Blog Procrastination

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know if it's technically Indian Summer at the moment, but whatever it is, I have no ambition to do anything, but take my <i>"you know what" </i>outside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me show you why, and then I promise I'll work on a couple of projects I have in the works<i> - and by "the works", I mean an office full of things like glass, picture frames, burlap, lamp shades (!) ~ all waiting patiently for me to get a little motivation...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EcJVkAvnOw/VCrRyC_F1hI/AAAAAAAADsM/fXnhcKtHpC0/s1600/barn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EcJVkAvnOw/VCrRyC_F1hI/AAAAAAAADsM/fXnhcKtHpC0/s1600/barn2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ILdi-H75Sk/VCrRwOBKDOI/AAAAAAAADr8/EO_ELRio0wE/s1600/fall%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ILdi-H75Sk/VCrRwOBKDOI/AAAAAAAADr8/EO_ELRio0wE/s1600/fall%2B2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0zgwjUWrqk/VCrR4uWGtKI/AAAAAAAADsU/BtlqpzGZ0Eg/s1600/the%2Bbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0zgwjUWrqk/VCrR4uWGtKI/AAAAAAAADsU/BtlqpzGZ0Eg/s1600/the%2Bbridge.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-AhQhwzMl0/VCrSDV0htYI/AAAAAAAADsk/ghaUuYGjbp4/s1600/barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-AhQhwzMl0/VCrSDV0htYI/AAAAAAAADsk/ghaUuYGjbp4/s1600/barn.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67fPuflspDo/VCrRxU0xjkI/AAAAAAAADsE/dtfaf0LxdTI/s1600/sunset%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67fPuflspDo/VCrRxU0xjkI/AAAAAAAADsE/dtfaf0LxdTI/s1600/sunset%2B2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.1999998092651px; line-height: 17.2479991912842px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: orange;"><b>Please don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above in the side bar) </b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.1999998092651px; line-height: 17.2479991912842px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.1999998092651px; line-height: 17.2479991912842px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: orange;">Also, if you would like to join in some fun link parties, click <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">HERE</a></span></i></div>

Blog Procrastination

I don't know if it's technically Indian Summer at the moment, but whatever it is, I have no ambition to do anything, but take my &qu...

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Simple fix: The disposal

<p>Hello there! Thanks so much for all the love on the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/13-planked-wall-finished-fireplace.html">finished fireplace</a>, I appreciate it more than you know! We’re so happy with how it turned out and I hope it inspires you someway in your home. </p> <p>As you know, I like to do things myself if I can. I have mixed emotions when I have to call someone to fix something for me – if it’s something stupid and little I’m annoyed. If it’s a biggie I’m totally cool with it. ;) </p> <p>This past weekend we had a stupid little something and I was determined to get it fixed myself. Long story short we got lots of little bits of stuff that shouldn’t be down a drain…down our drain. It involved an obnoxious cat. It always involves an obnoxious cat. Not knowing the little bits were down the drain, I turned on the disposal and the “rarrarrarrarrar” of death started up. Actually it’s more of a “grrrrrrr” when it’s not working. </p> <p>If you know what I mean by “long time listener first time caller” right now than you are my favorite person. If you don’t look up “Mr. Obvious, the critter” for a laugh. </p> <p>OK, back to the post. The little bits had gone down the disposal and it was stuck. There’s a few things you can do to fix this situation on your own. First things first, turn the disposal off at the breaker box. </p> <p>If something gets stuck in the actual sink part you can usually get it out of there on your own. I’ve used the handle of a wooden spoon and kind of swirled it around in there and then you can put on rubber gloves and reach in and grab it if you get it loose. Or if it’s tons of little things like glass you can put your wet vac hose down in the sink and try to pull them up that way. </p> <p>If it’s gone down into the disposal like ours did than you need to move to the next option. The bottom of your disposal will look like this: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KXr6VHS5Mgw/VCrOk52TehI/AAAAAAAArek/fLq8G362HYA/s1600-h/disposal%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to fix a disposal" border="0" height="441" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BhY3ae00o7k/VCrOlwtZeZI/AAAAAAAAres/hZYIG1M9-JQ/disposal_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to fix a disposal" width="500" /></a></p> <p>There’s two areas that are important. The red button on the right is the reset button. Sometimes you can just push that in after clearing out the drain part and it may work. (The button will be out if it needs to be reset. If it’s already pushed in it doesn’t need reset.)</p> <p>The area in the middle is how you’ll fix most issues with disposal. You’ll need the key that came with it -- it’s just an allen wrench basically: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bqS7jR6qH78/VCrOmvlj55I/AAAAAAAAre0/c--y5vsfAC0/s1600-h/disposalkey%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="disposal key" border="0" height="388" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OaCwoS3XpzA/VCrOnvJ1w6I/AAAAAAAAre8/D77uSD-Rmwo/disposalkey_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="disposal key" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yz6-tM0HCoI/VCrOoel3HEI/AAAAAAAArfE/PfkopW52eAc/s1600-h/disposalkey2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy disposal fix" border="0" height="386" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gwyj3hlXv-E/VCrOpIYB-lI/AAAAAAAArfM/34FVBEsC7DQ/disposalkey2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="easy disposal fix" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>If you don’t have the specific one that came with your disposal you can usually find one that works on an allen wrench set: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tALiYr-T_K8/VCrOp5VsvrI/AAAAAAAArfU/Kk_oanokM9o/s1600-h/allen%252520wrench%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="allen wrench" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mshxVJG-12k/VCrOq4oMGQI/AAAAAAAArfc/MXpmt88BjRk/allen%252520wrench_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="allen wrench" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Although when I fixed ours the set did not work – I had to use the disposal key to do it. The allen wrench wouldn’t grab enough. </p> <p>You stick the key inside and turn it – you may hear everything inside moving around. This is a good thing. I could hear ours grinding. Every few turns I would try the disposal again – if it doesn’t work on the first try or two keep turning. You’ll want to hit the reset button again if it’s sticking out and then things should be moving again. It took about three attempts to clear ours out but it worked! <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TFiykGZlhHM/VCrSg8EJBYI/AAAAAAAArfo/WV9lmA6tU0A/s1600-h/disposalheader%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fixing garbage disposal" border="0" height="441" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pr_bjimqYNo/VCrSh0QfbLI/AAAAAAAArfw/2pT8fzUEQg0/disposalheader_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fixing garbage disposal" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It just takes a few minutes and you’ll usually be able to fix yours on your own. Have you ever tried this? It’s a GREAT feeling to save hundreds of bucks! Or at least $75-$150 for a service call so the repairman can do the same thing.  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Now go look up Mr. Obvious. :)</p>

