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	<title>Amanda Jane Brown</title>
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		<title>Deco-Mesh Wreath Ideas-Miss Kopy Kat Guest Post</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/05/deco-mesh-wreath-ideas.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/05/deco-mesh-wreath-ideas.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wreaths]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.amandajanebrown.com/?p=5410</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hi There! I&#8217;m Miss Kitty from the Miss Kopy Kat blog. Thanks, Amanda Jane, for asking me to do my first guest post ever.  It&#8217;s fun to have a seasonal or holiday wreath on our front doors or mantels but it can get expensive and time-consuming to  have a separate wreath for each occasion.     [...]]]></description>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hi There! </span><span style="font-size: large;">I&#8217;m Miss Kitty from the </span><a style="font-size: x-large;" href="http://misskopykat.blogspot.com/">Miss Kopy Kat </a><span style="font-size: large;">blog.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks, Amanda Jane, for asking me to do my first guest post ever. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay620Vt0MJE/UYwuDhMRQnI/AAAAAAAALzU/sMD2uz7bVqI/s1600/wreath+collage+with+text.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay620Vt0MJE/UYwuDhMRQnI/AAAAAAAALzU/sMD2uz7bVqI/s400/wreath+collage+with+text.jpg" width="400" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It&#8217;s fun to have a seasonal or holiday wreath on our front doors</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">or mantels but it can get expensive and time-consuming to </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">have a separate wreath for each occasion.  </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I saw a new burlap-looking deco mesh at Hobby Lobby,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought that it would make a good wreath base to add </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">different embellishments, ribbons, etc. to change it up.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This deco mesh seems to have more body and be more weather-</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">-resistant than actual burlap but gives &#8220;the look of&#8221; burlap</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> which a very popular trend now in even the most high end looks.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CapgjLZIYJc/UYwr0uYf4OI/AAAAAAAALq0/gh_YN_fvmxU/s1600/IMG_5721.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CapgjLZIYJc/UYwr0uYf4OI/AAAAAAAALq0/gh_YN_fvmxU/s640/IMG_5721.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To begin the wreath base, get a 18&#8243; or 19&#8243; wire wreath form</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">in the floral section of the larger craft stores. They are usually</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">less than $5.  You will also need tan craft paint and a package</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">of tan chenille stems (we used to call them &#8220;pipe cleaners&#8221;). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It also helps to have glue to keep the stems from sliding around.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paint the wire form with two coats of craft paint. It does not</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">have to be perfect but it helps hide the form.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Place about 8 stems around the outside wire of the form and</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">about 7 stems on the inside of the form.   Bend each stem in </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">half like a &#8220;V&#8221;.  Push the ends of the &#8220;V&#8221; from the backside</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">of the wreath at your selected points. Then twist each stem </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">twice tightly onto the wire wreath form. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9opWmnT5GLM/UYwr0ioQkOI/AAAAAAAALqw/hlp4lzGEG3g/s1600/IMG_5722.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9opWmnT5GLM/UYwr0ioQkOI/AAAAAAAALqw/hlp4lzGEG3g/s640/IMG_5722.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You don&#8217;t have to glue the stems down, but I like to.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Turn the wreath good side down and glue each stem onto the</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">wreath form on the backside.  Be sure that the &#8220;arms&#8221; of </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">each stem are facing </span><span style="font-size: large;">towards to front of the wreath so</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> they can secure all </span><span style="font-size: large;">the elements </span><span style="font-size: large;">onto the wreath form. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51VcdN33Prw/UYwr0vyJGoI/AAAAAAAALqs/kv0idL1xA3k/s1600/IMG_5723.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51VcdN33Prw/UYwr0vyJGoI/AAAAAAAALqs/kv0idL1xA3k/s640/IMG_5723.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the glue has dried, you can start adding the deco mesh.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owp2h-7IsM8/UYwr394slxI/AAAAAAAALrU/4Em6aEzWvO4/s1600/IMG_5727.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owp2h-7IsM8/UYwr394slxI/AAAAAAAALrU/4Em6aEzWvO4/s640/IMG_5727.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This deco mesh from Hobby Lobby is more expensive than most of their other deco meshes and it is</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">not as many feet.  It has a lot of body however and you don&#8217;t need a lot to go around the wreath.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> You can use a 40% off coupon on the mesh and Hobby Lobby regularly includes it in the 50% off </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ribbon sales.  I could not find it on the Hobby Lobby website to order online.  An alternative to this</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">product, if you can&#8217;t get it from Hobby Lobby, is a <a href="http://www.mardigrasoutlet.com/catalog/6272.html">weather-resistant burlap-looking product</a> from </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the online source Mardi Gras Outlet.  It costs more but it is 30&#8242; long. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unroll several feet of the mesh.  About 12&#8243; from the end of </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the roll, gather the mesh (accordian-style seems to work well)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">across the width&#8230;this is what gives you the &#8220;poufs&#8221;. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqKyBVFKTtc/UYwr5fpVTbI/AAAAAAAALrc/aEwfZ2-vCCs/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqKyBVFKTtc/UYwr5fpVTbI/AAAAAAAALrc/aEwfZ2-vCCs/s640/IMG_5728.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep the gather pinched tightly and place it on one of </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the chenille stem set of &#8220;arms&#8221;. Twist the arms tightly around</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the mesh gathered point. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgyIRPkRy3A/UYwr7y8P2iI/AAAAAAAALr0/Lw2CMbJHU74/s1600/IMG_5730.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgyIRPkRy3A/UYwr7y8P2iI/AAAAAAAALr0/Lw2CMbJHU74/s640/IMG_5730.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></span></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is what you first gather will look like with the &#8220;tail&#8221;</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">hanging out.  Leaving a tail (to be secured later) keeps the mesh</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">from pulling through the twisted chenille stem arms.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ53cKBApeM/UYwr62HL_NI/AAAAAAAALrs/UBFW0VPrZBM/s1600/IMG_5729.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ53cKBApeM/UYwr62HL_NI/AAAAAAAALrs/UBFW0VPrZBM/s640/IMG_5729.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Move about 12&#8243; further down the mesh roll and do </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">another gather of mesh.  Without letting go of the gather,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">place it on the next set of arms to see if you like how big</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the &#8220;pouf&#8221; will be.  If you want a bigger pouf, let that</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">gather go and move further down the roll.  If you want a </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">smaller pouf, just re-do a gather closer to your original one.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0dUFg9dobk/UYwr9icN80I/AAAAAAAALsE/COLSS54Qm20/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0dUFg9dobk/UYwr9icN80I/AAAAAAAALsE/COLSS54Qm20/s640/IMG_5732.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This mesh does not have a finished edge and unravels some.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To give a finished edge, just turn under the edge as you make</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">your gathers and it will hide the edge and keep it from raveling.