tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50678023034357611852024-03-15T18:10:21.727-07:00absurdly peculiarAllison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-53258784573371834692021-01-02T13:39:00.002-08:002021-01-02T13:39:58.323-08:00Designing Shirts through AmazonMerch<p>Happy New Year! So glad 2020 is over and looking forward to the new year. Towards the end of the last year, I invested in an Ipad to learn how to create digital art. I've been putting that Ipad to use by creating digital art for shirts on Amazon Merch. You can check out all my designs here: <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bqmDp" target="_blank">Absurdly Peculiar Shirts</a></p><p>I will be continually updating this site with new designs. Here are some of the new designs I have so far:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bqmAo" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDnQvOWoqjbDRzzg0E2TfDhRpVCS3i9H04UUYVOWm3XLFI8xZZf-LaG4Nb25p1n8jEdJHvtZg8l8TzGyU4QkhErm_pZv6rt8wLsYlisZc0DlKr4lA33ZWz216NOiGckHQYtxOGCT45uL6/w640-h640/Avocado+Shirt.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bqmAo" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfR6xzHHzLQM0ZzSRRi8kTym2-RoAOaWhM-RXPgS__L-oXwEEn814URccLtpX69oAR_uliA9QxP13pxCBZIFhfTuy5NfjqF1XDjeaDQQseh6T6gi1_OnJLLwV6w4hlBPR6LfQ1znm8Wzk/w640-h640/Literal+Snake+Plant+Shirt.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A7141123011%2Cp_4%3AAbsurdly+Peculiar&ref=bl_sl_s_ap_web_7141123011" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohHsN8SlVANwnC8Lc5ggfHyGov-kcdnsEAG6aR_DmrE17wwXp_YU7Uy0IEST99aPAwe93w236YKbldsFHsNBdrvJCt8BL1VJUL_kDQP3JY5aH8Q2ddydpIptZVLfxk2wU_xSII43M1m_5/w640-h640/Seal+Shirt+Focus.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A7141123011%2Cp_4%3AAbsurdly+Peculiar&ref=bl_sl_s_ap_web_7141123011" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sgwREpry6Dn_1BZxqPSL_jqFMwTwS_b4aknBza1awSgRMqqq9nV19gdxRQdAupjJMZVVXQFre1Re8KX5cLFjt7VFqCyTUwcBs1_fEIPig38AiAZiu7h5b2z4k0cW9GqQOBaY4zKVzo9H/w640-h640/Seal+Sweatshirt.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bqmDn" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFsFqGI2eAKZRkgWBiBLtNtkv7gwTdIya6pKW-LEMkSfQBg6rO9_IsWcyNFA4zlhVPvZGcDY_WvhtoVcBP9UKhChHV2ycDalgKni-_oxuPSv7w9c1ds-BqwrHnOECW6jxTCQXZxSDP_ol/w640-h640/Unicorn+Corn+Shirt.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bqmDr" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPptqBwUQQgNi6Lvd2Dv45YGzUdlI3b76ZYEsrLauB4LEGM-LweE_H3DIGQJKaNI2aZh8BbMxIrmoBEn1Sxc071b03DGLAtsdMfMzEEzdWO37PvsUVqizByG1nU2S16_vHTCVY8NdHC1R2/w640-h640/Wooly+Mammoth+Shirt.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been enjoying learning the whole process so far and hope I keep learning new things!</div>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-90483655316820359492020-10-12T05:00:00.012-07:002021-03-13T11:32:36.756-08:00Recommended Gear for Narrows Hike at Zion National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaOP9mbazKbRrZkF4HjSeaXVukMuvhgMlgitPMQ0NwzqBTNmkj1HXfwKu5zFqoag-CaPguAn9Kxj1IKjNMqgVaRdDWzrWcsd3b2cJFC9U6WwmOFTq_H5wopbUzWDP1sWLN-1Hnawf0Q9G/s4032/IMG_1646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Narrows Hike Zion National Park" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaOP9mbazKbRrZkF4HjSeaXVukMuvhgMlgitPMQ0NwzqBTNmkj1HXfwKu5zFqoag-CaPguAn9Kxj1IKjNMqgVaRdDWzrWcsd3b2cJFC9U6WwmOFTq_H5wopbUzWDP1sWLN-1Hnawf0Q9G/s16000/IMG_1646.jpg" title="Narrows, Hike, Zion, national. Park" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFU1S4ci8ei0UqjfjLp1NKOj3vrLJIcyQyG5YzI8EM4Uqqn2ILGMNw5REbCgpd9oU3qC6TXhMuLiXcfUf-ovtSMc9GivRX0Lf9f464j0rxOesFyn0ukYw7O6iOcabjWzb6yCtIKSp96e4S/s4032/IMG_20200709_090033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Narrows Hike Zion National Park" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFU1S4ci8ei0UqjfjLp1NKOj3vrLJIcyQyG5YzI8EM4Uqqn2ILGMNw5REbCgpd9oU3qC6TXhMuLiXcfUf-ovtSMc9GivRX0Lf9f464j0rxOesFyn0ukYw7O6iOcabjWzb6yCtIKSp96e4S/s16000/IMG_20200709_090033.jpg" title="Narrows, Hike, Zion, National, Park" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jZUOtVm-y7NK3y3cqdbtK3BIN5s6UhY2l_7RscRAzhWX3lX0_g-WmMbBdvIdDqbohrxi6xmWtRbrEFn3wHNMWyctmInHDnKOCL6be8lssnwc35LQtjR1c6BPoSABHET7k9NPTvRpJVAg/s3264/IMG_20200709_080940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Narrows Hike Zion National Park" border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jZUOtVm-y7NK3y3cqdbtK3BIN5s6UhY2l_7RscRAzhWX3lX0_g-WmMbBdvIdDqbohrxi6xmWtRbrEFn3wHNMWyctmInHDnKOCL6be8lssnwc35LQtjR1c6BPoSABHET7k9NPTvRpJVAg/s16000/IMG_20200709_080940.jpg" title="Narrows, Hike, Zion, National, Park" /></a></div><br /><p>This past July, my boyfriend and I as well as a couple of our friends decided to take a road trip from Los Angeles, CA to the Utah/Arizona area. We checked out places like Zion National Park, Bryce National Park and Lake Powell. It was such a fun trip! After our trip, I decided to try something new and create a guide based off our trip through <a href="https://wildbum.com/guide/6-day-road-trip-guide-from-los-angeles-ca-to-utah-and-arizona/" target="_blank">WildBum</a>. There was a lot of research involved for this trip because there were a lot of Covid-19 closures/changes and I thought it would be a great idea to share what I learned by creating a guide.</p><p>While it was very hot during the time of year that we went, the Narrows Hike was a little different because it included walking through the Virgin River and it had canyons that provided extra protection from the sun during our early morning hike. As a result, it was actually pretty cold and most people didn't expect it to be that way! So I decided to create a recommended gear guide for the Narrows Hike.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo5traGAH5bVuT4UvF-OobkfUQ5yjGAs19evl-qbs1X3KuMUwYcf14_t4XCPSX3jqihEi-YHbGfVMWfgKIRUnS2yqu-P-Ch2Lq6xl_EDPeq0wjCX2egIEB228eSMt-XogfHSiWTk5WVDO/s1500/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gear for Narrows Hike in Zion National Park" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo5traGAH5bVuT4UvF-OobkfUQ5yjGAs19evl-qbs1X3KuMUwYcf14_t4XCPSX3jqihEi-YHbGfVMWfgKIRUnS2yqu-P-Ch2Lq6xl_EDPeq0wjCX2egIEB228eSMt-XogfHSiWTk5WVDO/s16000/2.png" title="Gear, Narrows, Hike, Zion, National, Park" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>1. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bnbsG" target="_blank">Neoprene Socks</a><div><span> </span><i>The river water was very cold. Help your feet stay warm with some neoprene socks.</i><p></p><div>2. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bmUb3" target="_blank">Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat</a></div></div><div> <i>On our way back from the hike, the sun came out and I was glad I brought some sun protection!</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bmT8l" target="_blank">Outdoor Research Ubertube</a></div><div> <i>When we started our hike in the morning, it wasn't that crowded. On our way back, in the afternoon, <span> </span>it was very crowded with people heading in the other direction. It is a good idea to bring something <span> to provide yourself and others protection during Covid times.</span><span> You can never be too safe even when <span> </span><span> </span>you are in the outdoors. </span></i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bmUbj" target="_blank">Camelbak Hydration Pack</a></div><div> <i>This hike is pretty tricky - it involves walking through the river on top of very slippery rocks. It was<span> nice to have a hydration pack/backpack situation because it was easy to drink water and I didn't<span> </span>stop often to have a sip water.</span></i><br /></div><div><i><span><br /></span></i></div><div>5. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bmUbQ">Carabiners</a></div><div> <i>This is just a nifty thing to have so you can hang things off your backpack and concentrate on your<span> </span>balance. I used this to hang my hat and hiking boots on to my backpack .</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>6. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bmUb6" target="_blank">Columbia Flash Forward Windbreaker</a></div><div> <i>I was so glad I brought my jacket on this hike! It was cold and I knew I was going to get wet so it <span> </span>was helpful that I was wearing a jacket on top and shorts for my bottoms. </i><br /></div><div><i><span><br /></span></i></div><div>7. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bmUbO" target="_blank">Salomon Women's Crossamphibian Swift</a></div><div> <i>I had bought a pair of cheap water shoes on Amazon and I wish I did a little more research on this.<span> The shoes I bought did not have enough traction on the bottom, so I felt like I was <span>slipping off the rocks often. The bottom of my feet felt like they were poked by rocks the whole way because it did not <span> have enough cushion</span>. <span>Also, I would say "no" to any open type water shoes. There were little pebbles getting stuck in people's shoes on the hike. Lastly, make sure to break in your shoes!</span></span></span></i><br /></div><div><i><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></i></div><div>8. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bnbuq" target="_blank">Dry sack</a>/<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bnbuv" target="_blank">dry bag</a></div><div> <i>Your mind will be at peace if you invest in one of these to keep your valuables dry! We've used <span> </span><span> <span> them on so many trips!</span></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I hope this gear list helps you out when you prepare for your Narrows Hike. Don't forget to check out my <a href="https://wildbum.com/guide/6-day-road-trip-guide-from-los-angeles-ca-to-utah-and-arizona/" target="_blank">WildBum Guide</a> for more details and itineraries for your trip to Utah/Arizona!</div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Muli, sans-serif" style="color: #2b4459; font-size: 9pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through</span><i><span></span> <span> </span></i><br /></div>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0Zion National Park, Utah, USA37.2982022 -113.02630058.9879683638211532 -148.1825505 65.608436036178844 -77.8700505tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-41556935303551577212020-06-12T09:26:00.004-07:002020-06-12T10:14:21.520-07:00Featured on @Freedom_Gardens Instagram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjJLaa7Grm5LuIJyVMprUqGBXZf1sjV3h-MBW3eq6_eHdx9le7rjWhhL_AAdHOBosv8S5vi9g7mwYgv7QppX1Gw_m12XNoueTcqjA7JhtA9f4eRfknAMck_TEAhFCZIvampWv-UQAfvKg/s3264/MVIMG_20200510_144643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Compositing, Gardening, Urban Garden" border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjJLaa7Grm5LuIJyVMprUqGBXZf1sjV3h-MBW3eq6_eHdx9le7rjWhhL_AAdHOBosv8S5vi9g7mwYgv7QppX1Gw_m12XNoueTcqjA7JhtA9f4eRfknAMck_TEAhFCZIvampWv-UQAfvKg/w640-h480/MVIMG_20200510_144643.jpg" title="Turning Composting" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was recently featured on Freedom Gardens Instagram. Freedom Gardens draw inspiration from the Victory Gardens created throughout history during times of crisis and intends to encourage others to grow their own food during these strange times.</div><div><br /></div><br /><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5aBQ_DTeK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5aBQ_DTeK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; 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font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div></a> <p style="margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5aBQ_DTeK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">"I've been experimenting with gardening for a couple of years now, but I am in no way an expert! I've had some successes, but also a lot of failures. Last year, I suddenly had to move and it was a bit of a stressful situation. As result, I neglected a lot of my plants and sadly, a lot of them didn't make it. The current situation has given me plenty of time at home and has beckoned me to start planting again. I have a range of plants in my garden: from hot peppers that were purchased as plants from the store, basil and avocado from seed, to lemongrass and mint I rooted from cuttings. I have also recently started to regrow leeks and green onions from the market. I didn't grow up around people who gardened so it was definitely a learning process. My cousin is about to start her first garden and she's a bit overwhelmed. My advice for her and for any beginner is to start with something small like rooting herbs from cuttings, or re-growing produce from the market. These options are free or come at a low cost. Since they are for second use, if it doesn't work out it doesn't feel like so much of a loss! Once you feel comfortable with that you can always grow from there, investing in seeds and plants to expand the garden. It has been really nice having the garden since I’ve been working from home. It gives me something to look forward to everyday! Another plus is not having to brave the grocery store as much during these strange times!" - @agyoung1210</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/freedom_gardens/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Freedom Gardens</a> (@freedom_gardens) on <time datetime="2020-06-01T15:09:33+00:00" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 1, 2020 at 8:09am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div data-sc-widget-id="P-5ee3b7d63731d86a2934b5af"></div><script async src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script></div>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-6199503450111164932020-05-30T00:52:00.007-07:002020-05-30T01:00:33.009-07:00Tips for Making Your Own Mask <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZCnVamsP6XtpVl282vq8btfLpHBlFZPltVLg9YbglwoZYlDn1-9R_NRQo1wBOy7KTpUu4g4Zn1Wd1ryYCtTJxJBHrC7tkVlQnsu-degZbqOnh0b6Ul98VUBgB7dlYNDEXHFHlvPMlvfW/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own," border="0" data-original-height="2688" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZCnVamsP6XtpVl282vq8btfLpHBlFZPltVLg9YbglwoZYlDn1-9R_NRQo1wBOy7KTpUu4g4Zn1Wd1ryYCtTJxJBHrC7tkVlQnsu-degZbqOnh0b6Ul98VUBgB7dlYNDEXHFHlvPMlvfW/w360-h640/PSX_20200529_233259.jpg" title="Face Mask Tips" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before volunteering with <a href="http://absurdlypeculiar.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-sew-helpful-brigade.html" target="_blank">Sew Helpful</a> to make 48 masks for health care workers, I was working on my own DIY masks out of scrap material that I had lying around for personal usage. It took me a long time to come up with something I was happy with. When I volunteered, I learned a new method of doing them and I also learned that they could be improved upon after washing them. When my cousin asked me to make 14 for her I was eager to improve these designs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to share some tips on mask making with you all. I've read a lot of forums and comments on Youtube tutorials and I wanted to highlight some of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>Tip #1. What pattern style should I follow? </i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQpJLJSvLsqbAcV8XVQ2bc9tuEEv0OhpjvLlCQxIKv3bWAqHw6dQ0o4hFVheVpA-gxQ4YgHMW11YC2mSfTHq_sda5bpuioRrFhcf-aqIowb9rhRYPPUF90udSwbbvvSY-UT9BwvJVbCF3/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own," border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQpJLJSvLsqbAcV8XVQ2bc9tuEEv0OhpjvLlCQxIKv3bWAqHw6dQ0o4hFVheVpA-gxQ4YgHMW11YC2mSfTHq_sda5bpuioRrFhcf-aqIowb9rhRYPPUF90udSwbbvvSY-UT9BwvJVbCF3/w240-h320/PSX_20200525_151731.jpg" title="1st DIY Face Mask" width="240" /></a>vs. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BxPvtAyu6w5NfmFdCzXzczPUAMCtXmPsqiWFuKuockwZt__MHj3golKdkMI4KEu3Hsiss_EP6GhkpNGWAA2lloxY1bx9hePiVULxsiQQGsY7uJVd6EbXGGanYY6Ca9YuM2yP_Nq2hHzv/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own," border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BxPvtAyu6w5NfmFdCzXzczPUAMCtXmPsqiWFuKuockwZt__MHj3golKdkMI4KEu3Hsiss_EP6GhkpNGWAA2lloxY1bx9hePiVULxsiQQGsY7uJVd6EbXGGanYY6Ca9YuM2yP_Nq2hHzv/w240-h320/IMG_20200524_125109.jpg" title="Latest face mask" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The one on the left was my very first mask and has a seam in the middle while the one on the right has folds and no seam in the middle. I seriously chose the seam down the middle design first because I thought it looked "cool". The one on the left was leftover material I used for lining for a dress with a layer of canvas sewn on to the inside and leftover <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/449048804/spare-elastic-bands-cord-for-midori?