tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40776722231888140502024-03-05T06:47:31.918-05:00Sheila's PotpourriA fragrant blend of home-y things!Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-90040521282394069362015-03-27T10:10:00.000-04:002015-03-27T10:10:05.098-04:00I've moved!Hello! If you follow my blog by reader or by email, then please add my <i>new </i>blog to your reader or sign up for it by email by clicking on over to <a href="http://www.makingthemostofeveryday.com/" target="_blank">Making the Most of Every Day</a>. I still blog about the same type of stuff, but if you know me, then you know that I like to pack things in. This life is short and I want to make the most of each day while I try to follow hard after God! Won't you join me?<br />
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Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-35929359502714964252015-02-28T13:47:00.001-05:002015-02-28T13:47:51.017-05:00Bedder Covers<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">EXTRA!! EXTRA!! </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!</span></b></div>
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My husband has just launched his new business: <a href="http://www.beddercovers.com/" target="_blank"><i>Bedder Covers</i> - the better truck bed cover</a>! We will be attending <a href="https://onespark.com/festival/2015/projects/bedder-covers" target="_blank">One Spark</a>, "the world's largest crowd-funding festival" to promote it and to seek funding to make our product a reality. We are project #21857 (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>vote for us!</i></span>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebTAJJi-Yn__xX2YsyjSN0qKsQIWfqCxkXrRQzY_pcT2BBVXg_T5iLgrJ8potvbFnVVs3O0FycGRMQNj0dBLL9BplfJOHdmL14x_EwSFrwbscp_Me1B5QCQTh3XZCN0iQcwP48SctWA/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebTAJJi-Yn__xX2YsyjSN0qKsQIWfqCxkXrRQzY_pcT2BBVXg_T5iLgrJ8potvbFnVVs3O0FycGRMQNj0dBLL9BplfJOHdmL14x_EwSFrwbscp_Me1B5QCQTh3XZCN0iQcwP48SctWA/s1600/Capture.PNG" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>What is a Bedder Cover</i> you want to know? I'm so glad you asked! It is, to put it simply, a better truck bed cover. It is a one-time use, easy-to-use flexible, recyclable material that will adhere to your pick up truck's bed, covering and protecting your goods from dirt and rain. </div>
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<i>What?!?</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzj86U11XgPlF8GueHJ5fgt8TP35k35t5OC0ADr-Y62vQCGcV7Tca4JjJS1Tuzn5tU2obpCeIa3tbdlK1gvP_jVjD97NCur_RCurYxQXcVP1fBgupn2BdTZKLiZ0txf20_zoZZZBPuQ/s1600/IMG_9342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzj86U11XgPlF8GueHJ5fgt8TP35k35t5OC0ADr-Y62vQCGcV7Tca4JjJS1Tuzn5tU2obpCeIa3tbdlK1gvP_jVjD97NCur_RCurYxQXcVP1fBgupn2BdTZKLiZ0txf20_zoZZZBPuQ/s1600/IMG_9342.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yup! Say you are moving a sofa to your house and it looks like it might rain...you need a Bedder Cover! </div>
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Or let's say you are hauling a load of mulch for your flower beds (or sand for your new sandbox) and you don't want the mulch/sand to blow out while driving down the road... a Bedder Cover to the rescue!<br />
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What is currently available on the market for covering your stuff is a blue tarp. These covers are hard to secure, flap incessantly, and leak. Bungee cords that used for attaching the tarps are either too long, too short, don't have enough attachment points, snap, come off or scratch paint. </div>
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Enter the Bedder Cover. This flexible material adheres to the truck creating a seal that will prevent water and dirt from entering your truck bed, protecting your stuff inside. The sticky material comes off easily and leaves no residue nor does it damage the vehicle's paint. </div>
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Are you interested in finding out more? Here's what you can do...</div>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNP0yXe1TTxg6NEYfZDXr9bNFHuzqPE3PemperIBfyCMqAcSwF6pNX9gohR-cGfDBTBW2FhEKufjZb15fBPXb-HPzQ3Lkd3rX3-1t1LDoMEk8dcz3wwwzwM1wE9Z7sOen5fqdmDCj4Q/s1600/bc_onespark_profile_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNP0yXe1TTxg6NEYfZDXr9bNFHuzqPE3PemperIBfyCMqAcSwF6pNX9gohR-cGfDBTBW2FhEKufjZb15fBPXb-HPzQ3Lkd3rX3-1t1LDoMEk8dcz3wwwzwM1wE9Z7sOen5fqdmDCj4Q/s1600/bc_onespark_profile_big.jpg" /></a>
<li>Like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BedderCovers" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </li>
<li>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/beddercovers" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</li>
<li>Visit our <a href="http://www.beddercovers.com/" target="_blank">Bedder Covers website</a>. We will eventually be selling product on the website. You can sign up to receive our newsletter. We will periodically send out information (like when we are selling product or when new products are available) through the sign up link on the <a href="http://www.beddercovers.com/" target="_blank">home page of the website</a>. </li>
<li>Attend One Spark on April 7-12 and vote for us! We are <a href="https://onespark.com/festival/2015/projects/bedder-covers" target="_blank">creator # 21857</a> and we will be hosted at <a href="https://onespark.com/festival/2015/venues/the-jacksonville-landing" target="_blank">the Landing</a>. We are also looking for volunteers to help us in the booth. Email us at beddercovers {at} gmail {dot} com to sign up to help!</li>
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Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-1410958396328792692015-02-25T06:30:00.000-05:002015-02-26T12:00:24.033-05:00Sonlight Blog Party: How did you decide on curriculum?We first heard about homeschooling after my husband spoke to a guy from Idaho whose family was doing it. I hadn't, personally, met the family, but my husband returned from a training trip with this zany idea and tried to convince me of it. At first I thought he was crazy, but he managed to pique my curiosity by talking about how we would be able to travel as a family when all the other families were in school. We could travel to Europe in the low season and take advantage of lower airfares, cheaper hotels and uncrowded cities! It's true. That's what got me thinking about it at first. We love to travel and we wanted to pass that love on to our kids. Plus I wanted to visit my family in Italy and it would be waaaaay cheaper to go in September/October than it would be to go in July/August. I was willing to give it a second thought.<br />
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Later, over time, and many discussions, research and prayer, we developed better reasons, loftier reasons. But it's true that at first our reasons were pretty shallow. No matter. In the end, the end justified the means, or the reasons anyway.</div>
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We decided that our school needed a name. People were forever asking where our kids were going to go to school. Our brother and sister-in-law's kids were attending Hickory Christian Academy (HCA for short) so we decided that DCA or DelCharco Christian Academy sounded good. In time, we got to where we would answer the <i>Where do your kids go to school?</i> question with a nonchalant <i>Oh, they go to DCA</i>.</div>
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We not only named our school, but we sat down one day to to develop our goals, mission statement and vision for our school. I'll recreate them here for posterity's sake. Plus it might help a new homeschooler out - inspire them to create their own goals and mission. Or you might just think we're crazy. Whatever...</div>
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<b>DelCharco Christian Academy</b> (DCA) </div>
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WHY WE HOMESCHOOL: [<i>So on those days when I wanted to call it quits, I could pull out this list and remind myself. If my reasons had changed, I could enroll them in Beauclerc Elementary. If they hadn't, well...it was time to suck it up and just.do.it.</i>]</div>
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1) Nobody can love or teach my kids better or want them to
succeed more than me.</div>
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2) We want to be the major influence in our children’s
lives; to have some control over the influences in their lives.</div>
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3) We want our children to have uncompromising character; for us to be proactive in their character development and education.</div>
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4) We want our children to have compassion for others; a heart
for others; t<i>ime before money; people over things</i>; a true love relationship with
Jesus.</div>
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5) We want our children to be able to work at their pace;
explore their interests further; fill their loving cup when they need it; pace
their maturity with appropriate exposure to sensitive material; teachable
moments extended throughout the day.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p> </div>
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<o:p> </o:p><b style="text-align: center;">Mission Statement:</b></div>
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To develop bright, intelligent kids, who have a strong
moral character, a heart for God and others and a life-long passion for
learning.</div>
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[<i>We then defined what some of these key words mean.</i>]</div>
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Definitions:</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Bright</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal">Clear
thinking/think on feet</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Common
sense</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Articulate</li>
</ul>
<li><o:p> </o:p>Intelligent</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal">Depth
of knowledge</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Well
rounded/founded</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">No
fear of any subject</li>
</ul>
<li><o:p> </o:p>Strong
moral character</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal">No
compromise</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Clear
on absolute truths</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Biblically
based – no situational ethics</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Respectful</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Well
mannered</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Gal
5:20 – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness
gentleness, self-control</li>
</ul>
<li>Heart
for God and others</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal">True
desire to be in communion with Him </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Selfless
– thinks of others as more important than self</li>
</ul>
<li>Life-long
passion for learning</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal">School
does not end</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Research
options to make well informed decisions</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p> </div>
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<b>Goals:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>5-year:</b> daily QT, solid relationship with Jesus,
voracious reader; strong math skills.</div>
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<b>10-year:</b> fully-orbed human beings; making wise
decisions; not easily swayed by peers; to be capable sailors; finding their
niche in sports; active lifestyle (camping, hiking, fishing, running, biking,
etc…); wouldn't consider drugs because they're just stupid.</div>
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<b>Life:</b> loving disciples of Christ following His lead;
Servant heart; discipling others.</div>
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We have mostly met those goals. Not all. And we are still homeschooling so we are still a work in progress, but for the most part, we are doing well. But I digress. I'm supposed to be explaining <b>how we decided on curriculum. </b></div>
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I had read several books on homeschooling. [<i>I do that. I like to research and do my homework whenever tackling a new project.</i>] I was deciding between Abeka and Bob Jones when I learned about a homeschool convention that was in my town. A friend from church had told me about it and had photocopied the workshop descriptions and schedule for me. She had circled the ones she was going to go see. I poured over the schedule and workshop descriptions and did the same, circling the ones that seemed relevant and interesting to me. For one particular hour, there were no workshops that grabbed me so I decided to attend the one my friend, Beryl, had circled. It was about Sonlight. </div>
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Shawne and Katie, the consultants, spoke about learning from "real books."[<i>I *love* reading!</i>] They told of the world focus that Sonlight has. [<i>I want my kids to learn about the world!</i>] They explained how the founders' desire was for a missionary family to remain in the field for one more year by providing them with a box of books and everything they'd need to homeschool their family for one year. [<i>I want everything I need to come to me directly!</i>] They explained how you could teach history, Bible, science and do read-alouds with multiple aged kids. [<i>Hey, that's gonna save me time!</i>] And how these books would be able to be reused with subsequent children. [<i>Hey, that's gonna save me money!</i>] </div>
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I was hanging on to their every word. [<i>That sounded like FUN, not school!</i>] I was incredulous to learn that you could teach using real books, not textbooks. [<i>Can you DO that??! Is that even ALLOWED?!?</i>] I took the catalog home and poured over it with my husband. I was hooked. I was a BELIEVER! We started our first year of homeschooling with Sonlight's Basic K (now Core A). Best.decision.ever.<br />
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Linking up with Sonlight's Blog Party.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/blog/25th-anniversary-blog-party?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_source=Party%20Blogger&utm_medium=Button"><img alt="Sonlight Blog Party" src="//cdn1.sonlight.com/images/sonlight-blog-party-large.png" /></a>Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-19455577365037477642015-02-22T19:49:00.000-05:002015-02-22T19:49:19.991-05:00Recipe: National Margarita Day!Rumor has it today is National Margarita Day so in honor of that I'm going to share my husband's delicious recipe of one of my favorite drinks. We used to make it frozen with a can of limeade and it tasted just like Chili's frozen 'ritas. But over time it didn't taste as amazing as I used to remember it. Maybe my taste buds were growing up but it just wasn't as good.<br />