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvmI7gcWy6Q/UYwr8zrB_LI/AAAAAAAALr8/rdCbp02Fb1Y/s1600/IMG_5731.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvmI7gcWy6Q/UYwr8zrB_LI/AAAAAAAALr8/rdCbp02Fb1Y/s640/IMG_5731.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Try to keep your poufs about the same size all the way around.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Make a </span><span style="font-size: large;">mesh pouf that ends on top of the first attachment point.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Secure the end of that pouf with the chenille stem arms of the</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">first pouf.  Without cutting the mesh, then start making mesh</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">poufs the same way along the inner wire of the wreath form. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVeoHoM2bb0/UYwsC3igO9I/AAAAAAAALsg/TnZk8t2imik/s1600/IMG_5735.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVeoHoM2bb0/UYwsC3igO9I/AAAAAAAALsg/TnZk8t2imik/s640/IMG_5735.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you have finished going around the inner wire, cut the</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">mesh roll about 12&#8243; from the end of the final pouf.   </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pull the beginning tail and the ending tail to the backside </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">of the wreath form.  Make one tail run along one side of </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the back of the wreath form and the other one going</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the opposite direction. Secure each tail onto the back of </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the </span><span style="font-size: large;">wreath form with a half of a chenille stem. You can trim </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the ends if you would like to in order to make them neater. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrrz9F4YS9c/UYwr_ibGyzI/AAAAAAAALsM/OjKkrm6z6j0/s1600/IMG_5736.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrrz9F4YS9c/UYwr_ibGyzI/AAAAAAAALsM/OjKkrm6z6j0/s640/IMG_5736.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is what your wreath base will look like:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_4XM_kfaAY/UYwsAH7lYnI/AAAAAAAALsU/ZudiI8p8ue4/s1600/IMG_5737.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_4XM_kfaAY/UYwsAH7lYnI/AAAAAAAALsU/ZudiI8p8ue4/s640/IMG_5737.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">See all those chenille stem open arms?  They are waiting to </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">embrace</span><span style="font-size: large;"> all sorts of items on top of the &#8220;burlap&#8221; mesh.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To use the &#8220;arms&#8221; twist whatever you want on the wreath</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">with the arms and then pull the ends of the stems to the</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> back of the wreath form to hide them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> When you are </span><span style="font-size: large;">ready to change the wreath, untwist the </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">stems, take out the old elements and add the new.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Hide whatever </span><span style="font-size: large;">stems are still showing on the front side</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> by pulling </span><span style="font-size: large;">them to the back </span><span style="font-size: large;">of the wreath.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are just a few examples to get you started but the</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">wreath is only limited by your imagination:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">With Memorial Day coming up soon, you could add some </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">patriotic ribbon to the wreath.  I liked this ribbon because it</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">had a tan in it to go along with the color of the mesh.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Uabat2hVM8/UYwsUJnFcaI/AAAAAAAALt0/zFuhCec4IpY/s1600/IMG_5749.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Uabat2hVM8/UYwsUJnFcaI/AAAAAAAALt0/zFuhCec4IpY/s640/IMG_5749.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just use the chenille stem arms to hold down loops of the ribbon</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(wired ribbon works best) </span><span style="font-size: large;">along the shape of the wreath. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> You can zig zag the ribbon between </span><span style="font-size: large;">the arms that are on the </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">outside wire and the inside wire or just </span><span style="font-size: large;">pick one or the other. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> When you are finished attaching the </span><span style="font-size: large;">ribbon, pull the ends of</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">  the chenille stem arms to the back </span><span style="font-size: large;">of the wreath to hide them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wx83GPZQqU/UYwsRdAr7eI/AAAAAAAALtk/ZDrWluYVdpU/s1600/IMG_5747.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wx83GPZQqU/UYwsRdAr7eI/AAAAAAAALtk/ZDrWluYVdpU/s640/IMG_5747.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Actually, I thought I had bought enough ribbon to make a bow</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">for this example but just going around the wreath took more</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">ribbon than I anticipated.  To go around the wreath AND make</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">a bow, next time I would probably get at least 6 yards of ribbon.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although packs of flat pre-made bows are one of my least</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">favorite things ever, these patriotic bows from Dollar Tree were</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">worth a try (50 cents each).  It&#8217;s an example of how inexpen-</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">sively </span><span style="font-size: large;">you can add things to your already good-looking wreath.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3g-_THw0sc/UYwr6V2nFCI/AAAAAAAALrk/lADxFsrlJIA/s1600/IMG_5725.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3g-_THw0sc/UYwr6V2nFCI/AAAAAAAALrk/lADxFsrlJIA/s640/IMG_5725.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The gold twisty-tie served a dual purpose of holding the bows</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">on the cards AND securing the bows together so once they</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">were untwisted&#8230;oops&#8230;there goes the bow.  To hide the gold </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">twisty</span><span style="font-size: large;"> it was covered with some cheap blue ribbon in the </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">front and tied in the back.  I made it serve a </span><span style="font-size: large;">dual purpose</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> too by forming a little loop on the back of the bow.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-ncEjXxqyY/UYwsCqdcVkI/AAAAAAAALsc/aGRi-wcpHnE/s1600/IMG_5740.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-ncEjXxqyY/UYwsCqdcVkI/AAAAAAAALsc/aGRi-wcpHnE/s640/IMG_5740.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">That gave me a way to attach the bow to the wreath with the</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">chenille stems but not have to tan stem show on the bow.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If the spot where you want an object for your wreath to be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">does not already have a chenille stem there, just make another</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">&#8220;V&#8221; shaped stem, push it from the back onto a wire, twist</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the stem on to the front of </span><span style="font-size: large;">wreath (red arrow), and use the ends</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">of the stem </span><span style="font-size: large;">(blue arrow)to hold </span><span style="font-size: large;">your object on the wreath. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc8h2VZq1-A/UYwsC2qTeOI/AAAAAAAALsk/dDTPAkXPGyo/s1600/IMG_5738+w+text.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc8h2VZq1-A/UYwsC2qTeOI/AAAAAAAALsk/dDTPAkXPGyo/s640/IMG_5738+w+text.jpg" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> A lightweight object can almost </span><span style="font-size: large;">&#8220;float&#8221; but a</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> heavier object </span><span style="font-size: large;">might need to </span><span style="font-size: large;">be secured closer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">to the </span><span style="font-size: large;">actual wire wreath form to stay put. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A wreath like this could be used not only for Memorial Day</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">but 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans&#8217; Day or President&#8217;s Day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sG_nmHwcH1s/UYwsD_rVq9I/AAAAAAAALsw/NtJ1QEJKTNw/s1600/IMG_5741+close+up.