tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11054049768120978672024-03-14T06:56:44.920-05:00Living the Good Life...One Day at a TimeMandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-2207075962446108562011-12-07T11:05:00.000-06:002011-12-07T11:05:48.493-06:00Oh! Tannenbaum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtw29m3xsXil2MvioKBSQH3WOlHn7LLEfT1sHszqfYoSrHKoLiNc9Am_V29i7xIiciGldBb4NrZWVChqHrvb0grVSJkK3AC85OxwPYbTY2VBG6fGH5ljYUsIt1bz93TltXBaAZq2uYn8aU/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We head to Swedenburg's Tree Farm to cut down our tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAngA_DStXZzfFG7zKCBKxMS0oZsaIxsMAUnZ1AAXckuMGowJQGLSrtJC7nKN3jSxoryDrccTGySKZKHfpIRVLmphsVByZgKkTkzJxAGFkZRObpqSiDzu1Vdi72UPJxJo5NvHsthZLDgy/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAngA_DStXZzfFG7zKCBKxMS0oZsaIxsMAUnZ1AAXckuMGowJQGLSrtJC7nKN3jSxoryDrccTGySKZKHfpIRVLmphsVByZgKkTkzJxAGFkZRObpqSiDzu1Vdi72UPJxJo5NvHsthZLDgy/s320/037.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXFb0tFgAIwwuQg1vXYHSNoPuoMiT6gYCgLmjYQLvZFTfF9yr8ZoVUTZCZbbMrbhjxukZ7B5sh4Ec3WkF4dfUe_rkjq1EhRKb9pp5NSvBp6eCeY2p_RdDmbFlM9rquptcavmEkzChdI9A/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXFb0tFgAIwwuQg1vXYHSNoPuoMiT6gYCgLmjYQLvZFTfF9yr8ZoVUTZCZbbMrbhjxukZ7B5sh4Ec3WkF4dfUe_rkjq1EhRKb9pp5NSvBp6eCeY2p_RdDmbFlM9rquptcavmEkzChdI9A/s320/038.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We finally found the perfect one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdfZgqcpcry87g0lhrRmLN8qyWX4xMW7UvUHZcLBXPdWvTs5bfQhfjrNQdk9-V5WrOr93AyIg_miJFDcnHyUJ0WOBRpfwvgBd5yojLzC7H9zpKzoZ_V3H1_tyc7tqoseOPaOakKRuYDZ-/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdfZgqcpcry87g0lhrRmLN8qyWX4xMW7UvUHZcLBXPdWvTs5bfQhfjrNQdk9-V5WrOr93AyIg_miJFDcnHyUJ0WOBRpfwvgBd5yojLzC7H9zpKzoZ_V3H1_tyc7tqoseOPaOakKRuYDZ-/s320/039.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1aee4yIBjW5JyDuEmghhRDQ3RuAqt2k-VbwbdbHDin2bb8q80acbvjwZGyS5Ykkm4XSh4Y_E3wcY68m-7HODmwLdhzN5Ny7wb7FU8u5ahJA6AgrVFSFs6d8jzgkcKNSA0GhbecFghXjS/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1aee4yIBjW5JyDuEmghhRDQ3RuAqt2k-VbwbdbHDin2bb8q80acbvjwZGyS5Ykkm4XSh4Y_E3wcY68m-7HODmwLdhzN5Ny7wb7FU8u5ahJA6AgrVFSFs6d8jzgkcKNSA0GhbecFghXjS/s320/042.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> While Will and Tripp cut down the tree, all Charlie wanted to do was fuss about wearing his jacket and try to take it off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sb_Ewa0WjRc4G9-EAsEuPzuKhf0iF5ed2qRBOQiUnNvDTh8d2PnB5koYXqW1KfyclFlOM3hdvSH_WOFJZVUZL20AO5g9kqG_WvDr2n4WXwZik32_tpoE4Du7XMtxWxZQrKMxtxAi35LP/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sb_Ewa0WjRc4G9-EAsEuPzuKhf0iF5ed2qRBOQiUnNvDTh8d2PnB5koYXqW1KfyclFlOM3hdvSH_WOFJZVUZL20AO5g9kqG_WvDr2n4WXwZik32_tpoE4Du7XMtxWxZQrKMxtxAi35LP/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhcveMgCBumue5oQNkFHXUkgyQF3Xl8Fyk_jLw_KAUY1fz5Ix2cAIO5PW7AQSlzsnjWIle0zCyxgn5vfvmY4fhH1X4NnQPMziRhj3KKb20M74C278Z2Bx5rEyrH4a5TAm9uq-Ko60kKV8/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhcveMgCBumue5oQNkFHXUkgyQF3Xl8Fyk_jLw_KAUY1fz5Ix2cAIO5PW7AQSlzsnjWIle0zCyxgn5vfvmY4fhH1X4NnQPMziRhj3KKb20M74C278Z2Bx5rEyrH4a5TAm9uq-Ko60kKV8/s320/054.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> certain he can carry it himself...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIssUWTOFRN3NElEhVVCd7e2DM2MI2htr9cQQT8f7tQRXYWvRSkgUrzWDQh34fHmYe2i8tD17NVP88uV2-keWY0haIWmuipOwAUlfHoJKSFGVUMR84CCxv9otkG-4u7BKliwiMNRM_XdVf/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIssUWTOFRN3NElEhVVCd7e2DM2MI2htr9cQQT8f7tQRXYWvRSkgUrzWDQh34fHmYe2i8tD17NVP88uV2-keWY0haIWmuipOwAUlfHoJKSFGVUMR84CCxv9otkG-4u7BKliwiMNRM_XdVf/s320/055.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zw3mRUroU6zlHAbpQGuHgYbmAYyZbCB66Gii4ZxqF6X6kyf3PodkLZvaafLszVhBgNAozblpOivvvkPW5gzm-wvtnVpkFJAAdepAru4EARRrbx84rRo5k-nwnDjbnJTc4eBAFX-TvFDA/s1600/062edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zw3mRUroU6zlHAbpQGuHgYbmAYyZbCB66Gii4ZxqF6X6kyf3PodkLZvaafLszVhBgNAozblpOivvvkPW5gzm-wvtnVpkFJAAdepAru4EARRrbx84rRo5k-nwnDjbnJTc4eBAFX-TvFDA/s320/062edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a fun afternoon and pics coming soon of our tree decorated!</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-11454613903757488602011-10-30T08:35:00.003-05:002011-12-07T10:34:23.181-06:00Brrr...<div style="text-align: center;">We've gone from 80 & 90 degree days down to chilly temps rather quickly.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In an attempt to not cut on the heater just yet, we've had to build a couple a fires in the fireplace.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not that I'm complaining about that...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tripp quickly reminded us that "one time, last winter we roasted marshmallows in the fireplace. We should really do that again, huh?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I'm a sucker and I bought freaking marshmallows.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tfl8ALwznTa04D7-8chr1X0dUNjiKoBHMKjxnkqlA7bISizqrUS1rOXqJPI9YJXfyPkTPAj8r1lyzYeYMBxLT2KRuVihpxo-BZP8LRN7ZbWjapNVCvyevyzfiI9rMBy7Z9wLBOOWL1Pl/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tfl8ALwznTa04D7-8chr1X0dUNjiKoBHMKjxnkqlA7bISizqrUS1rOXqJPI9YJXfyPkTPAj8r1lyzYeYMBxLT2KRuVihpxo-BZP8LRN7ZbWjapNVCvyevyzfiI9rMBy7Z9wLBOOWL1Pl/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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***<i>Wow! How neglectful I've been of my blog! I found this never submitted post from the end of October...I should really stop slacking!!***</i></div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-80268013405649515262011-10-30T08:10:00.000-05:002011-10-30T08:10:54.714-05:00The Makings of a Gnome Cave<div style="text-align: center;">We had several rainy days in a row a couple of weeks ago and the boys were stir crazy!</div><div style="text-align: center;">In an effort to save all of our sanity, I pulled these pop up tunnels out for us to build an obstacle course.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Leave to my creative sillies to make their own creation...</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Gnome Cave</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_NQzWNI5zBhRyF4CTGt93sfuunutiSvzpUDCfCE6V0Gse2TcKMs_NEKwe4wO9kTBCXqVMC2YHrxa908ywVnI5vImAtoPPbKchkCOXIAsEmnvdRhK9FvL_H2S93oC4Mm5zjWnmYjjtnjT/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_NQzWNI5zBhRyF4CTGt93sfuunutiSvzpUDCfCE6V0Gse2TcKMs_NEKwe4wO9kTBCXqVMC2YHrxa908ywVnI5vImAtoPPbKchkCOXIAsEmnvdRhK9FvL_H2S93oC4Mm5zjWnmYjjtnjT/s320/009.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The tunnels led into the "cave" that ended at their nature shelf with all their gnomes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr8eLk5GKKyAOa-birc6DLClxmCHZSeQGNJUp2EO4u2Zd9WgQyJ2VjpnN3eM80pLrEZUh9rNIVLDhVhT1blwoHk8oxGahA0UvZK_z79R98prAgzQrRQiRlhpIh6WTBYCKQvMDmmNf7Abn/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr8eLk5GKKyAOa-birc6DLClxmCHZSeQGNJUp2EO4u2Zd9WgQyJ2VjpnN3eM80pLrEZUh9rNIVLDhVhT1blwoHk8oxGahA0UvZK_z79R98prAgzQrRQiRlhpIh6WTBYCKQvMDmmNf7Abn/s320/010.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38HZNo9tUFm3-hlGwTvdLWPxoRXqGHV6p7mhLPMiPBDkor4sa7ED6muCH9nLKhMymELg5lHM0LiAG9jWzkdFJ8uTQYUuH66GBtwMrQv_1wOr0sfxKTTrmVccDDqJh5VkQvG3LGEFyNRbv/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38HZNo9tUFm3-hlGwTvdLWPxoRXqGHV6p7mhLPMiPBDkor4sa7ED6muCH9nLKhMymELg5lHM0LiAG9jWzkdFJ8uTQYUuH66GBtwMrQv_1wOr0sfxKTTrmVccDDqJh5VkQvG3LGEFyNRbv/s320/011.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQJZYDXIaOOwEdRK_n37AIpe2Hm1umkoOz5r5ZkFagXCxONAxrYvCMx-mVMJNp7otEc7Q3eSWr_JAeSjVZrt_aPTuRtCCOmjoyUiQffwhmiZKNxzzImaIykSHT4V_p94ir7qNWsZdeIzA/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQJZYDXIaOOwEdRK_n37AIpe2Hm1umkoOz5r5ZkFagXCxONAxrYvCMx-mVMJNp7otEc7Q3eSWr_JAeSjVZrt_aPTuRtCCOmjoyUiQffwhmiZKNxzzImaIykSHT4V_p94ir7qNWsZdeIzA/s320/012.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Some of which are flying gnomes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EcM5_uSrxY7drcS8YPm4D-QnJ7nF0nfso27P3002-zIx-etQQTj5TgudH9JVlfbrK5bL5aAWfttK7hy5Lf5jGAXg2bTmgrBPxUEPxmDDDtg1z8I4sQK4_qHFNhEFc19Dtq1MW23abdM1/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EcM5_uSrxY7drcS8YPm4D-QnJ7nF0nfso27P3002-zIx-etQQTj5TgudH9JVlfbrK5bL5aAWfttK7hy5Lf5jGAXg2bTmgrBPxUEPxmDDDtg1z8I4sQK4_qHFNhEFc19Dtq1MW23abdM1/s320/013.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Toddlers, dinosaurs & gnomes, oh my!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bb4GBKwZH_nIrlx58Yl4fy3_9Mm50bHDfR-YjXVFtTmAtACLxuCec6r4e60UuHF_j6rpayYmKg3lWqx-TMSwTTVQUZ5497pZSPYSiLHnyH-U8QtOYJqDqevc3-uFpHwUn2ZGsL_DuRSm/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bb4GBKwZH_nIrlx58Yl4fy3_9Mm50bHDfR-YjXVFtTmAtACLxuCec6r4e60UuHF_j6rpayYmKg3lWqx-TMSwTTVQUZ5497pZSPYSiLHnyH-U8QtOYJqDqevc3-uFpHwUn2ZGsL_DuRSm/s320/014.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy brothers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-43146224269351190222011-10-28T09:25:00.000-05:002011-10-28T09:25:06.498-05:00Halloween Luminaries<i>*this is a repost from last year, timed just right for some weekend Halloween projects!</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I love a good craft.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sadly, this one didn't involve hot glue, but it did involve painting which is really my favorite.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a surplus of mason jars this year because the past 3 years, I've canned oogles of veggies and fruit harvested from our garden. But this year we're in a new home and all we managed was some containers with tomatoes and peppers. So, I have TONS of empty and sad jars.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing a little paint and a tea light can't fix!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX02MAvGaCUfixmJRU6oFYp7hEoPT0ib9Es5zsF3iDgB425S6MLmTFd5ysjo-l-r0aVU6AVQpqNRlpHaTkNPUxcPGH-ztp-T58eycMIY9FW08PIIlUZ-5nx7MuJEa_y_gFxNB8oXlAMajH/s1600/019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX02MAvGaCUfixmJRU6oFYp7hEoPT0ib9Es5zsF3iDgB425S6MLmTFd5ysjo-l-r0aVU6AVQpqNRlpHaTkNPUxcPGH-ztp-T58eycMIY9FW08PIIlUZ-5nx7MuJEa_y_gFxNB8oXlAMajH/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Supplies: clean pint and quart mason jars, sponge brushes, acrylic paints</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyqDMAePLRo09i2okqdTb_NaNV3JVuGKAuUWsFoNExGK6lpwmhX_D-5Aqt-TGqHGxpdTu2wp8ViETLTae4TkgR77y-JrF56eY_ImzlzXPEcwysIXxEaEdei3x0l26nOSN0HFeW0ghnYMJ/s1600/020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyqDMAePLRo09i2okqdTb_NaNV3JVuGKAuUWsFoNExGK6lpwmhX_D-5Aqt-TGqHGxpdTu2wp8ViETLTae4TkgR77y-JrF56eY_ImzlzXPEcwysIXxEaEdei3x0l26nOSN0HFeW0ghnYMJ/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Tripp helped paint one, but shhh! Don't tell him I repainted it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYCKvbZtIyp_NJnt7QJ0PVabm3KiwTLg5tRuAd_i8L4awb5nldDKY6_1c1hmz6XIK77Ech0LkbxgYx8C9-7KcEjpf1Ak0ixf6r8Cdv_3TTfiAMjHKs7GZ0ozyAi9FJeZR2uek_MjrHCVz/s1600/023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYCKvbZtIyp_NJnt7QJ0PVabm3KiwTLg5tRuAd_i8L4awb5nldDKY6_1c1hmz6XIK77Ech0LkbxgYx8C9-7KcEjpf1Ak0ixf6r8Cdv_3TTfiAMjHKs7GZ0ozyAi9FJeZR2uek_MjrHCVz/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Basically, all ya do is brush on 1 coat of your paint and allow to fully dry. You can certainly do another for more coverage, but I did not. I let these dry overnight and then, painted the faces on the next morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b232/satisfied420/3f5435b8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b232/satisfied420/3f5435b8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Et Voila!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Add a tea light and you're all set!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Won't these look so festive all lit up on my sidewalk Halloween night?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cute, Cheap and Easy. My favorite qualities in crafting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmh1lKU-mwNpcdnFJwTDMv4FYuNSG5znKe0XF_7sj6F0_sijMmcpWsgBK1XKK4zfGpefqjvbDeseh9rJQO17j2wzK9x4ZnevIm7wK9Y_-4fyirEALCYqDRUweYxag_WZriYzm2P2Qmut3/s1600/sig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmh1lKU-mwNpcdnFJwTDMv4FYuNSG5znKe0XF_7sj6F0_sijMmcpWsgBK1XKK4zfGpefqjvbDeseh9rJQO17j2wzK9x4ZnevIm7wK9Y_-4fyirEALCYqDRUweYxag_WZriYzm2P2Qmut3/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-59435868486460671122011-10-19T13:32:00.000-05:002011-10-19T13:32:03.344-05:00Pumpkinpalooza 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E7-GjwU4Ym2oryVhsjX4RG9mJdPSjg109VibM5dth_KoVEJ0UhhsmSkm1JweyNwbgFSHRlrEhv97w3YTgtpdYDEK8MJ3Q5iVQdkW8lE74PbVS55QKVsXNntuklpPt8IV7ja079OmS9A8/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E7-GjwU4Ym2oryVhsjX4RG9mJdPSjg109VibM5dth_KoVEJ0UhhsmSkm1JweyNwbgFSHRlrEhv97w3YTgtpdYDEK8MJ3Q5iVQdkW8lE74PbVS55QKVsXNntuklpPt8IV7ja079OmS9A8/s320/003.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39jJpUEIPtTYs6B0ijlAKpVhrSPiZS3Ku1MS9_Az5oyNKBZuE7o-XtAotD_9cfsncfsh6k5FzRshZFxAreFaADV6WmiOmp90OQmgx_x_rz_6y687XayaicWiSfFgoLh-LFKxHIA0Br-gj/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39jJpUEIPtTYs6B0ijlAKpVhrSPiZS3Ku1MS9_Az5oyNKBZuE7o-XtAotD_9cfsncfsh6k5FzRshZFxAreFaADV6WmiOmp90OQmgx_x_rz_6y687XayaicWiSfFgoLh-LFKxHIA0Br-gj/s320/021.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><span id="goog_1197278230"></span><span id="goog_1197278231"></span></div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-30352737226470221722011-10-16T13:19:00.001-05:002011-10-16T13:28:08.246-05:00Cinderella Comes to Visit<div style="text-align: center;">I just wish I'd had my camera going the whole time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">These kids are funny!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fHHz0kKGn7wtHYdgBqOmh-VUoyA3zw6mmSJWHamwnXJkEAB1S3tbTel14Cwkavyxanpjwzqk5zg-5JqueskUvxsiLjgsTaXA6AteO4NNjrXwwv-eD3994-a11dC5_JPIr43oh2ymYuQf/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fHHz0kKGn7wtHYdgBqOmh-VUoyA3zw6mmSJWHamwnXJkEAB1S3tbTel14Cwkavyxanpjwzqk5zg-5JqueskUvxsiLjgsTaXA6AteO4NNjrXwwv-eD3994-a11dC5_JPIr43oh2ymYuQf/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fun times in the tent!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlLd4qiOx23GRXfSyaRHnrT1PiYYUhmXUVtHbgyJRp-uXBCYnoDTXEG6O0WhVicLXcqWcF3FjjhEcrA9w2qlBOS1aa5w1-OEe2F2rlh3tM2qzK6klVykjwS-EN0LT4upryfct9csTmehw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlLd4qiOx23GRXfSyaRHnrT1PiYYUhmXUVtHbgyJRp-uXBCYnoDTXEG6O0WhVicLXcqWcF3FjjhEcrA9w2qlBOS1aa5w1-OEe2F2rlh3tM2qzK6klVykjwS-EN0LT4upryfct9csTmehw/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiPydpb44kv3RX3hguztClHVOzweIeJKRLUojuVvxa6hlCX9bBcyQOQT-CF18NKytTeFRyUXVeM7OJXR5o5uwiwJArOzGHCZxHwUCjjbuDm2OA7apXmCSeKyflCPxo94OnYKk16Jp48oq/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiPydpb44kv3RX3hguztClHVOzweIeJKRLUojuVvxa6hlCX9bBcyQOQT-CF18NKytTeFRyUXVeM7OJXR5o5uwiwJArOzGHCZxHwUCjjbuDm2OA7apXmCSeKyflCPxo94OnYKk16Jp48oq/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tripp was so glad he and Cinderella could finally ride on his 4 wheeler.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8erSHJo7Iru-7_wxyoZgWJkfIxnItpDKH0nbREW8dOpnMGNmGBPPnPfhD48Z4ngTiSS0iZ6dDQJ0pQyeuRk68h9dv01-Eu9OkeuebuoVGO36oj5P_NKfMbRS8nqowgsRnklpJkl_aszwh/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8erSHJo7Iru-7_wxyoZgWJkfIxnItpDKH0nbREW8dOpnMGNmGBPPnPfhD48Z4ngTiSS0iZ6dDQJ0pQyeuRk68h9dv01-Eu9OkeuebuoVGO36oj5P_NKfMbRS8nqowgsRnklpJkl_aszwh/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxOYNIe8uOO-bMgHK5XTZlh9sL-7KWhCjrF5MAn8CcGXcUBvggeGII3kd3osBKNqjahXMBeM8wXXRIla8ZmbeHgBoZj3G9PYvK_lDBXVoDr7P_eTTpOLOXg_Lr70CkOAF59srsZb-6XHf/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxOYNIe8uOO-bMgHK5XTZlh9sL-7KWhCjrF5MAn8CcGXcUBvggeGII3kd3osBKNqjahXMBeM8wXXRIla8ZmbeHgBoZj3G9PYvK_lDBXVoDr7P_eTTpOLOXg_Lr70CkOAF59srsZb-6XHf/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNDM6OpC_QOdjwB5GGyuGNshcta-De33q1uI_uc5zHiXSaj9y9ZAg2hpTZ0ZUdq-I0zXk4LnMwjy4bS8gWU4XxpNCRtWP11fgPd2aQxJ5va0CIDNPbzdr7vzX_CgWNZ0eODHH46G5aSvL/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNDM6OpC_QOdjwB5GGyuGNshcta-De33q1uI_uc5zHiXSaj9y9ZAg2hpTZ0ZUdq-I0zXk4LnMwjy4bS8gWU4XxpNCRtWP11fgPd2aQxJ5va0CIDNPbzdr7vzX_CgWNZ0eODHH46G5aSvL/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bike riding time!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hh_5OLcaX_5hZ1ib1QbD9Kug13uIkC42N_5HHAp2O2udCIY-YTs7P9Ukjvi65WFRBGSiEhMJDCfoD8DVnKFutMy-nEOu2JK4iswclR8PlBTRjAKaQrgdDoWzGhHx8mkQzBJgXp0zla6O/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hh_5OLcaX_5hZ1ib1QbD9Kug13uIkC42N_5HHAp2O2udCIY-YTs7P9Ukjvi65WFRBGSiEhMJDCfoD8DVnKFutMy-nEOu2JK4iswclR8PlBTRjAKaQrgdDoWzGhHx8mkQzBJgXp0zla6O/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTa1ZWezeFb-r2eMS4qwe-EAkdT7eFZ3UXI32M_4fQzw34YaJPaGo0FQl5KBh_6q9oy2uxk9qeT6WkNDych2ruK1s-hCvlzqDPfIw-x_X0YPL1U1kQQxrZQyMz5YwrMRn2jfcMRC964ty/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTa1ZWezeFb-r2eMS4qwe-EAkdT7eFZ3UXI32M_4fQzw34YaJPaGo0FQl5KBh_6q9oy2uxk9qeT6WkNDych2ruK1s-hCvlzqDPfIw-x_X0YPL1U1kQQxrZQyMz5YwrMRn2jfcMRC964ty/s320/062.