had other types of flowers. They weren't my favorite this year but I still had a great time checking them out. I also love Shakespeare's Garden. Its in the central part of the park near the west side. This week, I took a walk through the park and explored what Spring had to offer the park. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook then you probably got inundated yesterday :) I thought I'd share with you what I found. These guys are also available for purchase at my shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98?section_id=10775651">City Girl Creations</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These photos helped me make a dent in 2 of my </span><a href="http://kmcilrath.blogspot.com/2013/01/13-in-2013.html" style="font-size: x-large;">13 in 2013 goals</a><span style="font-size: large;">. I not only got to play tourist with my camera, but I am attempting to also build up my photography business. I am taking it slow but I am </span><span style="font-size: large;">at least taking a step.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy them. You can purchase a digital copy through my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98?section_id=10775651">etsy shop</a>. They would be great on many craft projects or framed on your wall. </span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-51992103298712904092013-04-22T10:18:00.000-04:002013-04-22T10:22:05.173-04:00New Years Goals Revisited: Learning to Crochet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Wow! Its been a long time since I posted anything. I wish I had a good excuse, but I don't. BUT I have been busy doing things and one of those things is something that was on my <a href="http://kmcilrath.blogspot.com/2013/01/13-in-2013.html">13 in 2013 list</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know! Its April, Kim. We've all forgotten about our New Years resolutions! Well... I have not .... at least I am trying not to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So one of my goals for 2013 was to finally learn how to crochet. I am a knitter and I am decent at it. I have a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98">shop</a> and everything. BUT I always wanted to expand my talents by learning to crochet. I've tried over and over and it just never stuck. I think the issue has been not that its hard but I am such a constant knitter that I would learn the basics in crochet and then get an order or another project and soon forget what I learned. So I wasn't able to practice or complete the learning. The slow down of purchases in my shop and the increase in wanting to create certain items using crochet helped me FINALLY learn how. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This little guy was my first finished project. </span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqp09O_fsgwu0hKhBsrQvaN3_-7T3qiyNUReFvgYMYqoRNDFwHHkzHxaI_VDs2NSiMF8i5R0oQltSZaM0TyCL5Aw7exQtE1wR5v_xY9vLkB8tP1l287lPo0DlNptMdDpFQuabgWOP4eZT/s640/Brown+Elephant_004.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzb2oP9QGKdDgJSrBXMQxlGse8gRxpdKri9q0STleesp7GlkJA3fdQLLhfLQ7wz-vR1rjfwCSm78njr706IIv1k6YwlmvcHNVTMnmi-baeolzA6UTeL1a3cUQbSWwmLKZd5Q3qHnZL5Ao/s640/Brown+Elephant_015.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't he cute? I wasn't a huge fan of the colors but I honestly just grabbed an appropriate weight yarn that i knew i didn't need for a future project. He's about 3-4 inches tall. I was pretty proud of him. I found the pattern <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70582AD.html?noImages=">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My next project was a little more complicated and a big risk. The daughter of one of my closest friends here in the city was turning 7 and LOVES my little pony. I was racking my brain, trying to figure out what to get her. I thought about trying to make a my little pony but I was way too new to crochet to figure it out so i set off on a google search and found a <a href="http://knitoneawesome.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic.html">pattern</a> that seemed just the right speed for me. I spent the next week making this little beauty. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmifFtrfy1t6VCUODZpwMpDzXcoisWs6gKrPicplLwZphCpj-mZZKc0h8f-vMv0KiEpbqaNo6FMq84G8nRA29wm_lMZFU_FxHNFhlRaYRVHI-o-JNQORLdy09ze4iAE7xc9Br0NVfR1jow/s1600/Twilight+Sparkle_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmifFtrfy1t6VCUODZpwMpDzXcoisWs6gKrPicplLwZphCpj-mZZKc0h8f-vMv0KiEpbqaNo6FMq84G8nRA29wm_lMZFU_FxHNFhlRaYRVHI-o-JNQORLdy09ze4iAE7xc9Br0NVfR1jow/s400/Twilight+Sparkle_005.