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sG_nmHwcH1s/UYwsD_rVq9I/AAAAAAAALsw/NtJ1QEJKTNw/s640/IMG_5741+close+up.jpg" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Originally, I was going to paint all of the white sections of the</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">bows a tan color, but that little idea was taking way longer than</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought it would (does that ever happen to you?). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6ANjp5D4Dc/UYwr3KfNy6I/AAAAAAAALrM/QaRKSJehrJg/s1600/IMG_5726.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6ANjp5D4Dc/UYwr3KfNy6I/AAAAAAAALrM/QaRKSJehrJg/s640/IMG_5726.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is ONE bow painted to give you an idea:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-le_sNRqi8fY/UYwsPVZis1I/AAAAAAAALtc/LHa3WjCadpk/s1600/IMG_5746.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-le_sNRqi8fY/UYwsPVZis1I/AAAAAAAALtc/LHa3WjCadpk/s640/IMG_5746.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, after Memorial Day, you are going to want a summer wreath.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The mesh almost looks like a fishing net already so you only</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">need to add a few more things to make it beachy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the ribbons that I thought about using</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">for the summer wreath:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJQdkx8mcWc/UYwtNTTzbgI/AAAAAAAALwk/PK_tG5-h1_c/s1600/IMG_5775.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJQdkx8mcWc/UYwtNTTzbgI/AAAAAAAALwk/PK_tG5-h1_c/s640/IMG_5775.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The above ribbons are from Hobby Lobby&#8230;I promise, I have no connection with them&#8230;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am just addicted to their </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ribbons, etc. especially when they are 50% off.  </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The crazy chicken-wire-coated-with-foam &#8220;ribbon&#8221; gave the </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">most seaside look for this summer wreath.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IORFU-6HXvo/UYwtbEhGRyI/AAAAAAAALw8/loj_scF45bo/s1600/IMG_5778.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IORFU-6HXvo/UYwtbEhGRyI/AAAAAAAALw8/loj_scF45bo/s640/IMG_5778.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was attached just like the original deco mesh on the wreath</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">with the chenille arms twisted around gathered points.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The foam starfish were so lightweight, they could be attached</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">with floral wire onto the chicken-wire ribbon.  The fishing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">floats are heavier so they were attached with floral wire</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">directly onto the wire wreath form. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIlRuCeB7uc/UYwtX1ZSzrI/AAAAAAAALw0/jYD6uSwmYR0/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIlRuCeB7uc/UYwtX1ZSzrI/AAAAAAAALw0/jYD6uSwmYR0/s640/IMG_5777.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZw7u__j4Uw/UYwtU_WR95I/AAAAAAAALws/9O2QsGkEgzA/s1600/IMG_5776.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZw7u__j4Uw/UYwtU_WR95I/AAAAAAAALws/9O2QsGkEgzA/s640/IMG_5776.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The burlap look of the wreath is perfect for a Fall wreath.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koaAblrSdzI/UYwtlPXfQbI/AAAAAAAALxE/rl5cFRJMhYU/s1600/IMG_5779.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koaAblrSdzI/UYwtlPXfQbI/AAAAAAAALxE/rl5cFRJMhYU/s640/IMG_5779.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This inexpensive garland of faux leaves is oh-so-easy to</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">add to the wreath with the chenille stem arms.  Many</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">craft stores have similar type garlands for all seasons of </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the year so that is a quick way to change the wreath up. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Hy0W_dk1WI/UYwttOKxl7I/AAAAAAAALxs/-ZEztj6KChE/s1600/IMG_5782.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Hy0W_dk1WI/UYwttOKxl7I/AAAAAAAALxs/-ZEztj6KChE/s640/IMG_5782.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm8RkJxbHOo/UYwtrYHpZAI/AAAAAAAALxk/zkzleoTgHNA/s1600/IMG_5781.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm8RkJxbHOo/UYwtrYHpZAI/AAAAAAAALxk/zkzleoTgHNA/s640/IMG_5781.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another Fall-ish look (but you could just change the colors</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">for other seasons) is to use more mesh and a fancy ribbon.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm-v-LWZCUA/UYwtxSSKNUI/AAAAAAAALx8/I9-M6FLrbjU/s1600/IMG_5785.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm-v-LWZCUA/UYwtxSSKNUI/AAAAAAAALx8/I9-M6FLrbjU/s640/IMG_5785.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Attach a layer of deco mesh the same way and with the same</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">chenille arms that you used to make the original base. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then add wired ribbon on top of the colored mesh. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zp-W1F6BS6Q/UYwt4Cwp9HI/AAAAAAAALyY/CHZ1ih0fg9E/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zp-W1F6BS6Q/UYwt4Cwp9HI/AAAAAAAALyY/CHZ1ih0fg9E/s640/IMG_5787.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Remember, you can always add more chenille stems to the</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">wreath form to have additional attachment points for </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">your elements depending on where you want them </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">to &#8220;pouf&#8221; or be visually pleasing to the eye. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSzhOmpLIPg/UYwt7iU97CI/AAAAAAAALyo/0yCgb26BltA/s1600/IMG_5790.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSzhOmpLIPg/UYwt7iU97CI/AAAAAAAALyo/0yCgb26BltA/s640/IMG_5790.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mHzcbmWwLs/UYwt7hue2mI/AAAAAAAALys/5RrR-jV0aAQ/s1600/IMG_5788.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mHzcbmWwLs/UYwt7hue2mI/AAAAAAAALys/5RrR-jV0aAQ/s640/IMG_5788.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></span></div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other readily available and inexpensive seasonal items that </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">can be added to your wreath are wired garlands, ribbons and</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">little placards or sayings.  Here is a St. Patrick&#8217;s Day wreath.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTUD09J88Lw/UYwuBRI0-jI/AAAAAAAALzM/ockKm4WIugk/s1600/IMG_5791.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTUD09J88Lw/UYwuBRI0-jI/AAAAAAAALzM/ockKm4WIugk/s640/IMG_5791.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add the ribbons and garlands with the chenille arms around</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the circumference of the wreath.  The placards can be </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">suspended with an additional chenille stem attached to the form.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1LhkOacTqg/UYwt_dc2_xI/AAAAAAAALzE/u0570RhGCe0/s1600/IMG_5794+close+up.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1LhkOacTqg/UYwt_dc2_xI/AAAAAAAALzE/u0570RhGCe0/s640/IMG_5794+close+up.jpg" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRWsvCihsfY/UYwuENGEEyI/AAAAAAAALzc/ZXzjmx1ihNg/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRWsvCihsfY/UYwuENGEEyI/AAAAAAAALzc/ZXzjmx1ihNg/s640/IMG_5794.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your wreath can also come in handy for events at your house.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here&#8217;s an idea for a bridal shower using ribbon and flowers:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUH66O6zi_U/UYwskVs1-NI/AAAAAAAALvE/TBQOn458ntk/s1600/IMG_5759.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUH66O6zi_U/UYwskVs1-NI/AAAAAAAALvE/TBQOn458ntk/s640/IMG_5759.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Attach white ribbon in loops with the chenille stem arms. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is super-duper cheap wide synthetic ribbon from Michael&#8217;s.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">They have it in good basic colors&#8230;it looks like satin but feels </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">like plastic&#8230;fun to use extravagantly then throw away. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMLntCU2WEY/UYwsh0eOnKI/AAAAAAAALu8/1p8qNjiJ_f4/s1600/IMG_5760.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMLntCU2WEY/UYwsh0eOnKI/AAAAAAAALu8/1p8qNjiJ_f4/s640/IMG_5760.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add faux flowers to the wire wreath form.  