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Family Game Night

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Family game night is an excellent opportunity to put down the cell phones, turn off the computer and video games,
and gather everyone together. Parents and children are able to spend some much-needed downtime reconnecting and creating memories.</div>
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Making a habit of game night also keeps the lines of communication open, especially as children grow older. Whether you are just starting this as a family tradition or are looking for ways to re-energize it, here are some ideas that will have you and your little ones looking forward to the next get-together.</div>
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<a href="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Prince-William-Living-Jan-2015Family-Fun-January-Family-Game-Night.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Prince William Living Jan 2015Family Fun January Family Game Night" class="alignright  wp-image-25332" height="640" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Prince-William-Living-Jan-2015Family-Fun-January-Family-Game-Night-683x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<strong>Commit to a date</strong>: Families are busy, so choose a date that every family member can agree upon. Whether you decide to have family game night once a week, twice a month or monthly, set a date to which you all can commit. Knowing that every Wednesday or every other Tuesday is family game night will give children and parents something fun to anticipate.</div>
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<strong>Make an easy meal</strong>: When family game night arrives, everyone wants to get to the fun, so planning an easy meal is the best way to get parents out of the kitchen fast so the play can begin. Plan ahead with a frozen pizza or a casserole made the day before, served with a simple salad, raw veggies or cut-up fruit. Homemade hamburgers or grilled cheese sandwiches are also quick crowd pleasers.</div>
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<strong>Plan some fun snacks</strong>: Once play begins, you won't want to stop the fun when everyone gets hungry. Have a few prepared snacks and drinks available or make a special recipe beforehand. Fresh fruit, trail mix, pretzels and popcorn are all good choices that are simple to serve, or make up a batch of cheese nachos that everyone can dig into. Prepare drinks ahead of time to serve with the snacks or have soda, water or juice on hand to quench everyone's thirst.</div>
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<strong>Have a variety of games</strong>: You will want to have a good mix of games that match your children’s abilities. Classic board games such as Monopoly, Life, Clue and Sorry work for almost every age group. A deck of playing cards allows for options that grow with your child, starting off with Go Fish, Crazy Eights, War and Slapjack, with the option of adding more complex games such as Rummy, Spades and poker over time.</div>
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Classic games like Perfection and Operation build hand-eye coordination, while Twister will get everyone moving—and laughing. Trivia games can be educational and fun, too. Have the children take turns picking the games, or draw game names from an empty jar to make things fair. Add to your collection by keeping an eye out at yard sales, thrift stores or retail sales.</div>
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Keep it fun: The point of the evening is to enjoy each other's company, so don't get too wrapped up in the competition
