tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79119005158012636902024-03-13T16:15:12.887-06:00My Journeytlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-86861039553349834542019-06-04T00:17:00.000-05:002019-08-28T06:54:01.884-05:0010 Eco-friendly tips for traveling with a lighter footprintIt only took the mention of "Green Travel", to oust me from my non-blogging slumber.<br />
The planet and it's health, has been close to my heart long before it was cool to be green.<br />
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First, let's be completely honest. Travel isn't good for the planet, unless you're going to walk or swim to every country you visit, you will, in some way, warm the planet with carbon emissions.<br />
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Nothing like starting off on a positive note, right?<br />
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But don't despair, there are SO MANY things you can do, to offset the carbon footprint you leave behind when you travel.<br />
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Literally, I could write all day about eco-changes we can make at home, I mean I'm not a "Zero-Waste" person, but I sure do admire the ones that are. If you're not doing huge steps for our planet, don't beat yourself up for what you're <i>not</i> doing, and give yourself a high five for the things that you ARE doing. Make small changes, do what you can, where you are, at whatever stage of life you're in.<br />
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Here's what I do when I travel to be as "Green" as possible... (Whenever I type the word green, either Ireland or Washington State pops in my head-- ahhh the peacefulness of Green).<br />
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<b>1). Choose an airline that puts their money into environmental change.</b><br />
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I fly <a href="https://www.greenaironline.com/news.php?viewStory=2497" target="_blank">British Airways</a> often, not only do I find it's a great airline, I like what they stand for. BA have spend millions to get a bio-fuel developed that takes the local garbage of London and turns it into fuel for their airlines. They have had some hiccups. But I think they will get there, the important thing is, they are willing to continue even with previous failures. <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/19/richard-bransons-virgin-atlantic-will-fly-with-fuel-from-pollution.html" target="_blank">Virgin Airway</a> has developed fuel that turns pollution into a product that can fly a plane-- Think of the scientists that are working behind the scenes, talk about some brain power! I also found this article that got my heart all pitter patter, <a href="https://www.seatmaestro.com/the-most-eco-friendly-airlines-in-the-u-s-and-europe/" target="_blank">The most Eco-Efficient airlines!</a><br />
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2. <b>Carry your own silverware.</b><br />
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I know, that's crazy right? But seriously. Please repeat after me "Plastic silverware is not recyclable", even the ones that claim to be compostable, you can't throw them in your back garden compost, they only break down with <a href="https://www.urthpact.com/industrial-composting-what-it-is-and-how-it-works/" target="_blank">industrial composts</a>. There are super cute sets on Amazon like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Flatware-Chopsticks-Silverware-Dinnerware/dp/B07PDQ3F8P/ref=asc_df_B07PDQ3F8P/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309832519624&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13694868227667031546&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028605&hvtargid=pla-864030404592&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62054482699&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309832519624&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13694868227667031546&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028605&hvtargid=pla-864030404592" target="_blank">these</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Reusable-Flatware-Cutlery-Stainless/dp/B07BQ22QVJ/ref=pd_bxgy_79_img_2/143-3185826-5382918?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07BQ22QVJ&pd_rd_r=a8ddca4c-864a-11e9-b5fd-65c62fe45754&pd_rd_w=oJuWM&pd_rd_wg=H1znz&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=8K3DN39BEZG71SRB69PD&psc=1&refRID=8K3DN39BEZG71SRB69PD" target="_blank">these</a>. But seriously, why spend money? I just travel with a set I picked up from the Dollar Store and put them in a cute zipper bag I already have. (I also have my bamboo straw in there)<br />
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3. <b>Carry your own straw.</b><br />
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This is kind of a given, unless you medically need a plastic straw, there is just no reason to continue using them. I have tried many straws... bamboo, glass & metal to name a few, and I have to say I don't like the metal straws. I'm a straw biter, I don't like the feel of the metal in my mouth and I can't nibble it 👀😅. I do however LOVE the bamboo straws, they aren't good for shakes, but for the every day travel, I love them. I keep several in my purse, that way the kids don't have to worry about straws either! When traveling, don't forget your little straw cleaner, you will need that. Also, depending on where you travel, you might need a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LifeStraw-Personal-Camping-Emergency-Preparedness/dp/B006QF3TW4/ref=asc_df_B006QF3TW4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194884170462&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10492194051631810642&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028605&hvtargid=pla-310770782840&psc=1" target="_blank">Life Straw</a>! My son is always kayaking, fishing and camping. He takes his life straw everywhere!<br />
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4. <b>Carry your own Tea Bags</b><br />
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There are a few different reasons I carry my own tea bags. The very biggest reason, is It pains me to see that many hotels, gas stations, airlines, restaurants and most fast food places sell individually wrapped tea in inordinately amounts of plastic. Not only are tea bags wrapped in plastic but <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/foodanddrink/how-your-cup-of-tea-is-harming-the-ocean-a3725451.html" target="_blank">most tea bags themselves are plastic, or partly plastic</a>. I carry <a href="https://www.unilever.co.uk/news/press-releases/2018/first-100-biodegradable-pg-tips-tea-bags-in-stores.html" target="_blank">PG-Tips</a>, which I am excited to say, now uses a completely 100% biodegradable bag! (Also compostable).<br />
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5. <b>Skip the purchased mini sized toiletries.</b><br />
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There is just no need to buy travel shampoo, conditioner, gel, lotion or creams. You have your favorites at home, you just need to put them in re-usable containers. You can buy them in just about any store, or you can use what you have at home. I have purchased some small travel bottles, but I have kept a few cute containers from jellies and little tins as well. If you do buy one time use toiletries or use ones provided by your hotel, make sure you recycle those containers!<br />
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6. <b>You don't need new clothes for every trip. And you don't need a new bag.</b><br />
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This is a BIG one. I see luxury blogs and posts on Instagram that are constantly encouraging consumerism, which is a MAJOR contributor to global warming. We all love the perfect photo on holiday, but those posing for the perfect photo with the perfect outfit-- usually in brand new clothes, leads to <a href="http://www.thesustainableedit.com/instagram-fast-fashion-outfit-repeating/" target="_blank">Fast Fashion</a>. I could go on and on and on about the <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/04/196678/child-labor-fashion-checklist" target="_blank">slave labor, the children</a> and people in poverty making our clothes. I could also go on about the HUGE amounts of water used to make clothing, and I could definitely waffle on about the amount of clothing already in our landfills. But instead, I'll encourage you by putting this right here.<br />
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7. <b>Buy small. Buy local.</b><br />
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When I'm on holiday, I love buying local goods. I'm not a big knick-knack person but I do buy things like chocolates, crazy crisp flavors and seasonings. But just like at home, I really enjoy buying from small business when I travel and checking out the local markets are always fun.<br />
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8. <b>Try to avoid fast food. </b><br />
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I know what you're thinking, I'm just getting nuts now. But what I mean is, if you can buy food with less packaging, try to. One of my favorite places to grab a sandwich is Pret-A-Manager, and the plastic wrapped all over everything just pains me. The thing is, the company, is a good company. They give left over food to the homeless and The Pret website specifically states that they are trying to eliminate all single-use plastic. I don't know about you, but that's big for me. It can't be easy feeding people, trying to remain earth friendly AND making sure packaging is safe for wrapping food for human consumption. If I can, I will eat off of a plate in a local place. But sometimes, I can't. We have to do what we can, with the choices we are given.<br />
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9. <b>Turn off lights.</b><br />
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If I can, I turn off lights when I leave a room, regardless of where I am. When I travel, I'm not paying the bill, but someone is. Furthermore, who knows if clean energy is being used? Will me leaving lights on really damage the environment? I seriously doubt it, but hundreds of thousands of people turning off their lights-- All the difference.<br />
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10. <b>Carry your own cup!</b><br />
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No explanation needed :)<br />
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Writing out a list is easy, following it isn't always so. Changing years of behavior takes time and patience. I always say "pick your battles", you can't do it all. Do what you can. Make the changes that you can when you travel, and do the most when you get home. My biggest hurdle is still clothing. I tend to buy too much of it. It's something I work on all the time, and I'm getting better and better. I used to have a closet full of purses and shoes, and now, I just buy one purse until it gets worn, and all of my shoes are sensible and bought knowing I can wear them for years.<br />
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I hope I have encouraged you to make small changes when you travel, and if you have any suggestions for me, I would love to hear them!<br />
<br />
Tammy<br />
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<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12651569/?claim=jzxukt2yaj9">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-55932037971656685822018-11-12T14:11:00.001-06:002018-11-12T14:24:37.019-06:00Rudy's-- Some of the best BBQ in Texas! Since we are on the subject of Gas Stations, and by we, I mean me. I can't let Rudy's go unannounced.<br />
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Now. Sit down.<br />
Any Rudy's BBQ restaurant that you go to, is located... In. A. Gas. Station.<br />
No kidding.<br />
I don't know why.<br />
It's just how we do things here in Texas.<br />
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Texans are a peculiar breed of people.<br />
But we know BBQ.<br />
Some of the best BBQ in the World is in Texas, I'm not being biased -- Honest -- Read about it <i><b><a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-bbq-in-america" target="_blank">HERE</a> </b></i>OR better yet, you can do your own research and find that there are several award winning BBQ places in Tejas*<br />
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When we have company from out of town, we always take them to Rudy's. Not only is the food good and the conversation of dining in a gas station one for amusement, but-----you don't get plates, <i>nope</i>, not here-- You have to eat off of the table. You literally get a sheet of wax paper to lay down and you must proceed to plop your food on it and eat from there. After you get a lot of side eye from first time visitors, it's a hoot!<br />
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The food is good, the atmosphere is welcoming and it's just a lot of fun!<br />
The photos I have included are taken over the last 4 years, we have been several times, with a lot of friends and family. Both <a href="http://www.procrastibake.ie/" target="_blank">Procrastibake</a> and <a href="https://www.adventuresofalondonkiwi.com/" target="_blank">The London Kiwi </a>enjoyed their visits!<br />
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Outside of all Rudy's, is this massive container that says it has BBQ sauce in it. Now Rudy's is famous for their sauce, but, is this just a marketing tool? Or do they really have BBQ sauce in there?<br />
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When you go into Rudy's, you can pay for your gas, or you can make a sharp turn and get into this line...<br />
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If you get impatient, you can always use the cattle prod!</div>
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You will order your food and drinks and you'll be given your grub in a small crate that looks like this... You have the choice to have a pile of white sliced bread to go with your meal. BBQ isn't meant to be healthy, it's just meant to be good!</div>
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Upon writing this, I haven't been to Rudy's in awhile. Now that I am looking at the photos, I am literally cringing over the plastic silver ware and the wax paper-- both of which can't be recycled. (Even environmentalists are forever learning, and I am not embarrassed to bring my own silverware or write the company with suggestions for eco-friendly utensils!!!)<br />
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Oh and feel free to drink the BBQ Sauce... Not really, though I doubt anyone would bat an eye if you did, it's really THAT good. It's also available for purchase.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Rudy's hails itself as "Being the worst BBQ in Texas", which makes it so amusing, as it's absolutely delicious!</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzKgW53uVBs/W-mpsNnG_ZI/AAAAAAAALJo/2iQuZWTYrJ8bhJSvxVreCbdnQwtjnoHwACLcBGAs/s1600/108.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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzKgW53uVBs/W-mpsNnG_ZI/AAAAAAAALJo/2iQuZWTYrJ8bhJSvxVreCbdnQwtjnoHwACLcBGAs/s640/108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">It has a rustic and family get together feel</span></div>
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Finding a location to eat at Rudy's in Texas, isn't hard, they are all over the state!</div>
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So there you have it, a 2nd proof that Texans are somehow enamored by the local Gas Stations!</div>
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Winter has reached us here in Texas, and we are currently freezing our royal nay nay's off. However, it's for such a short period of time here, we can deal with it.</div>
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Have a great week and if I don't blog before then, have a Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
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Tammy</div>
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*<a href="https://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/tejas/index.html" target="_blank">(<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Tejas</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> is the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Spanish</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> spelling of a Caddo word taysha, which means "friend" or "ally". In the 17th century the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Spanish</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> knew the westernmost Caddo peoples as "the great kingdom of </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Tejas</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;">" and the name lived on to become the name of the 28th state of the United States—</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Texas</b></span></a>tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-52503910250624284192018-11-04T16:32:00.002-06:002018-11-04T18:52:39.792-06:00Buc-ee's -- A Texas "Gas" Station, worth sight-seeing in!This is the absolute best time of year, isn't it?<br />
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It's crisp and the trees are changing colors.</div>
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Halloween fun has come and gone and us yanks have Thanksgiving day to look forward to. </div>
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I have recently moved to Abilene, Texas and have been slowly painting and decorating our new house. </div>
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But still, something so huge is missing from my life.</div>
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Travel.</div>
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I haven't been anywhere since May 2018 when I took a quick trip to London,. Well... Unless you include the flight from Washington State to Texas State when we moved in July (Which I don't). </div>
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Now that we are unpacked and settled (Minus some wall painting), I have been feeling down. That feeling of missing something, like something not being quite complete. After my family, I live to explore & I live to travel. Even if I return to the same city, I have to explore something new. </div>
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I'm working on getting back to my exploration of Europe, I'll be there soon enough. That aside, I had a word with myself. You know, I can also explore, exactly where I am. Texas is a pretty cool place. I'm sure there is a long list of what it isn't, but I sure can share what it is! It's fun, and Texas, well... Texas has a certain personality unlike anywhere else in the World. </div>
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So while I am here, not exploring the distant travel I pine for. I'm going to share more of Texas. This super eclectic, multi-personality, twang accent State!</div>