Push the stems to the</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">back of the form and secure with floral wire or chenille stems.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvoOJ39zmBQ/UYwsoL1esWI/AAAAAAAALvU/s8vSQNB7hrI/s1600/IMG_5763.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvoOJ39zmBQ/UYwsoL1esWI/AAAAAAAALvU/s8vSQNB7hrI/s640/IMG_5763.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make the flowers &#8220;behave&#8221; by securing the ends where you want </span><span style="font-size: large;">them  to be with already attached chenille stems or new ones.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKxlEwfeAb8/UYwsoPg5aQI/AAAAAAAALvY/-hQ9nDkoBLg/s1600/IMG_5764+w+arrow.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKxlEwfeAb8/UYwsoPg5aQI/AAAAAAAALvY/-hQ9nDkoBLg/s640/IMG_5764+w+arrow.jpg" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7btsIiWYOQ/UYwskzk7hJI/AAAAAAAALvM/JxJB_fU5X_k/s1600/IMG_5762.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7btsIiWYOQ/UYwskzk7hJI/AAAAAAAALvM/JxJB_fU5X_k/s640/IMG_5762.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This idea would also make a good Spring/Easter wreath with</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">colorful flowers and ribbons.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0S4XPL-T1M/UYws0zxpe9I/AAAAAAAALv0/_1ABsnfJHUs/s1600/IMG_5767.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0S4XPL-T1M/UYws0zxpe9I/AAAAAAAALv0/_1ABsnfJHUs/s640/IMG_5767.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZCT2ahJ2dk/UYwswH9Q78I/AAAAAAAALvk/RCYzzYybOMA/s1600/IMG_5765.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZCT2ahJ2dk/UYwswH9Q78I/AAAAAAAALvk/RCYzzYybOMA/s640/IMG_5765.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, I want to try it with long tails too.  Just twist a chenille</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">stem around two long lengths of ribbon, cut the ends into</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">&#8220;fishtails&#8221;  and attach to the wreath form with stem.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-Y6XJYa41E/UYws3lMtGaI/AAAAAAAALv8/sC6dV6IJBAE/s1600/IMG_5768.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-Y6XJYa41E/UYws3lMtGaI/AAAAAAAALv8/sC6dV6IJBAE/s640/IMG_5768.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A little more &#8220;romantic&#8221;:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqkQeeWj34Y/UYwtEBRNqII/AAAAAAAALwU/xRM6Ij9LcHk/s1600/IMG_5772.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqkQeeWj34Y/UYwtEBRNqII/AAAAAAAALwU/xRM6Ij9LcHk/s640/IMG_5772.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xygkltdyhrg/UYws6R5-xKI/AAAAAAAALwE/un1QxynyjzU/s1600/IMG_5769.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xygkltdyhrg/UYws6R5-xKI/AAAAAAAALwE/un1QxynyjzU/s640/IMG_5769.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hostessing a baby boy shower?  Add some blue ribbons with </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the original chenille stems&#8230;they are long enough to add lots.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmY-ViDyHP8/UYwsVEuHxoI/AAAAAAAALuA/bM6ScFsk3b4/s1600/IMG_5751.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmY-ViDyHP8/UYwsVEuHxoI/AAAAAAAALuA/bM6ScFsk3b4/s640/IMG_5751.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You could also add other elements like little stuffed bears,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">baby rattles, or letters if you know the baby&#8217;s name. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lriwai-WikQ/UYwsYmb1gCI/AAAAAAAALuM/rEZSXZ78qjM/s1600/IMG_5754.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lriwai-WikQ/UYwsYmb1gCI/AAAAAAAALuM/rEZSXZ78qjM/s640/IMG_5754.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gosh, I wish I had had enough ribbon to make a big bow too. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QndmnJ_KmA/UYwsavFUZAI/AAAAAAAALuU/QIChPzF52s4/s1600/IMG_5752.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QndmnJ_KmA/UYwsavFUZAI/AAAAAAAALuU/QIChPzF52s4/s640/IMG_5752.JPG" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Want an everyday wreath every once in a while?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Choose some fun ribbon and attach loops of it with</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the chenille stems.  </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7I2q12ap40/UYwsa2wUOII/AAAAAAAALuY/HQiIsCpXfLI/s1600/IMG_5755.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7I2q12ap40/UYwsa2wUOII/AAAAAAAALuY/HQiIsCpXfLI/s640/IMG_5755.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CR8-LoMeNY/UYwsekzdXxI/AAAAAAAALu0/FNKRG0-YEmU/s1600/IMG_5758.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CR8-LoMeNY/UYwsekzdXxI/AAAAAAAALu0/FNKRG0-YEmU/s640/IMG_5758.JPG" width="640" height="426" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This would be a good look with a wooden initial in the middle suspended by </span><span style="font-size: large;">chenille stems or invisible fishing line.  </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypquSCQW_nY/UYwsc351p2I/AAAAAAAALus/_n8YBvCyBCY/s1600/IMG_5756+w+initial.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypquSCQW_nY/UYwsc351p2I/AAAAAAAALus/_n8YBvCyBCY/s640/IMG_5756+w+initial.jpg" width="426" height="640" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I don&#8217;t have an initial handy so , thanks, Pic Monkey!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You <span style="text-decoration: underline;">could</span> use wreath at Christmas too, </span><span style="font-size: large;">but maybe you </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">should </span><span style="font-size: large;">give it a rest from all it&#8217;s work during the year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I would love for you to visit me at <a href="http://misskopykat.blogspot.com/">Miss Kopy Kat </a>blog!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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		<title>I&#8217;m Still Here!</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/05/im-still-here.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/05/im-still-here.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 21:57:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.amandajanebrown.com/?p=5414</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Lest you think that I have abandoned the blog forever, I wanted to let you know that I am still here!  I&#8217;ve known for a while that our family&#8217;s month of May promised to be crazy&#8230;and it has not failed to deliver on its promise:)  It&#8217;s mostly &#8220;good crazy,&#8221; but unfortunately, there&#8217;s been a fair [...]]]></description>
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<p>Lest you think that I have abandoned the blog forever, I wanted to let you know that I am still here!  I&#8217;ve known for a while that our family&#8217;s month of May promised to be crazy&#8230;and it has not failed to deliver on its promise:)  It&#8217;s mostly &#8220;good crazy,&#8221; but unfortunately, there&#8217;s been a fair share of &#8220;bad crazy.&#8221;  I&#8217;ll fill you in soon!</p>
<p>Unintentionally, the blog had to take a back seat to my family during these weeks, but I look forward to being back in the saddle in just a couple of weeks with some delicious recipes for summer and lots of other treats for your home.</p>
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<p>Be on the lookout next week for a guest post from <a href="http://misskopykat.blogspot.com/">Miss Kopy Kat</a> blog!  You do not want to miss her post with fabulous ideas for easy wreaths for your front door all year long!  She is super-talented and gives great tutorials!</p>
<p>Thanks for sticking with me, I have missed being here!!</p>
<p>Love,<br />
Amanda</p>
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		<title>Marinated Cheese Appetizer</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/05/marinatedcheese.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/05/marinatedcheese.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 11:00:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Appetizers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Party Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Happy Thursday to you!  I&#8217;m sharing one of my favorite appetizers of all time with you today&#8230;Marinated Cheese!  I promise you, although it looks difficult, it is not!  The extra little bit of time to assemble this appetizer for the beautiful presentation is worth every minute!   Marinated Cheese is perfect for any party, shower, [...]]]></description>
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<p>Happy Thursday to you!  I&#8217;m sharing one of my favorite appetizers of all time with you today&#8230;Marinated Cheese!  I promise you, although it looks difficult, it is not!  The extra little bit of time to assemble this appetizer for the beautiful presentation is worth every minute!   Marinated Cheese is perfect for any party, shower, or get-together all year long. Thanks, Stephanie, for sharing this recipe with me so many years ago!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Marinated-Cheese1-e1366679665919.jpg"><img alt="Marinated Cheese" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Marinated-Cheese1-e1366679665919.jpg" width="675" height="452" /></a></p>
<h2>Marinated Cheese</h2>
<div>1/2 cup olive oil</div>
<div>1/2 cup white wine vinegar</div>
<div>3 T. chopped fresh or dried parsley</div>
<div>3 T. minced green onions</div>
<div>1 t. sugar</div>