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Plus when I started eating the <a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.com/2013/08/trim-healthy-mama-it-works.html" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama way</a>, I didn't want to drink that much sugar. So I asked my hubby to create a more on-plan indulgent drink for me. Now I love them again and prefer to drink them at home, on the rocks.<br />
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One thing he did to make them more on-plan is to use real limes and sweeten with <a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.com/2014/11/homemade-truvia.html" target="_blank">my homemade on-plan sweetener</a>. Then to reduce the amount of sugar even more he substitutes part of the triple sec with fresh orange juice. Have you heard of Cara Cara oranges? I just recently discovered them at our BJs and they are ah-MAZ-ing!<br />
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I admit that it doesn't taste like the traditional margarita this way but in my opinion it's even better. Plus I get real vitamin C this way so it's practically good for me, right?? Interested? Here's what you'll need to make it!<br />
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juice of one lime<br />
juice of one Meyer lemon<br />
juice of two Cara Cara oranges<br />
1 T sweetener (can use sugar if you'd prefer)<br />
2.5 oz gold tequila<br />
1 oz triple sec<br />
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Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Pour into a frosty salt-rimmed glass and serve.<br />
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Today, we decided to try it frozen. It turned out great! Here's what you do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh57ygkL297eDW_vHIOJQPOz0JNvtnWXijzRiGQk1toCDYus_HHu7oq_OExn-pgmzGetZUzFUk6_EqHzxNPGWfoDC8rqby2jBvRzcMQa0l00_0gO6NmDDqgi8VhN7OGoCqpwA2RYLsug/s640/blogger-image--222884211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh57ygkL297eDW_vHIOJQPOz0JNvtnWXijzRiGQk1toCDYus_HHu7oq_OExn-pgmzGetZUzFUk6_EqHzxNPGWfoDC8rqby2jBvRzcMQa0l00_0gO6NmDDqgi8VhN7OGoCqpwA2RYLsug/s640/blogger-image--222884211.jpg" /></a></div>
First you squeeze the fruit. We love this squeezing tool.<br />
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Add the juice and the sweetener to the blender.<br />
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Add the alcohol and ice then blend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuW-H9MF1lv-hvCtLEGNTDn9Ku3r2vf1emWVdtheMoxNMZTtqQMvHkCpXtfJ-vArl27vivr_0mxqW-2uebfSxv3apfqbmSju2hsYIOkmpVcEJ2EzIAgJMFEeIarIegcIT1FrJ5C-1lg/s640/blogger-image-1466734141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuW-H9MF1lv-hvCtLEGNTDn9Ku3r2vf1emWVdtheMoxNMZTtqQMvHkCpXtfJ-vArl27vivr_0mxqW-2uebfSxv3apfqbmSju2hsYIOkmpVcEJ2EzIAgJMFEeIarIegcIT1FrJ5C-1lg/s640/blogger-image-1466734141.jpg" /></a></div>
While the concoction is blending, use a lime or orange rind to wet a frozen glass and then it dip in salt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2IlLtF1vJzyK2wpPX8rL77KuVN5uK-FTaA_GLoXwbQ1J79BEVfymxo-hgY0Rdoz7LpYrORIKu8_INF81xLz7rtQ-CU1ssUGKFo_3xxUzDNk1kQO3e6krAB6b0mLwHL1lgYtZsmAFQA/s640/blogger-image-669274119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2IlLtF1vJzyK2wpPX8rL77KuVN5uK-FTaA_GLoXwbQ1J79BEVfymxo-hgY0Rdoz7LpYrORIKu8_INF81xLz7rtQ-CU1ssUGKFo_3xxUzDNk1kQO3e6krAB6b0mLwHL1lgYtZsmAFQA/s640/blogger-image-669274119.jpg" /></a></div>
Pour into glasses and enjoy! Salud!<br />
<br />Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-28973628702456053582015-02-20T07:36:00.000-05:002015-02-20T07:36:03.295-05:00Style Me Bloggers: All glammed up and no place to goI have a confession to make. You ready? It's pretty serious. Here it is:<br />
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<b>I don't care about the Oscars, the Grammys, the Emmys, Golden Globe, CMAs, etc.</b></div>
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It's true. I also don't read People Magazine, or know who is married to whom, who is having whose baby, what so-and-so named their baby, who is sleeping with whom or any of that stuff. I have a hard enough time keeping up with my family members and my friends that I have relationships with, so keeping up with strangers is at the very bottom of my interest list.</div>
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And I don't watch much TV or go to a whole lot of movies so I'm usually in the dark when it comes to what people are winning prizes for. And the hype! I can't stand hype which is one reason, the main reason, that I don't watch the news.</div>
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So I'm probably the last person you'll want to go for information regarding any of these topics.</div>
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That being said, if I EVER were to go to a gala event, you can bet your last dollar on the fact that I would not wear anything revealing or scandalous. I believe in a classy look rather than a shock inducer. Here are a few examples of things I might consider if money were of no consequence.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPMspJtw2F-3yWkEgqLm73PMRv91fKxXoJEO_6vzRtQClxamYEFUX0yJyFhdKNNL8IfGNzIqNxyBbk5Kac7Wn5taHMqRcO0HJaZGMRTVk3kMvEj79As1ygAOoA1wbaeMCqJQAiqKGSQ/s1600/beaded+gown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPMspJtw2F-3yWkEgqLm73PMRv91fKxXoJEO_6vzRtQClxamYEFUX0yJyFhdKNNL8IfGNzIqNxyBbk5Kac7Wn5taHMqRcO0HJaZGMRTVk3kMvEj79As1ygAOoA1wbaeMCqJQAiqKGSQ/s1600/beaded+gown.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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I love the lightness of the fabric and the appliques!And black is always elegant, don't you think?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpAq-omUO9WyFO5FPDI_-Ji5XGOCfyywC4RWbv47XHwV3N4wwKQC6waF_iLBmkl20ypaYWOecIxgv_9KIilYKyVrkFNjqYapCoHjc-Z2Wl-zhroZPn6SljW78wGfKMH5_MseIMvH8zQ/s1600/black+and+white+gown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpAq-omUO9WyFO5FPDI_-Ji5XGOCfyywC4RWbv47XHwV3N4wwKQC6waF_iLBmkl20ypaYWOecIxgv_9KIilYKyVrkFNjqYapCoHjc-Z2Wl-zhroZPn6SljW78wGfKMH5_MseIMvH8zQ/s1600/black+and+white+gown.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
This two-toned dress is simple but the shine and weight of the fabric adds a level of lux. Also I like the empire waist to create an illusion of height. We short girls need to think of things like that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaka7a7aSlA0HIAWuxycCUlv9HyZLHuYcJwCQ6CtCS-OpSwjH7ar-xFeq7nFcYsXP6zA_SEZTBByT9Ec0UuoO6s3Yy7ZmgqPwwrpuvCGFCdpK1tXqOqFsovLPmSze4RIx0EP4TWMdZlg/s1600/emerald+green+gown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaka7a7aSlA0HIAWuxycCUlv9HyZLHuYcJwCQ6CtCS-OpSwjH7ar-xFeq7nFcYsXP6zA_SEZTBByT9Ec0UuoO6s3Yy7ZmgqPwwrpuvCGFCdpK1tXqOqFsovLPmSze4RIx0EP4TWMdZlg/s1600/emerald+green+gown.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
The simplicity of this dress is brought up a notch by two things. The high-low hemline is modern and the bright kelly green is a fun alternative to black.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7C6wZy95E801zGSp2klW8UDiZqkVtfkwG74xLCsAz15cuc7y-7RJ3NJK49pohcn7EGIM46Fuq-cOe8f7jyT__pIMGmsDkHx7JrKlfdhi3J8Ox_wsHIUCVj2aT9ux2M1oagmo0t5B5Q/s1600/giorgio+armani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7C6wZy95E801zGSp2klW8UDiZqkVtfkwG74xLCsAz15cuc7y-7RJ3NJK49pohcn7EGIM46Fuq-cOe8f7jyT__pIMGmsDkHx7JrKlfdhi3J8Ox_wsHIUCVj2aT9ux2M1oagmo0t5B5Q/s1600/giorgio+armani.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
I love this dress! The flowy fabric is reminiscent of a princess's ballgown, and the periwinkle color is so different! The off-the-shoulder neckline adds a level of sophistication without baring all.<br />
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So there you have it. I would be delighted with any of these dresses. Do you notice the similarities, a pattern? My body type looks best with a fit-and-flare dress style. I am not as comfortable in shift dresses or mermaid style (like the one in the background of the above picture.) It's not that I dislike them; I just don't look good in that dress style because I am so short waisted.<br />
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What is your favorite fancy-schmancy dress-up dress? Do you watch the various awards? What do you like about them? I really am curious and would love to hear!<br />
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Check out the other Style Me Bloggers to see what their take on the subject is!<br />
<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;"><img height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVKcUvKQ0gPV9SZqlaqtn1uolpPFtw6x8oU8FGsDUS53vBw56PtaMatFxqEQGWKHFZPtfaqPniNYnn-zxd1WbrvaxowekxlXpDa_-Wsx6DM-9VSlhDFqnVM0TYZCl9eVYwSMMHuEma9Hk/s1600/styleme+bloggers+1+linkup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.shoestoshiraz.com/">Shoes to Shiraz</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.twoteensandtheirmama.com/">Two Teens and their Mama</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/">A Lovely Little Wardrobe</a></span> |<span style="color: #672eff;"> <a href="http://rsquaredplusg.blogspot.ca/">R Squared </a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.confessionsofafrumpymommy.com/">Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://familyloveinspirationeducation.wordpress.com/">Family Love Inspiration Education</a></span> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.themishapsandmayhemofsolitarylife.blogspot.ca/">The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.theblondissima.com/">The Blondissima</a> </span>| <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://positivelylearning.blogspot.ca/">Positively Learning</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://quiltyjoyjoy.com/">Quilty Joy Joy</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.dailystylefinds.com/">Daily Style Finds</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.ca/">Sheila's Potpourri</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.puppiesandpretties.com/">Puppies and Pretties </a></span>| <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.shethoughtshecould.com/">She thought She Could</a> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://foxysdomesticside.blogspot.ca/"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #672eff; font-size: small;">Foxy's Domestic Side</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> | </span><span style="color: #672eff; font-size: small;"><a href="http://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/">Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> | <a href="http://sprinkledjustright.blogspot.ca/">Sprinkled Just Right</a></span></div>
<br /></td></tr>
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The stylish Carrie of <a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/" target="_blank">A Lovely Little Wardrobe</a> has been giving some great guidance on how to style certain pieces, shopping from our own closets. She has great tips and I've been having a lot of fun trying out her recommendations. Here are the looks I styled this past week:<br />
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1. Your favorite look - Sunday<br />
I chose to style a favorite outfit combo for a church day. I took my usual formula of skirt+tshirt+cardigan+scarf for color and changed it up by adding a knit blazer and heels. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuAvVk3tZZKpK_IE_eF6WpAqZ3iPvS9TV44fu-1zGJiLeBS6vZXraLqO7kbsnI__LI-E7Nlwt8QZ4gLup-PxKyVGM3AncIyUtF1W7l3baoJLFyuY1pg77mAcMHbB90n2lv15yq4hKfg/s640/blogger-image--392586484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuAvVk3tZZKpK_IE_eF6WpAqZ3iPvS9TV44fu-1zGJiLeBS6vZXraLqO7kbsnI__LI-E7Nlwt8QZ4gLup-PxKyVGM3AncIyUtF1W7l3baoJLFyuY1pg77mAcMHbB90n2lv15yq4hKfg/s640/blogger-image--392586484.jpg" /></a></div>
2. A monochromatic look - Monday<br />
I went with grey for my monochromatic look, styling grey skinny jeans, a grey polka dot top with a grey bf cardigan and a light grey scarf. I added red quilted flats for interest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq4rnNVqIftYtEgk2Q1AU9n3fGBKFPXLliVFJLe-_zJXlQJjwXDB9i32g3JVm9cOXVxwdYZ6ei_Ekv-a2ekDiS3sA3sH3XRA3BjPuQB1funuRBL1ss-orMtuVaVQyEN1Oe5l-okCLKQ/s640/blogger-image-57869823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq4rnNVqIftYtEgk2Q1AU9n3fGBKFPXLliVFJLe-_zJXlQJjwXDB9i32g3JVm9cOXVxwdYZ6ei_Ekv-a2ekDiS3sA3sH3XRA3BjPuQB1funuRBL1ss-orMtuVaVQyEN1Oe5l-okCLKQ/s640/blogger-image-57869823.jpg" /></a></div>
3. A neutral look - Tuesday<br />
My neutral look was also monochromatic. I wanted to do a lighter color, like white or cream but it was cold this day so I went with what I have in my closet: navy. I paired dark skinny jeans with a navy sweater layered over a light blue tank and a blue ombre scarf. I wore leopard print flats since they are a neutral.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRT4c3KFY94LDQ9eNzFPSFJrBrGGaOciGA0Gdu3d-up2MC9gYpxWnPaJ2CIDHh3Zx82ZkKBHuLs3XYbzgPqgQdeUmyuzDZ1Ozevblvb3fgQr6ld3kjeNY9hcUmuKpTq-UikaVs43LUw/s640/blogger-image--1502775168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRT4c3KFY94LDQ9eNzFPSFJrBrGGaOciGA0Gdu3d-up2MC9gYpxWnPaJ2CIDHh3Zx82ZkKBHuLs3XYbzgPqgQdeUmyuzDZ1Ozevblvb3fgQr6ld3kjeNY9hcUmuKpTq-UikaVs43LUw/s640/blogger-image--1502775168.jpg" /></a></div>
4. A colored bottoms look - Wednesday<br />
I bought these red jeans last year and I've gotten so much mileage out of them! I paired them with a black/white flannel shirt and did a little pattern mixing with the leopard flats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mPXgg4fAStkRzuwIgU_Y5CmO2bDAtjvUiU6q0mPfNnO1NeOFn7RuFIBWrn_zYOkJizJ8Ni-MlivGMvXmAAjQLtXKYr__vixZnOKrRmf-ix7Csi7sZlw2GtKy3sOF1JJDkzGVSH1Vfw/s640/blogger-image--1193711754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mPXgg4fAStkRzuwIgU_Y5CmO2bDAtjvUiU6q0mPfNnO1NeOFn7RuFIBWrn_zYOkJizJ8Ni-MlivGMvXmAAjQLtXKYr__vixZnOKrRmf-ix7Csi7sZlw2GtKy3sOF1JJDkzGVSH1Vfw/s640/blogger-image--1193711754.jpg" /></a></div>
5. A dots look - Thursday<br />
I just love polkadots and I love how this top has a contrasting wrist on the inside. I paired it with black jeans and a red puffer vest for a pop of color and my trusty leopard flats for more pattern mixing (can you tell I was out of town and limited in my shoe choices?)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55RM-fVBoLF4xQPOX3YAn9gKltTwKv2F-phJ8KrgmHaOj9zzeR9XePrOpSjmH8hTbdiBhgA_n6pZj2eZ8qPAIds1wVbmBKIw8-l4qXnOYxGjxgOA8qGnGh5stW5rSdS0XkMEq7nR72A/s640/blogger-image-1885368562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55RM-fVBoLF4xQPOX3YAn9gKltTwKv2F-phJ8KrgmHaOj9zzeR9XePrOpSjmH8hTbdiBhgA_n6pZj2eZ8qPAIds1wVbmBKIw8-l4qXnOYxGjxgOA8qGnGh5stW5rSdS0XkMEq7nR72A/s640/blogger-image-1885368562.jpg" /></a></div>
6. Show your denim - Friday<br />
It was cold again this day so I paired bf jeans with lots of layers! A tank under a grey turtleneck sweater under a denim jacket and black boots kept me warm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IQ_ALcjry5xXz-B2dk8hL1fny7E488Wfj6ia-khX6gKBF7PwIHD6WRHr4pbHifzpBlyDo6Sa7jEcaJOthmXoaNzNKkBoXBB2sOPwoalMbJQNfaBAeLBZf34dmWoN3JtP0Ky2DiFXtA/s640/blogger-image-1169993359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IQ_ALcjry5xXz-B2dk8hL1fny7E488Wfj6ia-khX6gKBF7PwIHD6WRHr4pbHifzpBlyDo6Sa7jEcaJOthmXoaNzNKkBoXBB2sOPwoalMbJQNfaBAeLBZf34dmWoN3JtP0Ky2DiFXtA/s640/blogger-image-1169993359.jpg" /></a></div>