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After concluding that blogging about my own nifty home is cool-- I couldn't let another minute pass without telling you about Buccees... It's a gas station. But before you think... "Seriously Tammy?"... Buc-ee's is a one of a kind experience. I get the biggest kick out of going into them. They are few and far between, and not in every town. I like to visit the biggest one in Texas, located on I35 In New Branfells. This store is 83,000 Square Feet-- It has 120 places to fuel your vehicle, 83 toilets, Cowboy hats, dishes, unique decorating choices & Food Galore!.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pck7vVBIGSY/W98nB0cPOcI/AAAAAAAALBY/VQhTsIBIg5M4HpkFZ1CigFprg5E1J0GhgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170925_190637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pck7vVBIGSY/W98nB0cPOcI/AAAAAAAALBY/VQhTsIBIg5M4HpkFZ1CigFprg5E1J0GhgCLcBGAs/s640/20170925_190637.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not playing around here... This place is the size of a small mall! It's logo is a Beaver-- No idea why, but it works! He's an amusing little guy and my daughter for one, loves his clothing (By "His" clothing, I mean, the Beaver is on a lot of the merchandise).</div>
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Besides the Bizarre foods that I will share in a bit, after a long car ride, the first thing I normally have to do, it head for the ladies room, and let me tell you, you have never been to a more clean lavatory anywhere. First, I'll tell you what I hate... Big gaps in the toilet stall door so that people can see you doing your business, now most of us make a habit of not looking, but it's really annoying! In Buc-ee's, you get your own personal room.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-op24wcs-w3E/W98poRDGx6I/AAAAAAAALBw/OHeeNLCOPEQnh_vEwIQMW3ajH6zCCswfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170926_112020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-op24wcs-w3E/W98poRDGx6I/AAAAAAAALBw/OHeeNLCOPEQnh_vEwIQMW3ajH6zCCswfQCEwYBhgL/s400/20170926_112020.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Not only do you get your own personal room... You get a VERY clean toilet. I mean how many times have you been to a petrol station and had to hover over the toilet, half crouched down trying to aim into the bowl? I know you have a visual image. I'm also pretty sure this toilet is cleaner than mine at home... (Seriously, I have raised 4 boys!)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHOZhjAw4NU/W98sChrsfwI/AAAAAAAALB4/f4vEsDIm2oowNRSJw1pFHewvTsPZOzmwwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170926_111822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHOZhjAw4NU/W98sChrsfwI/AAAAAAAALB4/f4vEsDIm2oowNRSJw1pFHewvTsPZOzmwwCLcBGAs/s400/20170926_111822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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However, if it's still not clean enough for you, every room has this on the wall...</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42CvR0yo3Po/W98svRyFolI/AAAAAAAALCA/cwXEcZdqF-IHb3R4g63jRdmHbcaTNsONQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170927_121246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42CvR0yo3Po/W98svRyFolI/AAAAAAAALCA/cwXEcZdqF-IHb3R4g63jRdmHbcaTNsONQCLcBGAs/s400/20170927_121246.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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So feel free to clean your own toilet and handle</div>
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Also, go ahead and sanitize your hands before you leave, as every room has this as well</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMIy_DIvQsk/W98tIO7Es3I/AAAAAAAALCM/F53rhr0JlQkGP9yhnMGFTReGCSh8hdaowCLcBGAs/s1600/20170926_111934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMIy_DIvQsk/W98tIO7Es3I/AAAAAAAALCM/F53rhr0JlQkGP9yhnMGFTReGCSh8hdaowCLcBGAs/s400/20170926_111934.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Seriously. What more could you want to feel fresh after a road trip. If only bathrooms on airplanes were like this! </div>
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After you have accomplished a feeling of freshness on the road, now it's time to explore. And you will want to meander through this "convenience" store.</div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to Buc-ee's</span></u></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UubjqbsQkoY/W98vnTBoTeI/AAAAAAAALCY/5_VwShXjl_kWzmN7QYvQLfM5FucLx6QLACLcBGAs/s1600/20170925_190901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1238" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UubjqbsQkoY/W98vnTBoTeI/AAAAAAAALCY/5_VwShXjl_kWzmN7QYvQLfM5FucLx6QLACLcBGAs/s640/20170925_190901.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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I should probably give you a heads up. Buc-ee's is never this empty. I was there at the butt-crack of dawn when I was working out of town, up and awake before most of the town. Many of the photos were taken at the Buc-ee's in Bastrop, Texas. Not as big as the New Braunfels store, but just as much to see!</div>
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I think most Texans that enjoy a stop-over at Buc-ee's have something in particular that they like to do. I enjoy a poke around to look at all of the home decor. </div>
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My FAVORITE is the Texas inspired themes, they are so much fun.</div>
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I have been meaning to buy these two things in the next photo. I'm ever so slightly obsessed with cotton, and the star has a long time association and representation of Texas.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vV4ZWvNt1Og/W982qf-ny9I/AAAAAAAALDM/4LM4gZ24ojYLgdOIYhiUzx5DzENNHNSsgCLcBGAs/s1600/To%2Bbuy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vV4ZWvNt1Og/W982qf-ny9I/AAAAAAAALDM/4LM4gZ24ojYLgdOIYhiUzx5DzENNHNSsgCLcBGAs/s640/To%2Bbuy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like seeing the designs from Mud Pie</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMP7eJUmQEk/W986_h4fIxI/AAAAAAAALDY/PKtZvyKRpRkiMoYNvjWj8WmTdYMHWu_hACLcBGAs/s1600/Mud%2BPie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMP7eJUmQEk/W986_h4fIxI/AAAAAAAALDY/PKtZvyKRpRkiMoYNvjWj8WmTdYMHWu_hACLcBGAs/s640/Mud%2BPie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Their Art Collection is lovely, and some of it from local artists!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DByFtCDjWN0/W989hILBLiI/AAAAAAAALDk/uVTGQ-sVcsEMtpN-jYR4ARpzUSJrlXujwCLcBGAs/s1600/Cow%2BArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DByFtCDjWN0/W989hILBLiI/AAAAAAAALDk/uVTGQ-sVcsEMtpN-jYR4ARpzUSJrlXujwCLcBGAs/s640/Cow%2BArt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The T-shirts are a Hoot!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da8KFG4a-qE/W98_p0f-T2I/AAAAAAAALD4/0eytydmHGdE52yYmHUlBY-WoqSQ0ldJ_QCLcBGAs/s1600/Beaver%2BShirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da8KFG4a-qE/W98_p0f-T2I/AAAAAAAALD4/0eytydmHGdE52yYmHUlBY-WoqSQ0ldJ_QCLcBGAs/s640/Beaver%2BShirts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's never a quick stop when you go into Buc-ee's</div>
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Are you stopping for Coffee?</div>
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Do you want some creamer with that?</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZHYA0q8yZs/W99AIMvS1RI/AAAAAAAALEI/_2Rx4hLCvrI-1ba63D75rw-po0FILt_WQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170926_112432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZHYA0q8yZs/W99AIMvS1RI/AAAAAAAALEI/_2Rx4hLCvrI-1ba63D75rw-po0FILt_WQCLcBGAs/s400/20170926_112432.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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What about syrup?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Sn_GVMLK_s/W99AJqS5fyI/AAAAAAAALEM/qCtgfdaNOT0_EAdWrZzfgzUZSK_7Wyc1ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170926_112435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Sn_GVMLK_s/W99AJqS5fyI/AAAAAAAALEM/qCtgfdaNOT0_EAdWrZzfgzUZSK_7Wyc1ACLcBGAs/s400/20170926_112435.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Chocolate maybe?</div>
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(Would they notice if I just put my mouth under one of those pumps? As I don't drink coffee)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rk24tPFq7o/W99AXABtQ1I/AAAAAAAALEQ/gdszQDhIclgleurqHxvBCQ0ggrGFNGFSQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171001_075445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rk24tPFq7o/W99AXABtQ1I/AAAAAAAALEQ/gdszQDhIclgleurqHxvBCQ0ggrGFNGFSQCLcBGAs/s400/20171001_075445.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We always grab some kind of sustenance when we are on the road.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Buc-ee's has that covered and is one of those places that you want to try one of everything.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Do you want Cold Cuts or Cheese? Fruit or Veg?</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3oVRONf9ww/W99CTbnep9I/AAAAAAAALEg/96kNDmMybUYG96966_VPKxaQFc_jb1HagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20170926-WA0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1328" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3oVRONf9ww/W99CTbnep9I/AAAAAAAALEg/96kNDmMybUYG96966_VPKxaQFc_jb1HagCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-20170926-WA0005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jerky?</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lg801yqrnAM/W99Dz8aOaVI/AAAAAAAALEs/7uHcWPKRe2UKBfGYZJ2ZxHyoH32ZaSF7QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170925_191719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lg801yqrnAM/W99Dz8aOaVI/AAAAAAAALEs/7uHcWPKRe2UKBfGYZJ2ZxHyoH32ZaSF7QCLcBGAs/s640/20170925_191719.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fudge?</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkmLUpy7LmQ/W99EYn7055I/AAAAAAAALE4/9KP0TXW0o5czXseBnC5h8ZRC4ZGQXGNlQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180723_144300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkmLUpy7LmQ/W99EYn7055I/AAAAAAAALE4/9KP0TXW0o5czXseBnC5h8ZRC4ZGQXGNlQCLcBGAs/s640/20180723_144300.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Cakes? Cookies? Donuts?</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3M385bK32Q/W99FSBUIYcI/AAAAAAAALFM/yyPLP5CpE5AQmVXCl4Ck9UuzN_6NXqO0QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170925_191709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3M385bK32Q/W99FSBUIYcI/AAAAAAAALFM/yyPLP5CpE5AQmVXCl4Ck9UuzN_6NXqO0QCLcBGAs/s640/20170925_191709.jpg" width="640" /></a>Or maybe just some Beaver Nuggets?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zcfudqijjE/W99Fpn0UUiI/AAAAAAAALFc/JrSm2lQkFnclrkhNlPOqVw3vIDEAt_yuQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170926_112541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1309" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zcfudqijjE/W99Fpn0UUiI/AAAAAAAALFc/JrSm2lQkFnclrkhNlPOqVw3vIDEAt_yuQCLcBGAs/s640/20170926_112541.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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There is also Hot Brisket, Turkey, Sausage or Chicken... And Sandwiches Galore to choose from.</div>
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I usually get Brisket or a Sub</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-giVbK45ATck/W99GN4BJGGI/AAAAAAAALFs/un_5pCuu-J4DXNud84mSFnLOoknll6gyQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170927_123923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1095" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-giVbK45ATck/W99GN4BJGGI/AAAAAAAALFs/un_5pCuu-J4DXNud84mSFnLOoknll6gyQCLcBGAs/s640/20170927_123923.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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That all being said, I mentioned earlier in the post about the Bizzare foods that you can purchase.</div>
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When it comes to food, I'm pretty cut and dry, I don't eat a lot of meat, though my sub in the above photo would state other wise, my biggest venture of food, is maybe a new potato chip flavor or eating pickled peppers. My dad on the other hand, loves new things. I am always buying a palate of flavors at Buc-ee's for him.</div>
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This I did NOT buy... Only eat this if you never want to feel your face again</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBUtoL0wLzE/W99QT6gbbaI/AAAAAAAALGA/clcLbxBbHwA_0uktQVKmQhpwBxPXQIbsQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180909_192218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBUtoL0wLzE/W99QT6gbbaI/AAAAAAAALGA/clcLbxBbHwA_0uktQVKmQhpwBxPXQIbsQCLcBGAs/s400/20180909_192218.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CzzWMPygCs/W99SIjvQ8tI/AAAAAAAALGQ/sot4uJAIaNU6yBXGDWa82R6DUcNAVLM6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180723_185237_742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CzzWMPygCs/W99SIjvQ8tI/AAAAAAAALGQ/sot4uJAIaNU6yBXGDWa82R6DUcNAVLM6wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180723_185237_742.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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These things... I believe, are an acquired taste...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eLnlFNQOcU/W99lPyObriI/AAAAAAAALGw/Y4r0wHxG7wEbhID6ZPCnu_Di-7ulxHQPgCLcBGAs/s1600/Stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eLnlFNQOcU/W99lPyObriI/AAAAAAAALGw/Y4r0wHxG7wEbhID6ZPCnu_Di-7ulxHQPgCLcBGAs/s640/Stuff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But the deliciousness, far out way the strange! (Strange for me, anyway)</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u2CdRZBOio/W99m2s87lQI/AAAAAAAALHA/AUp9k6Y1eYs-eE6XS8yUPvYmBVlDlSdewCLcBGAs/s1600/Peach%2BPecan%2BButter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1533" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u2CdRZBOio/W99m2s87lQI/AAAAAAAALHA/AUp9k6Y1eYs-eE6XS8yUPvYmBVlDlSdewCLcBGAs/s400/Peach%2BPecan%2BButter.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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I could go on and on, but I won't, I'll just let you explore.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgV6ETDI0sQ/W99ns8FcFvI/AAAAAAAALHI/y25uALuBYRUnL29CYMudT9dZAMtApTmJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170929_195000_807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgV6ETDI0sQ/W99ns8FcFvI/AAAAAAAALHI/y25uALuBYRUnL29CYMudT9dZAMtApTmJgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170929_195000_807.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I haven't even began to touch on the hunting merchandise, the BBQ supplies and grills, the Texas souvenirs, the candy or the amazing hospitality at Buc-ee's, you're just going to have to experience it for yourself!</div>
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OH YES...</div>
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DON'T FORGET TO FILL UP YOUR TANK!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EsvCg19X_Ik/W99oLFFTgpI/AAAAAAAALHQ/TtXp5cbzeOIKg3TWYAUe8KQb2q4pBdBnQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170925_190631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EsvCg19X_Ik/W99oLFFTgpI/AAAAAAAALHQ/TtXp5cbzeOIKg3TWYAUe8KQb2q4pBdBnQCLcBGAs/s640/20170925_190631.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You ARE at a gas station after all!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzT1D4Aub0aCFVbuAWmslypFym4rRScFSOBLuhQPhrjoufC1MU6tM5t2aYxwhzApqNykazY_Smh0PcyLhzg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Buc-ee's-- All in all, is a fun place to visit. I will have to say that the only thing that bothers me about </span>Buc-ee's is that many of it's products are made in China (Including Mud-Pie) and many of their clothes are made in Pakistan. This may not matter to you, but it truly does to me. I don't let this stop me from stopping in and having something delicious to eat, or purchasing their many American products! It would be great though, if Buc-ee's started carrying more local goods.</div>
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Get yourself into Buc-ee's!</div>
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I hope y'all are having a fantastic weekend,</div>
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Tammy</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-8931237795375208882018-10-02T21:24:00.001-05:002018-10-02T21:32:22.007-05:00Shipping your pet with Pet Safe -- United AirlinesWe recently moved from Washington State back to Texas. It was a tough decision, moving from breathtaking views that can match those in Ireland. But alas, my 3 adult sons still lived in Texas, and I couldn't take a moment more of being away from them. I mean... all 3 in the same State, that's lucky for a mom who has military kids!<br />
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Our car and our things had been loaded onto a trailer and all that was left was a couple of suitcases to pack and tickets to book.<br />
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I had assumed that our little dog would easily be able to travel with us. I was so wrong. When I read the fine print that a pet has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you (Unless a support dog), my heart sank. I then decided he would have to go under the plane with the suitcases, but no matter what airline I tried to book with, they no longer flew dogs as cargo in the summer, apparently there were several instances of animals dying on the tarmac while awaiting transfers.<br />
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You see... This guy... We love him a lot. He's part of our family.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SaTmJERfG-M/W7QRWNSjvYI/AAAAAAAALAI/zJdqSvU61G0vz-mSsT3OCMLDaOaF_puHACLcBGAs/s1600/Rocco%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SaTmJERfG-M/W7QRWNSjvYI/AAAAAAAALAI/zJdqSvU61G0vz-mSsT3OCMLDaOaF_puHACLcBGAs/s400/Rocco%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He has been with us since he was a puppy, we love him dearly. How were we going to get him back to Texas with us?</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjnZsAETpGU/W7QRQEfps-I/AAAAAAAALAA/_DDO5SgB7Y8TxU_vMNu1mP4JgzN31XrnwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20170724-085730.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="720" height="627" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjnZsAETpGU/W7QRQEfps-I/AAAAAAAALAA/_DDO5SgB7Y8TxU_vMNu1mP4JgzN31XrnwCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot_20170724-085730.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I chose to blog about this post, because it was so confusing and so stressful when I found out that our pet couldn't fly with us. I know that many pet owners feel the same way I do, and that your pet means a lot to you. Rest assured, there is a company out there, that will put your mind at rest and your pet will be safe with.</div>