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=midori+elastic&ref=sc_gallery-1-5&plkey=373aa0779b36102b5140d5253a9716c696ba0c66%3A449048804&frs=1&bes=1&col=1">midori notebook elastic</a>. I was discussing the pros and cons with my boyfriend and it was brought up that the seam is right where all the critical parts of your face that you are trying to protect from the virus. Someone in a forum also brought up this same point as well as another good point... if the surgical mask design is good for doctors then why go with anything else? So then I developed this design with no pattern:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F21f9e6JIKfUW__M6Q-_qKefkuCvtkyumNyJ-d7bn676S6Sr_MhoP5IjhVw0HP3tfK_T8n2rAfuKev1LRGCi82mN1IpS7w3KNQY2RhbJuEu6eHWjR7i8FiBNAVEI4qp3qX-VT1OROFMX/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own," border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F21f9e6JIKfUW__M6Q-_qKefkuCvtkyumNyJ-d7bn676S6Sr_MhoP5IjhVw0HP3tfK_T8n2rAfuKev1LRGCi82mN1IpS7w3KNQY2RhbJuEu6eHWjR7i8FiBNAVEI4qp3qX-VT1OROFMX/w640-h480/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200527173156743.jpg" title="2nd face mask design" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My second design with 2 folds, no seam down the middle. 1 layer of sewn canvas in between, 18 gauge floral wire for the nose and leftover midori elastic with adjustable straps. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>Tip #2. Use different prints/colors for the "exposed" side and "non-exposed" side.</u></i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Depending on who you are making this mask for it could be good to have a different color for the outside layer and the backside layer. Some of the health care workers we were making these sewn masks for were workers who were only given one N95 mask to use. So in order to keep their N95 fairly clean they would wear these sewn masks on top. I read on some forum that using different colors or prints makes it easier for health care workers to tell which side has been exposed and avoid contamination. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F21f9e6JIKfUW__M6Q-_qKefkuCvtkyumNyJ-d7bn676S6Sr_MhoP5IjhVw0HP3tfK_T8n2rAfuKev1LRGCi82mN1IpS7w3KNQY2RhbJuEu6eHWjR7i8FiBNAVEI4qp3qX-VT1OROFMX/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own," border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0F21f9e6JIKfUW__M6Q-_qKefkuCvtkyumNyJ-d7bn676S6Sr_MhoP5IjhVw0HP3tfK_T8n2rAfuKev1LRGCi82mN1IpS7w3KNQY2RhbJuEu6eHWjR7i8FiBNAVEI4qp3qX-VT1OROFMX/w640-h480/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200527173156743.jpg" title="2nd face mask design front side" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Design-Front Side</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgur5dC1mMht8_36h-veJTXEa-cin5r-CSQg4y_zgFJNCQFt-nMbuU0LU1HSJxvNPUEgGyZ8vXGB6QJhiZJRJvXnHEsN6Oyf56nD2id-TiJpHn3C8JtOqGI1dAOY68Cf_Useaxkvob0CITc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own," border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgur5dC1mMht8_36h-veJTXEa-cin5r-CSQg4y_zgFJNCQFt-nMbuU0LU1HSJxvNPUEgGyZ8vXGB6QJhiZJRJvXnHEsN6Oyf56nD2id-TiJpHn3C8JtOqGI1dAOY68Cf_Useaxkvob0CITc/w640-h480/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200527173201379_COVER.jpg" title="2nd face mask design back side" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2nd Design- Back Side</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>Tip #3. Include wiring for the nose and secure it.</i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since our faces are all differently shaped... I find it has been helpful to include the nose wiring piece. It can also prevent glasses from fogging up. Material that you can potentially use include: paper clips, pipe cleaners, floral wire (I used 18 gauge and it is pretty strong), copper wire (for electrical stuff). When I first made my masks I included a floral wire that was ~6" long along the bridge of the nose and I would hand sew each piece into the mask to make sure it would stay put. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQWwmALpDesFxWMP9inbzbyBzmkxHLPVWDaJFVTR8afZOXUkkHc8hLkfT29QoQjXwPgcJRGgESAOh6MLjY8iHjl5rzfUuthlKdTJ2F75z8ZgLYqhwZ9hD873pvR22padUofpQkt37sUKc/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, floral wire, canvas, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own, wire, canvas" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQWwmALpDesFxWMP9inbzbyBzmkxHLPVWDaJFVTR8afZOXUkkHc8hLkfT29QoQjXwPgcJRGgESAOh6MLjY8iHjl5rzfUuthlKdTJ2F75z8ZgLYqhwZ9hD873pvR22padUofpQkt37sUKc/w640-h480/PSX_20200530_002401.jpg" title="Floral Wire for Face Mask" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 gauge floral wire</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UZ3p_IZNjMZcxtTshSvCS7WfG64mBIdclHezHOM06Xm6WCXySfYFXXSjHdSIE6cygKDkKLLIXDJFfFapcI1rFkgtCV8rEdp-G7xAr84MRqUB4Ol0JicAuQaifaW8rLBMH5rjPLbg0aOD/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, floral wire, canvas, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own, wire, canvas" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UZ3p_IZNjMZcxtTshSvCS7WfG64mBIdclHezHOM06Xm6WCXySfYFXXSjHdSIE6cygKDkKLLIXDJFfFapcI1rFkgtCV8rEdp-G7xAr84MRqUB4Ol0JicAuQaifaW8rLBMH5rjPLbg0aOD/w640-h480/PSX_20200530_002433.jpg" title="Sew Floral Wire to Material" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 gauge floral wire sewn onto canvas<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I volunteered, it said to just make a box around the wire so it would stay put and I was like cool! I don't have to hand sew anything.. this will save me so much time. It wasn't until after washing these masks that I realized... the pipe cleaners MOVED A LOT. .. like moved outside of the box I sewed. So I had to fix a lot of these masks. What I should of done was this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VPAqkyrgpkJXB-NOuzuGj_vvZ3jTUJFCDg-pSYOqVXyFNMgSskKQJxgm6y0hni7E0txz_WQ-tYv2Sg6UjJuW-X0Cf26PWQWQGzyavqGcW8m-WLHTG8Vd5cdfi4gyzuqfeDFGXmAFbW6J/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, floral wire, canvas, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own, wire, canvas" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VPAqkyrgpkJXB-NOuzuGj_vvZ3jTUJFCDg-pSYOqVXyFNMgSskKQJxgm6y0hni7E0txz_WQ-tYv2Sg6UjJuW-X0Cf26PWQWQGzyavqGcW8m-WLHTG8Vd5cdfi4gyzuqfeDFGXmAFbW6J/w640-h480/IMG_20200524_101602.jpg" title="Sew wire on to material" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copper Wire sewn into fabric</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I should of looped the ends of the wire and sewn them in place, then sew a box around them. If you are nervous about the wire still escaping the sewn box I would say to maybe go for a bigger sized wire also.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">#4. <u><i>Inner layers.</i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You should use whatever you have available, but when I first started I used a layer of canvas that I would sew in. But while volunteering, they gave me <a href="https://www.joann.com/pellon-931td-fusible-midweight-20in-interfacing-white/16698110.html#q=pellon%2B931&start=1" target="_blank">Pellon 931TD Midweight Fusible Interface</a>. I never used this before, but you can iron it on and is way less time consuming that sewing. The Joann's tutorial would use it on both sides of the fabric so essentially it would be a 4 layer mask.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><i>#5. Wash on delicate and air dry if possible. </i></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes I catch wires poking out of the cloth. Handle with care when washing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><u>#6. Choose your over the ear material carefully.</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started with using the midori elastic.. while it is fine for short uses... whenever I would wear them for a long period of time the back of my ears would hurt! So be careful about the material you choose and length you choose. Even though a tighter mask helps prevent anything from getting in, if you are taking off your mask because it becomes uncomfortable... then that is another problem! When I volunteered they gave me a this soft white flat elastic that I have never seen before. If you know what this type of elastic is and where to get it.. please message me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZmDiRTm2dlXD0GcDAnRk41hvvPLS4HKeyubL6r9p4MypeXEgWMuu3tOGxf7mlqZiD6RB4m4Mc_eQ-nUIEg188uYFZ28T5cS5vED4nWq0HMmLFSHVyM0lK1icAQ0Hej08V0FjNWt3uV6w/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="corona, covid-19, protection, face mask, tips, floral wire, canvas, diy, mask, ppe, sew, sewn, make your own, wire, canvas" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZmDiRTm2dlXD0GcDAnRk41hvvPLS4HKeyubL6r9p4MypeXEgWMuu3tOGxf7mlqZiD6RB4m4Mc_eQ-nUIEg188uYFZ28T5cS5vED4nWq0HMmLFSHVyM0lK1icAQ0Hej08V0FjNWt3uV6w/w480-h640/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200527173039421_COVER.jpg" title="Face Mask Soft Elastic" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think those are all the tips I can remember at the moment. I will be sure to update when my cousin receives hers. I'm sure she will have more to say since she is a family of 5 and there will be many opinions. I also made her kids masks... but am a little nervous about those since I have no kids at home to test them on! I'm hoping this helps anyone who plans on making their very own DIY face mask. Stay safe everyone!<div data-sc-widget-id="P-5ec18a2e3731d8780549bd73"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script></div>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-61509256408531581802020-05-25T16:22:00.001-07:002020-05-25T16:22:54.036-07:00Foccacia Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAgsIUkIL0dlBYBGqGURzIilqvCiCB9cKnlNpT_zUQx8x6UN8Ka01tM7PUEdcyvUESo02WVktcgMtm83VMjdgvwQjCia7CWgGAAPB4mZk-meXExp-sN6Pv703NaMqWUjVI2qLKCS9Z9_q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="foccacia, bread, foccacia bread" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAgsIUkIL0dlBYBGqGURzIilqvCiCB9cKnlNpT_zUQx8x6UN8Ka01tM7PUEdcyvUESo02WVktcgMtm83VMjdgvwQjCia7CWgGAAPB4mZk-meXExp-sN6Pv703NaMqWUjVI2qLKCS9Z9_q/w480-h640/PSX_20200525_160136.jpg" title="foccacia bread" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have been on a bread baking binge lately; first, it started with no-knead bread baked in my dutch oven and has expanded to making Sourdough Bread, Milk Bread, Pan de Sal and my latest, is Foccacia Bread. We've seen a lot of people make foccacia lately and I decided to join that train. I decided to go with this <a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2020/04/easy-no-knead-focaccia.html">Serious Eats recipe</a>. I watched Samin Nosrat make foccacia with Brad from Bon Apetit and for some reason, they kept on messing up...and I figured, if she's watching/overseeing and they are still messing up... what chance do I have with that recipe?!? Lol. And because the bread was made on a sheet pan, it was really thin and I like thick bread. So when I saw that this Serious Eats recipe was made in a cast iron.. I knew this would be the recipe for me. (Especially, since their <a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/01/foolproof-pan-pizza-recipe.html">cast iron Pizza recipe</a> is to die for). I followed the recipe almost exactly except for the fact that I sprinkled rosemary on top. I also decided to use <a href="https://napastak.net/collections/napastak-oils/products/sweet-basil-olive-oil-pos">Napastak's Sweet Basil Olive Oil</a> we got from Napa last year.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76ukWrvBKT-63Fk9iO3Cw3cJWlmgE69XbQpE-OVQYN4kxhZ11Ot0E5aruRxqD-pFGcRiQuVKwz_VL7kVf8PttZYnocdLTkaKk2u2LxET9xNm1l_jKxTOTA5JER2E-bSaM-rIxhHpXPyQg/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="foccacia dough" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76ukWrvBKT-63Fk9iO3Cw3cJWlmgE69XbQpE-OVQYN4kxhZ11Ot0E5aruRxqD-pFGcRiQuVKwz_VL7kVf8PttZYnocdLTkaKk2u2LxET9xNm1l_jKxTOTA5JER2E-bSaM-rIxhHpXPyQg/w640-h480/IMG_20200524_145553.jpg" title="foccacia dough" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foccacia Dough sprinkled with rosemary, maldon salt, and garlic powder<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg_Ed5Rw7YyDF2-yVrm8_kWnDB5HERF663HE_3vuigKZ2rj22jowqPLUNd4F5P8fMuM8gwzcBEc-pKA45ahMa1G504D7JZeX9_GJE80BofZqPHEZxVMWr2jLa-VxWmVx0YwDQEB_Qs1UB/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="foccacia bread in the oven" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg_Ed5Rw7YyDF2-yVrm8_kWnDB5HERF663HE_3vuigKZ2rj22jowqPLUNd4F5P8fMuM8gwzcBEc-pKA45ahMa1G504D7JZeX9_GJE80BofZqPHEZxVMWr2jLa-VxWmVx0YwDQEB_Qs1UB/w640-h480/IMG_20200524_151043.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="foccacia bread in the oven" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foccacia Bread baked half way through</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg_Ed5Rw7YyDF2-yVrm8_kWnDB5HERF663HE_3vuigKZ2rj22jowqPLUNd4F5P8fMuM8gwzcBEc-pKA45ahMa1G504D7JZeX9_GJE80BofZqPHEZxVMWr2jLa-VxWmVx0YwDQEB_Qs1UB/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4DQTGFLNuZHZ7hvQyUhfBV9ckNB3B6tYohF3jPRDFCJ28_PzUK-M_IZuw9BQjBuT_OLN1dQrzdq-WwtdNJBf2izCCc1bHSEoobO5kKumD-y0-XrH6eVSDKykzmLArisuWw1CfKwtUWtj/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inside of foccacia bread" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4DQTGFLNuZHZ7hvQyUhfBV9ckNB3B6tYohF3jPRDFCJ28_PzUK-M_IZuw9BQjBuT_OLN1dQrzdq-WwtdNJBf2izCCc1bHSEoobO5kKumD-y0-XrH6eVSDKykzmLArisuWw1CfKwtUWtj/w640-h480/IMG_20200524_155146.jpg" title="Inside of foccacia bread" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the Foccacia Bread</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This bread was delicious! I ate half all by myself. It was soft and flavorful. I would definitely make this again. <div data-sc-widget-id="P-5ecc52c43731d837a1d33d76"></div><script async src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script></div>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-87371031566394460212020-05-16T17:17:00.016-07:002020-05-25T15:51:20.604-07:00Char Siu Bao from Binging with Babish Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLECO3jX5yQlgRD34W14MkHMxdZFn0WWFkWhQDVWB3AY0TbNZvPE8JFhOfVCEQXCFgViSeVvcmh_NF7wuhy8K376CTsLRCvrzNTZmaWG-E7sAJnCbMsZfLRQmahg5hGNbU-1iqVAKrRa35/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CHAR SIU BAO, BBQ PORK, BBQ PORK BUNS, BBQ PORK STEAM BUNS, STEAM BUNS," border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLECO3jX5yQlgRD34W14MkHMxdZFn0WWFkWhQDVWB3AY0TbNZvPE8JFhOfVCEQXCFgViSeVvcmh_NF7wuhy8K376CTsLRCvrzNTZmaWG-E7sAJnCbMsZfLRQmahg5hGNbU-1iqVAKrRa35/w480-h640/PSX_20200525_155004.jpg" title="CHAR SIU BAO" width="480" /></a></div><pre style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></pre><div style="text-align: left;">Last weekend, we decided to make a Char Siu Bao Recipe from Binging with Babish. Here is a link to his <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">recipe</a> and here is his video below:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OFt3SThGi7M" width="480" youtube-src-id="OFt3SThGi7M"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a long process, but it turned out great! I'm glad Musui was there to focus on the pork belly, while I focused on the dough. I would definitely make this again but maybe in larger quantities to freeze. I do have a couple things to add from the recipe: 1. Does it taste exactly like char siu bao that you are used to getting from Chinese restaurants? No. Is it still delicious? Yes. 2. Also, he doesn't mention that you should let the dough rest and do a 2nd rise after wrapping them. This is how you get them to be nice and fluffy when you eat them! 3. Also, if you are planning to freeze them... you should steam them all, even though you don't plan on eating all of them. I made this mistake and forgot that this is what my family used to do when we would make siopao (a Filipino term for bao). We'll see if they still come out just as good when freezing before steaming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a lot of pictures from us making the Char Siu Bao:</div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMbsnCysJr1-2IOxrUQ9Qi16sXm0OBaORnGNJPadOIase9Vc5mu8Wj3wmvcJziMhzjmMQYzZaOVQSfiDjnodr_NVRk04XsFFxGhiaROjo_8jqG0PUob0i6eQyN_n2bGzLeI7xvs4xFO5p/w640-h480/IMG_20200503_183849.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our cooked char siu/pork belly </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Char Siu" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK69qTUYRGEcpjT7r7CAEcFaHm2tuPZDfxiVlX9c86G8hZWsRMPVNVljVK6pEMvtHWKVETtLHNWzij4u_XRl44MnS-c_W-Eao2-rOqUJcOi3x6GlA2bncN3C7WITczJwjGLhIoWLrR2aJy/w480-h640/IMG_20200503_191139.