tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30773441272125361472024-03-05T08:28:47.453-05:00The Frugal Freshman HomemakerRosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-35682187616515694342013-05-02T07:44:00.000-04:002013-05-02T07:44:00.722-04:00Starting seeds from the recycling bin...OK, not literally, but your recycling does have a lot to do with it!<br />
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Instead of chucking all our egg and salad mix cartons this spring, I saved a bunch of them and made them into seed starters! I knew I had seen posts online about doing something like this, so I wanted to give it a shot for myself and also experiment with different materials to see if that made any difference. <br />
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I used two plastic egg cartons, one regular egg carton, and a plastic tub from some spring salad mix.<br />
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At first I set everything up on the railing (wine and gardening are a perfect pair, in my book), but I realized pretty fast that I would need more room (especially so I didn't knock my wine over!), so I brought a scrap board over from the wood pile and ta-da! Instant potting table.<br />
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This is what my final set-up looked like. </div>
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Don't worry, the propane is for the grill!</div>
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I have plastic wine glasses for just such an occasion and I brought our binoculars out just in case an interesting bird came by. With this little station, I was happy on the back deck for hours!</div>
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Until I stumbled upon this guy, of course. YUCK! </div>
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He was hiding in my bag of potting soil and he almost touched me! EEEEEEW! <br />
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Despite my ugly visitor, I managed to continue my project (after a very careful extraction of my guest, that is) and started green bean, beat, and broccoli seeds. I put a few seeds where each egg would go, added some organic soil, and patted them down lightly. I also potted some herb seeds in the ceramic pots you saw above.<br />
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I used a knife and one of those little picks used for eating nuts to poke holes in the tops of my mini green houses.<br />
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As of now, pretty much everything has sprouted except the seeds I put in the normal paper egg carton. Those ones developed a mold and had to be thrown out. I was surprised by this! I anticipated that container working the best. It drained better than the plastic, of course, but I guess perhaps it retained too much moisture and encouraged mold spores.<br />
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I got two very nice, healthy bean sprouts out of the salad container and I have many small sprouts of beats and broccoli in the plastic egg cartons. The sprouts do seem to be very thin, though, and I'm concerned about them bulking up enough to be transplanted.<br />
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This is why they call it experimenting! Progress on the actual garden is slow due to planning and re-planning and re-planning, but we did manage to buy most of our materials for the fence and set four posts this weekend. Pictures coming soon!<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-4485307657229905502013-04-30T08:14:00.000-04:002013-04-30T08:14:18.391-04:00Musical Tuesdays: The MastersonsThere is something truly magical about couples that make music together.<br />
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I'm not bragging about me and the cowboy, either. This goes way back.<br />
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As for me, it goes back basically as far as I can go. Born to parents that played and sang together regularly, I took it for granted that family makes music together. Not until just recently did I realize how special it really is to play tunes with kin.<br />
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Now let's bring things to the next platform. Seeing a live performance with, say, a father and daughter is special because of the blood bond between the two. They share genes. One inherited the music from the other and one has undoubtedly cultivated the music in the next. But what about the chemistry between two musicians in love?<br />
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That, to me, is a completely different animal.<br />
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There you are watching two people make music together that are part of a family unit, but they <i>chose</i> one another.<br />
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Or perhaps, as I sometimes like to think, the music chose them for each other.<br />
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And I swear you can see them choose each other over and over again as they play their co-written songs. This attraction, the kind you don't typically get to see as an outsider, makes performing couples absolutely captivating. <br />
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This brings me to the show Tim and I saw this weekend at The Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. We saw The Mastersons open for Steve Earle and The Dukes and Duchesses. The whole show was great, but the chemistry between The Mastersons while they strummed out their songs together was undeniably a highlight.<br />
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Just the two of them, The Mastersons played a too short set of songs off their first (and very recently released) album, Birds Fly South, which, by the way, you MUST buy as soon as possible...<br />
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The following videos unfortunately don't capture the on stage chemistry I was lucky enough to witness, but I can tell you that the connection between the two was electrifying. They looked at each other with smiles of admiration and this "let's do this" attitude that was business-like, confident, and yet tender... love, basically.<br />
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Here's a couple videos to give you a taste. If there's a show near you, don't think twice, buy tickets. If you already have some favorite musical couples in your catalog, check them out live and see if you notice this connection yourself. I'll bet you will...<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-8268405855810597972013-04-29T08:25:00.000-04:002013-04-29T08:25:00.522-04:00Don't throw out that scrap paper at work!A couple weeks ago I had a light bulb moment. Two elements suddenly came together in my head:<br />
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We were wasting a LOT of paper at work.<br />
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We were buying memo pads printed specifically for taking voice messages...<br />
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Uh, duh!<br />
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I quickly got to work.<br />
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Using Microsoft Publisher, I made a template that fits 4 memos per page. Then I printed the template (you can use "draft" quality printing to save ink) on the blank side of the scrap paper. <br />
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They came out pretty cute!<br />
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On some of them I printed just a border, because you don't always want a voice-mail memo. Sometimes I just need to write a quick note to a co-worker or plan out my day...<br />
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And of COURSE I had to make them seasonal! So I did a batch with colored borders as well. <br />
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Once I cut them in quarters and put a staple in the top, I had a fully usable memo pad! I feel much better about making memo pads out of our wasted paper than trying to bring it all home to recycle (we can't recycle at the music school, which is silly I know).<br />
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I didn't do the calculations, but I'm willing to bet that the cost of ink doesn't outweigh what it was costing to buy those other note pads. And this way the paper gets reused! <br />
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How do you go green at work? Any other scrap paper ideas?<br />
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Happy Monday everyone!<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-15452057883456536272013-04-23T09:08:00.001-04:002013-04-23T09:08:34.429-04:00Raised Beds on a BargainIt's planting season!<br />
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I've already started my seedlings inside (post coming soon), but outdoors it's been one big project: build the garden.<br />
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Our plan is something like this:<br />
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4 4'x8' beds<br />
3 foot pathways<br />
fence<br />
door optional depending on budget (we might just leave a corner open, we'll see how things go)<br />
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We knew the boards would be our biggest expense, so we chose to use Doug Fir instead of the popular, pretty, and VERY expensive cedar alternative. From what we can tell, Doug Fir does last a very long time, like cedar, but doesn't last quite as long and doesn't look quite so nice.<br />
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We thought that was a fine trade-off, for the price.<br />
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We got extra lucky when we managed to snag a clearance! 18 Doug Fir boards, 12 inches wide and 12 feet long for only $100 flat.<br />
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Yes, some of the boards were twisted and cracked, but we could pick out what we wanted and still save over $50 on our purchase! Off we went with our pile o' wood!<br />
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We knew we needed 8 pieces, 8 feet long each, and another 8 pieces that were 4 feet long each. So we just laid the boards out and picked out the sections that weren't cracked or warped. In the end, we had no problem finding all the pieces we needed within the discount pile of boards. And the lumber actually has quite a beautiful grain to it, which was a nice bonus.<br />
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Here's how our first bed turned out:<br />
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We used scraps from the cracked pieces to brace the corners. We only got to building one before...<br />
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... it snowed.<br />
So the project went on hold for a week or so until the snow melted.<br />
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Then we got back to work!<br />
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We finished the four of them and laid them out where we thought the garden would go.<br />
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AND we changed our minds and hauled the beds all the way back to where we had built them on the South side of the house. <br />
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This spot is way better! Tons of sunshine!<br />
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Next we moved all the beds BACK out of the way (we got really used to carrying these guys around) and Tim tilled the whole area so we could level it.<br />