7. Your favorite cardigan or cozy sweater look - Saturday<br />
I realized I forgot to get a picture of this look. I paired jeans with a brown sweater under a waterfall cardigan for this busy errand-filled day.<br />
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8. Style a skirt - Sunday<br />
Since Carrie styled a pencil skirt, I decided to do the same. I've had this skirt for years but it's so simple and classic that it's timelss. I paired it with a light blue shirt and a tweedy blazer. Instead of wearing heels, I wore black tights and tall black boots. Off to church!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFbjIKwchwSShRUvWycd9K8u2g0f9J3lIuoMlKNQREq8HFei0xjbQo0ws-BETUh99dqHwng-zEUEEvcsakv3qmw5-_4Em289nZeE0oxjAoE60YSWyp6v00KczyGs19TE8WaXJNNkkNg/s640/blogger-image--664707154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFbjIKwchwSShRUvWycd9K8u2g0f9J3lIuoMlKNQREq8HFei0xjbQo0ws-BETUh99dqHwng-zEUEEvcsakv3qmw5-_4Em289nZeE0oxjAoE60YSWyp6v00KczyGs19TE8WaXJNNkkNg/s640/blogger-image--664707154.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next week will be tricky. I'm traveling for work and I'll be wearing a uniform on two days. So on those days I won't participate in the challenge. But I'll do as many as I can!Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-33152059147577077722015-02-18T13:54:00.000-05:002015-02-18T13:54:11.382-05:00Create28: A few looks The lovely Carrie of <a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/" target="_blank">A Lovely Little Wardrobe</a> has been challenging us to create outfits from our closets and she helps us by giving us prompts as part of Create 28. Today's prompt is <a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/2015/02/create28day-18-leopard-print-patterns/" target="_blank">Leopard Print & Patterns</a>. I was going to go with my usual (I say 'usual' but it's new to me as of the Fall Challenge) stripes and leopard like this one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehkOKxXxd7SuKHRhBIfXwu3rMAAl5d7P-Dw_dowWOdeZ7-sm5ju7aHFUgKUQITyU8ZyCHCLum1Vj2E1lPeRXj94QcXBOSb8H1F6iwq6RPvgk7c6AzTGK559zPihlzNYPE0WTEtbklmA/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehkOKxXxd7SuKHRhBIfXwu3rMAAl5d7P-Dw_dowWOdeZ7-sm5ju7aHFUgKUQITyU8ZyCHCLum1Vj2E1lPeRXj94QcXBOSb8H1F6iwq6RPvgk7c6AzTGK559zPihlzNYPE0WTEtbklmA/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
But then I read her blog post and her outfit inspired me to try something different. I mixed a black and white gingham shirt with leopard print scarf. I was going to pair it with my leopard flats, but today is cold in Florida so I opted for riding boots instead to go over dark wash skinny jeans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBf2cxKlheEy1-HXjpFLGH2nmKZl8cM7u4wj-bf609Y6W27Zkz-jDq9VNpbmHAVokPujw2M1oylYcdT2y5DEvQFTmiBopbl_mEqybmvSPDXQqXgR_8geXbPNeAJe6xPRnjW5De-GEkQ/s640/blogger-image--1872150711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBf2cxKlheEy1-HXjpFLGH2nmKZl8cM7u4wj-bf609Y6W27Zkz-jDq9VNpbmHAVokPujw2M1oylYcdT2y5DEvQFTmiBopbl_mEqybmvSPDXQqXgR_8geXbPNeAJe6xPRnjW5De-GEkQ/s640/blogger-image--1872150711.jpg" /></a></div>
Surprise, surprise - I like it! I used to NEVER mix patterns but lately I've branched out and tried a few combinations. I like the way this looks. I also used to never mix warm and cool colors, like this black and brown, but I've gotten to where I like that too! Do you mix patterns or warm and cool colors?<br />
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Here are a few more looks from this past week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10AR_KllL6qgei9bnWmqbBuRi3ucBCgkKUUXuWHO-8UsKz6YeWGl8fNQYK_i9NivHPOF5QC8v79HyYlQu4iMOT7d2wGSSa-M1cUnzyREkEyRlAz-6maUMmX5JQ_3bRyWGNvRRKQTCqQ/s640/blogger-image--974384929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10AR_KllL6qgei9bnWmqbBuRi3ucBCgkKUUXuWHO-8UsKz6YeWGl8fNQYK_i9NivHPOF5QC8v79HyYlQu4iMOT7d2wGSSa-M1cUnzyREkEyRlAz-6maUMmX5JQ_3bRyWGNvRRKQTCqQ/s640/blogger-image--974384929.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 10: Bright Colors Look</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhyphenhyphenutPU8rZi7ZMJBXDAGVX28QaIgeBv3GX9yL6VDMrwpqXAYG7hCAQhq1O6yDaEdGvYc4QMkn6RjLpKfmC5NR82yoneOihw50YkHahcd8XjCnJLHUXyyfZ6clPKnm9oyqN00FfFrohg/s640/blogger-image--1537855862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhyphenhyphenutPU8rZi7ZMJBXDAGVX28QaIgeBv3GX9yL6VDMrwpqXAYG7hCAQhq1O6yDaEdGvYc4QMkn6RjLpKfmC5NR82yoneOihw50YkHahcd8XjCnJLHUXyyfZ6clPKnm9oyqN00FfFrohg/s640/blogger-image--1537855862.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 11: A Stripes Look</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mMWOuzIPP73DmmTBSOSJxy1Or5UJXi0t_GPqeNewXyqNR2CeR8xmQrC1U94Uu4CwBoErlf7AGEDO9-Rc_mEu-uCT4kda2g2CD5gZuF-wUz3OumffdNA0_ScuQ1h3XvE76XdEEeA5Fg/s640/blogger-image-1611339684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mMWOuzIPP73DmmTBSOSJxy1Or5UJXi0t_GPqeNewXyqNR2CeR8xmQrC1U94Uu4CwBoErlf7AGEDO9-Rc_mEu-uCT4kda2g2CD5gZuF-wUz3OumffdNA0_ScuQ1h3XvE76XdEEeA5Fg/s640/blogger-image-1611339684.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 16: A Thrifted Look (tank, shirt and jeans all thrifted)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqoWtCIPKKPRia6Sl6gdOYzP2sc0hlfpx_ml7xcnuVhZ_6_tGugSS8LKX7JNh4zex0OPKUL6pPTsIGJfSqJT0Vl-3DwTMJ2BQ3xgarFgYwZyVjnHCdLDbQpNQSSs4EH7kMdzy2HGfkQ/s640/blogger-image--1788454497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqoWtCIPKKPRia6Sl6gdOYzP2sc0hlfpx_ml7xcnuVhZ_6_tGugSS8LKX7JNh4zex0OPKUL6pPTsIGJfSqJT0Vl-3DwTMJ2BQ3xgarFgYwZyVjnHCdLDbQpNQSSs4EH7kMdzy2HGfkQ/s640/blogger-image--1788454497.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 17: Vest or Jacket Look</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8VPd-rFaHly9rhDxXEkSuAm0DeOXAzVGtokM6ciWZRAN4-ngIvv78a_bmZqdRf5QIlK7zHGGpYQI_bTkJJUD1G7_f7odz7V1wCF1-p5w0tJlk66NypZUHJWiGJYhzE2lrtAEzjhx1Q/s640/blogger-image-1799082013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8VPd-rFaHly9rhDxXEkSuAm0DeOXAzVGtokM6ciWZRAN4-ngIvv78a_bmZqdRf5QIlK7zHGGpYQI_bTkJJUD1G7_f7odz7V1wCF1-p5w0tJlk66NypZUHJWiGJYhzE2lrtAEzjhx1Q/s640/blogger-image-1799082013.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days 12- 14 this was my look. I was working.</td></tr>
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I missed several days this past week. I was either traveling or wearing the above uniform. I sure am having fun playing along with this challenge! You can still join in! It's free. Just follow <a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/" target="_blank">Carrie's blog</a> to see what the OOTD is. You can share your look on Instagram with the hashtag #Create28BLovely.<br />
<br />Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-35330103070905369702015-02-06T13:53:00.000-05:002015-02-06T13:53:47.515-05:00Style Me Bloggers: Random Acts of KindnessYou see it on bumper stickers: <i>Practice Random Acts of Kindness</i>. You hear the heartwarming stories on social media. It can also be called <i>Pay It Forward, </i>presumably from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0223897/" target="_blank">the movie</a> of the same name.<br />
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My brother and his sweet family performed RAKs over Christmas time. They left a little note with a candy cane on people's cars or in their mailbox. They also left gifts at people's houses without saying it was from them. In fact, another friend and I received a cryptic text from a friend saying, "I know it was one of you!" The friend informed her that it was not us but she knew who it was and she wasn't telling. My brother and his wife want their children to get into the spirit of giving at Christmas and not just receiving.<br />
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Our pastor shared a story of a parishioner who paid for the car in line behind them in the drive through line at a local fast food restaurant. She drove off and didn't think anything of it. The next day, she had to return to that restaurant and the gal in the drive through window recognized the lady as the one who had performed the random act of kindness the day before and was excited to share with her what had happened after that. The car that she had paid for had paid for the car behind them, and that car had paid for the car behind them and that continued for a full 40 minutes! This story brings to mind the song "It only takes a spark to get a fire going..."<br />
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Since hearing that story I have been inspired me to pay for the person behind me in a drive through line. Once I paid for a policeman in line behind me at Chik-fil-a, and more recently it was at Starbucks. The one at Starbucks was *really* random. The gal at the check out window had misunderstood my husband's order. She gave my husband a wrong drink. When she realized what she had done, she gave him the right drink but then in another misunderstanding she charged him for our drink and the car behind us. When she realized her mistake (the second time) she was really mortified. We just let it go and happily paid for the car behind us and were very pleasant to the cashier. She clearly was having a bad day!<br />
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One thing that I appreciate a lot is when someone lets me out in traffic. I know it's a southern thing and it happens a lot down here, but when I travel to other cities where that's not the norm, it reminds me to be thankful for those little things. Or lets me get in line in front of them at the grocery store when I only have one or two items and they have a cart-full. I've done it myself for other people. It really doesn't take much to put a smile on people's faces.<br />
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It just so happens that next week is <a href="https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/rak-week" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Week</a>, an annual seven-day celebration of kindness. On the surface, it’s a week dedicated to performing simple acts of kindness. But really? It’s an opportunity to make kindness the norm instead of the exception. Take a step out of your routine or your comfort zone to perform a new random act of kindness each day. Why? Well, <a href="https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-research" target="_blank">Scientific studies</a> show that performing acts of kindness actually improve health and life satisfaction. They increase energy, optimism, self-worth and our sense of belonging and connection in the world. PLUS they decrease anxiety, depression and blood pressure. But really, Jesus tells us that <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20:35" target="_blank">"it is more blessed to give than to receive."</a><br />
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If you decide to participate in this positive movement, you can post your act of kindness on social media using #RAKWeek2015. If you need ideas, check out the graphic below for 10 simple ideas of things you can do to spread good cheer.<br />
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And then check out the Style Me Bloggers to see what kinds of RAK deeds they've performed to get more ideas!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVKcUvKQ0gPV9SZqlaqtn1uolpPFtw6x8oU8FGsDUS53vBw56PtaMatFxqEQGWKHFZPtfaqPniNYnn-zxd1WbrvaxowekxlXpDa_-Wsx6DM-9VSlhDFqnVM0TYZCl9eVYwSMMHuEma9Hk/s1600/styleme+bloggers+1+linkup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.shoestoshiraz.com/">Shoes to Shiraz</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.twoteensandtheirmama.com/">Two Teens and their Mama</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/">A Lovely Little Wardrobe</a></span> |<span style="color: #672eff;"> <a href="http://rsquaredplusg.blogspot.ca/">R Squared </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.confessionsofafrumpymommy.com/">Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://familyloveinspirationeducation.wordpress.com/">Family Love Inspiration Education</a></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.themishapsandmayhemofsolitarylife.blogspot.ca/">The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.theblondissima.com/">The Blondissima</a> </span>| <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://positivelylearning.blogspot.ca/">Positively Learning</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://quiltyjoyjoy.com/">Quilty Joy Joy</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.dailystylefinds.com/">Daily Style Finds</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.ca/">Sheila's Potpourri</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.puppiesandpretties.com/">Puppies and Pretties </a></span>| <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.shethoughtshecould.com/">She thought She Could</a> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://foxysdomesticside.blogspot.ca/"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #672eff; font-size: small;">Foxy's Domestic Side</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> | </span><span style="color: #672eff; font-size: small;"><a href="http://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/">Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> | <a href="http://sprinkledjustright.blogspot.ca/">Sprinkled Just Right</a></span></div>
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Thomas broke his finger in early November at the Florida-Georgia football game. He actually broke it at the tailgating picnic when he hopped out of a friend's pick up truck. Initially we just thought he had hyper-extended it but an x-ray showed that he had, indeed, fractured it. The x-ray also revealed a bone cyst which we were assured was nothing to worry about. <br />
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After six weeks, the finger had not healed so the doctor ordered an MRI which showed that there was some sort of growth. He suspected a giant cell sarcoma (I think that's the name). This doctor referred Thomas to his colleague, a specialist. When the new doctor took a look at the MRI, he ordered the surgery for the next day! Yikes! So this mamma tries not to panic, clears her schedule, packs up and heads south. <br />
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At check in, the lady behind the desk, whose name is Sheila (good sign?), gives us some information and then we wait a short time for our name to be called. The nurse hands Thomas a disposable gown and he is ridiculously excited to wear a backless gown. Like giddy. <i>(What?)</i><br />
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In pre-op, Thomas is cracking jokes with the nurses and doctors. I'm glad I'm laughing rather than crying. I'm trying to be strong. I'm not *really* worried, but the "what ifs...?" try to creep in. I keep them at bay. The laughter helps. Praying does too. At one point, he laughs a little which causes the monitor to start beeping faster. He decides to see how fast he can make it beep so he hyperventilates.Yeah, that makes the alarm go off. He is delighted! *sigh*<br />