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;" title="Cutting the char siu" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the Char Siu<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad5kiOGVJFLRYxJcRt_xBHf-uDrFwCL-YUtS6ZldThbe_XNHR4hdUf7DBMo6BJXynqSNeYXF8zCERvy-1IZjD7C1Ju-hAi9NhYrLxMSvFrjJkqwykfmV2DGVNhkvSUnV_lxeja4cHV-Vb/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dividing the dough" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad5kiOGVJFLRYxJcRt_xBHf-uDrFwCL-YUtS6ZldThbe_XNHR4hdUf7DBMo6BJXynqSNeYXF8zCERvy-1IZjD7C1Ju-hAi9NhYrLxMSvFrjJkqwykfmV2DGVNhkvSUnV_lxeja4cHV-Vb/w640-h480/IMG_20200503_192228.jpg" title="Dividing the dough" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dividing the dough - his recipe makes about ~12 (which he also didn't mention)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSP7eOYjdQt_FLXl71KCZPIsL4PrQtx43jK-vW3lIKY8vYvbSn4Y6RIQigaMEoDOajMaxrxCmrHp9ufISzhj75694WwVYNmfGHt8PjPr9mqdwlkTnX-2aJGhkOR6udO-sgXri2mdtkRuk4/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rolling the dough" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSP7eOYjdQt_FLXl71KCZPIsL4PrQtx43jK-vW3lIKY8vYvbSn4Y6RIQigaMEoDOajMaxrxCmrHp9ufISzhj75694WwVYNmfGHt8PjPr9mqdwlkTnX-2aJGhkOR6udO-sgXri2mdtkRuk4/w480-h640/IMG_20200503_193627.jpg" title="Rolling the dough" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling out the dough<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AG_6tuWqcek" width="500" youtube-src-id="AG_6tuWqcek"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quick video of me wrapping a bao</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2z5SdsDcbhEdLxtFYu-JV_UUvwGwLSFwxb-9r3JwucpgNZVdARaVV-CXpGoA_qC4IzpKhWdAFmOqb6BN372XuBVpJ7t5mhYl7hWNRsWiVImMVIkONWBpiJZrsgiuC8kMsQdQ-8ciY-rc/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Filling bao, filling, bao" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2z5SdsDcbhEdLxtFYu-JV_UUvwGwLSFwxb-9r3JwucpgNZVdARaVV-CXpGoA_qC4IzpKhWdAFmOqb6BN372XuBVpJ7t5mhYl7hWNRsWiVImMVIkONWBpiJZrsgiuC8kMsQdQ-8ciY-rc/w480-h640/MVIMG_20200503_193703.jpg" title="Musui filling bao" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the bao<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDizT6twfiiToQl_m-iaDoJPu3gGnLQhco4-9irtOYL1pJUMwPVZH_6BWIU0tWW_A9cC_WWlIG1Ksot1wLjpJeJTNXC4cYxyeN0U-1cXVnQ-3hahE0oB14aZu5NyWN5-wU96U-c8A-GEg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Wrapping bao" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDizT6twfiiToQl_m-iaDoJPu3gGnLQhco4-9irtOYL1pJUMwPVZH_6BWIU0tWW_A9cC_WWlIG1Ksot1wLjpJeJTNXC4cYxyeN0U-1cXVnQ-3hahE0oB14aZu5NyWN5-wU96U-c8A-GEg/w480-h640/IMG_20200503_193726.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Wrapping bao" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musui wrapping bao</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDizT6twfiiToQl_m-iaDoJPu3gGnLQhco4-9irtOYL1pJUMwPVZH_6BWIU0tWW_A9cC_WWlIG1Ksot1wLjpJeJTNXC4cYxyeN0U-1cXVnQ-3hahE0oB14aZu5NyWN5-wU96U-c8A-GEg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvY-RzZY9wJ_sB4r9BL9WJcl65iw_vy6euyGN9pAiXjr9W_V_CN97gDv3nylg-jrkEH92f6aKdv5yCfcnDrdvxdCf2hnWw9qBGftdy3rA_9jW9ID5ynE79YDJRopxhyIetl_lfcQFS8OB/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Musui wraps his first bao" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvY-RzZY9wJ_sB4r9BL9WJcl65iw_vy6euyGN9pAiXjr9W_V_CN97gDv3nylg-jrkEH92f6aKdv5yCfcnDrdvxdCf2hnWw9qBGftdy3rA_9jW9ID5ynE79YDJRopxhyIetl_lfcQFS8OB/w480-h640/IMG_20200503_194012.jpg" title="Musui wraps his first bao" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musui wraps his 1st bao!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVq6LN6LTg7NnehfOag1GMSHbKUp6VkRGap0D-YWHliamrb_1oQdn6dhS7Xo_dOTgDFWO17i6IcYyIHWrpzbmsSzal_oKGru4vT34mfqJuNqETxVo9ftu61m2CAngeMN542yb2d1timun/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="bao, steamer" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVq6LN6LTg7NnehfOag1GMSHbKUp6VkRGap0D-YWHliamrb_1oQdn6dhS7Xo_dOTgDFWO17i6IcYyIHWrpzbmsSzal_oKGru4vT34mfqJuNqETxVo9ftu61m2CAngeMN542yb2d1timun/w480-h640/IMG_20200503_200145.jpg" title="Bao in steamer" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bao getting ready to be steamed<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdkhnGyXxCIHODCoYnavwN9hD-2a3UHSs5fF5yt2BQf0WL4cPG-gpa47G8yzfZEBIJ766GKVr0C1DL1cozHPVEdREsHnQp1fpwxkFaIIxOgYg9a6ymuVyMz9KEDRLE45dYEyKTT5qzu48/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiered, Steamer" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdkhnGyXxCIHODCoYnavwN9hD-2a3UHSs5fF5yt2BQf0WL4cPG-gpa47G8yzfZEBIJ766GKVr0C1DL1cozHPVEdREsHnQp1fpwxkFaIIxOgYg9a6ymuVyMz9KEDRLE45dYEyKTT5qzu48/w480-h640/IMG_20200503_200257.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tiered steamer" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What our steamer looks like<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdkhnGyXxCIHODCoYnavwN9hD-2a3UHSs5fF5yt2BQf0WL4cPG-gpa47G8yzfZEBIJ766GKVr0C1DL1cozHPVEdREsHnQp1fpwxkFaIIxOgYg9a6ymuVyMz9KEDRLE45dYEyKTT5qzu48/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90V_47LZmfBGNQNK9jwE_6CtfI2dgSabTOU5I04mhUCKEswhfC4hJzSzttWezi36iUjYqIgiyEtXVQLZy95af5qpiwzGmHfDDza7bdd9IpKXuX6ETsBeFZt-4GQ5DraSYqFntHuYbMiJ0/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cooked bao" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90V_47LZmfBGNQNK9jwE_6CtfI2dgSabTOU5I04mhUCKEswhfC4hJzSzttWezi36iUjYqIgiyEtXVQLZy95af5qpiwzGmHfDDza7bdd9IpKXuX6ETsBeFZt-4GQ5DraSYqFntHuYbMiJ0/w480-h640/IMG_20200503_201820.jpg" title="Cooked bao" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished steaming!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNy0mNCfQDWss7Y8B_CXAbK1pkdVYdRwOzQEDIosm6jTYSt7gaW06NFHvzWsus9PzIc5gF7hQYjXYH2_QDtuICZtVaBkl5JzzN0NeOFfp8mu4On5IGr4u7KTZWauwbE-X_SiMvXFdQsyM/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="1st bite, 1st, bite, bao, char siu, char siu bao" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNy0mNCfQDWss7Y8B_CXAbK1pkdVYdRwOzQEDIosm6jTYSt7gaW06NFHvzWsus9PzIc5gF7hQYjXYH2_QDtuICZtVaBkl5JzzN0NeOFfp8mu4On5IGr4u7KTZWauwbE-X_SiMvXFdQsyM/w640-h480/IMG_20200503_202725.jpg" title="1st bite into char siu bao" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st bite</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div data-sc-widget-id="P-5ec186842b888235c4079dd8"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script></div>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-80875869279752504952020-05-15T12:16:00.003-07:002020-05-25T15:40:13.243-07:00Roasted Poblano and Sweet Potato Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDE0E2jADUT36XDlLcrA3sTe08i6qeGQ8i_3kVet1NwzGDD5nh7bo9-KVWUlCIxU6SkGD5Q-MiRcblOj4jpuBmO7eDlbqmY15-egijygFDqBCeVJtjUu___DJod707qB8oBO7tH-lLKiN/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="roasted poblano, poblano, sweet potato, tacos, veggie tacos" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDE0E2jADUT36XDlLcrA3sTe08i6qeGQ8i_3kVet1NwzGDD5nh7bo9-KVWUlCIxU6SkGD5Q-MiRcblOj4jpuBmO7eDlbqmY15-egijygFDqBCeVJtjUu___DJod707qB8oBO7tH-lLKiN/w640-h640/PSX_20200525_153827.jpg" title="Roasted Poblano and Sweet Potato Tacos" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The inspiration behind this veggie taco comes from watching the Netflix show <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81028317">The Chef Show Season 1 Volume 3</a>. Jon Favreau and Roy Choi stop by the Border Grill to speak and cook with co-owners Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger; they are known for their modern Mexican cuisine. <div><br /></div><div>In our household, we are very much a predominately meat eating family, but there was something about their tacos that inspired us to try it at home! This is fairly easy to make and is a great way to get your veggies in.<div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Ingredients</u> <i>for green salsa</i>:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">6-7 roasted tomatillos (remove husk before)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 roasted jalapeno/ or half a roasted serrano (de-seeded if you don't like spicy)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 roasted white/brown onion (remove skin before roasting)</div><div style="text-align: left;">2-3 garlic cloves (you can roast this too if you want)</div><div style="text-align: left;">a small bunch cilantro</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">salt to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Ingredients</u> <i>for Tacos:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(makes enough for 2 people)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">2 roasted poblanos</div><div style="text-align: left;">~4-5 cups of diced sweet potatoes (the ones we buy in the store are so tiny.. so size will vary.. this will probably make about 10 tacos)</div><div style="text-align: left;">olive oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">salt and pepper (to taste)</div><div style="text-align: left;">cotija cheese</div><div style="text-align: left;">5-6 corn tortillas</div><div style="text-align: left;">some shredded melting cheese (monterey jack, cheddar cheese, "Mexican" cheese, etc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">green salsa</div><div style="text-align: left;">crema</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Directions for salsa:</div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Roast the tomatillos, onions, jalapenos/serranos, garlic (optional). They do not have to be super charred like the poblanos (see below). Remove core/de-seed to all that is applicable and add to blender. </div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Add cilantro and garlic to the blender.</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Blend ingredients.</div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Salt to taste.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Directions for tacos:</div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Roast poblanos (these are the large green chiles) over a fire until the skin chars everywhere. <i>(I use my gas stove at home.. it sets off the fire alarms occasionally. My boyfriend uses the bbq outside.) </i><span style="text-align: center;">(<i>For my Mexicans, it is similar to what you would do for the chiles in chile relleno. For my Filipinos, it is similar to what you would do with the eggplant/talong in tortang talong. And for the Spanish out there, it is similar to what you would need to do to the tomato/red bell peppers you would use in Romesco sauce).</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Once charred, throw it in a plastic bag and close it up. Come back to it after it has cooled down and peel the charred skin off . You will also need to de-seed it and take off the stem. Chop into small taco sized pieces. While you wait to peel and de-seed work on Step 3.</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Peel the sweet potatoes and also chop into small bite sized pieces. Toss in olive oil, a lot of salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F. I would roast for 20 minutes and keep checking on them after that... test with a fork.. eat one.. see if it is to your liking. Mix the chopped poblanos and sweet potatoes together.</div><div style="text-align: left;">4. For the corn tortillas, heat on a skillet. Then I like to throw some shredded cheese onto my non stick pan and let it melt. After, I throw the tortilla on top and let it cook until it is easy to take out with a spatula. You want the cheese to harden a little.</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Assembly: corn tortilla on the bottom (you can choose which side is in/out...I usually choose cheese on the inside so my hands don't get greasy). Fill the taco with some of the poblano/sweet potato mixture, and then top the filling with some cotija cheese, salsa, crema, and lime. Avocado would also be great on this too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The thing about this recipe is you don't have to use the exact numbers listed for anything! Do you like your salsa spicy? or more garlicky? Then add more. Do you like less sweet potatoes and more poblanos? Then go for that too. Do you want to add some roasted corn? or black beans? Go for it! I would like to say these are more guidelines than anything. I would say, though, do not skimp on the lime, salsa, or cotija cheese for toppings!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-41565909648162689122020-05-13T13:54:00.010-07:002020-07-06T16:15:37.390-07:00Sourdough Bread Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis7adZoWDhS4eeSq2f_e5c0OWRuJrM3laBLCRB1KjQ90e3WDcyqh6kEdbp4nQyTsG_FSUGGsldCap3Jr9E6efyC9G_3C-FJLLw7t3AhVLZZS0CLIbugdXqWyABbP50ysybUcNCgH-cdZ6/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sourdough bread" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis7adZoWDhS4eeSq2f_e5c0OWRuJrM3laBLCRB1KjQ90e3WDcyqh6kEdbp4nQyTsG_FSUGGsldCap3Jr9E6efyC9G_3C-FJLLw7t3AhVLZZS0CLIbugdXqWyABbP50ysybUcNCgH-cdZ6/w640-h480/PSX_20200525_153505.jpg" title="sourdough bread" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>When I posted a picture of my first sourdough, my friend commented that it was a very "popular" thing to do. I had no idea until I began to see many IG sourdough posts and news articles about making sourdough bread trending. At this time, yeast was sold out in a lot of places. Luckily, a restaurant I follow on IG (<a href="https://www.toasttab.com/playground/v3">Playground DTSA</a>) was selling yeast AND sourdough starter. I figured starter for $3? Why not! It was also at this time I noticed that I was running out of bread flour and it was also a "rare" item to find. I was also in luck because <a href="https://store.lbbeer.com/">LB Beer Lab </a>was selling bread flour! The first time I made sourdough, it was a complete flop for me. It looked OK but the taste was not good and the crust was too hard/was difficult to chew. <div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1iB0dF-XthmEhHxIX7RaUmDCamvSUSKMJJApYQHMHrAWvg-cPbqtM51eBF8BMTcflRr-hT1I3v2MJRFVjcGrvgw8ZNO7qb2i8aVxCWjvd-JNR12JEQWKtbSSnoE3jbyWuFqeRIuVXRcI/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sourdough Starter" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1iB0dF-XthmEhHxIX7RaUmDCamvSUSKMJJApYQHMHrAWvg-cPbqtM51eBF8BMTcflRr-hT1I3v2MJRFVjcGrvgw8ZNO7qb2i8aVxCWjvd-JNR12JEQWKtbSSnoE3jbyWuFqeRIuVXRcI/w480-h640/IMG_20200328_203845.jpg" title="Sourdough Starter" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sourdough Starter bought from Playground DTSA<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSgdSUcFczLE90WJ5HzKL9Qz73NGdesnJEGccim7aD6UYoEBs31OUEXzNevVgqkpe6029xtuj7aaSwa_vqcSMG4EiA7TX1g7XiwlUaSyA5zfqGitL5fJEMrXayzqhWM52MzdBUAVrdarr/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fed Starter" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSgdSUcFczLE90WJ5HzKL9Qz73NGdesnJEGccim7aD6UYoEBs31OUEXzNevVgqkpe6029xtuj7aaSwa_vqcSMG4EiA7TX1g7XiwlUaSyA5zfqGitL5fJEMrXayzqhWM52MzdBUAVrdarr/w480-h640/IMG_20200329_083626.jpg" title="Fed Starter" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fed starter<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzzOPehwoFrGHEQ8aqtZoqM29uUGjBL8dZsGkTiup2zT0OWnSlecwSOhQnVQW6h8gE0qOFpEoq8xJEAGM6-aLyZ18-ctZFLNhWqR6uKeh6VyJhp0-PhqVySMnJo1lBBbYiyK00a7v3fJX/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="1st Sourdough Bread" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzzOPehwoFrGHEQ8aqtZoqM29uUGjBL8dZsGkTiup2zT0OWnSlecwSOhQnVQW6h8gE0qOFpEoq8xJEAGM6-aLyZ18-ctZFLNhWqR6uKeh6VyJhp0-PhqVySMnJo1lBBbYiyK00a7v3fJX/w480-h640/IMG_20200330_134247.jpg" title="1st Sourdough Bread" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Sourdough Bread</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Then I started watching more Sourdough Bread YouTube videos. I found that Joshua Weissman's videos were pretty helpful. I followed his videos, started incorporating techniques from one another to make my own routine. Here are some of the videos I used: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eod5cUxAHRM" target="_blank">No Knead Beginner Sourdough Bread</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJpIzr2sCDE">The Ultimate Sourdough Bread</a>. Mine are still not perfect, but they are getting a lot better! See my two other Sourdough Breads below:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3d9f6e3mF0bruxN3Pm8MoSFI_QYhDgIyq8N1yftZz4TNxQcVzWleLgIqJ7QE_D-Ifar4nTThr5K8hdQrhqAnI7mnSZWbtmMcs4ZP89NkYxwbGxWxIcuzl99KMqg7HzL0EsA6KiQaEhCyI/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2nd Sourdough Bread" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3d9f6e3mF0bruxN3Pm8MoSFI_QYhDgIyq8N1yftZz4TNxQcVzWleLgIqJ7QE_D-Ifar4nTThr5K8hdQrhqAnI7mnSZWbtmMcs4ZP89NkYxwbGxWxIcuzl99KMqg7HzL0EsA6KiQaEhCyI/w480-h640/IMG_20200426_112441.jpg" title="My 2nd Sourdough Bread" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 2nd Sourdough Bread<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBvCBbx8zmtEJnx7eUh5Fkdrr_zy1jTEjlHoSCNJAcSJnenV5vpYybDxuoP9J8j-0GirMqeLEvBX5qEb6wxAkxAyhitCjmHeFzIK9g82u8_Q346RaqHhsumUCl5ml8VAOAZAfVbarTr74/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2nd Sourdough Bread" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBvCBbx8zmtEJnx7eUh5Fkdrr_zy1jTEjlHoSCNJAcSJnenV5vpYybDxuoP9J8j-0GirMqeLEvBX5qEb6wxAkxAyhitCjmHeFzIK9g82u8_Q346RaqHhsumUCl5ml8VAOAZAfVbarTr74/w640-h480/IMG_20200426_131125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2nd Sourdough Bread" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look inside my 2nd Sourdough Bread<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDL9ts1cgLQKgplFmEenZF1HLcldP888dtCu0g0ApRJoegMZsfkD7kpIs3rCwI3WvIznBbnvj9pTZ6Ya2Zfe9Y3KlRWv7KeUlT_hIGRYyMTEaZ0xcqyy0CfNGvf1D41QBJryCOWcD3G1I/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My 3rd Sourdough Bread, Sourdough, Bread, Sourdough Bread" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDL9ts1cgLQKgplFmEenZF1HLcldP888dtCu0g0ApRJoegMZsfkD7kpIs3rCwI3WvIznBbnvj9pTZ6Ya2Zfe9Y3KlRWv7KeUlT_hIGRYyMTEaZ0xcqyy0CfNGvf1D41QBJryCOWcD3G1I/w480-h640/IMG_20200503_083718.jpg" title="My 3rd Sourdough Bread" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 3rd Sourdough Bread<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyetuxQsdEGNeO5b0pjShI8mtIQxXo6F7Gh3Ohw_ZvzQSNSR0FwwIqFxXw3-JZqRkAtaPkYSaUr27o7ij-tSwWK-XaONlNG97HtkwLO3pP1eAzxajwtYBYp2uRrcXBpQztLieI9YyDdJ47/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inside my 3rd Sourdough Bread, Sourdough, bread, Sourdough Bread" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyetuxQsdEGNeO5b0pjShI8mtIQxXo6F7Gh3Ohw_ZvzQSNSR0FwwIqFxXw3-JZqRkAtaPkYSaUr27o7ij-tSwWK-XaONlNG97HtkwLO3pP1eAzxajwtYBYp2uRrcXBpQztLieI9YyDdJ47/w640-h480/IMG_20200503_100206.jpg" title="Inside my 3rd Sourdough bread" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look inside my 3rd Sourdough Bread<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I also refuse to feed my starters everyday. It seemed like a waste of flour, especially when it is considered a pretty rare item. So I learned that: 1. You can keep a starter in the fridge so you don't have to feed it everyday 2. I first started feeding it every week on Sundays, but decided I would feed it based on when it was no longer at its highest rise 3. Keeping your starter in the fridge builds up a lot of acetic acid liquids - so this is helpful if you want it to have a sour taste to it 4. A couple days (2-3 days) before wanting to bake your sourdough, I would take it out of the fridge and feed it at least twice a day. I would also observe if its rise and fall are following a good standard pattern. Once it normalizes, that's when you have an idea of when it is ready to bake.