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Luckily, all we had to do was bring one corner down and that about did it.<br />
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Then we played the Make It Straight game and spent a couple hours raking, moving, measuring, nudging, raking again, moving again, leveling, shoving rocks under corners here and there, raking some more... <br />
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Finally, we got everything just about lined up so the beds were parallel to the house, level, and had three foot pathways in between. Then came the dirt... <br />
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A LOT OF DIRT!!! </div>
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We got lucky on two counts here: one, we have friends with good free dirt, and two, we have a very big truck at our disposal. Convenient! We backed the truck up and started shoveling.<br />
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This is what the top soil looked like when we were done.<br />
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Currently, we're picking away at mixing in some manure from a family member's farm and building the fence around the entire deal so the deer don't have an open buffet.<br />
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More posts on our progress to come!<br />
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Anyone else out there starting from scratch this year?<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-49647481264376580642013-04-09T09:25:00.003-04:002013-04-09T09:25:50.175-04:00Musical Tuesdays: Buddy Miller<h3>
An Americana Icon</h3>
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Whenever someone asks me or Tim what kind of music we play, we stumble over some terms like country, rock 'n' roll, folk, bluegrass, and trail off into some sort of gesture (usually a shrug) that indicates our uncertainty. We usually get the nod and "alright!" reply from the asker.<br />
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What we want to say is Americana, but alas, I guess the world isn't ready for us because in the few instances where we've possessed the bravery to come forward with that kind of terminology, the replies are much more confused and usually loop us back to our collection of stock answers anyway.<br />
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But there are some artists that have so solidly developed an association with the term that one is lead to believe it is only a matter of time before the Americana genre won't need a bandwagon of subsidiary, explanatory descriptions.<br />
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One such artist is Buddy Miller.<br />
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Mr. Miller was born in Ohio and currently lives and works in, appropriately, Nashville, where he continuously pumps out album after album like some sort of American Music Factory. Whether he's producing, playing, writing, or performing, he is involved in what seems to be an inhuman amount of projects. His music, when forced into our prefab stock answers, covers everything from straight up rock 'n' roll to gospel to blues to country to folk and back again.<br />
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Right, Americana.<br />
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I am compelled to share artists such as Mr. Miller in an attempt to shine more spotlights on him and similar musicians, musicians interested in making music that has deep American roots.<br />
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As a personal aside; I think it is becoming more and more important to foster this type of healthy patriotism, the kind that highlights our strengths, reminds us of our faults, and reinterprets our history again and again.<br />
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History is like good dirt. It's one thing to know it's there, but it must be worked to make something beautiful.<br />
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Here is a video of Mr. Miller's project, The Majestic Silver Strings, in which him and a heavy hitter group of his peers reimagine the song <i>Dang Me</i>, originally by Roger Miller.<br />
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I am in love with this rendition because country music has a reputation of singing about heavy subject matter in a light-hearted way. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I hear songs like this and sometimes I long for an arrangement that mirrors the subject. For "country folk", and folks everywhere, really, alcoholism is a serious matter that destroys lives. Similarly, subjects such as violence, divorce, separation, and the afterlife are often approached with upbeat styles.<br />
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Sometimes I'm just looking for something that sits a little heavier. In this case, I got an old classic, re-imagined with the proverbial emotional weight appropriate for the topic. It's an artistic masterpiece.<br />
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In this video, Mr. Miller and his wife Julie sing a song for Mrs. Miller's album, <i>Written in Chalk.</i> This little number is called <i>Gasoline and Matches</i> and is the penultimate kick-ass couple anthem. A song that two musicians like Tim and I can really get into...<br />
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I hope you'll consider exploring the Millers' discography. They've created a library of music that is contributing to the Americana soundscape by helping to define it and refusing to fall into any other categories.<br />
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And when you share your findings with friends and they ask you, "So what kind of stuff do they do?"...<br />
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Good luck.<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-29259944194966577202013-04-04T08:50:00.001-04:002013-04-04T08:50:52.904-04:00DIY Frugal Party FavorsI think making favors is one of my favorite parts of throwing a party. I'm so happy that our guests chose to spend their Friday night with us last week to celebrate my birthday. Giving a little gift in return is my favorite way to show that appreciation!<br />
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There is a quick, 3 pronged approach to designing/making party favors:<br />
<ol>
<li>Pick a gift</li>
<li>Pick a package</li>
<li>Make a tag</li>
</ol>
Boom. You're done.<br />
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This model can be used for any budget, really, but those three elements are the basics regardless of how much you choose to spend per guest.<br />
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The favors from my birthday party came to about $3 per guest, which I could live with for a small friends and family gathering. I only ended up making 10 party favors total and even still had some left over.<br />
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Here's how I made my favors...<br />
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My gift of choice was a pack of wildflower seeds. I thought it would be inexpensive and very season-appropriate. Wildflower seeds are easy to grow too. I know some people who just throw them into a field and watch them grow!</div>
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I went to Micheal's and bought the above supplies: envelopes, tags, twine, stamps, an ink pad, and a craft pen (that I actually didn't end up using) in addition to my seed packs. If you already have some supplies (like the ink pad or stamps, for example) your cost per favor will be lower. My cost included buying <i>everything</i>.<br />
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I sealed the seed packs all up in the envelopes and measured out my twine. Then I cut all ten pieces of twine the same length so they were all ready to tie. <br />
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I chose to tie the twine like a present ribbon, placing the knot in the upper left hand corner of the envelope so that the tag had room to hang... <br />
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Once I had double knots on all of my envelopes, I moved on to stamping my tags...<br />
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I found these adorable stamps of circus animals wearing hats in the bargain bins and bought three different ones for variety... I also had three colors of labels, which added to the selection. <br />
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Getting the stamp straight was tricky, but I got better at it as I went along. <br />
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And there you have it! My circus animal (party animals, perhaps?) gift tags.<br />
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Small set-back: I didn't realize the tags were a gloss finish until I opened them up at home, meaning the ink was very prone to smearing. Oh well :-(<br />
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For the last step, all I did was tie a simple bow to attach the tags:<br />
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The array of different color/animal combinations really made me happy. When picking your materials, I definitely suggest picking varieties so your favors aren't all the same!<br />
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Everyone smiled when they got to pick which party animal to take home with them! <br />
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In the end, I think my favors turned out well and I was very pleased to
put them on display by the door to pass out as my guests left... <br />
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So; with the simple 3 pronged approach of gift, package, tag; it's easy to put together adorable favors.<br />
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What's your favorite inexpensive party favor?<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-33454816496836756302013-04-01T10:40:00.000-04:002013-04-01T10:40:00.360-04:001 Hour Prep = Easy Peasy Weekday MorningsOK, OK, OK, I give in.<br />
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I will start pre-packing me and Tim's lunches.<br />
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The time spent every morning, still groggy from waking up, blundering around my kitchen trying to put our lunches together has just become too much. I will start pre-packing lunch items so that all I have to do is manage to grab one of everything and throw it in a lunch box with an ice pack. <br />
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And for me, performing even that menial task before coffee at 6:30 AM will still be a challenge.<br />
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This week I had picked almond butter sandwiches and spring mix salads with carrots and cucumbers. We also always pack a few different fruit items for ourselves, so these items together make a substantial lunch box for the day.<br />
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Two of these containers fill exactly 10 tupperware boxes for salads, which is perfect for 2 people and a 5 day workweek.</div>
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So I divided everything up...<br />
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Added some shredded carrots...<br />
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Started to chop the cucumber by hand, then remembered I had this handy thing:<br />
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Much better! <br />
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A few minutes later I had this!<br />