Simple fix: The disposal

Hello there! Thanks so much for all the love on the finished fireplace , I appreciate it more than you know! We’re so happy with how it turn...

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Merry Monday Link Party #22

<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">Welcome to the Merry Monday Link Party #22!</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MerryMondaySeptember.jpg"><img alt="MerryMondaySeptember, link party, linky party, blog party, DIY" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6242" height="600" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MerryMondaySeptember.jpg" title="" width="600" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: red;"><i>How's was your week? Mine has been great - we've had summer temperatures, but it's been looking more and more like fall ~ perfect! Now that this week is over, I'm looking forward to seeing what you've been up to. Link up your creations (DIY, crafts, recipes, decor...). Make sure to check out the hosts and guest hosts blogs - we all have feature picks, and our own blog posts to share. </i></span></strong></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: red;"><i>xx Julia</i></span></strong></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Merry Monday Link Party #22 Announcements:</strong></h3><strong style="text-align: center;">Want your cookie and dessert recipe shared all month long in October and on all the host's blogs? Share your treat recipes during October's Cookie and Dessert Share-fest! Each week in October, the party hosts will share their own treat recipe on their blogs, which will also contain a special inlinkz roundup of the treat recipes shared on Merry Monday! So, help us gear up for the upcoming holiday baking season by sharing your favorite holiday season cookie and dessert recipes and we'll share them on our blogs!</strong><span style="text-align: center;"> <i>***Recipes will be added to a cookie and dessert inlinkz that will be on all 5 host's blogs during the month of October***<br /></i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tonight-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="tonight (3)" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-6650" height="320" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tonight-3-200x300.png" width="212" /></a></div><br /><br /><ul><li style="text-align: left;">This week's added social media link-up is Google!If you link-up, please try to follow at least two others in the link-up.</li><li>Last chance to add your recipe to The International Bacon Day Recipe Roundup! The inlinkz will remain open until the end of September. If you have a specific recipes featuring bacon and you'd like to add it to the roundup, <a href="http://wp.me/p3UxXD-1zt" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li></ul><hr /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">On to the Merry Monday Link Party #22!</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Meet the hosts of this party</strong></h2><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/hostsseptember.jpg"><img alt="hostsseptember" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6297" height="120" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/hostsseptember.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"> *We would appreciate a follow in at least one of our social media platforms. Let us know you followed via Merry Monday so we can follow back!*</h3><strong>Host Erlene @<a href="http://mypinterventures.com/" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/erleneamat" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ErleneA/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/mypinterventures?modal=true" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Hometalk</a> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11033183" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> </strong><br /><strong></strong><strong>Co-host Julia @<a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Happy House and Home</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/julesklimek2011" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyhouseandhome" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/juliaklimek/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JuliaKlimek/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/7257423" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></strong><br /><strong>Co-host Misty @<a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/" target="_blank">The Lady Prefers 2 Save</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/LDYPrefers2Save" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Theladyprefers2save" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/LDYPrefers2Save/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+mistyoverstreetprefers2save/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/theladyprefers2save" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC38I5WlAHgr8RWwSSel_dtw" target="_blank">Youtube</a> <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12078849" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></strong><br /><strong>Co-host Amanda @<a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/" target="_blank">The Kolb Corner</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/Thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thekolbcorner/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AmandaKolbthekolbcorner/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12445561" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></strong><br /><strong>Co-host Rachel @<a href="http://www.cravingsomecreativity.com/" target="_blank">Craving Some Creativity</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/CravingCreative" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cravingsomecreativity" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mommybeach23/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/102064874270078815672/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11320661" target="_blank"> Bloglovin</a></strong><br /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">On the Host's Blogs</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="September Week 4 Collage" class="aligncenter wp-image-6639" height="500" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/September-Week-4-Collage-300x300.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><map id="ImageMapsCom-image-maps-2014-09-18-131432" name="image-maps-2014-09-18-131432"> <area alt="" coords="13,25,686,283" href="http://mypinterventures.com/transition-into-fall-with-sharpie-pens/" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title="Transition to Fall with Sharpie"></area> <area alt="" coords="20,300,351,591" href="http://mypinterventures.com/250-family-fun-night-popcorn-ice-cream-giveaway/" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title="$250 Family Fun Night Popcorn & Ice Cream Giveaway"></area> <area alt="" coords="371,300,684,586" href="http://mypinterventures.com/pinterest-tested-september-week-2/" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title="Pinterest Tested Week 2"></area> <area alt="" coords="16,604,334,951" href="http://mypinterventures.com/fall-leaf-book-page-wall-art/" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title="Fall Leaf Book Page Wall Art"></area> <area alt="" coords="351,604,678,979" href="http://mypinterventures.com/one-year-blogiversary-giveaway/" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title="Blogiversary Giveaway - 6 winners - $150 Grand Prize"></area> <area alt="Image Map" coords="698,998,700,1000" href="http://www.image-maps.com/index.php?aff=mapped_users_0" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" title="Image Map"></area> </map><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/easy-fall-pillow-cover/" target="_blank">Easy Fall Pillow</a> ~ <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/pinterest-tested-september-week-3/" target="_blank">Pinterest Tested Week 3</a> ~ <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/fall-mini-bunting/" target="_blank">Fall Mini Bunting</a></h3><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Happy House and Home</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/09/pumpkin-bread-healthy-fat-free-vegan.html" target="_blank"><img alt="pumpkin bread 2014" class="aligncenter wp-image-6640" height="451" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-bread-2014-199x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/09/pumpkin-bread-healthy-fat-free-vegan.