Raising Baitys | A Blog About Life in the Baity Family: {nature}

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Plant It For The Planet

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Earth Day, first observed in 1970, takes place on April 22 of each year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 22 million people across the nation joined forces that first Earth Day to advocate for better stewardship of natural resources. The EPA, along with the Clean Water and Clean Air acts, trace their roots to that day.</div>
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Over the decades, the event has evolved into a global celebration of nature, with people across the world discussing ways to “go green” and highlighting the continued need to improve environmental protections. April is now even commonly dubbed “Earth Month,” giving this important topic a full 30-days of attention.</div>
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There is another green, and related, holiday tucked into this month: National Arbor Day, the fourth Friday of April. It is meant to encourage the planting of and caring for trees. On the first Arbor Day, which took place in Nebraska in 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. By 1920 every state in the country officially recognized the holiday.</div>
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Maybe you try to be green all year round, or maybe these April occasions serve as an “Oh, I meant to do that,” reminder. Either way, the reality is while it can be challenging to maintain a green lifestyle, it is ok to begin by doing small tasks on a daily basis. Given enough time, eventually these small tasks build into a routine that becomes natural and expands into new eco-friendly activities.</div>
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I am constantly trying to create activities and crafts for my family that have a low impact on the earth, repurposing found objects, connecting with the outdoors, cooking from whole foods. I then share these projects on my blog, Green Owl Crafts (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/greenowlcrafts.com">greenowlcrafts.com</a>), using lots of pictures and detailed instructions so anybody can give them a try.</div>
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We are not the ‘greenest’ family, but we do things everyday that help reduce our carbon footprint: recycling, being conscious of energy and water use and reusing as many things as possible. No matter where you fall on that scale, you can let Earth Month inspire you to make small changes in your everyday life, and even in your community, that have a positive impact on the world around you.</div>
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Try to be even just a little greener this April. Or, even better, make every day Earth Day! Here are some ideas to get you started.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiGeZBeM1ZB9XMkM4jhu9pS7M2Vy_Zh_yQL9qjhoilCwkW6mA3TgKs8TQ6o4fm-sdI2mD2skiRqLmBMQylSyBtU1kM1OUxt8hibKVOdiWlKbp9RYRedUfSv-fjDbkK2_3-jgp4hFciFrRVjLSo6V6H7O_daW7KuAwcINeVa9qaxTgrHGxbDul0ZeVlhg0EDHg=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Earth Day" border="0" class=" wp-image-27902 alignleft" height="480" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Earth-Day-800x600.jpg" width="640" /></a><strong>Plant a Tree</strong>
Planting a tree is a great way to celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day. It’s more than just beautifying an area. Trees are beneficial to the environment in numerous ways. They help produce oxygen and filter out pollutants to clean the air. In addition, trees help prevent erosion and preserve water levels in the soil. If you have the space, add a tree to your yard. Or visit <a href="https://www.blogger.com/arborday.org/celebrate">arborday.org/celebrate</a> for nearby tree planting events.</div>
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For your home, fruit and shade trees are a good choice. In the first instance, there’s the bonus of enjoying fruit eventually, and as a result providing food for the family, neighbors and friends. Shade trees planted in the right location can help keep a home cool and reduce energy costs.</div>
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<strong>Start a Garden</strong>
A garden doesn’t have to be a complex undertaking and it is a great way for families to spend time together. A vegetable garden enables you to enjoy foods that are grown from your own two hands, cutting out the middleman and reducing the carbon footprint made by delivery trucks and trips to grocery stores. Even people who live in apartments can start a small garden on their patios using recycled barrels, containers or window boxes. For those with no outdoor space, many herbs can be grown indoors as well.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pwlphotos.com/april201" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Milk jugs can be repurposed as seed starting trays, teaching children about both recycling and gardening." class=" wp-image-27716" height="427" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/PWLiving-April-2015-Jug-Planters.jpg" width="640" /></a><strong>Project: Seed-Starting Trays</strong>
Teach children that garbage does not simply disappear by finding ways to reuse packaging such as plastic milk jugs. By repurposing these, we can reduce waste, create useful items and save money. All while spending quality time with the kids. This project allows you to enhance your green thumb by reusing items destined for your recycling bin.</div>
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<strong>Materials</strong>:
Milk Jugs or 2-Liter Bottles (rinsed well)
Utility Knife
Scissors
Potting Soil
Seeds</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"> For a perfect seed-starting flat, use the bottom portion of a milk jug.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> Begin by washing the container to remove milk residue.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Next, measure three inches up from the bottom; then carefully cut off the bottom portion with a utility knife.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Take the bottom portion and poke 3-4 drainage holes by cutting small slits.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Children can fill the jug bottom with soil and plant the seeds according to the package.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Place the seed starting tray on top of another jug bottom, without drainage holes, to capture water runoff.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">After planting, water seeds well and put them in a sunny area. To keep moisture in, simply set the top of the jug back over the planted seeds, creating a terrarium.</li>
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<em>Amanda Causey Baity, Prince William </em><em>Living’s marketing director and photo </em><em>editor, lives in Montclair with her family. </em><em>She also blogs about thrifty family </em><em>activities and recipes on her blog </em><em><a href="https://www.blogger.com/GreenOwlCrafts.com">GreenOwlCrafts.com</a>. She can be reached </em><em>at acausey@princewilliamliving.com.</em></div>
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<em>Published in the April issue of <a href="http://princewilliamliving.com/2015/03/plant-planet/">Prince William Living</a></em></div>

Plant It For The Planet

Earth Day, first observed in 1970, takes place on April 22 of each year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 22 milli...