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Then I sliced the homemade bread I baked yesterday and made up enough almond butter sandwiches for the week!<br />
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I just hope they keep alright and the bread doesn't get too soggy. If not, next week I'll only do a couple days worth at a time. Live and learn right?<br />
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The whole deal only cost me an hour on Monday morning, and if I plan ahead I could probably even do part of the prep on the weekend, if I wanted. For the hassle it saves me first thing in the morning, it just might be worth it.<br />
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Next weekend we'll have to plan our grocery trip for some more pre-packable meals. Any suggestions?<br />
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Here's to a good workweek! <br />
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Cheers!<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-77522331525652367082013-03-31T09:11:00.003-04:002013-03-31T09:11:56.417-04:00This is ME Self Portrait: March SubmissionThis month's theme was "looking down"<br />
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I assume there will be a lot of shoe pictures this month.<br />
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And mine is no exception! I chose this photo because I love seeing all my pet birdies' little footprints in the snow when I bring their feeders out. Luckily for us, the snow is long gone here, but when I took this picture earlier in the month I looked forward to seeing all the footprints in the morning. Putting the bird feeders out in the crisp morning air is how I start every day! I enjoy this little ritual very much, and thought this picture a good way to share it.<br />
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Of course, linking up at Amy's!<br />
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<a href="http://whilewearingheels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="While Wearing
Heels"><img alt="While Wearing Heels" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn66j7eAIO_sH2BkwmonTbsLAgz4YumViUOtfbzLXF1Ml3q4V5-qjhjYc-UiejhpUC1VoSHPXRIFe3VavdObKzKzXdVdmszqKvme4_IX0jQUxfLmN7Deub7SM2XldU-tw6aiaDmh4a48YV/s1600/This+is+ME+-210.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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Please stop back this week to see posts about my birthday party, which was very successful :-)<br />
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Cheers! <br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-14487628656918413192013-03-27T08:12:00.000-04:002013-03-27T08:15:32.152-04:00Attention!For those of you who read regularly; first of all, you rock.<br />
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Secondly, I will not be posting this week due to preparations for my birthday party this Friday.<br />
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I can't wait to share with you my event planning process, recipes, hosting tips and tricks (from someone who works full time!), and craft tutorials.<br />
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I'll be taking photos CONSTANTLY for the next few days, as you can imagine, and hope to have postings ready next week.<br />
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Until then, stay crafty my friends...<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-49266628894696302332013-03-25T10:10:00.000-04:002013-03-25T13:54:52.591-04:00Magic Gift Wrap Combo<h3>
Gift wrapping takes a role reversal...</h3>
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Wrapping presents. It's an OCD nightmare.<br />
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I tend to obsess over tucking every corner and folding every edge, it's true, but choosing what materials to wrap a gift in is a sigh of relief from the logistics of actually shaping said materials around a non-cubic object.<br />
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So, when I had a couple going away gifts to make presentable, I preoccupied my brain with what wrapping paper and ribbon I should use and tried not to worry about the rest. I have to say, the end result made me very happy.<br />
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And no one noticed I completely wrecked the bottom corners. Sweet.<br />
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I've noticed that an overwhelming majority of gift wrapping (yes, I notice these things) is a solid paper with a patterned bow. I decided it was time to turn that trend upside down:<br />
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I had also noticed burlap wired ribbon popping up here and there online.<br />
THEN I noticed burlap wired ribbon in the outdoor bins at Micheal's.<br />
THEN I noticed the $.99 price tag on each spool.<br />
Excellent.<br />
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I had learned how to make handmade bows this past Christmas by watching some youtube videos and put my new skills to work.<br />
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Youtube is, by the way, the fastest way to learn new craft skills, I find. Just search the technique you're looking for, pick a video, and start practicing.<br />
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The gingham wrapping paper was also a sale item from the bins at Marhsall's, so this operation ended up costing me next to nothing. It took me a few minutes to get the bows right, but the ribbon was perfect for what I was trying to do.<br />
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Moral to the story? I wanted to wrap something nicely and with a unique style. I took a trend I had seen and simply reversed it.<br />
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I think this could be a new creative approach to many other crafts as well, don't you think?<br />
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Happy Monday! Check my link parties page to see where I'm linking up and see some other really cool blogs...<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-39811788826253671522013-03-22T10:26:00.001-04:002013-03-22T10:26:16.132-04:00Bad Blogger: Liebster Award<h3>
Very very bad blogger...</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbwBO-wiavCnGLCLLJ_p2TVI9CfAsf2qpIEjWVbINeKU7L_-Dbc4rdeBiauo1AbJLwFBbv2OtO9PEw7-rSQHdtpmqah1TgYwNDJ44D91N85Nov8GgEuo2MiWqlBzAuxIJtXz9zAlYMlaJ/s1600/liebster-award.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbwBO-wiavCnGLCLLJ_p2TVI9CfAsf2qpIEjWVbINeKU7L_-Dbc4rdeBiauo1AbJLwFBbv2OtO9PEw7-rSQHdtpmqah1TgYwNDJ44D91N85Nov8GgEuo2MiWqlBzAuxIJtXz9zAlYMlaJ/s1600/liebster-award.png" /></a></div>
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I've had 3 wonderful bloggers nominate me for a Liebster Award and have yet to complete the tasks. The biggest problem? Finding other blogs that are as "noob" as I am! Finding 11 blogs with less than 200 followers is hard!<br />
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Anyway, I am honored to be recognized and am very enthused by these nominations to keep blogging. So thank you VERY much to my three nominators:<br />
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<a href="http://www.keepingitstepford.com/2013/02/liebster-award_19.html" target="_blank">Maria at Keeping It Stepford </a><br />
<a href="http://jferriswheelof.blogspot.com/2013/02/liebster-award-winner.html" target="_blank">Jenni at Jenni's Ferris Wheel of Food</a><br />
<a href="http://livingandlearningwithluisa.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/its-my-birthday/comment-page-1/#comment-25" target="_blank">Luisa at Living and Learning With Luisa</a><br />
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So here's how it works:<br />
<ol>
<li>I answer 11 questions from the bloggers that nominated me (totaling 33 questions now, haha)</li>
<li>I write 11 random facts about myself</li>
<li>I nominate 11 other bloggers (less than 200 followers each)</li>
<li>I give them all 11 questions to answer</li>
</ol>
Okie doke? Here we go...<br />
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<b>Maria Asked Me:</b><br />
1. Do you have any pets? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Yes! One princess kitty witty: Nova. And hopefully a puppy on the way???</span><br />
2. What is your favorite restaurant? <span style="color: #cc0000;">The Mountain Brauhaus in Gardiner, NY mmmmm German food... </span><br />
3. Looking back, when you were growing up did you think you would be in the place you are now? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Yeah pretty much.</span><br />
4. Has anyone ever said you look like someone famous? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Drew Barrymore </span><br />
5. What is one goal you would like to achieve within the next 3 years? <span style="color: #cc0000;"> A successful annual vegetable garden </span><br />
6. What is your favorite holiday? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Samhain (Halloween) </span><br />
7. If you could hang out with any celebrity who would it be? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Tom Waits </span><br />
8. Snow Bunny or Sun Worshipper? <span style="color: #cc0000;">BRING ON THE SUN!!!! </span><br />
9. What is your favorite band or singer? <span style="color: #cc0000;">The Rolling Stones </span><br />
10. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? <span style="color: #cc0000;">I would have six arms so I can multitask better </span><br />
11. What is a book you recommend? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Anything you can learn something from. </span><br />
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<b>Jenni Asked Me:</b><br />
1) Why did you start blogging? <span style="color: #cc0000;">To journal the adventure of me and Tim's first house</span><br />2) First or last to leave the party? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Last</span><br />3) White or red wine? <span style="color: #cc0000;">White in Summer, Red every time else</span><br />4) What is the one thing you love most about yourself. <span style="color: #cc0000;">I'm a good communicator</span><br />5) If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Here.</span><br />6) Do you prefer to use an electronic or regular paper calendar? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Google Calendar on my tablet!</span><br />7) What is your favorite type of food? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Hot and lots of it</span><br />8) Do you love of loathe your birthday? <span style="color: #cc0000;">LOVE. My birthday lasts about a week and a half, usually...</span><br />9) Where do you most like to take your vacations? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Krumville, NY</span><br />10) What was your favorite cartoon growing up? <span style="color: #cc0000;">I don't remember... Wile E. Coyote, perhaps? Maybe Sponge Bob, though...</span><br />11) Do you prefer cats or dogs? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Both. And as many of them as I can get my hands on!</span><br />
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<b>Luisa Asked Me:</b><br />