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Bread (Healthy, Fat Free, Vegan)</a></h3><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/" target="_blank">The Lady Prefers 2 Save</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="LDYWeek4" class="aligncenter wp-image-6641 size-full" height="500" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/LDYWeek4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7636" target="_blank">6 New Ways to Use Milk Around the Home</a></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7675" target="_blank">Kids Eat Free & Reduced Fee Family Dining Option Guide</a></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7673" target="_blank">Walgreens, Rite Aid, & CVS Deals Starting 9/28/14!</a> ~ <a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7664" target="_blank">101 Free Kindle E-books</a></h3><h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/" target="_blank">The Kolb Corner</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="TKCWeek4" class="aligncenter wp-image-6642 size-full" height="500" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TKCWeek4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/easy-cleaning-list-printable/" target="_blank">Easy Cleaning List Printable </a>~ <a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/cheeseball-recipes/" target="_blank">Two Cheeseball Recipes</a> </strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cravingsomecreativity.com/" target="_blank">Craving Some Creativity</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cravingsomecreativity.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="CSCWeek4" class="aligncenter wp-image-6643 size-full" height="500" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/CSCWeek4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cravingsomecreativity.com/2014/09/25/stamped-transfer-halloween-candles/" target="_blank">Stamped Transfer Halloween Candles</a></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cravingsomecreativity.com/2014/09/24/10-things-discovered-first-week-stay-home-mom/" target="_blank">7 Things I Learned while Transitioning to a Stay at Home Mom</a></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"></h3><hr /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">Meet the Guest Hosts</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1izcftZi5ORNN2ABUJbzUuOQyvNPkIxWEXZ43GQeq8EU/viewform?usp=send_form" target="_blank">please sign up</a>! We have opened up party spots in the month of October.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Septemberguesthostsweek4.jpg"><img alt="Septemberguesthostsweek4" class="aligncenter wp-image-6644 size-full" height="250" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Septemberguesthostsweek4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><strong><br /></strong><strong>Guest Co-host Elizabeth @<a href="http://balmtomysoul.com/" target="_blank">Balm to my Soul</a>~ <a href="https://twitter.com/balmtomysoul" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/balmtomysoul?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook </a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/balmtomysoul/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/balmtomysoul" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/+ElizabethLundbalmtomysoul/posts?hl=en" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/Balmtomysoul" target="_blank">Stumbleupon </a> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/elizabethlund" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></strong><br /><strong>Guest Co-host April @<a href="http://stampinfool.com/" target="_blank">Stampin' Fool</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/stampinfools" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stampinfools" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/agbail/" target="_blank"> Pinterest</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/aprilbailey04" target="_blank">Instagram </a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/app/basic/110816646252882459675/about?cbp=1jdt3rr5tlmm2&sview=27&cid=5&soc-app=115&soc-platform=1" target="_blank">Google+</a> </strong>   <br /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">On The Co-host's Blogs</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://balmtomysoul.com/" target="_blank">Balm to my Soul</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://balmtomysoul.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="BTMSWeek4" class="aligncenter wp-image-6646 size-full" height="500" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/BTMSWeek4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://balmtomysoul.com/cheesy-baked-chicken-pasta/" target="_blank">Cheesy Baked Chicken Pasta</a></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://balmtomysoul.com/fall-can-make-better-person/" target="_blank"> Five Ways Fall Can Make You A Better Person</a> ~ <a href="http://balmtomysoul.com/enough/" target="_blank">Enough</a></h3><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stampinfool.com/" target="_blank">Stampin' Fool</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stampinfool.com/weekly-deals-2/" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen-Shot-2014-09-23-at-9.56.19-AM" class="aligncenter wp-image-6647" height="380" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Screen-Shot-2014-09-23-at-9.56.19-AM-300x228.png" width="500" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stampinfool.com/weekly-deals-2/" target="_blank">Weekly Deals</a></h3><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: center;"></h2><hr /><h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: green;">Feature Posts</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Most Clicked</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Mostclickedseptemberweek4.jpg"><img alt="Mostclickedseptemberweek4" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6648" height="500" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Mostclickedseptemberweek4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.savingssarah.com/2014/09/22/7-great-sources-for-blogging-advice/" target="_blank">7 Great Sources for Blogging Advice</a> @Earning and Saving with Sarah Fuller</h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.withablast.net/2014/09/gooey-chocolate-peanut-bars.html" target="_blank">Gooey Chocolate Peanut Bars </a>@With A Blast</h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://countrycottagemusings.blogspot.ca/2014/09/pinterest-recipe-trials-continue.html" target="_blank">Pinterest Recipe Trials</a> @Country Cottage Musings...</h3><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">My Feature Pick</span></h2><h4 style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to visit the other hosts to view their feature picks too.*</h4><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://redoityourselfinspirations.blogspot.com/2014/09/stain-painted-accent-table.html"> Redo It Yourself Inspirations</a> took an old, kinda sad looking table and turned it into this beauty using stain: </h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"> <img height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-_m0bzczy4/VBScW5wvDCI/AAAAAAAAEtg/Td9hq9bnRDU/s640/DSC04654.JPG" width="359" /></h3><hr />  <br /><h2 style="text-align: center;">Features will be pinned to the Merry Monday Linky Party Board</h2><a data-pin-do="embedBoard" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/merry-monday-linky-party-features/">Follow My Pinterventures's board Merry Monday Linky Party Features on Pinterest.</a><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;"><strong>If you were featured, grab the Merry Monday Linky Party feature button and display it on your blog, feature page, or sidebar.</strong></span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> </strong></div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><img alt="Happy House and Home" src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/ErleneA/d651fc56-68e2-48c0-8b7f-1acfcb3d153e_zpscd5a78ba.png" title="Happy House and Home" /></div><pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 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Help us grow this party by posting this party button in your sidebar, on your party page, or on your linked post.