DIY Marshmallow Roasting Sticks and Mason Jar Solar Light

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Unplug and head outside. That’s the idea behind the National Wildlife Federation’s popular, nationwide Great American Backyard Campout.™ In conjunction with Great Outdoors Month, this annual June family event encourages people of all ages to camp in their backyards, neighborhoods, parks and campgrounds, as a way to reconnect with nature.</div>
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This year’s event is Saturday, June 28. “Kids need to experience camping, especially in their youth when the wonders of the outdoors can influence their future love for nature and wildlife,” said Maureen Smith, chief marketing officer for the National Wildlife Federation®, America’s largest conservation organization. National Wildlife Federation programs educate and inspire Americans to protect wildlife and its habitat for our children’s future.</div>
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There are a lot of benefits to taking your kids camping. “In addition to developing a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and the wildlife around them, through camping in their backyard or at a local park, being in nature helps to burn off energy, stay fit and be mentally focused for school, homework and all activities in their busy day,” Smith said.</div>
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For its Great American Backyard Campout, the National Wildlife Federation provides nearly everything you need to head out into the great outdoors. The event website(www.backyardcampout.org) has packing lists, recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, exploration activities, nature games and more.</div>
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Now in its 10th year, the event is part of the organization’s 10 Million Kids Outdoors campaign, a three-year initiative to get kids outside regularly, connecting to nature. According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), which supports the National Wildlife Federation campaign, increasingly fewer American children are playing outside, from 75 percent a generation ago to only 25 percent today. The goal of the federation’s initiative is “creating a generation of happier and healthier children with more awareness and connection to the natural world,” according to the NRPA (www.nrpa.org).</div>
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The National Wildlife Federation has worked to connect youth with nature for decades, inspiring children through its Ranger Rick and Ranger Rick Jr. magazines, working with educators to get kids learning outdoors and helping parents find new ways to engage their children outside.</div>
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For the past two years, my son and I have participated in the National Wildlife Federation’s camping event. Prior to moving to Prince William, we lived in a small town in rural Alabama. So camping in our backyard was very much like being in the middle of the woods. Instead of just throwing up a tent and heading to the backyard, I like to try to make things as exciting as possible. We work on crafts the week before and get our grocery list for the things we will want to cook on our campfire.</div>
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Of course, no campout can be complete without making s’mores. Here are simple steps to creating your own custom marshmallow roasters. I spent a total of $3 in supplies for this affordable craft, and kids will love being able to use their creativity to design their own.</div>
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<span style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Materials</span></div>
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<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Long round wooden dowel 1 inch in diameter</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Sandpaper</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Metal skewers</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Industrial-strength glue</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Paint</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Sponge brushes</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Clear wood sealer spray paint</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Twine, buttons, scrapbook papers and other supplies to decorate (optional)</li>
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<span style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Directions</span></div>
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<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Cut the wooden dowel into about 6-inch lengths. Drill a hole in the bottom for skewers and, if making a string handle, also through the top for the twine or yarn. Sand the edges.</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Decorate your dowels as desired and allow them to dry. Use clear wood sealer spray paint to coat the dowels and let that dry completely.</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Clip the end of your metal skewers and add adhesive to the end. Insert the skewer into the bottom of your dowel.</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Add your twine for the handle along with any buttons or other decor items you want to use.</li>
<li style="border: 0px none; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> Before roasting food, burn the end of the metal stick in the fire for a few minutes to burn off any residue.</li>
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Also, lighting is always important when camping. You can create this Mason jar solar lantern with a basic Mason jar and a $1 solar light. Uncap the solar light from its stand. Remove the inner portion of the jar lid and secure the solar light to the top. I used hot glue and twine on this one. Use some heavy wire to wrap around the edge of the jar and create your hanger. Your new lantern will now easily hang from inside your tent. You could also skip hanging it and just set it out on the ground or your camp table.</div>
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For more information about the National Wildlife Federation, visit <a href="http://www.nwf.org/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; border: 0px none; color: #aa1e38; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">www.nwf.org</a>. To learn more about its campout event, go to <a href="http://www.backyardcampout.org/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; border: 0px none; color: #aa1e38; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">www.backyardcampout.org</a>.</div>

DIY Marshmallow Roasting Sticks and Mason Jar Solar Light

Published in Prince William Living Unplug and head outside. That’s the idea behind the National Wildlife Federation’s popular, nationwide...