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aren't they cute?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I attempted to get just *one* pic of the 3 of them all looking and smiling cute...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the results:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXxTbDAEsGfekJ0TVmfN3AuzdeZTZOqgO3hne4Zo56abMY1Jn9SmhOlcvpqcA8mrOjtafCxqEfUuAGSyZG1oUHRLQIb0q2LnjAal315I77YeW5tOXu7AfoMteX2tfPAQLD_G-JpIzu7iT/s1600/3stooges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXxTbDAEsGfekJ0TVmfN3AuzdeZTZOqgO3hne4Zo56abMY1Jn9SmhOlcvpqcA8mrOjtafCxqEfUuAGSyZG1oUHRLQIb0q2LnjAal315I77YeW5tOXu7AfoMteX2tfPAQLD_G-JpIzu7iT/s400/3stooges.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxixkzQvG0q85TfpOgmlPEFEW_7LMyc33sIOuabHzuIEyhiDsAeUbG4HKAcHOPOUW6mKQZAv8VR-lDytytm0TWrvDI4Dq5kGf78yR-pxLFebsbjaIkhiTK9zES9YkELIVnfPDQcJ99EKv2/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxixkzQvG0q85TfpOgmlPEFEW_7LMyc33sIOuabHzuIEyhiDsAeUbG4HKAcHOPOUW6mKQZAv8VR-lDytytm0TWrvDI4Dq5kGf78yR-pxLFebsbjaIkhiTK9zES9YkELIVnfPDQcJ99EKv2/s320/090.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> After all that activity, we had a pizza party picnic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlwcgv0SP9DVAN2tccY8CplKx9za2sFSAvvWOfrJLnrziBmahO5jpzknnI04MvEyE-Apf-DpJVIPcK9O9S06QwqjPL6QOIM4UlfSyWPucxgsvRx5QOb6mO8tCXnCqie0TpuBPiTOn0d48/s1600/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlwcgv0SP9DVAN2tccY8CplKx9za2sFSAvvWOfrJLnrziBmahO5jpzknnI04MvEyE-Apf-DpJVIPcK9O9S06QwqjPL6QOIM4UlfSyWPucxgsvRx5QOb6mO8tCXnCqie0TpuBPiTOn0d48/s320/091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I can ever get some videos to upload, I have some cute ones of these three!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-27690655835346012192011-10-13T10:54:00.002-05:002011-10-13T10:58:41.995-05:00Eating Organic on a Budget<div style="text-align: center;">I used to preach that if you were committed to eating organic and local foods, then you could do it no matter your budget. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Your committment would MAKE it work.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sure, it costs more than most processed crap, but the payoff is in the health benefits.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When your not constantly paying those copays & deductibles for you and your family (now & in the future), you have a lot more room for your grocery budget.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Recently, I've found it harder and harder to maintain our committment to buying organic and local. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It's frustrating when the resources just are not there or when they're available, the price tag is far beyond our student household budget.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Still, I maintain my mantra, "Food is Medicine."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, what's a gal to do when her budget is tighter than tight and availability of local and/or organic meats, dairy and produce is<i> extremely</i> limited?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We've tweaked and re-tweaked our diet over the summer months and coming into autumn, we've gotten into a good groove. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Part of that change has been swapping to a quasi-<a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-blueprint-101/">primal</a> diet. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I say quasi because we still have (very) limited grains in our diet and for the most part, they're all gluten free. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Since eliminating most of those carb loaded, insulin spiking, sugary foods (oh, yes even that homemade whole wheat bread is spiking your insulin levels comparable to eating a candy bar), I've found that my kids are eating massive quantities of vegetables and their moods are so much better.</div><div style="text-align: center;">None of us get that blood sugar crash and my kids aren't constantly whining that they're hungry.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We're eating less, craving less and it's <i>because </i>we're eating nutrient dense foods.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eliminating these items from our diet has not only shown increased energy and health, but also made a huge dent in our food bills.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm buying all organic meat and produce and still spending less than before.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So. tip #1 is <b>Cut the Crap</b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Literally, you don't need it. I love Michael Pollan's advice... "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Could it be any simpler?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your body <i>needs</i> protein, plain & simple.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eat your protein whether it's meat, eggs, nuts, etc.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Add in some veggies and voila! </div><div style="text-align: center;">You're done. </div><div style="text-align: center;">and that's all your body needs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, you don't think it's that simple? That you're so ingrained (ha! Pun intended) into your food routine that no one will eat if they don't have their pasta or bready whatever? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Think again!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tripp is 4. Trust me, he's had his moments with eating.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But guess what? </div><div style="text-align: center;">When it's not there, it's.not.there.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They'll eat, eventually.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then, it becomes habit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tip #2 <b>Look Locally</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">We made quite the transition moving to Starkville over a year and half ago.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a <a href="http://blissfullysatisfied.blogspot.com/2011/04/garden-flashback.html">HUGE garden</a>. I didn't really realize it until we moved and were renters with no garden space other than containers last summer, but we literally didn't even have to buy much produce year round. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Our garden provided it for us and when it didn't we were lucky to have a lot of options to buy from local farmers who grew sustainably and loved their dirt as much as we did.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This year, we have found ways to get back into gardening just in a more "urban" way.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We've turned a flower bed into a small garden at our house (and it can easily go back to the mulch & weeds our home's owner had growing ;) ) as well as renting a ridiculously cheap spot in our local community garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We were unsure of our plans this spring when local CSA's were filling up, so we missed that opportunity.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We did have the pleasure of supporting the local farmer's market all summer. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And luckily, we've found a CSA for the fall. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I was surprised at how affordable the local CSA's are and currently, my lovely husband is helping work in exchange for our share. So, for few hours a couple days a week, we get a beautiful, <a href="http://bountifulharvestfarms.blogspot.com/view/classic">Bountiful Harvest</a> share and all it costs is a little time and digging in the dirt. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You can't get more budget friendly than that!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
It's also taken a little work, but we've finally found a local grassfed beef farmer and gotten our own chickens again. Even in the most barren of places, there <i>are</i> resources for quality, healthy, <i>real </i>food.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's nothing more local than your own yard. You can grow your own or with a little research & a field guide or 2, you can forage for lots of yummy wild edibles. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tip #3 <b>Make a Gradual Transistion</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Start simple. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Replace just a few of your basics at a time with an organic option. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Although we're grain free for the most part, organic grains are cheap and cost practically the same as conventional ones. These items are also generally available in bulk or generic brand options, giving you even more bang for the buck.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you want to replace the things first that have the heaviest pesticide load, choose meat and dairy. These have the highest concentration of chemicals. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, consider your produce. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Above all else, to trim your budget in the produce department, Eat Seasonally. </div><div style="text-align: center;">First, stop buying canned ANYthing! Besides the processing, those cans are lined with BPA. <b></b>Make the move to fresh and frozen. When fresh veggies are expensive and/or out of season, frozen provides a budget friendly and healthier alternative.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, consider the Environmental Working Group's <a href="http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/">Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 lists</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The dirty dozen have the highest concentration of pesticides and chemical residues and the clean 15 have the least. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Eating organic produce on a budget can really benefit from this list! </div><div style="text-align: center;">When you can't buy everything organic or from local farmers, this gives you the tools to avoid the most toxic fruits & veggies.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They have this <a href="http://static.ewg.org/reports/2011/foodnews/pdf/2011EWGPesticideGuide.pdf">handy dandy printable guide</a> to keep in your wallet or you can download their app from the Apple store and have it on your iphone or ipod at all times.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Does it scare you that 98% of conventional apples are contaminated with high levels of pesticides??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tip #4 <b>Do It Yourself</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>Whether this means making food from scratch, planting a garden or getting your own backyard chickens, there are ways to start taking control of your food & health that will make your budget smile.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>No matter your setting or time constraints, there's always a way to make it work in a way that's doable for you and your family.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Get creative.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Meal plan.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Throw some seeds in the dirt.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Find one thing this fall to focus on and make the change to do it yourself!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tip #5 <b>Eat Nutrient Dense Foods</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember that nutrient dense foods go a lot further than those that are devoid. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Those whole wheat crackers might seem like a better alternative to their bleached white friends, but really there is very little nutritional value. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Try replacing it with carrots or another favorite veggie that serves similar dipping, crunchy purposes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Replace your spaghetti noodles with spaghetti squash. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Try this divine <a href="http://www.eat-drink-smile.com/2011/04/cauliflower-crust-pizza.html">cauliflower pizza crust</a> or replace your rice with a Sanders' family favorite, <a href="http://www.paleoplan.com/2010/01-13/cauliflower-rice/">cauliflower rice</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Try <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/03/baked-kale-chips/">Kale chips</a> for a kid-friendly snack.</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are tons of ways to make your old favorites into more nutrient dense recipes and plenty of new recipes out there to try! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Be brave and get creative ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Above all else, don't sweat the small stuff.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do what you can and make small changes at a time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And if you think your budget can't handle it (and I promise, if ours can, yours can!), read <a href="http://www.rebeccablood.net/thriftyo/2007/04/the_organic_thrifty_food_plan_1.html">this</a> for a little inspiration! </div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-48236676014832634492011-10-11T21:13:00.000-05:002011-10-11T21:13:51.475-05:00My Young Galileo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9RQttJK5FvcCHI3L06AF_0Ldia_a8pZTRU_er4gYnQGGqf8MrTUqsyauhLiuB7AiLzUcuPwZKMyEKHtUDU9rz3YCCmoiqrig9Gxx7JH2AmSQxjnfDTebpQwIuyuKhEzyqVhoA8U8wds_/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9RQttJK5FvcCHI3L06AF_0Ldia_a8pZTRU_er4gYnQGGqf8MrTUqsyauhLiuB7AiLzUcuPwZKMyEKHtUDU9rz3YCCmoiqrig9Gxx7JH2AmSQxjnfDTebpQwIuyuKhEzyqVhoA8U8wds_/s320/005.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4KHMRPt60d0nCU2AbIl1brEDwwMSQ-RbPuAoO8s51J1L3wHxWdRAchgjAGJWt_zfpvuWMZqjVP0rWr5Dxgj7DMtx2f45WrXlJR30lx3bjvHMD3d4TCDd2RyK4KIVyLmNQW_tL0nv8UdF/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4KHMRPt60d0nCU2AbIl1brEDwwMSQ-RbPuAoO8s51J1L3wHxWdRAchgjAGJWt_zfpvuWMZqjVP0rWr5Dxgj7DMtx2f45WrXlJR30lx3bjvHMD3d4TCDd2RyK4KIVyLmNQW_tL0nv8UdF/s320/006.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7LBsO58J_CXWx-AXJLHcR22qYg1rkCdUOZtnrKIO6Mu2XSfpD_HQtdbfuYFLxYRFwVrvAyr8XgOmJbsVzMc3HmicehvnwS4EJnLJrzR3E_FPYUh0Zejd7VoBHoKMw_BblR7-x5LkTHvo/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7LBsO58J_CXWx-AXJLHcR22qYg1rkCdUOZtnrKIO6Mu2XSfpD_HQtdbfuYFLxYRFwVrvAyr8XgOmJbsVzMc3HmicehvnwS4EJnLJrzR3E_FPYUh0Zejd7VoBHoKMw_BblR7-x5LkTHvo/s320/008.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHriNR1kbn0mW0wAkIOkwHRq5mE9-V71JCOUnnQ7an_sueyfzqYxGOb4YBVR8qjuQMGpUEBSypptUace8k_bqZUTmWlj2D0gihfhTu_SFBm9P7Br3_xz2TmxCk4KQ9CqrdkLhyDInsRrTO/s1600/003edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHriNR1kbn0mW0wAkIOkwHRq5mE9-V71JCOUnnQ7an_sueyfzqYxGOb4YBVR8qjuQMGpUEBSypptUace8k_bqZUTmWlj2D0gihfhTu_SFBm9P7Br3_xz2TmxCk4KQ9CqrdkLhyDInsRrTO/s320/003edit.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29y9CtfR8oqSM68nIPgQcO8tU6xCoRnZ1O7-nTYeC2TZIByxFVaOURWkTfajwqRE7o-E_LUkmslgkylZBX2-FpEWdSaTYoZsxKK8xJCFXQJQcT9ZujZ88n9ux1D__Mpp8eEroO46RB8ol/s1600/007ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29y9CtfR8oqSM68nIPgQcO8tU6xCoRnZ1O7-nTYeC2TZIByxFVaOURWkTfajwqRE7o-E_LUkmslgkylZBX2-FpEWdSaTYoZsxKK8xJCFXQJQcT9ZujZ88n9ux1D__Mpp8eEroO46RB8ol/s320/007ed.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Checking out last month's Harvest Moon</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-1146640902044088932011-10-10T15:56:00.000-05:002011-10-10T15:56:37.915-05:00Tree Gnomes and Alligators!<div style="text-align: center;">My friend, <a href="http://www.ourmessymessylife.com/">Laura</a>, and I took the kiddos out to the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge one morning last week.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids had a blast exploring and we decided to make a point to come out to this local gem more often. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBugBqRXuzVSEL6gDeOAQ9z-H51EftmkH6TqQ4_v1Ps2AgVX7XsPQHLaQZKhnWY__QkWswZwDPdrR38BHDbmePzUbgyecPyejteakX-ZoN-9_kMc3XobAwKsGBxlySPGpVL40ZO_EKtTW/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBugBqRXuzVSEL6gDeOAQ9z-H51EftmkH6TqQ4_v1Ps2AgVX7XsPQHLaQZKhnWY__QkWswZwDPdrR38BHDbmePzUbgyecPyejteakX-ZoN-9_kMc3XobAwKsGBxlySPGpVL40ZO_EKtTW/s320/036.