1. What is your favorite Pinterest board? <span style="color: #cc0000;">All of the outdoor decor boards. Gets my brain going!</span><br />2. How much time would you estimate you spend on your blog daily? <span style="color: #cc0000;">1-2 hours, but never on weekends. Tim and I ditch the electronics on weekends as much as we can.</span><br />3. Who is your inspiration/favorite blogger? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Definitely <a href="http://whilewearingheels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amy at While Wearing Heels</a>, she answers all my silly questions</span><br />4. Where is your favorite place to shop for home decor? <span style="color: #cc0000;">I enjoy Antique shops, but I'm typically more successful at big box stores like Michael's and Home Goods</span><br />5. Where is your favorite place to vacation? <span style="color: #cc0000;">Krumville, NY</span><br />6. What is your favorite crockpot dish? Feel free to share recipe ;-) <span style="color: #cc0000;">Shredded chicken for enchiladas, but I won't share my recipe because it hasn't come out quite perfect yet...</span><br />7. Do you have hoarding tendencies? <span style="color: #cc0000;">I can't throw out pretty bottles or jars. It's impossible. Luckily, I've found uses for them.</span><br />8. What do you change out the most in home decor? <span style="color: #cc0000;">The table settings, definitely</span><br />9. Do you feel like you are living the life you want to live or is there something else that you want to do or wish you were doing differently? <span style="color: #cc0000;">I'm very happy right now, but I want to eventually own my own business I think.</span><br />10. If so, what’s keeping you from doing it? If not, good for you! <span style="color: #cc0000;">Experience and $$, but both of those will come with time...</span><br />11. If you had no electronics whatsoever, what would you be doing right now?<b> </b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Crafting probably haha</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">OK! That answers that. As if you haven't learned enough about me at this point, here's <b>11 random facts about me:</b></span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I'm part Mexican and part Norwegian (among other things), but you can only see the Norwegian</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I have a Bachelor's Degree in Cello Performance from Syracuse University</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I've been to Brazil</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I (for the most part) can't STAND pastels</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I've played my cello in arenas packed with more than 25,000 people</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I've been a professional musician since I was in 9th grade</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I'm on an album with Art Garfunkel and John Sebastian</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I grew up in a town named Krumville (yes, it actually exists)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I'm an amateur mixologist</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I try to eat a mostly Paleo diet</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I just learned how to split wood a couple weeks ago</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">There you have it! All the silly information about me you never knew you wanted to know! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">And now, may I present the nominees:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><i>Disclaimer: At this point, some of these blogs may or may not have more than 200 followers. I did the best I could...</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://mellywoods5.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mellywood's Mansion</a><i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.simplisticallysassy.com/" target="_blank">Simplistically Sassy</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://prairiegirltosouthernbelle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Prairie Girl to Southern Bell </a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://myrusticfarmhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rustic Farmhouse</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.craftybiggers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Crafty Biggers </span></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://allthatglitter-mwimp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heart Made </a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://mishmashedmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mish Mashed Mama</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.watchoutmartha.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Watch Out, Martha!</span></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thecraftiestofwomen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Crafty Woman </a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.thepinjunkie.com/" target="_blank">The Pin Junkie</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.whistleandivy.com/" target="_blank">Whistle and Ivy </a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Here are your 11 questions, nominees:</b></span></span><br />
<ol>
<li>What is the purpose of blogging, to you?</li>
<li>Satin or Lace?</li>
<li>Twine or Leather?</li>
<li>Sequins or Pearls?</li>
<li>What has been your hardest learned lesson in Blogland?</li>
<li>What's one suggestion you have for new bloggers? </li>
<li>Situation: The house is a disaster, you walk in the door and your phone goes off. Company will arrive in 15 minutes... what do you do?</li>
<li>What's your favorite thing to put on the table when company comes over?</li>
<li>Do you enjoy being a guest or being a host more?</li>
<li>If you could grow any plant in any quantity, what would it be?</li>
<li>If you could play any instrument, what would it be?</li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Please comment below with a link to your post if you choose to participate. I'm really interested to see what you all have to say! Thanks again to my nominators and thanks in advance to all my nominees for playing along!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Cheers!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-17556355109991039892013-03-22T09:20:00.000-04:002013-03-22T09:20:00.088-04:00Quick and Easy Candle Craft!Here's an easy and fun project suggested to me by my mom, who is a professional candlemaker.<br />
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She bought me these floating candle wicks and explained that you can get creative by using food dye to color the water they float in and choosing pretty glass containers.<br />
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Pretty glass containers, you say? To the mason jars!!!<br />
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I grabbed the floating wicks, the food coloring, and a couple of my smaller jars.<br />
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First, I filled the jar with warm water, then I added green and blue dye until I got the deep teal I was looking for.<br />
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Then I used a teaspoon to add a bit of canola oil as a top layer.<br />
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Drop the floating wick on top and there you go!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qu2SOg_SMpY/UUhhGFSU5iI/AAAAAAAABLk/_13dYxwEGGo/s1600/DSC00749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qu2SOg_SMpY/UUhhGFSU5iI/AAAAAAAABLk/_13dYxwEGGo/s1600/DSC00749.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think it came out really nicely! The cool thing about this project is that there are lots of variables to play with. You can choose any type of glass container, mix any colors you want, do singular candles or a set of them, decorate the glass container, and the ideas go on and on...<br />
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The floating wicks can be ordered online, though I'm not sure where these ones specifically came from, and are not expensive. The food dye is also very reasonable and something that can be used for other projects.<br />
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Cheap supplies? Recycled materials?<br />
Sounds like a Frugal Freshman craft to me!<br />
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Happy weekend everybody!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-35368965369054140682013-03-21T10:33:00.000-04:002013-03-21T10:33:47.586-04:00Happy Things Thursday: 3/21/13I can't believe it's Thursday already!<br />
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On Tuesday I posted about my little dining room re-do, which I am presently enjoying very much! Turns out I'm not the only one embracing the recent season change. There are so many beautiful spring decor ideas floating around!<br />
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I've come across a couple particularly special posts I'd like to share with you guys today... enjoy, and be inspired!<br />
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<a href="http://anextraordinaryday.net/yellow-daffodils-and-splashes-of-blue-a-spring-tablescape/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AnExtraordinaryDay+%28An+Extraordinary+Day%29" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbG3mLNmwqYHFbtIipRqArmNSgEDFzlERG6rYBrrrutiI74PriSg-Ln31OAfsUaXYka_ydn14Z4L4iQc3tQ9pfPRrZ6a1_lQwbppS3ivegcoTBGLDzFZk_B2_G_hecG0-6f19QXO5wCG9/s1600/Mod-Vintage-Provincial-Table-Setting-AnExtraordinaryDay.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Diane at <a href="http://anextraordinaryday.net/yellow-daffodils-and-splashes-of-blue-a-spring-tablescape/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AnExtraordinaryDay+%28An+Extraordinary+Day%29" target="_blank">An Extraordinary Day</a> changed up her dining room as well, but she really went all out with the decor! I thought this setting was just beautiful and, again, features a color scheme that is bold AND springy. The blue tinted glass brings it all together perfectly!<br />
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<a href="http://whilewearingheels.blogspot.com/2013/03/barn-wood-bunnies.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf3p1MjRpiuwMSIuHQGDPgUVDdFlZOfXoRzs4bod3dZWSZMI6CT200t8QX4lcjnLWHskyNe-2JuP6PstpFruNUoR8iRg-C0rLTtUQQNpYjtnaOdeu1Z-zSdXAQUBpTAEz4rRF-ULGZzSB/s1600/barnbunny.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The other spring decor project I'd like to feature this week is this handmade figurine... Amy at <a href="http://whilewearingheels.blogspot.com/2013/03/barn-wood-bunnies.html" target="_blank">While Wearing Heels</a> touched my rabbit nerve with this creation. I'm a total sucker for anything rabbit themed, and a rustic rabbit made of barn-wood? Almost too much for me to handle. I love how earthy it is, while also representing a clear image of springtime. Amazing!<br />
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These two ladies have some seriously good taste. I can't wait to see what else they come up with!<br />
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Almost to the weekend! Look for another craft tutorial from me in tomorrow morning's post :-)<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-41517473676781363782013-03-20T09:04:00.000-04:002013-03-20T09:04:00.355-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-75347966974058830662013-03-19T10:34:00.001-04:002013-03-19T10:34:07.224-04:00Frugal Spring Dining Room Makeover<br />
Sorry I've been a little M.I.A. the last couple days, this Freshman Homemaker was busy, well, homemaking!<br />
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My normal Musical Tuesday post will have to wait for next week. I've given the dining room a decor makeover that I can't wait to share with you!<br />
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Last week, for <a href="http://frugalfreshmanhomemaker.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-things-thursday-part-deux.html" target="_blank">Happy Things Thursday</a>, I featured<a href="http://livingandlearningwithluisa.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> Living and Learning with Luisa</a> with her <a href="http://livingandlearningwithluisa.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/tin-can-ilovethisstuff-vases/" target="_blank">up-cycled flower vase centerpiece project</a>.<br />