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I began to do a lot of research and I found one airline that would fly our Rocco to Texas. United Airlines. Not only would they fly him, they would make sure he was in a climate controlled building while he was awaiting his first flight, his transfer flight or after his final flight. He would never be left out on the tarmac in the sun that often reaches over 100 degrees here in Texas. The problem was, we didn't have time to get Rocco "ready" for our journey. So Rocco stayed with my brother, who later put him on his flight for us.<br />
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It's quite an ordeal, getting your pet on a plane using Pet Safe, but it's all for the welfare of your pet.<br />
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The first thing you're going to have to do is "request" a flight for your animal. You don't book a plane ticket like you might normally. You can request that your pet be on the same flight as you, but you have to make the request through Pet Safe with United Airlines and you MUST give the airline at least 5 days notice.<br />
You do that at <a href="https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/animals/petsafe.html" target="_blank">The United Airlines Website</a>.<br />
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United Airlines will email you with the dates that your pet will be flying. The price of your pet to fly, will depend on it's weight and it's shipping container. You must use an approved pet travel container. Rocco weighs roughly 18 pounds and he cost $300 to fly. However, unlike regular plane tickets, you won't pay for your pet's reservation until the day he/she flies.<br />
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Rocco is a Miniature Schnauzer, but there are many breeds of pets that aren't actually allowed to fly on United Airlines flights. Any breed of dog that is brachycephalic (short or snub-nosed) or considered having a strong jaw are unable to fly. There are also a few breeds of cats that are excluded, this list is due to health concerns and the full list of excluded pets is on the United Airlines website.<br />
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After you have your flight reservation.<br />
Make sure you have the correct travel crate. Your pet will have to be able to stand completely up and turn around and lie back down and you must be an airline approved crate. When I purchased our crate, it was through Amazon and it specifically stated it was airline approved.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDPruzmAu5I/W7QbIuyQ9QI/AAAAAAAALAc/Lu9-KQqnO3Is0pcYIKGnjUxuU2iOFRKqQCLcBGAs/s1600/PART_1534035640398_Resized_20180811_180025_7825.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDPruzmAu5I/W7QbIuyQ9QI/AAAAAAAALAc/Lu9-KQqnO3Is0pcYIKGnjUxuU2iOFRKqQCLcBGAs/s640/PART_1534035640398_Resized_20180811_180025_7825.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You will also need to get a Health Certificate from your Veterinarian stating that your pet is healthy and able to fly. This certificate can't be any older than 10 days. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkYW9NHIjmM/W7Qb2Dw3NzI/AAAAAAAALAk/7Y4tpLLSkQIGV_JkllzqK3rLa5Ublc-OACLcBGAs/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1380" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkYW9NHIjmM/W7Qb2Dw3NzI/AAAAAAAALAk/7Y4tpLLSkQIGV_JkllzqK3rLa5Ublc-OACLcBGAs/s640/Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You will also need to print and sign a copy of this form from the United Airlines site</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtBpGQKeqok/W7QcOish4VI/AAAAAAAALAw/K3Q37-O0WBgodp4Swu-831y41te7WIFZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Blog%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1219" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtBpGQKeqok/W7QcOish4VI/AAAAAAAALAw/K3Q37-O0WBgodp4Swu-831y41te7WIFZwCLcBGAs/s640/Blog%2B2.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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7 days before you fly, you will need to scan and email these two forms as well as a photo of your pet and a photo of the crate you plan to have your pet fly in to the Pet Safe office.</div>
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PetSafe/United Airlines will email you back and let you know if they accept your information. Once you're approved all you have to do is show up at the airport with your pet's health certificate, the release form, a photo of your pet and the money to ship your pet.</div>
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My brother's information was also provided, as he was the one that took Rocco to the Seattle Airport.</div>
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Your pet's photo will be put on the side of the crate. </div>
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You won't be dropping your pet off where you check in for a flight, you will have to take your pet to the United Airlines cargo part of the airport. If you're unaware of where that is, you can call the airline and they will let you know. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjLLYA2GWWQ/W7Qg4tjOmvI/AAAAAAAALA8/RRNp_5KnIawIFPcYfaU9rbt5YRk05kruACLcBGAs/s1600/download_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="460" height="93" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjLLYA2GWWQ/W7Qg4tjOmvI/AAAAAAAALA8/RRNp_5KnIawIFPcYfaU9rbt5YRk05kruACLcBGAs/s400/download_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Stock photo found with Google Search)</span></div>
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Rocco flew from Seattle, with a layover in Houston and we finally picked him up in Dallas</div>
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When we picked Rocco up in Dallas, he was standing in his crate and looked a bit confused. But when he heard our voice, when we opened his kennel (Which they zip tie closed) he was so excited. He wanted a drink and a wee... but overall, he was happy, he was healthy and he made it safely from one end of the States to the other!</div>
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All in all, it was a good experience. Every time I called concerned to United Airlines, and every dealing I had with them, was professional and they put my mind to rest about the safety of our dog. I would recommend United Airlines to fly your pet. Our experience was a pleasant one!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "calibri" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Contact the PetSafe Desk at 1-800-575-3335 or 1-832-235-1541</span></div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-52758042988813635172018-08-29T21:11:00.001-05:002018-08-31T10:19:19.029-05:00Paris to London... by BusIt was a mother and daughter trip to Paris, we had been in Ireland, and decided to just hop over to Paris for 3 days. When in Europe, you can literally do that-- Just hop on a plane for a short journey to another country, sort of like we do here in the states, flying from state to state.<br />
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On our return journey, with a stop over in London, I decided it would be fun to travel by Coach (A long distance bus).</div>
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I thought what a wonderful way to see the French countryside, to soak in more of the french experience. In my mind, I pictured fields of Lavender and an educational and moving experience for my daughter. I thought since the trip is only around 6 hours. It will be fun!!</div>
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I booked the ticket with <a href="https://www.eurolines.eu/" target="_blank">Eurolines</a>. We departed from Roissypole - Gare, near Charles de Gaulle Airport and our destination was Victoria Coach Station in London. </div>
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This was going to be so exciting! And going across the English Channel by Ferry, honestly, I knew my 12 year old daughter would love it.</div>
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The day our journey began, we arrived an hour early though we only needed to be 30 minutes early. </div>
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Our Coach was 20 minutes late. Sending me into a slight panic, as I wasn't 100 % sure that I was in the correct place, even though I asked at least 6 people in broken french if I was at the correct bus stop. </div>
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We were finally picked up, with a few people already on the bus, and off we went. We very quickly discovered that our promise of Wi-Fi was not even close to being a reality. I tried all of my travel tricks. Nothing. Looks of despair from my daughter started to ensue. </div>
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The coach made a couple of stops on the way out of Paris for other passengers. On one of our stops, we were surprise boarded by a Police Force of some kind, about 4 men, asking for passports. Everyone on the bus, I guess about 15 people including us, all showed their passports and off we went again. I was eager to reach the french border, I wanted to enjoy the sea air as we crossed.</div>
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The beautiful Countryside? Well... Not what I was expecting.</div>
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Now don't get me wrong, I'm not downing on France. But this particular drive, was not particularly stunning, it was mostly some homes and miles of farming fields. When telling people about this excursion, I have had many people chuckle. I mean how was I to know? Driving the countryside of England, Ireland or Scotland never disappoints. I have heard parts of France are stunning. But this drive, well, it really isn't one of them. I feel bad saying that, as I love greenery and seeing windmills always makes me happy!<br />
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Half way to the French border, we did stop at a large rest area that offered food, toilets and a gift shop. There is a toilet on board, but neither my daughter or I used it. We got drinks and a snack for the rest of the journey.<br />
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Right before the border, all passengers had to get off of the coach and go through security/passport control. It was a quick production, a lot quicker than any airport I've been through. Most likely because there were so few people on our bus.<br />
This photo was taken in a stall at Passport Control in France.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22o5Rnn49aI/W4dKU7wSGeI/AAAAAAAAK_E/Nh8Pc3FSVgIYebKGL6XC4fCMvOde2TcRwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170711_060256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22o5Rnn49aI/W4dKU7wSGeI/AAAAAAAAK_E/Nh8Pc3FSVgIYebKGL6XC4fCMvOde2TcRwCLcBGAs/s640/20170711_060256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We then headed for the actual border. (Me looking furiously for the channel water)</div>
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We stopped in a long line of Coaches/Buses. I was eagerly waiting, only to realize, we were going through the Euro Tunnel. An underwater railway also known as the "Chunnel" that takes about 35 minutes to cross. <a href="https://www.getlinkgroup.com/uk/the-channel-tunnel/infrastructure/" target="_blank">The Channel Tunnel is quite an elaborate operation.</a> However, I was thinking we were going over water. Silly me. I also thought that a person (or bus), could simply drive through the tunnel for their excursion to the other side. I was very wrong. In fact, our big ole bus was put into a crate, a rather very large crate-- It was technically the train, but it looked like we were being loaded onto a crate in the train, a very enormous metal one. Oh boy.<br />
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I'm not fond of being underground. I can just manage the tube in London, or any underground system, because I try not to think about being miles under the dirt. You see, I'm ever so slightly claustrophobic. However, at this point, I couldn't exactly back out. I also didn't have the luxury of any kind of panic as I was with my 12 year old daughter. So ... with a great deal of hidden reluctance, I watched as workers closed the doors ahead of us. We were sitting relatively close to the front of the bus. I didn't actually time the trip, it was bumpy and I could see through the glass barrier that separated the buses on the train. All of us were synchronized in our bouncing, as the train carried us to England.</div>
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Once in England, we waiting patiently as the barrier doors opened slowly one at a time, letting each bus drive forward. Forward that is, towards another stop for border control and checking of all of our passports. Another quick check, as we were all released to re-board our bus.</div>
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The trip to London, was pretty much uneventful. However, once we were in the city, the driver had absolutely no idea where he was going, he navigated through most of the city, passing a lot of the beautiful monuments that scream "You're in London!!", but the closer we got to Victoria Station, the more the bus driver kept calling for directions (Google Maps anyone?). </div>
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We finally arrived at Victoria station, just an average big bus station-- with a toilet you have to pay for and seats to wait in. Since we had to catch a plane to Ireland, I didn't stick around to see what was available for the traveler. We walked the 5 minute journey to the Victoria Train Station and made our way to Gatwick Airport. </div>
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So a quick synopsis...<br />
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<b><u>PROS</u></b></div>
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<li>Such a cheap journey. For both my daughter and I, it was €48.00.</li>
<li>If time is not an issue, this is the best way to go, it took just over 7 hours, but if you're back packing or have time-- Why not? Enjoy that book you have wanted to finish. Catch up on emails. Do whatever.</li>
<li>When you purchase your tickets. They are both in English and French.</li>
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<b><u>CONS</u></b></div>
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<li>It's really a boring ride. I had magazines. But I was bored without internet, I was traveling light, and I expected to have Wi-Fi. Hannah did surprisingly well. She always brings things to do, and she did have some games on her phone that didn't require internet. </li>
<li>As previously mentioned I couldn't get connected to Wi-Fi. Yes-- It could be user error. But, it's not like I don't know how to connect to the internet, it's not rocket science. They do advertise having Wi-Fi, but our bus didn't.</li>
<li>The bus arrived late, and we were very late into London. By over an hour. You must have a freed up schedule to travel by coach.</li>
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I wouldn't do this long of a journey again, but we are traveling from Rome to Venice summer 2019 and it's very likely this will be a way of travel again. I want to see the countryside, we might take the train too. Who knows. I'm still ironing out the details. </div>
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Have you ever traveled long distance by bus in a foreign country?</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-33984835862811770252018-08-16T01:09:00.000-05:002018-08-16T01:34:51.536-05:00The Museum of Flight, SeattleDo you have to force... bribe... your kids to get some culture in their lives?<br />
I use persuasive coercion on my son, He's 16.<br />
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We had to travel from Olympia, WA to Seattle on many occasions so that my son could see specialist doctors at Seattle Children's Hospital. When we would go to the city, my 16 year old boy would complain about being in the city, he would say he wants to go to the hospital and then go straight back home. Now I don't know if you have ever been to Seattle, but we aren't talking about some huge metropolis with endless cars and streets, we aren't talking Manhattan here. Seattle is a small city, with the feel of being quaint, and with around 700,000 people, it's not too big. But the way my son see's things, I am torturing him with city life. He's a cowboy boot wearing country boy, but that didn't stop me from telling him we were going to do something, and that he needed to pick a Museum or tell me anywhere he wanted to go. Lucky for him, his 13 year old sister, who is obsessed with airplanes, said she wanted to go to the Flight Museum.<br />
Done.<br />
Plans Made.<br />
16 year old continues to complain.<br />
16 year old insists he will wait in the car.<br />
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When we arrived and my son started to see that this place wasn't just about airplanes, when he saw NASA and a 3D space movie offered. He was elated. Isn't it just funny, mom knows best. I knew that if I physically GOT him to the museum, he would go in, there was no way that kid was going to sit in the car for hours while we look around a museum.<br />
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I can only think of one word to describe this place... "<i><b>Cool</b></i>", I mean really really cool! The flight museum covers all aspect of flying, from Space Ships to Airplanes to Droids.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-7ZU3BX5DI/W3T4Sn8ccRI/AAAAAAAAK6w/sRDZ2XsM7Doli5yAWNEry6MPQDvrGFzmACLcBGAs/s1600/20180622_133846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-7ZU3BX5DI/W3T4Sn8ccRI/AAAAAAAAK6w/sRDZ2XsM7Doli5yAWNEry6MPQDvrGFzmACLcBGAs/s640/20180622_133846.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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(I'm so glad that flight has improved from this one man flying apparatus!)</div>
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I really enjoyed reading about the first woman in space, and loved that my daughter was able to connect with this history, especially since she talks non-stop about being a pilot.<br />
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A representation of Valentina Tereshcova and the seat she would have sat in. Valentina was the first woman in space.</div>
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The kids loved riding in the flight simulator.<br />
The simulator cost $9 a person, and $7 for a 2nd ride.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Above Photo borrowed from the Seattle Flight Museum Website</span></div>
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We sat through a movie about the nearly forgotten <a href="https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/grand-finale/overview/" target="_blank">Cassini-Huygens</a> -- Mostly referred to as "Cassini", Cassini was a collaboration between NASA, The Italian Space Agency & The European Space Agency. Cassini was a space probe that launched from Earth in 1997 and crashed in 2017 on one of Saturn's Moons. It took several photos, and it's actually quite moving and sad when Cassini ended it's journey. The photos the probe took during it's shoot around the sun and through our galaxy are breathtaking. Oh... And Earth is round y'all! 🌍🌍🌍🌍 Cassini got a lot of great shots. Not that I doubted the Earth was round, but you know, in case any Flat-Earthers read. 😁 The movie was only an additional $3 per person, and worth the 40 minutes.</div>