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Tripp and Henry examining things from the nature table inside the Visitor's Center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vn_cthl8an5YZw-AjpSt75qLsND-HMiGga-p_ZsajntcetNm5_kfJ96UyvXXc8dtmMi8uRXKSnMBtie0Qj8-Xqxna54pAy9NDsrvoe-RNFsOsk-KdovU54sAFzlSkquE_ABhYahvzNBU/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vn_cthl8an5YZw-AjpSt75qLsND-HMiGga-p_ZsajntcetNm5_kfJ96UyvXXc8dtmMi8uRXKSnMBtie0Qj8-Xqxna54pAy9NDsrvoe-RNFsOsk-KdovU54sAFzlSkquE_ABhYahvzNBU/s320/037.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJDuwdEs9q1CPmiAPgAYrCPBQh2k554KBdBNyst82gqBopABsoZ572tlWEdJZlhIPtn3G87XYcACY0wSZ5xsfpzzdlQSpJL6I-WqDzXThgcXgDq9TvCXVS3sY6H5k00QrkHq7QNYnGH4Z/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJDuwdEs9q1CPmiAPgAYrCPBQh2k554KBdBNyst82gqBopABsoZ572tlWEdJZlhIPtn3G87XYcACY0wSZ5xsfpzzdlQSpJL6I-WqDzXThgcXgDq9TvCXVS3sY6H5k00QrkHq7QNYnGH4Z/s320/040.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Charlie really liked the turtle shell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJs_g2m7SccxFfBeSBYyOQHKreAwKUWBCO_QMYF0eEANRMaOAaziCGVQ5L3sYsmhT61cynIdsByf7JAkm0xgSED2I0RfzLEgVtp8OJRXZPBIHXEgI-0_Z2slJJZaxauk3Jun8HI-5aFKC/s1600/038edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJs_g2m7SccxFfBeSBYyOQHKreAwKUWBCO_QMYF0eEANRMaOAaziCGVQ5L3sYsmhT61cynIdsByf7JAkm0xgSED2I0RfzLEgVtp8OJRXZPBIHXEgI-0_Z2slJJZaxauk3Jun8HI-5aFKC/s320/038edit.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and this shell...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iUdn1zxdfTFWSUlibUfCXMN4Jcwmmk4b1qVNQ4fwp5gdEC_1j-loMLNdzChdbjqes4q5WpWXZiW4X6a35k_Vw35z-vlFNvIClE9tckPMUwRnpBMXI3roG-FRbKDl-k6WAWsJp9nqc-Dn/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iUdn1zxdfTFWSUlibUfCXMN4Jcwmmk4b1qVNQ4fwp5gdEC_1j-loMLNdzChdbjqes4q5WpWXZiW4X6a35k_Vw35z-vlFNvIClE9tckPMUwRnpBMXI3roG-FRbKDl-k6WAWsJp9nqc-Dn/s320/041.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Looking out over Bluff Lake behind the Visitor's Center</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkG_atRIV3WXKGjPOy49aLVyyGIgGAosArs0ML_WNxBNsTL4sJOaJh36kPYUxqRZ4yA_3M9XEcjbRumxoUmS82k9He5YR_h7dYTRpTCuPLi22KqxtQ_OjGm8HXHNp6O7DL0wIPbBuhPmC/s1600/042edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkG_atRIV3WXKGjPOy49aLVyyGIgGAosArs0ML_WNxBNsTL4sJOaJh36kPYUxqRZ4yA_3M9XEcjbRumxoUmS82k9He5YR_h7dYTRpTCuPLi22KqxtQ_OjGm8HXHNp6O7DL0wIPbBuhPmC/s320/042edit.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yep.</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's an alligator. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_bmeKdLWMLpfqcA6iyCZOtp0zJQKKFO59axkoYRyxFTQMGqwhTOvjAVR9JsN9LbEahVuubBuUxvbBtopI41vnW-S_NPzLglkyg5Kje5y8zbA6UYHgX5ymIURnpzlcLeijSxvxHaAhZaB/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_bmeKdLWMLpfqcA6iyCZOtp0zJQKKFO59axkoYRyxFTQMGqwhTOvjAVR9JsN9LbEahVuubBuUxvbBtopI41vnW-S_NPzLglkyg5Kje5y8zbA6UYHgX5ymIURnpzlcLeijSxvxHaAhZaB/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Putting their binoculars to use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxmJyObmjYqvpIPZIE6B9bojitmBX_FUyf5F84HeaRScvTq13uYdREsiRQNpDRSmEPizOmPYG6NDD2FXja4uUNvl6sle_O5tkmfyvG4nAQw1_lko5_5djlMUCyxmyhEgZBaqSjd4cMl3f/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxmJyObmjYqvpIPZIE6B9bojitmBX_FUyf5F84HeaRScvTq13uYdREsiRQNpDRSmEPizOmPYG6NDD2FXja4uUNvl6sle_O5tkmfyvG4nAQw1_lko5_5djlMUCyxmyhEgZBaqSjd4cMl3f/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqP0ImzumIXQSqAIhyphenhyphenf6O6riF3gqnMWxL31NMccM1_GoDh1qw-wM6USrzEgzr6SNMGzQxlBu2o0QEaTTbGE8_wvdojfhS9sCtJPDI75wNQ8m1WpWSk3ACfcLPHLhYYi_-oBAD4qbMAaL7/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqP0ImzumIXQSqAIhyphenhyphenf6O6riF3gqnMWxL31NMccM1_GoDh1qw-wM6USrzEgzr6SNMGzQxlBu2o0QEaTTbGE8_wvdojfhS9sCtJPDI75wNQ8m1WpWSk3ACfcLPHLhYYi_-oBAD4qbMAaL7/s320/047.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9IPoU7_k6N1_AGMP-TQEZGup8_SdVaEKTmB6Qj-p92diVM2VkDvgg-cv7nt4ww9mAGYN6lq4iTvQn_lw248HKhWSUPDQm2-XUEFt0R13XRVwFd1CGWKdwMyP8MPH3pwVBW7sn2n5gGa2/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9IPoU7_k6N1_AGMP-TQEZGup8_SdVaEKTmB6Qj-p92diVM2VkDvgg-cv7nt4ww9mAGYN6lq4iTvQn_lw248HKhWSUPDQm2-XUEFt0R13XRVwFd1CGWKdwMyP8MPH3pwVBW7sn2n5gGa2/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I promise they lined up in order on their own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-UtjSYqJkpxHaU8YkqKftNBYcLnyXpI0i844TKvcejGHx4kJaFs47rOv5VVfpOwoDBVfHpoEHauSLiGr_bOS7RkflgsgI3UYzZP1h5aKdI0v5jBr-jH4fSwA4W8TS2cHylPcqvQaqeO2/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-UtjSYqJkpxHaU8YkqKftNBYcLnyXpI0i844TKvcejGHx4kJaFs47rOv5VVfpOwoDBVfHpoEHauSLiGr_bOS7RkflgsgI3UYzZP1h5aKdI0v5jBr-jH4fSwA4W8TS2cHylPcqvQaqeO2/s320/055.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxu6mfAllCVxI8z04Q_MNChWmRb4EbE2FqvsNJg5iMbvYcFTSZUvzUSO5N5Pvx14P3QyCr_EYZrcLDWJHjF5dFZaV7CpqI8WnntTpRhyphenhyphenvC2OdTSIRyrrJTTHItGpsRvmuyJFHHspAa_ep/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxu6mfAllCVxI8z04Q_MNChWmRb4EbE2FqvsNJg5iMbvYcFTSZUvzUSO5N5Pvx14P3QyCr_EYZrcLDWJHjF5dFZaV7CpqI8WnntTpRhyphenhyphenvC2OdTSIRyrrJTTHItGpsRvmuyJFHHspAa_ep/s320/070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Searching for bugs and mushrooms on old logs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXluLl-DyUi_I5oIELX7Q4ZV5ZgiaY1r8Oz_TLDOxaMCqi3FNC-1ZJexhgfy8g93PMDSmxC0-51h_eZGWPmom7dk9v15SUQMmMNOu7rDfmP0C6py2FOXEUruCNqo_fMferv0LRGejiCQt/s1600/072edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXluLl-DyUi_I5oIELX7Q4ZV5ZgiaY1r8Oz_TLDOxaMCqi3FNC-1ZJexhgfy8g93PMDSmxC0-51h_eZGWPmom7dk9v15SUQMmMNOu7rDfmP0C6py2FOXEUruCNqo_fMferv0LRGejiCQt/s320/072edit.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He's part dog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ6_LcczBCBJevRLn-9aV-X3nrgNMXiFCsSqOvMqe_FBcMvkNc2-5Rrtu8CL9piURZH1oUsCMY71JIj5Z2MiWAAck51ijcX8VZuNL7jcO1fsbJK1jPaSZ0d92UPlCU9rmwvOal_6wx8-9/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ6_LcczBCBJevRLn-9aV-X3nrgNMXiFCsSqOvMqe_FBcMvkNc2-5Rrtu8CL9piURZH1oUsCMY71JIj5Z2MiWAAck51ijcX8VZuNL7jcO1fsbJK1jPaSZ0d92UPlCU9rmwvOal_6wx8-9/s320/075.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Smelling all the different wildflowers in bloom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMOtw1EwitYD9WPbfEEpTcXqCeUANj3qo6V8DrLrn5VbQUDldoJOIku17uaemnEsfdUwWlXdUTGHQgxQGHc64BhR-grdRKAVJXO76zD-yxet33Dh2YNxwR7-PRZvK5thBCrYivPpHS_Wo/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMOtw1EwitYD9WPbfEEpTcXqCeUANj3qo6V8DrLrn5VbQUDldoJOIku17uaemnEsfdUwWlXdUTGHQgxQGHc64BhR-grdRKAVJXO76zD-yxet33Dh2YNxwR7-PRZvK5thBCrYivPpHS_Wo/s320/076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSs6GKm6hMN7zW4EUeJ5fvi9ylTRdBL1svXPLjpW1IBsvg_lHs12Qxb2ve1l227907XXP1fkRfbFlwCEG-jladNUCXzVjgYmrh4fQe6sCpEleVgCtUSjK8R7xK1nlVbHSwWssKvwye2wr/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSs6GKm6hMN7zW4EUeJ5fvi9ylTRdBL1svXPLjpW1IBsvg_lHs12Qxb2ve1l227907XXP1fkRfbFlwCEG-jladNUCXzVjgYmrh4fQe6sCpEleVgCtUSjK8R7xK1nlVbHSwWssKvwye2wr/s320/080.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Liza was so proud of her little leaf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0XlhaalzVEHkDuKmeOOCFteHY1ADkTNJzBFh17rke5ynyCoJXwRiZHfm_dL4MZVf5DEUWnlsiHXK7sltgT9LG77gHPKBI3TpgpWdorCauf5a-bJnkiFMl8veD3-JmIXRyofUyE18vFuq/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0XlhaalzVEHkDuKmeOOCFteHY1ADkTNJzBFh17rke5ynyCoJXwRiZHfm_dL4MZVf5DEUWnlsiHXK7sltgT9LG77gHPKBI3TpgpWdorCauf5a-bJnkiFMl8veD3-JmIXRyofUyE18vFuq/s320/081.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lGbHmNaO_5G3U12_KrGbnstzYpbykPZX00CBAP-G1dDi0qIah8grE6VNHC-wSjZxgN-j3nmyij1byDgVhVjGKe5VlZv1eL3VX0R6ZD4z6Iqh66gzjVzGIeYq0HaCe-otbzq4JL51qrzf/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lGbHmNaO_5G3U12_KrGbnstzYpbykPZX00CBAP-G1dDi0qIah8grE6VNHC-wSjZxgN-j3nmyij1byDgVhVjGKe5VlZv1eL3VX0R6ZD4z6Iqh66gzjVzGIeYq0HaCe-otbzq4JL51qrzf/s320/083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I promise, we <i>did </i>line them up like this ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-AsTHWXgseP5xaXFoMD26VYr6D70oX7gnyRj74ZE3bYfEqm-3vxWAL5YL1sVkXgkqFLK6X-0XgDXBaF6GEmmwiQvaw4o0r9W7bwwPxCuiw0YTgubRKbWBsmjn9JBBx50y0N_TIbMnHhh/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-AsTHWXgseP5xaXFoMD26VYr6D70oX7gnyRj74ZE3bYfEqm-3vxWAL5YL1sVkXgkqFLK6X-0XgDXBaF6GEmmwiQvaw4o0r9W7bwwPxCuiw0YTgubRKbWBsmjn9JBBx50y0N_TIbMnHhh/s320/086.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7xBxp8oXak6a0tY6w31JRW3Jp_6G587yWXqaZvJYla7gALkigHtcXDS0rtZnyHhv_A93hnEeW2-7bQUn-4HyS7f97eC04SNoCFiKEAalRJleGUusy1GJSBZ27lt8hccE81nFD4SjTrW6/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7xBxp8oXak6a0tY6w31JRW3Jp_6G587yWXqaZvJYla7gALkigHtcXDS0rtZnyHhv_A93hnEeW2-7bQUn-4HyS7f97eC04SNoCFiKEAalRJleGUusy1GJSBZ27lt8hccE81nFD4SjTrW6/s320/090.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sitting amongst the Tree Gnomes (aka Cypress knobs)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com2Starkville, MS 39759, USA33.4503998 -88.81838719999996133.4003968 -88.861750699999959 33.500402799999996 -88.775023699999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-68752880785716001822011-10-08T22:10:00.000-05:002011-10-08T22:10:19.163-05:00Pumpkin Patch 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's that time of year!<br />
Obligatory CUTE pumpkin patch pics.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://blissfullysatisfied.blogspot.com/2010/10/pumpkin-patch.html">Last year</a>, most of us mamas had babies in tow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year was pretty exciting and all of us had kiddos in every direction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had such a good time and we'll deem it a success!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Fall Y'all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF5jzORIMTt0ic6LN4R-uxfv8pHfhyphenhyphenLqQlZtr9n4n-RsEOdnvruA5GVcuuv-oE4CQ5wxxqpoUjJuMHjwmjF1_ZH7FdsJ75YE5BaBQLJSed4AjZA3D0XEAlkUXwxkZdRCggVis8gYXxKDU/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF5jzORIMTt0ic6LN4R-uxfv8pHfhyphenhyphenLqQlZtr9n4n-RsEOdnvruA5GVcuuv-oE4CQ5wxxqpoUjJuMHjwmjF1_ZH7FdsJ75YE5BaBQLJSed4AjZA3D0XEAlkUXwxkZdRCggVis8gYXxKDU/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><span id="goog_204806434"></span><span id="goog_204806435"></span></div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com0Caledonia, MS, USA33.6828918 -88.32448110000001433.6678368 -88.344003600000008 33.6979468 -88.30495860000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-91943159942642905902011-10-05T15:10:00.000-05:002011-10-05T15:10:49.244-05:00Homemade Gripe Water<div style="text-align: center;">A friend recently asked me about making homemade gripe water. When Tripp was a baby, we went through quite a bit of gripe water, and buying it from the health food store was pricey. Several big box stores carried it as well for a little cheaper, but the kinds there had not so great ingredients.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, we made our own. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It's really simple, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Homemade Gripe Water</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 cups of water</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 teaspoons of chamomile (appr. 2 tea bags)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon of <i>crushed</i> fennel or dill seeds</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 teaspoons of fresh grated ginger </div><div style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon of agave nectar (you can use 2 teaspoons of sugar, but I just don't want to give my babies sugar)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Put all your ingredients (except agave) in a tea strainer, tea ball or muslin cloth bag (whatever you use to brew loose leaf tea) and add to the 3 cups of boiling water. Allow to boil for a couple of minutes and then, turn off the heat & allow it to steep for 20 minutes or so with the lid on your pot. Strain and add your agave. Store in a sealed container (a mason jar works well) in the fridge for a couple of days. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">All the ingredients are traditionally known and used for dispelling gas, calming the stomach, calming the nerves and general digestive aids. We would give this to Tripp using a dropper several times a day and especially before bedtime.</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-65265153684511460262011-09-28T10:26:00.000-05:002011-09-28T10:26:52.080-05:00The Natural Medicine Cabinet: Gearing Up for Cold & Flu Season<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cross post from <a href="http://www.starkvillenaturalparents.blogspot.com/">Starkville Natural Parents Blog</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Common colds and influenza do not require medical treatment, and the medications often used to treat them, will merely relieve symptoms. The effects of doing this may be counterproductive, because they interfere with the body’s efforts to cure itself.”-Robert Mendelsohn, MD and author of "How to Raise a Healthy Child...In Spite of Your Doctor"</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></em><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When it comes to getting your body the healthiest it can be, there are many factors to consider. </div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">We all know the benefits of health that come from our diet and lifestyle, but there are also basic vitamins and minerals that are bodies need.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, the content of these minerals in our soils, thereby our foods, have been depleted from using modern-day commercialized food production methods.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Fortunately, we have access to high quality supplements that we can take in addition to eating our veggies & fruits.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">The Basics:</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">First and foremost, most people take a daily multivitamin. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">That's all fine and good, but it's not enough. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">In fact, many of the RDA's aren't even met and the combination of so many vitamins and minerals all at once it not optimal for absorption. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
So you might be thinking, what do I suggest instead?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, for my family, we drink Nutrient Tea almost daily</span>.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nutrient Tea is a blend of herbs that attend to the basic vitamins and minerals that one needs in it's most natural and absorbable form.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I blend my own (and can blend one for you as well) and have also enjoyed the <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/tea_bev/tea_bev.html">Vita-Blend Tea</a> from Mountain Rose Herbs as well as my friend Keri's <a href="http://www.countrymeadowherbs.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=51&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=29">Nutrient Tea</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_flsKsCKR2HkiBoZlaKx08ADftxFK_K5W3glNH4ecskUTX2fGe8yeENdEHXvVLirUVpDupqua57y9RRJG0mcA2gZ0jr4f2qA0MMSIF8UZIqhyphenhyphen9080DHT4pQRiDVKPcbnrfxCzybbVc8/s1600/042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_flsKsCKR2HkiBoZlaKx08ADftxFK_K5W3glNH4ecskUTX2fGe8yeENdEHXvVLirUVpDupqua57y9RRJG0mcA2gZ0jr4f2qA0MMSIF8UZIqhyphenhyphen9080DHT4pQRiDVKPcbnrfxCzybbVc8/s320/042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Often times ingredients in these types of vitamin and nutrient packed teas include nettles, comfrey, alfalfa, oatstraw, red clover blossoms and /or red raspberry leaves among others. We add a little honey to sweeten and drink up! We all enjoy drinking our teas!<br />
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next up, there are several vitamins and minerals that are essentials for basic health and well-being as well as immune function. Vitamin C, D, Zinc and Magnesium are the ones I consider most important and if you're going to do the basics and nothing else...start here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YT1Oh-TRIABAFmD2HLzD7obVepHvI1zjmKONVL8vjJTRpHcifP_AJsBY6LgSH0CQMkPfCtzXI20e-UoHkJ0qSUcBSlP0hejCFPMsgnFZ1lsBaTxpSQmfwnN1Xf56JLJ1txXwb8kGLb8/s1600/043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YT1Oh-TRIABAFmD2HLzD7obVepHvI1zjmKONVL8vjJTRpHcifP_AJsBY6LgSH0CQMkPfCtzXI20e-UoHkJ0qSUcBSlP0hejCFPMsgnFZ1lsBaTxpSQmfwnN1Xf56JLJ1txXwb8kGLb8/s320/043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Vitamin C</b>: anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-toxic (essential to help the body get rid of toxins), anti-histamine, broad spectrum antibiotic</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
