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Healthy Snack Ideas for Your Children

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6pxFPH9pVwAK8bJ0I1Jn7eCekOlSgY68vi2CzaXN5yNH1i8OMs2z_d2fXH0bY91JWJP8nMsAFudHMs66cISRThoCNlujDAQVcS3w2bHB5aTfeOmIrkjWkGPgHEerES-2jGNsUbW9yF-_/s1600/apple+cookies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6pxFPH9pVwAK8bJ0I1Jn7eCekOlSgY68vi2CzaXN5yNH1i8OMs2z_d2fXH0bY91JWJP8nMsAFudHMs66cISRThoCNlujDAQVcS3w2bHB5aTfeOmIrkjWkGPgHEerES-2jGNsUbW9yF-_/s320/apple+cookies+1.jpg" width="223" /></a>Who says getting healthy after the holidays is only for adults? I find it really easy to just give my kids whatever is quick and easy and whatever they will actually eat. This doesn’t always result in the healthiest meals, and I worry about how much nutrition they are actually getting. I decided to make it my mission to find fun, healthy snacks that I know my kids will eat, but that will also be fast! These can even be made ahead of time, so you can grab them and….GO!</div>
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<strong>Apple Cookies</strong> </div>
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Apple cookies make the perfect snack: Crisp juicy apple slices, smothered with peanut butter, then topped with shredded coconut, walnuts and chocolate chips.</div>
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Ingredients</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">1 apple</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">¼ cup peanut butter or Nutella</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">¼ cup almonds, sliced</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">¼ cup walnuts, chopped</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">¼ cup shredded coconut</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">¼ cup chocolate chips</li>
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Directions: Slice apple into thin rings and remove core. Spread peanut butter over one side of ring. Top with almonds, walnuts, coconut, and chocolate chips.</div>
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<strong>Frozen Yogurt Buttons</strong> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQjpBI1DDJIczSSYVMufl-Q-LgmEQsNhdBlosPTxiNuDZHK27FQJ-cd1_WfFY0lc008JMzlHTBJv7rUWjXNrZ69cpMzJCo8upF4v1Bi0LT1v8zx21Z7Y6cDtcWPNLeZW_n8TQXzgujwCf/s1600/yogurt+bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQjpBI1DDJIczSSYVMufl-Q-LgmEQsNhdBlosPTxiNuDZHK27FQJ-cd1_WfFY0lc008JMzlHTBJv7rUWjXNrZ69cpMzJCo8upF4v1Bi0LT1v8zx21Z7Y6cDtcWPNLeZW_n8TQXzgujwCf/s320/yogurt+bites.jpg" width="213" /></a>These little frozen yogurt buttons are cold and creamy. They are the perfect after-school snack.</div>
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Ingredients</div>
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• Any flavor of nonfat Greek yogurt (I used three different flavors.)</div>
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Directions </div>
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Fit a small zip top plastic bag over a cup. Spoon in the yogurt. Snip one corner of the bag and pipe yogurt onto cookie sheets. Place in freezer and freeze for one hour or until completely hard and frozen. TIP: For easy removal, line the cookie sheet with parchment paper. Scrape off using an offset spatula or a regular metal spatula. Place in an airtight container. Store in the freezer until ready to serve.</div>
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<strong>Warm Banana Rollups</strong> Bananas are a naturally sweet fruit and combined with a warm tortilla, smooth cream cheese and a little honey and cinnamon make a delicious breakfast, snack or dessert!</div>
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Ingredients</div>
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  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0daoyD4xF5RWqUkvJ5qfLCAuaFQosAZ9H2eRVYSN5YMKu5tpqN3jkUoiBSqXJ6w6yv2rZc4biBjI4dX0_E-VwnJBfAWuzrNMJll0C6ocUuh-4SHmWddSdu9D_b1AXNpAa1Hp0nl4fQd3/s1600/banana+roll+up+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0daoyD4xF5RWqUkvJ5qfLCAuaFQosAZ9H2eRVYSN5YMKu5tpqN3jkUoiBSqXJ6w6yv2rZc4biBjI4dX0_E-VwnJBfAWuzrNMJll0C6ocUuh-4SHmWddSdu9D_b1AXNpAa1Hp0nl4fQd3/s320/banana+roll+up+1.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup cream cheese</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">2 tsp. honey</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/4 tsp. cinnamon</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">3 medium bananas</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">3 medium tortillas, whole wheat</li>
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Directions </div>
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Mix cream cheese, honey and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread on the tortilla. Place a whole banana on the tortilla and roll up. Place on a hot griddle or pan. Grill until golden on both sides. Slice into small rounds and serve with toothpicks. You can also slice in half and eat it like a burrito.</div>
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Healthy Snack Ideas for Your Children