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For me, it was very surreal seeing a real helicopter from The Vietnam War, I can't imagine hanging off of the side of it, like you see in the movies. It's easy to forget our past wars until you're reminded with such a fierce realism glaring at you.<br />
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The museum is actually 2 MASSIVE buildings, they are opposite each other off of East Marginal Way S. There is a sky way that makes for easy access and connects both buildings. It's in the Charles Simonyi Space Gallery that houses some of the most amazing large Airplanes, I get all giddy thinking about it. I love flight, and the idea of it... watching planes fly, flying on planes, reading about planes, being on planes-- You get my drift.<br />
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There is a replica of the Space Shuttle, as well as a lot of the equipment that NASA uses.</div>
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I feel claustrophobic when I see what the Astronauts actually wear, fly in and work in.</div>
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For instance, coming back to Earth in THIS...</div>
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I have so much admiration and respect for Astronauts, but I could NOT get in this thing and shut the door!</div>
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Space Toilet... Use your imagination.</div>
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It was also neat to see The original Air Force One. President's Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon all flew aboard this flying oval office. Did you know that it's only called "Air Force One" if the President is on board? Other wise, it's "SAM", Special Air Missons. It's currently on loan to the flight museum and you can read more about it on the <a href="http://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/boeing-vc-137b-707-120sam-970-air-force-one" target="_blank"><b>Museums Website</b></a>.</div>
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You are able to walk around inside all of the airplanes that are in the Charles Simonyi Space Gallery.</div>
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I'm pretty sure this was the best of the best back in the 60's, but I'm also pretty sure our recent Presidents don't sleep on a bunk.</div>
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And... THE CONCORDE! What a cool trip that would be, flying to London from New York in like, what? 2 hours? Of course, as long as it doesn't, you know, crash. Most likely why it's sitting here in Seattle, and not on the runway. Still very cool.</div>
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There are so many different planes to enjoy and walk in.</div>
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The Dreamliner is one of my favorite planes to fly on, It's easy to forget how enormous some planes are when comfortably sat inside of it. It still makes my brain mesmerized that they are even able to get off of the ground! The engines are huge!</div>
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<a href="https://www.museumofflightstore.org/gifts.html" target="_blank"><b>The gift shop</b></a>. So much Coolness! (Cool-- It's just the word you will be saying throughout this Museum). When doing a bit of research for this post, I just realized they have an online store, I don't know how it compares to the store in the Museum, but the kids got some great souvenirs like Astronaut food and Airplane Replicas.</div>
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Dried strawberry anyone?</div>
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I couldn't pass up one of the Coffee (Tea in my case) cups.</div>
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There was only one negative thing in this whole place. The Cafe. The food was disgusting. It was expensive and gross. The chicken wings were barely cooked, the baked potato raw and the fresh celery and carrots smelled of mold. I'm not even kidding-- Bring a lunch or eat before you go. $45 for food we didn't eat.</div>
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Entrance free for the Museum is $22 a person (18-64), $19 (65+), $14 (5-17), Under 4 is free.<br />
Museum of Flight<br />
9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Expect to spend 4-5 hours at the Museum to see everything, more if you see a movie. There is free parking and the Museum is opened 7 days a week, 10am-5pm. There is free admission in the evening of the first Thursday of every month from 5pm-9pm</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Needless to say, my 16 year old son that refused to go to a Museum, had the best time and asked to go back! My 13 year old daughter also wanted a 2nd trip. We have since moved to Texas, but we still have family in Washington, so I see another visit in our future. It was THAT much fun, not a museum that kids only want to visit once.</span><br />
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Aren't Museums one of the best things about travel?</div>
<br />tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-70475614404389143862018-08-05T20:38:00.001-05:002018-08-05T20:38:15.152-05:00Mount Rainier, Washington StateThere are many places across the globe that I would travel to, just to see one small part of it. <div>
For instance, The Rome Coliseum in Italy--The Louvre in Paris-- The crystal clear ocean in Fort Lauderdale--The Giraffe Manor in Kenya-- The Great Barrier Reef in Australia-- This list can go on and on! Mount Rainier in Washington State is one of those places. If you travel to Washington State to see only one thing, it should be Mount Rainier. In fact, if you traveled 5,000 miles to see Mount Rainier, I promise that you would not regret it. </div>
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Mount Rainier is located about 59 miles Southeast of Seattle. We visited in July of 2018, though people do visit in the winter time, there are many roads that are closed off when it's cold. We saw many hikers and bikers, but we drove up the mountain. The roads are very well maintained, but many of them have very steep drop offs. My brother was driving a Mini Van when we went, and looking down off of the side, while he was driving, made my stomach flip more than a few times. My brother is a good driver, but that doesn't mean I didn't hold my breath on a few of the turns!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This photo might look like a ditch, but I added this photo to show just how crystal clear the water is, this ditch is full of water. It's absolutely pristine on this mountain.<br />
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I have been a few places around this globe, and I believe it's fair to say, that Mount Rainier is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking places I have ever been. There are parking places on the way up the mountain, gift shops and visiting centers. So you don't have to just peer out your car window for a view. One of the stops we made, is called "Paradise"-- There is a reason for that. It's like a view from Heaven. </div>
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I found the air a little bit thin and had to take a couple of deep breaths, but no one else seemed to notice. We were at one point, in the clouds, like actually surrounded by clouds. </div>
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Mount Rainier is an active volcano, which hasn't been active since the late 1800's. It is the highest mountain in Washington and can be seen over a hundred miles away. </div>
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I love the outdoors, I don't actually do things like fish or sleep in the woods, but I love a good hike and nothing can replace an extraordinary view. With the fresh air and pristine water, there are endless outdoor activities. We ran into a family that had been out hiking for 7 hours, they were returning to their truck, all of them had a backpack and their walking sticks, the youngest looked about 9. We were there all day as well. There is so much to do and see, you will want to spend hours exploring. Adults and children alike love this mountain.</div>
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As I mentioned we visited in July, and there was still a lot of snow on the ground. I suggest a hoodie, maybe even a pair of jeans, we stayed until about 10pm. It got very cold!</div>
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It cost $30 per car load to get on the mountain. A small fee for 6 of us. </div>
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We took a lot of snacks and food as well, we had a cooler full in the van, it goes without saying, that outdoor activity leads to hungry teenagers, of which we had 3. </div>
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Keep in mind, your cheetos will blow at high altitudes 😃</div>
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I took most of these photos, but my sister (in-law) took some as well. I love hanging out with my family and it was such a pleasure to explore the mountain side with them.</div>
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I encourage anyone that loves the outdoors or loves a breathtaking view, to visit Mount Rainier. A good location is never too far to travel to.</div>
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If you want to check out the weather on the mountain before you travel, you can look at the many <a href="https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm" target="_blank"><i><b>webcams on Mount Rainier.</b></i></a></div>
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My dad, my brother, sister (in-law) and my niece still live in Washington, so I will be returning, and I know, that I will revisit this beauty again. She truly is spectacular.</div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-51286586225386941272018-08-01T23:18:00.002-05:002018-08-01T23:18:40.003-05:00St. Dunstan in the East -- A Hidden Gem in LondonTo I think about the number of times that I have walked passed this serene place in the middle of London, not even knowing it was there. I read about this hidden gem a couple of years ago, I actually tried finding it in 2015 but there was construction everywhere and I couldn't get across the street. (Lame, I know).<br />
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Only once in the last 23 visits to London, did I not go see Tower Bridge. When I went this past May, everything was re-routed and blocked along the river Thames. When walking from Tower Bridge to London Bridge, I used to always walk right along the river front, but now I walk behind the buildings on Lower Thames Street. I'm not really sure why the river walk is blocked now, but I think some of the new buildings might be private flats. Regardless of the reason, I hope the Thames walkway near The Tower of London opens up again soon.<br />
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It's been 10 weeks since I was there and I am already pining to go back. London definitely has my heart.<br />
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It was when I was in London this last time, that I decided to go poking around for St. Dunstan in the East. I was walking down Lower Thames Street, Looked to my right, and I knew the beautiful architecture staring back at me was the little piece of heaven I'd been looking for.<br />
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The Church has really taken a beating over the years, even Sir Christopher Wren had a go at a little remodel of it after the Great Fire of London. But after WW2, it was pretty much a goner. As much of London was. But like a lot of England, they take great pride in their historical buildings, what was left standing, had a beautiful garden put in around it. It is literally an Oasis in the middle of the city. When you sit on the benches, you would never know the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, it's quiet and serene. The gardens are beautiful.</div>
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When I visited, there was a photo shoot going on, models dressing up and lots of photos being taken. The Garden is big so it wasn't a bother, it turns out that anyone can rent the space at St. Dunstan. I think that's pretty cool, I don't know what the prices are, but what a beautiful place for a party! The website for <a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/city-gardens/visitor-information/Pages/St-Dunstan-in-the-East.aspx" target="_blank">St. Dunstan in the East</a> has all of the details. Because of the fashion shoot, I didn't go through all of the gardens, I will next time. I'm excited that I still have more to explore.<br />
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There were a few people in the gardens, just sitting quietly having lunch and reading a book. It's the perfect picnic spot.<br />
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When you're at Tower Bridge next, keep in mind about this hidden gem, it's worth the visit.<br />
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Don't get turned around like I did...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD, UK</span><br />
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Every time I post about London, I get another itch to go back. What is it about Londinium? I think it might be time to do some searching on Skyscanner!<br />
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Tammytlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-80751151406673425602018-07-25T00:38:00.000-05:002018-07-25T00:40:59.463-05:00Flying Frontier AirlineWhenever I fly a new airline, especially one that I have never heard of, the first thing I do is hit Google up. I want to know if the airline has ever had a crash and I want to know it's safety rating, because we all want to get through the clouds in one piece, right? With the cheaper airlines, I always think to myself "How exactly is this airline able to provide so many cheap tickets?" I mean they still need to pay their pilots and their flight attendants, they still have to have their planes maintained. Am I right? Surely charging for drinks on board isn't enough to justify being able to sell $80 seats?<br />
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Well, apparently the "cheaper" airlines like Spirit & Frontier, <i>currently </i>have some of the best safety ratings. <i><b><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/2016/06/25-airlines-without-a-major-accident/" target="_blank">As the Points Guy explains here</a></b></i>. So first check Frontier passed my safety test (though in the back of my mind, I still wonder "How do they even pay for fuel?", since seats are pennies per flight). </div>
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Those of us that have flown a bargain airline, know even though you score the ticket for a great price, you pretty much have to pay for everything else, except of course the air you breath... right now, that's still free. </div>
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I found a flight from Seattle, Washington to Austin, Texas for $80. IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER! So after my initial happy jig, I continued on with booking our flights. I flew with my 16 year old son and my 13 year old daughter. I paid $30 per carry-on & the seats cost between $17 -- $45 each, depending of course, on where you sit. So 3 one-way tickets with 3 carry-ons and 3 seats cost $451. That is a great deal, considering most major airlines will charge that for one person. </div>
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We flew overnight, we left Seattle at 11:45pm and arrived in Austin @5:30am. The flight was smooth and as expected, everything was pretty basic, with drinks and snacks offered for a price. There was exceptional leg room, but the seats were very -- I mean hard-as-a-rock uncomfortable. They were thin and had no cushion-- Zero. Zip. Nada. I wasn't expecting luxury but it felt like I was sitting on hard wood the whole flight. </div>
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The seats didn't recline, not even a little. Mind you, I never recline because I find it rude, but this one time, I actually get a 3 year old sitting behind me, and I think, "Woohooo Toddler sleeping, I get to recline!!!" Nope. No leaning back for me. Also, forget a screen of any kind, there wasn't one to be found on the flight. So if you fly with Frontier, make sure you have your music and your movies uploaded on your devices. Also... you won't have Wi-Fi.<br />
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As uncomfortable as our seats were, I probably wouldn't have cared at all except for it being an overnight flight. During late flights, sleep is of the essence if you want to resemble anything close to being human the next day. There was no sleep on this Frontier excursion. Had this flight been a day flight, I would have just been reading or watching a downloaded Netflix on my phone, not really paying much attention to the seat. Keep in mind using a phone or tablet will be the only devices that will fit on the tiny flip-down table. </div>
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I normally try to take a lot more photos, but it was late and I was tired. So I apologize that the photos are at a minimum. </div>
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Would I fly Frontier again? Absolutely! I rarely fly overnight unless I'm going overseas. So I'm really not bothered about a hard chair for 3 or 4 hours. The money I save flying with Frontier, is money I can spend once I'm at my destination.</div>
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If you're considering flying with Frontier, keep in mind that some of their flights are seasonal. So <a href="https://www.flyfrontier.com/" target="_blank">check their website</a> or call them directly to find out where they fly. </div>
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All in all, Frontier offers very reasonably priced flights, friendly staff & our flight was precisely on time. </div>
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Have you ever flown an economy airline? I'd love to hear about your experiences!</div>
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Tammy</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-54706511556143239422018-02-17T23:32:00.000-06:002018-02-17T23:32:02.548-06:00Quinault Rainforest, Washington StateI betcha thought that Rainforests were only in tropical regions! So did I! Until I was reading up on things to do, and I saw that there are a couple of them right here in the state of Washington! With 12 to 13 feet of rain a year, yep... I think that qualifies as a "rain" forest!<br />