The most bioavailable form is <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/275610-benefits-of-sodium-ascorbate/">sodium ascorbate</a>. It can be bought in bulk, powdered form to add to smoothies, drink, homemade popsicles, etc or capsules. For the kiddos, I like <a href="http://naturalfactors.com/ca/en/products/270/100percent-natural-fruit-chew-c-500-mg">these chewables.</a><br />
Vit C is important for so many reasons. Above anything else, it alone enables the immune system to do it's job. It's essential for daily health and essential when you're sick. Our standard dosing is 1 500 mg tab a day for the kids and I personally take anywhere from 1000-3000mg a day. When we're sick, Vitamin C is boosted to bowel tolerance (meaning loose stools). For the kids that's 1000mg-1500mg and for me 3000mg-5000mg. Therapeutic values for serious illness and disease have been effective at 3x that amount and more (under the supervision of a physician).<span style="color: black;"> Dr. Irwin Stone, a pioneer in the use of vitamin C, recommended taking 1.5 to 2 grams by mouth at the first sign of a cold and repeating the dose at 20 to 30 minute intervals until symptoms disappeared. He said this usually happened by the third dose.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Vitamin D</b>: essential to healthy immune and nervous systems, plays critical role in controlling infections, essential for normal cell growth (research shows it actually prevents cancer cells from dividing!), bone/teeth/muscle health</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">We're lucky. In Mississippi, we don't really need much supplementation of Vitamin D unless you have known deficiencies (easily tested via a blood draw). We have lots of sunlight almost year round. In the winter, it is important to supplement and in any time of illness, it is important as well. Vit D is one of the few vitamins we can't reliably get from a food source. There are a few foods with minimal D content, but our source is the sun. When supplementing, the new recommendations are 1000 iu's/per 25 lbs of body weight. During times of illness, one should double and even triple that dose for therapeutic value. For my kiddos, I simplify things with <a href="http://www.carlsonlabs.com/p-171-ddrops-1000-iu.aspx">these D3 drops.</a> They get 1 drop each during the winter. I personally take a capsule form from the local health food store. It's less expensive and a quality brand. The <a href="http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/">Vitamin D Council</a> has a wealth of info on their website for your researching pleasure.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Zinc: </b>trace element essential for cells of the immune system, and zinc deficiency affects the ability of T cells and other immune cells to function as they should</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Zinc deficiency is likely one of the most common nutrient deficiences in our diets. It is essential for proper T cell and natural killer cell function and proper lymphocyte activity; it may be directly involved in antibody production to help you fight infection. Some of the key functions of zinc include: alcohol and amino acid</div><div style="text-align: left;">metabolism, protein digestion, and energy production, as well as in immune function and in the body’s fight against damaging free radicals. Zinc is found in oysters (which have the highest zinc content by far), shellfish, meats, eggs, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Pumpkin and squash seeds are especially good sources.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I generally take 30 mg a day or every other day. When sick, there's no skipping it! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Magnesium: </b>mineral that is essential for transmission of nerve impulses, body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, the formation of healthy bones and teeth, protein sythesis, and of course, supports a health immune system</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Magnesium is another essential nutrient that we are in general, deficient in and desperately need to function. It is essential to over 300 biochemical processes in the body and is especially important for women. Magnesium can be found in many foods like dark, leafy greens, tomatoes, lima beans, artichoke, sweet potatoes, </div><div style="text-align: left;"> buckwheat flour, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, oat bran, barley, cornmeal and dark chocolate. Nettle leaf is an excellent source as well and is found in my nutrient teas mentioned above. Magnesium promotes healthful sleep and I take mine before bed every night. Personally, I take 400 mg a night of magnesium glycinate, the most bioavailable form. Epsom salts in the bathtub are a great way to relax and to calm the kiddos down for the night as well. The magnesium in the epsom salts is absorbed through the skin and is a great source for the mineral.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Now that we've got the basics covered, let's talk herbs that specifically boost immunity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuSbyhvYZJ75z1TBL5too6H45vKms5mC5CIeRoGXJe4i-GwQmQqBxXYRlzyQD6R9c_jPI1W4ZbDk94h4HY5NBitoXPC853Bgc0xX0wNVMYElu45D65Rbi6v3zLyarRUJ-c-L5rHbmT3I/s1600/047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuSbyhvYZJ75z1TBL5too6H45vKms5mC5CIeRoGXJe4i-GwQmQqBxXYRlzyQD6R9c_jPI1W4ZbDk94h4HY5NBitoXPC853Bgc0xX0wNVMYElu45D65Rbi6v3zLyarRUJ-c-L5rHbmT3I/s320/047.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">A very wise friend of mine says, "Astragalus before you get sick and Echinacea after." </div><b>Astragalus</b> is regarded as a potent tonic for increasing energy levels and stimulating the immune system. Research has shown that it positively augments the white blood cells fighting the disease and removes the ones making the body more vulnerable thereby, strengtheing immunity. It also has shown lots of positive effects of supporting the adrenal cortex system. <b>Echinacea</b> works to increase the activity of the immune system by stimulating white blood cells, which attack the viruses and bacteria that lead to illness or infection. Research has shown it to be an effective anti-viral and anti-fungal. I prefer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture">tincture form</a> of these (and most) herbs. In order to make it more palatable to my kiddos, I general get the alcohol-free kind. Most herbal tincture are fairly strong tasting and I find grape juice really hides it well ;)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Once you're sick and you've increased your vitamin/mineral intake to enable your body to function at it's highest potential, you've specifically boosted your immune system function with herbs, NOW you need the specifics to attack the infection and the natural remedies to help soothe and relieve the symptoms</span>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3_-qn0TQ8Dz97wg-OQKYGXCWA1YwpZyA_7cYyl5LYEFz9ZpWyk75gfZU7pBk6Wze7oF0T28UfNuXQqQbDN9mnjlRaTpj9cpYKGFOX7x-tmh0i5Bd2rubBDyPkCtTyrEjnVbEPdyr6B8/s1600/050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3_-qn0TQ8Dz97wg-OQKYGXCWA1YwpZyA_7cYyl5LYEFz9ZpWyk75gfZU7pBk6Wze7oF0T28UfNuXQqQbDN9mnjlRaTpj9cpYKGFOX7x-tmh0i5Bd2rubBDyPkCtTyrEjnVbEPdyr6B8/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(not pictured that we had on hand Thursday....Oil of Oregano and Tea tree oil.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Olive Leaf Extract: </b>immune system builder, anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti viral</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Simply put, Olive leaf extract is amazing! No other single herb has demonstrated such a medicinally wide spectrum of uses. It works by interfering with certain cellular process that in effect kill off the culprit whether it is a virus, bacteria or fungus. It directly boosts the immune system by increasing phagocyte production and has high antioxidant properties. The other incredible thing is that OLE has shown incredible structural properties that have proved to be highly effective in preventing infectious micro-organisms from developing resistance. No natural medicine cabinet is complete without Olive Leaf Extract. Olive leaf tea is very yummy too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Oil of Oregano: </b>strong anti fungal, antiseptic and anti microbial</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Oil of oregano at relatively low doses was found to be effective against Staphylococcus bacteria and was comparable in its germ-killing properties to antibiotic drugs such as streptomycin, penicillin and vancomycin. These effective antibacterial properties against common pathogenic germs are especially of importance as more and more bacteria are becoming antibiotic resistant. OOO is also effective at holding up against the resistant strains. It's antifungal properties are very popular in treatment of yeast (Candida). OOO is very strong and should never be taken without being diluted in coconut oil or olive oil. Some can purchases pre-diluted but generally it is not. Make sure you read your labels!<br />
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<b>Colloidal Silver: </b>very effective anti bacterial/fungal/viral, studying CS formed the basis for modern pharmaceutical antibiotics<br />
<br />
Many studies seem to reflect that Colloidal Silver has been proven to be useful against many different infections and is toxic in concentrations of 3 - 5 ppm (parts per million) against all species of fungi, bacteria, protozoa, parasites and certain viruses, in the laboratory, in a petri dish.It's very effective against in combating influenza and tummy bugs.<br />
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<i>Symptom Soothing Natural Remedies:</i><br />
<b>Elderberry Syrup: </b>great for coughs and sore throats<br />
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<b>Essential Oils-Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree:</b> all very cleansing and anti bacterial, all open and clear breathing passageways. Diffuse some in hot water and cover with a towel for a steam inhale or steam the bathroom and drop some into the shower to open up<b> </b>your stopped up nose or sooth your lungs<b>. </b>These eo's can also be added to your humidifier or vaporizer. I also like to add a few drops of eucalyptus to sesame or coconut oil to rub on the chest/back to relieve congestion.<br />
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<b>Garlic Oil for Earaches:</b> Simmer several cloves of garlic in evoo or coconut oil for several minutes, but do not let the garlic brown (low and slow). <b> </b>Strain and allow to cool until it is no longer hot, just warm. Drop into infected ear and/or massage around the ear and neck area close to the ear. Never put cold drops into an aching ear. Also, you can make garlic oil and store it, warming a small amount as needed (place a 1/4 lb of peeled garlic into a mason jar and fill with olive oil. shake daily for 2 weeks, then strain and use as needed)<br />
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">From the Kitchen:</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> Never look further than your kitchen for many effective natural remedies! You can even mix up your own <a href="http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/master-tonic-101">Master Tonic</a> to have on hand to ward off everything infectious and possibly even evil spirits ;). </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Kidding. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Sort of. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And if you've ever made this, you'll understand my joke. It's potent stuff! But it works</span>. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are many items in your kitchen that are effective at kicking a cold or the flu and many more to help relieve the symptoms including: garlic, onion, coconut oil, ginger, spicy peppers like cayenne, local honey (preferably raw), unfiltered raw Apple Cider Vinegar, horseradish and foods like </span><a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/the-benefits-of-bone-broth/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bone Broth</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> and cultured Probiotic drinks and veggies.</span><br />
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<b>Garlic: </b>antiseptic, anti inflammatory, anti bacterial/fungal/parasitical/viral<br />
<b>Onion, Ginger, Horseradish, Cayenne: </b>Increase blood flow and circulation <br />
<b>Coconut Oil: </b>antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, soothing properties, digestive benefits<br />
<b>Honey: </b>prevents seasonal allergies (local), soothing, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, cleansing properties (internally and externally)<br />
<b>ACV:</b> antibacterial, antifungal, soothing/healing properties for the skin and digestion <br />
<b>Probiotics: </b>this can be an entire post (book!) so instead I will link a few good sources to read. Basically, in order for our body to function properly, you must have probiotics either via supplement or via cultured foods or both! <a href="http://www.upwardquest.com/probiotics-benefits.html">Benefits of Probiotics</a> & <a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com/">Make your own cultured Foods!</a><br />
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">So, there you have it...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Your basics to stock your Natural Medicine Cabinet for the Cold & Flu Season!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">By no means is this comprehensive and my disclaimer:</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i>I am not a medical doctor. I am a mother and woman interested and self-educated in natural medicines/remedies. I research and research some more. I do use all the above remedies for my family, but not everything is right for everyone. Always consult YOUR health care provider in addition to doing your own research. Feel free to contact me if you'd like more information or have any questions. Also, I'm not promoting certain brands or places from which to order. I do recommend going to your local health food store and have found the most affordable sources online to be Amazon, iHerb, Pure Bulk and Vitacost.</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are some remedies, herbs or supplements or other natural health care practices that you think are essential for combating cold and flu season?</b><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </i></div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-77147823971128173942011-09-09T08:36:00.001-05:002011-09-09T08:36:32.359-05:00{this moment}...comfy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span>{this moment}</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><br />
</span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><i><span>A Friday ritual from </span></i></span><span><span><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="color: #74c7a9; text-decoration: none;"><i>Soule Mama</i></a></span><i><span>,
whom I love reading. A single photo – no/few words – capturing a
moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment
I want to pause, savor and remember. If you’re inspired to do the
same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and
see.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><i><span> </span></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbITaCRfm1XMB-chxI5QZ_np4eG7TmZebuwI9s1SFjgyN_x-4_l_eCL4Kz-sJKAQFplXcUWbPxduwqIHniuHvTsh_P7rgZ6usLr1_DFin0rJ-XwGkjZPUXjkxV1TNwRGsRGxsC4Unaj-nx/s1600/comfy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbITaCRfm1XMB-chxI5QZ_np4eG7TmZebuwI9s1SFjgyN_x-4_l_eCL4Kz-sJKAQFplXcUWbPxduwqIHniuHvTsh_P7rgZ6usLr1_DFin0rJ-XwGkjZPUXjkxV1TNwRGsRGxsC4Unaj-nx/s320/comfy.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><i><span> </span></i><span>You think he's comfy?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span>This one needs a little background<i> </i>just because it's so funny!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span>He climbed up and turned on the tv and dvd player to watch Baby Signing Time, pulled up his chair and this is how I found him when I finished what I was doing in the kitchen! So cute.</span></span></span></div>