Who says getting healthy after the holidays is only for adults? I find it really easy to just give my kids whatever is quick and easy and w...

10 Essential Photos to Take of Your Children

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<em>Published in <a href="http://www.pwliving.com/">Prince William Living</a> </em></div>
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<img alt="PWLiving April 2016 Beau _ Norman" class="alignnone wp-image-35047 alignright" height="396" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/PWLiving-April-2016-Beau-_-Norman-683x1024.jpg" width="264" /></div>
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As a photographer, you’d think that my house displays tons of amazing photographs of my children. Wrong! Everyone is guilty of being “too busy,” myself included. Take the time to capture these memories as they do pass by so quickly. Once you have them captured, be sure that you are downloading them and actually doing something with them other than posting on social media or emailing to grandma and grandpa. Here are 10 essential photos to take of your children each month. I am also sharing some of my favorite apps and websites that will help you organize, edit and display your masterpieces around your home:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>A Portrait</strong>: A monthly portrait is a great way to track time. What expression do you get when you tell your child to smile? Find out by capturing his reaction each month in the same location. This is a great way to gauge the changes in your little one’s face over time.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>New Mannerisms</strong>: Especially in the early stages, little ones gain new expressions and new mannerisms almost daily. They learn new mannerisms by watching us. These little bursts of imitation seem to come and go, so make sure to grab the camera while they’re fresh and cute.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Siblings, Family and Friends</strong>: As difficult as it may be to gather little (or big) ones together for a photo, give it a try. It’s nice to have monthly photos recording their growth and play together. You might even get more than you bargained for when you put them together. Who cares if they are being mischievous? That will only show off their personalities.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Playtime</strong>: There are serious moments, and then there are the fun ones! Whatever they do to learn, interact and develop, get the shot.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Bath Time</strong>: Bath time is a nightly ritual full of photo opportunities, so be sure to grab the camera at least one night out of the month. Fill the tub with bubbles and let the fun begin!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Squeaky-Clean</strong>: After the bath is a great time to let your little one play, free on the bed. Snap away while she crawls and jumps before bedtime. You are sure to fill your camera with smiles and giggles when she crashes into pillows and blankets.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Favorite Toy</strong>: What toy can’t your child live without this month? If it changes from month to month, this will be a great photo op, one that he will love to look back at years from now. Photograph him while he’s playing and let him stand proud for a perfect little pose.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>A New Trick</strong>: It’s amazing what children learn over the course of a month. What is she mastering this month? Is she taking lessons or teaching herself a new trick? Whatever the craft, be sure to capture the moments as she learns what it means to practice and discipline herself.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>A Picture with Mom</strong>: Put down the camera and join the fun! Chances are good that mom is taking most of the family photos, so relinquish control of the camera from time to time and make sure you’re being photographed with those sweeties. Hug and kiss and let dad shoot away.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><strong>And a Picture with Dad</strong>: Don’t forget dad! Equally important are the photos with dad. Parents age at the same rate as kids, so document dad as he ages gracefully with baby by his side. Think about capturing dad doing a routine task with the kids like story time or bike riding. Whatever role he plays in your family with your kids is one that’s photoworthy.</li>
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<img alt="PWLiving April 2016 IMG_9932" class="wp-image-34955 alignleft" height="367" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/PWLiving-April-2016-IMG_9932-683x1024.jpg" width="245" />

Once you have captured your photos, it is time to organize and print them. There are several great apps that you can download for help. Do some research and check to see which app works best on your platform. I use several different apps that download and backup the photos I take on my cell phone. This ensures that I always have my memories just in case my phone is lost or damaged.