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I know that my son is in good hands. I know because my brother in law has assured me that this doctor is the BEST. He should know. He was a resident under him 18 years ago. But it's still nerve-wracking to watch two nurses wheel your son away on a gurney. It just is.<br />
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I wait in the waiting room, send out group texts updating everyone then head downstairs to grab a yogurt and a house coffee at the coffee shop. It comforts me to know how many people are praying for this doctor, my son, the surgery.<br />
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Soon enough, the doctor comes out to talk to me. The surgery went well. He explains what they did and what to expect next. I'm allowed to go back and I'm surprised to find that Thomas is already awake. The patient is but his arm is not. He says it feels weird to touch his hand but not not feel it, like touching someone else's hand. The nurse gives him a sling because he has no control over his arm.<br />
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In no time at all the nurse and I get him disconnected from tubes and dressed in his own clothes. We laugh as we have to "set his arm aside" which he puts his tshirt on. While wrestling with the sling, my hand slips and his arm falls limply to his side. We laugh. He gets to ride in a wheelchair to the valet retrieved car. He *is* still a little woozy from the drugs.<br />
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We go straight to fill his prescription for pain meds. The doctor assures us he will need them when the block wears off. After settling him in on the couch, I return to pick up the meds and then I go directly to pick up dinner at Chipotle since he had been fasting all day. We eat dinner together on the couches with the roommate, eating our burrito bowls and laughing about not being able to will his thumb to move. Then we snuggle on the couch and watch movies.<br />
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The next day feeling has returned to his arm and with it pain. The meds work but also keep him asleep off and on throughout the day. I administer pills and water as well as wash some clothes, clean the bathrooms, go shopping for dinner supplies. It's hard to leave him the next day but he assures me he's fine and I drop him off at class on my way out of town. I look forward to hearing what the doctor has to say today at the follow up appointment!<br />
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Despite the heartaches that inevitably come with the job, I just love being a mom. Best. job. ever.Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-75266455538439749232015-02-01T16:14:00.000-05:002015-02-01T16:14:06.504-05:00Create28<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
C<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">arrie of </span><a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">A Lovely Little Wardrobe</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> is a lovely little lady. I've gotten to "know" her through the </span><a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.com/search/label/GYPO" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Style Me Challenges</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. Here is what I know about her: she is stylish, strikingly beautiful, yet friendly, humble and helpful.</span></div>
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Carrie is hosting <a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/2015/01/create28-lovely-looks/" target="_blank">Create28</a> on her blog, which is a challenge to create 28 different outfits by shopping from your closet. She gives you several options on how to do this. I'm choosing the second one: <i>create 28 different outfits using as many pieces as you like from your closet</i>. I don't think I could manage all of her prompts with only 28 different pieces! My wardrobe is not THAT flexible!<br />
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Although I will not have a daily post, my goal is to post daily on Instagram with the #Create28BLovely hashtag. Then I hope to have a weekly recap to link up with the link-up she is hosting on Mondays.<br />
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For Day One, she styled a "<a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/2015/02/create-28day-1-go-look/" target="_blank">Favorite </a><a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/2015/02/create-28day-1-go-look/" target="_blank">Go-to Outfit.</a>" I changed it up just a bit. Hers was for a casual outfit. Since day one is Sunday, I went with a go-to church outfit.<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9uLelvZtdwUg9-U8Mz0RWVJEIPJ0DMhV6WypdS_CO-MM9P3SustCnL0hVrJ72f8_VZ5bB0n6eVJbhH4xfCtsdVaeBpli_6XZZH3qtEB6PmoSItqjoy9QKJFajAzz4dcPOk7gDGegKw/s640/blogger-image-1476908177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9uLelvZtdwUg9-U8Mz0RWVJEIPJ0DMhV6WypdS_CO-MM9P3SustCnL0hVrJ72f8_VZ5bB0n6eVJbhH4xfCtsdVaeBpli_6XZZH3qtEB6PmoSItqjoy9QKJFajAzz4dcPOk7gDGegKw/s640/blogger-image-1476908177.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My typical go-to church outfit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I will often pair a skirt with a simple layering tee and a cardigan (because even in Florida, I'm always cold in church!) and then add a scarf for some color.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVvOH5A-DutrPR9-fTfpjxjvha3CnDUU80KUjORspMb1cqLZ7rHGxdU4a-_b5fE0QYuBbewg_wzch83FOuZRUUJHUk-wG0nw7lhvlA4JDz4h8mxAekH65mfVw7GD3vCo1iON-Ce4r7w/s640/blogger-image--355812493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVvOH5A-DutrPR9-fTfpjxjvha3CnDUU80KUjORspMb1cqLZ7rHGxdU4a-_b5fE0QYuBbewg_wzch83FOuZRUUJHUk-wG0nw7lhvlA4JDz4h8mxAekH65mfVw7GD3vCo1iON-Ce4r7w/s640/blogger-image--355812493.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy to put together.</td></tr>
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This is a prime example of my go-to church outfit.<br />
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But today, I wanted to wear a new-to-me black and white polka dotted knit blazer from Talbots rather than my usual cardigan.<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9xpo37Vsz71-zskR-p40ikuz4BeX5ph84FAgEzUb2mRX7cINnWMG63pdlpxBvoG99qVXuKDjTMjBb0KOZF-SG7QO-lQjqBoBM9fSN85RrKv7cNHMKI-VtjY3tb6-uR7xQNBrViQv_w/s640/blogger-image-95939970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9xpo37Vsz71-zskR-p40ikuz4BeX5ph84FAgEzUb2mRX7cINnWMG63pdlpxBvoG99qVXuKDjTMjBb0KOZF-SG7QO-lQjqBoBM9fSN85RrKv7cNHMKI-VtjY3tb6-uR7xQNBrViQv_w/s640/blogger-image-95939970.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The knit blazer is just a comfy as a cardigan</td></tr>
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I kept the red scarf for color but I dressed up the outfit even more by wearing black heels rather than my standard flats.<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWZr9z0AfdGg2m0X5-vt7UsKqfEBY6gr6PJp2tj65Km4gsdK4MqJdXChsNYQ93Je9Rf71Peidt1CmrSKXnUF0Dn7EKnJFUNg81G_ite4RejzmeY1omzCIgo3pi04ZKdkY2zc1Tedmrw/s640/blogger-image-1659232023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWZr9z0AfdGg2m0X5-vt7UsKqfEBY6gr6PJp2tj65Km4gsdK4MqJdXChsNYQ93Je9Rf71Peidt1CmrSKXnUF0Dn7EKnJFUNg81G_ite4RejzmeY1omzCIgo3pi04ZKdkY2zc1Tedmrw/s640/blogger-image-1659232023.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The heels fit the blazer better</td></tr>
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So here you have it: the before and after of my go-to church outfit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMe_yPjjEdkxnhy4_UI_SEr1qDAfO5Wgq3j4K5ui2hTNmGurJUCp3OKh-P_N6u7vhVMY30_QE3QDC5nMCOZd-8ancYg4yjaznvbhjsA2KxwqhR7b6C4uIcG72aiplPo5wnuYxa5VOxw/s640/blogger-image--1570305620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMe_yPjjEdkxnhy4_UI_SEr1qDAfO5Wgq3j4K5ui2hTNmGurJUCp3OKh-P_N6u7vhVMY30_QE3QDC5nMCOZd-8ancYg4yjaznvbhjsA2KxwqhR7b6C4uIcG72aiplPo5wnuYxa5VOxw/s640/blogger-image--1570305620.jpg" /></a></div>
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Happy Sunday everyone! I'm enjoying the fine weather we are having before the mayhem of "the game!"Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-16257576074025530412015-01-26T09:51:00.000-05:002015-01-26T09:51:18.487-05:003 a.m. and the police are at the door!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's never a good way to wake up. My thoughts immediately start to race. Did something happen to our college son? Did someone break into the cars? Did something happen to a neighbor?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No. We back up to an apartment complex and a gal had gotten into a fight with her boyfriend. He threw her Prius keys over the fence into our backyard. In the middle of the night. Now the policeman wants to search our backyard. In the rain. He is apologetic. I feel sorry for HIM having to wake us and search around in the dark and the rain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mind wanders as I lie in bed and can't fall back to sleep. Ephesians 4:26 comes to mind: <i>In your anger do not sin.</i> I like what <a href="http://biblehub.com/commentaries/ephesians/4-26.htm" target="_blank">Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary</a> says about this verse:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">If there is just occasion to express displeasure at what is wrong, and to reprove, see that it be without sin. We give place to the devil, when the first motions of sin are not grievous to our souls; when we consent to them; and when we repeat an evil deed. This teaches that as sin, if yielded unto, lets in the devil upon us, we are to resist it, keeping from all appearance of evil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure that the man had a reason for his anger. He <i>should </i>be allowed to express those feelings to his girlfriend. However, his anger led him to actions he should not have effected. I'm not saying that throwing keys over a fence is a sin. But "consenting to the anger and repeating the evil deed" is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In case you were wondering, the policeman did not find the keys. I could NOT fall back to sleep until almost morning. Then I missed my run date with my running partner. We looked again for the keys this morning. Still nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A seemingly harmless act will now have expensive repercussions. Replacing keys can be costly! The takeaway? Think through your actions when you are angry to be sure you don't regret them later! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I'm off to make a second cup of coffee. I'm gonna need it today!</span>Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-23393256417763875662015-01-25T14:28:00.000-05:002015-01-25T14:28:15.552-05:00Sonlight Turns 25!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To commemorate Sonlight Curriculum's silver anniversary, they are hosting a year-long blog party on the 25th of each month. The topic for this month is <span style="color: #333333; line-height: 15pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Introduce us to your
family. Are you just getting started homeschooling? Or do you have graduates?
Or somewhere in between?</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first began homeschooling in 2000. My kids were 5 years, 2-and-a-half years and 3 months old. Since it was only Kindergarten, I was pretty confident that I could handle it, even if I <i>did</i> have a newborn! I had attended a homeschooling convention the month before and had found out about Sonlight at a workshop (thanks Shawne and Katy!). I ordered my materials and was so excited to be able to homeshool using BOOKS <b>and</b> have a plan! (Love the IGs!) Although it was challenging, that first year was so fun and it gave me the confidence to try it again the next year. And the next. And the next. Over the years, we have enjoyed our time together reading, learning, and traveling to visit many places that we had learned about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward 15 years and now my kids are 19, 17 and 14.5. I've been homeschooling for 15 years and all of them with Sonlight, with some supplemental stuff thrown in as well as joining various co-ops and support groups. My oldest is now in college, a sophomore at the University of Florida. He used Cores A through H before going to a private high school. My second son is now a junior and is currently doing Core 300. He is dual enrolled in our local community college for math and writing, takes advanced Physics at a co-op and Italian 2 through Landry Academy. My daughter is a freshman and she is currently doing Core 100 as well as taking Geometry, Biology, Spanish 1 and Logic through <a href="http://www.pep1.org/" target="_blank">PEP</a>, a local co-op.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although my career as a homeschool parent will draw to a close in three years, I will cherish the time we've had together: the fun, the memories and the great stories!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2trVxEvxOWZNVz7VURDYE68dVorcenCHYvY73bc4MrvrTzdG41jSApi7wdhmLAKrrNFipOa6gt9QGUz6XdNtxJSFTYDEG2yweHznxrTmb56PwwFeyAh_dRaJrW4QkwrJtco0uGmHVA/s1600/IMG_7328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2trVxEvxOWZNVz7VURDYE68dVorcenCHYvY73bc4MrvrTzdG41jSApi7wdhmLAKrrNFipOa6gt9QGUz6XdNtxJSFTYDEG2yweHznxrTmb56PwwFeyAh_dRaJrW4QkwrJtco0uGmHVA/s1600/IMG_7328.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">On a recent trip to the Eternal City</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be sure to check out what other bloggers have to say about homeschooling with Sonlight!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/blog/25th-anniversary-blog-party?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_source=Party%20Blogger&utm_medium=Button"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Sonlight Blog Party" src="//cdn1.sonlight.com/images/sonlight-blog-party-large.png" /></span></a>Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-19679856076254578112015-01-23T19:24:00.001-05:002015-01-24T10:35:06.885-05:00Wish list: What are you coveting?<div class="MsoNormal">
The Style Me Bloggers are back with another post! What are you coveting; what's on your wish list? Luckily, I’m a pretty contented gal. I have spent years
cultivating that attitude thanks to the Proverbs so I don’t pine for things very often. </div>
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I did reach a
place where I didn't like my house. We had let things go for so long for a
number of reasons (kids are small~what’s the point?/we want to travel
instead/let’s fix up the boat and go on a year-long cruise/single income
family). But now the kids are growing up and are no longer trashing furniture,
the boat is sold and is no longer a drain and, well, we still ARE a single income
family, for the most part. That part has not changed. However, with the other changes, we can now focus on getting the house
squared away and making it more attractive and more pleasing.<br />
<br />
It began, interestingly enough, with the economic downturn which
prevented us from selling our 3 bedroom house and upgrading to a bigger home.