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It was such an adorable homemade centerpiece that I had to try it for myself!<br />
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Luisa chose a very light palette, but I am incapable of doing so. I took the route of a much bolder color scheme. To each their own, right?<br />
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Here's my dining room as of earlier last week...<br />
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Meh.</div>
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I've gotten to associating the blue with the winter months because it was our most used tablecloth this season, and I had no centerpiece (or any decor, really) to speak of.</div>
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Off to Michael's and Marhsall's I went for a bargain shopping trip. I got a new tablecloth, a new set of place-mats, and the supplies I needed to create my centerpiece.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRnXVb_KUlI/UUhgtsT1qEI/AAAAAAAABJE/oqXb048WcM8/s1600/DSC00715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRnXVb_KUlI/UUhgtsT1qEI/AAAAAAAABJE/oqXb048WcM8/s1600/DSC00715.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been trying my best not to buy these little guys for weeks. Not because I didn't like them, I LOVE them, but because I couldn't justify the expense for a couple little figurines. Lo and behold, this time they were on sale for less than a dollar each! That pushed me over the edge and in the basket they went! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQgDpHT33Eo/UUhguvFtY0I/AAAAAAAABJM/Cqf8m7JgaOw/s1600/DSC00716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQgDpHT33Eo/UUhguvFtY0I/AAAAAAAABJM/Cqf8m7JgaOw/s1600/DSC00716.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Self adhesive ribbon tape in 24 beautiful vibrant colors!? Yes, yes, and yes. <br />
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This gift wrap was on sale by the registers at Marshall's for 50% off. With it's cute vintage newspaper print, how could I resist? <br />
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The pedestal was on sale for next to nothing because of an imperfection in the glass. Can you see it? Neither can I. In the cart it goes...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-e9N3xycbg/UUhgyGTc0aI/AAAAAAAABJk/Y2oXCZPNtFk/s1600/DSC00721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-e9N3xycbg/UUhgyGTc0aI/AAAAAAAABJk/Y2oXCZPNtFk/s1600/DSC00721.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The mason jars are from my collection, of course. Which, by the way, is getting low! I'll have to keep my eye out for them next time Tim and I hit the antique stores.</div>
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To make my new centerpiece, I started by cutting a square out of the wrapping paper just a bit larger than the surface of the pedestal. <br />
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Then I traced the outline onto the back of the paper. <br />
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By cutting just an inch or so inside the outline, I created a nice cover that (sort of) matches the contours of the pedestal. <br />
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It didn't turn out perfect because my scissors are AWFUL. Note to self, buy real (sharp!) scissors for my next project. <br />
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The print on the paper is fun with all the advertisements. I saw this complimenting flowers well, for some reason. Not sure why, but we're rolling with it.<br />
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I'm sure there was a better way to do this, but I wanted to be able to remove the paper if I wanted to so I chose ye ol' scotch tape to hold the paper down. <br />
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Again, not perfect, but still better than just using the flat white. Boring! Not to mention my bird figurines would have disappeared against another white porcelain surface... unacceptable.</div>
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I spread all the adhesive ribbons out on the table and picked four pairs of colors that struck me. These were to be my decorations for the mason jars. <br />
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The ribbon worked wonderfully and stuck right to he glass! All I had to do was measure the length and press it down with my fingers. Bonus: It comes off easily too, in case I change colors for the summer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfvRRTF31_IOzLZ6a49xgL6tnuR4Nj6_E-zSpnLsTBk_cTAbKGsvD1I142avy3etR5LgThlMfgPCiYO7UTngJ15Qh6lTOW5IOWYWRck3_SzMXYgVZgQt95_aqOvoYro3GzqsOq-u8g6Uz/s1600/DSC00741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfvRRTF31_IOzLZ6a49xgL6tnuR4Nj6_E-zSpnLsTBk_cTAbKGsvD1I142avy3etR5LgThlMfgPCiYO7UTngJ15Qh6lTOW5IOWYWRck3_SzMXYgVZgQt95_aqOvoYro3GzqsOq-u8g6Uz/s1600/DSC00741.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are my flower vases for the centerpiece!</div>
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Slight hang-up: trying to put all four of them, with flowers, on the pedestal was just too much. You couldn't see the ribbons! So, I spread them about the house...</div>
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One goes above the sink in the kitchen... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEQ2DpdkeZHGYneu1_4wFvxo0_ceMrTKyQYg-Jbq1UZKtfh1SmzJC2ILe4dgQ5qOpe3Z-mU7ppXGm-g7wYeIgYmk3ahJCSVIFsnnEQg9btsNn5AS1H4uerWUEC4hy_as9AdI0SITerqFS/s1600/DSC00760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEQ2DpdkeZHGYneu1_4wFvxo0_ceMrTKyQYg-Jbq1UZKtfh1SmzJC2ILe4dgQ5qOpe3Z-mU7ppXGm-g7wYeIgYmk3ahJCSVIFsnnEQg9btsNn5AS1H4uerWUEC4hy_as9AdI0SITerqFS/s1600/DSC00760.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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One goes on the coffee table in the living room (please excuse the flash, light was NOT cooperating)...<br />
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And the other two make my centerpiece... <br />
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Much better! Now my dining room feels a little more in season.<br />
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I'm so much happier with my coffee/blogging space! <br />
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Here's the official before and after:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRn8Lva_LuhFo8lxXMvX_KfI4LisCnp5ZaeDdxMX_9o5Y0xSiulKoFC5eZ7MLVrCpQR8EPSC4-oZj3huHZoxip-shgkCZyA1sMOYCJnQi2giNNKQeG_YjWKTGxqhnDx_2Vc3nLYCkHNuM/s1600/diningroombeforeafter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRn8Lva_LuhFo8lxXMvX_KfI4LisCnp5ZaeDdxMX_9o5Y0xSiulKoFC5eZ7MLVrCpQR8EPSC4-oZj3huHZoxip-shgkCZyA1sMOYCJnQi2giNNKQeG_YjWKTGxqhnDx_2Vc3nLYCkHNuM/s1600/diningroombeforeafter.png" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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Now if only the WEATHER would catch a hint! Bring on the sunshine!<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-48116788266904035432013-03-15T09:26:00.000-04:002013-03-15T09:26:00.185-04:00Creative LeftoversTim has a knack for mix-and-matching leftovers into really yummy meals.<br />
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So many times, a meal starts with me saying "there's nothing in the fridge." Tim opens the fridge, stares at the contents in silence for a few moments, and then eventually pipes up with "How about we take the leftover _________, mix it with the __________ from yesterday and put it on top of the ______________ we bought?"<br />
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Or we just throw everything in a burrito and call it a day.<br />
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The combinations, though, are a true skill. Somehow I'm just never feeling that creative once I'm hungry.<br />
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This weekend we had two excellent creative leftover meals...<br />
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This was a breakfast creation that turned out to not only be very satisfying and nutritional, but can also be gluten and dairy free, depending on the sauce you use. Bonus!<br />
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The meat is leftover shredded chicken breast from a slow cooker recipe we had made. We had originally bought the portabello caps for grilling, but ended up steaming them in a fry pan for this recipe. All we did was heat everything up, stack it, and add hot sauce! Easy breakfast noms.<br />
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Then we needed a light lunch before a gig Saturday night and we came up with this little display...<br />
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Left over smoked salmon from making lunches, cream cheese, and grilled asparagus. We had to use the asparagus pronto, as it doesn't keep, so Tim whipped these up while I finished some house cleaning.<br />
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They turned out great! Definitely a light meal, but oh so yummy...<br />
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So next time you THINK you have nothing to cook at home, open the fridge and just stare at what's in there for a few minutes... at least it works for Tim.<br />
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Any other creative leftover chefs out there???<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-82579524270290913012013-03-14T08:33:00.000-04:002013-03-14T08:33:36.180-04:00Happy Things Thursday: Part Deux!Spring seems to have everyone bursting at the seams with creative ideas!<br />
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I know I'm going BONKERS waiting for the weather to warm up and planting season to begin.<br />
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In the mean time, I've been researching ways to "spring up" the house, per se, without just plastering pastel bunnies and eggs everywhere...spring decorating can easily turn into a wishy-washy mess of undecided colors, in my opinion. <b>GOD FORBID I DECORATE IN ANYTHING BUT BOLD STYLISTIC CHOICES</b>.<br />
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<i>Did I say that out loud?</i><br />
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Since I found so many inspiring posts in my research, and Thursday was just around the corner, I felt it was a good time to have another Happy Things Thursday and feature some of the bloggers who's posts were particularly impressive!<br />
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<a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/03/11/indoor-house-plants/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NVvXSgvhRCVVATVeUS_azLGFdvocnSqCLkBjLVIX5PPoqLi6Jz7Ul9FbVMkzmLfnX8D1EfCd40s9YbA7gYnI7A2xa_NBoAMMLgMo3pDJx5pXc4N2mnBnqrhBM0RtZhFb9gVc84Fsv343/s1600/teacupgarden.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
This <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/03/11/indoor-house-plants/" target="_blank">teacup garden</a> from <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/" target="_blank">The Inspired Room</a> seemed like an easy way to get more plants in the house, without adding too much upkeep. Most of them are small succulents and grasses, so the plants themselves look beautiful, but are not very demanding I would imagine. It would make a fun outing during yard sale season to go out in search for the right teacups to use!<br />