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3aHW8cb2p5Qoa8L2zHAFiNm471YMM0qAkureZKeWA45HCC6xeJk7sdftSM3ee6ec5daKuNuHJtvOVuyWPfue70EPvSELCvqAJt6IUxKw5tVu_j0vyr6dw-j2rn22BBgCyT_f-eDFZVQk/s1600/Twilight+Sparkle_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3aHW8cb2p5Qoa8L2zHAFiNm471YMM0qAkureZKeWA45HCC6xeJk7sdftSM3ee6ec5daKuNuHJtvOVuyWPfue70EPvSELCvqAJt6IUxKw5tVu_j0vyr6dw-j2rn22BBgCyT_f-eDFZVQk/s640/Twilight+Sparkle_003.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For one of my first projects, I think she turned out pretty great. I know I have some learning still to do and if i made this again, I'd make some changes but i am pretty proud of her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After seeing one of my instagrams of the pony, a friend of mine asked me if I could make something for her. It was something I had never seen before but was able to find some similar <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/weeping-angel-statue">patterns</a> online. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntNVsEP30bPMvdU8JW0OqecAyMDnMa9YAGR1pvePTSxr8XaUAn2NoBW7ptUe2Yho6m79YGPaOpYsrN9pMdrsS41y8aAeJxCy2MH_osmoRm0PvpBUrPaMDGhHqnJyegF7wdrzMJHmkJmP9/s1600/CryingAngel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntNVsEP30bPMvdU8JW0OqecAyMDnMa9YAGR1pvePTSxr8XaUAn2NoBW7ptUe2Yho6m79YGPaOpYsrN9pMdrsS41y8aAeJxCy2MH_osmoRm0PvpBUrPaMDGhHqnJyegF7wdrzMJHmkJmP9/s640/CryingAngel.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am proud of myself for finally learning how to crochet. I see now why people think it is easier than knitting. Its definitely more versatile when creating items like the above. I love the look of knitted items but crochet definitely allows you to more easily make more complex looking items with basic stitches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you crochet or knit? If so, I'd love to see what you are working on or some patterns you love. Link them in the comments below or feel free to <a href="mailto:kimpossible76@gmail.com">email me</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a lovely week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8Nr2OfX-i5IOSKH8EdJZEWlAEwR_O6qnxc-yTWa3SSUpKmzCf3o49OPfozmkh5Lu5iYbJdZou9Niux-MNdBXHYOGarE6n8RKNYVo11KI0vJJ_BS9gmrr1OmbbWISNSc7IOwWFL1k0IZg/s1600/Signature+Kim+SIngledou%255Bb%255Dt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8Nr2OfX-i5IOSKH8EdJZEWlAEwR_O6qnxc-yTWa3SSUpKmzCf3o49OPfozmkh5Lu5iYbJdZou9Niux-MNdBXHYOGarE6n8RKNYVo11KI0vJJ_BS9gmrr1OmbbWISNSc7IOwWFL1k0IZg/s1600/Signature+Kim+SIngledou%255Bb%255Dt1.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-46684250711390562272013-04-01T08:25:00.000-04:002013-04-01T08:30:55.341-04:00Monday Meet Up 1 Year Anniversary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, Since its Brooke at <a href="http://www.coveredingrace.com/">Covered in Grace</a>'s One Year Anniversary of Monday Meet Up, I am co-hosting along with some other lovely ladies the meet up and a giveaway. Come on in and join!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="MMU-giveaway" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1404" height="175" src="http://www.coveredingrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/MMU-giveaway.jpg" width="600" />
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Hey Everyone!!</span></h3>
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It's time for another Monday Meet Up... and A GIVEAWAY!!!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's hard to believe that the Monday Meet Up has been going strong now for a year! You are all the reason that I keep it going. And I love browsing around all the blogs that are linked up. So, to say thank you and to celebrate a bit, I'm hosting a giveaway today!! There are some great prizes to be won and <strong>ONE WINNER TAKES ALL!! </strong></span></div>
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Be sure to link up your posts in the linky!! And...</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="meet our guest" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-725" height="50" src="http://www.coveredingrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/meet-our-guest.jpg" width="650" />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46R1PSJgbw6eZ5eFuLlUqbwEJEwaPXGxs1uKcTF28oLDJzFUIzN3LZlLGQFOqxlIEBrf6Id4VKrsH9FcVGFwpKnOkNvhd7DhLtqPQxztpZgKiI1fL-4Ofb2imXLBZpenlF9-_0dRHRUs/s1600/Snugie1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignright" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46R1PSJgbw6eZ5eFuLlUqbwEJEwaPXGxs1uKcTF28oLDJzFUIzN3LZlLGQFOqxlIEBrf6Id4VKrsH9FcVGFwpKnOkNvhd7DhLtqPQxztpZgKiI1fL-4Ofb2imXLBZpenlF9-_0dRHRUs/s640/Snugie1.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="388" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, that is me. In footed, hooded pajamas...wearing a snuggie...with a shake weight. If you own any of these things, we should definitely be friends. This picture captures a little bit about myself that I would like to share with you.
