tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24620190238918667352024-03-13T07:45:49.785-07:00Feeding Pickledoing and making things that nourish body, mind, and soul.Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-2134175183297570722019-03-09T00:14:00.003-08:002019-03-09T00:38:28.773-08:00Rolling with the Color WheelIt started as a study in color, and then questions of curiosity fed our creativity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging Pods available at feedingpickle.etsy.com</td></tr>
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I love reviewing the color wheel with the Pickles. Seeing colors form and morph while adding more of this and some of that one is something of which we never tire. For the littlest Pickles, giving them an eye dropper to play with a drop food coloring in each primary color (red, yellow, blue) in an ice cube tray of fresh water is creative learning and play at its finest. Motor skills are developed and understanding for the world of colors is deepened.<br />
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After that, our color play involved seeing the colors expand and blend on cotton fabric using permanent markers and rubbing alcohol. <br />
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We began with our test towel. (I bought a bulk bundle of 100% cotton flour sack towels for this project). Dots of color were drawn, and then rubbing alcohol was dropped onto each color and we watched the colors expand and blend and even reveal the individual colors of which they were made.<br />
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I can’t just do one project; of course I want to combine all the ideas in my head and make them into one project! Inspired by traditional Shibori indigo dyeing techniques, which involves folding, tying, and dyeing fabrics, we took a different turn on that idea. Each Pickle folded, twisted, or gathered up their towel and wrapped and tied cotton thread around their towel to create patterns on the fabric exposed to the color. We colored the fabric surface with permanent markers and then used an eye dropper to drip rubbing alcohol onto the colors (a few were nearly soaked). We were curious to see how the alcohol would carry the color to the deeper layers and curious to see which colors would carry well.<br />
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We let our towels dry for a day or two and then unwrapped such fun and colorful patterns!<br />
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Was there an exact science to our curiosity? Nope. But curiosity is the best place to start in feeding creativity: building knowledge from what your experience teaches you to apply to the next curiosity you try. Feeding creativity is never a waste. Every question that seeks an answer builds thinking skills and experience upon which you can continually be build.<br />
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We eventually washed our colorful towels and the colors dulled a bit and yellowed some more. Was it our water? The reaction of the alcohol and detergent? Could there even be a reaction? What if we...?<br />
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(If you decide to try something like what we did, use adult supervision. Use rubbing alcohol in a well ventilated room. The ice cube tray experiment is great for little Pickles with close adult supervision. Permanent markers and dying with rubbing alcohol is for older Pickles in a well-ventilated space.)<br />
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Always be creative,<br />
Marie Winfield<br />
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Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-84254417722921261852019-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:002019-01-29T12:20:52.312-08:00While Waiting for the Blossoms to Arrive...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a little tiny glass jar that I keep above my kitchen sink. It is always ready for the little blooms that little Pickles bring to me: a pungent dandelion, a delicate violet, a sturdy lily of the valley. </div>
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But spring blossoms are scarce as of late, and we needed a little color in our jar.</div>
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Little flowers cut from plastic containers, colored with permanent markers, baked to curl, and arranged atop wire with beads...Spring bloomed before our eyes and now sits in its rightful home in the place of honor above the kitchen sink.</div>
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Here's what you need:</h4>
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1. Cut shapes from plastic salad containers (often the clam shell style, ie, tomato containers, berry containers, bulk food containers, salad containers). Flowers, leaves, birds, sunshine...you can go all out here! Be sure to punch a hole in the center so you can attach it to the wire later.<br />
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2. Color the plastic shapes with colored permanent markers. Yes, once again, go all out!</div>
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3. Heat oven to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Working with just a few plastic pieces at a time, lay them on a piece of wrinkled aluminum foil on a baking sheet. (The wrinkles make it easier to pick up the plastic pieces without getting burnt on the hot tray later.)</div>
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4. (Use care and caution here. Working with an oven isn't a game, but it is a great tool for creativity when used by an adult and with plenty of supervision.) Place tray with plastic pieces in the oven. In a matter of a few SECONDS they will begin to soften and warp. Watch carefully and remove from oven immediately. Different thicknesses of plastic will soften at different rates. For some pieces, we simply warmed them 'til we could bend them in our hands...which had to be done in approximately 2.5 seconds from the time they were removed from the oven. If you like the more free-spirited approach, let the heat of the oven curl them as it will!</div>
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5. Cut lengths of wire for the stems. Using beads and bending the wire, secure the flower to the wire. For this one, I coiled the end, added a bead, added the flower, added a bead, and did a ziggy zaggy thing. Every flower was different. Some had little jingle bells that make such a happy sound. MMhhhmmmm, go all out. </div>
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6. I poured some tiny colored glass beads in the bottom of our jar, and then to prevent the inevitable spilling that would occur, I sealed our flower arrangement in place with hot glue in the opening of the bottle.<br />
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Waiting for the real blossoms never looked so pretty.<br />
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Always be creative,<br />
Marie Winfield<br />
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originally published April 13, 2015</div>
Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-14307782160373987542018-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:002018-12-07T12:09:46.521-08:00Practicing the art of imagination<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">There's a beauty when imagination and reality clasp hands and bring forth a breathtaking dance. </span></span> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I suppose I've been pondering this recently as a Pickle lost a tooth and the tooth fairy arrived faster than had ever been her record. </span><i style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">On the very same night </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">that the tooth fell out, she arrived </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">with perfect punctuality and with a shiny quarter in tow. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I mean, usually she takes several nights to finally show up, breathless and slightly discombobulated</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">, and has, more-often-than-not, been known to leave itty-bitty notes explaining her tardiness: The dog wouldn't let her in, the bag of pennies was too heavy, the wind storm versus her tiny wings, she had to find our new house, and well, you know, other such excuses of the valid sort. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Upon her mysterious rapid appearance, we determined we must now live closer to her abode. She's a curious one, that tooth fairy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">In my childhood, I seemed to always have grasped that someone else of the human sort was responsible for the coins left under my pillow while I slept, but imagining her story and contemplating how maybe it could be possible stretched my little mind to consider creative solutions. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Kind of the same thing as putting cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve knowing full well that my dad would fulfill the role. (We always left his favorites on the plate.) I still loved the story; the invitation for creative thinking. The excitement and the anticipation of imagining something more was possible. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">It makes me smile on the inside when the Pickles question the validity of a tooth fairy with a twinkle in their eye, enjoying the fairy tales as much as me. We know the truth. And we embrace reality. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><i>But stretching the creative mind with the delight of imagination is a gift of childhood. It's practice for conquering adulthood. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;"><i><b>It's the practice of believing that pursuing an idea,</b></i></span></span></span></h2>
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<i style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 19.32px;"><b>even if it sounds like the impossible, </b></i></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKE7gxSk0hY/XArLdSvndcI/AAAAAAAACUY/39uioGOIr3UzLjq70qjg2XTn70bMEReWgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/ChristmasPostCards-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKE7gxSk0hY/XArLdSvndcI/AAAAAAAACUY/39uioGOIr3UzLjq70qjg2XTn70bMEReWgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/ChristmasPostCards-13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Always be creative, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Marie Winfield</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSFMGDImOsE/XArLQq22DbI/AAAAAAAACUA/TkNlFZT5WucOxR2IdvYqBShWP1I6sCH-ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/ChristmasPostCards-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSFMGDImOsE/XArLQq22DbI/AAAAAAAACUA/TkNlFZT5WucOxR2IdvYqBShWP1I6sCH-ACK4BGAYYCw/s320/ChristmasPostCards-22.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all photos courtesy of http://katlinshuherkphoto.com/</td></tr>
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Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-84142974047700461992018-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:002018-12-05T00:00:07.201-08:00Converted<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XT7YVIKyIAQ/UKG2-rDRqHI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Uf2ZIfXNz6w/s1600/Cranberries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XT7YVIKyIAQ/UKG2-rDRqHI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Uf2ZIfXNz6w/s400/Cranberries.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Cranberries are so beautiful. And the way they are harvested is such an intriguing process. Bright and tart vibrant, what is not to love about a cranberry?</div>