<div>3/4 t. dried basil</div>
<div>1/2 t. salt</div>
<div>1/2 t. pepper</div>
<div>3 cloves garlic, minced</div>
<div>1 (2 oz) jar diced pimiento, drained</div>
<div>1 (8oz) block sharp cheddar cheese, chilled</div>
<div>1 (8oz) block pkg cream cheese, chilled (for best results, freeze for 15 min before cutting)</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>Combine first 10 ingredients in tightly covered container and shake vigorously. Set aside.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>Cut blocks of Cheddar and cream cheese in half <em>lengthwise</em>. Then, cut both <em>crosswise</em> into 1/4 inch thick slices (Cheddar shown); Set aside.  *If cream cheese softens too quickly, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes to firm.</div>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSC_0058.jpg"><img alt="Marinated Cheese" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSC_0058-e1366680634806.jpg" width="675" height="452" /></a></p>
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<p>Next, stand alternating cheese slices in a shallow dish, creating two rows. (You may have a few extra cheddar slices).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSC_0061-e1366679859218.jpg"><img alt="Marinated Cheese" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSC_0061-e1366679859218.jpg" width="675" height="452" /></a></p>
<p>Pour marinade over cheese. Cover and marinate in fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Marinated-Cheese-1.jpg"><img alt="Marinated Cheese 1" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Marinated-Cheese-1.jpg" width="675" height="418" /></a></p>
<p>To serve, transfer (by hand) rows of marinated cheese to a serving platter, reserving marinade. Spoon leftover marinade over cheese slices.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Marinated-Cheese-2.jpg"><img alt="Marinated Cheese 2" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Marinated-Cheese-2.jpg" width="675" height="452" /></a></p>
<p>Serve with assorted crackers (We love Triscuits with this appetizer!)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSC_0074-e1366679780806.jpg"><img alt="Marinated Cheese" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSC_0074-e1366679780806.jpg" width="675" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/amandajanebrownblog/home/marinated-cheese?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1">Printable Recipe</a></p>
<p>Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-108.html">HomeStoriesA2Z</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Mother&#8217;s Day Garland-Guest Post Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/mothers-day-garland-guest-post-today.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/mothers-day-garland-guest-post-today.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mother's Day]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.amandajanebrown.com/?p=5325</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Good Morning all of you Amanda Jane Brown readers!! I am Meegan from What Meegan Makes and I am honored to be guest posting for Amanda today! Isn&#8217;t she great! I just love her!! I am a vintage loving, grand baby kissing, beach going, shell finding, paint hungry kind of woman, and I love to blog about all of [...]]]></description>
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<p>Good Morning all of you Amanda Jane Brown readers!! I am Meegan from <a href="http://meeganmakes.com/">What Meegan Makes</a> and I am <em>honored</em> to be guest posting for Amanda today! Isn&#8217;t she great! I just love her!!</p>
<p><a href="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/blog-photo.jpg"><img alt="blog photo" src="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/blog-photo.jpg" width="394" height="403" /></a>I am a vintage loving, grand baby kissing, beach going, shell finding, paint hungry kind of woman, and I love to blog about all of these things-sometimes even combined! My hope is to help you be inspired, create new ideas, try new recipes and make your house a home.</p>
<p>I am excited today to share a tutorial for a Mothers Day Garland. It&#8217;s <em>super</em> easy and perfect for a Mother&#8217;s Day decor!!</p>
<p>So, here we go!!</p>
<p><strong><em>Elements needed:</em></strong></p>
<p>Chipboard cards</p>
<p>Paint</p>
<p>Stencils</p>
<p>Twine</p>
<p>Fan Folded Book Pages</p>
<p>Hole Punch</p>
<p>I found these fabric covered chipboard cards at Michaels (4 in a package). The package was labeled &#8220;Journal&#8221;, but I thought I could use them for a garland incorporating it with my<a href="http://meeganmakes.com/my-book-page-garland/"> book page garland</a>.</p>
<div><a href="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/105.jpg"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/105-1024x987.jpg" width="459" height="442" /></a></div>
<div></div>
<p>Using stencils I decided to spell out &#8220;Mom&#8221;.</p>
<p><a href="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/106.jpg"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/106-1024x919.jpg" width="459" height="411" /></a></p>
<p>I used craft paint along with my stencils. Pink was just the right color!! Love it.</p>
<p><a href="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/109.jpg"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/109-1024x912.jpg" width="459" height="408" /></a></p>
<p>Doesn&#8217;t it look great so far??</p>
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<p><a href="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/110.jpg"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/110-1024x515.jpg" width="459" height="231" /></a>Using the same technique as I did with my <a href="http://meeganmakes.com/my-book-page-garland/">book page garland</a>, I had a Mother&#8217;s Day Garland in no time at all.</p>
<p><a href="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/133.jpg"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/133-1024x548.jpg" width="459" height="246" /></a>Wouldn&#8217;t she be so pretty hanging above your buffet table for Mother&#8217;s Day Brunch or Tea??</p>
<p><a href="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/131.jpg"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/131-1024x928.jpg" width="574" height="520" /></a>Thanks Amanda for sharing your blog with me today! It means a lot and again-I am <em>honored</em>!</p>
<p>I hope the rest of you will visit me sometime over at: <a href="http://meeganmakes.com/">What Meegan Makes</a>.</p>
<div><a href="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/aheaderPicMonkey-Collage.jpg"><img alt="Happy New Year!" src="http://meeganmakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/aheaderPicMonkey-Collage.jpg" width="536" height="199" /></a></div>
<div>Let’s Stay Connected: <em id="__mceDel"><em><strong><a href="http://pinterest.com/whatmeeganmakes/">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/What-Meegan-Makes/288281931222292?ref=hl">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/eudxdenqbc">Hometalk</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/112514277552051623435/">Google +</a> <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/meeganmakes">Stumble Upon</a> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4055889/meeganmakes">Bloglovin’</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WhatMeegan">twitter</a></strong></em> <strong><em><a href="http://instagram.com/meeganmakes/">Instagram</a></em></strong></em></div>
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<div>Make it a wonderful day!!</div>
<div></div>
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		<title>Finalizing Summer Plans&#8211;Consider Pine Cove Family Camp!</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/finalizing-summer-plans-consider-pine-cove-family-camp.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/finalizing-summer-plans-consider-pine-cove-family-camp.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Camp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.amandajanebrown.com/?p=5326</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have school-aged children, you may be like me and are finalizing summer activities to stay sane broaden their horizons.  Each of my children has one week they are doing something organized, and then our tradition as a family is to head to Texas for a week of family camp.  If you&#8217;ve read the [...]]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/blog_graphic.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5328" alt="blog_graphic" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/blog_graphic.jpg" width="180" height="235" /></a></p>
<p>If you have school-aged children, you may be like me and are finalizing summer activities to <del>stay sane</del> broaden their horizons.  Each of my children has one week they are doing something organized, and then our tradition as a family is to head to Texas for a week of family camp.  If you&#8217;ve read the blog for even a few months, you have heard me mention <a href="http://www.pinecove.com/family-camps/">Pine Cove Family Camp</a>!  I&#8217;ve been in touch with the awesome staff at Pine Cove to ask one more time if there were any openings left for family camp, and there are a few!</p>
<p>Every spring, there are inevitably a few open spots in the sessions of family camp&#8230;schedule conflicts and such cause space to be available.  David and I are so passionate about Pine Cove that I wanted to throw it out there one more time in case you and yours want to add a week of heaven on earth to your family&#8217;s summer schedule:)!</p>