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Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-36447584559691715942011-09-08T21:15:00.002-05:002011-09-16T08:13:57.566-05:00Changing Diapers {The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering} Review & Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">In the 4+ years I've been tending to baby booties, I've been cloth diapering. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I not only LOVE their extreme cuteness factor, but also the fact cloth diapers are better for both my babies' bums AND for Mother Earth. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Despite what my husband, may think nowadays after my evolution of our cloth diaper stash into a repetoire of cuteness, my main reason to cloth diaper our children was simply because of the toxins in disposable diapers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cuteness factor aside, I was concerned about all those chemicals on my babies' bodies all day long for the first 2 years or so of their lives. </div><div style="text-align: center;">When we began researching cloth diapers, I was amazed at the options and information. And in the past 4 years, those options and the information out there has grown exponentially!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's so easy to be very overwhelmed at the sheer amount of info and all the different varieties of modern cloth diapers. </div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the most common things I hear from women new to cloth diapering or ones researching it, is that they are simply too overwhelmed to know where to start.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enter cloth diapering guru, <a href="http://www.kellywels.com/">Kelly Wels</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">With her combined expertise as a cloth diapering mom, a cloth diaper business owner and passion for cloth diapering advocacy, Kelly has written the definitive guide to cloth diapering in her new book <i>Changing Diapers- The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s_6qvcLy6cfsyGZEmCT8UAvjxhGhbNwtlxpFazGjiF46aTnYE5OUAuau0Yw7h5YgDsPxw2UUOFqejU46fw0_yq8nIMAMZj5C-jLpMagHCiLatZi0Zn8EdlIFFWbX7FsotpBNcEDMswhA/s1600/cdbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s_6qvcLy6cfsyGZEmCT8UAvjxhGhbNwtlxpFazGjiF46aTnYE5OUAuau0Yw7h5YgDsPxw2UUOFqejU46fw0_yq8nIMAMZj5C-jLpMagHCiLatZi0Zn8EdlIFFWbX7FsotpBNcEDMswhA/s1600/cdbook.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>.Changing Diapers </i>is the comprehensive guide to cloth diapers. It gives you all the tools you need to get started using cloth as well as tips and troubleshooting solutions while using cloth diapers. <br />
The information is in a simple, easy-to-understand format while at the same time, 100% complete! <br />
I wasn't kidding when I said this book it the definitive guide to cloth diapers.<br />
It has everything from a comprehensive overview of all the various styles of cloth diapers to explaining the reasons to even consider using cloth. She goes into detail about everything from the toxins in disposables, the impact of millions and millions of non-biodegradable disposables filling our landfills and the economical benefits of using cloth diapers.Cloth diapers are not only the safest bet for your baby's bum, but they are fun and Oh! so cute!!<br />
{and adding to or tweaking your <a href="http://blissfullysatisfied.blogspot.com/2010/10/stash.html">stash</a> is somewhat addicting :) }<br />
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Which begs to be answered...what is the <i>financial </i>benefit to using cloth?<br />
According to <i>Changing Diapers, "</i>cloth diapers cost 6 cents per diaper change, depending on which type of cloth you choose...disposables, by comparison, cost 36 cents per diaper change".<br />
And that INCLUDES costs for energy for washing and drying cloth diapers.<br />
Start ups for cloth can be as little as $100 (prefolds/covers) and the upper end of average around $350 for more expensive diapers. And that's it. That's the cost from birth to potty training.<br />
Compare to disposables....an average of $2577.35 PER BABY.<br />
Using cloth saves an average of $2000+ per kiddo!!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">My favorite part of the book is the highlighted green section: Cloth Diapering 101.<br />
Kelly goes through each type of cloth and simply explains the ins and outs...<br />
a nice, thorough description and simple, illustrated "how-to" for each type of diaper.<br />
Then, Kelly proceeds to lead you through the various things that come into play while cloth diapering your babe... care, the extras, using cloth at daycare, special situation cloth diapering (multiple babies, etc), ages/stages and a troubleshooting guide. The "extras" section is also not to be missed. Handy dandy charts for all the accessories of cloth and a great little "packing the cloth diaper bag" one as well.<br />
Even this mama of 2 cloth diapered babes, including an overlap of 2 booties in cloth, learned some new things and thoroughly enjoyed this book!<br />
<i>Changing Diapers </i>is ESSENTIAL for any cloth diapering mom...new or an old pro!<br />
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<br />
So, by now, I know you're wondering, How can I get a copy of this awesome book?!<br />
Well, Kelly Wels book <i>Changing Diapers</i> has a release date for October 1, 2011, BUT you can pre-order the book <a href="http://store.kellywels.com/?AffId=60">through this link</a> and it will ship this month.<br />
AND Kelly has generously offered my readers a FABULOUS deal!.<br />
<a href="http://store.kellywels.com/?AffId=60">Order</a> your copy of <i>Changing Diapers</i> and use coupon code <b>GOODLIFE</b> for <b>50% off</b> the list price.<br />
That's only $8.97+ shipping for this amazing cloth diapering resource!!<br />
**<i>Update: For a limited time only, order your book through my link using the 50% off coupon and choose "US Media Mail" as your shipping to ship your entire order for JUST $1!! *</i>* <br />
<br />
You can use the links above or click on the banner below at anytime to order Kelly's book, BUT the coupon code expires Oct.7, 2011, so order get your order in today!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://store.kellywels.com/?AffId=60"><img border="0" src="http://store.kellywels.com/assets/images/affiliateBanners/affiliateBanner2.jpg" /> </a><br />
<br />
<b>BUT WAIT!!!</b><br />
THERE'S MORE!<br />
<br />
Kelly Wels is also sponsoring a <b>Fabulous Fluffy Giveaway</b> for my readers!<br />
The winner of this giveaway can choose a <span style="font-style: italic;">Fuzzibunz</span> One Size Diaper OR a <span style="font-style: italic;">Rumparooz</span> One Size Diaper, and will also receive an ”<span style="font-style: italic;">I’m a Hip Mom and Love Cloth Diapers</span>” Temporary Tattoo!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH7rwWcB-lIMfWpLeQ8ydh48l_6_VW7xHGzFv1OpI0HfKg31t0JMz-8h397XH5LZ6CzKB-ZKy8W3FTfbvdh6KiQl8rSAOZPxq3w-Re_gm66C4T0wStCO7a1XCKnLne61v1oAH9u51dAJ9/s1600/Picture+21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH7rwWcB-lIMfWpLeQ8ydh48l_6_VW7xHGzFv1OpI0HfKg31t0JMz-8h397XH5LZ6CzKB-ZKy8W3FTfbvdh6KiQl8rSAOZPxq3w-Re_gm66C4T0wStCO7a1XCKnLne61v1oAH9u51dAJ9/s320/Picture+21.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne_mGBYrCE59y-TCDbZc_S-NHrP6BSngDdZKClzioihXs1Z9B0s2VzBknNA3pS21Ij_1RjlFif50dnajkZko-v2D_LFK2VjI4M5yYX31vK6VQ9d3m0fRNxgmGifnrsQQ6Ohe_08SsaUix/s1600/hipomo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne_mGBYrCE59y-TCDbZc_S-NHrP6BSngDdZKClzioihXs1Z9B0s2VzBknNA3pS21Ij_1RjlFif50dnajkZko-v2D_LFK2VjI4M5yYX31vK6VQ9d3m0fRNxgmGifnrsQQ6Ohe_08SsaUix/s1600/hipomo.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">To enter the giveaway: </div><div style="text-align: center;">*1. Follow me on Google Friend Connect & leave a comment telling me you did so.</div><div style="text-align: center;">*2. Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite brand of cloth diapers or if you currently don't use cloth, let me know why you would consider switching.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Extra Entries (for each one,leave me a comment telling me you did so) : </div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Share this post on your facebook or twitter (1 entry per day)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Kellywels">Kelly Wels</a> page on facebook.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChangingDiapersBook">Changing Diapers Book</a> page on facebook.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Share my giveaway on your blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Buy Kelly's book through my links above :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The giveaway will end at midnight Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Winner picks brand and girl/boy/gender neutral and Kelly will pick the color!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-52751483461160973792011-09-02T20:41:00.000-05:002011-09-02T20:41:45.085-05:00Bowling Up Some Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ORraC0JMSZtKQr-cjxZ7kiS869k3AZlSvbejGHtoI2jPH2qBmg9iy8Jvbw8Hi8y04sTlKMTtt_yXw4oGFjJER2ZTjNrnSARA2xhaUh-F4DNQZ-22E06lH5isPCrBnOmDKaHUWeHHOKFs/s1600/DSC_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ORraC0JMSZtKQr-cjxZ7kiS869k3AZlSvbejGHtoI2jPH2qBmg9iy8Jvbw8Hi8y04sTlKMTtt_yXw4oGFjJER2ZTjNrnSARA2xhaUh-F4DNQZ-22E06lH5isPCrBnOmDKaHUWeHHOKFs/s320/DSC_0347.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht04yvTZF3fuFmJv5I0xhjE8nZZKjyVGXSKYVGCA-Ygv1nbdEgbc0IDdeCNoQXPelwjpc0OtE5uZ1LHFeZrtAlFB_0gJg5yNxPrgYDsGgdwWJnIcU_ee-vG28XlZbbBQWyVB-1nfuFRMIg/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht04yvTZF3fuFmJv5I0xhjE8nZZKjyVGXSKYVGCA-Ygv1nbdEgbc0IDdeCNoQXPelwjpc0OtE5uZ1LHFeZrtAlFB_0gJg5yNxPrgYDsGgdwWJnIcU_ee-vG28XlZbbBQWyVB-1nfuFRMIg/s320/DSC_0343.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQt9F1wWxErG1-Cc_fnfhqr6cI1K9ubOCvA9jOQ7Gl0e0Ln2sItRmsbt8rb0uiW7FAQF2HDn7eNpbMk8QzIvA50NR8MtUx3bpW1VPT8mELX7IZBvb4o1pshex2ngLb2Yy9uaQRtXrL-gf/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQt9F1wWxErG1-Cc_fnfhqr6cI1K9ubOCvA9jOQ7Gl0e0Ln2sItRmsbt8rb0uiW7FAQF2HDn7eNpbMk8QzIvA50NR8MtUx3bpW1VPT8mELX7IZBvb4o1pshex2ngLb2Yy9uaQRtXrL-gf/s320/DSC_0348.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I graciously let Charlie bowl most of my game since no one wanted him on their team.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sucks for them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because he kicked butt...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwFbwt-mIvp5gc3srUJxwHkSyO6XgFHtjsYProFuVdmuzI1W3Bm60nt86WtTG37spDne1f3EBgTBdzBtUX-OKlymmLKHpfEdOSQPLmARempZV22Or-z8rQU2S0kQFOSe9opoPS_7wLEk0/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwFbwt-mIvp5gc3srUJxwHkSyO6XgFHtjsYProFuVdmuzI1W3Bm60nt86WtTG37spDne1f3EBgTBdzBtUX-OKlymmLKHpfEdOSQPLmARempZV22Or-z8rQU2S0kQFOSe9opoPS_7wLEk0/s320/DSC_0350.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqFsL-Gucc-j8DFBV4ilxF3u9TiiIbB78UJ6ShTQr5iKrstVO5JskjU-pHkAC_QCYE4ndhyphenhyphenf8Qvm7WzGfRZBWGzmYJq5lvvrFAUrPESQEzGm_HziNm7b5JqNFJfxvTlc5x-AJiCRG6g4K/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqFsL-Gucc-j8DFBV4ilxF3u9TiiIbB78UJ6ShTQr5iKrstVO5JskjU-pHkAC_QCYE4ndhyphenhyphenf8Qvm7WzGfRZBWGzmYJq5lvvrFAUrPESQEzGm_HziNm7b5JqNFJfxvTlc5x-AJiCRG6g4K/s320/DSC_0356.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD1p3I31hrr4PwBv_oaFE-WjdOIYVUJZLWk1Mm7_4pgD4yAFF5KQ6ndBQEbMwqaM08uhggyK_Ez2twJ51KyiN2WZcWsowU4FusjZODc0AhDnnc7U8klJ4YAK6SyBXnssnWOp-IV568mUE/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD1p3I31hrr4PwBv_oaFE-WjdOIYVUJZLWk1Mm7_4pgD4yAFF5KQ6ndBQEbMwqaM08uhggyK_Ez2twJ51KyiN2WZcWsowU4FusjZODc0AhDnnc7U8klJ4YAK6SyBXnssnWOp-IV568mUE/s320/DSC_0361.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Charlie and I came in 2nd place behind Will by only 2 measly points. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep. He's only 1 and 1/2 and it was his first time bowling.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some might call it Karma for not hating on the baby and instead welcoming him onto my team.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><shrug></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDYAw60gJrt0iqz3KMDFrqfx-VFdqJdsddDViq67pQPj6gmuz8mV1lFqxUDfi8ytQxNaXb_GF05oJr1WOwwWBNc7RJGvVWixJq5_HWS3WDfbs2lcfPqWYqpq1EOBsprlB1zI8vDIrbCkd/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDYAw60gJrt0iqz3KMDFrqfx-VFdqJdsddDViq67pQPj6gmuz8mV1lFqxUDfi8ytQxNaXb_GF05oJr1WOwwWBNc7RJGvVWixJq5_HWS3WDfbs2lcfPqWYqpq1EOBsprlB1zI8vDIrbCkd/s320/DSC_0363.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Obligatory, playtime in the arcade afterwards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssZhdPI9CmrJroWKvuFheN9El6VjQJ2YuP2jVy7qt-SflRfOusiJYUBql6sAt1OoDM1DmE-7Lv0J_AhAKC4PsRI1hxZL_csiLfHFyZZpetgGvDgsyPkUroBjBK8HtPq62bo1fi767IZHF/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssZhdPI9CmrJroWKvuFheN9El6VjQJ2YuP2jVy7qt-SflRfOusiJYUBql6sAt1OoDM1DmE-7Lv0J_AhAKC4PsRI1hxZL_csiLfHFyZZpetgGvDgsyPkUroBjBK8HtPq62bo1fi767IZHF/s320/DSC_0366.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was kind of dangerous.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-45352053626090090182011-08-29T12:58:00.000-05:002011-08-29T12:58:29.495-05:00Hemlock Falls & Amicalola State Park<div style="text-align: center;">So, we left the <a href="http://blissfullysatisfied.blogspot.com/2011/08/north-georgia-camping-part-1-wildcat.html">lovely Wildcat Creek </a>camground headed to find some waterfalls. <br />
Tripp wanted mountains and waterfalls.<br />
So, he got it!<br />
We happily obliged, too.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixYnIDlnNTroOlOGHVPOLEtzJgIxtPOzUQMjIDucWUww7imET38-8Il1J5xpstIE8yMW5RD3pB6dC0yY8mRN1-rT7TSnjkWYOQEDPkMKOmLvyNvXFlMK8o829ZiDYqc3K5XtpLebP7lID/s1600/138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixYnIDlnNTroOlOGHVPOLEtzJgIxtPOzUQMjIDucWUww7imET38-8Il1J5xpstIE8yMW5RD3pB6dC0yY8mRN1-rT7TSnjkWYOQEDPkMKOmLvyNvXFlMK8o829ZiDYqc3K5XtpLebP7lID/s320/138.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUTWML0i7geZgeQm0crk_7429gPycslSysl9cSgGr-Q7YXa6TqybBOgtZZ7Z0uFUi6c32VPwa6FNjioPJlxfE1G99r7_ZnQXQZYLzptrf6ha9FBIUpBeM9wGBHV7HaGlIlPiQfpOukEbM/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUTWML0i7geZgeQm0crk_7429gPycslSysl9cSgGr-Q7YXa6TqybBOgtZZ7Z0uFUi6c32VPwa6FNjioPJlxfE1G99r7_ZnQXQZYLzptrf6ha9FBIUpBeM9wGBHV7HaGlIlPiQfpOukEbM/s320/142.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>This part up the mountain was easy and wide. <br />
But it was quite a trek. I was sore the next day.<br />
It probably didn't help that I busted it on a rock at the waterfall.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o86t4mNK4JfMIvQmZMnzbA9D0DBew_74aCeaKMUc0T5xW-IiVJZwHS2vl_BIhRXroite9h1pNeDqI_6n26WnlSGyd5NKHhSFZFIBumCQkiLLKxKpKeaftsj6FaePW6TsC1qo7Yhsft8Z/s1600/144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o86t4mNK4JfMIvQmZMnzbA9D0DBew_74aCeaKMUc0T5xW-IiVJZwHS2vl_BIhRXroite9h1pNeDqI_6n26WnlSGyd5NKHhSFZFIBumCQkiLLKxKpKeaftsj6FaePW6TsC1qo7Yhsft8Z/s320/144.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Prettiness along the trail<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym_KVUpCpUq2jBjah5iEMjQHq2GLonD_FWnRKxu_IyhNwssTas5jUTUSHoE9fKIZ4oyvL4G9qGMnfDpDD1x88GEVIkGhdbSoDRr9bb7wcVfLF-k3BBz-Xdc731XgqtxOEh8XBBaf7vYq9/s1600/149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym_KVUpCpUq2jBjah5iEMjQHq2GLonD_FWnRKxu_IyhNwssTas5jUTUSHoE9fKIZ4oyvL4G9qGMnfDpDD1x88GEVIkGhdbSoDRr9bb7wcVfLF-k3BBz-Xdc731XgqtxOEh8XBBaf7vYq9/s320/149.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Tripp wondered it this was the start of a bear cave.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78-6TPvDzUQp2GvENNNPNpT7hA1bMym9GWjT08bl9slJLEyh7Xl-5J17gDXzKRrji0MtfZOvxLveslELiVuBhq9FcQHlxZmJFiJgzrv61qbF-DcsZCYHYoN5Ffd7RNckBL7pXpVvH7LN4/s1600/151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78-6TPvDzUQp2GvENNNPNpT7hA1bMym9GWjT08bl9slJLEyh7Xl-5J17gDXzKRrji0MtfZOvxLveslELiVuBhq9FcQHlxZmJFiJgzrv61qbF-DcsZCYHYoN5Ffd7RNckBL7pXpVvH7LN4/s320/151.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Nice, cold trickle for a much needed break from the heat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqkr-A-wGokpQdV-tciCOpjVATBUE9t_Z32KqV05m8OhI1aQl4z52IagK35c_GoSiaXP1y7QCOME3A38lqvJzxta02F-J-4FE3gh4UAin_Lpl7Jfl2CpFANXb15DDif8Y9OvrKDSy2745/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqkr-A-wGokpQdV-tciCOpjVATBUE9t_Z32KqV05m8OhI1aQl4z52IagK35c_GoSiaXP1y7QCOME3A38lqvJzxta02F-J-4FE3gh4UAin_Lpl7Jfl2CpFANXb15DDif8Y9OvrKDSy2745/s320/157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We crossed over a little bridge and saw this nice teaser waterfall.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvLhH9n2vxfRYqzgG71VgokZ2nexmbnz0dN2EEUz9X7PcINr7B7Tw1_HOjsk8J1CbQdeOkbWO7zOVpnQZQ2xwbjILKPopCESFBictabL8KQ5GTytkE-q5g3UlbVVWlViSbVbOvoTuqajO/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvLhH9n2vxfRYqzgG71VgokZ2nexmbnz0dN2EEUz9X7PcINr7B7Tw1_HOjsk8J1CbQdeOkbWO7zOVpnQZQ2xwbjILKPopCESFBictabL8KQ5GTytkE-q5g3UlbVVWlViSbVbOvoTuqajO/s320/160.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Our little hiker in action<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIF7LvgwwQBKpre6Q_udZNh87EBaYdNOtXhuTPJdIoSjJMDrxMsq2u9wDh8q2nr-FAUasbbleEDJ3-Ng7EberLs62X4W85GCrcw6rNcN-CUXvVYafdMAq2LS6VGN-wFKNjppTxC-lAsnY/s1600/162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIF7LvgwwQBKpre6Q_udZNh87EBaYdNOtXhuTPJdIoSjJMDrxMsq2u9wDh8q2nr-FAUasbbleEDJ3-Ng7EberLs62X4W85GCrcw6rNcN-CUXvVYafdMAq2LS6VGN-wFKNjppTxC-lAsnY/s320/162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ah! We made it!<br />