There are lots of great scrapbooking apps that allow you to print up to 12” x 12” pages when you make your memory books. You can also use apps to create printed photo books that are bound to highlight special occasions and seasons or compile a family yearbook every year. A tradition we have is to give these photo books as gifts to our family for holiday gifts each year. Hopefully, this will encourage you to take the photos that are crucial to memory making.

<em>Amanda Causey Baity (<a href="http://acausey@%20princewilliamliving.com/">acausey@ princewilliamliving.com</a>), Prince William Living’s marketing director and photo editor, lives on a farm in Manassas with her family. You can follow her blog to see more crafts, recipes and farm life at <a href="http://vandorenfarm.com/">vandorenfarm.com</a>.</em>

10 Essential Photos to Take of Your Children

Published in Prince William Living As a photographer, you’d think that my house displays tons of amazing photographs of my children. ...

Elf on the Shelf and Beyond

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<a href="http://www.pwlphotos.com/december2015"><img alt="PWLIVING December 2015 IMG_2014 copy" class="wp-image-32338 aligncenter" height="600" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/PWLIVING-December-2015-IMG_2014-copy-800x1199.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The spirit of Christmas is upon us, and one of our family’s favorite holiday traditions is the oh-so-popular Elf on the Shelf. This “magical” elf usually appears (or rather is unpacked from the Christmas decoration containers) around Thanksgiving. He comes with a book that explains his story: In short, he uses his magical powers to fly back and forth to the North Pole each night while your child sleeps to tell Santa all about your family’s behavior––you know, to make sure everyone stays on the “good list.” But the real fun behind the elf is finding him in the morning and discovering what kind of mischief he got himself into overnight.</div>
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The first year I did Elf on the Shelf for the kids we just hid him in different spots. The second year I got a little more creative and started letting “Jangles” get into mischief around the house. Depending on how hard he partied the night before I had a huge mess to clean up the next day, which was a little bit annoying at times. The third year I decided to do scenes from the kid’s favorite movies and have Jangles act them out. One of the best was ‘Tarz-angles’ and we had Jangles in a leopard loin cloth swinging from vines. After the third year, the kids lost interest a little so I would take Jangles with us on out outings and holiday adventures and take his photo while we were there. On Christmas, I gave the kids a book that included all the photos. They were excited to see that he was there with us, and they never knew! Jangles went Black Friday shopping with us, to see a holiday movie and to visit our family in Georgia where we went to our favorite restaurant in Atlanta, The Varsity.</div>
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Fast forward several years and you can now buy accessories for your elf and the popular online handmade marketplace Etsy is full of different items to personalize to fit your lifestyle including NFL team jerseys.</div>
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While there are many people who think the concept is a little creepy…having an elf “spy” on your children to Santa, and others who seem to forget to move the elf or create new mischief each night, the purpose is to create holiday memories. If you do not wish to use Elf on the Shelf as a fun holiday tradition, there are alternatives including non-elf options.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pwlphotos.com/december2015" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_3969a" class="wp-image-32393 alignright" height="450" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_3969a-800x1200.jpg" width="300" /></a><strong>Elf Magic</strong> </div>
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Elf Magic’s Santa’s magic Elf Dolls give you more variety on doll appearances. They also have more accessories 
and instead of spying on you to Santa, these elves stay with you throughout the holiday season and return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. They do get into mischief at night with their ‘Elfcapades’ it is very similar to elf on the shelf with the main difference being the doll is completely plush. Available online at <a href="http://elfmagic.com/">elfmagic.com</a>.</div>
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<strong>Mensch on a Bench</strong>
Created by Neal Hoffman after his son wanted an Elf on the Shelf, Mensch on a Bench spreads the Jewish tradition and the importance of being a good person. The book that comes along with the Mensch contains Hanukkah songs and activities as well as a list of Mensch Rules, such as giving gifts to the less fortunate, and making sure to use your Shamash candle to light your menorah. Available at <a href="http://themenschonabench.com/">themenschonabench.com</a>.</div>
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<strong>Traveling Wise Men</strong>
This tradition supports the meaning of Christmas. Written by local Woodbridge author Chelsea Wojcik, “Traveling
Wise Men” follows the Elf on a Shelf concept except instead of using an elf you use the Three Wise Men from your nativity set. Read your book with your children and use your wise men to create ‘ADVENTures’ in your home. Your children will be delighted in each morning’s discovery of where the Wise Men have traveled on their way to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Prince William Living is giving away one this month at <a href="http://pwliving.com/contests">pwliving.com/contests</a> but they are available for purchase online at <a href="http://travelingwisemen.com/">travelingwisemen.com</a>.</div>
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<i>This story was published in the December issue of <a href="http://princewilliamliving.com/2015/12/elf-shelf/">Prince William Living magazine</a>.</i></div>