PUBLISHED in Lake Wedowee Life Magnetic Cork Mini Planters

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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Creative Crafting</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">by Amanda Causey</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://ow.ly/kLbI0" target="_blank"><b>Published in the May issue of Lake Wedowee Life magazine.</b></a></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">I
 have a huge collection of corks. People always seem to want to collect 
and save things to give to me so that I can turn them into something 
new. For the past couple of years I have been trying to decide what to 
do with them<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>aside from storing them in empty plastic pickle jugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>So, this is what I decided to try!</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">You will need an Exacto knife or sharp tool to carve the cork from the top. Mini magnets and hot glue are also needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Once you have a good depth for the cork<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>adhere your magnets and allow the hot glue to dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Use small plants that need little water (air plants or succulents or cacti<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>will work best) and insert them into your cork. Fill with dirt as needed to help secure the plant.</span></div>
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PUBLISHED in Lake Wedowee Life Magnetic Cork Mini Planters

Creative Crafting by Amanda Causey Published in the May issue of Lake Wedowee Life magazine. Magnetic Cork Mini Planters ...

Driftwood Decor

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAR9BBkq3ACg6kED3EYkQSwvype_Jqtaa6rhjxkGG5c71HwSDIchvL2v2tNVJrfcQCi-HGOhyphenhyphenb1BMPZrTbjI65QWs2fhw_Vp5CkVsGNajbpbULuaTfmbSaR9B2OVYBxPfyI40vDyffUJc/s1600/Driftwood+Mantle+Piece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAR9BBkq3ACg6kED3EYkQSwvype_Jqtaa6rhjxkGG5c71HwSDIchvL2v2tNVJrfcQCi-HGOhyphenhyphenb1BMPZrTbjI65QWs2fhw_Vp5CkVsGNajbpbULuaTfmbSaR9B2OVYBxPfyI40vDyffUJc/s640/Driftwood+Mantle+Piece.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: large; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Driftwood Mantle Piece & Photo Hanger</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Back before Christmas the ladies of </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"><a href="http://www.lakewedoweelife.com/" target="_blank">Lake Wedowee Life</a> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">(Leisel, Kelly and I) took a day trip to Scott’s Antique Market south of Atlanta where we met Dann Quinn from Chattanooga (see photo below) selling his one of a kind driftwood décor pieces. We talked to him for a good while about his pieces and told him a little about who we were and what we did. He then showed us how to make these mantle pieces we all liked. </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Beau and I collected driftwood all over Lake Wedowee. From Ketchepedrakee Creek all the way down to Fox Creek. Anywhere we saw a good collection along the lake bed we would pull over, slide on our rain boots, and gather pieces that were unique. We now have a huge collection on the front porch that I have no clue how to use.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Although my creation is nothing like Mr. Quinn’s (pictured below) it still looks pretty impressive in my entryway. For both crafts pictured I let the driftwood dry out, then I brushed it off with a broom or a small hand brush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I tossed around different ways I could make the driftwood from Lake Wedowee look a little less muddy, and in the end I used some grey paint watered down to give a white washed look. </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">For the hanging photo holder pictured on the right I drilled holes through each piece and ran twine in the holes. </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">For the mantle piece I selected the most interesting pieces I could find from our pile and started putting them together like a puzzle. I used a scrap piece of wood from another project for the base.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Using a jigsaw, I flattened the end of each piece, then used a drill to get a hole started through the base and the driftwood. Then I secured it with a screw. I painted the edges of the base with white to give it a finished look. Get creative with yours and send us some photos if you make one! </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"><a href="http://homepages.sover.net/~willow/" target="_blank"><b>To see handmade driftwood pieces by Dan Quinn please click here.</b></a></span></div>
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Driftwood Decor

Driftwood Mantle Piece & Photo Hanger Back before Christmas the ladies of Lake Wedowee Life (Leisel, Kelly and I) took a...

DIY River Rock photo holder

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Here is a quick craft (coming to you via mobile blog post).</div>
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I saw some cute river rock and floral wire photo holders the other day online. So I thought I'd make some to go with Mr. B's room since he likes to collect rocks. </div>
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Its a very simple craft so I won't have to explain but here are the results!<br />
photos via<a href="http://instagram.com/p/NHmBhxwvry/" target="_blank"> instagram</a>.</div>
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DIY River Rock photo holder

Here is a quick craft (coming to you via mobile blog post). I saw some cute river rock and floral wire photo holders the other day onli...