It looks small in the pics, but it was pretty high. I didn't think to get a picture with one of us by it for perspective.<br />
The added loveliness was the perfect pool in front of it to swim in before it plunged down the mountain again behind us. It was such a treat after the hike up.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kqn85MiMBdL0NV2vJ_qTfOinAp_Ojead1fGFPMV7J3gtsVBZtlUBpOn1RbQuBkyFp9mAnecUhGrpK8JpCmhZyuu5jgl1J6Gmq1nFc42PncahUk0UuJPGItA2Qskc_34sellb_XPujiES/s1600/181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kqn85MiMBdL0NV2vJ_qTfOinAp_Ojead1fGFPMV7J3gtsVBZtlUBpOn1RbQuBkyFp9mAnecUhGrpK8JpCmhZyuu5jgl1J6Gmq1nFc42PncahUk0UuJPGItA2Qskc_34sellb_XPujiES/s320/181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaldjwi_bqQA9ANigapkMxwoMi3nNNxVRdrc64zlmNp7Z6_ph3PtN9WPQx7l4eWG-9P-6YO0FbJEOPP2sPI-Km55zKTpZvIbgVhxBYHkksAMWY1LGVzNI6NUO7iVSqv8n3WE0542LzOA4/s1600/170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaldjwi_bqQA9ANigapkMxwoMi3nNNxVRdrc64zlmNp7Z6_ph3PtN9WPQx7l4eWG-9P-6YO0FbJEOPP2sPI-Km55zKTpZvIbgVhxBYHkksAMWY1LGVzNI6NUO7iVSqv8n3WE0542LzOA4/s320/170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And, there would be more pics than these, but remember when I said I slipped and fell on a rock?<br />
Yeah, well that was here.<br />
On a rock that shifted<br />
In the water<br />
And me and the camera both went under.<br />
So, no more pictures until the now disassembled camera dried.<br />
<br />
From Hemlock Falls, we drove through the cool, albeit touristy, German Alpine town of Helen, GA and on towards Amicalola Falls.<br />
We decided to go there to see the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River and because it had a lodge at the State Park.<br />
We added on this night of our stay b/c we were really enjoying ourselves and wanted to explore a little more. It poured on us when we camped the night before at Moccasin Creek. Between that and adding on to our stay, everything was wet or extremely dirty.<span id="goog_530615503"></span><span id="goog_530615504"></span><br />
So we upgraded our camping to the lodge and it was a treat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavpHJfcVKAptFNags_3yO67uNk5a8w7BJOijteun7mXb2mM-jER1KP8Le7zJu_Gnx73BCy1A1pRsrGqysVa2BlB0rkOFrdXg9ItTXeY_fSZwdrG6wSQB9IIJZGTfaGc5rXtrxaLmgvQ9m/s1600/afsp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavpHJfcVKAptFNags_3yO67uNk5a8w7BJOijteun7mXb2mM-jER1KP8Le7zJu_Gnx73BCy1A1pRsrGqysVa2BlB0rkOFrdXg9ItTXeY_fSZwdrG6wSQB9IIJZGTfaGc5rXtrxaLmgvQ9m/s320/afsp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The whole back of the lodge is essentially a window with the most gorgeous view!<br />
Let's just say, We'll be back for those Autumn colors!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can you imagine that view?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
After several days away from home and taking entirely too many pics as well as being "off the grid" some of the time, we spent our final day exploring sans a charged camera battery. We even plowed through the juice in the spare. I was disappointed but at least we had the phone!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1WnOtOIhmVJMi8cAyEbEseMadWKdeU_VP1d8xvFqMnft9P5KBS19TRvKSvJeLE0q_cQzRP0dAU1Rpx1XV0JoEEP7EFwjRN_iko3gpoB3dfo1FwZp5GPFovxXQrAEyqzh4GKeQFYmbsU7/s1600/truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1WnOtOIhmVJMi8cAyEbEseMadWKdeU_VP1d8xvFqMnft9P5KBS19TRvKSvJeLE0q_cQzRP0dAU1Rpx1XV0JoEEP7EFwjRN_iko3gpoB3dfo1FwZp5GPFovxXQrAEyqzh4GKeQFYmbsU7/s320/truck.jpg" width="223" /></a></div> The only picture with the real camera...along the trail to the waterfall, up on the mountain, you can see this old moonshining truck that crashed and tumbled, and subsequently got stuck, trying to escape the cops.<br />
Pretty cool.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVfan2Wp55CKceU-DasCOVupaAQtEahMjoybN0hK02mIQYRJ1hlojUcVk37n4pqwuXU9qo4A5oM3zsZG9fYczeySpGq8CQJsORM80ekhw5S-P37NDKhR0Sg4UULQc55jFXz9R87D9osr4/s1600/amicalola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVfan2Wp55CKceU-DasCOVupaAQtEahMjoybN0hK02mIQYRJ1hlojUcVk37n4pqwuXU9qo4A5oM3zsZG9fYczeySpGq8CQJsORM80ekhw5S-P37NDKhR0Sg4UULQc55jFXz9R87D9osr4/s320/amicalola.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This camera phone pic doesn't even do the beauty and size justice...<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=Amicalola+falls&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1582&bih=634">Check out more pics, that aren't mine, here. </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfz0k9mD_X_sCPS8oX2UzK1rUsQukEkVrF1HI9AYLwJ1zBZJoch-ncxruJtV5ldKRfd8xrfXsQE-0Oz9IQqaHjyoTn_BBQCRHPvgBn2jh7LbUoIGen0T-E_-KuirRePtj4pvdak7OvzBG/s1600/downthefalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfz0k9mD_X_sCPS8oX2UzK1rUsQukEkVrF1HI9AYLwJ1zBZJoch-ncxruJtV5ldKRfd8xrfXsQE-0Oz9IQqaHjyoTn_BBQCRHPvgBn2jh7LbUoIGen0T-E_-KuirRePtj4pvdak7OvzBG/s320/downthefalls.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> looking down on the top of the waterfall.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEeJ99rnecJzJl4lXf5Ox7rzbV4B_jZKuD_UPDYJ8uF1HrsYZxmNLFiM_fLECXX1SiG2v3LKyeeL4xUww8IHiNoC5RslqTfWn325q4amgc21pCNecdCLkdBpV6U85cc99ZndJ-9Z0OO9e/s1600/meboystop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEeJ99rnecJzJl4lXf5Ox7rzbV4B_jZKuD_UPDYJ8uF1HrsYZxmNLFiM_fLECXX1SiG2v3LKyeeL4xUww8IHiNoC5RslqTfWn325q4amgc21pCNecdCLkdBpV6U85cc99ZndJ-9Z0OO9e/s320/meboystop.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkGjfSNZlJHb2aWte4EIHz7KBIeT6ENELs8KaklMq5hP-BFR9jYeWqCHz9hI2ftPqL9qE1cN-kWpsTCLJGzi6o77qv54qzJvVtmJsgK2pWeP7x5Px3bNFSbIE4vMqqvxI5K-HPtd4ZTPg/s1600/point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkGjfSNZlJHb2aWte4EIHz7KBIeT6ENELs8KaklMq5hP-BFR9jYeWqCHz9hI2ftPqL9qE1cN-kWpsTCLJGzi6o77qv54qzJvVtmJsgK2pWeP7x5Px3bNFSbIE4vMqqvxI5K-HPtd4ZTPg/s320/point.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaktS_cN90Yuwgv7KCAPyRE7xhEqXpZ0-e6ZWgKq0JdR3BGcwY0jOK_w5O7CxW2X_ATKYZFoAKZBHdEvGQfSKuxhAGpEdqZ76BFw9Lb_y0JmyeJYgOAmbUQQQO9m3Pg7t2RtejxM0kP5TK/s1600/stairsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaktS_cN90Yuwgv7KCAPyRE7xhEqXpZ0-e6ZWgKq0JdR3BGcwY0jOK_w5O7CxW2X_ATKYZFoAKZBHdEvGQfSKuxhAGpEdqZ76BFw9Lb_y0JmyeJYgOAmbUQQQO9m3Pg7t2RtejxM0kP5TK/s320/stairsign.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnOKSmN7eAmG6VwqmuaU36jhLHgQ-LGWLR9_iodUsIH5_VAMeASAV58bUkke6-n9yG7fs0z_2ufulhGuimbKbI5qi2L-j8XrGZvZaq3ph3pWHBtX45nsj3MHJH6w4OXnlQJF916XQSIbH/s1600/trailappro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnOKSmN7eAmG6VwqmuaU36jhLHgQ-LGWLR9_iodUsIH5_VAMeASAV58bUkke6-n9yG7fs0z_2ufulhGuimbKbI5qi2L-j8XrGZvZaq3ph3pWHBtX45nsj3MHJH6w4OXnlQJF916XQSIbH/s320/trailappro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You can hike to the beginning of the Appalachian Trail from the state park.<br />
This approach trail is a mere 8.5 gorgeous miles. You can even stay here at the Hike Inn.<br />
A quaint lodge only to be reached by the 5 mile hiking trail.<br />
<br />
So that concludes our North Georgian adventure.<br />
We will return.<br />
Sooner rather than Later.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF5jzORIMTt0ic6LN4R-uxfv8pHfhyphenhyphenLqQlZtr9n4n-RsEOdnvruA5GVcuuv-oE4CQ5wxxqpoUjJuMHjwmjF1_ZH7FdsJ75YE5BaBQLJSed4AjZA3D0XEAlkUXwxkZdRCggVis8gYXxKDU/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF5jzORIMTt0ic6LN4R-uxfv8pHfhyphenhyphenLqQlZtr9n4n-RsEOdnvruA5GVcuuv-oE4CQ5wxxqpoUjJuMHjwmjF1_ZH7FdsJ75YE5BaBQLJSed4AjZA3D0XEAlkUXwxkZdRCggVis8gYXxKDU/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><br />
</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-33887402622753220602011-08-25T21:53:00.000-05:002011-08-25T21:53:29.436-05:00North Georgia Camping Part 1: Wildcat Creek<div style="text-align: center;">I'm going to attempt a blog catch up and summer round up over the next few days. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Our most recent adventure revolved around me attending the <a href="http://pushformidwives.org/">The Big Push for Midwives' 2011 Push Summit</a> in Cary, North Carolina. We got to spend some extra time with friends while we were there which made all the little bumps in the road along the way much better!</div><div style="text-align: center;">To top it off, on our way home we took the scenic route.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And we stayed for a night or 2...</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was lovely!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We left from our friend's in Chapel Hill and meandered down towards Asheville, NC and finally ended up in the moutains of North Georgia. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigqvnl-55OYCv4U3Tg-IXkRDrMJhJue0h8oGPzE1lOjdi7Ka98GI4mUTbqrMewaw9AXTuSZ7dQch9eUuJrV29k1hOW1Xe-pPOdAkSJ-vZ2gUxE8ky7SHCwsbdyCI8irqiQR2s7rBSzI2h/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigqvnl-55OYCv4U3Tg-IXkRDrMJhJue0h8oGPzE1lOjdi7Ka98GI4mUTbqrMewaw9AXTuSZ7dQch9eUuJrV29k1hOW1Xe-pPOdAkSJ-vZ2gUxE8ky7SHCwsbdyCI8irqiQR2s7rBSzI2h/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPS_MbM76VHpMeiD8tad7l2Z5NT-VvtViF5lC_4M6BUF2PzLXQFXeCHPBP_5tDcheNGESxPVk9Ii7m5ud3L_ky4jfMn-HTJCQ6LqZweLRt3yK3AFSOERVj_ABj5ojhii-vsj7R5gF2WoZ/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPS_MbM76VHpMeiD8tad7l2Z5NT-VvtViF5lC_4M6BUF2PzLXQFXeCHPBP_5tDcheNGESxPVk9Ii7m5ud3L_ky4jfMn-HTJCQ6LqZweLRt3yK3AFSOERVj_ABj5ojhii-vsj7R5gF2WoZ/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After enjoying our lovely scenic ride through the mountains, we stopped at <a href="http://northgeorgiamountainfreak.blogspot.com/2008/09/wildcat-creek-has-lot-to-offer.html">Wildcat Creek </a>to camp. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a beautiful (and that's an understatement) primitive campground with a fabulous creek running through it. You could literally reach in and grab the trout. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3mcuJo8LMOts0MRyuUPzoi5qRup8XM_gXXX_e0ThksBRwRU6iSz_Hy5L7BYLy9jDlw-PfE_fy4gOlSQUPdXSMHBZBh__PNgV1cYaDHFczXUVJaPERTIwbNBCHeH7z4dmoJiMNyA1ASZO/s1600/031p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3mcuJo8LMOts0MRyuUPzoi5qRup8XM_gXXX_e0ThksBRwRU6iSz_Hy5L7BYLy9jDlw-PfE_fy4gOlSQUPdXSMHBZBh__PNgV1cYaDHFczXUVJaPERTIwbNBCHeH7z4dmoJiMNyA1ASZO/s320/031p.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJGO7dQGCRgCAwbh1U2mg3Q5x419-q20XoL97-kya2cCNpG2JWOSmdvA1acAd0SdWtjDDJ3zu3lEEgS-dXYsJJjXBO8LxV5yd5nHb5TMudtjTFziAVRpT49F4hItzVIXZSspM5O108fqq/s1600/034_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJGO7dQGCRgCAwbh1U2mg3Q5x419-q20XoL97-kya2cCNpG2JWOSmdvA1acAd0SdWtjDDJ3zu3lEEgS-dXYsJJjXBO8LxV5yd5nHb5TMudtjTFziAVRpT49F4hItzVIXZSspM5O108fqq/s320/034_picnik.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> He's so proud he made it up with his brudder.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nbfcXb17-s4uESc3bKH2iO4vPTagL01ASO5jbK5dQMMiNTG_m9iAf8BdRELihL3sNnmjgCnlmzIzWnPro7vmWgWVaW9Mn0l79qpAOEnKNKQ6ManLlon9tRm96mOfV3P9ZwkCSB0h6Yhs/s1600/036o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nbfcXb17-s4uESc3bKH2iO4vPTagL01ASO5jbK5dQMMiNTG_m9iAf8BdRELihL3sNnmjgCnlmzIzWnPro7vmWgWVaW9Mn0l79qpAOEnKNKQ6ManLlon9tRm96mOfV3P9ZwkCSB0h6Yhs/s320/036o.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjmsx1fMCp_p8JAeP7VGXHP2ySzNhIp2dmhIqzL26Qplvfuunjk_xqyQcbflUwq9PQJjAndWKhI3GAQtclrPoqfEHaflehw0UF2CwwwlLjVkp27HVgqpGxO-Arl3W25WXf3zzKnSPa95v/s1600/038c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjmsx1fMCp_p8JAeP7VGXHP2ySzNhIp2dmhIqzL26Qplvfuunjk_xqyQcbflUwq9PQJjAndWKhI3GAQtclrPoqfEHaflehw0UF2CwwwlLjVkp27HVgqpGxO-Arl3W25WXf3zzKnSPa95v/s320/038c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Gosh, I'm a lucky lady!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7QLQa6j3IEP13gWixRcq9H8RhL09MbAN0baD_RRqVO1kdGSc8q7A9n-DyocTfmXC6kpnEeYny5ZIhdQsDpG4yxDLyBOY1UHaxS9fH2vY0cRvYEegCgqgLog8ge5Tttmrc2XXBa0Cr4T_/s1600/041c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7QLQa6j3IEP13gWixRcq9H8RhL09MbAN0baD_RRqVO1kdGSc8q7A9n-DyocTfmXC6kpnEeYny5ZIhdQsDpG4yxDLyBOY1UHaxS9fH2vY0cRvYEegCgqgLog8ge5Tttmrc2XXBa0Cr4T_/s320/041c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Playing in the creek before bed!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1INgXDlA6OwdlkaIw1qQE8rb2iiXgGaXPE3fnjyMxP5ZnISeT0kMzNmnCXYN9DPWJtWyqvuWF5ZTAL48qm6yV8aZNh3gGKuuq0k2L7w26aeVcm5LhSuvbstymJA7DLANsB1tOT8LRxwu/s1600/046v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1INgXDlA6OwdlkaIw1qQE8rb2iiXgGaXPE3fnjyMxP5ZnISeT0kMzNmnCXYN9DPWJtWyqvuWF5ZTAL48qm6yV8aZNh3gGKuuq0k2L7w26aeVcm5LhSuvbstymJA7DLANsB1tOT8LRxwu/s320/046v.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4XuFBtel_Jc0Ekba_thHqI0qpUbtMpTCnuhNdRogv52mqd09ybA4DYc2gYZPXhj58EIa9VVIAgGA70l5GSkgo4-Gi81jB2kzJz1r2TAeG7wgDSrVHSlTZaRxs1afdj6N2HAT_jky6QiW/s1600/052c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4XuFBtel_Jc0Ekba_thHqI0qpUbtMpTCnuhNdRogv52mqd09ybA4DYc2gYZPXhj58EIa9VVIAgGA70l5GSkgo4-Gi81jB2kzJz1r2TAeG7wgDSrVHSlTZaRxs1afdj6N2HAT_jky6QiW/s320/052c.jpg" width="296" /></a></div> Charlie meticulously stacked his rocks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpZxVYrV_sPUmnaqjIbGFUCxq_wAbw6dyAlFgc4rKZLlVh9R6SA9MqsqVJnoK1NhtgyQapE-LBQMfl4hw8DAdGHug_cTi3tKvNB7d2dvRg-SnmgDoPJNASWITemrrOy9VwMR96CLVFZKC/s1600/054v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpZxVYrV_sPUmnaqjIbGFUCxq_wAbw6dyAlFgc4rKZLlVh9R6SA9MqsqVJnoK1NhtgyQapE-LBQMfl4hw8DAdGHug_cTi3tKvNB7d2dvRg-SnmgDoPJNASWITemrrOy9VwMR96CLVFZKC/s320/054v.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Breakfast! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBNsKEYBMnLdJJcwnHAC4VG3rw2lvqTvCoJfxDfgxj8xgwXS8YKVuAQBs_DxJ39CQutS3i2j3DNvCrJ-JG8UuE3UYu7qYWCIKNf5wrrgqlHciRCMpcjIVI-AxzgJQmwrLw-LhAw1wdxji/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBNsKEYBMnLdJJcwnHAC4VG3rw2lvqTvCoJfxDfgxj8xgwXS8YKVuAQBs_DxJ39CQutS3i2j3DNvCrJ-JG8UuE3UYu7qYWCIKNf5wrrgqlHciRCMpcjIVI-AxzgJQmwrLw-LhAw1wdxji/s320/066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Our cozy little $8 campsite...what value!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMjhu_t7E8AUid8oXUxmZAkBcdem-2nB_yn6hzH_42Sw26Z80W5ScgVnjDXITNyNStsos0jARZlgAFIUc_y1-5idFW9-6LaLwSbIJzFl6GjA9Rr6P9SjN1jEg3rqmQoN00Qprp2Zd0QOB/s1600/069v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMjhu_t7E8AUid8oXUxmZAkBcdem-2nB_yn6hzH_42Sw26Z80W5ScgVnjDXITNyNStsos0jARZlgAFIUc_y1-5idFW9-6LaLwSbIJzFl6GjA9Rr6P9SjN1jEg3rqmQoN00Qprp2Zd0QOB/s320/069v.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> You can see the creek (a smaller, shallow and calmer section) ran along the backside of our tent.<br />
The sound was lovely music to our ears.<br />
And there's a little pool that was filled with trout. We'd come back here for the fishing alone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA347cQeMqcBjs3fGecuTcuEKewTuMK__uBb540Fx9c2lcsmfLGQjMXLwv-BTuG_0spQejnJDmN-4kowWl8DWfXdtqA9oIhfXb_Amgw9zvy04zN-KRkOMXH_rwA0o0MN2G56gpx-anH7o7/s1600/075v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA347cQeMqcBjs3fGecuTcuEKewTuMK__uBb540Fx9c2lcsmfLGQjMXLwv-BTuG_0spQejnJDmN-4kowWl8DWfXdtqA9oIhfXb_Amgw9zvy04zN-KRkOMXH_rwA0o0MN2G56gpx-anH7o7/s320/075v.jpg" width="255" /></a></div> A lovely morning walk down the trail that followed the creek from our campsite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZF5J22CGwxWmaCqgHGje1rAGGq-TZpDzbPyHKzkAmRxvPNPAYRxerHUaJM8YiDoLhkMut8DDGIGSYDi0fvQHv1l2Tpwz0GfQhG00ZAjf3NUoaFiAs0gIffOGzMky68YnlhZvDuUj7phq/s1600/082v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZF5J22CGwxWmaCqgHGje1rAGGq-TZpDzbPyHKzkAmRxvPNPAYRxerHUaJM8YiDoLhkMut8DDGIGSYDi0fvQHv1l2Tpwz0GfQhG00ZAjf3NUoaFiAs0gIffOGzMky68YnlhZvDuUj7phq/s320/082v.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLadcoDsGqySt7wWvhYSJ4b1er-0YAQU4CROKvYn3kyLzXUCn8uOdWnNRgo2q31aUeCg7pwUmgoNxGUEhBhohy9L39J5u4egs0oERixUqi4AWfKV7lESSh9JbJMM2P4vRKo8dFdU4DpZXS/s1600/087v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLadcoDsGqySt7wWvhYSJ4b1er-0YAQU4CROKvYn3kyLzXUCn8uOdWnNRgo2q31aUeCg7pwUmgoNxGUEhBhohy9L39J5u4egs0oERixUqi4AWfKV7lESSh9JbJMM2P4vRKo8dFdU4DpZXS/s320/087v.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0thdrZSLUTodzWTn9T-SVKfEpXz7HBLA71c9wYhaDFb5ZfX0tKo3rt_axpiJY3R0biW1C1x_e32czA-80SSjBIfF6tJp0KMbqEJNqtIdo9OGQ9NXm6-GIOVxPe6JtH0lKx80V9pAJY1Y/s1600/093v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0thdrZSLUTodzWTn9T-SVKfEpXz7HBLA71c9wYhaDFb5ZfX0tKo3rt_axpiJY3R0biW1C1x_e32czA-80SSjBIfF6tJp0KMbqEJNqtIdo9OGQ9NXm6-GIOVxPe6JtH0lKx80V9pAJY1Y/s320/093v.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Okay, this was too cool.<br />
An au naturelle waterslide.<br />
And that picture makes it look small, but it wasn't.<br />
Your also probably thinking, how fun?! And so refreshing for mid August!!<br />
Um, folks, that water was COLD. Frigid.<br />
<br />