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<a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2013/03/kitchen-garden-art.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyHuBSN3iuf7RVQP1xMGTorDXDmrbDPYSMd5pgKoSlmtjIlric0NP091pWaIPQS_BUOuuNPYdp7QCo5eslUWRMPLN6YmILHJOEt7x2wRSbTCcliwX-ljylJrl8pwB1MOw3dgveaWymCTE/s1600/kitchengardendecor.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over at <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rooted in Thyme</a>, Jody put together <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2013/03/kitchen-garden-art.html" target="_blank">this display</a> at the potting table in her garden. I just love the combination of tarnished metals with the twine, clay and wispy herbs (lavender, I'm assuming). Not to mention it's an area you can continue to add to as you find more pieces at antique shops and garage sales! I'm thinking I'll use some themes from this for the shed, inside OR out!<br />
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And one more <i>very</i> inspiring post I found this week was an up-cycling project I came across...<br />
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<a href="http://www.livingandlearningwithluisa.com/1/post/2013/03/tin-can-ilovethisstuff-vases.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnQBx70bTi5Z_bjqqW4Wi__fOoiodtE89yVJaZsxD532BlhQZ3BzUK9WtEw9QjtrxdI6zwihlRTCsA99ezlcVgk0x0qV4MiuFVbAtkyYEzvK1bvX_fvijP-zFMYK1y_nt59Hp3wfXXsYn/s1600/can_vases.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
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Luisa at <a href="http://www.livingandlearningwithluisa.com/" target="_blank">Living and Learning With Luisa</a> made <a href="http://www.livingandlearningwithluisa.com/1/post/2013/03/tin-can-ilovethisstuff-vases.html" target="_blank">these vases</a> out of decorated tin cans. Each can on it's own is pretty, but group a bunch together and add some simple spring flowers and you've got quite the display! I just thought this was adorable and am thinking about doing something similar with all those jars I keep in the closet... hmmmmm<br />
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Check out all three of these blogs, they are packed with fun ideas!<br />
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Almost to the weekend :-) Hang in there, everyone...<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-91474429116071686952013-03-13T09:07:00.000-04:002013-03-13T09:07:00.185-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvJO0_nD0Xx0Vt2KM2_7UwjGDjvKW20uURRH3fqBSgme37LIZ0Z9xMpXyDZ0mJyBqzSog-1xRV8PtEmt08cE6ktWnFzCxL-E5nRIwDQpicGtkXAX_t1Sxi0Ku2b3CWHgwfqikEEHMnSrE/s1600/DSC00686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvJO0_nD0Xx0Vt2KM2_7UwjGDjvKW20uURRH3fqBSgme37LIZ0Z9xMpXyDZ0mJyBqzSog-1xRV8PtEmt08cE6ktWnFzCxL-E5nRIwDQpicGtkXAX_t1Sxi0Ku2b3CWHgwfqikEEHMnSrE/s1600/DSC00686.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IieyPvz_3yM/UT3X0A5WKvI/AAAAAAAABB0/laZXNHaDBqc/s1600/DSC00691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IieyPvz_3yM/UT3X0A5WKvI/AAAAAAAABB0/laZXNHaDBqc/s1600/DSC00691.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-52260765187213926682013-03-12T09:28:00.000-04:002013-03-12T09:28:14.477-04:00Cello is a Percussion Instrument<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5zEZ0cLtvLTgqTWyFVBhvKBqQ6fW_xTxNTlbTYwl5Muf5iIhhmDnTWEnvYjXE6BQL8JnVteA-CUfP1YfI7euVsT9mgkUz6WT7IV0p01JPQTf0dWGQgd_Y0uVurqCOlpRuXVBPSv0b7pX/s1600/rufus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5zEZ0cLtvLTgqTWyFVBhvKBqQ6fW_xTxNTlbTYwl5Muf5iIhhmDnTWEnvYjXE6BQL8JnVteA-CUfP1YfI7euVsT9mgkUz6WT7IV0p01JPQTf0dWGQgd_Y0uVurqCOlpRuXVBPSv0b7pX/s1600/rufus.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rufus Cappadocia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Musical Tuesdays @ The FFH </h3>
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If you've ever had to take a general music class, you know that instruments are grouped into families...<br />
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If you haven't, here's basically how it works:<br />
Musical instruments are categorized by how they produce their sounds. Stringed instruments, obviously, have strings. Those strings are vibrated by some sort of mechanism in order to produce frequencies and their subsequent overtones (aka "notes").<br />
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Wind Instruments need air to create vibrations, like flutes and clarinets.<br />
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Percussion instruments, well, they are percussive. Something has to hit them.<br />
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My instrument, the cello, fits nice and neatly in the category of stringed instruments.<br />
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And, as any true artists would have it, the barriers of what cellos are expected to play in this category are being ruthlessly, systematically blown to smithereens.<br />
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I've been playing cello professionally for a decade now, and pretty much every gig I've had outside an orchestra was the same type of part writing; long notes, pretty melodies, and maybe some double stops (playing two notes at a time) here and there to make things interesting.<br />
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No one was forcing me to play like that, that's just how cello parts were written. I didn't think to play anything else. And for what I was doing, that was working just fine.<br />
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But there is something about the size of the cello that makes it very special. It has bulk and power and muscle, yet it is still small enough to exhibit musical finesse and nuance. With these elements combined, an entirely new <i>cellist</i> has evolved.<br />
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Did you catch all that? Me neither. <br />
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Rufus is one of the first cellists I noticed that was taking percussive cello techniques to an entirely new place. I actually saw him live once, but he was playing with someone else and didn't feature this type of playing a lot. That and I think I was working the venue at the time so I was in and out of the kitchen and couldn't really listen...<br />
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Regardless, I stumbled on this video later and realized fully what he was doing. I have no clue HOW he's doing it, but I get what it is he's doing... get it? Got it. Good.<br />
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So then my brain got going, especially considering my band <i>Tanager</i> doesn't have a drummer. I play cello and rhythm guitar, so my role has always been to substitute drums. I realized I had already slowly started to do what Rufus has done and had begun to cater to my cello's split personality. I wasn't playing just melodic lines anymore, I had started playing chords and I was playing them in rhythms.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fv1A8gh5m5c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Then I found these guys. The group <i>Crooked Still</i> has rhythm beyond rhythm and not so much as a sign of a drummer. How do they do it? You guessed it. Cello.<br />
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Their cellist, Rushad Eggleston, got the rhythmic cello bug too, but has his own take on how to do it. This video doesn't focus entirely on him, but if you find yourself bobbing your head while you listen, you can thank Rushad. That "low part" you're hearing and enjoying is all him and the upright bassist.<br />
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This next video is of Sarah Jarosz, a very young (still finishing college) power source for the folk/bluegrass genre. In this video, her cellist is also filling the rhythm role.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/O-SLSZ-9748?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Nathaniel Smith is the cellist in this one, and his approach is a bit more subtle than the previous two. The effect, however, is just as poignant. You have another cellist that rhythmically drives the entire ensemble from the bottom end of the chord structure.<br />
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I remember even in high school always saying that I enjoyed playing cello as a rhythm instrument, but I didn't realize to what extent other cellists were developing new techniques for it. It's a cool feeling to know that other musicians you listen to have had similar thoughts to your own and acted on them. Makes me feel like I'm part of a movement!<br />
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Every instrument is revolutionized periodically. Most of the time I feel like these revolutions are truly realized all too late. We look backwards in time and rever at those who have transformed their medium into something completely different and we say, "Wow, if only something totally new would happen now."<br />
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*News Flash* Revolutions <i>are</i> happening. All over the place. You just have to pay attention.<br />
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I got lucky, and I happen to be not only alive, but paying attention while my instrument is being transformed.<br />
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Pretty cool, right? Now if I could only figure out how to actually PLAY like those guys!<br />
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Ha, I'll let you know how that's going next week...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo5gA4cPWHsN-Hgo_M52xSesH-0cMr9ax6hEQ_L04ZzJgyqFrYT4L5mRPKcauVJrE4moGlVXOZgNGG9WuejRUiNih6Fsk2ffglS35SMTF9bQhkNufIosLKb4IvV2HhEwAYFBmObG8gMOF/s1600/blogsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo5gA4cPWHsN-Hgo_M52xSesH-0cMr9ax6hEQ_L04ZzJgyqFrYT4L5mRPKcauVJrE4moGlVXOZgNGG9WuejRUiNih6Fsk2ffglS35SMTF9bQhkNufIosLKb4IvV2HhEwAYFBmObG8gMOF/s1600/blogsignature.png" height="140" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-24903634326788802702013-03-11T09:48:00.000-04:002013-03-11T09:55:11.336-04:00Craft-Me-DownsThree cheers for Grandmas and their crafting supplies!<br />
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Hip hip HOORAY!<br />
Hip hip HOORAY!<br />
Hip hip HOORAY!<br />
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I may or may not have casually mentioned to my grandma that I was looking to get into cross stitching...<br />
I MAY or may not have begged her to show me how it works...<br />
I may OR MAY NOT have known about the trove of cross stitching supplies stored in her basement...<br />
and I just might have known that my grandma loves to pass along hand-me-downs.<br />
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I admit to nothing.<br />
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All accusations aside, my extremely generous grandmother has bestowed upon me an entire brown paper grocery bag filled with what I like to call <i>Craft-Me-Downs</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEJZtQxtJLM/UT3X9TkARvI/AAAAAAAABCs/C_gZWyAe9Wk/s1600/DSC00703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEJZtQxtJLM/UT3X9TkARvI/AAAAAAAABCs/C_gZWyAe9Wk/s1600/DSC00703.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is such a thing as <i>Banjo Cloth</i>!?!?! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byE_sUwUkbs/UT3X7_nb5SI/AAAAAAAABCk/EKGGuN4eMIY/s1600/DSC00702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byE_sUwUkbs/UT3X7_nb5SI/AAAAAAAABCk/EKGGuN4eMIY/s1600/DSC00702.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And not just cross stitching supplies, either! She also gave me a stack of magazines with all sorts of cute crafts in them!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-8uIa7pR40/UT3X4mZSxsI/AAAAAAAABCU/u_YpD2eWzJc/s1600/DSC00698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-8uIa7pR40/UT3X4mZSxsI/AAAAAAAABCU/u_YpD2eWzJc/s1600/DSC00698.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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A lot of the magazines are Christmas themed, but no worries! There will be plenty of time for that next autumn.<br />