Published: Lake Wedowee Life Magazine: Birding Guide

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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-default-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-latin-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed";"></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-default-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-latin-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed";"><o:p>Guide To Lake Wedowee Birds</o:p></span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-default-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-latin-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed";"><o:p><a href="http://www.lakewedoweelife.com/" target="_blank">Published in Lake Wedowee Life Magazine</a></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-default-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-latin-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Tw Cen MT Condensed";"><o:p><a href="http://www.beaumondephotos.com/" target="_blank">Photos</a> & Story by Amanda Causey</o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">One of the few memories I have of my grandmother involve birds. She loved watching birds, feeding them, and hearing their songs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">She painted them on a number of mediums, and I always remember her having different feeders around her house. After her death our family continued her love of bird watching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Bird watching is something I enjoy doing and love sharing with others, so I was excited to be able to write this article and share my photographs that I have taken over the years. All of the birds that are featured in this article were photographed here in Randolph County and on Lake Wedowee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQODX8sumH3oa30CKdV5jezZUYe-7kidhH_J99eabr0fNpFeIKQa616v8LX0DUZMBWY_YTQQY1QHNFfwj_Slz8bTyOoHPwtSoyU6KeT6KbVLmOZHqNmnIVUcEXdCSt51TC5rBETsKV3Li/s1600/rose+breasted+grosbeak.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQODX8sumH3oa30CKdV5jezZUYe-7kidhH_J99eabr0fNpFeIKQa616v8LX0DUZMBWY_YTQQY1QHNFfwj_Slz8bTyOoHPwtSoyU6KeT6KbVLmOZHqNmnIVUcEXdCSt51TC5rBETsKV3Li/s640/rose+breasted+grosbeak.png" width="640" /></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Bird watching is an inexpensive, rewarding hobby and, next to gardening, the fastest growing hobby in America. With the increased interest in the eco-friendly movement, bird watching is a pastime that gets you in tune with nature and into the great outdoors. You don't even have to leave your home to enjoy birds. But, if your backyard does not have bird watching potential, we have three new additions to the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail right here in Randolph County. Local bird watching areas now include Fox Creek on Lake Wedowee, Kiwanis Park in Wedowee, and at Southern Union Community College in Wadley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-default-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-latin-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";">This photograph of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Bailey McKay Ph.D.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">I contacted Randolph County native Bailey McKay, Ph.D., to get some information about what types of birds to be on the lookout for in Randolph County. He got his passion for birding during class trips to Belize, Kenya, & Peru, to name a few. Bailey received his Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology at the University of Minnesota, his master's in Evolutionary Biology at Auburn University, and his bachelor’s degree in Biology at Samford University. He is currently doing post-doctorial studies in ornithology at the American Museum of National History in New York City where he is particularly interested in Asian birds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Dr. McKay said there are an overwhelming amount of species that are known to be prominent here, with four different types of groups. Residents, the birds that are here year round; Summer Migrants, birds that migrate here during the summer </span><span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">months from the </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">tropics; Winter Migrants, ducks and geese that migrate from the north during our winter months; and Migrants, those species that are just passing through, stopping to rest and feed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">A few of the species we talked about stuck out as the most interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>One bird you may notice in your yard is the Brown Headed Cowbird. It is in the blackbird family and has an unusual “song.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">The cowbird sounds like dropping water or a series of low gurgles. They are a parasitic species that lay their eggs in other bird’s nests. </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">“The Brown-headed Cowbird got its name because it followed buffalo around to pick insects off,” Bailey said. “They have done damage to some species of birds because of their parasitic nature.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Cowbird eggs hatch faster than other species eggs, giving cowbird nestlings a head start in getting food from the parents. Young cowbirds also develop at a faster pace than their nest mates, and they sometimes toss out eggs and young nestlings or smother them in the bottom of the nest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Several of the other species we discussed are pictured in this article. One that is not pictured is the American Bald Eagle. Numerous people have seen it but had not gotten a photographs. I went out searching for Lake Wedowee’s eagles but did not have any luck. Another bird that I did look for specifically for this article was the Great Horned Owl. The owl is my favorite bird and while I have seen many in the wild I have never<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>been able to capture one in a photograph until now. I set out on a mission and fortunately was able to capture this beautiful bird of prey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; letter-spacing: -0.2pt; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">If you are going to photograph</span><span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"> birds you do not need special camera equipment, just a little patience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">“Having open feeders is a good way to attract many different birds,” McKay said, “Get a good seed that they will eat. Sunflower seeds are the best for attracting area birds.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">“Alabama has a lot of natural, unique areas. If you want to get the most out of Alabama, get out there and bird watch.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set up your feeders and look for some of the birds photographed here. Follow “Tips from an expert” I have created with advice from Dr. McKay on bird watching. If you snap some great shots email them to us at </span><a href="mailto:news@lakewedowelife.com"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single;">news@lakewedowelife.com</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">, we would love to see them. We may use them in upcoming issues!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbigNeTen6mxH0PTkbLDh6SvADA3d3hyphenhyphenu3cYz-4DI_itmqsBffbkWdMjnenbl6pwd5r2hMPGFtSOkPoExS1jyL2uAQzOJkecamDxV8NXqqVKnyiPAbyrElAxkRpdtQhZYZujhvUqGKfuXn/s1600/belted+king+fisher+sketch+ma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbigNeTen6mxH0PTkbLDh6SvADA3d3hyphenhyphenu3cYz-4DI_itmqsBffbkWdMjnenbl6pwd5r2hMPGFtSOkPoExS1jyL2uAQzOJkecamDxV8NXqqVKnyiPAbyrElAxkRpdtQhZYZujhvUqGKfuXn/s640/belted+king+fisher+sketch+ma.jpg" width="538" /></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Here are some great tips from Dr. McKay on how to start bird watching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #212120; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.8pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">“Make sure you have a good pair of binoculars. In order to identify a bird accurately you will need to be able to see it up close.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #212120; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.8pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">“Get a good field guide. One that is hand drawn instead of having photographs is better. Artists can look at hundreds of photos of birds and create a sketch that is more accurate for the species” He suggested ‘The Sibley Guide to Birds of Northeastern American.’ “Getting a guide with your specific region will eliminate birds in other areas that you will never see.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Published: Lake Wedowee Life Magazine: Birding Guide