From here, we headed a few minutes down the main road to Moccasin Creek State Park to hike up to Hemlock Falls. I'll post those pics tomorrow! Stay tuned. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Get Outside, Y'all!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF5jzORIMTt0ic6LN4R-uxfv8pHfhyphenhyphenLqQlZtr9n4n-RsEOdnvruA5GVcuuv-oE4CQ5wxxqpoUjJuMHjwmjF1_ZH7FdsJ75YE5BaBQLJSed4AjZA3D0XEAlkUXwxkZdRCggVis8gYXxKDU/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF5jzORIMTt0ic6LN4R-uxfv8pHfhyphenhyphenLqQlZtr9n4n-RsEOdnvruA5GVcuuv-oE4CQ5wxxqpoUjJuMHjwmjF1_ZH7FdsJ75YE5BaBQLJSed4AjZA3D0XEAlkUXwxkZdRCggVis8gYXxKDU/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><br />
</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com2Wildcat Creek, Chattahoochee National Forest, Tiger, GA, USA34.8323678 -83.61317834.8262738 -83.639145 34.8384618 -83.587211000000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-14055299030858059432011-08-04T21:37:00.000-05:002011-08-04T21:37:01.190-05:00Happy World Breastfeeding Week!<div style="text-align: center;">I have a million and 1 things to say about breastfeeding and wish I had the time to really type and post the 1,000 blog posts I have in my head in honor of World Breastfeeding Week.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, life is hectic.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, instead I'm going to share a few of my favorites...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phdinparenting.com/2009/05/14/the-scientific-benefits-of-breastfeeding/">Benefits of Breastfeeding...The list goes on and on</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">and besides all the scientific benefits, there are all those bonuses. </div><div style="text-align: center;">For example, calming a tantruming 2 year old...yeah, BIG bonus. And you'd really only understand that if you've had said tantruming 2 year old and then, experienced the immediate peace and calm once your little one is nursing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/faq_bf_toddler.html">What? You can breastfeed a toddler? </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sure, you can! In fact, it,too, is normal. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The average age of weaning across the globe is anywhere between 2 and 7 years of age with 4 being the most common age. The benefits are innumerable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theadventuresoflactatinggirl.com/2011/07/21/breast-is-not-best-its-normal/">Breast is Not Best, It's Normal</a> because it is, you know. That's what breasts are for, people! </div><div style="text-align: center;">The rest is just extra ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebabeandbreast.blogspot.com/2011/07/real-reason-not-to-cover-up-nursing.html?spref=fb">Why Women Should Proudly Breastfeed in Public...</a> without covering up!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just a few generations ago, EVERY woman breastfed and it goes without saying that every little girl, teenaged one and pregnant mama had seen it and been exposed to it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And it was NORMAL.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why are women today having so many issues with breastfeeding? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Likely because they don't see it, thus they aren't educated nor do they view it as the norm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My favorite sources for information and support:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lllil.org/">La Leche League...Find a group in Your Local Community!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kellymom.com/">Kellymom...this site has a wealth of info on anything breastfeeding!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/">Best for Babes...Overcoming Booby Traps!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/">Dr. Jack Newman...great info and I love his Latch video!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And besides find your local LLL group (there are several in Mississippi) make sure your <a href="http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/">hospital is Baby Friendly!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, if ever you have a problem arise or just need support, go to the specialists!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your local LLL leader, a Certified Lactation Specialist OR a Doctor that SPECIALIZES in Breastfeeding Medicine.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you know we have a wonderful <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mississippi-Breastfeeding-Medicine-Clinic-PLLC/69083083422">Doctor and Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic right here in Mississippi?</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What are some of your favorite blogs, website, books or personal supports for breastfeeding?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mandi- breastfeeding mama to 2 vibrant and health boys! Tripp self weaned a month before his 3rd birthday and Charlie is trucking on along at 19 months (and hopefully, lots more to come!). And yes, for those that did that little math problem in their head. That also means that I breastfed while pregnant and tandemed nursed as well...again, perfectly normal folks :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">***<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/wbw-on-npn/"><img alt="celebrate-wbw-npn-450" height="133" src="http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/celebrate-wbw-npn-450.jpg" title="Celebrate WBW with NPN!" width="450" /></a></div><b>I’m celebrating World Breastfeeding Week with <a href="http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/wbw-on-npn/" target="_blank">Natural Parents Network</a>!</b><br />
You can, too — link up your breastfeeding posts from August 1-7 in the linky below, and enjoy reading, commenting on, and sharing the posts collected here and on <a href="http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Natural Parents Network</a>.<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=99617" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
(Visit <a href="http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/wbw-on-npn/" target="_blank">NPN</a> for the code to place on your blog.)<br />
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</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-14976781108767732692011-07-31T21:40:00.000-05:002011-07-31T21:40:21.695-05:00Babies on Potties!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnLX1YvbuAuFPq0_Cr3HjwK4Dl5PxcZANiaWfgqzpNPrxORUWs5olQxJGCyyClI-qv38SPymmksqUXpNB51XZBu5pYdvx7PqreoGJptiBP_n2iRRl_4-uGsA5bB4Wi_ElwkW2vv2Np99V/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnLX1YvbuAuFPq0_Cr3HjwK4Dl5PxcZANiaWfgqzpNPrxORUWs5olQxJGCyyClI-qv38SPymmksqUXpNB51XZBu5pYdvx7PqreoGJptiBP_n2iRRl_4-uGsA5bB4Wi_ElwkW2vv2Np99V/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeltWuXeCeMLlYQyIRgMeH9rXLGA6038yeOAercpVOFjVfbm7BwO6lUTjoTPGXjjU4CqZJqE6y-7_tRiWplmua65PMunP_fAZS6Amt-iY61zwf9FhvuGBoOpzsHOxOeXmf5is3UFqh6NGj/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeltWuXeCeMLlYQyIRgMeH9rXLGA6038yeOAercpVOFjVfbm7BwO6lUTjoTPGXjjU4CqZJqE6y-7_tRiWplmua65PMunP_fAZS6Amt-iY61zwf9FhvuGBoOpzsHOxOeXmf5is3UFqh6NGj/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Charlie has been randomly using the potty. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He LOVES to sign potty and sit on it and act like he's going. </div><div style="text-align: center;">and occasionally, he does...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b232/satisfied420/potty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b232/satisfied420/potty.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tripp using the potty at 8 months old.</div><div style="text-align: center;">What? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, <a href="http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/">babies can use the potty!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tripp used the potty from just a few weeks after birth and I can count on 1 hand how many poop diapers of his I ever changed in his first 2 years of life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">With Charlie, we didn't really use ec. It just wasn't his style, but all of the sudden he loves the potty.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I love that he loves to use the potty...because babies on potties are SO cute :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-53384104631043184122011-07-25T12:00:00.000-05:002011-07-25T12:00:57.343-05:00Without Further Ado....FOUR!<div style="text-align: center;">I know, I know. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm still slacking on the blog this summer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, once again, everyone can thank my Oma for giving me a little nudge to post Tripp's 4th birthday pics.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What?! </div><div style="text-align: center;">My *baby* is already 4?!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wasn't he <a href="http://blissfullysatisfied.blogspot.com/2011/02/tripps-home-birth.html">just born? </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And how did 4 years just fly by before I can even catch my breath?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, it did and this 4 year old wanted to celebrate his birthday with a camping and fishing party! </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was so much fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_OPZFPA4x6asjajOXig8nsLDKb8oVLChElvzdV77i4k6iQ6XKyY3RPo-SYnwJBDe-lMg0erSG9ywiqPCFGEwFUK65QDxn9WLxbty3YhGtd4Ogs0g8b1_8Vb2zVO9_RQv_hubI_-S_AFl/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_OPZFPA4x6asjajOXig8nsLDKb8oVLChElvzdV77i4k6iQ6XKyY3RPo-SYnwJBDe-lMg0erSG9ywiqPCFGEwFUK65QDxn9WLxbty3YhGtd4Ogs0g8b1_8Vb2zVO9_RQv_hubI_-S_AFl/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Tent Pinata Prep Work</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHV2xMw__FReUla9vwuA6aVtWV3GT-j4DEzRtEiZzMca-5nm46VQBTPxMtBsw6LgFKIU-ycsA_9Q5-WDwQHLdHbBcWA4gtNHzZjTFP3O5X1BJHha5zJltk8RkHEfF11J0ZJxVp4nm7pcSa/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHV2xMw__FReUla9vwuA6aVtWV3GT-j4DEzRtEiZzMca-5nm46VQBTPxMtBsw6LgFKIU-ycsA_9Q5-WDwQHLdHbBcWA4gtNHzZjTFP3O5X1BJHha5zJltk8RkHEfF11J0ZJxVp4nm7pcSa/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> MeMe gave him his 4 wheeler on the morning of his actual birthday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF7HwJFsDXhSpXOZiNTD61WXS3t1epFP7Dnb9M4a27KmcUkIbIY613N4NJ81Brrk2EuFjEJH5cRHjnqI2pAEa4HO3KrXNPKTV5f4l2Yi3Ylo3HtSPmWk06VupTu02woHdMcDLnx-9Cg5h/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF7HwJFsDXhSpXOZiNTD61WXS3t1epFP7Dnb9M4a27KmcUkIbIY613N4NJ81Brrk2EuFjEJH5cRHjnqI2pAEa4HO3KrXNPKTV5f4l2Yi3Ylo3HtSPmWk06VupTu02woHdMcDLnx-9Cg5h/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDXuAYwDqxPJBjkgPOi0V3oRVO1VPQXgkZzVe4rXS1E2yusDI_23oD-pEMiUn51H9MNh3rq418G8NAtFnenux4qS63r7Q9cu0VTdHFtUzwJlM09cdQRokigYQafn2wdIFp_R3AgcMdOAk/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDXuAYwDqxPJBjkgPOi0V3oRVO1VPQXgkZzVe4rXS1E2yusDI_23oD-pEMiUn51H9MNh3rq418G8NAtFnenux4qS63r7Q9cu0VTdHFtUzwJlM09cdQRokigYQafn2wdIFp_R3AgcMdOAk/s320/027.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Birthday cupcake</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq35mB6cGiiC8E3xYG9B-34N9sdxIuasByJWAeaM8XBZt9e8byou6f_t4vmablT2sajHPe1u6Je9bhK47Zig6H74AhapGxNFHUHKXpdjIdKRasQr851rx6zmN_wnVyxytPzBpv-Wl4nb6/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq35mB6cGiiC8E3xYG9B-34N9sdxIuasByJWAeaM8XBZt9e8byou6f_t4vmablT2sajHPe1u6Je9bhK47Zig6H74AhapGxNFHUHKXpdjIdKRasQr851rx6zmN_wnVyxytPzBpv-Wl4nb6/s320/029.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ready for his party!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXjhJzlaOtpn35ZzzE5W1tcfqv6gesbtiMqjUTVvxkTvyPBJkVFZjU4CVgIIHuzSQ9AlAP8pnwF1rGvak_tl_rgHAH95CYBmjSgGsj6RyhQQggYu7-0wzpqd8bVjmYVpH12bA0T8gUxdn/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXjhJzlaOtpn35ZzzE5W1tcfqv6gesbtiMqjUTVvxkTvyPBJkVFZjU4CVgIIHuzSQ9AlAP8pnwF1rGvak_tl_rgHAH95CYBmjSgGsj6RyhQQggYu7-0wzpqd8bVjmYVpH12bA0T8gUxdn/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The spread...camping fare. Hot dogs, trail mix, "roasted" marshmallows w/ pretzel sticks, mixed goldfish crackers, chips and dip, fruit and veggie trays and the watermelon that MeMe carved with little fishes that sat in the fridge until the next day :/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD6vrCyOiy32YGgGTO1yO66x_SS4SgUkI4itNs5mYWqFRl2FvSfSFP1X8o3mXiEfwPKPu0EguLCLoIP4nSbEyQBmItOZ2qlkoo7c9T67qpCKPJYU6-ePc9gnElhSzNiZQYtPRLCqgX2dh/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD6vrCyOiy32YGgGTO1yO66x_SS4SgUkI4itNs5mYWqFRl2FvSfSFP1X8o3mXiEfwPKPu0EguLCLoIP4nSbEyQBmItOZ2qlkoo7c9T67qpCKPJYU6-ePc9gnElhSzNiZQYtPRLCqgX2dh/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Not only did he need this cake (my most detailed to date), but also he informed us he wanted "dirt and worms" cupcakes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopbakersnook.com/133.html?m5:search[keyword]=natural%20food%20coloring;search[keywordSearchType]=and;search[matchWholeWords]=1;search[keywordFields]=text4:code:string0:text6:text0:text5;search[nested]=1;search[group]=88446;search[field_set]=1:2:4:0;search[fuzzy_sku]=1">My go-to for natural food coloring</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbleJXIOS9f17mw-dRT7o7URjR2JZldBQgBezsBqdbZcFaU2tDGFh2AoeAUdTtjMrClrJ5i-AYEuAA2O6K3DzzMg70cKxAg7W7ALbhB8NRXyfTI5PLXdGbsforuTF-ZUkR6_WACxROA9T/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbleJXIOS9f17mw-dRT7o7URjR2JZldBQgBezsBqdbZcFaU2tDGFh2AoeAUdTtjMrClrJ5i-AYEuAA2O6K3DzzMg70cKxAg7W7ALbhB8NRXyfTI5PLXdGbsforuTF-ZUkR6_WACxROA9T/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCESPWFM_CXt-pu1YeQenxkg5qO9beHEk1DP02epr02c0OijHG8e2WrXEYCMlsAku1Wf1sARMHsd_DuIE16S_9alzTSIa_H1Be7LOnvZqqm03BHP3ZAqOnQ9DrIrWcjp0yu7n606hrFXy/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCESPWFM_CXt-pu1YeQenxkg5qO9beHEk1DP02epr02c0OijHG8e2WrXEYCMlsAku1Wf1sARMHsd_DuIE16S_9alzTSIa_H1Be7LOnvZqqm03BHP3ZAqOnQ9DrIrWcjp0yu7n606hrFXy/s320/058.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The pinata was a hit! </div><div style="text-align: center;">A tent filled with granola bars, boxes of raisins, packs of peanut butter crackers and more camping themed goodies! They didn't miss the candy at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSG7vbvVQM72du0IU25UL1VVP4EwKIoKOE8fP-K3UIPgxcjIFsDzcTIKOZ47e59284a5UIyYEBPP3zDcQ8tdUo9lRbrd9SH1MG33iuNBErd4w344FOGww0sMiKHwm01AiQ08-me1ew7yv/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSG7vbvVQM72du0IU25UL1VVP4EwKIoKOE8fP-K3UIPgxcjIFsDzcTIKOZ47e59284a5UIyYEBPP3zDcQ8tdUo9lRbrd9SH1MG33iuNBErd4w344FOGww0sMiKHwm01AiQ08-me1ew7yv/s320/059.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Henry really racked up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTp3oGKGvxiqLQtfsPnKZtcyuPmtlDGeQEDrFxyaBg3H1NBLSNvE14yXfJty8Br3299IWMZFRu6dctYZcq_Ly3_uyeyYgrjreP-bCwg-0z4D3_2nh8ZpS-0UBEUPdCUpPSGOOCryVnw4l/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTp3oGKGvxiqLQtfsPnKZtcyuPmtlDGeQEDrFxyaBg3H1NBLSNvE14yXfJty8Br3299IWMZFRu6dctYZcq_Ly3_uyeyYgrjreP-bCwg-0z4D3_2nh8ZpS-0UBEUPdCUpPSGOOCryVnw4l/s320/060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpCZSWAaMPFW0p7milxacfO9TlkKE29JBD-qVdB2YYDO3s-BddnZEFZ2vxtT3BBigRiShpPhA2neulQYPiSIc29ooPe8AvISE7rJyeq3HJzHzOpXYGqAkTGBqQlbeHLWVaBIpwpaHwzup/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpCZSWAaMPFW0p7milxacfO9TlkKE29JBD-qVdB2YYDO3s-BddnZEFZ2vxtT3BBigRiShpPhA2neulQYPiSIc29ooPe8AvISE7rJyeq3HJzHzOpXYGqAkTGBqQlbeHLWVaBIpwpaHwzup/s320/064.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Where's Tripp?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWp3cFIQt-nOM82TTr-aYr1hUFjGEWJlgBS9cNvRSzVtLFPV5TAqPF4HILUB5IoCtc31r6hVRek1wMlFG4UzxEUxS5GQVdNLUw_vlTc0eNn_DqJ4aYUlPWVeE8JlCI4xYX_2_P_yd4e0c/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWp3cFIQt-nOM82TTr-aYr1hUFjGEWJlgBS9cNvRSzVtLFPV5TAqPF4HILUB5IoCtc31r6hVRek1wMlFG4UzxEUxS5GQVdNLUw_vlTc0eNn_DqJ4aYUlPWVeE8JlCI4xYX_2_P_yd4e0c/s320/065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbgwkGGYAzi_Z00wQUSA4esR8Q5iajxAGQnv90f_vvNQZQaVg62Ip-1xyQ0kKDr14m1xcoJxCU5BWhsjfCvwlO7ixq6bdOngrqLS9PTg4g6WUSpzSI7HlLoaOZk-2TgkJ44d7qrQC4byG/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbgwkGGYAzi_Z00wQUSA4esR8Q5iajxAGQnv90f_vvNQZQaVg62Ip-1xyQ0kKDr14m1xcoJxCU5BWhsjfCvwlO7ixq6bdOngrqLS9PTg4g6WUSpzSI7HlLoaOZk-2TgkJ44d7qrQC4byG/s320/067.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> His balance bike from Nana and Poppie...which he LOVES by the way!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmD5nlHg4Nk6kCghj0yEze2gtF3IHM_7pir7jOiOmBca7amfsUUfuq1JcW8e8S1yf3q1PZGM_zVFJvVBdmpqC5BbTiaoB1tJUcuDSKtLqJJ91TxKCLqq3kXMw0aAdLUPjJHzO1mH7LjVGq/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmD5nlHg4Nk6kCghj0yEze2gtF3IHM_7pir7jOiOmBca7amfsUUfuq1JcW8e8S1yf3q1PZGM_zVFJvVBdmpqC5BbTiaoB1tJUcuDSKtLqJJ91TxKCLqq3kXMw0aAdLUPjJHzO1mH7LjVGq/s320/081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And really, who needs all those birthday presents when, really the box is the most fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously. We've yet to be able to recycle the darn thing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Tripp! I can't wait to see what year 4 has in store!!</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-90446331780872821742011-07-13T22:18:00.001-05:002011-07-13T22:19:38.846-05:00Raising Butterflies!<div style="text-align: center;">Black Swallowtails to be exact!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We found some caterpillars munching down on my parsley, so we looked them up to see what butterfly they changed into before feeding them to the birds :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I realized they were black swallowtails (duh! how was this tidbit unbeknownst to me this long?), I suggested we raise them. <br />