1. Shake weight: Although I got this as a gag gift and it resides under the couch for the most part, it does represent my <i>desire</i> to work out and <i>endeavors</i> to try to be\get in shape. (Notice how I said desire and endeavors, definitely not always successful, but I do blog about my attempts and failure.) I would love for you to join along and share our journey.
2. Snuggie: I got this, and I had no idea how much I would use it. My husband always keeps our apartment super, duper cold! My snuggie definitely comes in handy for me! Don't make fun!
3. Footed\Hooded Pajamas: Did you know that they make this for adults? They are so comfy to sleep and lounge around in. If you read my blog briefly, you will know I am a big fan of comfort--Comfort food, comfortable clothes. Comfort is key.
Do you own anything that is potentially embarrassing?? Care to share?
Come on by and introduce yourself. I would love to meet you!
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<a href="http://angelabrabon.blogspot.com/" title="Living Pretty "><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Living Pretty " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8swOqyUpecwqqFPg821uS-5Ov28GvNF6Ul_HcZ8h1B8ofDUC5zYyMsyxLMzMFrFdqRKG6A_fGbR9EJI1SsP2iL-BWlgVwPFDRe8pHT-NIeEEgxz5tII9e4Ilk-1xePcdrfcPxWtxTCM/s1600/wedding.jpg" style="border: none;" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="77" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/355/0BFE10C9A644AC5ACA62C5FEBE928FD4.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px none !important;" width="121" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="back to CiG" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-726" height="50" src="http://www.coveredingrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/back-to-CiG.jpg" width="650" /></span></div>
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Alright yall, are you ready for the Giveaway Things?</span></h2>
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First thing's first...I've got a few necessary rules to share.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You must link up a post in the Monday Meet Up linky to be eligible to enter.
You must display the Monday Meet Up Button on your linked post to be eligible to enter.
The Giveaway Raffle is open to US residents ONLY.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-90065316788710583632013-03-28T11:00:00.000-04:002013-03-28T11:00:01.101-04:00Shaking Things Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">As growing believers, we all go through dark times. Times when we feel like the Lord is far from where we are. For some its filled with doubt, some its filled with anger, some with fear and some its just deafening silence. I have definitely been in those places. Sometimes all of them at the same time. I've really called on God to come through on some things just to feel like I am alone in the silence. These "things" weren't all together selfish. Some were very real, very deep prayers for my spiritual growth or for other people. Areas I felt the Lord would be interested in.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-_O0OKL7PnTMUSBzjWIjiVwKIBooG4ZdLFhyphenhyphensVFrVZpNU89jGdefiAy_kD1rd66V_rX7lVrUX9xyWXB5oKn6Vu3wLRPh-kavHgcm8sXLT_8GhrTY7KrNSUz9ASmKDN4X2VtRJiKoAwtO/s1600/Silence5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-_O0OKL7PnTMUSBzjWIjiVwKIBooG4ZdLFhyphenhyphensVFrVZpNU89jGdefiAy_kD1rd66V_rX7lVrUX9xyWXB5oKn6Vu3wLRPh-kavHgcm8sXLT_8GhrTY7KrNSUz9ASmKDN4X2VtRJiKoAwtO/s640/Silence5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lately, I have really wanted to throw my hands up and say "SHOW UP." Somewhere deep inside I think I always knew He was there but my faith was waining, my resolve was all but empty. I couldn't understand why the Lord wasn't revealing himself in more real ways. I wanted Him to stir my heart. I wanted him to awaken my soul. Yet, i kept finding myself deeper and deeper in a world without his voice. </span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWFyezLjuam8pMHoknC8CjtD6UnmvhsA_o1XuXIMV17-oewPQdo199YcGcIBx-hD6wvDky_NwThyphenhyphen7vYqugkyNLWr5hnXxRZyMZhOVasvRCd8PAeOXyU4OJce8aBqOe5QQMWn-2UA0mfoz/s1600/Silence4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWFyezLjuam8pMHoknC8CjtD6UnmvhsA_o1XuXIMV17-oewPQdo199YcGcIBx-hD6wvDky_NwThyphenhyphen7vYqugkyNLWr5hnXxRZyMZhOVasvRCd8PAeOXyU4OJce8aBqOe5QQMWn-2UA0mfoz/s640/Silence4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were