<div align="center"><br /><a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.59" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">href</span>="http://<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.60" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">happyhouseandhome</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.61" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">blogspot</span>.com" title="Happy House and Home"><<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.62" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">img</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.63" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">src</span>="http://i845.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.64" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">photobucket</span>.com/albums/ab20/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.65" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">ErleneA</span>/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.66" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">MMSeptember</span>_zps326fcb0d.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.67" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">png</span>" alt="Happy House and Home" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />

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Time to link up!

If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party, please sign up! We have opened up party spots in the month of October.

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***Your party hosts will be busy sharing your link ups on either Twitter, FB, Pinterest (some to several group boards), Stumbleupon, and Google+, so follow us and see how we're promoting your link ups. One or more of us will visit your blog and promote your link up on at least one of our social media platforms. Type in the hashtag #MerryMonday in the search boxes on Google+, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter to see what we're sharing. *** Not sure who to visit? Visit the two link-ups before you.

An InLinkz Link-up

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This week's social media link-up is Google + If you link-up, please take the time to follow at least two other people OR follow everyone!

Merry Monday Link Party #22

Welcome to the Merry Monday Link Party #22! How's was your week? Mine has been great - we've had summer temperatures, but it's b...

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Let’s go shopping

<p>Hey all! Happy Friday! I’m back with a little shopping excursion to one of my favorite stores. I like sharing spots that I think have great products and prices (and no, this is not a sponsored post!). I’ve shopped Cost Plus World Market for years now but I feel like it’s been over the past couple of years that they’ve really upped their game. </p> <p>They have the same feel as Pier 1 -- I just find the pieces to be a little more unique and different. It’s a place I like to walk through just to get inspired. I don’t buy something every trip there but I always walk away <em>wanting</em> to buy plenty. ;) </p> <p>I had to return a few things yesterday so I took some pics as I walked through to show you why I love this place so much! </p> <p>They always have beautiful rugs – I loved the shaggy diamond patterned one: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m0cw2n8dQXQ/VCWDDB5W9LI/AAAAAAAArUM/7k089blMN84/s1600-h/WM1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="diamond rug world market" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z-ZPNlvvPTY/VCWDExZr9bI/AAAAAAAArUU/oAeHmi_Wxuc/WM1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="diamond rug world market" width="500" /></a></p> <p>They have a great variety in the store and bigger sizes available online. That sheepskin rug is <em>way</em> cheaper at IKEA though. :) </p> <p>I have so many dang mirrors, I don’t need another one. But both of these catch my eye every time I go in: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sIur0JamVBc/VCWDG9GYK6I/AAAAAAAArUc/pSzctCJQXWQ/s1600-h/WM2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wood sunburst mirror" border="0" height="271" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HV8TpKZq3Bc/VCWDI77kiZI/AAAAAAAArUk/KMkS2P-WEwE/WM2_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wood sunburst mirror" width="277" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Gs7ESVxEqN4/VCWDJxtkp8I/AAAAAAAArUs/0La-l9CCoLw/s1600-h/WM3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wood oval mirror" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v54ry5XAdNU/VCWDLM17e-I/AAAAAAAArU0/6w2U7N_vVL8/WM3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wood oval mirror" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>I’m always trying to figure out where I could put one! </p> <p>Their signs and art are fun too – this one is for you if you can’t find an <em>antique</em> antique sign: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bnINez8SrP8/VCWDNUK6WjI/AAAAAAAArU8/a_KoQWh9xfc/s1600-h/WM4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="antiques sign world market" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hlIQNRuGmAQ/VCWDO-MLO3I/AAAAAAAArVE/Ailup6ruR3w/WM4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="antiques sign world market" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s really good size by the way.</p> <p>These glass signs are super cute as well: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h5Rl86gg2Vw/VCWDQy904QI/AAAAAAAArVM/xDMUX81Eua0/s1600-h/WM5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fresh baked pies sign" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BsubI-2XCdk/VCWDSmPcW_I/AAAAAAAArVU/AeFiT_qSsTs/WM5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="fresh baked pies sign" width="290" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tn1ju-Sc488/VCWDUg2dPbI/AAAAAAAArVc/RJXpoYZ79KQ/s1600-h/6%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lunch being served sign" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KW0SZiKZRTQ/VCWDWKUmPWI/AAAAAAAArVk/rPFx27ef2vQ/6_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="lunch being served sign" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>I’ve seen the pie one around blogland lately – love them both! </p> <p>We have a few of their towels – they have the most colorful selection I’ve found anywhere: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZxQwrSLWkPE/VCWDXXY-y-I/AAAAAAAArVs/n_KSj3XsUl4/s1600-h/8%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="towels