Cool educational opportunity for all, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOKRQdE9D4qVtJeGcsiAmxIYrIdeZroXcI8obF0mzJdz4PHHCJJHfZAuGlkcR-D-OjpNm83bYzKI7zafN6xwRWmi9PRqbOHRXd8xe0IW_4yyb-9Dmt1DacnDgH4LpXMCkhxlzmrjvln3G/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOKRQdE9D4qVtJeGcsiAmxIYrIdeZroXcI8obF0mzJdz4PHHCJJHfZAuGlkcR-D-OjpNm83bYzKI7zafN6xwRWmi9PRqbOHRXd8xe0IW_4yyb-9Dmt1DacnDgH4LpXMCkhxlzmrjvln3G/s320/088.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I'm really sad that my laptop crashed and I lost all our pictures from day 1 until now.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But these are our first butterflies to emerge from their cocoons!</div><div style="text-align: center;">The setup: an old fish bowl w/ a piece of mesh tied over the top with sticks and their daily ration of parsley </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxEqx3eMLhh-OY9xMhM3_audIDK7FTnQkR6HbSGKmN4YdQYEQy3bfVcEBaLuPHNpML0ReiPmry-FZSuSgQaigY-pflq6kTsgm1l6nyox_wgYqJQLN_3CtUffnRoMNIM6p31vHpyDHXZe0/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxEqx3eMLhh-OY9xMhM3_audIDK7FTnQkR6HbSGKmN4YdQYEQy3bfVcEBaLuPHNpML0ReiPmry-FZSuSgQaigY-pflq6kTsgm1l6nyox_wgYqJQLN_3CtUffnRoMNIM6p31vHpyDHXZe0/s320/094.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Getting ready to release our first swallowtails</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIO7fO5xTBiGd7TICLCiBH4mG7esS2bqCE1NWQUVCDTyX7C0aGMStf6nnUxFAOKU2byzPtcXN7jOZeQ4Aq0loxE-_-kmNHnZKFa1Kxt4F_zilG_v1jqA8SV9GaYmwAWuFYkhazRZmjVap/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIO7fO5xTBiGd7TICLCiBH4mG7esS2bqCE1NWQUVCDTyX7C0aGMStf6nnUxFAOKU2byzPtcXN7jOZeQ4Aq0loxE-_-kmNHnZKFa1Kxt4F_zilG_v1jqA8SV9GaYmwAWuFYkhazRZmjVap/s320/095.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0A6c7oWPD2OjHPEG2_QdUmj8sWQ8-1hjUnZMijZ6JsscO92jOdi3vZ-bQExH6b4WhFnA8hf8ivMoBiH0BqtQZMwaFUfsrU8wfolr2ivAfLg7_Z_fZEvIA0lXot4GCqsBeOzebC6vO1sL/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0A6c7oWPD2OjHPEG2_QdUmj8sWQ8-1hjUnZMijZ6JsscO92jOdi3vZ-bQExH6b4WhFnA8hf8ivMoBiH0BqtQZMwaFUfsrU8wfolr2ivAfLg7_Z_fZEvIA0lXot4GCqsBeOzebC6vO1sL/s320/100.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> These had been pumping their wings for a few hours and were ready to go! I hope to see them around the yard again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilShFhfzl8r61LQan9HHWdivbwpFkt1EaPr4pYDOo_OWishIpEbQt8_zWfESiq_hZ8xuKKBSQFt1XdZ6JotklXKtjFDcUZfQHR3hWWHTQAsErliyC9e9e9lRKOi5_L-hVPRnv4QdOZBmWH/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilShFhfzl8r61LQan9HHWdivbwpFkt1EaPr4pYDOo_OWishIpEbQt8_zWfESiq_hZ8xuKKBSQFt1XdZ6JotklXKtjFDcUZfQHR3hWWHTQAsErliyC9e9e9lRKOi5_L-hVPRnv4QdOZBmWH/s320/106.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCy5ILESAiPWQplz4kR169te7gRHIpumPil9CdyFUhVfpPNkhm-sA1JO_YKIY-zUW-17PQnyrerxEc3J_6eYU18xtei43SwrweSEg08Qx9BJ6aIxhF5UktyS14UGFuP-54XwMk_g4O-Wq/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCy5ILESAiPWQplz4kR169te7gRHIpumPil9CdyFUhVfpPNkhm-sA1JO_YKIY-zUW-17PQnyrerxEc3J_6eYU18xtei43SwrweSEg08Qx9BJ6aIxhF5UktyS14UGFuP-54XwMk_g4O-Wq/s320/107.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 2 cocoons from the first butterflies...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was quite interested by these particular 2.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They attached themselves to the glass instead of the sticks like the rest. <br />
I was really wondering what color they'd choose for their cocoons because generally they are the color of whatever they attach to which is normally green or brown.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Considering the glass bowl was facing out to a white-ish wall, my interest was justified.</div><div style="text-align: center;">One chose green and the other chose brown...cool huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5QgQ_nG8VYhMswlOt__fwlkph0-zzRWzPx7KBLdeBohceGQDMvXh4Op1Bd9Smdx3BxRFMDYPSpV1Y-JslLTFzxcTZPNLtowSHx3oPf1lXPGtH78lwQBm3LWgtjNEz2yblszh6Ryf51Y1/s1600/111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5QgQ_nG8VYhMswlOt__fwlkph0-zzRWzPx7KBLdeBohceGQDMvXh4Op1Bd9Smdx3BxRFMDYPSpV1Y-JslLTFzxcTZPNLtowSHx3oPf1lXPGtH78lwQBm3LWgtjNEz2yblszh6Ryf51Y1/s320/111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another caterpillar getting ready to shed his skin and form his cocoon with another readying himself to become a butterfly inside his cocoon already. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rDEY-oMmoTOowM9abC9XaOgCyNXOy0nQl0-dq7BYKPbrIVHIueGulvQKPJFjaQNvvKJ7nkJwfCf2sAAiFXdgXZIeDzVqqgnR3pp6YAcUL0-j235-hZCyhO00b_391wRqF2XrGVho_vhH/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rDEY-oMmoTOowM9abC9XaOgCyNXOy0nQl0-dq7BYKPbrIVHIueGulvQKPJFjaQNvvKJ7nkJwfCf2sAAiFXdgXZIeDzVqqgnR3pp6YAcUL0-j235-hZCyhO00b_391wRqF2XrGVho_vhH/s320/124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQOwllJXD58dVBkUdvZc-4HS68AMjso4ZPlkNweNAeE2NsctNVx2l8eSN5Xyh2R6OsXl0xycTAKgGjVQICWONqMGhsGtGDVbdx0EIq_yrAgRZr_rxVSD-O6bV7bgIUFE0vlQeJ32IvXnO/s1600/125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQOwllJXD58dVBkUdvZc-4HS68AMjso4ZPlkNweNAeE2NsctNVx2l8eSN5Xyh2R6OsXl0xycTAKgGjVQICWONqMGhsGtGDVbdx0EIq_yrAgRZr_rxVSD-O6bV7bgIUFE0vlQeJ32IvXnO/s320/125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So far, we've had 4 hatch and have 4 more incubating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54_Jx99crojThwQcaMN5nmZIrWJktABotcvYxf5gKZ9x-5vgi2ewN4a-SZXF89ZiJHmMesHz2HYhOpi_HxRNwY8SrkEWUSNjg1WiVNQCzrHM4NsLPWqw2cGEf-UmzjqB7tuZ7q2VbJ2sQ/s1600/128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54_Jx99crojThwQcaMN5nmZIrWJktABotcvYxf5gKZ9x-5vgi2ewN4a-SZXF89ZiJHmMesHz2HYhOpi_HxRNwY8SrkEWUSNjg1WiVNQCzrHM4NsLPWqw2cGEf-UmzjqB7tuZ7q2VbJ2sQ/s320/128.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF5jzORIMTt0ic6LN4R-uxfv8pHfhyphenhyphenLqQlZtr9n4n-RsEOdnvruA5GVcuuv-oE4CQ5wxxqpoUjJuMHjwmjF1_ZH7FdsJ75YE5BaBQLJSed4AjZA3D0XEAlkUXwxkZdRCggVis8gYXxKDU/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNF5jzORIMTt0ic6LN4R-uxfv8pHfhyphenhyphenLqQlZtr9n4n-RsEOdnvruA5GVcuuv-oE4CQ5wxxqpoUjJuMHjwmjF1_ZH7FdsJ75YE5BaBQLJSed4AjZA3D0XEAlkUXwxkZdRCggVis8gYXxKDU/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-73096419589686814262011-07-06T21:01:00.000-05:002011-07-06T21:01:45.395-05:00Good Thing We Like Each Other!<div style="text-align: center;">This weekend was particularly fun and funny.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My sis, her husband and niece all came up for the weekend and stayed at my parents.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My grandparents and cousin also decided to come and visit since they were in town.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Again, staying at my parents.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, at the end of the day Friday, we returned home from an overnight trip to the water park to find our air conditioner dead, so guess what?!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We headed to my parents for the weekend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have I mentioned that my parents house is a construction zone?</div><div style="text-align: center;">They had to redo their foundation AND replace the main water line into the house.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This resulted in ripped up floors, destroyed walls and basically utter upheaval.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, in all this fun state, we all camped out at my parents for the weekend and had a blast!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The most fun was watching these 3 cousins playing and squealing with laughter!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We celebrated Tripp's birthday while Cadence was in town so she wouldn't miss any fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tripp requested a peanut butter and jelly house sandwich, mac n cheese, cheese dip and chips and spanish rice. We had quite the interesting dinner (actually, all the fill-ins from the grill were delish!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFEVKn_2wXpEdxFjYkB6qQ6QuKA-n_ApNZn9F28sI9z6hYmyUfzkjYIXTBePQbsfGdKEBWV9Zu9b3iByTPUxL12Xh6nKBS9CkQGMuPu2nA3IzgSbmnEoA_EUn39XsflDzRUkbifccVIzi/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFEVKn_2wXpEdxFjYkB6qQ6QuKA-n_ApNZn9F28sI9z6hYmyUfzkjYIXTBePQbsfGdKEBWV9Zu9b3iByTPUxL12Xh6nKBS9CkQGMuPu2nA3IzgSbmnEoA_EUn39XsflDzRUkbifccVIzi/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2cJ6rhgGC6Je0CS67aA4X0ChXaLhyphenhyphenR1MMDh5O6HUSJ1zJ_hEndfSt4Ma6v7JV2JPn1DKPXYMdXEhpyI8sLMd-Zu1BeQOB7QdUAZKiDLw59g1lSFgVrjFXecdzN8Pg76I_U6kLll6pRCu/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2cJ6rhgGC6Je0CS67aA4X0ChXaLhyphenhyphenR1MMDh5O6HUSJ1zJ_hEndfSt4Ma6v7JV2JPn1DKPXYMdXEhpyI8sLMd-Zu1BeQOB7QdUAZKiDLw59g1lSFgVrjFXecdzN8Pg76I_U6kLll6pRCu/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MMqyT0j60ggx1ttXhrcoHL2GMYlIS8OdSxrTnqu1CODQABMvcr2PZwkH4b4DlPKW4ovw-UpLCxS88zfZPScrgZktIt5qiOC3HZsVUFJvvvxXeN4TA2gdkjmUYpfsAeb7oHZI_dv9bkM1/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MMqyT0j60ggx1ttXhrcoHL2GMYlIS8OdSxrTnqu1CODQABMvcr2PZwkH4b4DlPKW4ovw-UpLCxS88zfZPScrgZktIt5qiOC3HZsVUFJvvvxXeN4TA2gdkjmUYpfsAeb7oHZI_dv9bkM1/s320/039.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_teu2dS2uqCdPlgNPupNBxly-Rkja_ga8YZ4sgQGK3BNDiiE0kMWay2w9iVrUqUxQExTOPOn3Nbb1p8v5uF_VR1J1JcXW8RmQe4grjN09XeFFMtGuLeQbv6_so3wrIPJK87TQ2UaQh7g/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_teu2dS2uqCdPlgNPupNBxly-Rkja_ga8YZ4sgQGK3BNDiiE0kMWay2w9iVrUqUxQExTOPOn3Nbb1p8v5uF_VR1J1JcXW8RmQe4grjN09XeFFMtGuLeQbv6_so3wrIPJK87TQ2UaQh7g/s320/044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We finished up with cupcakes and these sillies all crashed for the night! </div><div style="text-align: center;">We had fun, Griswolds!!</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-45560331373191079822011-07-06T08:26:00.000-05:002011-07-06T08:26:42.009-05:00Slacking<div style="text-align: center;">I know, I know. </div><div style="text-align: center;">My blog is being greatly neglected this summer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But that's just what happens when you make up for not getting to hang out with your hubby during the school year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We've been busy and enjoying the time together as a family and as a couple.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My grandmother will keep my on my toes, though. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I promise I will try to do better.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do have a million and a half composed blog posts saved and tons of cute pictures, recipes and ramblings to share. <br />
I just need an extra 30 minutes in the day to get them up!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-47706680646451356622011-06-25T09:19:00.001-05:002011-06-25T09:21:24.499-05:00Farmers' Market Finds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjqVqFXGSxFi7uNXpYbpf2G0qoTtYDlyj8S7LKKblehg-HSO2Zxe6aGADpOkUUEVwciAyOikksfaBiu1T8KJRjfmSw_gISUuE6Lv3ErsR-2T_Cp-UBLJPqf1fdQIUro1eohuMByV7tNkg/s1600/goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjqVqFXGSxFi7uNXpYbpf2G0qoTtYDlyj8S7LKKblehg-HSO2Zxe6aGADpOkUUEVwciAyOikksfaBiu1T8KJRjfmSw_gISUuE6Lv3ErsR-2T_Cp-UBLJPqf1fdQIUro1eohuMByV7tNkg/s400/goodies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">goats' milk soap, blueberries, cantaloupe, boiled peanuts, farm eggs, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Well-Organics/148694218526509">organic heirloom zucchinis/tomato/cukes</a>, patty pan squash, new potatoes and my most favorite eggplant (well these and Rosa Bianca's)...and the boys had homemade cinnamon rolls as well</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There was plenty we didn't buy. The variety and quantity today was fantastic! I'm super impressed with the market this year. The growth in just the one year we've been here is outstanding. I was sad leaving behind Oxford and Taylor's market with the wonderful organic farmers we had met, but Starkville's market is moving on up!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a great morning at <a href="http://www.starkvillecommunitymarket.org/">Starkville Community Market</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you make a point to support local farmers in your community?</div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105404976812097867.post-7821975024809233842011-06-22T21:02:00.000-05:002011-06-22T21:02:33.796-05:00Homemade, All Natural Poison Ivy Remedy<div style="text-align: center;"><Sigh></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not really thrilled to be writing this post.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why, you may ask?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because for this particular remedy to be on my mind, it must mean someone has Poison Ivy</div><div style="text-align: center;">and this time, that someone is ME!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so allergic to it as well and if you've ever had a reaction to PI, you know it's the devil!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It must be one of those summers for me because I have NO CLUE where I even came in contact with the stuff.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm just that allergic that i can pass by a mile away and it finds me!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I won't complain TOO much because I am really healthy and my allergies are miniscule compared to most.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, DANG, this itches!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Luckily, experience has taught me that this simple and all natural remedy soothes and heals poison ivy (or oak/sumac) rashes quick as a wink.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It feels divine, too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UnLCauWonZUHMXxukPqQ9MLU1gqki-tpSRROJMtfsSZK63gHTOa-8pIRA-DjwNHFtx-siv9Kpp71x5WB0YfAMdAjsF3G7-q2UdmFtWsFnPHQNVh4eObNEuDyP8jdMCOQ430__cf3NUuo/s1600/greenclay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UnLCauWonZUHMXxukPqQ9MLU1gqki-tpSRROJMtfsSZK63gHTOa-8pIRA-DjwNHFtx-siv9Kpp71x5WB0YfAMdAjsF3G7-q2UdmFtWsFnPHQNVh4eObNEuDyP8jdMCOQ430__cf3NUuo/s1600/greenclay.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I use French Green Clay powder (available in some beauty supply stores and health food stores, but always available online), witch hazel and peppermint essential oil. I have a small, airtight container that I reserve for my clay paste each summer (it works great for stings or bug bites, too). Take a scoop of the clay powder and dump it into your container. Add 20-30 drops of the peppermint eo and then slowly add the witch hazel a little bit at a time. Mix as you go and when you have a nice creamy and smooth paste (consistency of a facial masque), you're ready to apply. After washing the affected area with warm water and soap, pat dry and apply your clay paste. AHHHH! It feels lovely, doesn't it?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The green clay (any clay can be used but green is best!) has a higher absorption property and as it dries it pulls the poisonous oils out of the skin. The witch hazel soothes and heals the skin and itching while the peppermint cools the affected area to soothe it as well. This stuff blows calamine lotion out of the water! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully, you won't ever have to use this remedy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But if you do, you can rest assured that you have a safe, all natural and wonderfully effective treatment right at your fingertips!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Mandi @ Living the Good Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594574791226743086noreply@blogger.com2