some things in myself and in others around me that I knew He needed to change. I felt strongly, and I thought scripture backed it up, that we couldn't do it on our own, that He needed to be at the heart of it. Still there was Silence. Nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTPe0rQQ_lP-xoy9gW7msMZKZSPdC36gZp4nXn2Se4w015QpWsuMgPd30nXsy-vq2H-RyiBjXXtg8Ccv-Tz33P9dSIoZooJMfQLOgYdrsGEj_zoUt_ZeauR4QiYY0vw8BETI_BPbi8oCF/s1600/Silence3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTPe0rQQ_lP-xoy9gW7msMZKZSPdC36gZp4nXn2Se4w015QpWsuMgPd30nXsy-vq2H-RyiBjXXtg8Ccv-Tz33P9dSIoZooJMfQLOgYdrsGEj_zoUt_ZeauR4QiYY0vw8BETI_BPbi8oCF/s640/Silence3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wasn't truly seeking his heart, but I also was in a place where i didn't even know how to do that. I needed Him to give me a kick in the pants and was fervently asking Him to do it. I was becoming more and more aware of the fact that I COULD NOT do this on my own and was trusting and hoping he'd come through.</span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4BgjgikokuavojsoblJCN88yVZvcp5qEciA0RAAC_o-iZsTB6LGj2TtsXQzFDTK0UAwn9RfTLq-7Dqph9XsGwHMkfjafYH9NMNROq82m6T4wg0CMadL2Ob37N4jLG-IBciX9PRLuMCIa/s1600/Silence2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4BgjgikokuavojsoblJCN88yVZvcp5qEciA0RAAC_o-iZsTB6LGj2TtsXQzFDTK0UAwn9RfTLq-7Dqph9XsGwHMkfjafYH9NMNROq82m6T4wg0CMadL2Ob37N4jLG-IBciX9PRLuMCIa/s640/Silence2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This week, I suddenly started to see just how in motion he was. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Thoughts and desires I had were being displayed in very public ways. The visions of leaders and pastors were, sometimes from the pulpit, expressing the desire for change and renewal that I was desperate for. Devotions that I had long since given up on were speaking right to the heart of my hopes and fears. I was getting a tiny glimpse of what God is doing. He is totally and completely stirring things up. He wasn't silent before. He was just working in the background, preparing me and so many others for what he was doing in the hearts and lives of the church, the city.</span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlqcU_vDsHhQW0pH-axMIG1DPtrB_NF0RT4ImgGG6WbKzAwQKmdYdrKvltqfuCHEJkxGNTZkqqmjp1ZYiJjQ_lRqr_Mr_xRdzcV_D5HHBCigl_D00zzUKexDHsKPeCkaQDoFlH_nSLIei/s1600/Silence1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlqcU_vDsHhQW0pH-axMIG1DPtrB_NF0RT4ImgGG6WbKzAwQKmdYdrKvltqfuCHEJkxGNTZkqqmjp1ZYiJjQ_lRqr_Mr_xRdzcV_D5HHBCigl_D00zzUKexDHsKPeCkaQDoFlH_nSLIei/s640/Silence1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-1444395740323288402013-03-27T21:49:00.000-04:002013-03-27T21:49:15.652-04:00Exploring My Neighborhood<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was asked this week to take some pictures of some key identifiers of my neighborhood. After a meeting this morning my camera and I went for a walk. I had a great time not only shooting, but seeing my neighborhood from a different point of few. The meeting along with this little journey today has me super excited about the future.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKymusvjgDC14oqCpmRnHkq0vxxXwkKed4rFCWdRQuCFsrURBEDkLibeDAleYkv8L5RRGeKek1yfqAFpTxmwk8PmCHsrUEZ5ZS6h3yHWS_d8_ANZtg2Pew6PasVXd7hbPsaY-HSk-ZycjK/s1600/Washington+Heights+Colage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKymusvjgDC14oqCpmRnHkq0vxxXwkKed4rFCWdRQuCFsrURBEDkLibeDAleYkv8L5RRGeKek1yfqAFpTxmwk8PmCHsrUEZ5ZS6h3yHWS_d8_ANZtg2Pew6PasVXd7hbPsaY-HSk-ZycjK/s640/Washington+Heights+Colage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-H7-mWDK1-Z9Xjx5Eub_3qqckpX5J735nadu0pM46PjhZUXSilImReAcY_MQaOF5C1OKaJ4OXCKrDUo75heuMPgiRL5Xilmgeque7KBVar98TAngjGHD2t-poJc1Po8DdCLVgm_vEVE5/s1600/Washington+Heights+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-H7-mWDK1-Z9Xjx5Eub_3qqckpX5J735nadu0pM46PjhZUXSilImReAcY_MQaOF5C1OKaJ4OXCKrDUo75heuMPgiRL5Xilmgeque7KBVar98TAngjGHD2t-poJc1Po8DdCLVgm_vEVE5/s640/Washington+Heights+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-84531299020047673782013-03-26T11:13:00.000-04:002013-03-26T11:13:00.660-04:00Our Words Have Meaning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I am a firm believer that we should always be students. Life s full of lessons and we have a choice to learn in those moments or stay in a land of immaturity, </span><span style="font-size: large;">naivety</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">, and ignorance. If we are honest with ourselves we all take the latter road at one point or another. Life or someone in our life may call us on where we are and we may choose to make excuses to stay just where we are. And if we are lucky, life, or the people in our lives, will continue to stick by us even as we live in a state of ignorance. If we are believers our relationship with Christ is hopefully that voice that steers us towards truth. Sometimes our selfishness or our patterns keep us from seeing or hearing that voice. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1HaF-vDqpokwO11pl2kRycXwl3Brz6V5fH1GPp_SdHm8cs32fjj_ERDo9Bojmhm8lysvnaGfoUtb1QubgIvAIHzYBihXFyt0ErxLW0oKOntDg5n7sVKFk2fbftCB5Kb2IeczTDnFVlOL/s1600/Hurtful+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1HaF-vDqpokwO11pl2kRycXwl3Brz6V5fH1GPp_SdHm8cs32fjj_ERDo9Bojmhm8lysvnaGfoUtb1QubgIvAIHzYBihXFyt0ErxLW0oKOntDg5n7sVKFk2fbftCB5Kb2IeczTDnFVlOL/s640/Hurtful+words.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I've definitely been there lately. I've chosen the latter, sometimes intentionally and sometimes just simply stuck in my ignorance. One of the voices I've been hearing lately is the one gently correcting me as I rant and rave about the "issues" in my life. If I feel I've been wronged or misunderstood then I complain to someone I trust. Then that complaint seems validated because I feel better and somewhat confirmed in what I've said. Very rarely do I address the issue head on but rather I complain the feelings into life. I give them feet and hands sometimes. I start looking at the source of my complaint as the thorn in my flesh instead of the gift they are from God. I no longer look for reconciliation or renewal rather I look for ways to avoid and reject responsibility. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I am a person who believes the bible is the true word of God and is, among other things, meant to aid and guide us in the way of our Lord Jesus. I believe every word is God breathed and with purpose. I'll be the first to admit I don't get all or much of it and I scratch my head as to the reason for some of it but I also believe those parts have purpose and meaning only the Lord can truly understand. Given that, I often feel like I have a voice and live a life of a hypocrite because in my actions I am living blatantly outside of what his word speaks to. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My words are not edifying. They don't bring renewal or truth. They are only used to advance my agenda and my desires. As I was thinking lately about how abrasive my words can be, I've had a few verses pop into mind. As I sat down to look them up I was reminded of the weight of those verses and the impact they can have. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcS9Y-qwst5r9UNY58ilRix-ADa6KmAa-Yr6cgX8qVqT-tOMFgUf-9Mr7Kiik2KuEtPjJiF1etxxhAV4igMhbjlBD5AaNUldL-vphHAzxBQD51XGqnOAGOvQxX5pEAmnlYJ8NJnyd-aB93/s1600/Ephesians+4+1-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcS9Y-qwst5r9UNY58ilRix-ADa6KmAa-Yr6cgX8qVqT-tOMFgUf-9Mr7Kiik2KuEtPjJiF1etxxhAV4igMhbjlBD5AaNUldL-vphHAzxBQD51XGqnOAGOvQxX5pEAmnlYJ8NJnyd-aB93/s640/Ephesians+4+1-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_llEB3xclvfN0pElpQEf2zatCF_iX7NmYW11kt5iZ4dwEJrmv961Bk7eacxlZPq3LuOJstPyHlBWRA9lWuPjFzU2UDhc0_3Ey3KsWFScF9tvaS4w59CU1NTXg3K4EADl88fp9fUKg6Zr/s1600/Philippians+4+4-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_llEB3xclvfN0pElpQEf2zatCF_iX7NmYW11kt5iZ4dwEJrmv961Bk7eacxlZPq3LuOJstPyHlBWRA9lWuPjFzU2UDhc0_3Ey3KsWFScF9tvaS4w59CU1NTXg3K4EADl88fp9fUKg6Zr/s640/Philippians+4+4-9.jpg" width="640" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPG2cSFL8Mz20FHJWPVOvRI5r5qhz1JcmFP9PpAn5k-KM6jO9SdPZQDVaPKkc2ZbSG3mZ29HjoyXQHSDMFHE2rc4bSbOzYZX9XF0IjdHmOvwd2WX66iHgwvd2vRuYxjNsYtS6N5WLHkwU/s1600/James+1+19-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPG2cSFL8Mz20FHJWPVOvRI5r5qhz1JcmFP9PpAn5k-KM6jO9SdPZQDVaPKkc2ZbSG3mZ29HjoyXQHSDMFHE2rc4bSbOzYZX9XF0IjdHmOvwd2WX66iHgwvd2vRuYxjNsYtS6N5WLHkwU/s640/James+1+19-27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The latter verse strikes a special chord in me! How easily our tongues can destroy any witness we have of the goodness of the lord! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The thought that started this process happened as I heard myself rant to someone very close to me. I trust this person never to repeat the hurtful things I was spewing but as I was talking I imagined a speaker being hooked up to me without me knowing it and screaming these sad words to the people I never really wanted to hear them. Just how hurt they would be. Then I imagined their hearts breaking at the pettiness I was displaying when a simple conversation would have awoken us all to the pain being experienced. I started to hear the pettiness, the miss represented behaviors and the lies in what I was feeling and in what I was saying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As a Christian, God calls us to a higher standard. One that represents his desire for renewal, righteousness and peace, not one of selfish ambition, one upmanship and pride. Finding your way out from under the pile of waste built up over years of bad habits, false ideas and sin seems so daunting. Clinging to the One who brings revival of the spirit and the soul is my only choice and it's one I yearn to have. Choosing to no longer sit idle in the pattern of indifference is my next step; refusing to let spiritual laziness have its hold on me is my next goal. </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-34896764466104639592013-03-25T10:16:00.002-04:002013-03-25T10:16:46.820-04:00Slowing Down, New Ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the Christmas holiday, my little etsy shop took off. I was pretty overwhelmed by the amount of sales I had. Keeping up was proving to be a challenge. Once the New Year came, I thought things would slow down significantly but i still had a steady flow of orders. My biggest sellers were my cowls and scarves. Now that spring is <strike>around the corner</strike> here, those orders have dropped off significantly. This, I am hoping, will give me some time to try new things. I'd love to expand my inventory to other items. I do have some items but they aren't huge sellers. Items like my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/90118977/textured-dish-scrubbies-set-of-3-various?ref=shop_home_active">scrubbies</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/90120366/set-of-3-wash-cloths-various-color">dish towels</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98?section_id=12457239">toys</a> and my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98?section_id=10775651">photography</a>. My biggest non scarf seller is my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/84079974/reusable-swiffer-covers-various-colors?ref=shop_home_feat">swiffer covers</a>. I've loved experimenting with colors on those.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNJ3BXTP_LYlUqYLx_F79Ts3f4SHA5JFu7WdSo-RusB6YpMXIJbVOKjmjofQWZdPozQEiXvP0QI03v43KP028kzI9rTb6FPMr90nXQjWqKbh6x1JYZTv-2luOaMoL-wtk8CUlv1jQKWFO/s1600/Etsy+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNJ3BXTP_LYlUqYLx_F79Ts3f4SHA5JFu7WdSo-RusB6YpMXIJbVOKjmjofQWZdPozQEiXvP0QI03v43KP028kzI9rTb6FPMr90nXQjWqKbh6x1JYZTv-2luOaMoL-wtk8CUlv1jQKWFO/s640/Etsy+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been exploring on Pinterest and other sites trying to find my next project or idea. I love a challenge and I love to learn new things. So I thought I'd show you some items I want to begin working on this spring. Some are ones I can figure out on my own and others I will have to find just the right pattern to explore with. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x6J3SLTCPjv7_YTtDTtnKxE8N5r5CtkK3FbKY3aRmOfhwn45qtssN2xSGQuWNZ4Wh4FZvRa98C8J6k_dsrg6d88wjUE3Na-6YTo12NV4nlI9qBhPsL3b63UL-gxsQ-iiuOWD3aHcXd9Q/s1600/More+Baby+Items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x6J3SLTCPjv7_YTtDTtnKxE8N5r5CtkK3FbKY3aRmOfhwn45qtssN2xSGQuWNZ4Wh4FZvRa98C8J6k_dsrg6d88wjUE3Na-6YTo12NV4nlI9qBhPsL3b63UL-gxsQ-iiuOWD3aHcXd9Q/s640/More+Baby+Items.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c/o <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438566479955">Knitting-bee.com</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438566479921/">bysmallmeans.wordpress.com</a>, & <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438566487389/">craftisart.com</a> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/kmcilrath/knit-and-sew/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFw-yfJAvYFIz8dn3GWBOEDwQJ4_Tx6j8SZSEbNLg7eR0OW07z8tIowznRJxdJs-o7d9W7Km-4LN2Fiptj_35wa6k-WX8ci79KkPWWdt9PMdM4eWunPjVuEjTvhuRRVJlteM7vMAbH0Ub/s640/Baby+Clothing+Knit+patterns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c/o <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438566487461/">deramores.com</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438566479917/">http://jadoreknitting.blogspot.com</a>, & <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438566487544/">knitty.