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I can't wait to tear into some of these projects! I think with a little creativity, some of the designs could even be slightly altered to be more customized to the rest of the decor in the house.<br />
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I'm curious, do most of you like to go out and buy craft supplies? Or do you also get hand-me-downs or swap materials with other crafters? <br />
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Here's to a good work week everyone!<br />
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Parties:<br />
<a href="http://salttree.net/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://salttree.net/" src="http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/salttree/Blog%20decor%20Jan%202013/button125x125-1.jpg" height="125" width="125" /></a><br />
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Especially ones like this one where we spend more time sinking in mud than dealing with snow.<br />
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But, on occasion, my Grinch-ish heart is genuinely touched by the beauty of a fresh, heavy snow.<br />
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Part of making my dream home a reality is incorporating our surroundings into our living space. Tim and I are both nature-lovers (by nature? sorry, couldn't resist) and enjoy observing the local wildlife. When it comes to the interior of our home we are always looking for natural accents like wooden fixtures, stone decor, etc. But when it comes to the great outdoors, we are looking for ways to enjoy and experience our beautiful area.<br />
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Our new favorite way to bring nature into our daily lives and home? Birds!<br />
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Recently, Tim and I splurged on some serious bird feeding equipment. Droll Yankee is the authority company for high quality backyard birding materials. We purchased the tri-feeder stand, two new column feeders (one with peanuts for woodpeckers and one for normal seed), and a domed tray feeder.<br />
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We had noticed as soon as we moved in that there was a dense population of song birds in the area. We bought a basic feeder and threw it together with an old Shepard's pole we had found under the deck. Instantly our back yard was invaded by our new feathery friends and we were so happy to see them! Now, several months later, we have at least a dozen different species of birds that visit regularly. We call them our pet birdies... (mostly as an attempt to stave off the temptation to buy actual pet birds for indoors).<br />
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Currently our regular guests are titmice, black-capped chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, sparrows, common red-polls, American gold finches, cardinals, mourning doves, eastern blue birds, European starlings, red-bellied woodpeckers, and downy woodpeckers, with the occasional house finch and mocking bird stopping by.<br />
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In order to properly appreciate all our new friends, we recently also treated ourselves to these bad boys:<br />
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These binoculars are perfect for backyard birding. Not too expensive, high quality, and super clear vision. The field of view is 330 feet and the magnification is 8X42. These not only come highly recommended from us, but also by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a major resource for the world of birding.</div>
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Our Bushnell binoculars never leave the dining room table and sit right next to our copy of The National Wildlife Federation's <i>Field Guide to Birds of North America</i>. This way, when we have guests during the day, they can easily get a close look if someone interesting pops up at the feeder. Not to mention Tim and I ourselves spend quite a bit of time observing and identifying our "pet birdies."</div>
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We also purchased a window feeder, which is my (and our chickadees', finches', and tit mices') new favorite thing!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khaZWECQnNg/UTn5SKj7wzI/AAAAAAAAA-o/LgFuiyIFXD8/s1600/DSC00672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khaZWECQnNg/UTn5SKj7wzI/AAAAAAAAA-o/LgFuiyIFXD8/s1600/DSC00672.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Getting to see some of my favorites "pets" up close is a real treat. And having this view from the dining room table really adds something to the whole dining area. With the large palm plant, the bird species print, and our feeders, we're thinking the final dining room will probably have a nature/bird/woods theme.<br />
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*ding* Ooo! How about an inspiration round up for this theme next week? I like how that sounds... shoot me an email if you've got something along those lines and would like to be featured!<br />
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What elements do you bring in from the great outdoors? I'd love to hear/see what you guys think!<br />
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Linking Up Here:<br />
<a border="0" href="http://www.loveandlaundry.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh577/ThriftyMissSmith/WeekendWonderFeatureButton_zpsa0d1a15f.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://homefor4sweethome.blogspot.com/"> <img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uc_0TT55qQA/UOUJPiHkFnI/AAAAAAAADfQ/TZFFCP8K8WI/s200/bloghop+-+Copy.jpg" /></a>
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Happy weekend everybody! Cheers!<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-26294438032869291412013-03-05T09:23:00.001-05:002013-03-05T09:23:23.003-05:00Same Bach, Different StoryIt's Musical Tuesday here at The FFH. Hope you all are getting a good start to your week...<br />
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Tuesday is when I get a little wordy, so bear with me, but when it comes to music I think there's a lot to say.<br />
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Last week I described (way too briefly) <a href="http://frugalfreshmanhomemaker.blogspot.com/2013/02/bach-scotland.html" target="_blank">the importance of the Bach Cello Suites</a>. These pieces have been interpreted and reinterpreted for hundreds of year now.<br />
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Yesterday, though, while reading a post at <a href="http://stacysrandomthoughts.com/2013/03/the-cello-song-lets-you-get-your-shine-on-the-open-road-im-runnin-out-of-air-so-tonight-im-getting-over-you-stompa/" target="_blank">Stacy Uncorked</a>, I stumbled upon an interpretation I had never heard before.<br />
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This arrangement is by Steven Sharp Nelson, of the group <a href="https://thepianoguys.com/thepianoguys/steven-sharp-nelson/" target="_blank">The Piano Guys</a>.<br />
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Lots of people try to spice up classical repertoire (a specialty my high school band was actually pretty proficient in!), and lots of people end up with something that sounds like a nerdy, middle school orchestra rendition of the original piece.<br />
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Not this guy. (And not my high school band either, might I add!)<br />
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This arrangement is modern and accessible. It features a heavy back-beat, which is a please-all when it comes to rhythm, and traditional harmonies with just enough dissonance to spice things up a bit...<br />
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In English: Steven has put a head bobbing, hip hop beat behind what would normally be just a string of notes that are all the same length. This adds shape and brings a classical piece to a level where those who aren't used to digesting classical music can understand it. He also added harmonies (lots of them, as you can see) that are commonly found in movie soundtracks and other mainstream media, while also throwing in a few surprises here and there. Again, he's embellishing in such a way that non-classically trained listeners can enjoy and understand.<br />
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I'm reminded of my all time favorite music quote by Aaron Copland, an American composer in the mid-twentieth century...<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h1 style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">“When I speak of the gifted listener, I
am thinking of the nonmusician primarily, of the listener who intends
to retain his amateur status. It is the thought of just such a listener
that excites the composer in me.”</span></i></span></h1>
</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I think a lot of people are put off by the idea that you have to know something to enjoy classical music. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I also think that those active in the classical soundscape sometimes enjoy making other people <span style="font-size: small;">feel that way.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also think that that's a really quick way to <span style="font-size: small;">self-annihilate classical music all together. <span style="font-size: small;">And that would be a shame.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I<span style="font-size: small;">n response to this attitude, it is my per<span style="font-size: small;">sonal mission to turn as many people on to classical music as possible.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Re<span style="font-size: small;">-</span>imaginings of classic repertoire (defined <span style="font-size: small;">in my <a href="http://frugalfreshmanhomemaker.blogspot.com/2013/02/bach-scotland.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>)</span> <span style="font-size: small;">like</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span>Steven's arrangement</span> above make it easy. Some will say that it's misleading to take this approach with new listeners, I say it's a short bridge from having fun with these arrangements to appr<span style="font-size: small;">eciating the original works. A point on which I've argued with many a professional musici<span style="font-size: small;">an... (and won)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Without beginners, where will music come from?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Without <span style="font-size: small;">foundational knowledge, where will beginners come from?</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Without a friendly intro<span style="font-size: small;">duction, where will <span style="font-size: small;">foundations come from?</span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Power to the amateurs</span>!<br />
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Rah-rah-rah!<br />