aspect. Make jokes, help each other out and, most of all, remember that being together is what's important.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC8MvqCZ6aDOh07T-yiDqowCD-2ljp3gVwOjDBH3pB3dWASQ_qLQvRW7kjzP47yH175rh6Llr5s0RZXCmWarrfD0JBbcAX98OQcchH4lKy_y_bSDE518VXMhKU7JO3pZzKOFkVrGQOp8/s1600/Family+Fun+January+Family+Game+Night+Custom+Card+Holder+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC8MvqCZ6aDOh07T-yiDqowCD-2ljp3gVwOjDBH3pB3dWASQ_qLQvRW7kjzP47yH175rh6Llr5s0RZXCmWarrfD0JBbcAX98OQcchH4lKy_y_bSDE518VXMhKU7JO3pZzKOFkVrGQOp8/s1600/Family+Fun+January+Family+Game+Night+Custom+Card+Holder+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Personalized Card Holder</strong>
Young children love to play games like Go Fish, but cards are hard for little hands to manage. If they lay their cards
down, it becomes almost impossible to play fairly. Enter the personalized card holder to keep cards organized and out of sight. I’ve seen similiar products at game stores, but these are so much more fun, and only cost about $1 to make.</div>
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Start with a chip clip; you can get them at a dollar store if you don’t have any laying around the kitchen. Then, pick scrapbook paper that will load into your printer or use digital scrapbook papers. Sometimes you can find free patterned paper images online, or you may have some clipart backgrounds in Word or other software you already own that will work.</div>
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Measure your chip clip so you know how wide the paper needs to be (should be at least width of clip at longest point) and add your child’s name if you wish. Make sure it will go in the right direction; the clip will be held upside down by the spring end when in use. You will want one piece of paper for the front (with name, if using) and one for the back (no name). They will be the same size. Print off your paper, cut out and trim to fit the clip. Mod Podge your paper on the front and back and ta-da… a personalized card holder that will keep the game fun (and fair) for everyone!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-oOWkmJ0p7XR1s4xLbaeOYun0fdqE65zLZfS737lziKEjIF3Tw0c49Lywom_tRuKiKfmyI-brEQrWNz4hQDN-lyWq3vihte_aHyisJTtnoGs1hGqPpG8vMMk-dFymv4IqRUuinFXpbk/s1600/Family+Fun+January+Family+Game+Night+Safari+Dip+Hungry+Hungry+Hippos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-oOWkmJ0p7XR1s4xLbaeOYun0fdqE65zLZfS737lziKEjIF3Tw0c49Lywom_tRuKiKfmyI-brEQrWNz4hQDN-lyWq3vihte_aHyisJTtnoGs1hGqPpG8vMMk-dFymv4IqRUuinFXpbk/s1600/Family+Fun+January+Family+Game+Night+Safari+Dip+Hungry+Hungry+Hippos.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<strong>Safari Dip</strong></div>
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<strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
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1/2 8 oz. package reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 - 3 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons honey</div>
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Celery sticks, animal crackers, and/or assorted dippers such as carrot sticks, apple wedges, pear wedges or graham
cracker sticks.</div>
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<strong>Directions</strong>
For dip, in a small mixing bowl beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in
peanut butter, milk and honey until well combined and smooth. If desired, chill before serving. To serve, spread dip in
celery sticks and garnish with animal crackers and cut-up fresh fruit. Or, serve with assorted dippers.</div>
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<em>Amanda Causey Baity, Prince William Living’s marketing director, lives in Montclair with her family. She also blogs about thrifty family activities and recipes on her blog <a href="https://www.blogger.com/GreenOwlCrafts.com">GreenOwlCrafts.com</a>. She can be reached at</em>
<em>acausey@princewilliamliving.com.</em></div>
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<em>Published in the January issue of <a href="http://www.princewilliamliving.com/">Prince William Living</a>.</em></div>