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another piece of advice: I do not have a banneton and used a combo of a a plastic bowl, colander, and cheese cloth. Either use A TON of flour (one time my bread got stuck to the cheese cloth) or try to acquire some rice flour to dust the cloth. </div><div><br /></div><div>Below, I have listed Weissman's recipe and directions (mostly for myself, so I don't have to watch the videos over and over again).</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Joshua Weissman's Sourdough Bread Recipe</u></div><div>For 1 loaf</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Levain</i></div></div><div>Ingredients</div><div>22.5g starter</div><div>22.5g whole wheat flour</div><div>22.5g AP unbleached (<i>I only have bleached and have been using that)</i></div><div>45g H20</div><div><br /></div><div>Directions:</div><div>Start levain some time in the morning (~9:30 am adjust accordingly).</div><div>Wait 6 hours or when you levain is on its rise and has flattened out too much.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Dough</i></div><div>Ingredients</div><div>136.5g of unbleached Bread Flour</div><div>250g of unbleached AP Flour (<i>I only have bleached and have been using that)</i></div><div>87.5g of stone ground whole wheat flour</div><div>330g of H20 @ 90-98 degrees F</div><div>90g of levain</div><div>9g of sea salt</div><div><br /></div><div>Directions: </div><div>1. Around 5.5 hours, like let us say (~ 3 pm), start Autolyse: Mix the bread flour, AP Flour, & whole wheat flour with water. Let it chill for 30 minutes.</div><div>2. After 30 minutes, come back to it and add the sea salt and levain on dough. Spread it on top of dough. Dimple it. And stir it a little. Use the rhubaud method if you want.</div><div>3. Now bulk fermentation begins (~4:00 pm). Fold.</div><div><span> 15 minutes later (~4:15 pm), Fold.</span><br /></div><div><span> 30 minutes later (~4:45 pm), Fold.</span></div><div><span> Allow dough to rest. It is ready when bubbles have formed on top. That means it is ready. Approximately 3 hours later.</span></div><div><span>4. Preshape loaves 3 hours later (~7:45 pm). Leave for about 30 minutes (8:15 pm).</span></div><div><span>5. 30 minutes later, shape loaves and place in proofing baskets. Remember to cover so it doesn't dry out. Proof them for 14-15 hours (~10 am the next day, yes this is a 2 day process). </span></div><div><span>6. Around 13 hours later (~9:45 am), preheat your oven with the dutch oven inside for one hour at 500F. </span></div><div><span>7. An hour later, score your bread and then bake at 500F with the lid on for 20 minutes then 475F with the lid off for 25-30 minutes.</span></div>
<div data-sc-widget-id="P-5ec185b03731d8780548c3b0"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script></div>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-44099015735649633302020-05-12T00:04:00.005-07:002020-05-25T15:25:51.055-07:00Green Onion PancakesThe first time I tried a green onion pancake was from a street vendor in Taipei 5 years ago and it was love at first taste! I've been craving it for a while and saw a recipe on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meilin21/?hl=en">Mei Lin's IG</a> video. I decided to make it and it was pretty good so I wanted to write it down and share it .<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFObBwBPxVRX-fMzdJKBB6C12PKs2bFm2xtm5oMy126iyuec4EHVOXZzoxdk7QojBShaGejbcRKVNCGszY6ZZ4B5QmWEmeHGWF-_QiT1eTJCEWSr4eic-mVyHFXYFZzuUm8VWqKXaaHgav/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="green onion pancakes, green onion, pancakes" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFObBwBPxVRX-fMzdJKBB6C12PKs2bFm2xtm5oMy126iyuec4EHVOXZzoxdk7QojBShaGejbcRKVNCGszY6ZZ4B5QmWEmeHGWF-_QiT1eTJCEWSr4eic-mVyHFXYFZzuUm8VWqKXaaHgav/w640-h480/PSX_20200525_152437.jpg" title="Green Onion Pancakes" width="640" /></a><br /><br />
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<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
175 g AP Flour<br />
88 g boiling water<br />
70 g AP Flour<br />
10 g filtered water<br />
a bunch of chopped scallions<br />
sesame oil/fat (used pork belly dripping/fat)<br />
salt<br />
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<br />
<u>Directions:</u><br />
1. Add boiling water into flour - stirring while adding in the water. Mix until incorporated into flour and knead dough in bowl.<br />
2. Add into dough and knead a lot more. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO81k3pIcNu0pjQcftQFw-r4-XgAdL20PqoSU3zA641JRhiGnA7yeURjRoqB9V3EurWYHzXwpSz636jgpIiVepMfH1Seuxl2xpBaw2StwdbVHRHBlxYWgZjiRe-pDWFZMd7oLkGCEImuMl/s1600/IMG_20200509_162917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green, onion, pancake, green onion pancake, dough" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO81k3pIcNu0pjQcftQFw-r4-XgAdL20PqoSU3zA641JRhiGnA7yeURjRoqB9V3EurWYHzXwpSz636jgpIiVepMfH1Seuxl2xpBaw2StwdbVHRHBlxYWgZjiRe-pDWFZMd7oLkGCEImuMl/s640/IMG_20200509_162917.jpg" title="resting dough" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting dough.</td></tr>
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3. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Make each piece round and roll out thin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW-PkAm8eQOKmkaLYwqAh4hT-Vr49hHFLYnA-8btuVXElrACoA4KYouA4Q2ZWESEPykUu_3B2z9yO1Y_7rOy7GZsbtr7tcrq0v6eFMqQuLAfunhUQv1YNrCykmHUAIbeZP1t3Wo29z1Zo/s1600/IMG_20200509_185108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green, onion, pancake, green onion pancake, dough" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW-PkAm8eQOKmkaLYwqAh4hT-Vr49hHFLYnA-8btuVXElrACoA4KYouA4Q2ZWESEPykUu_3B2z9yO1Y_7rOy7GZsbtr7tcrq0v6eFMqQuLAfunhUQv1YNrCykmHUAIbeZP1t3Wo29z1Zo/s640/IMG_20200509_185108.jpg" title="Divided into 4 pieces dough" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divided dough - shaped round.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKeYCK7e8faAGbGLHfVALgvbs-ilnJ1UvUtQR-K0jHS1iZj00JlVfhcWmfLWcLSC2VAD05ucVQcSuZ4m8uRSOppSnyMZh37CYkatjrYwtlyYwXLI9VO0OgjWoSOY-vn5SLrpXuOYrxKid/s1600/IMG_20200509_192203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="1084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKeYCK7e8faAGbGLHfVALgvbs-ilnJ1UvUtQR-K0jHS1iZj00JlVfhcWmfLWcLSC2VAD05ucVQcSuZ4m8uRSOppSnyMZh37CYkatjrYwtlyYwXLI9VO0OgjWoSOY-vn5SLrpXuOYrxKid/s640/IMG_20200509_192203.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me rolling out that dough!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbaiS8owEm-V48m6s9UEq6_qQ2r00bB2nnVRzhBRMTkTYnkWGM6yKFXkYj6oM9LX7W38RBIRw3o2AQBcDFJZIFuHjwa1EpNblXmHeYB4QNUjeWZ0CLNQx44Gbu12V74ChbPKFkwe2jyKh/s1600/IMG_20200509_185732.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green, onion, pancake, green onion pancake, dough, rolled out" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbaiS8owEm-V48m6s9UEq6_qQ2r00bB2nnVRzhBRMTkTYnkWGM6yKFXkYj6oM9LX7W38RBIRw3o2AQBcDFJZIFuHjwa1EpNblXmHeYB4QNUjeWZ0CLNQx44Gbu12V74ChbPKFkwe2jyKh/s640/IMG_20200509_185732.jpg" title="Rolled out dough." width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled out dough.</td></tr>
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4. Add fat on dough. (I used a combo of sesame oil and pork belly fat).</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2WUrAsFesfX9YscV0n_BaqCBi6c8wrNIt8ikP0fEikaXe76CX0wZO81mnqJN5Cl2yHNR8AssgbDMKevWA3FDosfaJ5h2bvgERzknYmfTNBynHJv6fXkbRl__7mJHb-z3cGAP3RrV_Pnc/s1600/IMG_20200509_190035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green, onion, pancake, green onion pancake" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2WUrAsFesfX9YscV0n_BaqCBi6c8wrNIt8ikP0fEikaXe76CX0wZO81mnqJN5Cl2yHNR8AssgbDMKevWA3FDosfaJ5h2bvgERzknYmfTNBynHJv6fXkbRl__7mJHb-z3cGAP3RrV_Pnc/s640/IMG_20200509_190035.jpg" title="Spreading fat on dough." width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreading the fat on the dough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. Season with salt.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOITXuE_KeCEea7TbFvfFtaDCdu9MiaghdRBRuSh41iFcMbCjV7uNUS4k9F4B7JsAnMau_SS-hnVDT-4rlhyHb_AIB5LCF8de4zA3f9kaZ8_4Bhg9kIj6uSKzSiYbqWZ-qOqK8Oe6bgN2A/s1600/IMG_20200509_190113.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green, onion, pancake, green onion pancake, salt" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOITXuE_KeCEea7TbFvfFtaDCdu9MiaghdRBRuSh41iFcMbCjV7uNUS4k9F4B7JsAnMau_SS-hnVDT-4rlhyHb_AIB5LCF8de4zA3f9kaZ8_4Bhg9kIj6uSKzSiYbqWZ-qOqK8Oe6bgN2A/s640/IMG_20200509_190113.jpg" title="Seasoning with salt" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkled on the salt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. Add chopped scallions.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekwhyz-PKwLmOmK2D4LT_fT-XxGM_l3D0yPoGsT2X-Eil9WB6n_cf7saqj21_M5FI-VoyV80dGQNM_5cHPBDTrwwXdPlibzkz3J4HJaE5YfAAEWHCm1DpN8P1X0vS_uVpFA_jDEYXdbgY/s1600/IMG_20200509_190330.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green, onion, pancake, green onion pancake" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekwhyz-PKwLmOmK2D4LT_fT-XxGM_l3D0yPoGsT2X-Eil9WB6n_cf7saqj21_M5FI-VoyV80dGQNM_5cHPBDTrwwXdPlibzkz3J4HJaE5YfAAEWHCm1DpN8P1X0vS_uVpFA_jDEYXdbgY/s640/IMG_20200509_190330.jpg" title="Sprinkle on the scallions" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkled on the scallions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
7. Roll the dough up tightly and then roll into coils.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMAvuyjGI5gAH_zXlvwtfsyz5Y0csubw1r90o3MkEQmAbXtoaDHAuWF5hoYNfWYwp9Yyq5jEGG0x66R-y_WUkG-5YUTpfLPmFZ4Py1c4IJ8H-HFj6hpWMJJaaQK-UWepDO2J331AJrFso/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Technique, Green Onion Pancakes, Rolled Up" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMAvuyjGI5gAH_zXlvwtfsyz5Y0csubw1r90o3MkEQmAbXtoaDHAuWF5hoYNfWYwp9Yyq5jEGG0x66R-y_WUkG-5YUTpfLPmFZ4Py1c4IJ8H-HFj6hpWMJJaaQK-UWepDO2J331AJrFso/w480-h640/IMG_20200509_190427.jpg" title="Green Onion Pancakes Rolled Up" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling them up!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH-ZIPB34o6UpmDNjVVxQ5P_S4Joyh_8cKUYUhORzXB89k2COOOov2cx9GpdibmvPCcAygU2VzAtcZzmEN5VOvAPTb8glDmcymz14nDFGmLEygSsTgzq0TfWIdx0lBeUg6X4O6-t1DvPH/s1600/IMG_20200509_192755.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green, onion, pancake, green onion pancake, coiled" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH-ZIPB34o6UpmDNjVVxQ5P_S4Joyh_8cKUYUhORzXB89k2COOOov2cx9GpdibmvPCcAygU2VzAtcZzmEN5VOvAPTb8glDmcymz14nDFGmLEygSsTgzq0TfWIdx0lBeUg6X4O6-t1DvPH/s640/IMG_20200509_192755.jpg" title="Coiled dough" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coiled dough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
8. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes.<br />
9. Flour and roll it out flat.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWWfODitLhU8NZPqD0KpXl46AEH8RJ9jD0cknOCw0eZK1nQWnv_htz0dDKpJ5wQuXtMsPDyE9FDnw6lmcSLXZ9x2HE3BnPd5K-n6CvazsCUJglk4eM-d4Wgh0RR1YDwuuh8lpzyhvCnAo/s1600/IMG_20200509_195029.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green, onion, pancake, green onion pancake" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWWfODitLhU8NZPqD0KpXl46AEH8RJ9jD0cknOCw0eZK1nQWnv_htz0dDKpJ5wQuXtMsPDyE9FDnw6lmcSLXZ9x2HE3BnPd5K-n6CvazsCUJglk4eM-d4Wgh0RR1YDwuuh8lpzyhvCnAo/s640/IMG_20200509_195029.jpg" title="Green onion pancake" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to fry up and eat!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
10. Cook on a pan or freeze to enjoy later!<br />
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I served mine with a mix of hoisin sauce and dark soy sauce for dipping. I will note that nothing will beat that green onion pancake straight from the food vendor in Taipei... but it is a pretty good recipe for when I'm craving these pancakes again!</div>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-35495940390438696172020-05-11T10:08:00.003-07:002020-05-25T15:31:50.337-07:00The Sew Helpful Brigade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm89f015718kKxzq5G4AKD6xDCPjALCObPTf2Bf2otbMbGtNb2KeUxyqkCuXVbBqGTDMxpWcLS6pOWRBd3kv4M0LmvEYtMQpZt7iYm-qGr9Bv-KUHHa4-3EtJOIU3RZwP49WSdLK-QzQPt/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Joann's Tutorial, DIY, Masks, DIY Masks, PPE, DIY PPE" border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm89f015718kKxzq5G4AKD6xDCPjALCObPTf2Bf2otbMbGtNb2KeUxyqkCuXVbBqGTDMxpWcLS6pOWRBd3kv4M0LmvEYtMQpZt7iYm-qGr9Bv-KUHHa4-3EtJOIU3RZwP49WSdLK-QzQPt/w480-h640/PSX_20200525_152920.jpg" title="DIY Mask from Joann's Youtube Tutorial" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>I have a lot of projects going on since working from home and it includes the following: painting, sourdough bread making, pizza from scratch making, cooking, gardening, exercising, and mask making. Before my furlough, I had started on all these projects and was looking for something more to do. I happened to see an article on <a href="https://laist.com/latest/post/20200504/200-volunteers-wanted-to-sew-masks-for-health-care-workers">LAIST</a> about The Sew Helpful Brigade looking for 200 volunteers to help sew PPE for health care workers. So far, they have sewn 3,000 PPEs and want to sew another 30,000! I will be sewing 48 masks during my furlough. The great thing about them is they provide the fabric, elastic and wires; all you need is a sewing machine, scissors, thread and some time on your hands! It can either be shipped (anywhere in U.S) or picked up (if you are in the LA/OC area).<br />
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They sent me an email with a link to a Joann's Fabric tutorial (see below). Apparently, the design has been approved by medical professionals for use, but must also include a 3" nose wire.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VgHrnS6n4iA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VgHrnS6n4iA?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>