world market" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EItXpiwcrKk/VCWDY2fwX2I/AAAAAAAArV0/0j6A1nBdeeY/8_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="towels world market" width="500" /></a></p> <p>That’s one thing you’ll notice in this store – lots of COLOR. I love it. </p> <p>There are a TON of decorative items throughout too. I loved this wood sconce: </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wRJoZNqL_Q4/VCWDZiFxbvI/AAAAAAAArV8/35ZQa0J1yMc/s1600-h/10%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sconce world market" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zqTUCtqTCak/VCWDbrs9-VI/AAAAAAAArWE/MDLKbm6cwh4/10_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="sconce world market" width="500" /></a></p> <p>World Market is one of the only places around (other than HomeGoods) that carries furniture you can actually buy and take with you. I got this <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-little-somethin.html">foyer table</a> a couple years ago: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lc5zIf7MiOw/VCWDdg6UFHI/AAAAAAAArWM/MDoMEal_u1c/s1600-h/IMG_9728%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="high board and batten" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y1VxfcNkxAU/VCWDe89SGtI/AAAAAAAArWU/5hI3nMK5GqA/IMG_9728_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="high board and batten" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I adore this table. I added the hardware to dress it up just a bit but otherwise it’s beautiful on it’s own. I love the look of the wood – it’s a natural tone with a little white wash. So pretty. </p> <p>They have a huge drapery selection too: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PMIXKaKtIRs/VCWDgoyqhmI/AAAAAAAArWY/38W-HRKtX2Q/s1600-h/11%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="window treatments world market" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zjKSrWEsZnc/VCWDhbPT3-I/AAAAAAAArWk/DVCQDnaWMic/11_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="window treatments world market" width="500" /></a></p> <p>But if you need anything longer than 84 inches you’ll have to shop online. </p> <p>One of my favorite spots in the store is the lighting area: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lYPbZJfUDMI/VCWDiNquj_I/AAAAAAAArWs/_3DUmWyLXXY/s1600-h/12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="knock off eldridge light" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-agDDvr_2Bxk/VCWDi4IdkYI/AAAAAAAArW0/EMCXxhkOrcA/12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="knock off eldridge light" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pec1rb_z1LY/VCWDjkzY_1I/AAAAAAAArW8/9-DWH1Jx7hs/s1600-h/13%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lotus light fixture" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CNB06hOjaO4/VCWDkGxCdyI/AAAAAAAArXE/WOMdUGRxG-o/13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="lotus light fixture" width="290" /></a></p> <p>That one on the left? It’s an <em>exact</em> replica of the <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/eldridge-pendant/lighting/chandeliers-pendants/209472">Ballard Designs light</a> – this one is bigger than the BD small version and $50 cheaper. </p> <p>One of my all time favorite purchases from WM is <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-kitchen-nook-complete.html">the chandelier</a> over our kitchen table:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QTX15EtZtrE/VCWDk1JKczI/AAAAAAAArXM/aR3jlfTcb6s/s1600-h/IMG_9878%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="wood chandelier" border="0" height="752" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9cnsKX-arkg/VCWDlnL8N7I/AAAAAAAArXU/cKGilD8TbzM/IMG_9878_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wood chandelier" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I get asked about our kitchen chairs all the time too – those are also from World Market. If you are patient you can get their furniture on sale and they’re always sending out coupons too. </p> <p>I LOVE their linens – I’ve not found a selection like this anywhere else:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LKSKDbHoSnk/VCWDmbGGKHI/AAAAAAAArXc/-mEGOoa0Xp0/s1600-h/16%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="kitchen linens world market" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tWsVwrN12wE/VCWDnPWfxpI/AAAAAAAArXk/PhrTUnsX4OY/16_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="kitchen linens world market" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I used their placemats to make most of our outdoor pillows years ago: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v9nc-kwm8ME/VCWDnmRYtcI/AAAAAAAArXs/LeSQc8-ckic/s1600-h/IMG_2919_thumb%25255B5%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="placemat pillows" border="0" height="540" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hSgPI_vzU9w/VCWDodudv7I/AAAAAAAArX0/5-uNhKJjPN4/IMG_2919_thumb%25255B5%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="placemat pillows" width="360" /></a></p> <p>WM also has a TN of kitchen and entertaining products: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EqS93WeJOLI/VCWDpCloSQI/AAAAAAAArX8/BforCNXyoLc/s1600-h/17%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="mason jar beverage dispenser" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-InkGJgotn74/VCWDp4piBFI/AAAAAAAArYE/DKKxNuRTnRg/17_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="mason jar beverage dispenser" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YOjLFsk_zDY/VCWDqk-mWMI/AAAAAAAArYM/FXKMxifbVH8/s1600-h/19%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="salad servers world market" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tsVZjs2Bvc0/VCWDrGWgpaI/AAAAAAAArYU/IR8TDPt2QWQ/19_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="salad servers world market" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>I can spend a good 30 minutes just checking out all the cute items in that section alone. </p> <p>World Market also carries a HUGE wine selection and tons of unique and worldly food options. It really is a fun spot to check out! I find their prices to be pretty reasonable and for bigger items I will try to wait till it’s on sale or I have a coupon. </p> <p>Have you ever shopped this store? We only have one nearby but they do sell online as well. Have a GREAT weekend my friends!</p>