Family Game Night

Family game night is an excellent opportunity to put down the cell phones, turn off the computer and video games, and gather everyone tog...

Thrifty Goodwill Baby Shower

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most people know that i am a thrift-a-holic. i even have my own thrifting website <a href="http://www.novathrifting.com/">NOVAthrifting</a> where i write reviews of local thrift stores here in northern virginia. </div>
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anyways...when i announced my pregnancy in may i had so many friends asking me if i were going to have a baby shower and that they wanted to get me a gift. well....while i LOVE giving gifts and making things for others i am not so good at accepting gifts.....let alone opening them in front of people. so i started to get anxiety. also, im a little old school and since i had already had a baby shower with my first born (10 years ago) i felt like it was rude to ask for another shower.</div>
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my solution came to me one day while i was browsing through the baby section of one of my favorite thrift stores....why not have a thrifty baby shower?? so i started googling and searching on pinterest and could not find a thing. i find it hard to believe that someone out there has not had a thrifty gift baby shower! </div>
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this is the BEST way to do it y'all and im about to tell you why! i got some really creative and awesome gifts for baby brother! i even had a prize for the person who had the most thrifty gift. i did do a baby registry for some things...not everyone has time to go thrifting or enjoys it like i do so i did not want to exclude anyone. and i do love everything i received....not just my thrifted items.</div>
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here are my invitations that i designed and my sister printed and mailed.</div>
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i got too many awesome things to list but here are a few things that i photographed to share.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">clearance magnetic primer! such a great idea since i love to craft and make stuff!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my mother in law made this scrapbook which was from the goodwill and all the pieces she made were thrifted too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiyGvZNJhaS2FZSucpU07SptTfjwc4irBDUi0C6UdnWEEoInprM1Io-aMOFdT4ZGo5ReHncZ5Ey8P2krdxuFxwWgQkOdWhRupPxZqSDSXy9-iivpRLzKGrDdjGjm092EwCWPKx8YoWts/s1600/aIMG_0541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiyGvZNJhaS2FZSucpU07SptTfjwc4irBDUi0C6UdnWEEoInprM1Io-aMOFdT4ZGo5ReHncZ5Ey8P2krdxuFxwWgQkOdWhRupPxZqSDSXy9-iivpRLzKGrDdjGjm092EwCWPKx8YoWts/s1600/aIMG_0541.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my sister found this little toy horse at an antique consignment. too cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8SkbVL8JoVwletcqv6jVpPqJdgVFCwgzKiOimyw5K_bg_tMEKpuMhzmaOaRXZhsc0Wnwf-yk3XnAG8NO_vBZ6M2HSpL5ZLPQrF5xnUa9mGl3-NYCaGK0-eREpAjbVERW1-Pg7ld30Kw/s1600/aIMG_0546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8SkbVL8JoVwletcqv6jVpPqJdgVFCwgzKiOimyw5K_bg_tMEKpuMhzmaOaRXZhsc0Wnwf-yk3XnAG8NO_vBZ6M2HSpL5ZLPQrF5xnUa9mGl3-NYCaGK0-eREpAjbVERW1-Pg7ld30Kw/s1600/aIMG_0546.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my mom got this bag at a yard sale for me to use as a diaper bag.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of my favorite...i got blankets that belonged to my nieces, nephews and other family<br />
members as gifts! love knowing that when i use them people i love have used them too!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">so the most thrifty gift award goes too......</span></td></tr>
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my former boss and one of my best good friends charlene. she really has a heart of gold. her gift was not only thrifty but the most sentimental. two of the gifts she gave me belonged to her son anthony sanders. he passed away when he was 16 years old on August 16, 2001 after a short battle with cancer. he was her only child and it is heartbreaking to think of the pain of not only loosing a child, but not being able to prevent it from happening. she is like a second mother to me and i love her dearly. the little tennis shoes were anthony's first pair and they even have a little alabama red clay on the bottom to remind me that he wore them in the yard. the baseball was one of his prized possessions...signed by the 1992 atlanta braves team. i will forever cherish these gifts....and all of them i received. THAT is why i recommend a thrifty baby shower. sometimes the greatest gift of all cannot be purchased new off the shelf....it it in someone's home or an item that can be recycled from the goodwill or thrift store.</div>
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here are some of the new gifts too. i loved them all! thank you everyone who took the time out of their day to come see us!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh...and since it's fall i made this little mustache man pumpkin. isn't he cute??</td></tr>
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happy thrifting ya'll!</div>
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Thrifty Goodwill Baby Shower

most people know that i am a thrift-a-holic. i even have my own thrifting website NOVAthrifting where i write reviews of local...

Outdoor Movie Night Published in Prince William Living

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<img alt="Outdoor Movie Night" class="aligncenter  wp-image-18205" height="407" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Outdoor-Movie-Night-800x679.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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This spring I am going crazy thinking of all the fun activities I want to do with my family. Warmer months are the perfect time for casual parties, afternoons with backyard water slides, water balloons and homemade popsicles.<br />
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When the weather starts to warm up, I always think of my family’s movie nights, which my family loves. Movie nights are even more fun when you bring them outdoors. My family only does this a few times a year since it takes a little extra effort, but the results and memories are worth it.