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Here are some pictures of my mask making so far:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AEFJSEfMNdyAAhyphenhyphenZk_wkZrrQVw7jAdbWI4z-ECtG-f-nGAYQuSb8KXCzkpTZf3ADhvMOGi-bUhan4IC2OAfIdvx_dxEXoLV1JYXDHhbu9vZRO4yAmqZccAUn4EIUJZnpkwrW59Y-rZFG/s1600/IMG_20200510_130716.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mask, making, mask making, PPE, sewing machine" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AEFJSEfMNdyAAhyphenhyphenZk_wkZrrQVw7jAdbWI4z-ECtG-f-nGAYQuSb8KXCzkpTZf3ADhvMOGi-bUhan4IC2OAfIdvx_dxEXoLV1JYXDHhbu9vZRO4yAmqZccAUn4EIUJZnpkwrW59Y-rZFG/s640/IMG_20200510_130716.jpg" title="Mask Making" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my trusty sewing machine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2I-GaSolFIwz0QwMa03hiDJmvvpk4P7BvyVv5pZ1buwF2Qt64GAgnns_TqLwOsHslBW_h65Lf4TvAisdjrFi4v6vzK6OTC8D1DkhSSc5HyaV4odgXuiDb66hyphenhyphenrSWIBNcJ6NonG110bDM/s1600/IMG_20200510_102740.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="interface, cutting, mask, making, mask making" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2I-GaSolFIwz0QwMa03hiDJmvvpk4P7BvyVv5pZ1buwF2Qt64GAgnns_TqLwOsHslBW_h65Lf4TvAisdjrFi4v6vzK6OTC8D1DkhSSc5HyaV4odgXuiDb66hyphenhyphenrSWIBNcJ6NonG110bDM/s640/IMG_20200510_102740.jpg" title="Interface cutting" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting interface.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdW4_bXN-Xi8OKBo2OTLw2xqtqPeAuHVbeEF61sTtM9ztiJgKK05Q5jN9tEsX5W1F3RlgbsmGh0Zc3PJKYhL6RfIRLLqoCLkBskQQ_L0347yuLMAfag9dCkls_KCiXRKLclzvBUJW-PMw/s1600/IMG_20200510_123339.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="masks, sewing, PPE, mask making, mask, making, assembly, assembling" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdW4_bXN-Xi8OKBo2OTLw2xqtqPeAuHVbeEF61sTtM9ztiJgKK05Q5jN9tEsX5W1F3RlgbsmGh0Zc3PJKYhL6RfIRLLqoCLkBskQQ_L0347yuLMAfag9dCkls_KCiXRKLclzvBUJW-PMw/s640/IMG_20200510_123339.jpg" title="Assembling Masks" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished sewing 1 red mask for The Sew Helpful Brigade. Cut and assembled 25 pieces of fabric and interface to be sewn and 2 personal masks Musui helped me finish making.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4bbntspgjH3KEg90SR7KcgpooLNqi6xgMSCjejSLq_w1oM2Rx3FU3XUDXaMdAEqNH4OfoLthU3sVXkdFgDxeQP554DG95GKASVA7CyPK3mDF0UqUorSxy_5G_SVUbWhofZ84vGinU9Rj/s1600/IMG_20200415_131858.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mask, PPE, sewing, mask making" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4bbntspgjH3KEg90SR7KcgpooLNqi6xgMSCjejSLq_w1oM2Rx3FU3XUDXaMdAEqNH4OfoLthU3sVXkdFgDxeQP554DG95GKASVA7CyPK3mDF0UqUorSxy_5G_SVUbWhofZ84vGinU9Rj/s640/IMG_20200415_131858.jpg" title="My 1st Mask" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 1st personal mask I made for myself. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bhgAV" target="_blank">Free People tank.</a><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Volunteering has made me feel a little less helpless during these strange times and great about being able to help others. If you are interested in helping out, please email: <span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><a href="mailto:sewhelpfulteam@gmail.com" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6c7579; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.07px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">sewhelpfulteam@gmail.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.07px;">. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.07px;">You can also follow them on IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sew.helpful/">@Sew.Helpful</a>.</span></span>
<div data-sc-widget-id="P-5ec18a2e3731d8780549bd73"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script>Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-73717604275694002582020-05-11T09:40:00.002-07:002020-05-11T09:40:29.956-07:00I'm Back!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHgqdHv7yyxm9IZGo-uybIH4q26Xi3QPo3ZBHEnTvuoqY1_Robz2C4grme963s6g28Q2CtiHW1IqZMIabrkkqIYPCAico2vnG0_gQyYXvGuAwg8qkTKWSh5KS0sm9jxl_2OmRvEysBYDh/s1600/Yosemite+couple+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHgqdHv7yyxm9IZGo-uybIH4q26Xi3QPo3ZBHEnTvuoqY1_Robz2C4grme963s6g28Q2CtiHW1IqZMIabrkkqIYPCAico2vnG0_gQyYXvGuAwg8qkTKWSh5KS0sm9jxl_2OmRvEysBYDh/s640/Yosemite+couple+pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musui and I in Yosemite - October 2019.</td></tr>
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Just wanted to say: <i>Long time no see! </i>A couple of updates since my last posting include: 1. We moved to a new place. 2. Due to Covid-19, we started working from home on March 3. I was placed on furlough recently - once a week out of the month. As a result, I have a lot more time on my hands and so many projects - food recipes and DIY projects to update this blog with. Can't wait to share that all with you!<br />
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<br />Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-87375133777787714062018-03-17T11:43:00.002-07:002018-03-20T08:31:15.831-07:00How To File an Extended Warranty Claim through Chase and What to Expect from this Process.<div class="tr_bq">
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I've been dealing with a lot of "adult" things this past month - oil changes, air filter replacements, car battery replacements, taxes, amending taxes, and lastly, my phone dying on me. There were many days this month where my face looked like the picture below. BUT it is nothing I can't handle, but i'm glad that they are finally being crossed off my list of things to get done!!!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp65q8DCJaEyv3x63VNxJoipkOxXo_OK3Rb6ClPFm6fpa8k6o5kN1_3cWkjoDpfSyiCtuMDHCO8NhNq6o3qtT86AhiLBhUOjnO7t1vRI3CLivFEYCIr1YcUXcQ60DahK6xvxxZwh1zoe4/w1327-h949-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp65q8DCJaEyv3x63VNxJoipkOxXo_OK3Rb6ClPFm6fpa8k6o5kN1_3cWkjoDpfSyiCtuMDHCO8NhNq6o3qtT86AhiLBhUOjnO7t1vRI3CLivFEYCIr1YcUXcQ60DahK6xvxxZwh1zoe4/w1327-h949-no/" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me (left) and my cousin. Wonder why I look so grumpy.. maybe I didn't get a nap?</td></tr>
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Late last month, I started to notice that my Pixel phone that I purchased through Google circa 2016 in order to use <a href="https://g.co/fi/r/WKP4V0">Project Fi</a> was having issues; when I wanted to switch from Bluetooth to my phone I could no longer communicate with the person on the other end - which was never an issue before. Then, I would make phone calls from my phone and the person on the other end couldn't hear me but I could hear them. So I called Google support; the first time they told me it was a WiFi issue and I had a weak connection. Yet, the problem persisted. I called again and they told me it was third party app issue. And yet again, the problem persisted. I called a third time and they told me to do a factory reset. Yet, the problem persisted... and got worst. Now my phone was rebooting out of the blue for no reason. I called Google support and while they reassured me everything would be OK; she said because my phone was out of warranty for 2 months they could not replace my phone. So my 2 options were to 1) Take it to one of their repair shops and pay for the repair out of pocket 2) Turn in my phone to Google to get $286 back for a phone I paid $649 for and buy a new phone from them. Then she had the audacity to ask me if everything was OK? No, everything is not OK. From the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/9/14868400/google-pixel-microphone-issues">research</a> I have done, Google is aware of the issue - which is a manufacturing defect - but will only replace phones in warranty. Their lack of owning up to their faults and lack of doing what's right pissed me off immensely. I refuse to give them more money by buying a phone from them when they refuse to own up to their faults. My only choice was to take it to UBreakIFix (their recommended repair shop). According to them, I would probably need the motherboard replaced for $300 and 1-3 small parts at $79.99 each. The idea of spending from anywhere between $300-540 to replace a $649 phone seemed outrageous.<br />
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Then, I looked up my credit card policy which I used to buy the phone; I happened to use my <a href="https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19/O5TESF2BFK">Chase Sapphire Reserve</a>. They have an extended warranty policy that covers anything you purchased with the card for an additional year! I needed to file a claim through their <a href="https://www.cardbenefitservices.com/UserAccess/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f">Card Benefit Services.</a><br />
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The information I needed to include and the process is as follows:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. <u>Claim Details.</u></span><br />
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Claim Type - Warranty Manager.<br />
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Date of Incident.<br />
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Claim Description - What is wrong with your item.<br />
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Preferred Reimbursement - Check or Debit Card<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Product Details.</u></span><br />
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Product - Cellular<br />
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Manufacturer - Google<br />
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Model - Pixel<br />
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Serial Number<br />
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Product Purchase Date<br />
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Amount claiming - How much did your pay for your phone before tax?<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. <u>Documents </u>- upload the following documents before they can review.</span><br />
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Sales Receipt<br />
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Credit Card Statement<br />
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<a href="https://www.cardbenefitservices.com/Content/Files/Generic%20Diagnostic%20Form.pdf">Repair Invoice</a><br />
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Manufacturer Warranty- Just look online for their warranty policy<br />
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I suggest using a form similar to the one I linked on <a href="https://www.cardbenefitservices.com/Content/Files/Generic%20Diagnostic%20Form.pdf">Repair Invoice</a>. The first time I asked the repair shop for an invoice...they sent me an email with two sentences that told me the price of the motherboard and then the price of each small part. I waited 5 business days for them to tell me that I needed to use a form similar to the one in the link and had to wait an additional 3-5 business days for the claim to go through.<br />
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3. Once you upload all these forms you wait for them to review and hear back from them. They say it takes up to 5 business days. Once I uploaded a more legitimate repair invoice I heard back within 3 business days that they would send me a check for a total of $166.18. I'm not sure how they came up with that number. At this point, I found out that Google would replace the motherboard so I only needed to pay for the 2 small parts that would cost $79.99 each plus tax. They said it would take about 10 days for a check to come to me. At this point my phone had been at the repair shop for 2 weeks and I was able to tell them to go through with the repair and it was ready the same day. I charged the repair to my credit card, since I would receive a check in the mail to reimburse me.<br />
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You can have them repair the phone before the claim goes through- but there is no guarantee that the credit card company will pay for that repair. So I just wanted to make sure and waited til it went through.<br />
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If you are also having Google Pixel Mic Issues: Check out this <a href="https://productforums.google.com/forum/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer#!msg/phone-by-google/6M691hpAj8E/RpVmlNABBwAJ">forum</a> to get helpful information on what people have gone through and what they've done to remedy the issues.<br />
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Remember that <a href="https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19/O5TESF2BFK">Chase Sapphire Reserve</a> Extended Warranty isn't only for cellphones. While the annual fee is very high for this credit card, it has been worth it for me these past couple years; $300 travel credit (which includes airline/train tickets, <a href="https://www.uber.com/invite/allisony19">Ubers</a>, <a href="https://lyft.com/ida/ALLISON087962">Lyfts</a>, parking garages, hotels, <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/allisony12">Airbnbs</a> etc.), compensation for global entry fee (which is good for 5 years), and awesome customer buyer protection as well as customer service. Anyways, I just wanted to remind people that it's important to know what benefits you have available to you and this should help you plan out how you make your purchases in the future/what card you use to make expensive purchases.<br />
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Other helpful posts about filing extended warranty claims: <a href="http://mommypoints.boardingarea.com/2014/10/27/using-credit-card-extended-warranty-benefit/">Mommy Points</a>, <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/2018/02/chases-extended-warranty-new-phone/">Points Guy</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Links to <a href="https://g.co/fi/r/WKP4V0">Project Fi</a>, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Chase Sapphire Reserve</a>, <a href="https://www.uber.com/invite/allisony19">Uber</a>, <a href="https://lyft.com/ida/ALLISON087962">Lyft</a> and <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/allisony12">Airbnb</a> are referrals. This was not a promotional post that I was paid to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/allisony12">Airbnb</a> - Introduce a friend to <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/allisony12">Airbnb</a>. They'll get $40 in travel credit when they sign up and you'll get $20 in travel credit once they complete their trip!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://g.co/fi/r/WKP4V0">Project Fi </a>- You get $20 and I get $20 in credits.</span></div>
Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-41091590358952159422017-11-08T18:42:00.000-08:002017-11-08T18:42:04.452-08:00Garden Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After coming back from a trip to NYC, I was greeting by a bell pepper growing on my front porch! Even though it was very exciting to come home to a bell pepper growing after a successful self pollination.... it has been a couple weeks and it hasn't grown any bigger. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQPNESGDIbzCa_uenj3t12cBVVR5sMckBq2PdvlJy2PSbXvM9ketHGvmLhlSGx7n11PI4ERDFjXpER66HbFK-wSVhyphenhyphen7K1CphMAs36pHv2isswFJn78BOf1O04XT06ypjBwGO0Z7Op8jrQ/s1600/IMG_20171023_142108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bell, pepper, plant" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQPNESGDIbzCa_uenj3t12cBVVR5sMckBq2PdvlJy2PSbXvM9ketHGvmLhlSGx7n11PI4ERDFjXpER66HbFK-wSVhyphenhyphen7K1CphMAs36pHv2isswFJn78BOf1O04XT06ypjBwGO0Z7Op8jrQ/s640/IMG_20171023_142108.jpg" title="bell pepper plant" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wPr01IqLjuoYanFpQRyP5RJnblLSCsgLC924aImianTVamgKvAsomTC2mldtlym8swBN3a46D-wRU-K6Gt637U0scM61kKpQlfeGFIDMlt77JdIV6dcTf5ZaMV0BxkeXSHHzSrxrc7tO/s1600/IMG_20171023_142128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bell, pepper, plant" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wPr01IqLjuoYanFpQRyP5RJnblLSCsgLC924aImianTVamgKvAsomTC2mldtlym8swBN3a46D-wRU-K6Gt637U0scM61kKpQlfeGFIDMlt77JdIV6dcTf5ZaMV0BxkeXSHHzSrxrc7tO/s640/IMG_20171023_142128.jpg" title="bell pepper plant" width="480" /></a></div>
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My daikon radish has been growing pretty successfully for a while. I decided to pull them out this past weekend to pickle them. I felt pretty proud of myself for growing this one. All of these plants I have been planting from seed and so it is pretty satisfying seeing them grow. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB1kUagcNw4Sl7PIk0h7wdwImwHyXOkNJ-dtsGQGmWnj7JBM6NsOx2AL3OeSF96mCjm92DLBUhyphenhyphenSM3iPrmflm5Op5eGFxiP78E2wQxr-RY25g4DFhcbnC0bHoojmD1_EcXbnkiZM8QMhA/s1600/IMG_20171023_142204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="daikon, plant, radish" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB1kUagcNw4Sl7PIk0h7wdwImwHyXOkNJ-dtsGQGmWnj7JBM6NsOx2AL3OeSF96mCjm92DLBUhyphenhyphenSM3iPrmflm5Op5eGFxiP78E2wQxr-RY25g4DFhcbnC0bHoojmD1_EcXbnkiZM8QMhA/s640/IMG_20171023_142204.jpg" title="daikon plant" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEp2OnJObRuYjriDcJzW8GHCJ4KGSwMQ69cdQyeSlrmMeE1oWTj4b4e1BEk-5gHQbhLs0fTcQxYVq6uY2NciB_iVo75UChsfiFahZ8aQu1rIhyfkzzg5kWXBOmKXDbdPdj39VFEU5G_qs/s1600/IMG_20171105_103452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="daikon, radish, plant" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEp2OnJObRuYjriDcJzW8GHCJ4KGSwMQ69cdQyeSlrmMeE1oWTj4b4e1BEk-5gHQbhLs0fTcQxYVq6uY2NciB_iVo75UChsfiFahZ8aQu1rIhyfkzzg5kWXBOmKXDbdPdj39VFEU5G_qs/s640/IMG_20171105_103452.jpg" title="daikon plant" width="480" /></a></div>