We ended up staying put and <a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.com/search/label/addition" target="_blank">added on a bedroom</a> to the house. Then a moldy shower convinced us to do a major b<a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.com/search/label/remodel" target="_blank">athroom renovation</a> in our master bath. That went so well that we revamped the hall bath
as well. And a friend’s advice of painting the brick in the family room and another friend's recommendation of furniture rearranging has led
to a completely new look in there. I’m finally loving my home!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My weight loss last year caused me to need to buy new
clothes. That led to me be willing to try Alison Lumbatis’s Style Me Challenges
back in the fall which led me to try new things, clothingwise. I’ve always been
a pretty traditional person, and especially so in my clothes. I like to buy
timeless pieces and I don’t follow the trends very much. However, Alison's challenges
have gotten me out of some ruts and have encouraged me to be more adventurous
and creative.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So with those things in mind, here are some things that are on my
wish list right now</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 9px;"> </span>Oversized watch – It doesn’t have to be anything
super fancy or expensive. I’m happy with a $10 Walmart one. It was an item on the challenges that I never did get.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 9px;"> </span>Cognac shoes (both flats and boots) – I’ve only
recently begun wearing boots and I usually use black as a neutral. I think
cognac will be a welcome and versatile change. But I'm picky with flats. Not too pointy or rounded. Not too much toe cleavage...<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 9px;"> </span>Losing the weight I gained on vacation in Italy
– It’s just not budging. I really need to buckle down and get focused and quit
cheating. I really do. I want it GONE!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 9px;"> </span>A dehydrator – I think it would be great to be
able to dry my own fruit and tomatoes and chilis from my garden. But I want a
good one and good ones cost $$$.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
5. A large walk-in closet with wooden hangers – I
love <a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/2014/11/style-me-bloggers-week-1/" target="_blank">Carrie’s closet</a> and love how it looks like shopping in a boutique!
However, mine is small and there’s no room for wooden hangers! That being the case
I would love to have all matching <a href="http://www.target.com/p/joy-mangano-34-pc-huggable-hangers-combo-pack-black/-/A-11016462#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=huggable+hangers" target="_blank">huggable hangers</a>. It would create more space in my closet and help it look neat since the hangers would all match.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->
6. New floors in the house. - I'm really tired of carpet. I want it all gone.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
7. A house at the beach. - This *is* a wish list, right? A girl can dream?!<br />
<br />
Okay, that's about it. Check out the other bloggers below to see what their wish lists are!</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;"><img height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVKcUvKQ0gPV9SZqlaqtn1uolpPFtw6x8oU8FGsDUS53vBw56PtaMatFxqEQGWKHFZPtfaqPniNYnn-zxd1WbrvaxowekxlXpDa_-Wsx6DM-9VSlhDFqnVM0TYZCl9eVYwSMMHuEma9Hk/s1600/styleme+bloggers+1+linkup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.shoestoshiraz.com/">Shoes to Shiraz</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.twoteensandtheirmama.com/">Two Teens and their Mama</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/">A Lovely Little Wardrobe</a></span> |<span style="color: #672eff;"> <a href="http://rsquaredplusg.blogspot.ca/">R Squared </a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.confessionsofafrumpymommy.com/">Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://familyloveinspirationeducation.wordpress.com/">Family Love Inspiration Education</a></span> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.themishapsandmayhemofsolitarylife.blogspot.ca/">The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.theblondissima.com/">The Blondissima</a> </span>| <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://positivelylearning.blogspot.ca/">Positively Learning</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://quiltyjoyjoy.com/">Quilty Joy Joy</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.dailystylefinds.com/">Daily Style Finds</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.ca/">Sheila's Potpourri</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.puppiesandpretties.com/">Puppies and Pretties </a></span>| <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.shethoughtshecould.com/">She thought She Could</a> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://foxysdomesticside.blogspot.ca/"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #672eff; font-size: small;">Foxy's Domestic Side</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> | </span><span style="color: #672eff; font-size: small;"><a href="http://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/">Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> | <a href="http://sprinkledjustright.blogspot.ca/">Sprinkled Just Right</a></span></div>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9VyLVUmWlGs%2FVKmcq9DRK7I%2FAAAAAAAAM60%2Fg_IYUqofw_o%2Fs1600%2Fstyleme%252Bbloggers%252B1%252Blinkup.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVKcUvKQ0gPV9SZqlaqtn1uolpPFtw6x8oU8FGsDUS53vBw56PtaMatFxqEQGWKHFZPtfaqPniNYnn-zxd1WbrvaxowekxlXpDa_-Wsx6DM-9VSlhDFqnVM0TYZCl9eVYwSMMHuEma9Hk/s1600/styleme+bloggers+1+linkup.jpg" -->Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-31997266404638441552015-01-19T11:13:00.000-05:002015-01-19T11:13:07.997-05:00Pineapple Soy Pork Scallopini<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA70s30QyZ9xESbk_U95P5D2lmWQKx507STqsYhrGd5-6ZS3N8z2GdHAUlLX-8TKPP7WzI6WGNbKZOjjrYwjiJdBBpdgDNXxY0tfuaKzgNbMwQuiIY3C4itCO_xpO44Dq9J2jf-QC9A/s640/blogger-image-1684544222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA70s30QyZ9xESbk_U95P5D2lmWQKx507STqsYhrGd5-6ZS3N8z2GdHAUlLX-8TKPP7WzI6WGNbKZOjjrYwjiJdBBpdgDNXxY0tfuaKzgNbMwQuiIY3C4itCO_xpO44Dq9J2jf-QC9A/s640/blogger-image-1684544222.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chops on the grill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This recipe came about because I had pineapple juice I wanted to use up from the champagne punch from our Christmas Eve party. It was quick, easy and very tasty!<br />
<br />
1 cup pineapple juice<br />
1/2 cup soy sauce<br />
1/4 cup mirin<br />
1/4 cup white wine<br />
2 garlic cloves, sliced<br />
pork scallopini (I made 8) or thin cut pork chops<br />
<br />
Place first 5 ingredients in a large bowl or zip lock bag. Add meat to marinade and allow to sit 10-30 minutes. Grill until done. Place marinade in a small saucepan and cook until reduced.<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDr-AVHZD8hNUNOfGYCoPnvAgjNpbmwoRV1Un59l8bCBHR5g1Bdk3jPBMEBkUAKKCUXWQ_uu-njB-RlilSeLeJGgWQQh6AYqKq7L_z4YKL4YplCFYT3EVD9-45u7paqhKLeceMjAx6Q/s640/blogger-image--1275535193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDr-AVHZD8hNUNOfGYCoPnvAgjNpbmwoRV1Un59l8bCBHR5g1Bdk3jPBMEBkUAKKCUXWQ_uu-njB-RlilSeLeJGgWQQh6AYqKq7L_z4YKL4YplCFYT3EVD9-45u7paqhKLeceMjAx6Q/s640/blogger-image--1275535193.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cook the marinade to make it safe to eat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Serve the chops with sauce and your favorite sides. I served it with roasted cauliflower. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8Amz474aozvcqzkyU-Aq4a4ug-249GGcMSHiANZj1LtP8cQIhz8BT_WkklrjxLTZwCBzwW_dj8t0mKYOrDRx9L3D4DDyeX_4aRy_qQaK-rJL7yaTPpGWCEjXi9UxD6_sHrVRM1JREQ/s640/blogger-image-2105424129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8Amz474aozvcqzkyU-Aq4a4ug-249GGcMSHiANZj1LtP8cQIhz8BT_WkklrjxLTZwCBzwW_dj8t0mKYOrDRx9L3D4DDyeX_4aRy_qQaK-rJL7yaTPpGWCEjXi9UxD6_sHrVRM1JREQ/s640/blogger-image-2105424129.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted cauliflower is an easy side dish. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Linking to Skip to My Lou's Made by You Monday<br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img alt="Skip To My Lou" src="http://rsc.skiptomylou.org/buttons/new_button.jpg" height="150" width="150" /></a>Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-60773109476669683362015-01-17T23:18:00.000-05:002015-01-17T23:18:16.017-05:00Zooma Half Marathon<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I ran the Zooma Half Marathon which was in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. This is a women's race series. My running partner, Lisa, and Lisa's friend Heather and I signed up for it about 3 months ago. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in downtown Fernandina and it just happened to be right by the start! It was great because we were able to walk out to the start just a few minutes before the start.</span></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-F3N_x2j4RRzdiJDuv-OEXuOZe8SyCcFKO8eabVpvBfnujz2ymtz-WCyMg-aWFwBygh9a6DdmQ8AgJHY5KrYKtjmAOkGNMTiMxsZzzKMOWyqWuVZ-vhAPFBVN5K7raQD1qbwUtOWLSA/s640/blogger-image--1039254232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-F3N_x2j4RRzdiJDuv-OEXuOZe8SyCcFKO8eabVpvBfnujz2ymtz-WCyMg-aWFwBygh9a6DdmQ8AgJHY5KrYKtjmAOkGNMTiMxsZzzKMOWyqWuVZ-vhAPFBVN5K7raQD1qbwUtOWLSA/s640/blogger-image--1039254232.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to start!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The course winds through downtown Fernandina...</span></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2effa3dvg_8dnTFXIcucv0iZcnAUY5COimZjMF-kTRnG9Q_XufcbASKVm6TB3_dkLlx1S89h3c1QFhxBuViQYGlRqs3WtPEWwgnUuMbUag-gitKKzUSj3RhQlIKGfxaZqbcdVvGBIg/s640/blogger-image--1111562200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2effa3dvg_8dnTFXIcucv0iZcnAUY5COimZjMF-kTRnG9Q_XufcbASKVm6TB3_dkLlx1S89h3c1QFhxBuViQYGlRqs3WtPEWwgnUuMbUag-gitKKzUSj3RhQlIKGfxaZqbcdVvGBIg/s640/blogger-image--1111562200.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Center Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...turns north on 14th street and crosses over a bridge which then leads you through a back gate </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">into</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Ft. Clinch State Park. </span></div>
<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;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ743YohL2fkfkLuwUJOXKsjWzzodbn5ecHjLov1dp_r9QbPycH1pdoJYr4BzYoUdCXLxUOgW_Wi_7NdIPnBcFCQInwECkpjXNmMbt64menoVowf63g-b056tqTcErvfEf04mK_N9lEg/s640/blogger-image--904334146.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful morning!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ743YohL2fkfkLuwUJOXKsjWzzodbn5ecHjLov1dp_r9QbPycH1pdoJYr4BzYoUdCXLxUOgW_Wi_7NdIPnBcFCQInwECkpjXNmMbt64menoVowf63g-b056tqTcErvfEf04mK_N9lEg/s640/blogger-image--904334146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"></span></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After running to the beach access area, you turn around in the parking lot and run out of the park, onto the beach road and then end at the Ritz Carlton. The worst part was running through soft sand. It was a bit longer than 13.1 (more like 13.3.)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzN3VRSKUKBq6H4lyXs4w-fX-Ml-lAfch2gWjUPkI_8e59hSk5odi_hQEvAg0hOksfsfH_FuVZL6JV6LEIXeWF3YwBpvujKI9eKqjpGSgT5TGcgq0CQsoinCtEhFA7ckrm6JzN54Tuew/s640/blogger-image--534844241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzN3VRSKUKBq6H4lyXs4w-fX-Ml-lAfch2gWjUPkI_8e59hSk5odi_hQEvAg0hOksfsfH_FuVZL6JV6LEIXeWF3YwBpvujKI9eKqjpGSgT5TGcgq0CQsoinCtEhFA7ckrm6JzN54Tuew/s640/blogger-image--534844241.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL DONE!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I did not set a personal record, I had a great race. It helped to have Michael and Annie along with Lisa's daughter, Rachel and her friend, Shelby cheering us on. We even had our good friends, John and Denise, cheer us on! They came up and stayed with other friends Lu and Sandy, who hosted us the night before for a tasty Tex Mex dinner!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zooma had a nice after-party on the lawn at the Ritz but we were starving and ready to eat our well-deserved post-race burger, so we didn't linger long.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjbpj8xalw8gkIYhGNsgQl9InUh2-TzicH7pQUpY2kfMRunIiMEf1S2W6hl9FeDeCHWX_mbA6mmXFRvvyvF6JoLwOszxLIi6kuAHpJPXJP59KgAkQ5buiMYbLpmzo1-eCVjFI7iOu2A/s640/blogger-image-828562313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjbpj8xalw8gkIYhGNsgQl9InUh2-TzicH7pQUpY2kfMRunIiMEf1S2W6hl9FeDeCHWX_mbA6mmXFRvvyvF6JoLwOszxLIi6kuAHpJPXJP59KgAkQ5buiMYbLpmzo1-eCVjFI7iOu2A/s640/blogger-image-828562313.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our blingy medals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to Lu's suggestion, we ate at T Rays and had a great burger!</span></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQpFbOgzPIpJOwvCE_J5vEsgqbMRA3YHF0QKu8jOGoFoEdXZWlAg2sOEH6vS79QC5Xiak9xJXP3TbUSKd85R0WSkOPMQQNAFFeZxfpEsvEipa6rwqpF1on8rgQHUAt9fqbI7KApwYsQ/s640/blogger-image--825157024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQpFbOgzPIpJOwvCE_J5vEsgqbMRA3YHF0QKu8jOGoFoEdXZWlAg2sOEH6vS79QC5Xiak9xJXP3TbUSKd85R0WSkOPMQQNAFFeZxfpEsvEipa6rwqpF1on8rgQHUAt9fqbI7KApwYsQ/s640/blogger-image--825157024.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I even ate the bun and the fries!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that that one's behind me, I've gotta find something else to train for. My Sonlight pals have invited me to run in their hometowns. Hmmm...I'll have to see when those races are! Destination races are fun!</span></div>