On the day of movie night we prepare the yard and start setting up.<br />
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First, you need a projector. Prices for new top-of-the-line projectors can start well into the thousands of dollars. However, along with newer models, many electronics stores carry a range of cheaper, refurbished projectors, and you can find used models starting at around $200. There are also several websites that will rent a projector to you for less than $100. Or you may be able to borrow one from a friend.<br />
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Next, you will need a DVD player. Laptops or popular game consoles, such as Xbox or Wii, can serve this purpose, too. You will need A/V cables to hook your player to the projector just like you would with your television. Follow your projector’s instruction manual if you have any difficulties. You will also need sound since the projector will not provide that. If you don’t have stereo speakers, you may find them at yard sales or thrift stores.<br />
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Now onto the screen. You can show your movies on anything from a purchased or rented screen to a smooth outdoor wall. I use my photography backdrop stand with a thick white sheet. You could also secure the sheet along the fence or clothes lines.<br />
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<img alt="Outdoor Movie Night4" class="aligncenter  wp-image-18207" height="319" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Outdoor-Movie-Night4-800x532.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Then, of course, atmosphere is vital. There are so many ways to create the perfect movie theater feel. I hang string lights for a soft glow. Candles and lanterns will do this as well. For seating, my family uses beanbag and lounge chairs, blankets and even tents. If you are feeling really ambitious, you can pull the couch or a futon outside like my dad used to do.<br />
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Another important component is food. No movie night is complete without snacks. Popcorn, candy and soda are requirements. I also like to get creative. “Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes” is one of our favorite outdoor movie treats.<br />
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<img alt="Popcorn Cupcakes2" class="aligncenter  wp-image-18209" height="451" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Popcorn-Cupcakes2-800x564.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<b>Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes
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I have created a special #pwliving version, which includes the “Yellow Butter Cake” recipe by Jason Shriner, The Aubergine Chef and <i>Prince William Living’s</i> “What’s Cooking” writer and monthly recipe contributor. (Look for his recipes at <b>pwliving.com</b> under “Food and Drink.”)

INGREDIENTS

About 8 egg yolks or 6 ounces (room temperature)
8 1⁄2 ounces milk
1/8 ounces vanilla extract
10 1⁄2 ounces all-purpose flour

10 1⁄2 ounces granulated sugar
19.5 grams (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon) baking powder
Pinch of salt
6 ounces unsalted butter (room temperature)

DIRECTIONS
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<li>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place liners in cupcake pan.</li>
<li>Combine the yolks, vanilla and 2 ounces of milk in a bowl and whisk lightly.</li>
<li>Place all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and combine on low speed.</li>
<li>Add the butter and remaining milk. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are moistened.</li>
<li>Increase to medium speed and beat for 11⁄2 minutes. Scrape down the sides.</li>
<li>Gradually add the egg mixture in three batches, mixing for about 20 seconds and scraping between each addition.</li>
<li>Fill cupcake liners halfway and bake for about 25 to 35 minutes until finished. Let cool before decorating.</li>
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<b>Simple Buttercream Icing</b></div>
This easy-to-make, egg-free frosting recipe has been in my family for generations. It’s not only great on cupcakes, but also for decorating cookies for holidays, birthdays and parties. To add coloring to the icing, use color paste.

INGREDIENTS

1⁄2 cup shortening
1⁄2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk

DIRECTIONS
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<li>In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening and vanilla.</li>
<li>Blend in the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.</li>
<li>Beat in the milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy.</li>
<li>Keep icing covered until ready to decorate.</li>
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<b>Marshmallow “Popcorn”</b></div>
For cupcake topping, you can get creative with marshmallow “popcorn.” You will need regular-size marshmallows, yellow food coloring and a little powdered sugar.<br />
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First, color half of your batch of marshmallows yellow and let them dry.