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Well, for many years of my life, I thought there was a lot.</div>
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Then my sister tweaked this Cranberry Relish recipe and shared it with me.</div>
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And I have left my former opinions of cranberries behind.</div>
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This relish is exceptionally simple and powerfully delightful. Even the Pickles called it a dessert that they could eat in the middle of their meal.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq2T_pUOws8/UKG3IGV8vZI/AAAAAAAAAlM/h8-WY07yfD0/s1600/Cranberry+Relish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq2T_pUOws8/UKG3IGV8vZI/AAAAAAAAAlM/h8-WY07yfD0/s400/Cranberry+Relish.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<strong>Aunt Leah's Cranberry Relish</strong></div>
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Combine <strong>4 1/2 cups fresh cranberries </strong>with <strong>1/2 cup honey.</strong> Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees farenheit or until cranberries are soft and mushy.</div>
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Remove from oven and allow to cool for a bit while assembling remaining ingredients.</div>
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In a bowl, stir together <strong>1 cup orange marmalade, 1 cup toasted walnuts</strong> (or as pictured above, I used pecans), and <strong>1 t. lemon juice.</strong> Add cranberries and stir to combine.</div>
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Chill until ready to serve.</div>
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What ingredients have subtly changed your mind?</div>
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Always be creative,</div>
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Marie Winfield</div>
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Originally published November 16, 2012</div>
Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-24747022876363479542018-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-21T00:00:11.220-08:00Heritage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Holidays are often steeped in tradition. Whether it be in what is eaten, where you go, what you wear, or who you are with, chances are that most everyone has a tradition that defines their memories of a holiday or any special occasion.</div>
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This photo depicts a few special memories and traditions for me:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7V1YSQRK-o/UKG4UcHdHhI/AAAAAAAAAlo/QazjgjFnKbQ/s1600/Overnight+Floret+Salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7V1YSQRK-o/UKG4UcHdHhI/AAAAAAAAAlo/QazjgjFnKbQ/s640/Overnight+Floret+Salad.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This bowl and salad bring fond memories of both of my grandmothers. In the bowl is the Overnight Floret Salad that my grandmother, Carol, makes for nearly every special holiday or family event. I love this salad; the sweet and slightly tangy dressing over fresh broccolli and cauliflower with excitement added in sunflower seeds and grounded in flavor with crumbled bacon. So many memories of times spent in my grandmother's kitchen, eating this salad and her other mouth-watering creations and enjoying the love around the table and beyond.</div>
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The bowl itself has many warm memories of my grandmother, Mildred. I loved the special times that my grandmother would create when I spent the night at her house. She would bring out the special huge floor pillows, pop some popcorn and serve it in this bowl, and we would snuggle down and watch a movie or she would tell stories of her travels. I loved the cozy nights spent at my grandma's house.</div>
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I love being able to share these bits of my life and tradition memories with my Pickles. They munch away on popcorn out of the melamine bowl just like I did with my grandma, and they rave over their great-grandma's special occasion salad, helping themselves to generous seconds. </div>
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I would love to share a part of both these special memories with you. If you came for a visit, I would happily serve you some popcorn in grandma's bowl. But for now, I will share the recipe for my grandmother's special occasion salad and hope you enjoy making a new tradition memory of your own!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyWlQi8ByZE/UKG4hQJHpMI/AAAAAAAAAlw/82QYHW9Kg4g/s1600/Overnight+Floret+Salad-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyWlQi8ByZE/UKG4hQJHpMI/AAAAAAAAAlw/82QYHW9Kg4g/s400/Overnight+Floret+Salad-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>My Grandmother's Overnight Floret Salad</strong></div>
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1 small head cauliflower, broken into small florets (6 cups)</div>
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1 bunch broccolli, broken into small florets (4 cups)</div>
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1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced</div>
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1/2 cup sugar</div>
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1/2 cup mayonaise</div>
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1/3 cup vinegar</div>
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6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled</div>
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1/2 cup sunflower kernals</div>
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In a bowl, combine the cauliflower, broccoli, onions, sugar, mayonnaise, and vinegar. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, stir in the sunflower kernals and bacon.</div>
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Yield: 10 servings</div>
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What little things do you enjoy today that bring memories of days gone by?</div>
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Always be creative,</div>
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Marie Winfield</div>
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Originally published November 19, 2012</div>
<br />Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-6553571104092784042018-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-20T00:00:04.586-08:00Projects for Pickles: Rock, Paper, Scissors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All you need for these projects are rock, paper scissors...</div>
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add a little glue, maybe fabric, or thread. How about some wool, crochet hooks, wire, and a good dose of creative imagination!</div>
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Never look past the most humble creative resources--just look at what you can do with a rock!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj2KyyydURw/W-488yfPmCI/AAAAAAAACSc/-OlL0-4-gqYX5nqpxpUKPyW0_-8O1eWhACLcBGAs/s1600/air%2Bplant%2Bstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv6Svlch0RM/W_MHJZb4KeI/AAAAAAAACTw/jxLV3Jbch7sn3_ACAr043Vb9pnRKGlUvACEwYBhgL/s1600/air%2Bplant%2Bstand%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv6Svlch0RM/W_MHJZb4KeI/AAAAAAAACTw/jxLV3Jbch7sn3_ACAr043Vb9pnRKGlUvACEwYBhgL/s320/air%2Bplant%2Bstand%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Air plant holder directions:</div>
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Paint a rock with Mod Podge. Cover the rock with a piece of map. Coat well again with Mod Podge, smoothing creases to create a smooth surface. Allow to dry on an upside down jar lid, to prevent sticking to work surface. Use wire to create the plant stand.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq-BzOoarTo/W-48-C1iWjI/AAAAAAAACSg/tMcvjKvmOZkZx_KHXcA-EB5TNI0YKXz7wCLcBGAs/s1600/crochet%2Brocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq-BzOoarTo/W-48-C1iWjI/AAAAAAAACSg/tMcvjKvmOZkZx_KHXcA-EB5TNI0YKXz7wCLcBGAs/s320/crochet%2Brocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Memory Crocheted Rocks:</div>
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A few special rocks from places we lived and loved. Begin to crochet as if making a doily from the center. Add loops and width to fit the shape and size of the rock. Begin reducing stitches to enclose around the back of the rock.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt1NQM2WK20/W-48qewJP_I/AAAAAAAACR8/G0KXtZz5FZM5xBNeL3zhxidDTZn8xTSwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/picture%2Bholder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt1NQM2WK20/W-48qewJP_I/AAAAAAAACR8/G0KXtZz5FZM5xBNeL3zhxidDTZn8xTSwwCEwYBhgL/s320/picture%2Bholder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Picture holder / Note holder:</div>
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Paint Mod Podge all over rock. Cover with small fabric pieces, and coat with Mod Podge again to make them stick and stay. Allow to dry, resting on an upside down jar lid so wet rock doesn't stick to table surface. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUZMp42vcE0/W_L__EEooWI/AAAAAAAACTI/Xj5o3mrLE94Wxm2iba2Zu3uZU6bi-fgpgCLcBGAs/s1600/felted%2Brocks%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUZMp42vcE0/W_L__EEooWI/AAAAAAAACTI/Xj5o3mrLE94Wxm2iba2Zu3uZU6bi-fgpgCLcBGAs/s320/felted%2Brocks%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Felted Rocks you can Sew:</div>
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Gently wind a bit of wool roving around a rock. Using a bowl of warm water, rub a bit of dishsoap all over the rock. Continue to rub (as if holding a bar of soap) until the wool tightens - felts - over the rock. Add more as needed or desired. Rinse well and allow to dry.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zothiqFXaH0/W_MAFSnznbI/AAAAAAAACTg/1ZW1No-4G3UcQRr4I731vAcILTawEmgUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/felted%2Brocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zothiqFXaH0/W_MAFSnznbI/AAAAAAAACTg/1ZW1No-4G3UcQRr4I731vAcILTawEmgUwCEwYBhgL/s200/felted%2Brocks.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kRoRyoOufA/W_MADMez9TI/AAAAAAAACTc/tIFtCcp72O0Csjtyn3UAgXjiN9ZsxgxJACEwYBhgL/s1600/felted%2Brocs%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kRoRyoOufA/W_MADMez9TI/AAAAAAAACTc/tIFtCcp72O0Csjtyn3UAgXjiN9ZsxgxJACEwYBhgL/s200/felted%2Brocs%2B4.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHziZZotXTc/W_MAAzipjBI/AAAAAAAACTY/ykE04nHkt6oRfidgHCrvOMh-QDuCnGtBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/felted%2Brocks%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHziZZotXTc/W_MAAzipjBI/AAAAAAAACTY/ykE04nHkt6oRfidgHCrvOMh-QDuCnGtBQCEwYBhgL/s200/felted%2Brocks%2B3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cr6ERmaLDNo/W_MHMeERy7I/AAAAAAAACTs/ja57W6Yx4ww3a-e1Do5IcFBVBrrwllwKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/felted%2Brocks%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cr6ERmaLDNo/W_MHMeERy7I/AAAAAAAACTs/ja57W6Yx4ww3a-e1Do5IcFBVBrrwllwKwCEwYBhgL/s200/felted%2Brocks%2B5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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When dry, use colorful thread and needle and stitch any design you wish onto the rock.</div>
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Who knew you could sew on a rock!?</div>