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Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-61686865799297339002015-01-16T11:36:00.000-05:002015-01-16T11:36:38.383-05:00Sonlight Curriculum<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZXhC3LeDhpmXVWtCSQS9EgLE_cG7vULx4BrPoxgtsxevchXPrQaWklfIGHicCNxUdPYqNjec7nXqscYSwrKRaJyQpAKOMDVA9hc5ACh2baseSv7oen5qDI6AOvHzG4QLmcpBNebzRw/s640/blogger-image-220758542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gfyHRdINRNO3VpUWOm9SVIf2-InG86Z14EAtb9G7wRgbCL_BVATvJWdlm5gsAkSRZwW07jfvCdQh-kIp1v-z9g39iEKj21Z3SiLXBUN-XIpG8J8Nu2Y2EaYbgG1wJYCMbXwGddigkA/s640/blogger-image--402979136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PHUNMT_ZmcTMraD-69uB5v9JAOFm5ZcPI39h93yJLku41s_7h5AVHwPYWKKpqq70as0T1glViN1RYZpaUC82zueFAtFOaOqzCqADqR1IZH-vZwwmMgLhQnXIZ2F6rn7CsSLVU8yBGQ/s640/blogger-image--1496750257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PHUNMT_ZmcTMraD-69uB5v9JAOFm5ZcPI39h93yJLku41s_7h5AVHwPYWKKpqq70as0T1glViN1RYZpaUC82zueFAtFOaOqzCqADqR1IZH-vZwwmMgLhQnXIZ2F6rn7CsSLVU8yBGQ/s640/blogger-image--1496750257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6BGvZLrKlOw8W-HVcDc4GhxaWJu70CSGFNsPaiMqzgMoF8VmW07LMBxBgmBf5IQLq1D1jhgFRWRFNHgfAfgdZmt_Yy056aErn9fsvky3Y-BZSxHh7W836LeQe2hCtOsqN4Yp3rodkg/s640/blogger-image-1655569124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6BGvZLrKlOw8W-HVcDc4GhxaWJu70CSGFNsPaiMqzgMoF8VmW07LMBxBgmBf5IQLq1D1jhgFRWRFNHgfAfgdZmt_Yy056aErn9fsvky3Y-BZSxHh7W836LeQe2hCtOsqN4Yp3rodkg/s640/blogger-image-1655569124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdzJRypMEi0v9hwMrXKE6FELOu5Rs2rkmvT8eHcJgzu33skFHQmXK6_SGCdCnnvDK576tawP-e-JKvvmcQ3lAjraFw5AsVaCTkQ3V2kApoLjxuW0dXvEfeuCA7EszgWB8tpWmJ5_e1w/s640/blogger-image--1192933410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm in Colorado for the Sonlight Training Conference, getting all trained up for the 2015 convention season. Sonlight is celebrating their 25 year anniversary and they have lots of cool things planned in conjunction with that.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Company luncheon in the warehouse</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Clowning around with Donna of NH</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoy coming out here. This is my 7th training conference (one was in Florida) so it certainly feels familiar by now, but I still get a little thrill getting to go to HQ.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6BGvZLrKlOw8W-HVcDc4GhxaWJu70CSGFNsPaiMqzgMoF8VmW07LMBxBgmBf5IQLq1D1jhgFRWRFNHgfAfgdZmt_Yy056aErn9fsvky3Y-BZSxHh7W836LeQe2hCtOsqN4Yp3rodkg/s1600/blogger-image-1655569124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The indefatigable Luke giving us some computer training!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> (That's not a duck face. I caught him mid sentence.)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had <a href="http://instagram.com/p/x0Jwd3Cg77/?modal=true" target="_blank">some snow on the first day</a>, just for me because I prayed for it, but the weather started warming up after that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are feeling the absence of some friends who are no longer with Sonlight but we are making new friends with the new people. (Jamie of Alabama can be seen in the picture below. She's a stylish southern cutie and you can check out <a href="http://blog.joshjamie.com/" target="_blank">her blog here</a>!)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Quick break between trainings</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sonlight has some fun stuff planned to celebrate their 25 years. One is a year-long blog party that they are hosting on the 25th of each month. Be sure to come back for my post on the 25th! If you're a Sonlighter and a blogger you can <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/blog/2015/01/join-us-for-a-blog-party.html" target="_blank">join the fun here</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Can you spot Sarita??</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're a Sonlight and NOT a blogger you can <a href="http://25.sonlight.com/sonlighter-stories/" target="_blank">share your Sonlight story here</a>. Because if you <i>are </i>a Sonlighter <b>you</b> are <a href="http://25.sonlight.com/timeline/" target="_blank">part of the Sonlight timeline</a> too!</span></div>
Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-21062775707116631292015-01-12T10:57:00.002-05:002015-01-12T11:09:39.470-05:00Apple, Bacon, Caramelized Onion and Brie Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUicp7M-zInooblSPltald2iXJfrGHRYg681tdFsDFA8fT8ScsCVoQ-R8UNp9WWbYtLq2qn2CkbI1Wk9fQq9hNSRicR7WmKI8bSawyBH0_jXR1PH1Ax7nOFwmwcLCWgD3ULfecNxy7Q/s640/blogger-image--1845071854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUicp7M-zInooblSPltald2iXJfrGHRYg681tdFsDFA8fT8ScsCVoQ-R8UNp9WWbYtLq2qn2CkbI1Wk9fQq9hNSRicR7WmKI8bSawyBH0_jXR1PH1Ax7nOFwmwcLCWgD3ULfecNxy7Q/s640/blogger-image--1845071854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF0blS1RBD9-Ir2enECNyBGm2PdTsWNdo_PItorOdCWKs0sozA9Qvqpt_NnkesaPSltwTsWLN2KmJklrRjkbIM6uI3V75JCVeij7OAq43KrgQw6KLMG-Ks9u-Dwnb-46242CKHbcQSg/s640/blogger-image-1476629496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was pizza night, but rather than making our usual homemade pizza we decided to mix it up a bit. I remembered a recipe for an apple and brie pizza but I couldn't find it anywhere so I decided to just do my own thing. Since I didn't want to add a tomato sauce but thinking it needed something "wet," I decided to brown up some onions. The sweetness of the onion would complement the sweetness of the apples. I was initially going to use prosciutto to add a little protein and a salty element but the two stores Michael went to didn't have it so we made the switch to bacon. I recently discovered <a href="http://hormel.com/Brands/Black-Label-Bacon.aspx">Hormel Black Label bacon</a> (the link has a coupon) and it is my new favorite! I love it when the grocery store has it on BOGO and I have a coupon! I stock up and throw it in the freezer so I always have this yummy bacon on hand. This past Christmas we went through 8 packages of it! (I made a LOT of bacon wrapped dates!)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion and bacon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to the topic at hand. I sliced up the brie and the apple while the onion was slowly cooking in some olive oil and the bacon was cooking away in the microwave.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apples and brie</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When all the different elements were ready (<i>mis-en-place</i>), it was time to assemble the pizza. We were initially thinking of grilling it but now that we are using a cold fermented dough, it comes out really wet and hard to work with; it wouldn't transfer well to the grill. I stuck with baking it on a Pampered Chef stone cookie sheet. First, I spread out the onion, sprinkling the bacon on top of that. Then I arranged the apple slices and finally, the brie.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the oven!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I didn't know if Timothy would like this "fancy" pizza (Annie was at a sleepover), I made a small regular pizza (sauce, mozzarella, bacon and onion) in small cast iron frying pan (picked up that tip recently somewhere but can't remember where). </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuw7WKK_oyuhIt9aVPJh10LDR9GiwlHCdaJuLu51C_xt3uS21TlHiToDs1Xb6j_T35ZXs6xo2WpX8AL15ZQA8KupAjNW2K17WDslAEHwj2gKXJZz9sGHea08zkg8Y8IcC6z6HBv4Rd9A/s640/blogger-image-1325231371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuw7WKK_oyuhIt9aVPJh10LDR9GiwlHCdaJuLu51C_xt3uS21TlHiToDs1Xb6j_T35ZXs6xo2WpX8AL15ZQA8KupAjNW2K17WDslAEHwj2gKXJZz9sGHea08zkg8Y8IcC6z6HBv4Rd9A/s640/blogger-image-1325231371.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Personal pan deep dish delish!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both came out beautifully. And tasted really great! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF0blS1RBD9-Ir2enECNyBGm2PdTsWNdo_PItorOdCWKs0sozA9Qvqpt_NnkesaPSltwTsWLN2KmJklrRjkbIM6uI3V75JCVeij7OAq43KrgQw6KLMG-Ks9u-Dwnb-46242CKHbcQSg/s1600/blogger-image-1476629496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF0blS1RBD9-Ir2enECNyBGm2PdTsWNdo_PItorOdCWKs0sozA9Qvqpt_NnkesaPSltwTsWLN2KmJklrRjkbIM6uI3V75JCVeij7OAq43KrgQw6KLMG-Ks9u-Dwnb-46242CKHbcQSg/s640/blogger-image-1476629496.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final product!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you follow THM, this is on plan but a crossover since the dough (which was fermented for 5 days) and apple are <i>E</i> and the bacon and brie are <i>S</i>. Plus the onion (E) is cooked in oil (S). Regardless, it was tasty AND on plan!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Linking up with Skip to My Lou.</span></div>
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img alt="Skip To My Lou" src="http://rsc.skiptomylou.org/buttons/new_button.jpg" height="150" width="150" /></a>Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-66025535339085499782015-01-11T19:17:00.000-05:002015-01-11T19:17:13.546-05:00St. Augustine in 2015<div>
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Last year we decided to intentionally spend time visiting and getting to know St. Augustine better. It was so much fun that we decided to do it again this year!</div>
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We kicked off the first visit of the year with a trip to an art exhibit at the Visitor's Center. This exhibit was titled <i><a href="http://staugustine-450.com/firstcity/" target="_blank">The First City Through the Eyes of Masters</a> </i>and is part of the 450th Commemoration of St. Augustine. It featured works from Florida painters of the 19th and early 20th centuries who wintered at Henry Flagler's Ponce de Leon Hotel (now Flagler College). These artists painted landmarks in St. Augustine, from the Castillo de San Marcos, to the city gates, to the slave market, to various buildings around town and would sell them to tourists, much like the galleries around town do today.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn4lhk-e0rPfRQPEE__8c2EYGzKiW11GZmNXNCmqrlOKoD0egXKDs-Y6BysfEog7jqBxL6msZ00eyMc1Cvw7Sg2mX7UpOduEY0XkUx_yCPGY3Fc5nJHcwXIEe8LF5Ets_cNEVhHWrmg/s640/blogger-image--726066585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn4lhk-e0rPfRQPEE__8c2EYGzKiW11GZmNXNCmqrlOKoD0egXKDs-Y6BysfEog7jqBxL6msZ00eyMc1Cvw7Sg2mX7UpOduEY0XkUx_yCPGY3Fc5nJHcwXIEe8LF5Ets_cNEVhHWrmg/s640/blogger-image--726066585.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Visitor's Center</td></tr>
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The exhibit had several of Frank Henry Shapleigh's works as well as William Staples Drown, Anthony Thieme and George Seavey and Michael's favorite, Arthur Vidal Deihl. All were part of a single collection belonging to Cici and Hyatt Brown who began collecting Florida artwork in 1997. The neat thing about this exhibit is they had photographs next to some of the paintings that show what the scene looks like presently. Check out <a href="http://staugustine-450.com/firstcity/" target="_blank">this link</a> for a sampling of the artwork.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfLU47sMkht7A6ur8bWw5TRHZTUYE1NX2mdqDjDOBdDayD1cfHExrh8u2ghyphenhyphenbRnwU-_DMrLtN8EbF85MaN-q_ivU3VfhRlI4pDcNNU2pZo3PQabjDEbch0uHTa83BRYkxiC4uu5bdWg/s640/blogger-image-1596915433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfLU47sMkht7A6ur8bWw5TRHZTUYE1NX2mdqDjDOBdDayD1cfHExrh8u2ghyphenhyphenbRnwU-_DMrLtN8EbF85MaN-q_ivU3VfhRlI4pDcNNU2pZo3PQabjDEbch0uHTa83BRYkxiC4uu5bdWg/s640/blogger-image-1596915433.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The artwork was behind those walls. Photography was NOT allowed and being the rule follower that I am, I didn't take any pictures of the artwork. Unlike <i>SOME</i> people! *cough*</td></tr>
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The exhibit also offered a walking tour where you could follow that map around town and see the current version of the historical paintings. But alas, the weather was not conducive to walking around town and gawk at buildings. However, despite the dreary weather, we did manage to walk to the <i><a href="http://www.barleyrepublicph.com/pubmenu.html" target="_blank">Barley Republic</a></i>, a pub on Spanish Street where we had a beer and a snack. The weather was much more conducive to this kind of activity!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzE0xJbp_6igy0H6Jov0wotbRSPJk2ZbfyVBcGg7cbb5NE46k1aTYD7qVN0qozjEVcsGhWOsrTzLueN_hzbINvaDBidlUw-UGLl3SGjzOkV7U0KbwgmWW0ZEVjigFKnSwmbDB7SjKow/s640/blogger-image--1701574086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzE0xJbp_6igy0H6Jov0wotbRSPJk2ZbfyVBcGg7cbb5NE46k1aTYD7qVN0qozjEVcsGhWOsrTzLueN_hzbINvaDBidlUw-UGLl3SGjzOkV7U0KbwgmWW0ZEVjigFKnSwmbDB7SjKow/s640/blogger-image--1701574086.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine was a Kentucky Bourbon ale. Quite tasty! Michael had a cream ale that I didn't care for.</td></tr>
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After that respite, we headed back to the Castillo parking lot to retrieve our car. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelwtXfk57G1R1RXL4-rbXdL3dUUswOBUq2P6t0OcjVYTTrJl5nRGMNCHJFVX7Mk1fzyoTamtEn5af3nL4tMh9q8f_z1tdJK3l4tBScWBvs72P_cHgZJ1lP-ro6kaZAg5OzzepzhZ96A/s640/blogger-image-154078095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelwtXfk57G1R1RXL4-rbXdL3dUUswOBUq2P6t0OcjVYTTrJl5nRGMNCHJFVX7Mk1fzyoTamtEn5af3nL4tMh9q8f_z1tdJK3l4tBScWBvs72P_cHgZJ1lP-ro6kaZAg5OzzepzhZ96A/s640/blogger-image-154078095.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet, wet, WET!</td></tr>
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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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1dakpLQ-aeOCD8gn1_4iCGwmtAogzlmb5oUYYBL5IdvTdylWOOfzxGajP3hzXqwfrXfq5x1BqibNDlFuDqFzNYv9ca6xgiSXPdEUmAUL58JnKsd6T8oWOXOBStQ8j_C-bptvAOWdCA/s640/blogger-image--337769120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1dakpLQ-aeOCD8gn1_4iCGwmtAogzlmb5oUYYBL5IdvTdylWOOfzxGajP3hzXqwfrXfq5x1BqibNDlFuDqFzNYv9ca6xgiSXPdEUmAUL58JnKsd6T8oWOXOBStQ8j_C-bptvAOWdCA/s640/blogger-image--337769120.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But not terribly cold, thankfully!</td></tr>
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We decided to drive to the <a href="http://staugustinedistillery.com/" target="_blank">St. Augustine Distillery</a> and check it out. We had been to the Ice Plant before but the Distillery is relatively new. They make small batch whiskey, vodka, gin and rum (but they didn't have whiskey or rum yet. )<br /><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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hqHJTKFkX14DIszhftH-RMgb4lzL5916-nUob5qSN-u3LSQP0B52tLEfnfs8TxVIdU8WPGY4XYP99oAyllU8R84U7xrG3iYoqFa3C8r7hRt7KyowtF3ERGKBXQYqi5PliePAk2jx8Q/s640/blogger-image--188337678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hqHJTKFkX14DIszhftH-RMgb4lzL5916-nUob5qSN-u3LSQP0B52tLEfnfs8TxVIdU8WPGY4XYP99oAyllU8R84U7xrG3iYoqFa3C8r7hRt7KyowtF3ERGKBXQYqi5PliePAk2jx8Q/s640/blogger-image--188337678.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We'll be Bahk!</td></tr>
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We were too late for the tour so we walked around the static display and the gift shop but will need to come back in the summer when the rum is available. (My husband is secretly a pirate!)Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-34050594885433588622015-01-09T08:56:00.000-05:002015-01-09T08:57:49.219-05:00Style Me Bloggers: From my closet...Something old, something new, something borrowed, something in a shade of blue...<br />
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Lest you think that one of my children is getting married, let me be quick to assure you that is NOT what this post is about!<br />
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It's the topic for this week's Style Me Bloggers' post!