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Quinault Rainforest is located in the Olympic National Forest and part of Olympic National Park. The Olympic National Forest covers a total of 628,115 acres, with the Quinault rainforest taking up over 1,000 acres of that. The rainforest is temperate year round with breathtaking views. When I say breathtaking, I mean you honestly gasp for air at the beauty of the forest.<br />
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Upon first entering the area, you will drive past the beautiful Quinault lake. The lake is surrounded by resorts and cabins, a gift shop and a couple of restaurants. There is even the cutest post office I've ever seen, everything is just so quaint. The lake itself offers kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Though this girl doesn't fish, I'd like to go back and boat on the lake.<br />
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We went in early February, the temperature was mild, in the 50's, but still so lush and green.<br />
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Driving further around the lake, you will be able to see the world's largest Spruce Tree. I have seen very tall trees before, but I have never seen one so wide around, it's 59' 11" in circumference!! I didn't even realize the true size of it, until my kids started to climb on it's roots. It's of course a protected tree, in fact, everything in the rainforest is protected. Do not even THINK about approaching or feeding any animal in the forest, including the smallest of ducks. Being an environmentalist, I am actually quite happy that the lands and the animals are so protected.<br />
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There are many places to stop off in the rainforest, and there is a road that loops around part of the forest, that you can hike or drive on. The entire drive is a 31 mile loop, passing the most bizarre looking trees, pristine waterfalls and a beautiful river.</div>
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There aren't many places left in the world, where you can just drink straight from a river. But here, we did.</div>
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Keep in mind, some of the roads are very narrow and there is a 450 drop off of cliffs during part of the drive. But... IT IS AMAZINGLY BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL! (I will tell you though, my sister in law was driving and had a couple of OMG moments... and my teenage son switched sides with me in the van, as he couldn't handle looking down! The single-lane-side-hugging-mountain(ish) drive, is only for a very short period, if I had to guess, I'd say no more than a couple of miles. I wasn't worried, but then, I wasn't driving either!<br />
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Seriously, some of the most bizarre trees, I have ever seen in my life!<br />
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On the drive, it's possible to see many types of wildlife, though we were only lucky enough to see a huge herd of Roosevelt Elk. It's very rare to spot a bear, or any wild life to be honest, as they don't like to lurk around the roads or where humans are.</div>
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As you can imagine, from someone that loves trees, I have about a gazillion photos, but I thought I would share just a few of my favorites. This is such a wonderful place to visit, "God's Country" as one of my girlfriends calls it. </div>
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Is it worth a trip to Washington? Yes.</div>
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Is it the perfect place to hike? Again, Yes.</div>
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Did I mention it's simply magical?</div>
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Even the kids had a great time!</div>
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I can't wait to go back in the summer, and see what the rainforest is like when everything is in full bloom! </div>
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I hope you're having a great weekend,</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Tammy</div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-80695867255935283832018-02-04T11:57:00.000-06:002018-02-04T11:57:43.394-06:00100 Simple Pleasures in LifeI have always loved the simple pleasures in life and when I saw that a fellow blogger, (Amanda from Rhyme and Ribbons) shared<a href="http://rhymeandribbons.com/2018/01/100-simple-pleasures-in-life.html#comment-3721853737"> her list </a>, it really made me think about what I am grateful for. What makes me smile and what makes my heart and mind feel soothed.<br />
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When I lived in Austin, Texas I felt as if the world was go go go go ... everywhere we went there was traffic. If you have ever been to Austin, you know that there is no public transport except the bus. So if you want to get anywhere, you have to drive. It takes an hour to get anywhere, if not more. Traffic has always been an issue, but when the city went from a few hundred thousand to <a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/chs/popdat/ST2017.shtm">2 million</a> people within a short period of time, Austin became a concrete jungle. Don't get me wrong, there are still delights of this city... but the over crowding has really taken the quaintness and originality from the state capital. In one word. Stress. Austin had become stressful for me. </div>
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We then moved to Olympia, Washington. The complete opposite of Austin. The population of Olympia? 51,000. </div>
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We live in the country, a few miles from town. It's quiet, it's beautiful and it's peaceful. The weather here is a lot like Ireland. Mostly mild weather, rainy winters and very very green. I have heard the summers can get hot, but I've yet to experience one.</div>
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So here are my top 100 simple pleasures in life, in no particular order, as they came to mind.</div>
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I'll start with the obvious.. My children are my heart.</div>
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~Spending time with my Nick and his wife, My son and his wife</div>
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~Spending time with my Joshua and his wife, My 2nd son and his wife</div>
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~Spending time with my Chris, my 3rd son</div>
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~Spending time with my Andy, my 4th son</div>
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~Spending time with my Hannah, my youngest and only daughter</div>
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~Watching my children grow and develop into amazing adults and human beings</div>
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~Laughing with my brother Lee </div>
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~Being with and helping my dad as he ages</div>
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~Watching my niece grow into a young lady</div>
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~Hanging out with Heather, my friend and sister-in-law, we don't even have to be talking</div>
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~Petting my dog... or any dog... and giving them a big love</div>
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~Kissing my dog's nose</div>
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~Cuddling with my daughter, she still lets me hold her and give her huge snuggles. </div>
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~The first sip of hot tea in the morning</div>
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~Listening to the rain fall</div>
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~Snuggling up warm in the winter and watching chick flicks</div>
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~Seeing sheers blow in the breeze of an opened window</div>
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~Watching and hearing the wind blow through tall pine trees</div>
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~Smelling flowers</div>
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~Seeing the first bud of flowers in the early spring</div>
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~Bright red and orange leaves on trees in the fall</div>
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~Crunchy leaves under foot</div>
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~Breathing in deeply crisp, cool and fresh country air</div>
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~Listening to the laughter of people I love</div>
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~Running my fingers through Rocco's fur (Our pet schnauzer)</div>
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~Looking at the mountains (Washington has beautiful mountains)</div>
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~Walking towards and then seeing my first view of Tower Bridge (Every few months, it's the same feeling)</div>
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~Kissing the man I love</div>
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~The smell of fresh laundry</div>
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~Getting into bed and having fresh clean sheets</div>
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~My feather pillow</div>
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~Laughing when my teenage son slips on his cowboy boots when wearing shorts (He laughs too... but doesn't care what others think)</div>
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~The anticipation of traveling</div>
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~Knowing my children are healthy, gives me contentment</div>
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~A full tank of gas</div>
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~Hearing the ocean crash against the shore</div>
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~Walking on the beach hunting for sea shells or looking for tiny crabs... to watch but not catch</div>
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~Watching Dolphins swim freely</div>
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~The smell of a puppy</div>
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~Watching chickens, no rhyme or reason why... I like chickens, they are funny little things</div>
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~Seeing the first buds of flowers in the Spring</div>
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~Running my hands along a very old tree (Yes, I actually do this)</div>
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~Sitting on a cross country train watching the scenery go by</div>
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~Fresh flowers in vases</div>
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~Baking for my dairy free son</div>
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~Walking barefoot in Northern grass</div>
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~Seeing Southern Magnolia's in bloom</div>
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~Cotton clothing against my skin<br />
~Reading a book in the quiet<br />
~Being hugged tightly by one of my adult children<br />
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~The smell of vanilla<br />
~A long, warm bath in a very big bathtub<br />
~Having my hair washed and brushed by someone else<br />
~Watching children play<br />
~Knowing I'm loved<br />
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~Getting a text or whatsapp message from a friend<br />
~Seeing a friend after years and feeling the same, as if we never parted<br />
~Christmas lights<br />
~Easter colors<br />
~Watching leaves blow in the wind<br />
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~Listening to my teenagers tell me what they want to do in life... so much time, so many dreams<br />
~Thinking about my mom, even if I shed a tear<br />
~Knowing that a friend has succeeded in a life goal, I really love that<br />
~Getting good uninterrupted sleep<br />
~Knowing I don't have to get up at 6:00am<br />
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~A sharp knife when cutting tomatoes!!!<br />
~The smell of cinnamon<br />
~Fresh snow<br />
~Job security<br />
~Seeing beautiful cotton growing in the southern USA<br />
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~Watching my daughter dance<br />
~Warm breezy days<br />
~Clean eye glasses<br />
~Going to the library (In any country) and browsing through books<br />
~Fresh laundry hanging outside<br />
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~Apple picking in the fall<br />
~Bonfires with family<br />
~Meals cooked on a grill<br />
~Hearing thunder<br />
~The smell after a rain storm<br />
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~Seeing pumpkins --Everywhere, in the fall<br />
~Listening to Andy and Chris play the guitar<br />
~Unexpected happy mail<br />
~A warm day with no mosquitoes<br />
~A clean house<br />
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~A relaxing Sunday<br />
~Walking in the country<br />
~Watching deer creep into your yard and walk around<br />
~Smelling wood burning in the fire place<br />
~Quiet. Complete unadulterated quiet.<br />
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~Listening to Doves. They remind me of sitting on my parents back porch.<br />
~Watching the Northern lights race across the winter sky<br />
~Crocheting<br />
~Visiting the rainforest in Washington State<br />
~The smell of lavender<br />
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~Holding a baby<br />
~Looking through family photos, both past and present<br />
~Clean, crisp, white oxford shirts<br />
~Ice water on a hot summer day<br />
~How excited my dog is to see me when I've been out. Dogs are awesome!<br />
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That's my list, though I could go on, about dogs :)<br />
And my kids...<br />
These are the things that I love, and I'm lucky enough to have traveled the world and lived many places to be able to experience and re-experience a lot of things.<br />
If you do a 100 list, I'd love to read yours!<br />
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I hope you have a great Sunday and upcoming week,<br />
Tammy</div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-68651085000481963922018-01-29T22:02:00.001-06:002018-01-30T19:55:04.098-06:00"The No Spend Year" by Michelle McGagh... A Book ReviewI am always looking for ways to save money, so when I saw that one of my friends posted a photo of this book on Instaram, I was intrigued and ordered a copy that day. After all, as I tell my children, there is one thing that is never a waste of money... a book!<br />
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I have to admit, I almost didn't finish the book. Why? Well, I just couldn't relate to the first part of it. But I stuck it through and I'm so glad I did. This woman is a pearl of wisdom.</div>
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I'll start by telling you why I couldn't relate to some of the book. There were 3 things</div>
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First of all, "No Spend", means you still pay your bills and you still eat. You just don't buy anything else. Ever. The woman that wrote this book, she struggled, a bit... but she has no kids. My first huge issue... You cannot just <i><u>not</u></i> spend when you have kids. It's impossible. Thinking back to when mine were babies, even with using cloth diapers (that lasted a whole month) there are things to buy! Kids are the most expensive thing on the planet, (though completely worth it I might add). Even now that my children are teenagers, there is always something coming up with school that they need money for, they outgrow clothing and their feet (it feels like) grow 2 inches a day, they are always needing shoes. I'm not saying there aren't ways to save, as a stay at home mom of 5, I used thrift stores for jeans and learned to cook big meals on a budget. Unless someone provides for you, there is no way that anyone with children, can just <i><u>not</u></i> buy. </div>
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The 2nd thing I couldn't relate to, she lives in London and cycles everywhere. Even when I lived in a big city (Austin, Texas), there was no way I could cycle to work. Are you kidding? How can I get 2 teenagers to school on the back of my bike? Not to mention in the sweltering heat. I also lived in the country and traveled into the city. Now that I live in Olympia, Washington I still live way out in the country... Could you imagine trying to get groceries home for a family of 5 on the back of your bike? There are many parts of the US that this isn't feasible. Even if I did live in London, there is that topic of children again. Uniforms, Food, School Fees, Medication... I think I've made my point.</div>
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The 3rd thing that I couldn't relate to. Is a personal issue, based on my character and how I feel about things. One of the things that the author would do to save money, is if she were invited to a party, because she couldn't stop and buy flowers and a dessert, she would bake a cake at home (nothing wrong with that right?)... But then put it in her backpack to ride over on her bike. I wouldn't ever treat a host like that. There are times in our lives, that we fork over a few bucks, just to make others feel appreciated. Heck... You can pick flowers if you live in the country, but the cake being bounced about in a back pack and then given as a gift. No.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that I have written what I can't relate to, I feel as if I have done the book an injustice. That's not the case at all, in fact, just because this woman is in a different place in her life than I am, doesn't mean that I don't completely admire her tenacity.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