Next, make a small cut in the middle of each marshmallow and then make three small cuts in their tops. Twist the marshmallows lightly at the middle. Then press the three “petal” shapes made from the three cuts lightly until they begin to fan out. Viola! Your marshmallows look like popcorn.<br />
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The more shapes you make, the better the “popcorn” will look. If the marshmallows get sticky while you are manipulating them, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. Be aware that the sugar will dull the yellow color of the marshmallows. So use it sparingly.<br />
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Click this image to download these custom Popcorn Cupcake Wrappers that I created exclusively for Prince William Living. Download, print on cardstock, cut along the lines and tape them together. Drop your cupcakes in after they have been decorates.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Yf-A1HgvE2YVlfN1BSRngyUnc/edit?usp=sharing"><img alt="Popcorn Cupcake Wrappersa" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-18248" height="549" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Popcorn-Cupcake-Wrappersa.jpg" width="424" /></a>

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<b>Wait!
</b>I forgot about the movie! Picking the perfect movie is key. Keep your audience in mind. Depending on the quality of the equipment you have, picking a family favorite may be better than choosing a new release as it could be hard to hear and the projector quality may not be up to movie theater standards. The Prince William Public Library System has a large selection of DVDs you can check out for free. Visit <a href="http://www.pwcgov.org/library"><b>www.pwcgov.org/library</b></a>.<i></i>

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Outdoor Movie Night Published in Prince William Living

This spring I am going crazy thinking of all the fun activities I want to do with my family. Warmer months are the perfect time f...

Special Southern Holiday Life Feature: Spring Baby Shower & Free Printable

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Special Southern Holiday Life Feature: Spring Baby Shower & Free Printable

Southern Holiday Life Special Feature April Showers bring….cute little babies! Wait...is that the correct saying? Ch...

Featured Blog: Kitchen Bellicious Top 20 Superbowl Recipes

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One of my fellow bloggers from <a href="http://www.southernholidaylife.com/" target="_blank">Southern Holiday Life</a> magazine has posted her top 20 Superbowl Party Recipes! They look so"bellecous" and I cannot wait to try a few of them out!</div>
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Check them out right <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/HDdrZ" target="_blank"> here</a> on her website!</div>
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<a href="http://networkedblogs.com/HDdrZ" target="_blank">Click Here to see more and to get these awesome recipes!</a></div>

Featured Blog: Kitchen Bellicious Top 20 Superbowl Recipes

One of my fellow bloggers from Southern Holiday Life magazine has posted her top 20 Superbowl Party Recipes! They look so"bellecous...

Free Holiday Printables : Thanksgiving | Christmas | New Years

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Here are some free printables that I designed for the <a href="http://www.southernholidaylife.com/" target="_blank">2012 Southern Holiday Life magazine</a>!</div>
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To download these freebies please proceed to the bottom and click on the interactive <a href="http://lwl-southernholidaylife.blogspot.com/p/southern-holiday-gift-guide.html" target="_blank">Gift Guide</a>.</div>
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Free Holiday Printables : Thanksgiving | Christmas | New Years

Here are some free printables that I designed for the 2012 Southern Holiday Life magazine ! To download these freebies please proceed t...