Guide To Lake Wedowee Birds Published in Lake Wedowee Life Magazine Photos & Story by Amanda Causey One of the few memories I hav...

last minute teacher appreciation gift

so i have been hella busy trying to get my house in order so i can start inviting guests over...needless to say i have 2 day jobs on top of being mom to one, aunt to 4, and master to one cute but sometimes annoying little pup. at the end of the week i wonder how the heck things went by so quickly. with that being said it shouldn't be surprising that i forgot to think of something to make for my son's awesome teacher & his super awesome bus driver (who is changing routes after 19 years....im terribly upset about this but i wish her the best! xoxox ms. gloria)<br />
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SOOOO...in this tiny little town there are not many options for shopping for something unique....i desperately tried to think of things i had at home that i could recreate into something amazing...sadly i realize...i have no clue where all my stuff is...between the 2 storage units that are a wreck and the office i am sitting in as i type...also a disaster...i start panicking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T1QB_bmroG6PDxmvYilVW_eAFhFlzFBUXLq-1xRdSC370r6IDrnFtavwMrCBaOhDhMwWkOZId4VM-w7wW-KrOLz2ugTt32sSPSlW5bJ5Z27Y3U9C1KPgxk4wD_-az1Re8cFMa_nH3kDr/s1600/candle+holder+garden+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T1QB_bmroG6PDxmvYilVW_eAFhFlzFBUXLq-1xRdSC370r6IDrnFtavwMrCBaOhDhMwWkOZId4VM-w7wW-KrOLz2ugTt32sSPSlW5bJ5Z27Y3U9C1KPgxk4wD_-az1Re8cFMa_nH3kDr/s640/candle+holder+garden+copy.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
luckily....i have my succulent garden started with donations from my mom & my awesome aunt j. so i decide to pass along some "family heirlooms" to 2 ladies who mean a lot! i search the aisle of B's $ store and find nada...next is the F $ and i find for a buck a piece some hanging candle voltives. light bulbs flash and i purchase them. i head to the house...clean them...paint them pastel pink...add my potting soil and a succulent and tah:dah! something they arent gonna get from anyone else!!! i add a few elements to dress them up. i hope they enjoy...last minute sometimes has better results than careful planning!<br />
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last minute teacher appreciation gift

so i have been hella busy trying to get my house in order so i can start inviting guests over...needless to say i have 2 day jobs on top of ...

Paper Butterfly Sepcimens { easy spring craft }

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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 16pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara;">Paper Butterfly Specimens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 93%; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.5pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara;">This work of art is a great craft for children to have fun with. Materials for this particular project are 8 x 17 canvas, colored cardstock, butterfly paper punch, and hot glue. Simply punch the butterflies, measure and match up before you glue. Score the cardstock down the center and hot glue along the seam. I lined mine up lightly with a pencil and erased the marks after the glue had set. This would also be cute with other insect designs!</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.5pt; language: en-US; line-height: 93%; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LZcbSf4bwMQ7_jBv5THkHLlpCzruvL2ZqgZkhaQVjh-sfYAYOKX_c5t1yB1yCogYm-9Nd9gAsZuNiA4dXumc8vttQh2ESqGcXXRa5LeUEi7oMbjfE1Xugj2c5Lh2sV-SzRIq6K5gXw-4/s1600/butterfly+specimen+wall+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LZcbSf4bwMQ7_jBv5THkHLlpCzruvL2ZqgZkhaQVjh-sfYAYOKX_c5t1yB1yCogYm-9Nd9gAsZuNiA4dXumc8vttQh2ESqGcXXRa5LeUEi7oMbjfE1Xugj2c5Lh2sV-SzRIq6K5gXw-4/s640/butterfly+specimen+wall+art.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
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Paper Butterfly Sepcimens { easy spring craft }

Paper Butterfly Specimens This work of art is a great craft for children to have fun with. Materials for this particular project are 8 ...