Elf on the Shelf and Beyond

The spirit of Christmas is upon us, and one of our family’s favorite holiday traditions is the oh-so-popular Elf on the Shelf. This “...

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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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GihiS73j29uu9vWpmsAFrvvDTs0Fe_o3argmP0yuWZgyVE40MHT5wY7rq56f_M_h2GGOO5NUmfYb2JmFYV2m0SGe0EElruMYydVnPwExe6W5LSQa7jHNkHWSy_MNGcnr8Ay9Q-N5Qxw/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GihiS73j29uu9vWpmsAFrvvDTs0Fe_o3argmP0yuWZgyVE40MHT5wY7rq56f_M_h2GGOO5NUmfYb2JmFYV2m0SGe0EElruMYydVnPwExe6W5LSQa7jHNkHWSy_MNGcnr8Ay9Q-N5Qxw/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" width="640" /></a></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
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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...

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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<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...

Summertime Stargazing

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<i>Published in <a href="http://princewilliamliving.com/2014/06/prince-william-living-july-2014/" target="_blank">Prince William Living</a></i></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none;"><img alt="Star Chart Image 2" class="wp-image-20675" data-mce-src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Star-Chart-Image-2.jpg" height="622" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Star-Chart-Image-2.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="400" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">This summer, take your little ones on a tour to infinity and beyond from the comfort of your own backyard. To prepare for liftoff, know where you’re going and what you might see. Download this free printable sky chart, customized to the Northern Virginia sky.</dd></dl>
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We’re all captivated by the wonder of our galaxy—its faraway planets, many moons and falling stars. On clear summer nights, this vast expanse seems to beckon us to journey into deep space. Though you can’t climb into the family rocket and take a spin—not yet, anyway—you can take your little ones on a tour to infinity and beyond from the comfort of your own backyard.</div>
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To prepare for liftoff, it helps to know where you’re going and what you might see. After all, your kids will have lots of questions. You may have a star chart at home, but if not, I have created one for you to download and print <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Yf-A1HgvE2eE5yMzVTd0xRMGM/edit?usp=sharing" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Yf-A1HgvE2eE5yMzVTd0xRMGM/edit?usp=sharing">here</a>.</div>
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You can also visit Sky and Telescope magazine’s <a data-mce-href="http://www.skyandtelescope.com" href="http://www.skyandtelescope.com/">website</a> and click on “This Week’s Sky at a Glance” to learn more about upcoming celestial events. Or you can download the Google Sky Map app to help locate celestial objects from your location.</div>
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You will also need an open horizon or view of the sky in an area that has low light pollution. A telescope is nice for viewing deep space objects and details on planets in our galaxy, but you can see them with a good pair of binoculars as well. Visit http://astronomyindc.org/places.shtml to see a list of local observatories, astronomy clubs, planetariums and space camps.</div>
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<strong>Start with the Moon</strong><br />
The moon is the largest and brightest object in the night sky. That makes it a good place to start family observations. Use a landmark in your yard to keep track of where and when the moon rises each evening. You do not need a telescope to see details on the moon. A set of binoculars will do nicely.</div>
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Watch how the moon crosses the sky each night. As time passes, your kids will see all of its phases. Explain that it doesn’t make its own light. As the moon circles Earth, the sun lights different parts of the lunar body. That’s why the moon’s shape seems to change. When the moon is full, look at its pattern of light and dark patches. Explain to your kids that the dark areas are large, flat lava plains. The light areas are hilly and full of craters. The largest full moon this year will be on the night of Aug. 10.<br />
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<a href="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Virginia-Moon-1-800x533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Virginia Moon 1" border="0" class="wp-image-20671" data-mce-src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Virginia-Moon-1-800x533.jpg" height="212" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Virginia-Moon-1-800x533.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Reach for the Stars</strong><br />
The best time to see stars is on a moonless night. As soon as your family gets settled, ask everyone to close their eyes and count to 100. This will help your eyes adjust to the darkness. When you open them again, stars will seem to fill every corner of the sky. Ask your children how many stars they think there are. The universe contains billions of them, but we can only see about 2,000.</div>
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<strong>Pick a Planet</strong><br />
The first “star” you see at night might be a planet. How can you tell? Stars twinkle, but planets give off a steady light. Like the moon, a planet doesn’t make its own light. It reflects the light of the nearest star, the sun. Planets are smaller than stars, but they look big and bright to us because they are much closer to Earth.</div>
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Most planets will be hard to spot this summer, but Jupiter and its four largest moons, the Galilean moons, will be in the ideal position for viewing in July and August. You’ll need  binoculars or a telescope, so be sure your children have practiced using them before the big night.</div>
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<strong>Meet Some Meteors</strong><br />
A shooting star is really a meteor—a bright streak of light that we see when a small rocky body from space enters Earth’s atmosphere. You can see them any night of the year, but there are two excellent opportunities this summer:</div>
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<li>Look for the Delta Aquarids meteor shower from July 21 to Aug. 23. The flashes of light will radiate from the constellation Aquarius. The best viewing will be July 27-28 after midnight, when the moon has set.</li>
<li>The Perseids meteor shower will produce up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak Aug. 11-12. Look toward the constellation Perseus in the northeast after midnight. The Perseids are particles released from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle during its numerous returns to the inner solar system.</li>
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<strong><img alt="Milkyway" class="aligncenter wp-image-20678 size-medium" data-mce-src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Milkyway-800x532.jpg" height="532" src="http://princewilliamliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Milkyway-800x532.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="800" /></strong><br />
<strong>Spot a Spacecraft</strong><br />
Shooting stars last just a few seconds. If you see a steady light cruise across the sky, it’s probably a spacecraft—a satellite, the space shuttle or the International Space Station (ISS)—orbiting Earth.</div>
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It will be easy to spot the ISS all summer long. To find out where and when to look, visit www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/ realdata/sightings. Click on “Go to Country” in the “Sighting Opportunities” box, and then select your state and town. Once you’ve spotted the spacecraft, watch your child’s interest in astronomy shoot to the moon.</div>
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Summertime Stargazing