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Look at my beautiful babies!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyc7BpXelYfOphX9PhZNVig4kzMaObq2s0Tq5Dsd4AEmwlbiJl6P4NL3BsCxJh5TQsnFfinwJPMIE_XnJntlIjiB7HazIOSK-3FbkTkmypN83vLyQaVZg3V_NVUrKXgiag1RnhCkTeaJ1/s1600/IMG_20171105_103856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="daikon, daikons" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyc7BpXelYfOphX9PhZNVig4kzMaObq2s0Tq5Dsd4AEmwlbiJl6P4NL3BsCxJh5TQsnFfinwJPMIE_XnJntlIjiB7HazIOSK-3FbkTkmypN83vLyQaVZg3V_NVUrKXgiag1RnhCkTeaJ1/s640/IMG_20171105_103856.jpg" title="daikons" width="480" /></a></div>
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My boyfriend and I decided to pickle a combo of carrots, daikon and jalapenos in a mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and water. We decided to taste the daikon before we pickle it... and to my disappointment they very bitter. There is a trick to removing the bitterness from a daikon that I just learned about; it involves washing the daikon in salt water 2-3 times and then washing it off with water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xTzUeyofajsQzlOaNNhT5e6DW4ZyWN28K5hsJNY5rhjvkxkfQprMGjFWjWi_gi0wcLMjU-zjL3NqTd75cWqymqMHlKggGM4-c_jjTQ5xq6Pst5IFXx0fLdwdetOrlBtZckyR5hN7-kwD/s1600/IMG_20171106_200807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pickles, jalapenos, pickle, daikon, carrot" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xTzUeyofajsQzlOaNNhT5e6DW4ZyWN28K5hsJNY5rhjvkxkfQprMGjFWjWi_gi0wcLMjU-zjL3NqTd75cWqymqMHlKggGM4-c_jjTQ5xq6Pst5IFXx0fLdwdetOrlBtZckyR5hN7-kwD/s640/IMG_20171106_200807.jpg" title="pickling" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hopefully the radishes won't be too bitter when pickled!</div>
<br />Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-37792200382087005122017-10-12T19:48:00.000-07:002017-10-12T19:56:48.278-07:00Bell Pepper PlantI planted a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00YO630XK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00YO630XK&linkCode=am2&tag=absurdlypecul-20&linkId=15fc1290c4a68ae8e7bda5dc454fc407%22%3EKeystone%20Resistant%20Sweet%20Bell%20Pepper%20Seeds%20150%20SEEDS%20NON-GMO%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=absurdlypecul-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00YO630XK%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">bell pepper plant</a> over 3 years ago and I was able to get it to grow some leaves but nothing beyond that... that is, until this year! This year, I noticed it grew some flowers and like the idiot I am... I pinched them off right away (I read somewhere at some point when a plant is growing flowers you should pinch them off so the plant won't taste bitter. I didn't realize til later.. that you need the flowers so that your plant can pollinate and produce fruits... and whatever I read was for herbs). After a few months, I gave up hope that flowers would come back for my plant, but sure enough they did!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBwlt_B7YN-CGvuzvUuyPYpKzjxgcYIiVprmk1eWN8obCPMrL2Nvlt4HPn4ZSKLD0CFh8SCEj_Ib6M0u-sUZgc8UKS6ajlv46YFm2I0tZfluVkTxfUYIngvSAq7kpMuIbSeJYUwTMKqSK/s1600/IMG_6866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bell, pepper, plant, flower, pollination" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBwlt_B7YN-CGvuzvUuyPYpKzjxgcYIiVprmk1eWN8obCPMrL2Nvlt4HPn4ZSKLD0CFh8SCEj_Ib6M0u-sUZgc8UKS6ajlv46YFm2I0tZfluVkTxfUYIngvSAq7kpMuIbSeJYUwTMKqSK/s640/IMG_6866.jpg" title="bell pepper plant flower" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHaCsZ8l0ZrC08ISQhJ4HMpQ-YMxueBpu21bP-5xFLuQ6xw4wPjSuhkyFxL6C4C8Z5-6kXpD6eBZWWq0lpOwisMBbxbLMY3KH53s_0hwOBp-rYyTM_Y3mhq0H_CqZ-klHK-SIZN8Y65tQ/s1600/IMG_6868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bell, pepper, plant, flower, pollination" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHaCsZ8l0ZrC08ISQhJ4HMpQ-YMxueBpu21bP-5xFLuQ6xw4wPjSuhkyFxL6C4C8Z5-6kXpD6eBZWWq0lpOwisMBbxbLMY3KH53s_0hwOBp-rYyTM_Y3mhq0H_CqZ-klHK-SIZN8Y65tQ/s640/IMG_6868.jpg" title="Bell pepper plant flowers" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used a <a href="http://www.towergarden.com/blog.read.html/en/2015/6/flowers_but_no_fruit.html">self pollination technique</a> that I read about online.<br />
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Here is a video of me trying to self pollinate for the first time. I was definitely nerding out!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u6F8eXrxC6o/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u6F8eXrxC6o?feature=player_embedded" width="620"></iframe></div>
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I'll need to update you if all of this actually works and I get some bell peppers! (I know it's not in season technically... but we live in Southern California.. so anything goes!)Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-25636433211535780732017-09-16T20:53:00.000-07:002017-09-17T10:49:57.179-07:00How to Upgrade your Space for Under $75<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've moved into my new place for over 5 months and our place just looks like I just moved in. When my boyfriend went away on a work trip, I decided I needed to update the space. I am cheap and so I didn't want to spend a lot of money. I chose our bedroom to update - I chose a space that we spend a lot of time in and felt I could do a couple changes for cheap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsjprnFrg9Th9XP_AtFNsxeOzobVHx0R4jrHq4vTSyHY55l1VsxlX0CP2cgMMdk6-cMpZgIlxiP5MczpTZE2IwVlt_OyNuNuRx-k2eulcpaSaemRByrUGUcxUUIZzbSP_JtUsOINZDsx0/s1600/IMG_20170916_102309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="decor, for cheap" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="504" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsjprnFrg9Th9XP_AtFNsxeOzobVHx0R4jrHq4vTSyHY55l1VsxlX0CP2cgMMdk6-cMpZgIlxiP5MczpTZE2IwVlt_OyNuNuRx-k2eulcpaSaemRByrUGUcxUUIZzbSP_JtUsOINZDsx0/s640/IMG_20170916_102309.jpg" title="redecorating, decorating for cheap" width="504" /></a></div>
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This is what the space looked like before in our bedroom (see below). My friend and my boyfriend use to live together.. and this use to be my friend's room... and I have no idea what he was thinking. First, the rod is TOO short for the window... and he was cheap and only bought one panel. Yeah, friend.. if you ever read my blog... I called you cheap! And so this window has been looking pretty sad for a while (and if you haven't looked yet, see below for evidence of its sadness). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yO9GciI_WXcFyKCZyRzuvdAQPvxGq95JvK6M8mczAnxKTL68MCPo5cNs5xeQ5KP-uVuuRuHDpAUIFkM_Dw2tIT23gQ_d2iHoY5ZFe3u_kzq4I5DKYpMCbgGmWohEdvWGTh3xQ6Ld53PH/s1600/IMG_20170819_104634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="what not to do, window panels, rods" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="851" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yO9GciI_WXcFyKCZyRzuvdAQPvxGq95JvK6M8mczAnxKTL68MCPo5cNs5xeQ5KP-uVuuRuHDpAUIFkM_Dw2tIT23gQ_d2iHoY5ZFe3u_kzq4I5DKYpMCbgGmWohEdvWGTh3xQ6Ld53PH/s640/IMG_20170819_104634.jpg" title="before photos" width="640" /></a></div>
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The only changes I made to this space since I moved in was add those 3 little organizers to the right of the window and spray painted them rose gold. You can see below the changes I decided to make to this window area of our bedroom:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaERDieDZFfC6gdRJVHzjjBjyvO7s0GLO-myCAtZuapVk8kp7u12gGlRffzIjCOsY6J6lctAb8Z0-mZ3krb9EdgUzcGwstLupnGSkidnJXqpWMfiDqnFZnDmdsNMRcl9F9bwodp_KHmJiT/s1600/Changes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="504" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaERDieDZFfC6gdRJVHzjjBjyvO7s0GLO-myCAtZuapVk8kp7u12gGlRffzIjCOsY6J6lctAb8Z0-mZ3krb9EdgUzcGwstLupnGSkidnJXqpWMfiDqnFZnDmdsNMRcl9F9bwodp_KHmJiT/s640/Changes.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC4w1H-Y-NX-7u_I4PUMXSBiRcK9a6WdkcYfwhTGq5s5gxCG2MsLLW9kqmHhHMSPEglTieT9JlfdMFgKn4jogr9sKR12qY5NSjy0ZRQfM7DgI3vF4Ix-5r9CxciSL2lo4djTNVLIjov2g/s1600/Changes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="478" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC4w1H-Y-NX-7u_I4PUMXSBiRcK9a6WdkcYfwhTGq5s5gxCG2MsLLW9kqmHhHMSPEglTieT9JlfdMFgKn4jogr9sKR12qY5NSjy0ZRQfM7DgI3vF4Ix-5r9CxciSL2lo4djTNVLIjov2g/s640/Changes+2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/hKcF">1. Windsor Light Blocking Panel - Eclipse in Slate from Target $19.99 REG, $18.99 SALE (QTY 2)</a><br />
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<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/hKcT">2. Threshold French Pipe Rod in Bronze from Target $25.99 REG, $19 SALE</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00U9VWYQ8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U9VWYQ8&linkCode=am2&tag=absurdlypecul-20&linkId=bcfb363bb8a6d3ff214b6be29229744b%22%3EOcean%20Spider%20Plant%20-%204%20Clay%20Pot%20for%20Better%20Growth%20-%20Cleans%20the%20Air/Easy%20to%20Grow%20by%20Hirts:%20House%20Plant%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=absurdlypecul-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00U9VWYQ8%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">3. Spider Plant from Lowes, on Clearance for $3.99</a></div>
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4. DIY Artwork - Used old frame and paper from Daiso for $1.50</div>
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5. Rug from Marshall's $13.99</div>
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I was able to change the whole look of an area for under $75 - this involved buying things on sale or clearance or at a discount store like Marshall's. I am very happy with the way it came out! The only problem is... I apparently don't know how to take care of a spider plant- do you see how alive it looks in the second picture compared to the first? If you have any spider plant tips.. you should share them.</div>
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Some lessons I learned for curtain panels and rods that I'd like to share is: 1. Make sure the rod is longer than your window 2. Making your rod a little higher up adds height to the area. </div>
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Other lessons I learned: 1. Greenery/Plants always makes things better 2. So do rugs and you don't need to spend a lot of money on them either. </div>
Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-67137016058463490292017-09-12T10:49:00.001-07:002017-09-17T10:48:48.091-07:00Decorating a Wedding for $500Yup, $500 is the budget I had to work with. If you have the time and friends to help you... decorating on a budget is doable. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVfUHIMyu25NW4yCANFHg5RQVI8tpgSUf-bOyIVUnHBKDVMQgtvi9tMRbk6oW-Tdadk3thvGrANh_arMYTkdldskQ31z9sMEUlHzPVaRl5nyD93mk5U-HU-S1NSEljjMXqxlzcvjH8nd0/s1600/IMG_20170625_194941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVfUHIMyu25NW4yCANFHg5RQVI8tpgSUf-bOyIVUnHBKDVMQgtvi9tMRbk6oW-Tdadk3thvGrANh_arMYTkdldskQ31z9sMEUlHzPVaRl5nyD93mk5U-HU-S1NSEljjMXqxlzcvjH8nd0/s1600/IMG_20170625_194941.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here is my breakdown for expenses:<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 390px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 11463; mso-width-source: userset; width: 242pt;" width="322"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 2417; mso-width-source: userset; width: 51pt;" width="68"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt; width: 242pt;" width="322">Welcome Poster and Chalkboard Markers </td>
<td align="right" style="width: 51pt;" width="68">20</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">J&J sign</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B06Y589D13/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06Y589D13&linkCode=am2&tag=absurdlypecul-20&linkId=9fb91b29bbc2ae18959e88809e3df73e%22%3E12%20Pack%201%20Piece%203.6%20Feet%20Artificial%20Fake%20Wisteria%20Vine%20Ratta%20Hanging%20Garland%20Silk%20Flowers%20String%20Home%20Party%20Wedding%20Decor%20(White)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=absurdlypecul-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B06Y589D13%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Wisteria garland from Amazon</a></td>
<td align="right">50</td>
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<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Rope</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Card Box</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Table Number Tags</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0064OG3IY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0064OG3IY&linkCode=am2&tag=absurdlypecul-20&linkId=279923a97a1b71951873c5e9593ef7fe%22%3E750%20ml%20Emerald%20Green%20Claret/Bordeaux%20Bottles,%2012%20per%20case%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=absurdlypecul-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0064OG3IY%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Wine bottles from Amazon (36, 3 boxes of 24) </a></td>
<td align="right">66</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Beer bottles<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> from homebrew store </span>(66 bottles, 3 boxes of 24)</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Baby's breath from Costco</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;"><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/hMf8">Mason Jars (14 jars, 2 packs)</a></td>
<td align="right">16</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">18 Bouquets from Trader Joe's</td>
<td align="right" class="xl63">120</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">SUM</td>
<td align="right">455</td>
</tr>
<tr height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">
<td height="19" style="height: 14.4pt;">Total plus tax</td>
<td align="right">500.50</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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I found delabeling bottles to be time consuming and decided to buy the rest. I also realized during the wedding that I did not have enough mason's jars.. thank goodness the previous wedding party left theirs behind!<br />
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For buying your own flowers, I advised buying them a couple days ahead of time and if you are doing flowers on a budget you cannot be picky! I chose flowers that I knew would last a while (baby's breaths and carnations from Costco and Trader Joe's).<br />