Let’s go shopping

Hey all! Happy Friday! I’m back with a little shopping excursion to one of my favorite stores. I like sharing spots that I think have great ...

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Pumpkin Bread (Healthy, Fat Free, Vegan)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zGcAU14cHw/VCRTF6mShHI/AAAAAAAADro/j7_pjyQZNlE/s1600/pumpkin%2Bbread%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pumpkin bread, pumpkin recipe" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zGcAU14cHw/VCRTF6mShHI/AAAAAAAADro/j7_pjyQZNlE/s1600/pumpkin%2Bbread%2B2014.jpg" title="" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />What's the date? September 25th?<br /><br />Right. So it's definitely time for some Pumpkin Recipes, wouldn't you say?<br /><br />This morning I was hanging around, feeling very <i>blah </i>and unambitious. I needed to find something to do.<br /><br />Naturally, I thought of making something to eat, and lurking in the recesses of my mind was a giant can of pumpkin. (Much like it's been lurking in my pantry for several months.)<br /><br />So I found my grandmother's pumpkin bread recipe. And I realized: <i>I'm out of eggs. I'm out of vegetable oil. Darn it! </i>So I checked in with my good friend Google, and sure enough, we can make pumpkin bread without eggs or oil - it's this new concept, to me, called <i>VEGAN</i>.<br /><br />I admit, I can't live without steak, but I certainly don't need it in my pumpkin bread. And apparently, I don't need oil or eggs either. Yay! Saved me a trip to the store. I mean... Yay! I found a healthy low fat recipe for Pumpkin Bread.<br /><br />This recipe comes from <a href="http://happyherbivore.com/">Happy Herbivore </a> ~ and if you go to her site - look at her - she does look happy! (Prolly cuz she didn't have to go to the store either.)<br /><br />Anyway, here's the recipe, just note that I had to change the method a little bit, but I think it worked out pretty well. Not one person in my family died from my bread, yet. So you're good. Trust me.<br /><br />Seriously, this is healthy, and it's delicious. Give it a shot!<br /><br /><br /><div class="" id="content" style="background-color: white; float: left; line-height: 20px; width: 618.515625px;"><div class="post-1042 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-eat-to-live category-recipes post" id="post-1042" style="margin-bottom: 45px;"><div class="post-content jpibfi_container"><div style="color: #777777; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pumpkin Bread Recipe</span></span></div></div><h3 style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Servings: <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">12</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-indent: 10px;"><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">½</strong> tsp</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">baking powder</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1</strong> tsp</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">baking soda</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2</strong> cups</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">whole wheat flour (I used white) </span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2</strong> tbsp</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">pumpkin pie spice</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1</strong> tsp</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">vanilla extract</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2</strong> tbsp</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">pure maple syrup</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1</strong> cup</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">brown sugar</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">15</strong> ounces</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">pumpkin</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">¼</strong> tsp</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">lemon juice</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">¼</strong> cup</span> <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">non-dairy milk (I used skim milk) </span></span></li></ul><h3 style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Instructions:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350F. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grease or spray a standard bread pan.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whisk non-dairy milk and lemon juice together until bubbly and set aside.<i> (I used skim milk.) </i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a medium mixing bowl, cream pumpkin, sugar, syrup and extract together. <i>(This mixture looks exactly like baby food. And smells like it. It's not exactly delightful at this point... But stay with me!) </i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin pie spice, flour, baking soda and baking powder together. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then pour both wet mixtures into the dry mixture, and stir until just combined. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour into the bread pan, using a spatula to evenly distribute and smooth out the top. <i>(To say "pour" this mixture is misleading. The mixture was thick, so I had to spoon it into the loaf pan, and even it out. At this point, it looks like what comes through a little tiny baby body. Know what I mean? Sorry, again, hang in there!)</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grab a large piece of aluminum foil and make a tent over the pan. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's where I went rogue. I didn't have any aluminum foil, and we already know I was too lazy to go to the store ~ so I fashioned some parchment paper, like a diaper, around the loaf pan. <i>(I'm sorry for all of the baby poop references! I can't help it, I have the mentality of an 11 year old.) </i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. <i>(During the baking time the pumpkin bread smells so good, you'll forget all about my earlier immaturity!) </i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After the hour, let the bread sit on a cooling rack for 10 minutes - this let's the center of the bread set.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once the bread has cooled, but is still warm, remove it from the pan and on to a serving plate.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;">I know, you're wondering what to put on your pumpkin bread. I have the answer:</div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;">Mix 8 oz whipped cream (homemade, out of a tub, vegan version.. <i>whatever</i>) with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. </div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 0.8125em; padding: 0px;">If you're a total heathen like me, you'd butter the bread and <i>THEN </i>add the whipped topping. Just a suggestion...</div></div></div></div>

Pumpkin Bread (Healthy, Fat Free, Vegan)

What's the date? September 25th? Right. So it's definitely time for some Pumpkin Recipes, wouldn't you say? This morning I was h...