Holiday Wreath Alternative

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX18Rd0ogAPiWMe4tFRgXCFFUiHO7GUxThzrepnFyhkMP5W3BbHV1I_ZB8aBAVBd7IIAvyU9i8_aq6ha0mRpsgDgwNJgzuaQBsc020XtuR1uF8GuNQtX-XLhlessa8cv8b_1hEmVqwx2IM/s1600/IMG_3935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX18Rd0ogAPiWMe4tFRgXCFFUiHO7GUxThzrepnFyhkMP5W3BbHV1I_ZB8aBAVBd7IIAvyU9i8_aq6ha0mRpsgDgwNJgzuaQBsc020XtuR1uF8GuNQtX-XLhlessa8cv8b_1hEmVqwx2IM/s400/IMG_3935.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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Sometimes you want to try something different...so here is a great idea for your door. Instead of the traditional Christmas wreath, try this burlap sac with a live spruce sapling. After the holidays are over you can plant it in the yard. Buy your burlap sac or make your own like I did. </div>
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Holiday Wreath Alternative

Sometimes you want to try something different...so here is a great idea for your door. Instead of the traditional Christmas wreath, tr...

Creative Crafting { Southern Holiday Life }

Creative Crafting { Southern Holiday Life }

Here is my latest for Lake Wedowee Life Magazine's Southern Holiday Life special issue. Enjoy!

Creative Crafting {Spooky Crafts Edition}

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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is my latest for</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.lakewedoweelife.net/"><span style="font-size: large;">Lake Wedowee Life Magazine's</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> October issue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHhznXpWfPsCg7irFcohxAcS-O-k9nKW7eayMcd2NgaRwHsX4SPEC29vGLNerljfrS6UVmfvZdgnnrz7-I-yuNMeAt0Pg7eXU1t4STU6zR5mLe5hXvEumq8UvtWG9lw026X5hga15pmop/s1600/Creative+Crafting+Spooky+Crafts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHhznXpWfPsCg7irFcohxAcS-O-k9nKW7eayMcd2NgaRwHsX4SPEC29vGLNerljfrS6UVmfvZdgnnrz7-I-yuNMeAt0Pg7eXU1t4STU6zR5mLe5hXvEumq8UvtWG9lw026X5hga15pmop/s640/Creative+Crafting+Spooky+Crafts.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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Creative Crafting {Spooky Crafts Edition}

Here is my latest for Lake Wedowee Life Magazine's October issue. Enjoy!

{ printable freebie }

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">here are some free printables i made for your viewing pleasure</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8 x 10</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">{yellow}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Nj8RwviVMVSwx-xfTQHH9gvMyvwMJPSmWHOLhUrhJPIvQD3z6TWkg5wUNNnPpQIolurX-5ZV6GbQCSoPDs18_ppdgj4f32SRZ4hWUSqEivYWELvXwPZAZ1F0d9tigMhZxdH_9EufLazk/s1600/organizing+quote+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Nj8RwviVMVSwx-xfTQHH9gvMyvwMJPSmWHOLhUrhJPIvQD3z6TWkg5wUNNnPpQIolurX-5ZV6GbQCSoPDs18_ppdgj4f32SRZ4hWUSqEivYWELvXwPZAZ1F0d9tigMhZxdH_9EufLazk/s400/organizing+quote+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{ <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/dgxlnarkqf7fx4k9qpje">download here</a>}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">{green}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NqZFBfOLeag65d_tRsd3zmL3pbBWBo_98uukzDHYElheJpk9quWmiW0zs-0KnOPC2QTiCm0feuqx6tPMJUTI9W2k4cnp-Dt-z8bWpQQazj9R0PqigTPBZ178X1EKMvb8ksnMIHD93Iiq/s1600/organizing+quote+green+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NqZFBfOLeag65d_tRsd3zmL3pbBWBo_98uukzDHYElheJpk9quWmiW0zs-0KnOPC2QTiCm0feuqx6tPMJUTI9W2k4cnp-Dt-z8bWpQQazj9R0PqigTPBZ178X1EKMvb8ksnMIHD93Iiq/s400/organizing+quote+green+small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{ <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/g187ji4asnv03a03gv6h">download here</a> }</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">{pink}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Elri26yEP-plGyOZbOTgMNOWYBmTACOA54GfntViMAlxOEsphrsLz21Ku0bJ0BxdrOmihvlx9EGzQiAKpPkTlSB4PP1dB2NwMtaDILrA48wChWX0cFO25j4jYdoKo1aj_J2xPLwUjYPe/s1600/organizing+quote+pink+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Elri26yEP-plGyOZbOTgMNOWYBmTACOA54GfntViMAlxOEsphrsLz21Ku0bJ0BxdrOmihvlx9EGzQiAKpPkTlSB4PP1dB2NwMtaDILrA48wChWX0cFO25j4jYdoKo1aj_J2xPLwUjYPe/s400/organizing+quote+pink+small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{ <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/ok05vuqupu927lv0dun2">download here</a> }</div><div align="center"></div>

{ printable freebie }

here are some free printables i made for your viewing pleasure 8 x 10 {yellow} { download here } {green} { download here } {pink} { do...