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I put together an outfit that incorporated these elements. First up, *something old*. That was going to be easy since I have plenty of *old* things in my closet. Since Florida is seeing low temps, I decided on a pair of green J. Crew cords I have. I picked these up years ago at our church's garage sale. They were in a smallish size but H<i>ey, J. Crew, and I *am* on a diet...</i> Thankfully, <a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.com/2013/08/trim-healthy-mama-it-works.html" target="_blank">since THM</a>, I have been able to fit into these pants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY6lw5qjIEWXVdGUShEzhZ9fZD7p8g7TIGGp6WhSSIOvUvuwd8iaEkW3zybanRdMmz-DrnVEXp2tFP5SgNirg6dq8p-uuAgDykqkihexQQn6ZwRCVax8czUqjqCyqZ7P8kAVLsnVpGA/s1600/IMG_9038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY6lw5qjIEWXVdGUShEzhZ9fZD7p8g7TIGGp6WhSSIOvUvuwd8iaEkW3zybanRdMmz-DrnVEXp2tFP5SgNirg6dq8p-uuAgDykqkihexQQn6ZwRCVax8czUqjqCyqZ7P8kAVLsnVpGA/s1600/IMG_9038.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Again, since it's cold, I knew I would want to throw on a layering cami for warmth. This was a hand-me-down so another old thing.<br />
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Now for the *borrowed* and the *something in a shade of blue* (knock two birds out with one stone)... I wanted to pair the pants with a navy sweater but I had worn my cable knit blue sweater the day before and my cropped Gap one looked funny with so much cami sticking out. I asked my son if he had a navy sweater I could borrow and he had a comfy cotton J. Crew one! It just so happens that he wears a small in men's and it fit me perfectly. Then I asked my daughter if she had a scarf I could borrow and she gave me two to pick from. I selected the floral one to lighten my overall look (navy and green can be pretty dark.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlCobf4kS4oWcEx1LrWNU0B_S6dXJHf6j_YJu6thjA4g4xu3MVwJiiYGRViYS7XKP660pbHlE5ZHfyhVi4Rh84YnZgRGwNjKPz7_jxDi4g3Dcrbw86jwDwYu2TwtsAhvUVy9mGM7FaA/s1600/IMG_9034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlCobf4kS4oWcEx1LrWNU0B_S6dXJHf6j_YJu6thjA4g4xu3MVwJiiYGRViYS7XKP660pbHlE5ZHfyhVi4Rh84YnZgRGwNjKPz7_jxDi4g3Dcrbw86jwDwYu2TwtsAhvUVy9mGM7FaA/s1600/IMG_9034.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
And finally for the *something new*... I paired this outfit with my brand-new-never-been-worn Gap white puffer vest. I had been looking for a white puffer since the <a href="http://getyourprettyon.com/style-me-pretty-challenge-fall-2014/?ref=102" target="_blank">GYPO Fall Challenge</a> but couldn't find one I liked that was in my price range. After Christmas, I had some returns to make at the St. Augustine Outlet Mall and went into the Gap. Found one there for $18!! I had seen it there before for $35 but didn't want to spend that much. (It was originally $60!) Score!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFWVTtbmzrvEOH62dC2MOuLmubnFZxsLmuUc3AayQq4lg4dCrNpF7ZPKUep7lQg-ySFMybZcqQvyZp-KdnFmwGyeiagXzgp8zHsC_Zzi1ZpJd5RvrE8kzFecdpdiM3KOifZJBtH9fHQ/s1600/IMG_9032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFWVTtbmzrvEOH62dC2MOuLmubnFZxsLmuUc3AayQq4lg4dCrNpF7ZPKUep7lQg-ySFMybZcqQvyZp-KdnFmwGyeiagXzgp8zHsC_Zzi1ZpJd5RvrE8kzFecdpdiM3KOifZJBtH9fHQ/s1600/IMG_9032.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Also new (this season) are my Old Navy booties. I used to not be a bit boot fan. At. all. Now I own 4 pair: two tall and two short. I bought these for the Style Me Pretty Fall Challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a7-1lZRzUHqZ0GPziYVNUzCsyfSIVn6B55HamWjnPmrB86gNsRGupmJIayADdVYhFMmswles_uoC4cVMfyWpWy1saMg9my5pTG_bnDivtkCiZU6dhVwdichgaaVZ0zOGUKy21giVnQ/s1600/IMG_9039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a7-1lZRzUHqZ0GPziYVNUzCsyfSIVn6B55HamWjnPmrB86gNsRGupmJIayADdVYhFMmswles_uoC4cVMfyWpWy1saMg9my5pTG_bnDivtkCiZU6dhVwdichgaaVZ0zOGUKy21giVnQ/s1600/IMG_9039.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
So there you have it! My outfit from my closet incorporating new, old, borrowed and blue items.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci69j5KYO7wG04BYQ7Id4gK_d3-_Xr97D0QUB4HZhBHNFY8ZkUVXb2jr_gCcHsqzHqKWBl9312SlKLvXbfqnz6XNUach0K_IM55d5KcpGhfY_LssMkuYNoNNRK27_2fZepiBF9kDQaw/s1600/IMG_9029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci69j5KYO7wG04BYQ7Id4gK_d3-_Xr97D0QUB4HZhBHNFY8ZkUVXb2jr_gCcHsqzHqKWBl9312SlKLvXbfqnz6XNUach0K_IM55d5KcpGhfY_LssMkuYNoNNRK27_2fZepiBF9kDQaw/s1600/IMG_9029.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Check out the links below to see how the other Style Me Bloggers interpreted this post!<br />
<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;"><img height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVKcUvKQ0gPV9SZqlaqtn1uolpPFtw6x8oU8FGsDUS53vBw56PtaMatFxqEQGWKHFZPtfaqPniNYnn-zxd1WbrvaxowekxlXpDa_-Wsx6DM-9VSlhDFqnVM0TYZCl9eVYwSMMHuEma9Hk/s1600/styleme+bloggers+1+linkup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.shoestoshiraz.com/">Shoes to Shiraz</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.twoteensandtheirmama.com/">Two Teens and their Mama</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://alovelylittlewardrobe.com/">A Lovely Little Wardrobe</a></span> |<span style="color: #672eff;"> <a href="http://rsquaredplusg.blogspot.ca/">R Squared </a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.confessionsofafrumpymommy.com/">Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://familyloveinspirationeducation.wordpress.com/">Family Love Inspiration Education</a></span> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.themishapsandmayhemofsolitarylife.blogspot.ca/">The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.theblondissima.com/">The Blondissima</a> </span>| <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://positivelylearning.blogspot.ca/">Positively Learning</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://quiltyjoyjoy.com/">Quilty Joy Joy</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Cardo; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.dailystylefinds.com/">Daily Style Finds</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://sheilaspotpourri.blogspot.ca/">Sheila's Potpourri</a></span> | <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.puppiesandpretties.com/">Puppies and Pretties </a></span>| <span style="color: #672eff;"><a href="http://www.shethoughtshecould.com/">She thought She Could</a> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://foxysdomesticside.blogspot.ca/"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #672eff; font-size: small;">Foxy's Domestic Side</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> | </span><span style="color: #672eff; font-size: small;"><a href="http://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/">Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> | <a href="http://sprinkledjustright.blogspot.ca/">Sprinkled Just Right</a></span></div>
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Are you familiar with <a href="https://www.aldi.us/" target="_blank">Aldi</a>? We just recently got one in St. Augustine, about 40 minutes from where I live. About a month ago, several girlfriends, my mom and I decided to go on a field trip to check it out.</div>
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Aldi pride themselves as being different than other stores. If you've never been to Europe then it might feel weird, but I just felt like I was shopping in an Italian supermarket.</div>
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One thing that is different is that you pay to use a shopping cart. You put a quarter in the cart and then when you return it, you get your quarter back. That means that store workers don't have to go around the parking lot gathering up carts. Because if you're lazy and abandon your cart (and your quarter), you can bet your coin purse that there'll be <i>someone</i> who will return it and make a quarter! (*cough* <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">mom</span></i>)</div>
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Another thing you'll notice, when you check out, they only accept cash and debit cards. No credit. And no bags. You either bring your own or you can purchase a reusable bag.</div>
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While you're shopping you'll see items that look vaguely familiar but they won't be your conventional brands like Nabisco and Kelloggs. The packaging is <i>identical</i> except for the name. (I bought <i>Peak Bars</i> rather than <i>Cliff Bars.</i>) And you'll also be able to get in and out quickly because the store size is significantly smaller. Rather than stocking 30,000 items, they only carry about 1,400 of the most popular products.</div>
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On my trip, they had some seasonal items so I bought a nice 4-pack of mustards imported from France. Unfortunately when I got home I found one of the jars had broken. So it then became a trio.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trio: the one that got away was basil mustard</td></tr>
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When cooking dinner the other night, I decided to use one to make a mustard vinaigrette. Since I had just purchased raspberries and wanted to add them to my salad, I decided to try the Black Currant Mustard. Success! </div>
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It was super simple. First I took a teaspoonful of mustard...</div>
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Then I added champagne vinegar (but any wine vinegar would do) and extra virgin olive oil. Added a couple of pinches of kosher salt, gave it a good whirl and BAM! Deliciousness! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So yummy!</td></tr>
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A perfect accompaniment to a salad of greens, feta, pecans and raspberries.</div>
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Try it! Fresh ingredients, no preservatives, super fast. Why wouldn't you? I'll try the same thing with the other mustards I got too: honey mustard and tomato and olive mustard. Don't those sound like they'll make lovely vinaigrettes?</div>
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Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-47902238856029704192015-01-07T14:08:00.001-05:002015-01-07T14:08:44.323-05:00 Lemon Chicken Piccata<div style="text-align: justify;">
When your Meyer lemon tree provides you with lots of lemons, how is a gal to use them all up? The first thing that came to mind was <i>Lemon Chicken.</i> So I jumped on the trusty ol' Pinterest and did a quick search. Yup. LOTS of ideas came up! As I scanned the recipes, I wanted something that was not complicated and that did not have a lot of ingredients. Bingo. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/184647653441700844/" target="_blank">Found it</a>! <span style="text-align: center;">But I also wanted it to be "</span><a href="http://www.trimhealthymama.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">on plan</a><span style="text-align: center;">" so I had to make a few adjustments to make it so. First of all, I eliminated the flour. I could have subbed some other on-plan flour but I just didn't want to. I pan fried the chicken cutlets (I made 8) in a tablespoon of butter. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooked them in batches of 3</td></tr>
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Then once they were all cooked (but not necessarily cooked through), I removed them from the pan and added a sliced shallot and let that brown up a bit. Then I deglazed the pan with some chardonnay (about 1/2 cup I reckon...I eyeballed it). Added in the juice of one Meyer lemon and then added the chicken back in, sprinkled it with salt, added a tad more wine and placed the lid on top. Simmered it about 15 minutes so that the insides were cooked through. [Side note: I love my Le Creuset pan that my dad found at a thrift store for $5.]</div>
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I served the chicken with zucchini fries and a salad dressed with black currant mustard vinaigrette. Tomorrow I'll share that quick and easy recipe with you!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils6zTj0CzIAr8w3q63YhcpMGta2BY0dTz4VYeG5izPB6l75xk2tSmneyIWhWQ6YqGj1bXsUNSJXSUx1P-YkuhCx5WKOoZHZNQ4nSW-uQI3DYsCxSeOmwWu_m7P2NJJFAJWfwGByInhw/s640/blogger-image-899698086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils6zTj0CzIAr8w3q63YhcpMGta2BY0dTz4VYeG5izPB6l75xk2tSmneyIWhWQ6YqGj1bXsUNSJXSUx1P-YkuhCx5WKOoZHZNQ4nSW-uQI3DYsCxSeOmwWu_m7P2NJJFAJWfwGByInhw/s640/blogger-image-899698086.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buon appetito!</td></tr>