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My problem areas

<p>Hey hey!! How are you on this fine Thursday? I love Thursdays. :) I’m feeling GOOD because I’ve finally been tackling some my problems areas over the past couple of weeks. Not my hips and stomach – but the ones in the house. ;) I’ve let the house go <font size="2">just a little</font> lately – I’ve been so focused on the reno that everything else kind of falls apart. Well, I mean, we aren’t living in filth or anything – but I don’t keep up with clutter well when I’m distracted by DIY projects. </p> <p>There comes a point when I’m done with it though. Like D.O.N.E. You know it’s serious when the caps come out. So I’ve been working on small projects here and there just to make me feel better. </p> <p>Our garage, along with my car and our kitchen island, are just spots I don’t keep up with. They are perpetual messes. I’ve tried to change my ways and have gotten a little better with age, but not much. </p> <p>The garage is worst of them all – after a summer of working on projects it is an absolute disaster. Thing is, we always park in there – so no matter how bad it is we make room for the cars, so that’s something. We may have to jump over things to get to them, but we can park inside! </p> <p>My work bench had become an absolute PIT: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8sZ8J2Kvpfo/VCQqQXy0uiI/AAAAAAAArQU/veCparV0WcQ/s1600-h/IMG_9901%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="disaster area" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4EQe69nlIdM/VCQqRNkn3jI/AAAAAAAArQc/wAh7yB3ek7A/IMG_9901_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="disaster area" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I can’t believe I show you some of these pictures – but I always want to share the real stuff with the pretty. I’m normal. Well maybe not, but close. </p> <p>But I had that spot looking GREAT after about an hour of concentrated clean up: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Oa-zQUuCRMs/VCQqR2xj9dI/AAAAAAAArQk/vBKA4mDMl-M/s1600-h/IMG_9943%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY work bench" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u7mlUhhxHJI/VCQqSfXD-QI/AAAAAAAArQs/twVCUQBjFkA/IMG_9943_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY work bench" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I’m gonna be honest here – a few of those things were chucked into the other side of the garage – that’s also a disaster. I really would have just put it away, but we can’t really walk through that part right now…cause it’s a disaster. Baby steps. (For the easy DIY instructions on how to make that work bench go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/11/diy-work-bench-yes.html">here</a>.)</p> <p>I have talked for YEARS about trying to get a better handle on the paper that comes into our house. I’m just a piler – it’s me and I refuse to fight it any longer. I pile it up for a <strike>couple</strike> few weeks and then tackle it all at once: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qp8j5B5Jlxw/VCQqTNhKoyI/AAAAAAAArQ0/Ac9L8JNceQU/s1600-h/IMG_9934%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q2z2D2CTzR0/VCQqT18A0ZI/AAAAAAAArQ8/4EV7ANTYrSo/IMG_9934_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The basket is now mostly empty again: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6NlZvk-lqxE/VCQqUdvsMUI/AAAAAAAArRE/5QCbHb-rvzg/s1600-h/IMG_9962%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="293" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--A7OAGiWZWk/VCQqVOwMnNI/AAAAAAAArRM/NEg5jHpKS0k/IMG_9962_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>My goal is to sit down once a week to address everything in the basket – we’ll see if that happens. <font size="2">Snort.</font></p> <p><font size="3">My favorite organizational project of the past couple weeks is this one though. Listen carefully when you look at it – you’ll hear angels singing: </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NyXo0PGfZUU/VCQqV2kG1nI/AAAAAAAArRU/_PeemNG2e_E/s1600-h/IMG_9945%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organizing small tools " border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8LNZKeaohXg/VCQqWYiAZDI/AAAAAAAArRc/EEksTNL9S_8/IMG_9945_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="organizing small tools " width="500" /></a></p> <p>Do you hear them?? </p> <p>I picked up this little organizer from the hardware store about, oh I don’t know – <strong>six</strong> months ago? Yeah.  </p> <p>My little bits of DIY things have been floating around everywhere up till now. I’ve kept some in tackle boxes: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZKG71deDgzk/VCQqXJQ6-BI/AAAAAAAArRk/Cd-m-mByrQ0/s1600-h/IMG_9959%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tackle box for screws and nails" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AFXsailFcMs/VCQqX3AxfvI/AAAAAAAArRs/PxXSM4uUw-c/IMG_9959_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="tackle box for screws and nails" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Which is actually a great solution if you only need a nail or screw occasionally. They aren’t big enough to hold the number of pieces I have though. </p> <p>Mama needed something bigger and better. This thing is <em>amaaaaazing</em>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mTBQF8stycM/VCQqZ147d7I/AAAAAAAArR0/W470hZAUanI/s1600-h/IMG_9947%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organizing small things" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-khE-xgOQeR8/VCQqamCD7LI/AAAAAAAArR8/YTSjti_cRKg/IMG_9947_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="organizing small things" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I sat down and sorted everything and was in absolute heaven. I’m not kidding, I kept saying “This is amazing” out loud every few minutes. I would worry I was running out of little drawers and then I’d realize I had a ton more and I’d say “This is amazing!” again. I’d find random little things that I just had a few of and there would be a spot <em>just for them</em>. It was a beautiful time. </p> <p>It was made even better by my BFF the label maker: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zJr_YVLx-wQ/VCQqbCBBmzI/AAAAAAAArSE/VXZGTmxsAFk/s1600-h/hearts%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="label printer" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0viDUE9w9uk/VCQqby0xpDI/AAAAAAAArSM/s29NAYXOM_A/hearts_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="label printer" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I mean, this is a must. All that organization is worthless if you’re going to have to pull out eleventy billion drawers to find one little thing. </p> <p>I rediscovered all kinds of little doodads that I love. Tons of my favorite anchors that I didn’t realize I had: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AS7XWxyqVAc/VCQqcssk40I/AAAAAAAArSU/-kyMWXsviR4/s1600-h/IMG_9964%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="best anchors" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OZ7UXVnewgE/VCQqdRcwhqI/AAAAAAAArSc/oK80UO9E_Uc/IMG_9964_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="best anchors" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jF-MfEi4dAk/VCQqd7HzUxI/AAAAAAAArSk/SvFWdP3SPrA/s1600-h/IMG_8743%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wire holders " border="0" height="435" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SfW_Mb7VdIE/VCQqeqiuRTI/AAAAAAAArSs/jN5GbaHYrM4/IMG_8743_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wire holders " width="290" /></a></p> <p>You just screw them in instead of drilling a hole in the wall first – so easy! And those jobbies on the right are great for corralling cords behind furniture. Cause you know how much <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/09/hiding-cords-ick.html">I hate cords</a>. </p> <p>It was GLORIOUS! Whoo hoo! Now I just need to decide where I’m going to keep my little organizer – you can hang it so I’m thinking maybe in our utility closet. That way I don’t have to go out to the garage for every little thing. </p> <p>I tell you what – a little decluttering and organization makes a girl feel good! I say it all the time but even focusing on small areas will make you feel so accomplished. If the clutter is overwhelming in your house set your sights on one problem area at a time. Set the timer if you need to and just go after it in little bits so you don’t get frustrated. </p> <p>What’s your worst problem area? Areas? Overall our house stays clean and picked up…most of the time. But there are spots that I let get out of control way too often. </p>

My problem areas

Hey hey!! How are you on this fine Thursday? I love Thursdays. :) I’m feeling GOOD because I’ve finally been tackling some my problems areas...

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