**First of all, she cycles everywhere... snow, rain, sun... that's dedication, that's strength. I would cave the minute I felt any discomfort. I mention her cycling and commitment, because that's the feel during the whole book. She doesn't give up. She did not spend money for a whole year, and she will share with you how.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
**If you live in London (I do not but travel there often), You'll learn how to get into the greatest places, how to find them, how to meet new people, visit galleries and openings. There are many events that I would not have even considered before this book. HOWEVER... Big HOWEVER, the tips that she gives for finding free gigs in London, can be used locally wherever you are. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
**Her food budget is pretty amazing. I spend over $100 a week on food. She spends pennies. She will tell you how.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
**She saved thousands over the year, the author tells you how she spent it after the year and how to get out of the consumerism trap. (I think this is by far the best thing about the book, her views on needs versus wants)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
**The Author talks about investing, what it means, how to do it and breaks down the different types of investment, from savings accounts to bonds to passive funds.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
**Michelle is married, her husband only participated in the food part of the challenge, he still continued to spend and purchase... interesting combo right? She breaks it down.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Would I suggest this book? Yes. Absolutely. Why? Because even if you can't relate to all of the book as a whole, you can take the bits that you like, the parts that will benefit you... and run with them! If you read it, tell me what you think!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I hope you're having a great start to your week,</div>
<div>
Until next time,</div>
<div>
Tammy</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-48922430403685906282018-01-25T01:12:00.000-06:002018-01-28T11:42:41.155-06:00Saving Money for Travel Part 2<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I travel to London at least two times a year and other parts of Europe at least once. I will eventually branch into Asia, but I’m still exploring Europe. I also take 3 or 4 stateside trips. Now that I have moved to Washington State, we are right on the Canadian border, why not just stroll over there a couple of times a year as well?</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I explained in Part 1, how I can afford to travel. How I save my pennies and the little things I do to save extra money. But what about the actual traveling part? I want to have a nice trip, but I don't want to spend an arm and a leg if I don't have to!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So here are the little things that I do...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18px;"> <b style="font-style: italic; text-decoration-line: underline;">BOOKING PLANE TICKETS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When I book plane tickets, I stick with 2 of my favorites. I use <a href="https://www.cheapoair.com/">Cheapoair</a> to find the best deals across the USA and <a href="https://www.skyscanner.com/">Skyscanner</a> for the best deals internationally. With Skyscanner you can also sign up for daily email alerts for tickets you want to book. I have seen tickets go down by $500 in one day, so you can jump on tickets that hit a rock bottom price. These are my favorite places to search for tickets, but there are many sites out there. I used many-many sites before I settled on a couple that seemed to bring me the best deals. I have also booked tickets using the apps for both of these sites.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcq1tMB8iyQ/WmlUaT4sexI/AAAAAAAAKn4/X_tW_P9JXH4HlqjGKuOTkgyE_OL7EzWEwCLcBGAs/s1600/easid-8282-media-id-1215.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcq1tMB8iyQ/WmlUaT4sexI/AAAAAAAAKn4/X_tW_P9JXH4HlqjGKuOTkgyE_OL7EzWEwCLcBGAs/s1600/easid-8282-media-id-1215.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When I’m booking plane tickets, I find that flying on a Tuesday is the cheapest day to travel, it’s also the cheapest day to look for flights. Wednesdays are often good as well, but the closer you fly or search for flights to the weekend, the more flights go up in price. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MbeLfzapE4A/WmlUlhRwRYI/AAAAAAAAKn8/6CXArc68yD4AzQ1gZ1GN66wTz1TXKd1nQCLcBGAs/s1600/CheapOair.com_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="813" height="131" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MbeLfzapE4A/WmlUlhRwRYI/AAAAAAAAKn8/6CXArc68yD4AzQ1gZ1GN66wTz1TXKd1nQCLcBGAs/s320/CheapOair.com_Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remember to clear your browser history and cookies before you search for your flights. It makes a difference, </div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><u><i><b><br /></b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><u><i><b>ACCOMMODATION</b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I don’t usually stay in hotels, though I do from time to time... But mostly, I like being able to cook my own food if I want to (Especially when I travel with my children. I also enjoy shopping for food at local grocery stores and markets, it's another way to experience the culture). When I do book hotels, sometimes I use my air miles, but usually I do a search on </span><a href="https://www.hotels.com/" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Hotels.com</a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> ... SO...How do I save on accommodation without using hotels??</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">*Sometimes I stay with friends. I have met the most amazing people from blogging. You stay with them and return the favor when they want to visit your part of the world!<o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18px;">*Regardless of what accommodation purchased, I find the further away from the city center you go, the cheaper the hotel/airbnb/b&b will be.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18px;">*Booking accommodation during the off season, is always cheaper. Sometimes 75% cheaper.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">*<b><i><u>Airbnb </u></i></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">If I’m traveling with my children, I will often book an entire flat/house/apartment. However, when my daughter and I went to Paris, we only needed somewhere to sleep for 2 nights, so we rented from a lady that rented rooms to other women only. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Airbnb has amazing rates all over the world. I had trouble with the plumbing on one rental in London and the owner of the flat refused to help. BUT Airbnb stepped in, found me another rental and even offered to buy us dinner. Keep in mind, whatever communication you have with owners, always do it through the airbnb website or app, this way if there is ever a problem, Airbnb can look at any communication and decide in your favor or that of the owners. That is how I was able to get Airbnb to help me when the owner refused. I used Airbnb in Limerick, London, Paris and Austin. I have always ended up content, I would recommend Airbnb.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E1V0poCrYQ/WmlQjVFoscI/AAAAAAAAKns/NChQA77Tq_M17ztfqKIFy8QVhyuF14XagCLcBGAs/s1600/Airbnb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E1V0poCrYQ/WmlQjVFoscI/AAAAAAAAKns/NChQA77Tq_M17ztfqKIFy8QVhyuF14XagCLcBGAs/s320/Airbnb.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">*<b><i><u>House/Petsit</u></i></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The kids and I did this for 2 weeks once, it was actually very relaxing and we spent a lot of time with dogs, cats, rabbits and snakes (though we never actually touched the snakes). The downside to this, can be that you can’t leave the animals for long period of time, people don’t want you to housesit so you can be gone for 12 hours out of the day, and they want their pets well looked after. So we didn’t actually go anywhere in the 2 weeks we pet/housesat, except to buy food. So consider what you want to do, and then set out to find the perfect housesit, I signed up for 2 sites. The site that I paid very little for, was the site I found 2 places to housesit. The site I paid $100 for, landed me zip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3RdgLHOGIk8/WmlQBkhIWJI/AAAAAAAAKng/Vs76G9txyREk11Y4oKxGLg3d-rHlulatgCLcBGAs/s1600/how-to-be-a-house-sitter-shutterstock-164733143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3RdgLHOGIk8/WmlQBkhIWJI/AAAAAAAAKng/Vs76G9txyREk11Y4oKxGLg3d-rHlulatgCLcBGAs/s320/how-to-be-a-house-sitter-shutterstock-164733143.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So how it works?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Well the owners of the home will advertise that they are looking for someone to help them, for a specific amount of time. You apply and tell them you are willing to help. You tell them about yourself, what you do for a living, why you want to housesit for them and so on… and the owner then chooses out of all of the applicants. It’s kind of like a job interview. Some home/pet owners may want to talk to you on the phone, webcam or, some will just be happy to email. I have seen people advertise that they need someone for 2 months or more. Some allow families, some don't. The two sites I used were <a href="https://www.housecarers.com/">Housecarers</a>, which is </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">$50 a year for house sitters, but free for the home owner. <a href="https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/us/">Trusted Housesitters</a> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Costs $119 for the year for both the sitter and house owner. If that sounds expensive to you, consider this... We stayed in a lovely 4 bedroom home for $119, for 2 weeks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmiUlq5tDD8/WmlP62dW_CI/AAAAAAAAKnc/GHltwY-CdZEQ4ktBEF1qQF6t7zZ3hoJYwCLcBGAs/s1600/FoWo_logo3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="886" height="124" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmiUlq5tDD8/WmlP62dW_CI/AAAAAAAAKnc/GHltwY-CdZEQ4ktBEF1qQF6t7zZ3hoJYwCLcBGAs/s320/FoWo_logo3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">*<b><i><u>WWOOF</u></i></b> or “<a href="http://wwoof.net/">WILLING WORKERS ON ORGANIC FARMS</a>” is a way of exchanging work for food and board. Wwoofing is something I wanted to do once or twice with my children. I thought the experience of working on a farm for a short few days would be fun, especially the farms that have animals and their own farmers markets. We actually had a place booked in England, a farm where I would help and the kids could play or hang around the farm. However, Andrew was diagnosed with a dairy allergy before we left for our 2 month UK trip and the farm couldn’t accommodate his allergy, they were accustomed to cooking large amounts of food for many people and this particular farm didn’t take special requests. Many young adults do WWOOF, so do many families. Many people love it. If you’re interested, you pay a small fee to have access to the site, the farmers post and tell you what they are needing, and how many people they need, they will also tell you about accommodation and how much work they ne</span><span style="font-size: large;">ed done. You then contact the farmer and tell them you’re interested in the job. You'll be interviewed by the farmer and picked if you’re right for their farm.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Remember you are paid in accommodation and food, not wages. And if you plan on volunteering in a foreign country, check the laws, some countries require you to have a volunteer visa. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are many ways to save, depending on what you have in mind, where you are and what you're doing during your stay. Unless we're with friends, we don't spend a lot of time in our accommodation anyway, but I think we can all agree, it's still nice to have somewhere comfortable to return to. I don't claim to be an expert of anything, but I love to travel and I like sharing information with fellow explorers. These are just a few things that have worked for me. If you have any suggestions for me, please do share!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Good luck on your adventures!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Until next time,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Tammy</span></div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-86019683797596160782018-01-22T16:59:00.001-06:002018-07-10T21:46:55.530-05:00Saving Money for Travel Part 1<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I have had messages on Facebook and a couple here and there of
people saying to me (often with contempt) How do you afford to travel so much?
I've had people ask me if I have a rich family or if I'm rich... Seriously
people. You're barking up the wrong tree!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I am guilty of wondering how some people "luxury"
travel. In fact, have I sounded condescending or envious as well? I need to
make sure I’m not being sassy with my fellow travelers. If I ever have been, I
do apologize. I can’t offer any suggestions as to how others travel, but I can
share how I travel. A single mom, with 2 teens, bills, car payment and the lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">My first suggestion, I feel is so obvious, (but I find that many
don’t). If you want to save for travel, If you want to build up your savings…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Stop buying coffee on the go</span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">. Or Tea, or whatever you drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Seriously, I think this is a no-brainer.
But I know so many people that wrestle with their Starbucks obsession. My brain
thinks like this… a $3.50 latte a work day is $17.50 a week, making that $70 a
month and $840 a year. BINGO… round trip flight to London, right there! Just by
making your own drink at home. Put coffee on your grocery list and include it
in your food budget.<o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Stop eating
out</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We all eat out occasionally, and there are always special
occasions, but give up the drive through fast food all together. Make your
lunch at home and take it to work. Make your dinner! I won’t say that I cook a
4-course meal every night, but my children eat well. We have a variety of
healthy food in our diets and even some naughty ones. One of my biggest expenses
is my food budget because my son requires dairy free food. Have you ever bought
dairy free ice cream? It’s not cheap! So, I’m not saying eat vegetable soup
every night. But eating out is MUCH more expensive than making it yourself!<o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Don’t smoke</span></u></i></b><o:p></o:p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A DEFINITE no-brainer. It’s disgusting… yes, but it’s also very
expensive. Depending on how much you smoke, your habit can easily add up to
over $2000 a year.<o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Must
you buy alcohol?</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Whoa. Did she just go there?!?! Yes. She went there. If you must
have a drink, limit yourself, because alcohol is expensive. Some will think I’m
out of my everlovin mind. I’m not. I do drink, occasionally, but only when I’m
on holiday.<o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Clubs or bars?</span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">How badly do you want to travel? You can easily suck your account
dry going to an alcohol zone. There really are a lot of fun things that you can
do, without involving spending a fortune. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Wait
for the DVD</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Cinema prices are
ridiculous. The prices of snacks at the cinema are even more ridiculous...
Seriously... $8 for popcorn? Redbox is $1.50 a movie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Shop for
groceries with lists</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Always shop with lists
and don't sway from them... OR Shop online. I have taken recently to shopping
online and then picking up my order. I don't wonder through aisles so I'm not
tempted to throw anything extra into my cart, this also keeps the kids from
asking for junk food!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Have more
than one checking account</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I have a checking
account for paying bills and a checking account for everything else. The
"Everything Else" category means random spending money, the
less I spend, the more I have for travel. I also use this checking account when
I travel and transfer my travel savings into it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Have more
than one savings account</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I have 4 savings
accounts. Does that seem extreme? I don't like mixing money, so I have 4
accounts. I have automatic transfers into each of them. 2 of the saving
accounts are online savings accounts that I can't access immediately, it takes
3 or 4 days to wire transfer. Online accounts make it less likely for you to
take from them. The other two savings accounts are with the same bank I have my
checking accounts. The savings accounts I have are... 1) Emergencies 2) Travel
Savings. 3) Saving For a Property I want to purchase overseas (An online
savings acct) 4)Investment saving (I save up for awhile.. then invest the
money)(An online savings acct). The 2 banks that I use for online savings
are <a href="https://www.ally.com/?context=bank">Ally Bank</a> and <a href="https://www.banking.barclaysus.com/online-savings.html">Barclays Bank</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Keep
the change</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Attached to my 2
checking accounts is a savings opportunity from my bank called "Keep The
Change" (I bank with Bank of America). How it works, is every time I use
my checking account, the bank automatically rounds my money up to the next
dollar and deposits the money into a savings account of my choice. So if I make
a purchase for $21.50, my bank rounds it up to $22.00 and puts the extra .50
cents into my emergency savings account. It adds up really fast. If you don't
have a program like this offered at your bank, you can always save the money
yourself. And definitely always save your coins... My mom saved up for her
dream diamond ring in a year by saving her change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Stay out of Target</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Or Primark, Or
Walmart, Or Macy's, or the Mall... Or whatever store is your weakness. I love
Target, I will stroll the aisles and suddenly convince myself of needs, and give
in to a couple of wants too. I call Target the $100 store and Walmart the $50
store. Because I can't seem to walk out without spending money. So I stay out
of Target unless I need to go (New underwear anyone?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Buy
Quality Clothing and Shoes</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> It might surprise
people that I say you should buy name brand clothing. The thing is, if you keep
buying cheap clothing, you have to keep replacing it. It doesn't wash well, it
doesn't wear well, it shrinks, it loses shape and color. I always wait for
sales though. My daughter loves Hollister and they have regular 50% off sales.
My daughter also loves Converse (so do I) and I won't think twice about
spending good money on a leather pair of shoes or my son’s cowboy boots,
because I know they’ll last for years. Why keep replacing cheap clothing??