Published in Prince William Living This summer, take your little ones on a tour to infinity and beyond from the comfort of your own ba...

DIY Marshmallow Roasting Sticks and Mason Jar Solar Light

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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Droid Sans, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 21.666667938232422px;"><i><a href="http://princewilliamliving.com/2014/06/kids-outside-nature/" target="_blank">Published in Prince William Living</a></i></span></span></div>
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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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 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOCbNVUqneYL1y2aANZK06XfMWzu8WdTS-83CgUcGDsqRTJIJ5cPvvW21KwkIhEQjIJyneVmY4VtxRt5kHCp85cWg3rbo9CunWNlfLVg9ra0-71-7vJ1409uAvdy32B48CDeTbejUSzow/s1600/GABC+LOGO+STACKED+600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOCbNVUqneYL1y2aANZK06XfMWzu8WdTS-83CgUcGDsqRTJIJ5cPvvW21KwkIhEQjIJyneVmY4VtxRt5kHCp85cWg3rbo9CunWNlfLVg9ra0-71-7vJ1409uAvdy32B48CDeTbejUSzow/s1600/GABC+LOGO+STACKED+600x600.jpg" width="320" /></a></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...

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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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...

Published: Harvest Crafts

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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;">If you are a reader of Lake Wedowee Life then you will know that 3 of my favorite things to craft with are burlap, twine and mason jars. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0pt;">These three crafts were super easy to make and inexpensive. We will start with the twine pumpkin.</span><br />
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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;">The supplies you will need are:<o:p></o:p></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;">Twine<o:p></o:p></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;">Cinnamon stick<o:p></o:p></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;">Green spray paint (optional)<o:p></o:p></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;">Large glass and pencil/pen<o:p></o:p></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;">Pour white glue into a bowl. You will need about 5-6 tablespoons.<o:p></o:p></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;">Measure about 3 feet of twine and cut. Measure about 14 inches of twine and cut. Place pieces into the glue and coat well. Does not have to be heavily saturated, just sticky/tacky. Measure a six inch piece of twine and set aside for later.<o:p></o:p></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;">Wrap the middle piece of twine around the pencil in a spiral. This will be the “leaf.” Wrap the longer piece of twine around the glass covered in plastic wrap. Do not overlap but keep the spiral tights. <o:p></o:p></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;">Allow the twine to dry overnight. Slowly unwrap the twine. It should stay formed into a spiral shape.  Take the  smaller piece of twine you set aside earlier and loop through the center of the spirals and tie. Spray paint the small spiral green.<o:p></o:p></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;">Once tied and secure, I spread out the stiff twine loops evenly around the center to form a complete pumpkin. Add the cinnamon stick to the center. You can use hot glue if you’d like to secure it better. Then tuck in the green twine spiral. Again you can hot glue this one too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aABM0WHwKeE-tgJ3D68mtXZG9NCfCBjlJ26qsaTpX9UkuHG3CtjFzn4heBlsQTpPDe899f2nF9pbx9kStlirc6FJWi5Ox284uIJ3EPdolpt5lD9IkkzAZACk21jtkWgISZ4IVXtf479K/s1600/IMG_0398a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aABM0WHwKeE-tgJ3D68mtXZG9NCfCBjlJ26qsaTpX9UkuHG3CtjFzn4heBlsQTpPDe899f2nF9pbx9kStlirc6FJWi5Ox284uIJ3EPdolpt5lD9IkkzAZACk21jtkWgISZ4IVXtf479K/s640/IMG_0398a.jpg" width="640" /></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;">Now