Olympic Craft Party for London 2012 Opening Ceremonies

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Another blog coming to you via mobile. All these photos are off my cell phone (because my hands were too messy to use my Canon) so they are not the best.</div>
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We had such a great night teaching the boys about the Olympics. Mr. B is old enough to understand and he had a great time doing <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/186055028326559501/" target="_blank">the flag scavenger hunt</a> during the march of nations. </div>
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Our gold medal cookies didn't turn out quite how we planned but they sure did taste delicious. </div>
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We made abstract Olympic rings art with Styrofoam cups and paint. The boys really loved that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcmzjPqs5y6dFpYL0OCzbQRYbati45cNAGL144vO0jpuIwAKZv0IBTDUoQN5O8sUxsW4ZuNSWHNCox8fmEzcT02znXiUnLSoKJKgz-4DIR_xCfgG3V9EmZ3HTkf0It-u229MxHfNdnhdZ/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcmzjPqs5y6dFpYL0OCzbQRYbati45cNAGL144vO0jpuIwAKZv0IBTDUoQN5O8sUxsW4ZuNSWHNCox8fmEzcT02znXiUnLSoKJKgz-4DIR_xCfgG3V9EmZ3HTkf0It-u229MxHfNdnhdZ/" /></a></div>
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We also colored some <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/186055028326438391/" target="_blank">free printable I found online</a>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4Jrk4bj-3SvlUufwty2IHqjm1KjS3ccRjXjyTiaFZ26iViBNcdq_Fxl3mf0IAtIQ7HJcy3gQQNOR9ESoA7hR3eDNtNwT5mtwl_K9HSXeGTUopvunFrLIo6XtBVWHqwfrtcf3_9Z1VcNP/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4Jrk4bj-3SvlUufwty2IHqjm1KjS3ccRjXjyTiaFZ26iViBNcdq_Fxl3mf0IAtIQ7HJcy3gQQNOR9ESoA7hR3eDNtNwT5mtwl_K9HSXeGTUopvunFrLIo6XtBVWHqwfrtcf3_9Z1VcNP/" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Bombed! LOL</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4Uyx22GqpvwFm2kk-aGW9mQpzQOngq-gDqvYTR1fOaYIJnVHgw2Y-pGJ3KxD9EFGUIvQBUh8l_RNIqNXqgFbAJHzR0PQxIfmD5foBWyN1Oe8-S-d-yDbBv-EbNqEQWRx2Lh1Ct4RzrEC/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4Uyx22GqpvwFm2kk-aGW9mQpzQOngq-gDqvYTR1fOaYIJnVHgw2Y-pGJ3KxD9EFGUIvQBUh8l_RNIqNXqgFbAJHzR0PQxIfmD5foBWyN1Oe8-S-d-yDbBv-EbNqEQWRx2Lh1Ct4RzrEC/" /></a></div>
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The Olympics was always a huge part of mine and my sister's childhood. I'm glad the boys seem to have the same excitement about it that we still do. I still get choked up when I talk about the 96 Olympics in Atlanta. The women's gymnastics competition is something I will forever think of first when the Olympics are mentioned or watched. Kerri Stug's emotional vault is something I picture whenever I think I can't go on anymore. Her courage and determination will forever be imprinted into my mind. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkhB1yGb03iBH_tY3CM87ks7Ju5Tlq6FGVFpKAKB1mHM3n_ZBZmEMw4qt7LTLGqy7gM9mj1ghl6E0ahxmp4RNVguJSJc7WhywDGknm_Gp3tkfk-2hS9j2CY_s76PeqhNsVvjmKjYdZXIH/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkhB1yGb03iBH_tY3CM87ks7Ju5Tlq6FGVFpKAKB1mHM3n_ZBZmEMw4qt7LTLGqy7gM9mj1ghl6E0ahxmp4RNVguJSJc7WhywDGknm_Gp3tkfk-2hS9j2CY_s76PeqhNsVvjmKjYdZXIH/" /></a></div>
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I hope these games are just as memorable! Go World and Team USA!!</div>
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Check out <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/amandaLcausey" target="_blank">my Pinterest</a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/amandaLcausey/the-2012-olympic-games/" target="_blank">Olympic Pinboard</a> for more Olympic Inspirations!</div>
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Olympic Craft Party for London 2012 Opening Ceremonies

Another blog coming to you via mobile. All these photos are off my cell phone (because my hands were too messy to use my Canon) so they are...