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/kmcilrath/knit-and-sew/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfni9oQORZiGNnuVJNTojCBEkuayU32iq2nZP3KjIm-ie8cqN-H9CDyiEP6yx6gJvhFkH83ZT-NgDOPug1wHsnBsXAl13oUt0uwE_tpDAokZHh2Fm8tRd0I6F2o1fOQCHJwugALLKZcTRJ/s640/Cozies.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c/o <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438566487377/">itzbirch.blogspot.com.au</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438566487392/">ravelry.com</a>, & <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/137852438566487362/">knitingirl.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are in the mood to shop, stop by my little corner of the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98">shopisphere</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CityGirlCreations98">City Girl Creations</a>. Use the code <span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>SPRING15</b></span> for 15% Off your next order.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-52722404826777739842013-03-18T03:30:00.000-04:002013-03-18T03:30:04.962-04:00March Madness Birthday Celebration With Big Apple Mami<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's a March Madness Birthday Celebration over at <a href="http://bigapplemami.net/">Big Apple Mami</a> and I'm joining 16 other bloggers to celebrate and give you an awesome prize! </span></center>
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There are actually several reasons Kristina at </span><a href="http://bigapplemami.net/"><span style="font-size: large;">Big Apple Mami</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> is celebrating this month including two birthdays, an 11th wedding anniversary and her sweet little 1 month old, Mateo who was supposed to be born in March, but arrived on Valentine's Day instead! :)</span></span></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbkh97uYUHM1Vz4mX07PyMpGvR4-3fQ8Ag6hGba5eO72mzI8Opu6HON8A_M-mBZ0alFC3hwmpVFTHczhATqDk4FVINtvM6GGFodRcQJ8EPk5eC-yhs8TwWZzZbFHl7JahBws6oY3Gitw/s1600/march+madness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbkh97uYUHM1Vz4mX07PyMpGvR4-3fQ8Ag6hGba5eO72mzI8Opu6HON8A_M-mBZ0alFC3hwmpVFTHczhATqDk4FVINtvM6GGFodRcQJ8EPk5eC-yhs8TwWZzZbFHl7JahBws6oY3Gitw/s640/march+madness.jpg" width="614" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So let's party!!! </span></b></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio1F6TVRybQl-2xD2nKQ7cMAw-aJmMOPGMZ8OlLU7vl4S2-0U_7lPrFYDiE5xc5bjmfXOoe4-DEWbN44X9z_UE5Jo-fFDVg9UC01PlpgELeM2oEKR8YvpYcycVfShw9rLddY8RuB0Z-c/s1600/verismogiveawaycollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio1F6TVRybQl-2xD2nKQ7cMAw-aJmMOPGMZ8OlLU7vl4S2-0U_7lPrFYDiE5xc5bjmfXOoe4-DEWbN44X9z_UE5Jo-fFDVg9UC01PlpgELeM2oEKR8YvpYcycVfShw9rLddY8RuB0Z-c/s640/verismogiveawaycollage.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></center>
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This Giveaway will run from March 18th - March 28th (Kristina's actual birthday) and once all entries have been verified, the winner will be announced.</span></center>
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Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win! </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Good luck and Happy Entering! </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e11c8030/" id="rc-e11c8030" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472061508584304554.post-82041036690768952292013-03-15T13:35:00.001-04:002013-03-15T13:35:22.661-04:00Palmolive Fresh Infusions Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Back in January, I received my </span><a href="http://bit.ly/101WrXn" style="font-family: inherit;">Influenster</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> box of </span><a href="http://bit.ly/VMwX1V" style="font-family: inherit;">Palmolive Fresh Infusion</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> dish soaps. I knew they were coming but when I opened the box, i was surprised to see large bottles of soap! I was super excited to give them a whirl.