{ our sunday volcano project }

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5mlC_m7HYZAfE-gOuPkZMIWkX3MVBcFAHybqQkKfqmJt4Gkwn8gqxvFYVJsAJGc3OnnaRtQrmvjnEjnk-adlf7R7-yG8ZeJJEP3ZC1vn-TZd9L-ohJLUXY4saTHBdWJGV5xdf9-cwS4O/s1600/volcano+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5mlC_m7HYZAfE-gOuPkZMIWkX3MVBcFAHybqQkKfqmJt4Gkwn8gqxvFYVJsAJGc3OnnaRtQrmvjnEjnk-adlf7R7-yG8ZeJJEP3ZC1vn-TZd9L-ohJLUXY4saTHBdWJGV5xdf9-cwS4O/s640/volcano+copy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">beau & i made a volcano sunday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we started out with an empty gatorade bottle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i hot glued it to a foil wrapped cardboard piece.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then we formed paper around the bottle and taped it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i used a elmer's glue & water mixture to creat apaper mache.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we used our scrap paper and covered the volcano.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i sat it in front of the fan to dry for about 2 hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we painted the brown and then the red.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i put a little liquid dish soap and yellow and red food coloring in the bottle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then i poured in about 1 tbsp baking soda.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i had a half cup of warm water that i added.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then add a half cup white vinegar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then enjoy the erruption.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ps :: by allowing the volcano to dry well and wrapping the cardboard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> in foil you can reuse the volcano for several erruptions!</div>

{ our sunday volcano project }

beau & i made a volcano sunday. we started out with an empty gatorade bottle. i hot glued it to a foil wrapped cardboard piece. then we...

{ d i y summer reading teepee }

here is an awesome tutorial i found on tatertots & jello today!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi8cb3XmXz6O70bZgGy8MXBBOGNdqW8A2BC4NRmH2q5zRSz9IUIq1PcyF2s_71Xr4kOVvoWvRYR6FQ0A_e6W_z3bI7gLFHgjmtIeq4XMihfTLSRwH7Bo7gAESRag1YVEaj9rABm2Q6rxG/s1600/summer_reading_teepee_thumb%255B3%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTZdryk9YMoZzkF4CTcY3quX4h7tM1099DJ2C8K-hdtHM6pVQF2oS0299t1tseqGG8f4-tz535tZueWBqk_uQ01Vz34ISsugbIB6Z1-yCD9d0BZRycNEv6p3DJpZMSQtlbEpcn5b_2aS9/s1600/put_the_frame_together_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimX6CXkm511hlBbPbEFwuMKeGG4eBUiqXcuXXF_hGBFTBAfOGD6rW8JQaPExptrXtxQc2SrTPyhyphenhyphenMz3KkLxWOc0pLb4tzHm4BVclVovfr_A2ylBiZMXn6LsSZjLEAX_6Bkg4Hd56XPLhkv/s1600/the_book_bin_summer_reading_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleL6EqVQgO7UKb1spG37BsNIZEOGu7pvBMPtbp2TSKcxlbdI9z8G5wMkyHqa5iUTNnwi05pnMNQz0FKkQoJmr4WcpCDUA_Vrc24r2ACWlP0THgyZFFDYGlzIUb3j4fHPG5O38Vji37r-D/s1600/paint_chip_pennant_banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1oDcqTrzZnnLfi4ipsvIMFA81F1K803hzkzoj7l_4YGV0LPfbPmI342rld6EhjdKR-zSI-WvCr2uVwSHG0ZIQqSB44xcIj4zJpNVMJ9bqahOVlNOndmOlbylGni3UUeg8hyphenhyphencplrhvhjT/s1600/reading_teepee_at_night_from_above_thumb%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" /></a></div>Check it out <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/06/make-summer-reading-tentteepee-tutorial.html">here!</a>

{ d i y summer reading teepee }

here is an awesome tutorial i found on tatertots & jello today! Check it out here!

{green child magazine} summer issue

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Summer issue! Kids are seeing green, organic vs. non-organic, watermelon, HGTV Green Home and more!

{green child magazine} summer issue

Summer issue! Kids are seeing green, organic vs. non-organic, watermelon, HGTV Green Home and more!

card freebie :: { hi there sunshine }

here is something i threw together for a friend of mine. i thought i would offer it for my first digital freebie {hopefully one of many}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5T4uWTkeAv7pgjHpoWT-GgPVO4G6v_n-K0-vcFMwrub05ZIEozxJ9SSmwjsNBaR2DGdopJkBdUfe5JxmxJEI-8aKxE3lDKjl_SDgfO_B_kPJnaV1_nIIuSGbkeleQI_uJ8nBHji5ulSw/s1600/sample+hi+there+sunshine+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5T4uWTkeAv7pgjHpoWT-GgPVO4G6v_n-K0-vcFMwrub05ZIEozxJ9SSmwjsNBaR2DGdopJkBdUfe5JxmxJEI-8aKxE3lDKjl_SDgfO_B_kPJnaV1_nIIuSGbkeleQI_uJ8nBHji5ulSw/s320/sample+hi+there+sunshine+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="500" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5fK1uou3AiauHMOCzFL0h8q4isB0I5F0SVP3R0994QMbxqsc7u0e6FzdswcNLNa2ka8Edt0RP68TjTaHJCnNqoYU2uRw3f7CmIahRsHwS3wJkSYl3VlzfMraGDlhQp1wD8779PVpM2wR/s640/hi+there+sunshine+card_edited-3.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.4shared.com/photo/mwt3auL3/hi_there_sunshine_card_edited-.html">click here</a> to download {opens with ps or pse}<br />
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enjoy!

card freebie :: { hi there sunshine }

here is something i threw together for a friend of mine. i thought i would offer it for my first digital freebie {hopefully one of many} ...