on to the mason jar lid pumpkin. The supplies you will need for these are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQPZt4w5Z39TzuJn94l3aEhqDe1idq1PGBAGbO1ykmPCmK-CdNZwibgek9DqXekeOKcI0dH9t7WLxKX6EyrCSFeeHOvDj7NbtxrI2jKLz8NbGCCH2aCChQiS9Zgw6l5bsrIyNtM7O9Qlw/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQPZt4w5Z39TzuJn94l3aEhqDe1idq1PGBAGbO1ykmPCmK-CdNZwibgek9DqXekeOKcI0dH9t7WLxKX6EyrCSFeeHOvDj7NbtxrI2jKLz8NbGCCH2aCChQiS9Zgw6l5bsrIyNtM7O9Qlw/s640/IMG_0386.JPG" width="640" /></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;">20-25 jar lids<o:p></o:p></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;">Small piece of Twine<o:p></o:p></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;">Cinnamon stick<o:p></o:p></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;">Small piece of burlap<o:p></o:p></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;">Orange & Green spray paint<o:p></o:p></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;">Spray your jar lids with orange spray paint. You can leave them natural colored if that will fit with your decorating scheme or use a different color altogether.  Allow them to dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9hyr0_krCZ9qhe-Q19vMoeJz2hGjfVecJJVhObk41TB381XEwisDV6O3zleJ8YMDtcASft52cAIW1yoehQgVmSgc-vktAebbxgvoy_V5ByW-P29abcyxsvxV_DGaBCxDwVmrLEgXJVNM/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9hyr0_krCZ9qhe-Q19vMoeJz2hGjfVecJJVhObk41TB381XEwisDV6O3zleJ8YMDtcASft52cAIW1yoehQgVmSgc-vktAebbxgvoy_V5ByW-P29abcyxsvxV_DGaBCxDwVmrLEgXJVNM/s640/IMG_0379.JPG" width="640" /></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;">Spray your piece of burlap. You could buy green burlap but I used what I had on hand. Allow that to dry. <o:p></o:p></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;">Once lids are drip loop twine through the center and secure tightly with a knot. Spread them out evenly. Add cinnamon stick to the center and tuck in your burlap leaf. Can be hot glued if necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi-NYWQa2i69gN3MVvX5RKdjsUtuU6sPy7L1Gfa7FE5bcA9Cd_4VRxVO92hTb0KNSnEMPs_wLxQCGIWNPlFao_EHi2-2MuvpYB7PDtK_HC8ioAZi7ucVQTZPV2MB32658sMY6sg4H8UFM/s1600/IMG_0405a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi-NYWQa2i69gN3MVvX5RKdjsUtuU6sPy7L1Gfa7FE5bcA9Cd_4VRxVO92hTb0KNSnEMPs_wLxQCGIWNPlFao_EHi2-2MuvpYB7PDtK_HC8ioAZi7ucVQTZPV2MB32658sMY6sg4H8UFM/s640/IMG_0405a.jpg" width="426" /></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;">The pumpkin wreath is pretty self explanatory. I purchased orange burlap on sale at my favorite craft store for 3.99. I used a small green wreath base that was purchased at a dollar store. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYoCaWH7LdLcFWiqFHxJlvsGvd9hUxYgf3t4GA0zW8EQf6YktJizvL5hCKcS4SRY45eUlyTI0rAZAXkvogt6BNi6R3on0yP65mmWaJw8XOeOhuatmKrfhYd69F1nkqRgxhOBDdadoeapQ/s1600/IMG_0347a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYoCaWH7LdLcFWiqFHxJlvsGvd9hUxYgf3t4GA0zW8EQf6YktJizvL5hCKcS4SRY45eUlyTI0rAZAXkvogt6BNi6R3on0yP65mmWaJw8XOeOhuatmKrfhYd69F1nkqRgxhOBDdadoeapQ/s640/IMG_0347a.jpg" width="532" /></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;">Weave the burlap through the base. I used used industrial strength adhesive for the cinnamon stick stem and a piece of greenery from the yard for the leaf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRqDqJ3yztJrRuRYTZ7lEzIN1Cc-AijGQlwlGnvsA-xJw5VlbioikstbdbtnORf2L_gNecHZuMO0AfjW4dkkL3Do0DDfyNKTUu9QbePiKapjhTyg9Od-EC2zImypFk0BjhMSH3oXe0vPK/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRqDqJ3yztJrRuRYTZ7lEzIN1Cc-AijGQlwlGnvsA-xJw5VlbioikstbdbtnORf2L_gNecHZuMO0AfjW4dkkL3Do0DDfyNKTUu9QbePiKapjhTyg9Od-EC2zImypFk0BjhMSH3oXe0vPK/s640/IMG_0345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Published: Harvest Crafts