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P.S. If you've always wanted to pick up an instrument and never have, just do it. I don't care how old you are or what you think you're good at. Just get started. We need more<span style="font-size: small;"> of you</span> beginners out there :-)Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-2402400407998122012013-03-04T12:25:00.002-05:002013-03-06T08:40:07.046-05:00Best Monday Ever!<span style="font-size: small;">Three awesome things going on right now:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1. I actually got outside and went for a run this morning. Woot woot for me!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2. I have a really cool project to share.</span><br />
3. <span style="font-size: x-large;">I <span style="font-size: x-large;">was featured<span style="font-size: x-large;">!</span></span></span><br />
<div class="Watch Out Martha" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 150px;">
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<a href="http://www.watchoutmartha.net/"><br /><img alt="Watch Out Martha" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g277/sugar1857_2006/featuredmarthabutton_zps79e29f72.png" height="150" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I guess my <a href="http://frugalfreshmanhomemaker.blogspot.com/2013/02/handmade-hair-barrettes.html" target="_blank">hand</a><a href="http://frugalfreshmanhomemaker.blogspot.com/2013/02/handmade-hair-barrettes.html" target="_blank">made barrettes</a> went over pretty well over at <a href="http://www.watchoutmartha.net/" target="_blank">Watch Out, Martha</a>! Feels so good to be recognized for some creativity!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">On with more craftiness!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Tim and I have a friend named Zach Cooper who joined the band <a href="http://www.coheedandcambria.com/descension.html" target="_blank">Coh</a><a href="http://www.coheedandcambria.com/descension.html" target="_blank">ee</a><a href="http://www.coheedandcambria.com/descension.html" target="_blank">d and Camb</a><a href="http://www.coheedandcambria.com/descension.html" target="_blank">ria</a> last year. He is an amazing musician, and we were so happy to see him get such a great gig. So deserving! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqqxceyxuwo/UTS0H6eq3sI/AAAAAAAAA4U/odvI3LxH4Ws/s1600/IMAG0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqqxceyxuwo/UTS0H6eq3sI/AAAAAAAAA4U/odvI3LxH4Ws/s1600/IMAG0105.jpg" height="350" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Of course, when the band's double-vinyl album came out (The Afterman: Ascension and The Afterman: Descension) we immediately purchased it. I have to say, the approach to the whole project is just amazing. The design is impeccable, the product is very professionally made, and the sound, the sound, the sound. It about knocked me and Tim over. Clearly a major feat for the group to have completed such a perfectly executed artistic work.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">We had purchased other Coheed albums in the past few months to learn more about the band after Zach joined in.(We had always liked them, but just didn't know much about them.) But this latest project is clearly taking things to a whole new level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">AND! The whole deal came with autographed guitar picks. Hmmm what to do, what to do...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We couldn't just leave them in the box. No no no, <span style="font-size: small;">t</span>hat wouldn't do at all!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">And there happen to be an empty spot on the wall in our music studio that was crying for a sentimental piece. <i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Cue light bulb moment *ding!*</i></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Of to Micheal's we went. Notice the beautiful silver and gold colors on the al<span style="font-size: small;">bum</span> cover? We decided to mount the picks on craft paper of those two colors and frame them in a plain black frame with black and white matting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We lined up how we wanted everything with the matting to make sure it looked right...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Then we glued the papers together and let them sit for a while under some very heavy books.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once we were sure the glue had dried we marked the corners and trimmed down the colored papers so that they would fit in the frame, behind the matting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then we just lined up the colors so it was half and half and taped the edges down on the back of the matting...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Ta da! There we go. Some very small duct tape loops (we didn't have double sided tape laying around and didn't think to pick it up at Micheal's) holds the picks in place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And there she is in context. Pretty sweet, right? So happy to have a souvenir of our friend's new adventure in our music room! Not to mention a joint crafty project for me and Tim. It's not every day your boyfriend <i>suggests</i> a trip to Micheal's, am I right ladies?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Linking up here:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Happy Monday!</span></div>
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It's a daydream-y kind of day and as I gaze out my dining room window and observe the squirrels as they devour my over-priced birdfeed (thank you, squirrels) I find myself planning out the projects I'm trying to get started on.<br />
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What better way to get these plans into motion than to blog about them? Am I right?<br />
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For now, I'll just post a couple "before" photos. Soon I'll be doing some round-ups for inspiration. If you've got ideas, please share!<br />
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This little treasure here is a space at work. It's a corner in the hallway that leads to our classrooms.<br />
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It's totally exposed to all of our customers.<br />
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It's wasted space.<br />
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It's not creative.<br />
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It's ugly. (Not the baby picture, he's cool.)<br />
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I asked my boss if I could have at it as we are trying to revamp the whole building to keep things fresh.<br />
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Of course, the big red metal coat rack has got to go. Hooks will replace it. But who can just throw the thing out and throw some hooks on the wall???<br />
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"Not I," said the compulsive decorator, "To Michael's and thrift stores, AWAY!"<br />
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And we're off! So that's one project on my mind.<br />
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Meanwhile, back at the farm, we got our new garden shed delivered!<br />
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It was a process.<br />
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But there she blows! OK, so she's not new, just new to us. But I think with a power-washer, some paint, and a few new boards for the trim, we should be in good shape. As soon as it gets just a little warmer outside, we'll be digging in to this one.<br />
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That's all for now. These are just a couple of the projects rolling around in my head. I'm very excited about all the possibilities, but how to choose one project to get started! I'll have to start drawing projects from a hat... oh! there's another cool idea...<br />
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I'm leaving before things get worse. Happy weekend, everyone!<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077344127212536147.post-19408271677083322052013-02-28T09:39:00.003-05:002013-02-28T09:39:47.217-05:00Happy Things Thursday Round-UpOn Thursdays, I like to focus on the little things that inspire me or make me happy!<br />
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It's my way of getting a final burst of energy towards the weekend... we're on the home stretch!<br />
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So, while spending my QT with Google Reader and coffee this morning, I came across these three particular posts that, well, made me happy! Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.keepingitstepford.com/2013/02/less-than-10-paper-organizer.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KeepingItStepford+%28Keeping+It+Stepford%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvcxh-GKp88Vi-tgUhD31EDKVSZeyCdHw7_WFwklG-btQscnB2a21SOM30SIXLZhLqxeEip3QYKz9xErvLv17-95EEyX7NW0x3uFG5ietzUenFCT69AyBa_SX4brstolQHJlwGXkh6VrI/s1600/paperorganizer.JPG" height="361" width="400" /></a></div>
Over at <a href="http://www.keepingitstepford.com/2013/02/less-than-10-paper-organizer.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KeepingItStepford+%28Keeping+It+Stepford%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">Keeping It Stepford</a>, Maria described how she was looking for a way to organize her scrap-booking materials. All the specialty stuff was crazy expensive, but a short trip to an office supply store provided her with a solution for way less! 10 Frugal Points for Maria!<br />
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<a href="http://www.acasarella.net/2013/01/white-elephant-gift-topper.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA1qGHRd1BSIFwah5uGCTzHb5r0In8n6zsDiUQNivbHLrY2_UEplpIXckoNjNbdU87dJoNeuJNnwIPCb-ye8oWcovOTwDZpJhjo48ZmxMRLRsV_V-fhxsrqTnkHiudLQl9l8ib-QRKNjG/s1600/white+elephant+topper.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
Elena at <a href="http://www.acasarella.net/2013/01/white-elephant-gift-topper.html" target="_blank">'A Casarella</a> made these white elephant present toppers that I thought were just adorable. Just a clothes pin and a small figurine can turn into so much! My brain almost exploded with ideas for other variations...<br />
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<a href="http://thecraftiestofwomen.blogspot.com/2013/02/pinterest-masters-list-feature.html#comment-form" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J66-P2afJQF6bPCsip2j_h_LDJyW2Dse5BGU_VLddWLHW589FyWkUGYFmX0YKjcCmTsZgPGTsgdIUMyD6hns1S9BqTQF6G6SKVit8forQeNlto5N-LkALF8_wx8rO6zFmrGFufxHMxSY/s1600/paintedeastereggs.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
And for the big finale, Christine at <a href="http://thecraftiestofwomen.blogspot.com/2013/02/pinterest-masters-list-feature.html#comment-form" target="_blank">The Crafty Woman</a> has a Pinterest board that absolutely changed how I look at Easter decor. Normally, I can't stand when Easter comes around. Nothing against the holiday! But all the pastels and subdued designs... yucky. I'm too bold a personality for stuff like that. Christine's board brings out a whole different, more confident design scheme with nods to Victorian styling that I am absolutely in love with. Now I must go shopping!!!<br />
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So these ladies are what's inspiring me this week, what do you guys think? Head over to their blogs, they've got tons of fun ideas and projects going on!<br />
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<br />Rosie at The Frugal Freshman Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318645500076151209noreply@blogger.com1