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All in all it turned out to be a not so bad job for my first wedding decorating event.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQhePzZdaVzyRyWErdHP8ia9xtHNBTwZUb4YBXfSFd7D7PiMc7y0v42hrONbW3hdzlCZ030wlDm5XKOBlj5ERzCRrk4zDn5x6KaTlHT1LWIDwK9ZX7JfP2TvNm9OP5l9cdG8EQGfpci9R/s1600/IMG_20170915_182909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQhePzZdaVzyRyWErdHP8ia9xtHNBTwZUb4YBXfSFd7D7PiMc7y0v42hrONbW3hdzlCZ030wlDm5XKOBlj5ERzCRrk4zDn5x6KaTlHT1LWIDwK9ZX7JfP2TvNm9OP5l9cdG8EQGfpci9R/s640/IMG_20170915_182909.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check out pictures from the wedding in my previous post.Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-44566788983607936332017-08-03T21:17:00.000-07:002017-08-03T21:17:08.710-07:00Pictures from the Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just wanted to share a couple pictures from the wedding! I wish I was able to take more pictures but there was a bit of an emergency and I didn't have as much time as I thought to decorate. Keeping in mind it was like 100 degrees F, I think we did a pretty good job decorating. Being a wedding decorator is a lot of work and it gave me deep appreciation for what they do. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuqm5cRTyZJWRWDFgzk_MSGfqsAyKZQFVnkuD_O_A77D0Iav1Hf-FJnuRbKp3NkUDUPOrLisJ6V-tXdwTN__j67RPgR0lfN0HNT1nft2BTiumoLQgfMMbAJRbObAjznYaXRreM2Cb7nvt/s1600/IMG_20170623_083339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="carnatons, trader joe's, flowers" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuqm5cRTyZJWRWDFgzk_MSGfqsAyKZQFVnkuD_O_A77D0Iav1Hf-FJnuRbKp3NkUDUPOrLisJ6V-tXdwTN__j67RPgR0lfN0HNT1nft2BTiumoLQgfMMbAJRbObAjznYaXRreM2Cb7nvt/s640/IMG_20170623_083339.jpg" title="Carnations" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8a3VjdH0vTmSlK6R7ua68l9E5-0DOR3TCcw-7MGJOMFe5yUKA989mh10xHgprqxnaPEr9MnQgJF6GXPNTXxCUIiEioMgQqLRj20VWFLKhFu9ZgyRL4u6yLZ-dEtLFqx7Uj4GJNZzJ9B_/s1600/IMG_20170622_194544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="costco, flowers, baby's breath" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8a3VjdH0vTmSlK6R7ua68l9E5-0DOR3TCcw-7MGJOMFe5yUKA989mh10xHgprqxnaPEr9MnQgJF6GXPNTXxCUIiEioMgQqLRj20VWFLKhFu9ZgyRL4u6yLZ-dEtLFqx7Uj4GJNZzJ9B_/s640/IMG_20170622_194544.jpg" title="Baby's Breath" width="480" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOmThpR580Xp0vjejM8vAwM5FK99EQTgmZxx_5v6yEjOQgo4_ty3AJJYHqeLhyphenhyphenQSdD8CR0diud7CtXM0mPYe5mNH9ZR6R8yAUCqpWJNbOklHslZUsJBkySnZdS_8nzeMXf7Bn6dZemqPq/s1600/IMG_20170625_141941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="welcome, sign, diy, decor, wedding, welcome sign" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOmThpR580Xp0vjejM8vAwM5FK99EQTgmZxx_5v6yEjOQgo4_ty3AJJYHqeLhyphenhyphenQSdD8CR0diud7CtXM0mPYe5mNH9ZR6R8yAUCqpWJNbOklHslZUsJBkySnZdS_8nzeMXf7Bn6dZemqPq/s640/IMG_20170625_141941.jpg" title="welcome sign" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxDFrRVnRTTgdWtnnHSJA6xHMJrZbpMkFLzlJDYv1n-Vess2zyb7eJlBXNTrOiefCsPJW4CBUm0kx3Ez-Fnmb3aQXZ7-8D2yKoan5QTnrvOXvjzkFXexJBGDRtSmjQj6QpsO9Ns7NuAO8/s1600/IMG_20170625_141949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="diy, wedding, decor, welcome table, welcome, table" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxDFrRVnRTTgdWtnnHSJA6xHMJrZbpMkFLzlJDYv1n-Vess2zyb7eJlBXNTrOiefCsPJW4CBUm0kx3Ez-Fnmb3aQXZ7-8D2yKoan5QTnrvOXvjzkFXexJBGDRtSmjQj6QpsO9Ns7NuAO8/s640/IMG_20170625_141949.jpg" title="welcome table" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrKOBYw7UJ9gf4_zev5ifeNjR_NDvptSskycgg-iTlxt6N1iDXlcoVvza89wViAAuBXT6cidja4rYl8CJx9NUDav71tqfYsBY6HO89NgjwWn6bzepfOUqk2hGWeoSsailDF5KuXmypUJ7/s1600/IMG_20170625_160213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sheperd's hooks, hook, sheperd, baby, breath, baby's breath, mason jar, mason, jar" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrKOBYw7UJ9gf4_zev5ifeNjR_NDvptSskycgg-iTlxt6N1iDXlcoVvza89wViAAuBXT6cidja4rYl8CJx9NUDav71tqfYsBY6HO89NgjwWn6bzepfOUqk2hGWeoSsailDF5KuXmypUJ7/s640/IMG_20170625_160213.jpg" title="baby's breath in a mason jar on sheperd's hooks" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-35860279700447525862017-06-19T21:57:00.003-07:002017-06-19T22:10:46.040-07:00Wedding Decorations: Decorative Letters DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's June! This means the wedding is almost here and I have completed most of what I need for decorations. Something I really enjoyed decorating/DIYing was the decorative letters for the welcome table.<br />
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The base letters were made out of all the extra cardboard we had when we bought new furniture.<br />
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After cutting out all the letters I needed, I used a glue gun to create "sides" to the letters.<br />
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I felt it look unfinished in just cardboard. So for some reason I thought paper mache-ing would help. I used 1 part flour to 1 part water to create the glue and for the paper I used old newspapers.<br />
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Then after I finished the paper mache-ing and letting it dry, I spray painted it rose gold. To be honest, I didn't like how it looked... it still had this bumpy texture and I felt it would make the wedding look cheap. I thought I would end up having to buy the letters instead...but a month later I was inspired by something I saw online.<br />
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I decided to buy moss and some fake flowers at Daiso (a Japanese $1.50 store). These extra decorations would cost me around $5.<br />
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I just used the moss to cover up the bumpy texture on the front of the letters. I used good old fashioned Elmer's glue for the moss.<br />
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After I finished gluing the moss and cutting the flowers, I started glueing them on using a glue gun.<br />
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Once I finished gluing on the flowers, I realized I needed some type of board to place the letters on. I ended up using the back of a picture frame; the picture frame broke a while back. So I was glad I was able to recycle materials. I decided to glue moss onto the base.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqTJNzSYjOf9b5h4YEZ0GwerxXFRKTFbzHaXygDOdJeDHpAzVbNL2yPxXeZTXi_ZjLf8tXXwh8cm_ECWverQ1K3sMSUboFk-U6fAk29bhurDNvrc4pamc3F4VFMzOrF9UXTJvuvNq9FSC/s1600/IMG_20170603_154839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="monogram, flowers, moss, cardboard, wedding, decor" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqTJNzSYjOf9b5h4YEZ0GwerxXFRKTFbzHaXygDOdJeDHpAzVbNL2yPxXeZTXi_ZjLf8tXXwh8cm_ECWverQ1K3sMSUboFk-U6fAk29bhurDNvrc4pamc3F4VFMzOrF9UXTJvuvNq9FSC/s640/IMG_20170603_154839.jpg" title="decorative letters" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once I finished gluing on the moss to the base, I glued the letters onto the board using a glue gun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CFNXj_7aFmGSDc6YWVlrIkKJfAVJXcqX-s9utlbGFW4JMzJBboefg8BtgJREgi9QMMcni86TbD1fVopB8EJXR6Jm4kgoFFpv9kgm8qJr1fNJZsO37gD1AVu8-FFHEPhCRIEMTsMW3JVK/s1600/IMG_20170603_175255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="monogram, flowers, moss, cardboard, wedding, decor" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CFNXj_7aFmGSDc6YWVlrIkKJfAVJXcqX-s9utlbGFW4JMzJBboefg8BtgJREgi9QMMcni86TbD1fVopB8EJXR6Jm4kgoFFpv9kgm8qJr1fNJZsO37gD1AVu8-FFHEPhCRIEMTsMW3JVK/s640/IMG_20170603_175255.jpg" title="decorative letters" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think this project came out pretty good and it only cost me around $10 dollars to make!!<br />
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Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-3416050311390887372017-04-30T20:50:00.001-07:002017-04-30T20:50:38.845-07:00Refurbished Chair Using Chalk PaintThis first time I heard about chalk paint is when I was taking a walking break to the liquor store near work. I stopped by this cute looking shop and asked them what they sold here; we only sell Annie Sloan's chalk paint. I was so intrigued... how could you survive on just selling chalk paint? It must be SO GOOD. I thought chalk paint was the same as chalkboard paint, which I was informed was incorrect. Apparently chalk paint is popular because there is no need for sanding or priming a material before painting- usually those steps are required for paint to stick. After leaving the store, I was very intrigued by the idea of using chalk paint for these wooden chairs I have at home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8OoddYkMfnAazJUjkmcg4bBjhTnyC2TEYpePrE0mrBiNQVdQYg70ghrq7YsJr8yrYOpp2SYPSLikcze574dpGf2BjoXGAKR4dVgwlxmwmd6aYvX0G1XrNx8B-0pfGbYtih926kAGEVSU/s1600/IMG_20170410_175154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chair, Wood, Refurbish" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8OoddYkMfnAazJUjkmcg4bBjhTnyC2TEYpePrE0mrBiNQVdQYg70ghrq7YsJr8yrYOpp2SYPSLikcze574dpGf2BjoXGAKR4dVgwlxmwmd6aYvX0G1XrNx8B-0pfGbYtih926kAGEVSU/s640/IMG_20170410_175154.jpg" title="Original Chair" width="480" /></a></div>
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My first idea was to use chalk paint for the white parts and then sand the wood colored area to restain it. Welp after much wasted time... I realized 1. Sanding isn't fun 2. I'm not good at staining (took me 2 tries to learn that). Below is a picture of the chalk paint for the white part of the chair and my bad staining job. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6RmHIxLsILtNZGFgFMApokP6okk7BS3Z5eTi4VHIfFXSKwpeToIdo66VbJQEm9N7up42e0yDyXKRjNfMmyuaVfkclSpEpV52QhWFfCmNnWxQK1isbS7FOYSLFguaYG_OuYzyVw2265al/s1600/IMG_20170416_171813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sanded, stained, chair, chalk, paint" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6RmHIxLsILtNZGFgFMApokP6okk7BS3Z5eTi4VHIfFXSKwpeToIdo66VbJQEm9N7up42e0yDyXKRjNfMmyuaVfkclSpEpV52QhWFfCmNnWxQK1isbS7FOYSLFguaYG_OuYzyVw2265al/s640/IMG_20170416_171813.jpg" title="Sanded and Stained Chair" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUEOMNjEBxVm9GrMWEAPyh4RLXfw5UN7pPf8kp3P4J1U1QWex_XKseE9uDEB6w6XoQ0vQDstKpUUMUkBPAQdjWZ-CoODNNaHRoCxub5bJ2mMdYiBpfc125eCDjIywF6wv-o4BnOWs1VBI/s1600/IMG_20170416_171820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="stain" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUEOMNjEBxVm9GrMWEAPyh4RLXfw5UN7pPf8kp3P4J1U1QWex_XKseE9uDEB6w6XoQ0vQDstKpUUMUkBPAQdjWZ-CoODNNaHRoCxub5bJ2mMdYiBpfc125eCDjIywF6wv-o4BnOWs1VBI/s640/IMG_20170416_171820.jpg" title="Bad Stain Job" width="480" /></a></div>
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So I gave up with my staining job and decided to paint over it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuZ-2sUqjRAmqy-vGazIeOvkq2dgp4XcEQnjNt3k_Ev8ziAVb1NxnCGtY2O4wS5rt8BrNgt4xg31e3RSNjOubeL6v8kOirCeTN9uNrrLwdT6gT67RTqTuw3W1fd52UKYGTwd_NVWqQiYf/s1600/IMG_20170416_174923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chalk paint, martha stewart, vintage, paint" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuZ-2sUqjRAmqy-vGazIeOvkq2dgp4XcEQnjNt3k_Ev8ziAVb1NxnCGtY2O4wS5rt8BrNgt4xg31e3RSNjOubeL6v8kOirCeTN9uNrrLwdT6gT67RTqTuw3W1fd52UKYGTwd_NVWqQiYf/s640/IMG_20170416_174923.jpg" title="Cover Up" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then I realized it looked too boring, so I went with another color and I love how the end result turned out. Now, even though you don't need to prime.. I do recommend you use a wax after. It creates a smooth instead of chalky finish and protects the paint.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-h0yMy4W9tvYgAeW-O9SSAL5gHp43LRHRsapO4z4Jrw-1tkxcQTcnrIV6J8NCDaBBIL-6nNKCla4xDxTtlmpjYQyyBvECeXdxrcPCtHiIev5GurFiWRAFyiO85BCq2NWFlds5AL8szjW/s1600/IMG_20170426_181857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="martha,stewart, chalk, vintage, decor, paint, artminds, smoked peark, smoke" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-h0yMy4W9tvYgAeW-O9SSAL5gHp43LRHRsapO4z4Jrw-1tkxcQTcnrIV6J8NCDaBBIL-6nNKCla4xDxTtlmpjYQyyBvECeXdxrcPCtHiIev5GurFiWRAFyiO85BCq2NWFlds5AL8szjW/s640/IMG_20170426_181857.jpg" title="Finished Chair using Chalk Paint" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uDM6_Ob_kEZJxLVFRdYFtnexASH6f_ubwNz76o5yt2etiUxnH1oCwZ7cIazLSfVGtgfSUNmJDpGJSLNBjPTotvm1k608v00LUqBqN6mlJ65IETGNFYLcdlh0tH3v84D6VYrM_TQ8YhID/s1600/IMG_20170426_181845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="martha, stewart, artminds, smoke, smoked pearl, paint, chalk, vintage, decor" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uDM6_Ob_kEZJxLVFRdYFtnexASH6f_ubwNz76o5yt2etiUxnH1oCwZ7cIazLSfVGtgfSUNmJDpGJSLNBjPTotvm1k608v00LUqBqN6mlJ65IETGNFYLcdlh0tH3v84D6VYrM_TQ8YhID/s640/IMG_20170426_181845.jpg" title="Finished Paint Job" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used Martha Stewart Vntage Decor Paint in Smoke and Vintage Decor Clear Wax as well as Art Minds Chalk Paint in Smoked Pearl. It was pretty simple to use; apply 1-2 coats of chalk paint and let it dry for the appropriate amount of time; followed by 1-2 coats of wax. An 8 fl oz of Martha Stewart Paint goes for $10.99 at Michaels- don't forget to use those coupons! I believe an 8 fl oz ArtMinds Chalk Paint was around $6.99.<br />
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Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-43227115641194243872017-04-24T20:57:00.001-07:002017-04-24T20:58:40.361-07:00Tips for De-labeling Glass Bottles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My cousin asked me decorate his wedding on a budget of $500. At the time I thought it was a lot of money, but after researching ideas and pricing I quickly realized how little $500 gets you for a wedding. One of my ideas was to use recylcled beer and wine bottles- the reasoning being that they have small openings and would require very little flowers for each bottle and because I could recycle some of the ones I already have. So I started to get to work and I soon discovered how labor intensive this actual is. </div>
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Here are the lessons I learned from delabeling bottles:</div>
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1. SOAK SOAK SOAK! And not just for 30 minutes... at least a day or more. You can add soap to your water or whatever trick you have up your sleeve, but just make sure it sits in water for a while.</div>
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2. Some bottles will be easy to delabel than others. The easiest bottle for me to delabel is Stella Artois followed by New Belgium. My boyfriend said Guinness is actually very easy as well but we don't really drink that at home. I found Stone and Green Flash particularly difficult to remove. </div>
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3. What to do with the left over glue on the bottles? Get a rag put some oil on it and a little baking powder on the bottle and scrub away. Rinse the bottles after with dishwashing soap, like Palmolive, to remove any leftover oil residue. </div>
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I was able to delabel about 24 beer bottles and 3 wine bottles. I need about 100 beer bottles and 20 wine bottles. I decided that I may possibly buy the rest of the beer bottles from a home brew store. I can get a case (24 bottles) for about $13.95. I will still use the ones I de-labeled because I think they have a little more character than the ones sold at the home brew store.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRYUWV5LoSIzJk4b0O1nDa2zxkX2EFufLPX6p8UBa_ciqDNzCQMrH77zd86dHb6yZ65ZQkVBPbGd0blv18GfDR97RbVoe2aGWFFF3244X_c7zqELUR8AIzPHCSx7DAGfe7ktOaWmJFYmm/s1600/IMG_20170422_092850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beer, bottles, new belgium, delabel, stella, artois" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRYUWV5LoSIzJk4b0O1nDa2zxkX2EFufLPX6p8UBa_ciqDNzCQMrH77zd86dHb6yZ65ZQkVBPbGd0blv18GfDR97RbVoe2aGWFFF3244X_c7zqELUR8AIzPHCSx7DAGfe7ktOaWmJFYmm/s640/IMG_20170422_092850.jpg" title="Delabeled Beer Bottles" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-2346120404814434122017-04-16T19:12:00.000-07:002017-04-16T19:18:31.654-07:00New Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been creating a lot since I've moved into my new place. So many empty walls and spaces makes me want to fill them. I created this painting on a canvas and using a mix of acrylic and spray paint. The base is grey and gold acrylic paint and it was spray painted over with rose gold spray paint; it felt like it was missing something.. and I got very frustrated. I didn't know what to do.. so I grabbed a bottle of black paint and squeezed it out in no systemic way whatsoever. I wonder if abstract/modern artists, like Pollock, felt the way I felt when painting this- was he frustrated during most of his paintings? or was his paintings systematic? Anyways, every time I look at this painting it makes me laugh because I just replay how I felt at the moment of creating it... and it was not systematic in any way shape or form- but somehow, it didn't turn out too bad.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwfb2YMpXrO2HViW7I-fztg7GIWQZqzFR8BzGD8sDnk07rjESpyr84FXxakeBpDdsRNrQovbzF7hIl9oUnF8ByYoBkkBfxMOKACuif-uZhRErQ7wOtsBy67aYN_c301cmMkybXhLtbslf/s1600/IMG_20170413_185737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY, painting, modern, art" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwfb2YMpXrO2HViW7I-fztg7GIWQZqzFR8BzGD8sDnk07rjESpyr84FXxakeBpDdsRNrQovbzF7hIl9oUnF8ByYoBkkBfxMOKACuif-uZhRErQ7wOtsBy67aYN_c301cmMkybXhLtbslf/s640/IMG_20170413_185737.jpg" title="DIY Modern Art" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-65918615353150090702017-04-15T20:27:00.000-07:002017-04-16T19:04:12.660-07:00DIY Kinda Fail - Do Your ResearchIf you have been following my blog, you are use to seeing my DIY posts..but this is a different type of DIY post because this is a DIY fail post. Let's start from the very beginning. I wanted to paint over this pot my parents gave me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXsZuKPM-agsBwt-rjxILt3KSNyUBnludOEXdozDbzPKNEb15jFRo-a-zJHAc_AKD7IRIaC5i-iip8ays5Dk4piJ4MMNJxGSDJKyahanMudl4UvXviZLcAzrwxrW921bcc4fBr_Ld-d3S/s1600/IMG_20170409_111420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glazed pot, plant, plants" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXsZuKPM-agsBwt-rjxILt3KSNyUBnludOEXdozDbzPKNEb15jFRo-a-zJHAc_AKD7IRIaC5i-iip8ays5Dk4piJ4MMNJxGSDJKyahanMudl4UvXviZLcAzrwxrW921bcc4fBr_Ld-d3S/s640/IMG_20170409_111420.jpg" title="Glazed Pot" width="480" /></a></div>