If you are a reader of Lake Wedowee Life then you will know that 3 of my favorite things to craft with are burlap, twine and mason jars. ...

Published: Funky Junk Wreath

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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 love a good Holiday wreath. I also love when I can create something different and unique.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMRT4adhRLbth4eku_dhrnxJJ_xnJWnaQ_rAZPNbojdP5kOUsbWN5CPboR04yoeTGFrFm7_SRCGUiatSiUKbc-iL9rgVGd0gjbeAj0_4EVPbJUe8R4ApFptOK6CUTuAJG0kGiCjqlTgDt/s1600/IMG_0368a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMRT4adhRLbth4eku_dhrnxJJ_xnJWnaQ_rAZPNbojdP5kOUsbWN5CPboR04yoeTGFrFm7_SRCGUiatSiUKbc-iL9rgVGd0gjbeAj0_4EVPbJUe8R4ApFptOK6CUTuAJG0kGiCjqlTgDt/s640/IMG_0368a.jpg" width="454" /></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;">Last year at our Southern Holiday Life trip to Scott’s Antique Market I got this as one of my gifts. I saw these skates as we were browsing and fawned over them. Leisel surprised me by buying them as my gift from her. I instantly knew that I would turn them into a wreath and create this wreath alternative for SHL 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Published: Funky Junk Wreath

I love a good Holiday wreath. I also love when I can create something different and unique. Last year at our Southern Holiday Life t...