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What other creative rock projects to you like to make? Share them below!</div>
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Always be creative,</div>
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Marie Winfield</div>
<br />Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-44531581318303187292018-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-19T08:56:21.969-08:00Creamy Potato Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lTWj_GAez0/UB7RFnhMr9I/AAAAAAAAATs/17kAKF2N8_4/s1600/Creamy+Potato+Soup-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lTWj_GAez0/UB7RFnhMr9I/AAAAAAAAATs/17kAKF2N8_4/s400/Creamy+Potato+Soup-1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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My mom makes a potato soup with a thin milky broth, parsley, and potato chunks that has soothed many-a body on a cold winter day. My grandmother makes a cheesy, thick and creamy baked potato soup that sticks to your ribs. At our house, potato soup needs to be dairy free to be Pickle-friendly. So I concocted a recipe that brought all my potato soup heritage into one simmering soup pot. This Creamy Potato Soup is a meeting of the minds. </div>
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Smooth and well-seasoned, with an occasional bite of soft potato and a gentle punch from crushed red pepper, a bowl of this soup warms and fills on a chilly day. Yukon Gold (yellow) potatoes and a cup of white beans are the key to creating the creamy texture that will make you forget that you're eating free!</div>
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<strong><u>Creamy Potato Soup</u></strong></div>
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3 tbsp. olive oil</div>
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2 cups chopped onion</div>
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2-3 cloves garlic, sliced</div>
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1 - 1 1/2 tsp. salt**</div>
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1/2 tsp. dried parsley</div>
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1/2 tsp. dried basil</div>
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1/4 tsp. black pepper</div>
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1/8 tsp. crushed dried red pepper flakes</div>
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4 cups homemade chicken stock**</div>
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5-6 medium-sized Yukon Gold (yellow) potatoes, peeled, cubed (about 5-6 cups)</div>
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1 c. Great Northern beans, well cooked</div>
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5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled</div>
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1. In a large pot, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onions are tender.</div>
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2. Add in salt, parsley, basil, black and red peppers. Stir in chicken stock and potatoes. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to simmer steadily for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Turn off heat.</div>
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3. Remove most potatoes from pan and place in a food processor with beans. Process until smooth. </div>
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4. Stir creamy potatoes back into broth and stir to completely combine. Stir bacon into soup or use as garnish.</div>
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**I use a homemade chicken stock in this recipe. When I make my homemade stocks, I season them with plenty of onion, garlic, salt and pepper. If I have a very strong flavored stock, I will use 3 cups stock and 1 cup water in this recipe. Depending on the flavor or seasonings of the stock you use, adjust the salt and seasonings accordingly.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THwL34rg-7Q/UB7RI0RT-OI/AAAAAAAAAT0/8YMwPSpFbNg/s1600/Creamy+Potato+Soup-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THwL34rg-7Q/UB7RI0RT-OI/AAAAAAAAAT0/8YMwPSpFbNg/s400/Creamy+Potato+Soup-3.JPG" width="378" /></a></div>
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Originally published August 27, 2012</div>
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Always be creative,</div>
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Marie Winfield</div>
Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-27599611419774016182018-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-16T00:00:02.540-08:00Projects for Pickles: Pillowcases<div style="text-align: center;">
I had a Pickle tell me one year that all he wanted for his birthday was bacon and eggs. </div>
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That was it. A breakfast. I loved his enthusiastic and humble request. Bacon and eggs were absolutely served for his celebratory birthday, but I also determined that I wanted him to wake up to his love for bacon and eggs every single day. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YD99AClhqxs/W-45VxTXbvI/AAAAAAAACRg/HTgRYYfoBtIaVZhBuAvL-wLYUya4T_VFwCLcBGAs/s1600/bacon%2Band%2Beggs%2Bpillowcase%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YD99AClhqxs/W-45VxTXbvI/AAAAAAAACRg/HTgRYYfoBtIaVZhBuAvL-wLYUya4T_VFwCLcBGAs/s320/bacon%2Band%2Beggs%2Bpillowcase%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I pulled out some gently used baby receiving blankets, a few fabrics for trimmings, and sewed up the most delicious project I've ever completed. This bacon and eggs pillowcase. He loved it. I'll readily admit that it puts a smile on my face as well.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofn-LAJKTSU/W-45VzCUjNI/AAAAAAAACRk/BDVH5c1zU-8hKPQe4gjKlDsexBhpm76QgCLcBGAs/s1600/bacon%2Band%2Beggs%2Bpillowcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofn-LAJKTSU/W-45VzCUjNI/AAAAAAAACRk/BDVH5c1zU-8hKPQe4gjKlDsexBhpm76QgCLcBGAs/s320/bacon%2Band%2Beggs%2Bpillowcase.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pillowcases are a practical gift with loads of room for creativity. We have used the <a href="http://feedingpickle.blogspot.com/2018/08/what-little-humble-glue-can-do.html" target="_blank">Glue Batik Method</a> to create pillowcases in the past. This year, the Pickles worked together to create this cheery emoji pillow for a birthday present. They dutifully analyzed the many emoji faces and recreated them with fabric markers. I love most of all those adorable original faces that were included by the youngest Pickles. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtNojU5F-cY/W-45Zk-TKII/AAAAAAAACRo/WPhKKoApjCYQGtCe08crqrLkeH9BPT2yACLcBGAs/s1600/emoji%2Bpillowcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtNojU5F-cY/W-45Zk-TKII/AAAAAAAACRo/WPhKKoApjCYQGtCe08crqrLkeH9BPT2yACLcBGAs/s320/emoji%2Bpillowcase.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We sewed our own pillowcase from fabric we had here, but a cotton pillowcase from the store works just fine! Pre-wash and iron the pillowcase, for the best color absorption, and then put a liner (cardboard, extra paper, cutting board, cookie sheet, etc) inside the pillowcase so no ink leaks through to the opposite side while you draw. Then let your creativity shine with a box of fabric markers! It's a simple project, but with great outcome and appreciation.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOpcA0wbiIY/W-45bLZIuII/AAAAAAAACRs/1_gBMa_dXAohlGCULLtErm1MXBxFLj5-QCLcBGAs/s1600/kids%2Bdraw%2Bemojis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOpcA0wbiIY/W-45bLZIuII/AAAAAAAACRs/1_gBMa_dXAohlGCULLtErm1MXBxFLj5-QCLcBGAs/s320/kids%2Bdraw%2Bemojis.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(The Pickles traced a can to ensure that each emoji was identical in size.)</span></td></tr>
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I'd love to hear about what you love to make and give for birthdays! </div>
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Leave a comment below!</div>
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Always be creative,</div>
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Marie Winfield</div>
Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-56168245743586534302018-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-15T00:00:02.128-08:00Creativity its finest/worst. Or, When the going gets tough, the tough get creative<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Building your own house is not without its bumps and bruises. Without learning curves. Without trials. And, at least for us, it is certainly not without errors.</div>
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Like how to get a shower/tub from the store an hour away from your home construction site.</div>
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We were like a couple of crazy optimistic kids when we started out that morning.</div>
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We exclaimed over our tub, analyzed every corner and surface for perfection, sealed the deal, and exited the store with our treasure. Maybe it would explain our excitement more to say that we had been renting an ancient farmhouse *without a shower* for the past several years, and the idea of *our very own shower* had us happier than a kid in a candy store. We felt like Christmas morning had come in the middle of the summer.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iL8-yDPsxg/W-Jk5WnBGQI/AAAAAAAACRM/pxGa32mmfjIWoRjW1fACF1uakBw37-oEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/inside%2Bmetal%2Bwalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iL8-yDPsxg/W-Jk5WnBGQI/AAAAAAAACRM/pxGa32mmfjIWoRjW1fACF1uakBw37-oEgCEwYBhgL/s320/inside%2Bmetal%2Bwalls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We bumpity bumped all the way home with our shiny new tub strapped on back.</div>
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Each bump loosened our padding.<br />
Each bump shifted our straps.</div>
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We tightened.<br />
Drove the next mile and hit another bump.</div>
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O<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">ur young optimism was aging fast.</span></div>
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Tightened again. Padded again.</div>
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I watched wide-eyed and waved goodbye as each padding piece whisked way way way away. Never had a highway felt so fast. Or so long, as we crept slower and slower to try to salvage our last hope of padding. <span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">Flying randomly and unpredictably off our trailer at each bump in the pot-hole ridden highway went all the factory packaging, two baby blankets, a baby dress, and multiple diapers. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">After the last of the diapers, I volunteered to walk behind the trailer on the highway all the way home. </span></div>
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Then, in one final scrounge around the truck floor and various packed bags for our happy little outing, I found the solution: feminine products. It was the absolute last thing I had. I stuck those babies all over our shiny new tub. And they held. <span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">(Think I should contact the company to let them know they have an untapped market out there?!</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">)</span></div>