</span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBbK18MOQxAMCzPwEf6bbMfvaVZjTurGKpn29MQKC0moyDKqxiYfo3AKHBQfXPrleTLbvXrAx3STMY4Yk8PYI8gPbih-mDaj6pZlFeVHZAraEaZI_qPmyjzQVAhDo3HHm3c6va6ngucx5/s1600/2013-01-11+11.23.06.jpg" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBbK18MOQxAMCzPwEf6bbMfvaVZjTurGKpn29MQKC0moyDKqxiYfo3AKHBQfXPrleTLbvXrAx3STMY4Yk8PYI8gPbih-mDaj6pZlFeVHZAraEaZI_qPmyjzQVAhDo3HHm3c6va6ngucx5/s320/2013-01-11+11.23.06.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I picked the first scent based on what I assumed would be my favorite. Because the bottles were so big, i realized soon that this was going to be a bad idea. I needed to try the other scents but I was already in love with the first one. </span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoO3GkZh7iM2N7K2SJXx7BkG3sP3ABgsbRsjVuNKO8LQazJhSALmjmYH3YsiQrXSIqUYB92fcx1-T_OEDpzHpswHcZ6RpYEfObvfsTAMGSbog1bbE-mdGdp-_XASzYBdxQddqZzlHM5BG/s1600/2013-01-11+13.36.06.jpg" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoO3GkZh7iM2N7K2SJXx7BkG3sP3ABgsbRsjVuNKO8LQazJhSALmjmYH3YsiQrXSIqUYB92fcx1-T_OEDpzHpswHcZ6RpYEfObvfsTAMGSbog1bbE-mdGdp-_XASzYBdxQddqZzlHM5BG/s640/2013-01-11+13.36.06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">We don't have a dishwasher, so finding a soap that works well and smells good is a challenge. My biggest need in a soap is its concentration. I tried getting a cheaper soap once but found that i ran through it too fast. One squirt of soap in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/90118977/textured-dish-scrubbies-set-of-3-various">dish scrubby</a> washed only about 2 dishes. That won't work for me. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">That wasn't the case for the </span><a href="http://bit.ly/VMwX1V" style="font-family: inherit;">Palmolive Fresh Infusions</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> soap. I did the entire set seen above with one nickel to quarter sized squirt of the soap. That to me is SCORE #1 for a soap. </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IfshIlzBgOtKY2jprAMZvqYBYB2zbiu2aHsHFluxdKEsIkdeKTxVrEuoR73PRvnr-KzE5pbJ4pqRPdox6b8J43AHYker1qH_SoGqm7wrlQKH1nsAYqFdEny9kTaMMEYetlzbD_YcnV4b/s1600/Palmolive+Review+2.jpg" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IfshIlzBgOtKY2jprAMZvqYBYB2zbiu2aHsHFluxdKEsIkdeKTxVrEuoR73PRvnr-KzE5pbJ4pqRPdox6b8J43AHYker1qH_SoGqm7wrlQKH1nsAYqFdEny9kTaMMEYetlzbD_YcnV4b/s640/Palmolive+Review+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">We were given three scents. Lime Basil, Lemon Thyme, & Ginger White Tea. I am not a huge fruit scent girl. I like floral and clean scents. The issue lies in that my roommate likes the fruit flavors and not so much the others. My favorite was the Ginger White Tea, by far! In mid February I left for vacation and asked my roommate to try out the other two. She did! I wish I had remembered to take a picture of her chalkboard review. It was pretty comical. Her favorite was the Lime Basil mainly because it reminder her of her summers with Lime Popsicles! The Ginger white Tea, in her words, smelled too fancy to be a dish soap. </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Nqx5Q-xPuoilewGUTmER4p4UOXzcuuNmtcS7CPnqDZwdNef4rA3HoeeIAhQmv81RKIKGjeDFlgTJ3obxxvovWPSeSiQ-Nvw9tXFe1qijqojKY9ZK6GudeyLzw2y9L88p6H0AP_M_DJ9n/s1600/Palmolive+Review+1.jpg" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Nqx5Q-xPuoilewGUTmER4p4UOXzcuuNmtcS7CPnqDZwdNef4rA3HoeeIAhQmv81RKIKGjeDFlgTJ3obxxvovWPSeSiQ-Nvw9tXFe1qijqojKY9ZK6GudeyLzw2y9L88p6H0AP_M_DJ9n/s640/Palmolive+Review+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because the concentration is so amazing, we haven't had the need to buy more but it will definitely go on our list... at least I think so. I did try looking for it in the store the other day to see if buying it was even and option. It wasn't sold in the store near me but that's really not surprising. If I am serious about this stuff, i might have to hunt it out. You can definitely find it at <a href="http://www.walmart.com/">Walmart</a>, unfortunately there isn't one close to me. But if you are close to </span>Walmart<span style="font-family: inherit;">, pick one up!</span></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Disclaimer - <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 19px;">I did receive this product complimentary through Influenster but the comments and opionions of this product are soley my own and the opinions of those in my household.</span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">/Users/kimmcilrath/Downloads/pinterest-56993.html</div>Kim McIlrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359682117751441519noreply@blogger.com0