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One of my favorite sayings: "I love cooking with wine! Sometimes I even add it to the food!" certainly applies here. Salute!Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-82717141995937898322015-01-02T06:00:00.000-05:002015-01-03T17:28:30.324-05:00Time to plan<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Now that the new year is upon us, it's time to tackle the year's to do list - that's how I like to think of New Year's Resolutions - and as usual, I like to begin with taking a look at how last year went. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Physical</i></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Run the Disney half marathon and PR at the Gate RR. </b> I did complete the Disney half but I was way off my goal of 2:17. We ended up being in the very last corral so we had to pass everyone! However, I ran the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon last weekend and did it in 2:17 so I guess my goal to run a half in 2:17 was achieved. I did <b>not</b> PR at the Gate RR. After weeks of getting up early to do speedwork at the track I was more than disappointed that my time had not significantly dropped and consequently I dropped out of doing speedwork at the track. If I'm going to be slow, so be it. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Run a 5K in sub 30 mins.</b> Since I had been trying to get faster, I wanted to see what I could do in a short race. Completely forgot/missed this. I didn't run a 5K race but I did run 3.1 miles in under 30 mins. I guess I'll need to make it official though.<br /><b>Strength train. </b>I have kept it up at the Y but I never did try either Ballet Beautiful or T-Tapp. I just prefer going to the Y. I tried a Body Pump class this summer, but going into the fall the time (mid-morning) was inconvenient for me with homeschooling. So it's back to early mornings on Tues and Thurs.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Get to 25% body fat. </b>Since finding <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trim-Healthy-Mama-Pearl-Barrett/dp/0988775115/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374321141&sr=1-1&keywords=trim+healthy+mama">Trim, Healthy Mama</a></i> I reached a weight I hadn't seen in more than two decades. However, travel in the spring and even more so, the summer, derailed my hard work. Although I am not back to where I was, I am no longer at where I was either. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Climb Mt. LeConte (again). </b>When I tried to make reservations, the lodge was booked for the year. So I added the date to my calendar for when they open reservations for the following year and made reservations for then. Our climb will be next June. Michael and I climbed this third highest peak in the Smokey Mountains before we had kids. This time we will do it <i>with</i> kids. The cool thing about this hike is that there's a lodge at the top that you spend the night in. This time I know to bring an extra blanket. We made reservations for 10 so we will be bringing a few extras with us!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><i>Spiritual/Ministry</i><br /><b>Read through the Jewish NT with commentary. </b> This didn't happen. At all.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Read 4 Spiritual Books</b>. Although I didn't read the 4 books I had set out to read (okay I read one: <i>Bread and Wine</i>), I did read! I completed 3 <i>Busy Moms' Bible Studies</i> (very good stuff!), reread Philip Keller's <i>Lessons From a Sheepdog</i> (so *SO* good!) and completed then immediately started over again <i>Experiencing God</i> as well as completing several YouVersion devotionals.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Meet with married couples. </b> We did meet with several couples and also co-taught another marriage retreat in October. This is definitely an area we are passionate about and a ministry we can do together!<br /><b>Meet with my mentor. </b>We have been consistently meeting. Love our times together! I am </span>also <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">mentoring someone.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I'm telling ya, everyone needs a Paul, a Barnabas and a Timothy!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Lead a Women's Tea. </b>I did do this in the spring and then organized a fall retreat. And now I'm ready for a break.<br /><br /><i>Mental/Personal</i><br /><b>Blog.</b> I did make some improvements in this area. However, I still fell short of two posts per month until the latter part of the year when it picked up due to the <a href="http://getyourprettyon.com/style-me-pretty-challenges/" target="_blank">Style Me Challenges</a> I joined.<br /><b>Photography.</b> I did take the class with Annie and I learned a lot. And then I didn't put what I learned into practice. So it's slowly slipping away. Annie is just so much better at it than I am. She has an artistic eye that I lack. I'll have her be my photographer.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>St. Augustine in 2014. </b>This came about because we like to go to St. Augustine at Christmas and see the lights. With that in mind we made it a goal to have monthly visits to the oldest city, exploring sites and restaurants. We mostly hit that goal, minus June and maybe July since we were traveling.<br /><b>Scripture memory with Timothy and Annie.</b> Doing a little better this school year. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Go to Italy. </b>We did it! Saw lots of places, ate way too much yummy food, visited with family and had a blast.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Although I no longer worked as a Sonlight Advisor, I did work for BookShark, Sonlight's sister company and will continue to do so this year. That came as a bit of a surprise. It was a reminder that the Lord takes care of us, which leads me to t</span>he biggest goal of all and that was and continues to be...</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Follow God's lead. </b>The Lord places something in my life that I cannot foresee or plan for. I will follow where he leads and drop any of my plans that are not of Him. Last year was my "year of saying Yes to Him." </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And now for my <b>goals for 2015</b>:</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Physical</i></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Run a half marathon </b>Since I need something to train for as motivation for running, I signed up for the Zooma Half Marathon in Fernandina. It's in just a few weeks. And since I did complete a half marathon in 2:17, my new goal is to beat that time even if it's only by a minute. I will <b>not</b> run the Gate RR this year due to a homeschooling convention. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Run a 5K in sub 30 mins.</b> Since I completely forgot about this goal and therefore missed it, I will keep it on my to do list for this year. <br /><b>Strength train. </b>I will simply keep on keeping on in this area. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Get back to goal weight. </b>Using the <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trim-Healthy-Mama-Pearl-Barrett/dp/0988775115/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374321141&sr=1-1&keywords=trim+healthy+mama">Trim, Healthy Mama</a></i> lifestyle, I will resume eating right and getting back to the weight I had reached. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Climb Mt. LeConte (again). </b>Now that the reservations have been made, we will be able to check this one off the list too. I'm looking forward to some nice mountain hikes this summer! It will be interesting to see who the 10 people will end up being!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><i>Spiritual/Ministry</i><br /><b>Read 4 Spiritual Books</b>. Continuing with this annual goal, I have pinpointed 4 books to read this year. The first one is to continue rereading <i>Experiencing God</i> by Henry Blackaby but this time I'm reading it with a friend. Since I enjoyed Philip Keller's <i>Lessons From a Sheepdog</i> so much I purchased an anthology of his selected works. And I'll give <i>The Holy Wild </i>and <i>God is Able</i> another try. I will also start Rick Warren's YouVersion devotional again. This will be my third time reading though it. Can you tell I like it?</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Marriage ministry. </b> We aren't exactly sure what this will look like this year (another retreat? something else?) but since this is an area we are passionate about we will pursue doing this ministry together!<br /><b>Mentoring. </b>I plan to continue meeting with my mentor and being a mentor to a friend. I so love our times together! I can't stop saying it: </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">everyone needs a Paul, a Barnabas and a Timothy!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><i>Mental/Personal</i><br /><b>Blog.</b> I monetized my blog at the end of 2014 and I paired up with some other Style Me Challengers who formed the Style Me Bloggers. We decided to keep blogging together in 2015. I really enjoy doing this with this group of ladies. Plus I really need/value the accountability this group provides. I am attending a blogging lunch in a few days and I hope to learn some good tips and tricks.<br /><b>St. Augustine in 2015. </b>We had so much fun visiting St. Augustine in 2014 that we will continue exploring this town in 2015. I will try to blog about our visits. </span></div>
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<b>Focus on the Home. </b>We have started slowly working on the house, beginning with adding on a bedroom, then remodeling the master bath and then the hall bath and finally doing some work in the living room. I haven't blogged much about these changes but I plan to go back and get caught up as well as move forward with some new projects. I am finally getting to the point where I like my house!<br />
<b>Bedder Covers. </b>And saving the best for last, Michael has invented and patented an idea that we will pursue making a reality this year. If you live in Jacksonville, plan on seeing what it is at One Spark this April! </div>
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Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-50528817728403807622015-01-01T15:51:00.002-05:002015-01-02T08:39:58.592-05:00Happy New Year!After weeks of frantic activity, Christmas, quickly followed by New Year's, finally came!<br>
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I was supposed to do a home tour post last week but I just didn't find the time to sit down at the keyboard and do it! </div>
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So here's a quick tour of our home, all decorated for Christmas (before it all comes down)!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our live tree</td></tr>
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Our tree is always live. This year we did not add all the ornaments we own. I went with a simpler selection. We have quite a few because the kids get one every year from their aunts and uncles. When they move out, they'll take them with them and then our tree will feel bare!<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nativity</td></tr>
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Next to our tree is our manger scene We bought this one years ago at a craft fair in Hickory, NC when the kids were young. I liked the rusticness of the simple wooden shapes. Plus I liked that the kids could play with the figures without fear of breaking them. Although we are not Jewish, we have a menorrah. Jesus was Jewish and we are into our Jewish heritage because of Him!<br>
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Our buffet in the dining room is all dressed up for the holiday with an advent wreath and apothecary jars. I had been wanting these kind of jars for a while and finally found some that I really liked and could afford at Beall's Outlet this summer. I've been having fun decorating for the seasons with them.<br>
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I filled one with red and white ornaments, pinecones and pieces of fresh Christmas tree. The other one has small red and silver balls, peppermints, mini pinecones and fresh Christmas tree branches.<br>
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And, finally, here's our mantel. The stockings for the kids were made by my mother. Mine was too, actually, when I was little! Michael's is the one he had as a child. That's why it's different than the others.</div>
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I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus! And here's to a healthy new year!</div>
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Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-22148640567366725372014-12-30T16:29:00.002-05:002014-12-30T16:29:28.400-05:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9021503/?claim=2u7rbeskh63">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Sheila DelCharcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05941618803432840875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077672223188814050.post-77648602741502598532014-12-18T09:33:00.001-05:002014-12-18T09:33:28.657-05:00Style Me Bloggers Christmas gift exchange!<div>
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Some of the Style Me Bloggers had the fun idea of having an Elfster gift exchange. If you are not familiar with <a href="http://www.elfster.com/home/" target="_blank">Elfster</a>, it's like Secret Santa. I was assigned a person to buy a gift for and I had someone assigned to buy me a gift. The idea was to buy a gift that represented our region. My gifter was Deena of <a href="http://www.shoestoshiraz.com/" target="_blank">Shoes to Shiraz</a>. Deena is from Canada! I was so excited to get a gift from another country! I was out of town when the package arrived so my husband texted me a picture of it. When I got home it was waiting for me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited!</td></tr>
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It was pretty heavy and I couldn't imagine what could be in it. Tore into it and found the coolest stuff!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet treats!</td></tr>
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I was so surprised to find *four* containers filled with berry flavored yumminess, a note, and a printout explaining what kind of berries they were. </div>
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So far I've only had the jam. Oh. My!! It is so good! I've had it on toast and I've swirled a little teaspoonful in my Greek Yogurt. It is sooo good! Next I will try the salad dressing, and durning the twelve days of Christmas (when I have a little time!) I'll make pancakes and we will try the two syrups!<br />
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I confess that I was a little confused how to find "something representative of my region" for a gift when we are fashion bloggers! I had figured that since we are <i>Style Me Bloggers</i> the gift would reflect that and be some sort of fashion item! So that's why I was a bit surprised when I opened Deena's gift and found food! I then thought of all the possibilities I could have done to represent Florida. But, alas, I had gone with fashion instead of food for my gift. Sure hope my recipient likes what I got and can use it. She's from Canada too!</div>
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It's been so much fun getting to know (virtually) a group of ladies through the <a href="http://getyourprettyon.com/style-me-pretty-challenges/" target="_blank">Style Me Challenges</a>, and even more through blogging about it. I have wanted to blog more but something always seems to come up and I just don't do it. Participating in the Style Me Bloggers link up has <strike>forced</strike> motivated me to blog more. A rousing thank you goes to Alison, the lady behind these fashion challenges. I am participating in my third challenge and am still learning and having fun! You *can* teach an old dog new tricks!</div>
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Be sure to check out what the other bloggers received through their Elfter giver below!</div>
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