<p>Ask my kids any day of the year would they prefer Disney World or Pine Cove&#8230;and it&#8217;s always Pine Cove.  That&#8217;s what an impact this place has had on my kids.  (And I promise I haven&#8217;t propagandized them, despite my willingness to never go to Disney again.  Sorry, Disney-lovers!  Please no banana peels hurled my way!)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/12W07-01-612.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5332" alt="Pine Cove Family Camp" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/12W07-01-612-1024x682.jpg" width="470" height="313" /></a> <a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/12W07-02-3041.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5333" alt="Pine Cove Family Camp" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/12W07-02-3041-1024x1015.jpg" width="470" height="465" /></a></p>
<p>So IF you have ever considered family camp, or even if it&#8217;s a brand new idea to you today, here are the few openings available for Summer 2013:</p>
<p><strong>The Bluffs</strong> (Tyler, TX):  <strong>Week 8</strong> (July 21-27)</p>
<p><strong>Crier Creek</strong> (Columbus, TX):  <strong>Week 1</strong> (June 2-8), <strong>Week 2</strong> (June 9-15), <strong>Week 6</strong> (July 7-13), <strong>Week 7</strong> (July 14-20), and <strong>Week 9</strong> (July 28-Aug 3)</p>
<p>You may be asking, &#8220;What in the world does it <em>cost</em> to go to Family Camp?&#8221;  You can find all the answers <a href="http://www.pinecove.com/family-camps/">HERE</a>.  &#8221;Is Family Camp <em>worth</em> the money I will spend?&#8221;  Absolutely.</p>
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<p>Our &#8220;short list&#8221; of why the investment of Pine Cove Family Camp has been worth every penny for our family&#8230;</p>
<p>*A true break from suburbia and the hustle-bustle life we lead.<br />
*Lasting, authentic relationships built with other families<br />
*Incomparable role models (the counselors) for our kids.<br />
*No cooking, cleaning, unloading luggage!, or lifting a finger for that matter!  The counselors literally do every little things you can imagine for you!  MAMAS, YOU ARE ON A <em>REAL</em> VACATION:).  See how happy my dear friend Pamela is to be driving into camp!!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/12W07-01-612.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5332" alt="Pine Cove Family Camp" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/12W07-01-612-1024x682.jpg" width="470" height="313" /></a><br />
*Amazing Christian speakers for the adults (no worries, it&#8217;s completely laid back, only a few sessions, but you won&#8217;t want to miss one word!)  A few examples of speakers Pine Cove has lined up this summer&#8230;<br />
*Fun.  And lots of it.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0150.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5330" alt="Water Rocket Pine Cove Family Camp" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0150-1024x607.jpg" width="470" height="278" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/10W07-5-10415.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5331" alt="10W07-5-10415" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/10W07-5-10415-682x1024.jpg" width="470" height="705" /></a></p>
<p>If you are new to Amanda Jane Brown or want to revisit some posts from the past about our time at Pine Cove, you can read detailed accounts <a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2012/07/pine-cove-family-camp-3.html">HERE</a>, <a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2011/07/pine-cove-family-camp-2011-part-2.html">HERE</a>, and <a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2011/07/pine-cove-family-camp-2011-part-3-2.html">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>The best part for you today is that Pine Cove is offering my readers a $250 discount on a new family camp registration!  Simply mention the code AMANDABROWN when you call to register!  Partial scholarships are available to help with the cost of camp, and they can be combined with the registration coupon.  Click <a href="http://www.pinecove.com/aboutus/scholarship_app">HERE</a> for scholarship information.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/11W07-01+363.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1312" alt="Pine Cove" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/11W07-01+363.jpg" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
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		<title>18 on the 18th and a Fun Giveaway!</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/18-on-the-18th-and-a-fun-giveaway.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/18-on-the-18th-and-a-fun-giveaway.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:42:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Birthdays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Giveaways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.amandajanebrown.com/?p=5312</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[(Anybody remember Holly Hobby?  Circa 1977!) Today, April 18, is my birthday, and I thought we&#8217;d change it up a bit today at the blog!  I want to give you a little glimpse into my life behind the blog&#8230;AND&#8230;a fabulous giveaway to one of my favorite stores, B.Layne Home!  The giveaway is a gift card in [...]]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BdayPost1977.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5318" alt="BdayPost1977" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BdayPost1977.jpg" width="715" height="519" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Anybody remember Holly Hobby?  Circa 1977!)</p>
<p>Today, April 18, is my birthday, and I thought we&#8217;d change it up a bit today at the blog!  I want to give you a little glimpse into my life behind the blog&#8230;AND&#8230;a fabulous giveaway to one of my favorite stores, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/B-Layne-Home/239672336143946?fref=ts">B.Layne Home</a>!  The giveaway is a gift card in the amount of years I&#8217;m turning today&#8230;38!  So one lucky reader will have $38 to spend at B.Layne Home. And don&#8217;t worry, Michelle will ship items if you are not local!</p>
<p>Below is just a taste of what B.Layne has to offer…</p>
<p>Dough bowls, Aspen Bay Reserve Candles (amazing!), hand-carved/painted crosses, rustic lanterns, hand-cut frames, pillows, old doors, furniture, and more!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/B.Layne-Collage.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5314" alt="B.Layne Collage" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/B.Layne-Collage-1024x1024.jpg" width="470" height="470" /></a></p>
<p>Be sure to enter below and share it with your friends!</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t know about you, but now and again, I love getting to know the blogger behind a blog I follow.  And I want to assure you that my life is far more than door decorations or recipes.  In fact, for weeks, my front doors have been bare, I haven&#8217;t cooked in a week, and my house is dirty;).  So here are &#8220;18 on the 18th&#8221; real-life things about me&#8230;</p>
<ol>
<li>Wife to one, mama to three!</li>
<li>Arkansas is my home, but Mississippi will always have my heart.</li>
<li>9 times out of 10, I would choose Mexican food when eating dinner out.</li>
<li>I only cook a real, live decent dinner about once a week.  <em>Sometimes</em> twice.  The truth behind a recipe blog;)</li>
<li>A relationship with Christ is the only reason I am sane most days.</li>
<li>Nearly every single thing on the walls of my home has a special meaning or is an original creation by someone I know.</li>
<li>I am a really good, but not very patient driver.  Recently reminded of this as one of my children uttered “idiot” and revealed they heard me say it in the car.  Just grand.</li>
<li>Guilty pleasures-Hot Tamales, Junior Mints, raw cookie dough, Dateline NBC, wine.</li>
<li>I have a Bachelors of Court Reporting.  I didn’t use it a day.  Finishing my degree constituted many dark days.</li>
<li>My dream vacation is Italy with David.  We love talking about going there one day.</li>
<li>I pretty much hate to exercise.  Perhaps that will change once all of my children are in school all day and I have more time.  As it stands, using my 2 free hours getting sweaty and staying gross all day does nothing for me.</li>
<li>I LOVE Little League baseball.</li>
<li>I love Dark Roast Community Coffee.</li>
<li>I love blogging, the blogging community, relationships built with readers, and the creativity that blogging inspires.</li>
<li>I treasure family heirlooms, big and small, and love using an item I know was well-loved by someone in the past!</li>
<li>My recent favorite shows are The Office and Downton Abbey.  Always DVR’d.</li>
<li>I have naturally (very) curly hair.</li>
<li>I can play the piano.  But I rarely do.  I should change that.</li>
</ol>
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<p>So there you go…a little about me behind the blog!  And the best part of today…the B.Layne Home giveaway below!</p>
<p><em><strong>Mandatory Entry:</strong></em></p>
<p>-“Like” <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/B-Layne-Home/239672336143946?fref=ts">B.Layne Home on Facebook</a> and let me know you did.</p>
<p><em><strong>Optional additional entries:</strong></em></p>
<p>-<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/amandajanebrown">Subscribe to Amanda Jane Brown by email</a> and leave a comment that you did.</p>