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By the time we crept/puddled/flopped exhausted into our driveway, our little bandaged tub still arrived with a crack. But shout out to Home Depot for helping us with a replacement. Not kidding. I coulda kissed the returns guy. Not really. But I can say that cause the conversation was just over the telephone.</div>
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So now, much wisened and suddenly quite aged and instantaneously gray for our years, we returned that tub and with a fully enclosed trailer and enough padding to keep the satellite returning to earth's orbit safer than a cotton ball in 6972 layers of bubble wrap, we brought back the tub now framed into our house. Sans feminine products. That. was a good day.</div>
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Never give up coming up with creative solutions. We sometimes find them in the most unexpected places. </div>
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Have any completely creative and unexpected solutions you want to share?! </div>
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Always be creative,</div>
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Marie Winfield</div>
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Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-36014862455031485432018-11-13T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-15T19:41:14.011-08:00Cinnamon Heart Ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Holidays are steeped in tradition. The smells, the sights, the events, the decorations all bring a host of memories with them. While our family seems to make a tradition of never having the same traditions, there is one that I think will stick around--we love to create together. Here's a simple recipe for the Pickles in your family to enjoy putting your hands together and making memories. Cinnamon Heart Ornaments are easily mixed and baked, and make your home smell cozy and warm as well. </div>
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Cinnamon heart dough: Mix 1 cup applesauce with 1 cup ground cinnamon.</div>
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Add a Tablespoon of glitter if it suits you. (It suited the Pickles!)</div>
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Mix, mix, mix.</div>
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Gather rolling, cutting, and baking supplies. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Farenheit.</div>
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Use your preferred method to roll or press dough into at least a semi-smooth surface for cutting.</div>
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Cut out shapes. If planning to hang, use the end of a straw to cut holes.</div>
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Bake for 2 1/2 hours. Cinnamon hearts should be completely dry. Remove immediately to a wire rack to completely cool.</div>
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String and enjoy. </div>
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<br />Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-24615513132931661982018-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:002018-11-15T19:40:56.082-08:00Projects for Pickles - Candle HolderThe first in a series of four Pickle-friendly projects for holiday making and giving. Focusing on low cost supplies, and high creative input, these projects are designed to feed creativity in Pickles of all ages. Let's get started, shall we?<br />
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If there is one thing that I love most of all for decorating during the holidays, it is to light a candle and enjoy the soft and warming ambiance. Beautiful candle holders can elevate the candle's humble beauty. Candle holders from unexpected sources elevate the creativity! Next time you empty a can a mealtime, wash it up, and don't add it to the recycle bin--fill it 3/4 full of water and set it in the freezer! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never underestimate the beauty to be found in a can of beans.</td></tr>
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When the can is frozen solid, prepare your tools and work space. You'll need:</div>
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--a nail</div>
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--a hammer</div>
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--a piece of paper to wrap around the can (hint: save the wrapper and turn it inside out!)</div>
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--pencil/pen/or permanent marker</div>
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--tape</div>
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--blocks/books/boards/something to keep the can from rolling</div>
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--towels to cushion your workspace and catch ice chips</div>
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Draw a design on the paper (cut to the size of the can) that you will use as a guide to punch holes into the can. There should be enough holes so that the light can be enjoyed, but spaced far enough apart so they don't collide when punched through.</div>
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Tape paper around can.</div>
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Set can on towels, and support on both sides with boards or other object to keep it from rolling. You want to choose a stable work surface to prevent opportunity for injury.</div>
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Position nail tip on markings made on paper. Gently tap with hammer until desired sized hole is created.</div>
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Repeat until design is complete. Consider that dripping wax will accumulate at the base of the can, making holes along the lower edge undesirable. Run can under warm water to remove ice block.</div>
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If the can base expanded while freezing, gently tap the bottom of can to flatten.</div>
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*This project is best for Pickles old enough to understand the use and potential danger of the tools they are working with. Be sure that the can opening has no sharp edges. Adult supervision recommended. </div>
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Did you make one? I'd love to hear about it! What other projects can be made from the simple can?</div>
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Always be creative,</div>
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Marie Winfield</div>
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Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-7763349501636763872018-11-02T00:00:00.000-07:002018-11-15T19:41:45.660-08:00Building (by) (on) (in) Faith<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">There's something about fresh starts. You're holding on by faith. You have nothing to lose. You are giving it your all. Creativity? It's at full throttle, in every angle of your existence. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Honestly, this photo from late last summer, was of my favorite and least favorite stage of building. To see the actual structure finally take the shape of something we believed we could live in helped kindle the hope in our hearts. I kinda wanted to stop here and forever have a house that soaked up the sunshine. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">At the same time, set back after set back, including my husband "giving" the tip of his finger at this stage of building (thankfully my brother rushed him to the hospital and they were able to sew it back up) tested our faith to make sure we knew where our hope was truly found. Houses are great, we confirmed, but our hope is an eternal one, not built by human hands.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Maybe that has been our biggest reminder: hold everything in an open hand. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">And thank God for not only what He has given to us, but for what He prunes.</span></div>
Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-15867250820513367232018-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:002018-09-24T20:31:53.856-07:00But, WHY?<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Pen poised above the paper. Ingredients waiting by the mixing bowl. The first loop of a yarn onto a needle or hook. Wet paint on a brush. A shovel making a fresh slice into the ground. The revving of a saw or the curated collection of wood and screws. Notes emanating from an instrument. </span></span></div>
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But why? Why create? Why do you make? </div>
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This cabinet is my reminder:</div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;">Holding our daily school books and crafting supplies, it stands unassuming in the corner. Tall, dark, and quiet. To some, it may appear to lack some refinement or class. Because of that door. That one cupboard door that doesn't match the others. Unlike the weathered and aged finish of the rest of the cabinet, it is stripped to the raw wood, and once again aged with time.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;">The story of that door goes back. Probably long before where I'll start, but for me the story starts here:</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;">I never met my grandfather. I hear stories of how he was a bus driver, a farmer. In 5th grade, my dad lost his dad to cancer. When he was diagnosed, my grandfather picked up this cabinet as a project to refinish while he underwent t</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">reatments. To this day, you can see exactly where he started.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">I have no intention to go any further than that door. As long as I own this cupboard, this is how it will look. That door, representing hope and potential and life, speaks a constant reminder to me. </span></div>
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There it is, the quiet reminder to use the life and the time I have to better what and who is around me. It gives a subtle nudge to keep on going. Through projects, through food, through letters, </div>
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through cabinet refinishing, </div>
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through a smile <span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">or a quiet hug, and always in love, believe</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;"> that better things are possible.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;"> That's the story of the cupboard door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">It reminds me that there is hope. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">Even if life passes on this earth, there is still Hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">I have the opportunity to help spread that Hope, b</span><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">oth now and for the generations to come.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">That's why. That's why I make.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">Always be creative,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">Marie Winfield</span></div>
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Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-18276212562389078282018-08-09T17:58:00.001-07:002018-08-09T19:11:44.950-07:00What a little humble glue can do<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">It's that time of year when I go shopping with my eyes closed.