Southern Holiday Life Launch Party 2013

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join me tomorrow for the <a href="http://www.southernholidaylife.com/" target="_blank">southern holiday life</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1430645380481345" target="_blank"> launch party</a>.</div>
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our digital issue will be released as well as all the features in print. </div>
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if you are not in the distribution area you can purchase a copy for $10 on our website</div>
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<a href="http://www.southernholidaylife.com/">www.southernholidaylife.com</a></div>
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we will also be giving away tons of awesome door prizes from our advertisers and contributors!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RhM_BT_JhZJvJTTH8yefmY1l7yvNHiRNzeINYgrV8igZtbJDRZY-zL0Utf83RStzkxuXKJ4AA82OHnG8yzDg2_Nftb7IDsu5URc88wmaYDxHy4aNaTEvhQWHjRQt5ugJAWblpETt01Tb/s1600/SHL+2013+Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RhM_BT_JhZJvJTTH8yefmY1l7yvNHiRNzeINYgrV8igZtbJDRZY-zL0Utf83RStzkxuXKJ4AA82OHnG8yzDg2_Nftb7IDsu5URc88wmaYDxHy4aNaTEvhQWHjRQt5ugJAWblpETt01Tb/s640/SHL+2013+Cover.png" width="496" /></a></div>
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here are a few photos from my contributions this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKFi0C0OFcoVRPOpSr6yAdWEhMzfF4bqF3ghM3MLagbBrbo6CzECO9Q6Zg2N8YdoXzzSVvIZ4rBG6A80vRW4lwX1TtnBRekpa9RDrfboWW-Qo4GmHZwXwQj11l6W_inx8ZmQgw3RPPC2m/s1600/IMG_0385a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKFi0C0OFcoVRPOpSr6yAdWEhMzfF4bqF3ghM3MLagbBrbo6CzECO9Q6Zg2N8YdoXzzSVvIZ4rBG6A80vRW4lwX1TtnBRekpa9RDrfboWW-Qo4GmHZwXwQj11l6W_inx8ZmQgw3RPPC2m/s640/IMG_0385a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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we will also be sharing our favorite southern sayins.</div>
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here are a few of my favorites: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhACMokun-LiJr-CdjUCee2f7GumI2Cb_GmV7PhCrJVdSvUQMtnrC09Le5QiOqs9-1mdsu8RmUUyBFbVWXlxOiVnVDJEdzGbGaDQyxsT70HdHX4ZEwO0jctzpRP_Jr7TPOcB9xYD5SDSxo/s1600/First+Rodeo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhACMokun-LiJr-CdjUCee2f7GumI2Cb_GmV7PhCrJVdSvUQMtnrC09Le5QiOqs9-1mdsu8RmUUyBFbVWXlxOiVnVDJEdzGbGaDQyxsT70HdHX4ZEwO0jctzpRP_Jr7TPOcB9xYD5SDSxo/s640/First+Rodeo.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
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please join us and check back tomorrow here on my blog for the release of my new crafts!</div>
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hope to see y'all there!</div>
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Southern Holiday Life Launch Party 2013

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Easy Halloween Crafts

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Spooky Crafts</span></b></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #e5381b;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #e5381b;">     </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #e5381b;">    </span><span lang="en-US">Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. I love creating crafts and spooky things to decorate my sons room with. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have  put together 3 of my favorites and will give brief instructions on making them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US"> Enjoy making these spooky crafts with your family or friends and if you  have a photo you would like to submit of your creative crafting please send to amanda@greenowlcrafts.com and I will share it online!</span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Googly Eyed Frame </u></b></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get a cheap photo frame or one you have laying around the house. Spray paint it black, and let it dry. Use an adhesive (glue, mod podge, etc) to cover the frame.   Apply your googly eye varieties to the adhesive. Decorate as desired and insert a spooky photo or create one with stamps/stickers etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;">This craft is pretty simple and can be done with out too much instruction. One tip I will point out is to always carve your pumpkins by cutting a hole in the bottom rather than the top. It gives it more balance and prevents the top from falling in if you light it from the inside.</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>The Raven</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;"></span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;">The dollar store has black crows for Halloween every year. I buy up all of them I can find for fun projects like this. Get a small wooden plaque  and paint it black. Decapitate (sounds so gross) your crow/raven and glue him (or her) to the plaque.    I printed ’nevermore’ onto paper from an old book and made a  “name- plate.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;">these crafts were published in the october 2011 issue of <a href="http://www.lakewedoweelife.com/" target="_blank">lake wedowee life magazine.</a></span></span><br />
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