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The first word that comes to mind when I see this pot is... Easter and there is nothing wrong with Easter, but I wanted a pot that didn't seem so seasonal. I was at Michael's debating for maybe an hour on what type of paint to get... mainly between some chalk paint and these Art Minds outdoor paints that I got in the end. I think what deterred me from getting the chalk paint was that it said for indoor use only. Then I was thinking that I definitely need this outdoor one! Welp, I made a wrong choice. Chalk paint doesn't need the surfaces to be sanded or primed... and for some reason I thought it would work exactly like chalk paint except it was also suitable for the outdoors. I came to this conclusion because they were right next to the chalk paint. Never assume peoples!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TPB28OWrOeunsxQbBbxQjGeZMOBegP9l9A2Df07aN6ZBOD3Q60VJ6GEBl4ihcia3ZzRA3xga_1Ju-Nm5O-ojpW13sdPlhfe6w_zGADTZAVCH6JVYOSUkSH1w4s0qBI826kmox0daAF9o/s1600/IMG_20170409_111154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Art, Minds, Outdoor, Paint" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TPB28OWrOeunsxQbBbxQjGeZMOBegP9l9A2Df07aN6ZBOD3Q60VJ6GEBl4ihcia3ZzRA3xga_1Ju-Nm5O-ojpW13sdPlhfe6w_zGADTZAVCH6JVYOSUkSH1w4s0qBI826kmox0daAF9o/s640/IMG_20170409_111154.jpg" title="ArtMinds Outdoor Paint" width="640" /></a><br />
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So this is me putting on a coat of the black outdoor paint. So far so good... except to my dismay.. it is really shiny. I think it is because of the glaze from the pot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjdYuxFDbGk9byAMZsAJPzRq4H7GQOBQj5f1KN6x8hDc8U7MBpTuve4fwkHQQHDG6IAxqo-8rUxjQGSXtVZaURuW2y5h0fk-dQtJVoaJb9ysi1ni-55GdK9FlzAhTD0eYRxESFT3KGcMb/s1600/IMG_20170409_160341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glazed, Pot, DIY, Paint" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjdYuxFDbGk9byAMZsAJPzRq4H7GQOBQj5f1KN6x8hDc8U7MBpTuve4fwkHQQHDG6IAxqo-8rUxjQGSXtVZaURuW2y5h0fk-dQtJVoaJb9ysi1ni-55GdK9FlzAhTD0eYRxESFT3KGcMb/s640/IMG_20170409_160341.jpg" title="Painted Over Glazed Pot" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then I got this great idea that I would layer it with chalk paint.. cause I wanted a matte look.... and that's when the paint started peeling off. I started panicking... rubbed whatever I could off the pot and repainted it with the ArtMind's paint and decorated it how I wanted to. And it looks great in the picture, but to be honest it looks like a not so great job upclose... which makes me sad. So the lessons learned is... do your research when you want to do a DIY project and never assume. I am glad that people don't inspect plant pots upclose or they would see all its flaws! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg8tHbc_vsSaRt61aA6gf0moGXg1lPy4x1o5YfOGJG5mJL53-5n52XdwTtbQp89oHCAbBegFFaYoTA4mtC5LUFSfhpT9mwLV3Dhy4K1h6jGTNREmlSNCRdIEGVVVwWgiA8Bbz8roy6Ohk/s1600/IMG_20170410_072217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DiY, Plant, Pot, Paint" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg8tHbc_vsSaRt61aA6gf0moGXg1lPy4x1o5YfOGJG5mJL53-5n52XdwTtbQp89oHCAbBegFFaYoTA4mtC5LUFSfhpT9mwLV3Dhy4K1h6jGTNREmlSNCRdIEGVVVwWgiA8Bbz8roy6Ohk/s640/IMG_20170410_072217.jpg" title="Finished DIY Plant Pot" width="480" /></a></div>
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Also, it makes me wonder how many DIY bloggers post about their failures and shortcomings on certain projects because usually you'll see these beautiful DIY projects and how it seemed so effortless. So based on this reflection, I am going to talk more about the pitfalls and failures from my own DIY projects so others can learn from my mistakes!</div>
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Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-61249368176695865882017-04-08T17:50:00.002-07:002017-04-09T21:01:58.300-07:00New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lDAtQznTiOu_hijKRHFWetwy_vrFsaTV7JoC5_oU92NJBkh5C_j76MIL5zOWfh7j6hl9JsU6uazQimeQKwA6Ng3I_JxcPEWXSdZyuqWTCwsA4XnOBW-9n8xQtZNlbQ7dzB4jtC79ZhMG/s1600/IMG_20170408_104102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFH2i5jEw9Z_qn-5uVLLgfjc3IQrLCAESzyePhMx_odp16htLF9mUNkO4IATyTrd4bQOO8aDs8JxAMAVZXCGM8GGKdUNFJx7KxRVKYswxNlopsnRpS-_0A0i-o7sKj3u_vRgfLTn2H0520/s1600/IMG_20170408_104345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="raspberry, ricotta, cake, flowers, bon, appetit" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFH2i5jEw9Z_qn-5uVLLgfjc3IQrLCAESzyePhMx_odp16htLF9mUNkO4IATyTrd4bQOO8aDs8JxAMAVZXCGM8GGKdUNFJx7KxRVKYswxNlopsnRpS-_0A0i-o7sKj3u_vRgfLTn2H0520/s640/IMG_20170408_104345.jpg" title="raspberry ricotta cake with flowers" width="640" /><img alt="raspberry, ricotta, cake, bon appetit, bon, appetit" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lDAtQznTiOu_hijKRHFWetwy_vrFsaTV7JoC5_oU92NJBkh5C_j76MIL5zOWfh7j6hl9JsU6uazQimeQKwA6Ng3I_JxcPEWXSdZyuqWTCwsA4XnOBW-9n8xQtZNlbQ7dzB4jtC79ZhMG/s640/IMG_20170408_104102.jpg" title="raspeberry ricotta cake" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a> It's been a long time since I posted. I know I keep saying I'm coming back and I hope this time it will be for reals. Something new that happened in my life includes moving to a new place and being placed in charge of decorating my cousins wedding in June. These two things have actually sparked a lot of creativity back in my life and I hope I will be able to share that with you!<br />
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Today, my friend visited my new place! I decided to bake a <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/raspberry-ricotta-cake">raspberry ricotta cake</a> that I adopted from Bon Appetit. I added lemon zest, lemon juice and a touch of cardamom and cinnamon. It was quite delicious and easy to make!<br />
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I am also trying to figure out how to decorate my cousin's wedding with a budget of $500. I've gone through many ideas and one idea I have includes collecting beer, wine, cold brew and kombucha bottles- then delabeling them and filling them with Trader Joe's flowers. You can get really cheap flowers from there! I got 2 bouquets of Dianthus for $3.99 each. Based on my setup I have decided I will need 16 wine-like bottles, 28 cold brew bottles, 28 beer/kombucha bottles. I can fill these with 14 bouquets from TJ's for around $56. I chose these bottles because the mouths of the bottle are small, which means I don't have to use too many flowers to make the bottle look full. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH2KqUAdoeaIInxNPmTXeDcUSAZ_9MH2AuDwgu54VCvG32mtKxNiNaj1UxZcKR1JUfeNj1hP7Fbo_C-usHPFMklRAjGIf4SL9r78yLBh3f-sZ6sdLWgvGdcUDg3Qk1gheBjCXU5dZvWMW/s1600/IMG_20170408_095758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dianthus, flowers, trader joe's, wedding, decorating, decor" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH2KqUAdoeaIInxNPmTXeDcUSAZ_9MH2AuDwgu54VCvG32mtKxNiNaj1UxZcKR1JUfeNj1hP7Fbo_C-usHPFMklRAjGIf4SL9r78yLBh3f-sZ6sdLWgvGdcUDg3Qk1gheBjCXU5dZvWMW/s640/IMG_20170408_095758.jpg" title="Dianthus" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH2v2FRuVtDBbd6_21hKyy2RJSht-qHRvInLWDFCV_SzEtPxgaorASe6-nJ51GiPEC_89tWRGXOwqHPhBBID5JkKEoNdM3BqY70CoHjgK6Jlc6Ha4jKZBxFbIlEhkc5Qa8QoX25J2qmvi/s1600/IMG_20170408_102517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dianthus, trader joe's, flowers, bottle, wedding decorating, wedding, decor, decorations" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH2v2FRuVtDBbd6_21hKyy2RJSht-qHRvInLWDFCV_SzEtPxgaorASe6-nJ51GiPEC_89tWRGXOwqHPhBBID5JkKEoNdM3BqY70CoHjgK6Jlc6Ha4jKZBxFbIlEhkc5Qa8QoX25J2qmvi/s640/IMG_20170408_102517.jpg" title="Dianthus" width="480" /></a></div>
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When they first told me I had $500 to decorate a wedding, I thought it was so much money; the more I do research, I realize how little that amount goes and I am having to be clever about this! </div>
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Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-76642116217418926702016-04-24T17:12:00.001-07:002016-04-24T17:19:34.019-07:00DIY: Create your own design on Terra Cotta PotsI picked up a new terra cotta pot from Daiso to put my cactus in.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcdlAsbVZ6nlVdHzpGcazWAwl2VRF6itrrQnzmpJzqMOG9K0H0eeFuHAk-F-UgBTOddN-PjpZfzLnVObz5bYkguFJbmjk7X00JrUaSezHKYYTVzV4bOUDiktUE3lW_mO8TBN2UGoNFf4v/s1600/20160422_214902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="moon, cactus, terra, cotta, pot" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcdlAsbVZ6nlVdHzpGcazWAwl2VRF6itrrQnzmpJzqMOG9K0H0eeFuHAk-F-UgBTOddN-PjpZfzLnVObz5bYkguFJbmjk7X00JrUaSezHKYYTVzV4bOUDiktUE3lW_mO8TBN2UGoNFf4v/s640/20160422_214902.jpg" title="moon cactus in terra cotta pot" /></a></div>
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But it looked a little boring to me so I decided to paint the terra cotta pot with some acrylic paint. I used some tape with cat images on it that I picked up at an airport in Taipei in order to keep the design clean.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM4cPfwtQcHdxFctQ0lOCjLNixPerZgJmdyfCCMcmyAfvdlNBQrIuXSqAFOQnJBS-9SrlWomrHC52I_0E1Bz6Sa3VUntuKakzW2yCQ7Q-DuhPZLzwOOzepIjT7QqO6yLoFZ1f40R2jVu0/s1600/20160422_215342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="terra, cotta, pot, design, cat, tape, cactus, moon" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM4cPfwtQcHdxFctQ0lOCjLNixPerZgJmdyfCCMcmyAfvdlNBQrIuXSqAFOQnJBS-9SrlWomrHC52I_0E1Bz6Sa3VUntuKakzW2yCQ7Q-DuhPZLzwOOzepIjT7QqO6yLoFZ1f40R2jVu0/s640/20160422_215342.jpg" title="terra cotta pot with cat design tape" /></a></div>
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Then I just painted away!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hxPqm-f3ZS8z5_LBah6YDP29goBxz94K-8_tHOXXQ5oRnmXuBwKJB70Zw10eE8D1MWCBmOSYjun3n5eQBRRCF0YAz7BLPEJs3EWyHMlwNhFc1kln4dBjVe-SSm_CgMX9lexwoyF4LWXa/s1600/20160422_215923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY, design, pot, acrylic, planter, terra cotta, cactus" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hxPqm-f3ZS8z5_LBah6YDP29goBxz94K-8_tHOXXQ5oRnmXuBwKJB70Zw10eE8D1MWCBmOSYjun3n5eQBRRCF0YAz7BLPEJs3EWyHMlwNhFc1kln4dBjVe-SSm_CgMX9lexwoyF4LWXa/s640/20160422_215923.jpg" title="DIY design on pot" /></a></div>
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And here is the finished result sitting on my porch. It looks quite lovely and it was such a simple project to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeZR0eg1oJzBUT6D-5su41uB1r6auH6YtoBYBjVR_D0MQrX81sI8Hieo6kROIVLZYfE6qLOYAa2RuMHNqwHU_IMUx8JkcM12UzEVMSTb1WoviZcASDKrdzetrgrW5qNzzGRac4X4IAXU1/s1600/20160423_080023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="terra cotta, pot, planter, DIY, Moon, cactus" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeZR0eg1oJzBUT6D-5su41uB1r6auH6YtoBYBjVR_D0MQrX81sI8Hieo6kROIVLZYfE6qLOYAa2RuMHNqwHU_IMUx8JkcM12UzEVMSTb1WoviZcASDKrdzetrgrW5qNzzGRac4X4IAXU1/s640/20160423_080023.jpg" title="Terra Cotta Pot with DIY Design and Moon Cactus" /></a></div>
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</iframe> </div> <!-- SHOPSTYLE COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END -->Allison Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13835313551804538406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5067802303435761185.post-39530942190645211072016-04-23T00:04:00.000-07:002016-04-24T17:03:20.283-07:00Happy Earth Day!I thought this would be a fitting day to post about my new interest in PLANTS. Yes, I have become a crazy plant lady. My interest started when I saw an IG photo of my friend's new place. The furniture was very modern, clean, and simple. Usually, modern furniture can create this feeling that a home has a lack of warmth...but it didn't feel that way when I looked at her place and that is because she had plants!<br />
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I started off with a Half Moon Cactus and Aloe Vera plant from Wal-mart. I also picked up some soil and planted a garlic clove as well. My end goal at the beginning of my plant journey was to be able to grow food that I could use in cooking, but that was very intimidating for me as my radish plant is not doing too well right now and I thought I should take baby steps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvft_nCmk8bxODArmyamf6JnbY2n2RtlsyTXaOTqlUCgGBoVJMFlsb31z74RM41BdeXjuM9gdSU2Viqxu5bCGqpgxUww7ab-5FIxxn4ya1YAW_-ZoTgJhXlmrI7-mYXHhuy5r_3eFX0ht/s1600/f3473cec-f6dd-4426-89b2-9cbcba99a612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvft_nCmk8bxODArmyamf6JnbY2n2RtlsyTXaOTqlUCgGBoVJMFlsb31z74RM41BdeXjuM9gdSU2Viqxu5bCGqpgxUww7ab-5FIxxn4ya1YAW_-ZoTgJhXlmrI7-mYXHhuy5r_3eFX0ht/s640/f3473cec-f6dd-4426-89b2-9cbcba99a612.jpg" title="Moon Cactus, Garlic Clove, Aloe Vera Plant" width="640" /></a></div>
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From left: Moon Cactus, Garlic Clove, Aloe Vera</div>
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I also wanted to have plants that I could decorate my place with and would be easy to take care of... so of course, I jumped on the succulent boat. I had heard from my friend that I could get very cheap succulents from the Goldenwest College Swapmeet in Huntington Beach. So I made my way over and picked up 6 succulents for 5 dollars! They had such a large variety... and the cheapest prices I've seen so far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoNwG9EN20TWI3aKb8QqJ4S9PPyd7Osz2_Pbw6lH-AdxdtTGk7J5lXURjy-BPGo1_5GyQvqFrjGWreJnzI_fYof11XPN1K9P91MfskRDKF29L2cDfqDAEWQNmcvOaoXRcp46Tck0YH_cG/s1600/20160417_153630.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoNwG9EN20TWI3aKb8QqJ4S9PPyd7Osz2_Pbw6lH-AdxdtTGk7J5lXURjy-BPGo1_5GyQvqFrjGWreJnzI_fYof11XPN1K9P91MfskRDKF29L2cDfqDAEWQNmcvOaoXRcp46Tck0YH_cG/s640/20160417_153630.jpg" title="Succulents from the Swampmeet" width="640" /></a></div>
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My New Succulents!</div>
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I was able to get some cheap pots from Daiso and I was able to fit all my succulents in them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqHW9WBd67dGD1ktVIdfD19Hte8fw6CloM8gNR7Z_IZ1WZNSxcmBraRC3vI5d86ky0wzI1J1Eg3Zf_B7ASm2mhY24pvziZXgCryPuw-hM0RJM-QOjbDJcE0gU57xykSK5REDWMNnWjTwN/s1600/20160421_180326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqHW9WBd67dGD1ktVIdfD19Hte8fw6CloM8gNR7Z_IZ1WZNSxcmBraRC3vI5d86ky0wzI1J1Eg3Zf_B7ASm2mhY24pvziZXgCryPuw-hM0RJM-QOjbDJcE0gU57xykSK5REDWMNnWjTwN/s640/20160421_180326.jpg" title="My Succulents in Daiso Planters" width="360" /></a></div>
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I also went to Lowe's and discovered this thing called the clearance section and picked up 2 house plants, a Peace Lily and a Dieffen Bachia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ8BeLyA-7woqbShvdFpK2upd_oHwJkvEUZP6UszDfFBYlg6G9rCVo8vhYdYY5_Kpdlwwa5_qN8zdZx5CkIVPyrY9KT2NlHt71yoF4K7oiCW0rF2We_U-Pzh6vbeyjYZnlJpcxmbCnuqk/s1600/f97a0fc0-6651-4dc0-9c8b-5974215f237f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ8BeLyA-7woqbShvdFpK2upd_oHwJkvEUZP6UszDfFBYlg6G9rCVo8vhYdYY5_Kpdlwwa5_qN8zdZx5CkIVPyrY9KT2NlHt71yoF4K7oiCW0rF2We_U-Pzh6vbeyjYZnlJpcxmbCnuqk/s640/f97a0fc0-6651-4dc0-9c8b-5974215f237f.jpg" title="Peace Lily" width="358" /></a></div>
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Peace Lily Plant</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76jI_yGqR21qwsOvt8Evr8CKRrBz2QzTNYU41UUzP21GXoggN50XtEqZMKilM0lE8PckNCrxzH2DfNYcsFARlnrV3KF3XsC3sgmSUBa0jmh8LD6glfyy7d3piAS8FWBx4Jq908vcmqQfV/s1600/ff457522-b849-47e2-b347-c3482242153c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76jI_yGqR21qwsOvt8Evr8CKRrBz2QzTNYU41UUzP21GXoggN50XtEqZMKilM0lE8PckNCrxzH2DfNYcsFARlnrV3KF3XsC3sgmSUBa0jmh8LD6glfyy7d3piAS8FWBx4Jq908vcmqQfV/s640/ff457522-b849-47e2-b347-c3482242153c.jpg" title="Dieffen Bachia" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dieffen Bachia</div>
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This is when I realized that I had a plant problem. It didn't help that we had green day at work and they gave succulents away!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx-b8GJSWB15-s3U-9bCCrRrM7f1PlL4EfPOym6s2fYrAWTGEFCxVQtnMVf_-P4IW3xEpIUXn3uUmbk5kkQuIf9KeB2-wZ7nkOgHFxCbws9yzFFmouw2Whj-FtQb02S1pAWXlAb6-fFxB/s1600/20160421_105959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx-b8GJSWB15-s3U-9bCCrRrM7f1PlL4EfPOym6s2fYrAWTGEFCxVQtnMVf_-P4IW3xEpIUXn3uUmbk5kkQuIf9KeB2-wZ7nkOgHFxCbws9yzFFmouw2Whj-FtQb02S1pAWXlAb6-fFxB/s640/20160421_105959.jpg" title="succulent" width="360" /></a></div>
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My newest succulent!</div>
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Still on my list is 1) to learn how to propagate succulents 2) buy a large indoor plant for my apartment, 3) learn to plant herbs.
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