Back to school items? Where? I can't see them behind my
closed eyelids of denial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Except when it comes to glue. I open my eyes then and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I buy the glue. Over and over we have enjoyed this project
and the shining star is none other than the humble washable white school glue.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Batik painting (utilizing melted wax to by creating designs to preserve the original fabric color before dye-ing the whole project) has always intrigued me. This project brings the art of
batik painting to a level that even young Pickles can participate in and enjoy.
And all you need is a few squirt bottles of glue and a couple squirts of
paint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Here are the five simple steps:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">1: squirt glue onto your fabric item of choice in any design
you can imagine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">2: allow glue to dry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">3: spread watered down acrylic paints alllllll over the
fabric and dried glue designs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">4: let it dry again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">5: wash out the glue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Got it? It's so easy (albeit potentially messy), and it has
such a rewarding outcome!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Here are a few more details to each step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">1: Always prep your workspace and fabric. Put down protection
for your table/driveway/or wherever you do this project. If you choose to
make an item like a shirt, put something in the shirt to prevent the glue from
soaking through to the backside. Not paper or cardboard--a plastic board
or a vinyl mat work better when it's time to release it from the glue. We
have done t-shirts and pillow cases this way. For our single layer tent
fabric, I just covered our workspace with heavy plastic and laid the fabric on
top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">Pre washing your cotton (yes, you want cotton for this project)
fabric or shirts is recommended for best color absorption. Have I gotten
t-shirts straight from the store and started right in? Absolutely!
But the fabric will receive the paint best if it's been pre-washed.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">NOW squirt that glue onto your fabric item of choice in any
design you can imagine! Glue is funny in how it stretches and shrinks
back and pools and wants to puddle. If you want more exact designs, use
a super thin spread of glue on your project. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">2: Allow glue to dry. Allow at least 24 hours.
If extra thick glue spots are still gummy in the middle, but dry on the
edges, you can gently proceed to Step 3, being careful not to drag the wet glue
along with the paint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMpdw3tGgMY/W2zyoepVQDI/AAAAAAAACOQ/3tcoPuWao-MtBvUwYQIICc8a5UWmCepNwCLcBGAs/s1600/paint%2Bin%2Bjars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMpdw3tGgMY/W2zyoepVQDI/AAAAAAAACOQ/3tcoPuWao-MtBvUwYQIICc8a5UWmCepNwCLcBGAs/s320/paint%2Bin%2Bjars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">3: Spread watered down acrylic paints alllllll over the
fabric and dried glue designs. (Remove the inner plastic if you want the
paint to reach the backside now.). Realllllly water down those paints.
The jar with the yellow paint in the bottom shows how much paint I use
before I fill most of the rest of the jar with water. Have small drips of
paint left in your old squeeze bottles? Just fill the bottle with water
and shake it all up, then squirt onto the fabric. To spread paints, we
have used foam brushes, large-ish craft paint brushes, and we've gently poured
the watered down paints. Have you noticed how free-spirited this is yet? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">4: Let it dry again. I love to set our projects in
the sunshine to speed up this patience-testing step (again!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_SllLh7uc4/W2zyTip6CQI/AAAAAAAACOA/2hworzSN6j0vDQoMjzTByAl_QxZqvXgvQCLcBGAs/s1600/glue%2Bbatik%2Bdetail%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_SllLh7uc4/W2zyTip6CQI/AAAAAAAACOA/2hworzSN6j0vDQoMjzTByAl_QxZqvXgvQCLcBGAs/s320/glue%2Bbatik%2Bdetail%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">5: Wash out the glue. This is the
"hardest" part. Translated: slightly more tedious than earlier
steps, but easy enough for any Pickle who can rub fabric between their hands in a bucket of water.
Depending on the amount of glue used, and if you have an HE
washer, you don't really want to just throw this in the wash. Run
cold water over your project and soak the glue back to softness. Use your hands
to rub off as much glue as possible. (It's really fun to see the pictures
revealing at this point!). Once you've got it pretty well washed off, give it a
wash cycle with a few old towels for agitation/abrasion and then dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">What are you going to make?! I can't wait for Show and
Tell in the comments below!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">Always be creative,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-size: 14.0pt;">Marie Winfield<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-35876968068153251392018-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:002018-08-09T18:59:44.376-07:00Saving the best for...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "\22 uictfonttextstylebody\22 "; font-size: 14.5pt;">I was given a
package of lovely fabrics. A special "welcome to the neighborhood"
gift. I knew I'd use them to make something special. Something memory worthy.