Spend your money on quality. Along with the quality items lasting, they will
have good re-sale value... a good way to make extra income.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Sell your crap! (And save the money)</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I am a big fan of simplicity,
I'm also a big fan of minimalism. I am in the process of deciding what I can
and can't live without. I have recently inherited nearly everything my mom
owned as well as many things from my dad, when he decided to sell his house and
move to Washington State. That aside, I do re-sell items in good condition that my kids outgrow. Though it doesn't make me a rich woman, I throw it in travel savings. The
cheapest way to resell things is to use craigslist, garage sale or facebook
selling groups, that way there are not shipping or selling fees. I do often use
Ebay though, even though there is a charge, it hasn't failed me yet and reaches a larger group of people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b><i><u>Work
part-time from home</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> It would be a dream
come true for me if I could work from home and travel when I wanted. But since I
haven't quite figured out how to do that and keep regular income coming in, I
work full time and then have a side business at home. I make and sell birdcakes and
sometimes I babysit.. Parents like someone that is experienced to watch their
children, so I will often pick up a few babysitting jobs right before an
expensive vacation.. Like this summer we are going to Greece and Italy.. We are
going to PAR-TAY!! And by party I mean go to at least 5 cities, do a lot of
sight seeing and eating out... So I save any extra money I make. There are so many
side businesses that you can do and actually enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> So there's the
answer. I do my best to not blow money, I just think to myself "You can
buy that, or you can travel"... Of course I buy clothes and needs. We all
get our hair cuts, and spa treatments before holiday, I'm not a complete miser... The kids and I are
always doing things together. Like I said, I'm not a big fan of
"stuff" but I do like pretty things and nice shoes, however, I don't
need 10 of everything and in every color. And there are tons of things to do
with my family without spending a lot of money. It's all about moderation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 24px; text-align: center;">Some fun free stuff to do </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFJJpoIkH_E/WmVwBDRjIsI/AAAAAAAAKnI/rhVDIDhKSpw2M_7UfDx8DHZtb5YPGfZpwCEwYBhgL/s1600/free-stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="660" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFJJpoIkH_E/WmVwBDRjIsI/AAAAAAAAKnI/rhVDIDhKSpw2M_7UfDx8DHZtb5YPGfZpwCEwYBhgL/s320/free-stuff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">(Or for very little money)</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Google
is your friend - Google Free things to do in your area</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Art
Galleries are often free</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Museums
are very often free</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Parks
are always fun</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Go
Hiking</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Go
to the Beach</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Invite
friends over and make dinner</span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Bake</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Rent
a Redbox DVD</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Have
a picnic lunch with the kids/family/friends</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Garden</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Go
Swimming</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Etc
Etc Etc</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">There
are so many things to do and still save money, just use your imagination. When we travel, that's
when we do a lot of things like try new restaurants, pay for special
exhibitions or visit monuments.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When
I talk about travel, it doesn't just have to be for an overseas trip for 2
weeks, we plan many weekend excursions as well. Or save up to go somewhere
local... For instance, Seattle is roughly an hour from us and we haven't
had the chance to explore it yet. I see many weekends there in our </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">immediate</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> future!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">If
you have ways that you save, or know of fun things to do that don't cost a
fortune, please share! I like to learn new ways of saving money for traveling!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I didn't want this post to be even longer than it is, so I will include a part 2...
ways I save to get the best deals when traveling, ways to save on accommodation and
plane tickets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Until
next time,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Tammy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-53066140788616403882018-01-21T01:31:00.000-06:002018-01-21T01:31:20.804-06:00Dairy Free Apple PieIs there anything better than warm apple pie? Apples and cinnamon piled on a flakey crust... Topped with a scoop of Vanilla almond milk ice cream?<div>
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<div>
For my family though, he problem was, apple pie crust is full of butter and so is the filling.</div>
<div>
I wanted to make an alternative that my dairy free son could also enjoy, but I didn't want to use just another veggie oil/fake buttery/loaded with soy alternative. Then my sister-in-law happened upon a brand called <i><u><a href="http://www.meltorganic.com/our-products/introducing-new-melt-organic-buttery-sticks/"><b>"Melt"</b></a></u></i>... She bought it for my son and we tried it. I was sold. </div>
<div>
This stuff is amazing and has made turning any recipe calling for butter, into a dairy free one. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The best part for me is that the ingredients are sustainably sourced!!! That's a huge deal! A lot of today's products are grown by destroying rain forests. It's refreshing that a company cares about our planet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The best part for my son... No Soy, No Dairy and organic! Before I go any further, I just want to say, I haven't been paid or coerced, nor do I work for the Melt company. It's just a really good product, and when I find something great, I share the news!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv_EnnOxezc/WmQ1X9Od4vI/AAAAAAAAKlY/VgDtl6-w1DUEfdpIoKFtHQqKCF1etOG6ACLcBGAs/s1600/BS-Front-Outline-12.12.15-1024x598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1024" height="230" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv_EnnOxezc/WmQ1X9Od4vI/AAAAAAAAKlY/VgDtl6-w1DUEfdpIoKFtHQqKCF1etOG6ACLcBGAs/s400/BS-Front-Outline-12.12.15-1024x598.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
I use Melt buttery sticks when I make apple pie and it's delicious. My son doesn't eat pie often, but I like to bake and cook dairy free anyway, so that my teen has a lot of choices and so that he doesn't accidentally eat anything loaded with dairy. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYn_jkSlIOE/WmQ2ggWeWSI/AAAAAAAAKlk/izQRIgr-S2EdsVu4NtEOwO4yFCUDV4gigCLcBGAs/s1600/20180107_162915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1208" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYn_jkSlIOE/WmQ2ggWeWSI/AAAAAAAAKlk/izQRIgr-S2EdsVu4NtEOwO4yFCUDV4gigCLcBGAs/s640/20180107_162915.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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There is nothing different about this pie recipe, the only change is the dairy free butter instead of real butter... And let me warn you, I'm not one of those bakers that has these perfect looking pies... but it sure was delicious!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qt_DfIhJYsA/WmQ23GKOlgI/AAAAAAAAKlo/DnApNZMzs5sTNL-x82oASb6npvoApHmzwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171123_140151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1591" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qt_DfIhJYsA/WmQ23GKOlgI/AAAAAAAAKlo/DnApNZMzs5sTNL-x82oASb6npvoApHmzwCLcBGAs/s640/20171123_140151.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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As you can see from my crust, I had to "patch" up a couple of areas... but no one sees the inside.</div>
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Did I mention it was delicious?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxyctCBpLc8/WmQ31VHChXI/AAAAAAAAKl4/eZVS_zph9MQSkrCBzaxiWQf84M4qP9mfQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171123_142511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1354" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxyctCBpLc8/WmQ31VHChXI/AAAAAAAAKl4/eZVS_zph9MQSkrCBzaxiWQf84M4qP9mfQCLcBGAs/s640/20171123_142511.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqJ7yA58qNA/WmQ4KIjVX9I/AAAAAAAAKl8/aZ3D8ajrW9oQ5mwPfoBiqJ9qZQO_Kj7UACLcBGAs/s1600/20171123_144921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1173" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqJ7yA58qNA/WmQ4KIjVX9I/AAAAAAAAKl8/aZ3D8ajrW9oQ5mwPfoBiqJ9qZQO_Kj7UACLcBGAs/s640/20171123_144921.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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My favorite top crusts are cut from shapes, with cookie cutters. I used a star one, a special cookie cutter that my mom used to use. I like playing around with new crusts, and I think this one turned out pretty...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkvrBEgYdus/WmQ4zvTgqWI/AAAAAAAAKmM/1RDGIVFgbMYFKhoenZBCyafvaZb4klqCQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180107_164240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1382" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkvrBEgYdus/WmQ4zvTgqWI/AAAAAAAAKmM/1RDGIVFgbMYFKhoenZBCyafvaZb4klqCQCLcBGAs/s640/20180107_164240.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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Before I baked the pie, I spread a little bit of melted "Melt" buttery sticks and a good dose of cinnamon sugar on the top</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4I4hH93mYF0/WmQ5JEHIhHI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/hw5VI0-MKyI1WUPAchWGZ7g-E14kRGMqACLcBGAs/s1600/20180107_164623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4I4hH93mYF0/WmQ5JEHIhHI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/hw5VI0-MKyI1WUPAchWGZ7g-E14kRGMqACLcBGAs/s640/20180107_164623.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<b><u>PIE FILLING</u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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7 Medium apples</div>
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9 TBSP Water</div>
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4 TBSP "Melt" Dairy Free Butter</div>
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2 Tsp Cinnamon</div>
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2/3 Cup Sugar</div>
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2 TBSP + 2 Tsp Corn Starch</div>
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1/2 Tsp Nutmeg</div>
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1/2 Tsp Salt</div>
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<br /></div>
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Peel, core and thinly slice apples. Melt Vegan/Dairy Free butter + cinnamon over Medium heat. Stir in apples, sugar and 6 TBSP Water. Cover and cook until apples are slightly softened. </div>
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In a small dish combine corn starch and 3 TBSP Water, add to the pan while stirring and continue to cool until apples are soft (not mushy) and filling has thickened. Let bubble one minute and then cool.</div>
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<b><u>PIE CRUST</u></b></div>
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2 Cups of Flour</div>
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1 Tsp Salt</div>
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2/3 cup "Melt" Dairy Free Butter</div>
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5-7 TBSP Water</div>
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<br /></div>
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Put flour in bowl. Using a pastry cutter, cut the dairy free butter into the flour. Add salt and water to flour mixture. Mix until dough is formed. Roll out on flat surface. Carefully put your rolled out pie crust into your pie pan, cutting off overlapping dough to add later for the topping. Prick the bottom of the pie crust in a couple of places, and pre-bake before adding pie filling. Bake at 350 Degrees until lightly brown. </div>
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Once the pie crust is slightly browned, add apple pie filling. Roll out remaining dough and shape/cut/place on top of your pie in any fashion you want. </div>
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Before baking your pie, brush melted Dairy free butter over the top, as well as generously spinkle cinnamon and sugar over your top crust.</div>
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Bake for roughly 20-25 minutes at 350 Degrees </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh3qvoCpqqY/WmQ9vcjWDWI/AAAAAAAAKmk/dbBTK4HkkS8hbXMtbovB4HiRwNfv64eHQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180107_171910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1600" height="544" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh3qvoCpqqY/WmQ9vcjWDWI/AAAAAAAAKmk/dbBTK4HkkS8hbXMtbovB4HiRwNfv64eHQCLcBGAs/s640/20180107_171910.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This pie was so good, why add the extra fat and dairy? I'll always make my apple pie, dairy free now</div>
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If you're a dairy free, vegan or vegetarian baker, please let me know, I would love to swap recipes!</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Tammy</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-11003035683408107372018-01-19T22:08:00.000-06:002018-01-19T22:08:47.525-06:00A walk in ParisParis.<br />
What does one say about Paris?<br />
May I say ... I had my doubts?<br />
I had worried that I built Paris up so much in my mind, that It wouldn't and couldn't live up to my expectations. My daughter had fallen in love with Paris, just by name. This city of love, had some how managed to capture the heart of my 12 year old daughter, by no help of my own. So of course, I worried as well, that she would be let down.<br />
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I planned that we would spend two full days in Paris and return back to Ireland, where we were vacationing, on the 3rd day. However, it was not meant to be, as I accidentally booked our tickets on the wrong day. I was so disappointed in myself for making such a ridiculous mistake and I felt bad for Hannah. I had to rebook our tickets at the airport, and by doing so, had to book to leave from another airport. What a day that was... We finally arrived at our AirBnB around midnight.<br />
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But alas, Hannah took everything in stride, as she's a very positive child. We got sleep and looked forward to our full day in Paris.<br />
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Since we only had one full day in the city, we wanted to make the most of it. So far, we had only seen Paris at night, by a bus from the airport and then a taxi. When we ventured up the street the next morning, I can only tell you, that I had to stop, and just take it all in. Here we are in a Paris, we have no real real idea where we even are and I'm just standing there gasping and saying to my daughter "Oh my gosh, look at these buildings!"<br />
Our first view of Paris...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYzpnVN6nSI/WmEiUzR1KLI/AAAAAAAAKd0/9CbJy7kD7rItfY8zR1L89iN_X0qmb7-mwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170710_052818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYzpnVN6nSI/WmEiUzR1KLI/AAAAAAAAKd0/9CbJy7kD7rItfY8zR1L89iN_X0qmb7-mwCLcBGAs/s640/20170710_052818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hannah and I discussed what we wanted to do most in Paris, for me it was the Lourve and as for my girl, she stated she wanted to see the Eiffel Tower and people watch! After finding our way to the Metro (Thank you citymapper) we headed to the stop closest to the Eiffel Tower. Though I have never been awed by the Eiffel Tower, I do have to say it's quite impressive in "real" life.<br />
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We decided not to climb the tower because of time, but we stopped for a short while, as my little lady wanted to ride the Merry-Go-Round (carrousel de la tour eiffel) near the Eiffel Tower.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--gT5HDuTrAM/WmEqLRt9P4I/AAAAAAAAKeU/yaQziPVch4MMeZYWu6Zi4662k_I1n79YACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_070508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--gT5HDuTrAM/WmEqLRt9P4I/AAAAAAAAKeU/yaQziPVch4MMeZYWu6Zi4662k_I1n79YACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170710_070508.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We had quick lunch from a small outdoor mobile cafe, I had a turkey and chili coleslaw sandwich, but my daughter turned her nose up at trying anything new... The French LOVE their Nutella, I swear you can get anything covered in that delicious chocolateness, but refusing to try anything new or eat the chocolate goodness... she only had french fries. I'll be honest, when it comes to food, I'm not the most adventurous person, but I'm not afraid of an interesting sandwich!<br />
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We crossed the bridge Pont De Lena that links the left bank where the Tower is to the right bank and the district of Trocadero. It's really not that long of a walk to the Lourve from the Eiffel Tower, but it would have taken us at least an hour, so we took a bus for part of the way, and walked part of the way.<br />
I can't stress how much the citymapper app has helped us when we travel, my phone service doesn't work overseas, but wifi is everywhere and that's all that's needed to use citymapper.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Walking along side the Seine (Port De Billy), allowed us to appreciate more of Paris. </span>For instance... A building covered in plants?</div>
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And this view of the river Seine...<br />
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Walking around Paris also allowed my daughter the opportunity to spot a clothing store called Pimkie, she got shoes and a shirt. She loved seeing how the young girls dressed and what the fashion was. I once adored fashion, now, at nearly 50, I'm no longer obsessed with the latest trend. However, if you're like my daughter and love fashion, Paris is definitely the place for you! The young girls and mature women alike were very tres a la mode! We both passed on the clear boots though, should I go back for them?</div>
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When you do get on the bus, you will be in shock by the traffic... why shock? Okay... surprise maybe? My experience is, if there isn't a lane, I'm pretty sure the French make one! </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PynUvG7Dneo/WmEwV4gVWWI/AAAAAAAAKf4/-8VZwbU1ElEHmVX5zTCunaw0DS0cFmLRgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170710_080325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PynUvG7Dneo/WmEwV4gVWWI/AAAAAAAAKf4/-8VZwbU1ElEHmVX5zTCunaw0DS0cFmLRgCLcBGAs/s640/20170710_080325.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Using Citymapper we knew where to take the bus and how long the journey would take and cost.</div>
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The Louvre is surrounded by a stunning building called The Louvre Palace, it is honestly extraordinarily beautiful. </div>
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And the Architecture outside of the Louvre Art Gallery? </div>
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Stunning</div>
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The Lourve was so crowded, it was hard to get pictures of any of the structures without 50 people standing around.<br />
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But we managed to get a few pictures with only a handful of people. July is a very busy time to go to Paris.</div>