<p>-Share this giveaway and let me know you did!</p>
<p>Giveaway ends Monday at noon, so be sure to check back next week!</p>
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		<title>Moss-Covered Cones</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/moss-covered-cones.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/moss-covered-cones.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:12:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wreaths]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.amandajanebrown.com/?p=5290</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A few months ago, I ventured out of my neck of the woods to check out a store recommended by a friend and discovered the greater Little Rock area&#8217;s best kept secret&#8230;B.Layne Home.   I immediately fell in love with these Moss-Covered Cones and knew they would be versatile all year long.   The owner, [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-Main.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5297" alt="Moss Covered Cone " src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-Main.jpg" width="648" height="773" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A few months ago, I ventured out of my neck of the woods to check out a store recommended by a friend and discovered the greater Little Rock area&#8217;s best kept secret&#8230;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/B-Layne-Home/239672336143946?fref=ts">B.Layne Home</a>.   I immediately fell in love with these Moss-Covered Cones and knew they would be versatile all year long.   The owner, Michelle, is super-talented&#8230;she can help you pull together any room, she paints many of the pieces for sale in the store, and generally has the &#8220;eye&#8221; for all things chic, affordable, and beautiful!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Michelle routinely posts lots of fun pictures full of inspiration from her store on Facebook, and these hydrangea-filled cones were inspired by one of her posts.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The artificial hydrangeas were purchased at Michael&#8217;s, along with the burlap ribbon. Pictured are 5 artificial hydrangeas, cut with wire cutters and secured into a small block of florist&#8217;s foam inside the cone.  (3 pure white and 2 pale green shown). At 60% off, these flowers were less than $3 a stem.  Not bad!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5296" alt="Moss Covered Cone 5" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-5.jpg" width="590" height="865" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Wouldn&#8217;t these be beautiful for a bridal shower or a wedding reception?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">FYI, I secured the simple burlap bow with these&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0041.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5306" alt="DSC_0041" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0041-1024x970.jpg" width="470" height="445" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here is the burlap ribbon from Michael&#8217;s that I used.  LOVE all the uses for this versatile burlap!  Be sure to download Michael&#8217;s app to your phone for instant coupons.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Burlap-Ribbon.jpg"><img alt="Burlap Ribbon" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Burlap-Ribbon.jpg" width="675" height="903" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">One other fun way to use these moss-covered cones this spring or summer (or anytime!) is to fill them with a fresh potted plant.  I found Kalanchoe last week at Wal-Mart.   The plants came in a few colors and are perfect for spring.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5292" alt="Moss Covered Cone 1" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-1.jpg" width="571" height="797" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Tie a simple knot with the burlap ribbon, as shown below, or leave it as is.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5294" alt="Moss Covered Cone 3" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-3.jpg" width="656" height="943" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5293" alt="Moss Covered Cone " src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-2.jpg" width="675" height="439" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Aren&#8217;t these blooms wonderful?  This is a Kalanchoe, easily found at floral departments everywhere.  I love the instructions on the tag shown below&#8230;&#8221;Makes a lovely gift.&#8221; Yes, they do!<a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cross-5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5305" alt="Plants as a Gift" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cross-5-613x1024.jpg" width="470" height="785" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5295" alt="Moss Covered Cone " src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Moss-Covered-Cone-4.jpg" width="675" height="886" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The best part about these moss-covered cones is the price&#8230;only $24!!  Such a deal since you can use it year-round, indoors or outdoors&#8230;hang it on a door, from a chandelier, or even from a tree during an outdoor party!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Michelle at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/B-Layne-Home/239672336143946?fref=ts">B.Layne Home</a> ships, so be sure to stop by her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/B-Layne-Home/239672336143946?fref=ts">Facebook page</a> to contact her if you are interested in one of these cones!</p>
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		<title>Parmesan Crusted Chicken</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/parmesan-crusted-chicken.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/parmesan-crusted-chicken.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:03:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Main Dish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.amandajanebrown.com/?p=5268</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You probably have a couple of easy, go-to weeknight meals (besides pizza!) like we do. With busy schedules and picky eaters, one of our go-to meals is Crusted Parmesan Chicken.  It can be assembled quickly, everybody in my family will actually eat it (which is a miracle), and I can throw it over a salad [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Parmesan-Crusted-Chicken-Main.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5275" alt="Parmesan Crusted Chicken Main" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Parmesan-Crusted-Chicken-Main.jpg" width="675" height="453" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You probably have a couple of easy, go-to weeknight meals (besides pizza!) like we do. With busy schedules and picky eaters, one of our go-to meals is Crusted Parmesan Chicken.  It can be assembled quickly, everybody in my family will actually eat it (which is a miracle), and I can throw it over a salad the next day for my own lunch (a welcome diversion from the turkey sandwich!!).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Paired with your favorite pasta, red sauce, a salad, and bread, you have a complete meal! This chicken is also especially delicious dipped in homemade Ranch dressing&#8230;just get a dry Ranch seasonings packet and follow the directions for the dressing.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Parmesan Crusted Chicken</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Preheat oven to 350°.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs<br />
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese<br />
1/2 T. salt<br />
1 t. pepper<br />
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise (or chicken tenderloins)<br />
1 stick butter, melted (or 2 eggs, beaten)</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl.  Dip chicken into melted butter or egg wash, coating well.  Then, dip chicken into dry ingredients, making sure to coat completely.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Spray a baking dish with Pam.  Arrange chicken in dish, pieces not touching each other. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Chicken-Parmesan-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5270" alt="Chicken Parmesan " src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Chicken-Parmesan-2.jpg" width="675" height="452" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/amandajanebrownblog/home/parmesan-crusted-chicken?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1">Printable Recipe</a></p>