Something lasting and unique. I tucked the gift in a drawer while I waited for
the perfect idea. </span><br />
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And then I pulled it out. I made a gift for my sister. I made a fabric postcard
for someone else. I made this dress for a Pickle. She runs around and gets
dirty in it and drops berry stains on it. And goodness knows, will outgrow it
amazingly soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I've now worked my way though half of the stack of lovingly curated fabric
cuts. Did I save my prize gift for something special?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 14.5pt;">I did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody; font-size: 14.5pt;">It's called "this
moment."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 14.5pt;">Always be creative,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody; font-size: 14.5pt;">Marie Winfield</span>Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-59790376949250389762018-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:002018-06-17T00:00:02.645-07:00More than just an Oreo<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I was growing up my family frequented a local ice cream shop,
with outdoor seating and this intriguing and unassuming, bare-bones rustic drinking fountain that
always made me conjure up thirst just so I could use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air always smelled like soybeans from the
local processing plant as we sat outside in the sweaty weather and
ate our ice cream as the sun went down…and my Dad would often get an Oreo
avalanche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad said he grew up eating
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Oreos everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In my mind, Oreos and my dad just seemed to go together like, well,
Oreos and milk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I see an Oreo I think of my dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We really didn’t eat a lot of Oreos when I
was a kid, but every now and then they would show up on the kitchen counter as
“Dad’s treat” and he would share with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Oreos</span> or a bag of
M&Ms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">They</span> were one of those
“special times" treats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">E</span>very now and again I’ll get an insatiable craving for an
Oreo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now that I'm a bit older, I just can’t get ice cream without getting Oreo ice cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve tried, but I always feel like I drive away having missed out on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really </i>having had ice cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At our next visit, I will get ice cream
with Oreos and everything is right again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Funny, I always liked the Dilly Bars growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that may be because at the Creamery they
were the size of Dad's Ford F150 back truck tire
and all of 80<span style="font-family: "georgia";">¢</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now? It has to be Oreo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I always think of my dad and our family trips
to the Creamery. I know my dad
likes other flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But memories are
like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Oreos stick in mine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Oreos are one of those iconic American foods that just seem to be a rite of passage to growing up. </span>And, I just happen to really like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I just happen to have personal fond memories that
involve my dad and Oreos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But “normal” Oreos don’t work for my little Pickles. </span>And so, I had a
mission:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> make</span> an Oreo to share these
memories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I had to break down the anatomy of an Oreo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oreos are a dry cookie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that must be why they are milk’s
favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I needed to make a
chocolate cookie disk that would hold together well, yet be “dry” enough to call
out for a creamy drink to complement it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
The texture of Oroes, with the imprinted insignia on each side, feels rough and crunchy, so I thought that rice flour would perform this texture well. </span>And though the cookie would be sweet, the overall sweetness wouldn’t
really come from the cookie itself, but from the icing instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pasty icing that sticks to the roof of your
mouth and lets the sweetness linger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I now have several chocolate baked batches of “almost-but-not-quite” in my
freezer waiting to be used as a crumb crust or other re-purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that's ok, because I have come up with a recipe I
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It fits the criteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in a taste test versus a “real” Oreo, it
won hands down in our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never
would have thought to use these ingredients if I had never started down the
road of wheat and dairy free eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But my cooking horizons have been broadened, and this recipe proves
that you don’t have to miss out on any flavor when you eat 'free.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Family Legacy
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">©2012 feedingpickle.blogspot.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">(gluten, dairy, soy, egg, nut free)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Cookies:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 tbsp flax seed meal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 tbsp water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">½ cup sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">½ cup plus 1 tbsp palm shortening</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 tsp vanilla extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">½ cup fresh ground white basmati rice flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/3 cup potato starch</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2/3 cup cocoa powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">¾ tsp baking powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">¾ tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Icing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Make two
batches to equal cookie recipe)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3 tbsp palm shortening</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">½ tsp vanilla</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 ¾ tsp water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 cup powdered sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To make cookies:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">2. </span>In a small saucepan, combine flax seed meal and water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly,
until it comes together and is “goopy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remove from heat and set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. In a medium bowl, cream together shortening and sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add vanilla and fully incorporate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. In a separate bowl combine rice flour, potato starch,
baking powder, and salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whisk to
completely combine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. Add half of flour mixture to creamed mixture and beat to
combine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add flax goop and beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the rest of the flour mixture and beat
until incorporated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">6. </span>On surface lightly dusted with rice flour, roll dough to 3/8
inch thickness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use a 1 ½ inch circle
cookie cutter to cut out cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place
on a baking stone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake for 12 minutes,
remove from oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let rest on stone for
2 more minutes, then carefully remove to a cooling rack to completely
cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When cooled, place in a resealable
container.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To make icing:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In a small bowl, stir together shortening and vanilla.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Add ½ cup powdered sugar and stir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Add ½ tsp water and stir again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Add ¼ cup powdered sugar, stir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Add ¼ tsp water, stir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Add last ¼ cup powdered sugar or amount needed to
make a stiff icing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Working with small amounts, spoon icing into pastry bag
fitted with a coupler and large round icing tip (or use only the
coupler without an icing tip).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Squeeze a round of icing onto
the wrong side of a chocolate cookie, then top with another cookie, wrong sides
facing each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Press together gently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Store assembled cookies in a sealed container.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yield:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>nearly 4 dozen
(1 1/2 inch) sandwich cookies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Happy Father’s Day, Dad!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love thinking of you when I see an Oreo and remembering not only the good times that involved the
cookies and ice cream, but all the other times when you were just my dad and offered a safe,
loving, and God-fearing home to grow up in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, even more than Oreo cookies, that
is the legacy my husband and I can pass on to our little Pickles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">(Originally published, June 17, 2012)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Always be creative,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Marie Winfield</span></div>
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Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-44806119970976432822018-05-07T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-07T00:00:03.636-07:00Really real dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My kid brother and I had the most elaborate play house.</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gACIJknNFoc/Wu5k7ldzAGI/AAAAAAAACM0/81N3xAQVp-E55KVkDIxj6uCA0cYZeeAWwCLcBGAs/s1600/car%2Bplaymat%2Boverhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1280" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gACIJknNFoc/Wu5k7ldzAGI/AAAAAAAACM0/81N3xAQVp-E55KVkDIxj6uCA0cYZeeAWwCLcBGAs/s400/car%2Bplaymat%2Boverhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We swept with our little broom 'til the floors were like polished marble.</div>
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We had running faucets. We had a hinged door.</div>
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Why, we even had a couch in there.</div>
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We spent hours and days and weeks of our childhood bettering our little house. </div>
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Living out stories of life and practicing homekeeping. We treasured our space.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyaYPIHxmok/Wu5k7tHIu6I/AAAAAAAACMw/vecYNz8jtvQ05H_KdQLXGztawFbmDScZQCLcBGAs/s1600/car%2Bplaymat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyaYPIHxmok/Wu5k7tHIu6I/AAAAAAAACMw/vecYNz8jtvQ05H_KdQLXGztawFbmDScZQCLcBGAs/s400/car%2Bplaymat.jpg" width="400" /></a>\</div>