{creative wrapping......and green too!}

this is why i hang on to every piece of scrap paper i have. i love making presents pretty :) to me thats part of the present! a bag of dog crap will be much more appreciated if it is contained inside a pretty package :P<br />
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{creative wrapping......and green too!}

this is why i hang on to every piece of scrap paper i have. i love making presents pretty :) to me thats part of the present! a bag of dog c...

{what a deer}

<div style="text-align: center;">i saw this idea in one of the classrooms at the school where i work.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i decided i would modify it and make it a diy kit for the children in my son's class to take home and do with their family.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_R0qCMSgcv0BalnkfTGtDUVQJ_Cd5j1foMJH3XYvAS2RiJ9soRZFpD33IkK0ig0XRmIHtYFWcm5_lhmHqgHWRk6a1sSqZ20u8U09Lt2xlE1mk2NtNWC6duZmkOupjiSS-8KVwfyw5yifP/s1600/DIY+Christmas+Deer+Kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_R0qCMSgcv0BalnkfTGtDUVQJ_Cd5j1foMJH3XYvAS2RiJ9soRZFpD33IkK0ig0XRmIHtYFWcm5_lhmHqgHWRk6a1sSqZ20u8U09Lt2xlE1mk2NtNWC6duZmkOupjiSS-8KVwfyw5yifP/s320/DIY+Christmas+Deer+Kit.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOtCwGPHTLANxBCV1fR24iYenjS_4ovjhGWJ1ZlGZyp8JQtq-Ru8iTUuVA7WjVQE7wWIN8ip8c_eRzzDWQ5-_o9uBLyEAwXhrFr_ogW_Iav265bH3O51s4b8dmFu-YFWhQlzyqrFoR3Po/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOtCwGPHTLANxBCV1fR24iYenjS_4ovjhGWJ1ZlGZyp8JQtq-Ru8iTUuVA7WjVQE7wWIN8ip8c_eRzzDWQ5-_o9uBLyEAwXhrFr_ogW_Iav265bH3O51s4b8dmFu-YFWhQlzyqrFoR3Po/s320/IMG_0665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">first i made a template for the deer body. then i used an american crafts{one of my favorite crafting brands} marker and made some spots. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOgM55NWVS6D84Tub3iQdoTKZiCy1u9oVwu5S4ZOYn-IEuZ_HvwCzo1R6r4gakACoFRChpwIFAN_mPtE5kj-j4b17rhO7bfXZ1YAlQfUKN1yywa4ViwyJDyQmVJpHVnj-cpskX6Cnre46/s1600/IMG_0667a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOgM55NWVS6D84Tub3iQdoTKZiCy1u9oVwu5S4ZOYn-IEuZ_HvwCzo1R6r4gakACoFRChpwIFAN_mPtE5kj-j4b17rhO7bfXZ1YAlQfUKN1yywa4ViwyJDyQmVJpHVnj-cpskX6Cnre46/s320/IMG_0667a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">i used a tiny jingle bell for the collar but decided it looked too plain so i used a vintage button as well as the jingle bell and put them on kite string. then i glued on googly eyes, a red pom pom for the nose and part of a cotton ball for the tail. then i used two clothespins as the legs to finish it off.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwwxQs7RzHi6ClSPr5U6bj2oGy-YLC5iYPZogjOrd3FXFFZvvoD4nAyzbi2O8reUo3IYjy7Phg__e848Z4BzyaRZo-R7Db62PU2nP2fwzFHv7LJk1yGlVQJHmKbm91QZtQDEOeO-rIjGT/s1600/IMG_0680a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwwxQs7RzHi6ClSPr5U6bj2oGy-YLC5iYPZogjOrd3FXFFZvvoD4nAyzbi2O8reUo3IYjy7Phg__e848Z4BzyaRZo-R7Db62PU2nP2fwzFHv7LJk1yGlVQJHmKbm91QZtQDEOeO-rIjGT/s320/IMG_0680a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">i took a photo (seen above) and put it into the bag along with the following items::</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">deer body</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">button & jingle bell on kite string</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">2 clothespins</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">small red pom pom</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">cotton ball</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">2 googly eyes</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">all you need is glue!!!</div>

{what a deer}

i saw this idea in one of the classrooms at the school where i work. i decided i would modify it and make it a diy kit for the children in ...