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		<title>Custom Business Cards from Moxy Ox</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/custom-business-cards-from-moxy-ox.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/custom-business-cards-from-moxy-ox.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:06:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blogging Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.amandajanebrown.com/?p=5219</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every now and again, you find a product, store, or service that you just have to share with folks because it&#8217;s just that worth sharing.  So here&#8217;s my latest&#8230; After my recent blog redesign, name change, and move to WordPress, fresh business cards were in order to match the new logo.  I admittedly procrastinated ordering [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Every now and again, you find a product, store, or service that you just have to share with folks because it&#8217;s just that worth sharing.  So here&#8217;s my latest&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After my recent blog redesign, name change, and move to WordPress, fresh business cards were in order to match the new logo.  I admittedly procrastinated ordering because I wanted unique, cute, current, and affordable cards&#8230;and a quick Google search proved the options to be overwhelming!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then I discovered <a href="http://www.moxyox.com/">Moxy Ox</a> through an Arkansas blogger buddy, Paige at <a href="http://www.approachingjoy.com">Approaching Joy</a>.  Paige has rock-star business cards&#8230;the kind you remember and hang on to&#8230;and <a href="http://www.moxyox.com/">Moxy Ox</a> was the brain behind them.  I was sold.<br />
<a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MoxyOx.com-Business-Cards.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5221" alt="MoxyOx.com Business Cards" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MoxyOx.com-Business-Cards.jpg" width="700" height="469" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">In a word, my experience with <a href="http://www.moxyox.com/">Moxy Ox</a> was &#8220;simple.&#8221;  And simple is super-important to me, especially after an extremely bumpy move to WordPress and the ever-busy life of balancing blogging and family.  Moxy Ox has hired talented, creative designers, and you can confidently send them your existing images/logo <em>or</em> just the vision in your head, and let them do the rest!  Bliss.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MoxyOxLogo-01.png"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5223" alt="MoxyOxLogo-01" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MoxyOxLogo-01-400x400.png" width="400" height="400" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I am not being compensated in any way by Moxy Ox, I just wanted to share an awesome find with you!</p>
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		<title>Books for Kids&#8211;Family Favorites</title>
		<link>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/books-for-kids-family-favorites.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2013/04/books-for-kids-family-favorites.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:01:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kids Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.amandajanebrown.com/?p=5227</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My children love to be read to, and although my older kids read on their own now, they still sneak in now and again while we are reading to Lainey to hear a story for the millionth time.  There&#8217;s something comforting about favorite childhood books.  Perhaps it&#8217;s the innocence of the stories, the familiar voice [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Favorite-Kids-Books.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5229" alt="Favorite Kids Books" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Favorite-Kids-Books-1024x1024.jpg" width="470" height="470" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My children <em>love</em> to be read to, and although my older kids read on their own now, they still sneak in now and again while we are reading to Lainey to hear a story for the millionth time.  There&#8217;s something comforting about favorite childhood books.  Perhaps it&#8217;s the innocence of the stories, the familiar voice of the reader, or getting to be close and quiet at the end of the day.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you are like me, the nighttime routine can be brutal&#8230;dinner, bath, and bedtime for three kids is like manual labor immediately after a marathon.  Hard.  On occasion, I beg and plead and bribe to skip books, but it never works:).  It&#8217;s just <em>what we do</em>.  And deep down, I <em>love</em> that it&#8217;s just <em>what we do</em>. Plus, my youngest is five, so these years are shorter and shorter.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I found this picture from so many years ago&#8230;we only had two kids at the time&#8230;and yes, I was just as tired as I look in the picture!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Favorite Kids Books 1" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Favorite-Kids-Books-1-600x397.jpg" width="600" height="397" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Over the years here at the blog, I&#8217;ve posted our favorite <a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2012/12/christmas-books-for-children-2.html">Christmas Books for Kids</a>, favorite<a title="Easter Books for Children" href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2012/04/easter-books-for-children.html"> Easter Books for Kids</a>, and favorite <a title="Favorite Back to School Children’s Books" href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/2012/08/favorite-back-to-school-childrens-books-2.html">Back-To-School Books for Kids</a>.  My mom was a preschool teacher for many years, so she has given us multitudes of childrens&#8217; books, creating quite a collection!  I&#8217;m sharing our favorites today, and these are <em>all</em> types of childrens&#8217; books, not for any particular holiday or occasion.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As I started writing this post, I kept thinking, &#8220;Awww, <em>this</em> was Maddie&#8217;s <em>favorite</em>!  Or &#8220;Oh, <em>this</em> is my favorite&#8230;no,<em> this</em> is my favorite!&#8221;  Perhaps I should say that at some point in time over the last 12 years, each one of these has been dubbed &#8220;favorite&#8221; by somebody in our family!  And the list of books could go on and on, but for time&#8217;s sake, here are some of the highlights.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Favorite-Kids-Books.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5229" alt="Favorite Kids Books" src="http://www.amandajanebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Favorite-Kids-Books-1024x1024.jpg" width="470" height="470" /></a></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Books for Kids-Family Favorites</h2>
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<p style="text-align: center;">These books are for ages &#8220;little bitty&#8221; to early elementary.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Starting at the top left corner&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Curious George</strong> &#8211;any of these!<br />
<strong>Little Quack</strong> &#8211;Several in series.  Adorable books!<br />
<strong>The Very Hungry Caterpillar</strong>&#8211;Who can resist this one?<br />
<strong>Goodnight Moon</strong>&#8211;Do you remember where the mouse is on the color pages?<br />
<strong>Don&#8217;t Laugh, Joe</strong>&#8211;Hysterical!<br />
<strong>Cars and Trucks and Things That Go</strong>&#8211;Hunt for &#8220;Goldbug&#8221; on each page&#8230;and I can still hear John David saying, &#8220;Ders da tah-wit tah&#8221; (&#8220;There&#8217;s the carrot car&#8221;).  LOVE this book.<br />
<strong>Julius, The Baby of the World</strong>&#8211;I can laugh just thinking about this book!  Perfect for big brother or sisters getting ready for a new sibling!<br />
<strong>Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep</strong>&#8211;Charming, cozy book!  You will want to curl up with Willa and Willoughby!<br />
<strong>Traditional Nursery Rhyme Board Books</strong>&#8211;Skip to My Lou, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, and The Wheels on the Bus.<br />
<strong>The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings</strong>-Sweet life lessons for little&#8230;and big&#8230;hearts.<br />
<strong>Pajama Time</strong>-our favorite of many wonderful books by Sandra Boynton.<br />
<strong>Down by the Cool of the Pool</strong>&#8211;by Tony Mitton.  Fun, energetic book about a frog and his friends!<br />
<strong>The Kissing Hand</strong>&#8211;a Back-to-School book, but a favorite of ours all year long.<br />
<strong>Go, Dog, Go!</strong>&#8211;my kids love the anticipation of the &#8220;big&#8230;dog&#8230;party!&#8221;<br />
<strong>Imogene&#8217;s Antlers</strong>&#8211;another silly book that guarantees lots of giggles.<br />
<strong>I am a Bunny</strong>&#8211;one of the first books each of my children memorized and always asked for when they were little bitty.<br />
<strong>The Jesus Storybook Bible</strong>&#8211;Scripture told in a story-like, understandable fashion for the very young.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now I want to hear your favorite chidrens&#8217; books!  Share them in the comments so others can see them, too!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Linking to:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/2013/04/weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up.html">Weekend Bloggy Reading</a>, <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2013/04/show-us-your-life-kids-books.html">Kelly&#8217;s Korner</a>, <a href="http://www.mercyinkblog.com/2013/04/art-for-your-space-heart-home.html">MercyINK</a>, <a href="http://www.momontimeout.com/2013/04/your-creative-timeout-party-no-77/">Mom on Timeout</a></p>
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		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
		</item>
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