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Funny thing, when I saw our play house as an adult, I saw for walls the overgrown bushes from the front of our parents' house. The marble floor was just dirt, rubbed solid and smooth from out little feet padding across it and sweeping it with our corn husks tied to a stick. Our running faucets were the top half of milk jugs, inverted and strapped to the bush stems with baling twine from the barn. Our faucets flowed when we unscrewed the milk jug cap. The couch was the best: that long branch was just our height and had a delightful spring to it when we sat down. A hinged door? It was a cantankerous and obstinate branch that needed a purpose other than smacking the back of our legs every time we ducked under the bushes into our world.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bA3Aa2cT0Eo/Wu5k7QeVtCI/AAAAAAAACMs/qYEYmfUrD4YKaauAPs_V72bW5DC2_FsMACLcBGAs/s1600/car%2Bplaymat%2Bpocket%2Buse%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1280" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bA3Aa2cT0Eo/Wu5k7QeVtCI/AAAAAAAACMs/qYEYmfUrD4YKaauAPs_V72bW5DC2_FsMACLcBGAs/s400/car%2Bplaymat%2Bpocket%2Buse%2Bview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That was our house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was really real at one time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I have the best memories there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggyDrtIjX6c/Wu5k4y7XcII/AAAAAAAACMo/3Cy0HR3DOhEBrNlV1Kms84J79Wk5ckuxgCLcBGAs/s1600/playing%2Bwith%2Bcar%2Bplaymat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggyDrtIjX6c/Wu5k4y7XcII/AAAAAAAACMo/3Cy0HR3DOhEBrNlV1Kms84J79Wk5ckuxgCLcBGAs/s400/playing%2Bwith%2Bcar%2Bplaymat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: mikelynnreneephotography.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My adult brother came along side and helped my family build a really real house that we will soon be moving into. Our dirt marble floors and hinged door branches and half milk jug plumbing practice had a lot to do with believing we could.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so we did.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Give children the time to create; permission to see the impossible; freedom to believe a dream. <br />
And watch it become reality.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always be creative,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marie Winfield</div>
<br />Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-3192410821437274302018-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-05T19:55:21.360-07:00playing for real<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I often get photos in my inbox of parents who find their own Pickles creatively playing with our products.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /></span>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWFaoWHRnjM/Wu5t_OA2xtI/AAAAAAAACNQ/NaCKt-m9h08NTo9n7n4cdrAaKwYLJExVgCLcBGAs/s1600/playmats%2Btogether.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWFaoWHRnjM/Wu5t_OA2xtI/AAAAAAAACNQ/NaCKt-m9h08NTo9n7n4cdrAaKwYLJExVgCLcBGAs/s400/playmats%2Btogether.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Stories happening.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ideas coming to life. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Imaginations conquering former impossibilities. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And yes, there's even been some singing involved.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If there is anything that makes me happier, I'm not sure what it is. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This is my goal: to encourage kids (and adults alike!) to do and make things that feed creativity. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I can't script what that will look like, but I am always delighted to see it really happening. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Be creative today,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Marie Winfield</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span>Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-54081704670061563252018-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-05T18:42:43.332-07:00Blooming day is coming<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I tucked some little bulbs in our unfinished yard last Fall. I had a hunch that at just the right time they'd bloom more than just "pretty." They'd bloom hope. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Hope--reminding us that all of the slow, tedious, and even seemingly-minuscule tasks we are working on and working through one day and one moment at a time--that each investment is worth it all. Dying in the winter ground and then ever so slowly emerging into the warm sun and unfurling velvet scent and petals, that little brown bulb of hope burst into magnificent beauty. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I was over the moon to find them blooming today. It was just the right time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb9ORvsccEM/Wu5dCxJH0nI/AAAAAAAACMA/5Zwid_Ov_g4DxODrKksymbfTGnpGywpqQCLcBGAs/s1600/tulips%2Bin%2Byard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb9ORvsccEM/Wu5dCxJH0nI/AAAAAAAACMA/5Zwid_Ov_g4DxODrKksymbfTGnpGywpqQCLcBGAs/s320/tulips%2Bin%2Byard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">So keep at it. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Blooming day is coming. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Be creative everyday.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">-Marie Winfield</span></span>Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-41114962940133679752018-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-05T19:07:12.379-07:00Do you see it?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Do you see it?</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YO4lkhLOHlA/Wu5ivpxlf9I/AAAAAAAACMc/QhirOA5KETQPdHDEvNDSDkUGgmL6UgyOwCLcBGAs/s1600/pillow%2Bisland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YO4lkhLOHlA/Wu5ivpxlf9I/AAAAAAAACMc/QhirOA5KETQPdHDEvNDSDkUGgmL6UgyOwCLcBGAs/s320/pillow%2Bisland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I came down the stairs to this: a rocky island in the ocean, or so I was informed. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">As they explained, I began to hear the waves crashing and the boat rocking. The sun was hot, but in the optimistic sense that it revitalized the sea-faring souls and made anything seem possible. The fish were playing and the rocks were gorgeous colors, but not the colors I had first seen.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Do you see it now?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><b>It is the beauty of childhood: </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">the ability to see the extraordinary i</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">n the ordinary.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Always be creative,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Marie Winfield</span></span></div>
Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-50469976953652881322018-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-05T18:33:14.966-07:00Dairy-Free Honey-Sweetened Lemon Curd<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aLdwG4LIJc/T-7yc0r0weI/AAAAAAAAALc/A9YI53HlpTU/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aLdwG4LIJc/T-7yc0r0weI/AAAAAAAAALc/A9YI53HlpTU/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I handed her a brand new recipe. She had already conquered the kitchen basics, so when she came looking for something fresh to do, I knew it was time to challenge her in the next step. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not challenge in the exhaustive sense. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Challenge" in the explore, learn, try, and create sense.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I must say: she rocked that lemon curd on her first attempt.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Creativity usually just needs the invitation to play.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">And by play, I mean doing the daily tasks that we learn to find delight in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What have you challenged yourself to play with recently?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Dairy-free Honey-sweetened Lemon Curd</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1/3 cup honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Zest from two lemons (two tablespoons)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1/2 cup fresh lemon juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1/4 cup melted coconut oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In a small saucepan whisk together eggs and honey until smooth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Whisk in zest and lemons and place pan over meduim low heat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Add coconut oil and stir non-stop until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">(Some like to strain at this point, but I like mine quick and easy and natural, so nope, I didn't strain it!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Pour into jars and refrigerate!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Always be creative,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Marie Winfield</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">originally published April 15, 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">{I forgot how incredibly easy and how delicious lemon curd was until I whipped it together for a topping a birthday cake. Right about the moment that I was stirring it on the stove wondering how long it would take exactly, it was done. Oh yeah, that's right: this is so fast and simple.}</span></div>
Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-9038283109913010032018-04-16T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-05T19:01:58.693-07:00Do your thing; You do it best.<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">She pulled her project out of her purse while I used free WiFi for a bit. She laughed, "Would you believe I'm crocheting in a fast food restaurant?!" We kinda high-fived at our love to create everyday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> and everywhere. And we both continued along, happily chatting while doing our creative stuffs, aware but unconcerned for the raised eyebrows of the coming and going diners..</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">I hope to raise the Pickles here to be fearless, to be themselves wherever they are, at whatever they set their minds to do. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> For that matter, I want to always encourage kids and adults alike to be their own creative selves. Not copies, not compared, not mainstream trending--just them, being exactly them. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I've had the idea to design our portable playmats for a long time. I fought the idea that my illustrations weren't good enough, weren't professional enough, weren't popular enough. I fought through those notions because I wanted more kids to be inspired to embrace their own unique style. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I chose to personally illustrate fabric for these portable playmats to put actions to my words and dreams and not let the raised eyebrows stop me from at the very least trying.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> I wanted to set the example of pushing for a dream, of letting kids see it is possible. I wanted my illustrations to be believable</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> and inspiring to kids. I wanted them to know that they can do it too. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">So here they are. Real tangible pieces of my heart from my hands. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">They are me, in my style, reminding Pickles everywhere to be themselves too. We each have our own creativity--feed it, and enjoy seeing your own unique stamp on life. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Always be creative,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Marie Winfield</span></span></div>
Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-86578384606117817882018-04-13T00:00:00.000-07:002018-04-13T00:00:21.839-07:00Simplicity and Normalcy<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnfYEMXKJ00/UFteuU0VCtI/AAAAAAAAAZU/3CAKotwH5yQ/s1600/Chocolate+Chip+Cookies-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnfYEMXKJ00/UFteuU0VCtI/AAAAAAAAAZU/3CAKotwH5yQ/s400/Chocolate+Chip+Cookies-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nothing delights me more than to hand a delicious treat to my Pickles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My delight is only magnified when that treat tastes, well, <em>normal. </em>And made with <em>normal</em> ingredients? I'm pretty sure that the heavens open and you can hear those angel voices singing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I used to mess around with a mix of "specialty" gluten-free flours, starches, and gums to make Chocolate Chip Cookies that were Pickle-friendly. One day I decided that I just wanted to simplify. My "Ingredient Minimalist" instincts kicked in full throttle. I was determined to make a cookie with ingredients that were not only wholesome and easily sourced, but were also pretty much always available in my pantry. And the recipe itself certainly must be no-fuss, quick and easy. The flavor must be in no way compromised or come out with a funky after taste. My sights were set on a tender chewy cookie rimmed with a crunch and filled with melty chocolate and oven toasted pecans. Essentially I wanted a perfect cookie with perfect ingredients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was delighted to find that it was a much easier challenge than what I had geared up for. So easy, in fact, I had to bake up a handful of batches to make sure I wasn't missing the hard part somewhere. I wasn't missing it. We were soon enjoying simple and normal cookies<em>--for real!</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We all loved our new cookies, and even shared them with friends who don't need to eat allergen-free.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">They commented before knowing the ingredients, "These taste good!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Their verdict after knowing they were 'free? "These taste <em>normal!</em>"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We had gone full circle and had come back to the ingredients we knew best. And these cookies were waiting for us the whole time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Simple and Normal Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3/4 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 cup brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup granulated sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2/3 cup refined coconut oil, melted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 teaspoon vanilla</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup pecan pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup mini chocolate chips</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, process rolled oats and rice flour until oats are broken down into flour. (I ran mine for about 3 minutes.) Add baking soda, salt, and sugars and process again until completely mixed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. Add eggs, vanilla, and oil, and process again until mixture is well combined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. Pour cookie dough mixture into a bowl and stir in nuts and chocolate chips. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. Scoop out rounded teaspoonfuls and roll into balls, placing on a lightly greased baking tray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. Bake at 375 degrees F for 7-8 minutes or until edges just begin to brown. Remove from oven and cool on the tray for 2 minutes before removing to cooling racks to completely cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. Store in airtight containers. I have no guarantees how long these can last. They nearly evaporate around here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Makes about 6 dozen 2" cookies...give or take the few snatched up by eager little taste-testers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Always be creative,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Marie Winfield</span></div>
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Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-51679153567075751532018-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:002018-04-09T18:27:57.502-07:00In this day and age<div style="color: #454545; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">She had just pulled a baby quilt top off of the sewing machine. We looked over her corner matching. It was flawless. Better than mine. I oohed and aahed over her work. Pickle beamed. She chatted excitedly about the new little nephew or niece baby she was making this for, and the next one she would start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">She had labored over her fabric choices at the store, for what felt like eternity and a half to the chagrin of the younger, less-enthusiastic-about-miles-of-fabric-bolts Pickles. She had arrived with a pattern plan, with coupons in tow, and her budget in mind. Eventually the stack of enticing fabric selections was whittled down to the favored few and was bustled over to the cutting table, much to the audible-sigh-of-relief from the fore-mentioned younger Pickles, all completely nearly wasted away by this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">At home she laundered the fabrics, ironed them, and dutifully cut her pieces. Stitching. Ironing. Layering and binding. It was a several day process. For a blanket no bigger than a yardstick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In the midst of the process, she asked, is it a better value to make things ourselves instead of buying it already made? Is it a better deal? Is it cheaper? If not, why do we make it ourselves?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That's kind of a hard one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you are looking at the dollar value only, no. Not at all. We can and do make many things to economize, to save money, to use what we have. But not always does it work that way. Sometimes it might cost a little more than it might have if we had purchased it off of the shelf of a department store. And we do that quite often. And it's totally valid to do so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But when it comes to making something ourselves, it is no longer just the item, or the price of the item in the equation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's a compilation of hopes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's about the person it was created for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It is the gift and investment of time itself, a commodity once spent that can never be regained. <br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's the growth in ourselves as we create ideas, formulate plans, bring them to fruition through trial, error and hopefully, eventual triumph. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's a journey of learning, of problem-solving, of creating, of accomplishment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And at completion, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It holds a piece of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So if you are looking at the fingerprint of our heart and time and love that are stitched, ironed, and bound into each creation, then you'll see t</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">hat's why we sometimes choose to make it ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Or my answer was something like that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm pretty sure we may have picked up fast food for dinner that night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Always be creative,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Marie Winfield</span></div>
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Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2462019023891866735.post-10675631631375093832018-04-02T00:00:00.000-07:002018-04-07T12:30:52.049-07:00The Road Less Traveled - Part 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So. We decided to build a barn.<br />Had you guessed that? I would never have guessed it myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Better yet: We're going to live in said barn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">{This is Part 6 of the Feeding Pickle Ltd story, telling where it started and revealing where we're headed.}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br />When I say here that being creative is about being a problem-solver, I'm really serious about it. Feeding creativity here is truly fed off of the "What ifs?"<br />Like, what if we built a little barn to live in to maximize our life and minimize our payments, maintenance, and material possessions? (Remember the <a href="http://feedingpickle.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-story-begins-with-box-part-1.html">toy box</a> from a few weeks ago?) With the major job change and life changes we had experienced, we stood just one year ago where my great, great uncle's house once stood, and we decided it was time to try something different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Long long ago, I had seen a metal barn at a pumpkin patch...it had a copper roof and galvanized metal sides...and I told my husband I could totally live in that.<br />Well, almost ten years later, ours has gray siding and a white roof.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;" title="wink emoticon"><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;" title="wink emoticon"><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">;)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 19.32px;">We determined to minimalize things in our life to hopefully create some freedom to not work as many jobs and pursue some bigger dreams. We had to get creative in our thinking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So a 24'x32' steel barn with a basement and half loft suddenly became the topic of many late nights of sketching for me. My civil engineer brother put my space-maximizing pencil scratchings into a possible reality with realistic measurements and requirements on the computer to make this barn-house come to life.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfrZq0jtTiQ/WskYbPFvTpI/AAAAAAAACLM/PiwlPKFTvukjGRgCI-ge8W_sxyACX_YdwCLcBGAs/s1600/stair%2Bconstruction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="636" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfrZq0jtTiQ/WskYbPFvTpI/AAAAAAAACLM/PiwlPKFTvukjGRgCI-ge8W_sxyACX_YdwCLcBGAs/s320/stair%2Bconstruction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The minimal toys and living that we had experienced (and were offering in Feeding Pickle Ltd through our drawing packets and hanging pods) were on their way to becoming a more permanent lifestyle for us. Not just temporary solutions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Oh did I mention that I am not a builder; I sew stuff? I can create music. But I only ever drilled holes when I wanted to hang shelves and pictures? I had built a few benches in my day, but a house? What were we thinking?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Thankfully, my dad and brothers came along beside us. Obviously, my husband had to keep the two round-the-clock jobs going to keep us afloat. But days off combined with the hard work of my dad and brothers got our barn constructed.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">And another generous friend did the electrical work. And the plumbing. And I can now personally dig some amazing narrow pipe trenches. Yes, I usually got the grunt work tasks. But when you have a goal, those tasks are a privilege.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">That is about a 12 month encapsulated summary right there, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><b>Of <i>blood</i></b> (my husband nearly lost his finger, but thank God they sewed it back on and he has restored function), </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><i><b>sweat</b></i> (my dad and brothers put in some long hot laborious hours to get the building up!) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><i><b>and tears</b></i> (this may have been mostly my department as our basement flooded, twice, to the top before we had electricity on the property!)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br />There are days that creativity felt (feels!) like it was (is!) maxed. I have learned more about houses and construction than I would have ever imagined and am now much more comfortable with a tape measure and saw. I didn't say I was good with them, just more comfortable. </span></span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;" title="wink emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f57/1/16/1f609.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">;)</span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> The Pickles here have also honed their construction skills right along with me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br />This last picture, with the ladder? This is the space dedicated to Feeding Pickle Ltd. Though our entire space is dedicated to always Feeding Pickle(s), that is the corner for encouraging Pickles everywhere to keep feeding their creative potential!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Next week we'll see the connection of how our small house and the Feeding Pickle Story culminate into our new product! I'm so excited to share with you what I've been working on for the past year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br />When have you ever taken a road less traveled to solve a dilemma creatively? I love out-of-the-norm ideas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You can find the rest of the Feeding Pickle Ltd story from the beginning <a href="http://feedingpickle.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Feeding%20Pickle%20Ltd%20Story">here</a> .<br /><br />Always be creative,<br />Marie Winfield</span></div>
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Marie Winfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596567848401505859noreply@blogger.com0