{is this a holiday..} national white t shirt day

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Happy White T-Shirt Day everyone!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPLQBBIcI4nNDQo0LTdafHZ2UZkWeH60vNxEaxpIDJrxHGNZGT81sAL_BAU0LCaIrLBdeVcsILfz8a-QhOL8SSMpbdkgky2Uk-7LJu-7u1nk0K_eT8fJx6nn3Nortp5GbL5zKMZXtumbv/s1600/white+t+shirt+day+beau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPLQBBIcI4nNDQo0LTdafHZ2UZkWeH60vNxEaxpIDJrxHGNZGT81sAL_BAU0LCaIrLBdeVcsILfz8a-QhOL8SSMpbdkgky2Uk-7LJu-7u1nk0K_eT8fJx6nn3Nortp5GbL5zKMZXtumbv/s320/white+t+shirt+day+beau.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">btw this is an old photo of my son...not quite a white t shirt<br />
but close enough!</td></tr>
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This holiday celebrates the men and women who participated in a strike at General Motors in 1937. "These autoworkers helped the United Auto Workers (UAW) union to become the sole bargaining agent for General Motors autoworkers." As part of the symbolism of this strike, everyone wears a white shirt or blouse.</div>
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Note: This holiday started out as 'White Shirt Day' but some how over the years the title turned into White T-Shirt Day for those who didn't know the history of the holiday therefore created their own version of this day, giving birth to the title "White T Shirt Day" . This holiday mostly celebrates the fun of wearing the ever so popular white t-shirt instead of what it was originally intended to celebrate.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Origin of this Holiday</span></div>
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According to the UAW's website, the traditions of the original White Shirt Day is as follows: 1) Everyone must wear a white shirt or blouse 2)Your white shirt must not get dirtier than your boss's shirt 3) Safety and work rules must be followed. </div>
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This holiday is referred to as a "National" day- However, we did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day. Even though we didn't, this is still a holiday that is publicized to celebrate. So enjoy the day and have fun with it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Oshawa Strike, 1937 </span>: <a href="http://www.wikipedia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(source)</span></a></div>
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On April 8, 1937, disputes between 4000 assembly line workers and General Motors management led to the Oshawa Strike, a salient event in the history of Canadian trade unionism. As the weight of the Great Depression slowly began to lift, demand for automobiles again began to grow. The workers sought higher wages, an eight hour workday, better working conditions and recognition of their union, the United Auto Workers (Local 222). The then-Liberal government of Mitchell Hepburn, which had, ironically, been elected on a platform of being the working man's friend, sided with the corporation and even brought in armed university students to break up any union agitation. Fortunately, these much-derided "Hepburn's Hussars" and "Sons of Mitches" were never needed as the union refused to be drawn into any violent act. The union and workers had the backing of the local population, other unions and the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, and on April 23, two weeks after the strike started, the company gave in to most of the workers' demands, although -- pointedly -- it did not recognize the union.</div>
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so what to do in celebration? you can throw a party... <a href="http://www.shindigz.com/party/news/Throw-a-tiedye-bash-in-honor-of-White-TShirt-Day.cfm" target="_blank">tie-dye bash from shindigz</a></div>
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OR</div>
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you can download this free 8 x 10 printable i made for this special day in u.s. history.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo-ePQjO4cb2HJNje-7kwjMVPL9T89HQ3VdMhVsJsc1EvXKVsavIeXC6jXxlYpHpYnkNs6yIphmhh7xUyDHaE0jP7CZmxGo8Y8x5sFaI_QgfZyJWYsyLNmO7WVCt299tNFjCWMC3-Rv70/s1600/White+T+Shirt+Day+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo-ePQjO4cb2HJNje-7kwjMVPL9T89HQ3VdMhVsJsc1EvXKVsavIeXC6jXxlYpHpYnkNs6yIphmhh7xUyDHaE0jP7CZmxGo8Y8x5sFaI_QgfZyJWYsyLNmO7WVCt299tNFjCWMC3-Rv70/s640/White+T+Shirt+Day+copy.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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click <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_Yf-A1HgvE2MWEzM2FiNWQtMzI4YS00YTg1LWJhNzAtZmU4YzliODhkYTdj&hl=en_US" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download.</div>
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enjoy!</div>
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{is this a holiday..} national white t shirt day

Happy White T-Shirt Day everyone! btw this is an old photo of my son...not quite a white t shirt but close enough! This holida...

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{is this a holiday..} national white t shirt day

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