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Many people were concerned for our safety when we told them we were flying to Paris, but I assure you, we felt very safe, there are armed guards almost at every turn, they are walking around and also in many of the Metro stations. I never once felt unsafe in Paris.</div>
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After the Lourve, we did a little more walking around, and decided to go to a cafe for dinner, so that my daughter could do her "people watching" as she likes to do. </div>
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We also poked around this beautiful building that had shops on the ground floor.</div>
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As we considered where we would eat, we came across a cafe that my 12 year old daughter insisted we should eat at.</div>
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Are you ready for her choice?</div>
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I mean... Are you sitting down?</div>
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Hannah wanted to go to McDonald's... In all of Paris! She spotted the familiar golden arches and said to me "Mom I want to eat at McDonald's, because at least I know what food is there</div>
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Except it was called "McCafe"</div>
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Alas, we did our "people watching" from the 2nd floor of the McDonald's. My daughter was happy, and this was a trip that was especially for her, so I was happy.</div>
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Knowing we had an early start the next day, we made our way back to our flat in the late afternoon, again... thank you citymapper!</div>
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The Louvre Metro station had beautiful statues on display and the metro stops we used,were all very clean. Take that dirty New York subways, take notes and learn!</div>
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We will return to Paris several more times, it's a city that must be soaked up many-many times, it's a destination that has much to offer for all ages. With round trip tickets from London as cheap as $50, I see no reason to spend several weekends in Paris.</div>
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Before I close this post, and my very humble writing on our day in Paris, I want to share with you some of the doors we passed. Like Dublin, Limerick and London, they were elegant and had their own personalities. </div>
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I hope you're having a great day,</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Tammy</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-88839206427912853812018-01-18T13:49:00.002-06:002018-07-10T21:46:46.169-05:00County Clare, Ireland (Part 2)Ireland has 32 counties, one of which I have been lucky enough to explore, courtesy of one of my very dear friends Hazel. She has put many miles on her car and we have shared much conversation, many laughs and cups of tea. We have been proper explorers and have also taken the children along for a few of our adventures!<br />
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The Island of Ireland is divided into 2 countries, 4 provinces and as mentioned above, 32 counties. The 2 countries, of course being The Republic of Ireland (an Independent State) and Northern Ireland. </div>
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I love the county of Clare, and I have barely even touched the edges of what it offers. I will tell you though, that it boasts some of the most breath taking cliffs. We drove by the Cliffs of Moher, but<br />
we didn't stop and climb to the side, but instead viewed their beauty from Doolin Pier. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><i>Doolin Pier</i></u></b> </span></div>
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Probably not a place that you would think would be suggested on a travel piece, I have been to the Doolin Pier a couple of times now, and the views are breathtaking. Doolin Pier is surrounded by beautiful land, the Atlantic ocean and The Cliffs of Moher.</div>
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A little shallow wading is okay, but keep in mind the ocean currents are very strong between the Doolin Pier and The Cliffs of Moher, no swimming allowed. </div>
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The rocks are fun to play on and climb, whether you're 3 or 63!</div>
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The summer day that we went was beautiful and warm, here's Hazel and our girls</div>
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<b style="font-style: italic; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Cliffs of Moher</span></b></div>
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If you prefer to climb up to the cliffs be sure to check the weather, upon writing this there was a wind warning and advisory not to visit the cliffs. Perhaps next time we will climb up to look over the cliffs, but we preferred to just sit on the rocks and admire it's beauty during this trip. Visit the <a href="https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/">Cliffs of Moher website</a> before you travel.</div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Burren</span></u></i></b></div>
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It's hard to explain the Burren, it's almost as if the rocks have grown like plants up through the land.</div>
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I wish I had more photos to share, but the first time we went to The Burren it was raining and the photos didn't come out well, and the 2nd time we went, it was sort of a drive by. So much to do, so much to see... </div>
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The final thing I will bring up about the County Clare and what you should do while in Ireland, is enjoy and admire... </div>
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<b><i><u>Irish Beaches</u></i></b></div>
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I've been to tropical beaches on Guam, and enjoyed the sand between my toes in Fort Lauderdale and The Florida Keys, and though the water isn't as warm in Ireland, I assure you the beaches are just as beautiful. Some are rocky and some are sandy. On this day we were in Fanore, Co Clare.</div>
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The water was warm enough for the children to enjoy and digging bare feet into sand is always my idea of the perfect pedicure!</div>
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You must agree, this beach is pristine and beautiful...<br />
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You must see the coast of Ireland for yourself, to truly appreciate its beauty.</div>
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If the photos weren't enough, here's a video as we drove part of the Atlantic Way</div>
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On a future trip, I would like to take my son Christopher, who has never been to Ireland, on a drive along the Great Atlantic Way, I need to get planning that!</div>
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My only hope in writing about County Clare, is to encourage you to also explore the magnificent country of Ireland!</div>
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Until next time, </div>
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Tammy</div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-24691521327179102292018-01-17T18:02:00.000-06:002018-07-10T21:47:51.605-05:00County Clare, Ireland (Part 1)County Clare is a county in the Northwest of Ireland and boasts of the beautiful Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, Dysert O'dea Castle, The Burren and beautiful beaches.<br />
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I have been lucky enough to visit Ireland 3 times now, and I can assure you, it's not enough. There isn't enough time to "vacation" in Ireland. Like seriously, the ruins, the people, the atmosphere... the peaceful beautiful green. It's not by chance that it's called the Emerald Isle. The last 3 times I visited Ireland, my home was in Texas (also known as the surface of the sun) where green often turned to brown. So the very rich green colors of Ireland, literally caused instant peace for me... I think green is naturally a soothing and kind color to look at. Don't you? Walking in the luscious grass is soothing and cool to the feet... you probably think that's a crazy thing to say, but not when you're from Texas and you can't EVER walk barefoot in the grass, the fear of fire ants is far too great!</div>
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I have a lovely friend that lives in Ireland, her and her family honestly treat us as if we are royalty when we visit. It's so funny that her little 5 year old boy calls us "The Americans". I especially love when he becomes political and tells me that Trump is a butt! I'm sure that the little guy will one day become Prime Minister of Ireland :)</div>
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I write like I think, and often a million things will pop in my head, so I apologize, as we aren't meant to be talking about Trump... I will now focus!!</div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Dysert O'Dea Castle</span></u></i></b></div>
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One of my favorite places to visit was <a href="http://www.dysertcastle.com/">Dysert O'Dea Castle, in Corofin</a>. It wasn't the largest or most magnificent castle, but it was quaint, full of expected history and winding small stairs. There is a lovely small (very small) place to buy refreshments, tea and locally made items. It costs around 4 Euro to enter</div>
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The castle was built the year I was born... haha! Seriously though, it's amazing but so hard for me to wrap my head around a date that was such a long time ago... 1 4 8 0!! </div>
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People were much shorter in the 1480's! Andy was just under 6 foot tall when this was taken... But I'm 5'8" and I had to duck as well.</div>
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Mind those stairs! Literally you step out of the room and you're on a stair! Hallways were surely designed shortly after :) </div>
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But the best part of O'Dea, was the walk we took on the lands of the castle, the walk is through beautiful lush fields of grass, and the way to the castle on the grounds.</div>
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You will make friends along the way...</div>
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The ruins of this Church were apparently founded in the 8th century</div>
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We also came upon the ruins of a home... We all agreed that it must be a loop! (You will only understand what a loop is, if you have read the books from Ransom Riggs, a 3 part series, the first book being "Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar Children)</div>
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<u><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bunratty Castle and Folk Park</span></b></i></u></div>
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<a href="https://www.shannonheritage.com/BunrattyCastleAndFolkPark/">Bunratty Castle</a> is a large castle, 4 times the size of O'Dea and it's on the grounds of many homes, animals and a small village. It's a depiction of life gone by. It's educational and fun and there are plenty of places to have a sandwich or/and a cup of tea. It will take you a few hours if you want to see the whole park, about 4 or 5 hours and it costs roughly 12 Euro per adult and 9 for a child, or you can buy a family pass for around 34 Euro. </div>
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I'm always amazed by the windows in castles, they are always narrow, hardly allowing for light. But I suppose it was cold and one only needed to see if there were others approaching.</div>
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More winding stairs, barely room to fit a foot!</div>
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And don't get thrown in the Dungeon!</div>
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More...Even smaller stairs! </div>
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We went to the very top, and even though my first visit was in the winter, the views were still spectacular.</div>
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The grounds are beautiful, and worth the time it takes to roam them</div>
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I have not even shown a fraction of what is on grounds of Bunratty, it's full of history and artifacts. You can go inside every home and see the dishes and furniture of the time as well.</div>
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Anyone that knows me, knows I love trees, and Ireland NEVER disappoints!</div>
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Even in the winter... Ireland is rich with green</div>
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And if you have the time, I suggest staying for the Medieval Banquet after hours, you will be served as if you were dining with an Earl. Keep in mind you will be eating with your fingers and a knife only... But you will drink mead, hear beautiful singing and playing of the harp. Just as if you were eating with royalty. The experience will cost you around 55 Euro.</div>
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The meal was delicious, it came out on huge platters for everyone to take what they like</div>
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No spoons, but you could use your bread for your soup or drink it from the goblet</div>
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You could also use the only utensil given to us, apparently knives were very much at the ready for meals back in time</div>
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However, Neither Hazel nor myself impaled ourselves or walked away bleeding, so it was a great night!</div>
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I should have just given up and used my fingers!! But you know... Manners!<br />
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So make yourself an Irish friend, or... Bring one with you to Ireland and get a move on to visit these castles... and when you do, don't forget to stop by a pub, any pub-- and have yourself some traditional bacon and cabbage... It's hearty and good for the soul!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-folAbmJgcwM/Wl_KWOt-SnI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/m6ScvDWLATI7w6AL3InSF3_Z4t8mTWBxQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0639%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-folAbmJgcwM/Wl_KWOt-SnI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/m6ScvDWLATI7w6AL3InSF3_Z4t8mTWBxQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0639%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you are having a great day,</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Tammy</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-74548515289616735432018-01-01T17:10:00.000-06:002018-01-01T17:14:23.738-06:00Souvenirs from ParisI like buying things that come from other countries, but I don't want a dust collector that will sit on a shelf, and collect, well. Dust. I like a more simplistically decorated home anyway. When I travel, I want something that will let me experience that country's culture. So very often, I buy Food! Wouldn't you agree, that food defines a culture? Even in the United States, each state has a famous food that defines them... Think Texas and BBQ or Philly Steak Sandwiches from Philadelphia. Though I can't bring back a hot meal I ate, I can go into the local grocery store and pick up things the locals purchase.<br />
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I also find that Magazines/Newspapers are great souvenirs. I love seeing how each culture decorates, dresses, cooks and seeing a different language in print, is just magical to me.<br />
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Speaking of magical, when it comes to Paris-- Whoa. There are some Verrrrry cool things to bring back. My biggest Paris regret? My daughter and I both brought carry-ons! Paris requires a full size suitcase if you're going to buy souvenirs. But alas, we bought, we stuffed, we crammed and we prevailed!! We found some great things for us, for family and for friends. I wanted to share these things with you, because if you have a trip planned to Paris, you can't go wrong with ANY of these items! </div>
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<b><i> <u>Madeleines</u></i></b>!!!</div>
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Oh my gosh, for a packaged food... These are DELICIOUS! There are many different flavors, of course.<br />
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My favorite was the chocolate covered madeleine, but the chocolate chip were good as well. My suggestion for these, is bring a small empty shoe box to Paris, you can keep your snacks from getting smashed, mine only barely made it home unscathed.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Gaufres Liégeoises </u>aka Chocolate covered waffles </div>
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These are divine. Like seriously, right now I can just taste them. They are individually wrapped as well, in case you want to buy a pack to share among many. I'm not embarrassed to say, that these didn't last long enough to make it back to the United States. </div>
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The Evian with lemon and elderflower was definitely worth a journey back home as well, but liquids are heavy and well... I just had this one for breakfast.<br />
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<u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Vegetable Sponges</u></div>
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Before we left for France, I had already decided I needed these in my life :), I love any product that is good for our planet, and these are made from vegetables! Which mean they go right back into our earth... Now, be forewarned, my sister in law was not amused by this gift, she even said to me "Oh thanks, I got sponges?!?! And I'm thinking, this is like the best thing since sliced bread! We can compost our sponges! It seems few people hold my enthusiasm for our planet. </div>
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<b><i> <u>Lutti Koila</u></i></b> aka Marshmallow Bears<br />
These were delicious. I don't know, maybe it's just that magical french touch? I'm sure the french are secretly enchanted. I know I can get chocolate covered marshmallows at home, but this was a great gift to bring home for a friends son, he loved them! </div>
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<u><i><b>Potato Chips</b></i></u></div>
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I am always amused by the Potato Chips/Crisps selection that every country loves, this flavor wasn't bad, and of course there were many to chose from. I'm being serious when I say, I have to always look at the chips! (Being American, I have to admit, we have to be the craziest for our flavors... Waffles and Chicken anyone? The British, I find are a close second... Take for instance, when Walkers did their Chili and Chocolate crisps!!)</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvlc4zBHMb0/WkqldSo92MI/AAAAAAAAKQ0/YYKa8cVFPiQDiJKybsLm5aLDFeSfRvTjwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170711_051636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1243" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvlc4zBHMb0/WkqldSo92MI/AAAAAAAAKQ0/YYKa8cVFPiQDiJKybsLm5aLDFeSfRvTjwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170711_051636.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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<u><i><b>Magazines</b></i></u></div>
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They need no explanation. I mean, magazines, are just cool. No... I can't read french, but I try, and I have google :) But I like seeing what other cultures want to read about. I found the French culture, to be much like ours, except the women, dress a heck of a lot better!! (I felt like the only one wearing Jeans and sneakers)</div>
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I didn't buy this one</div>
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But with the sinking Statue of Liberty and the name "Trump" in the same sentence, I could only guess the reporters are about as fond of Trump as I am. (Not very!)</div>
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<i><b><u>Hollywood Gum</u></b></i></div>
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Just some fun, that will fit in the suitcase!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pL0SLWXawRI/WkqdHzsY-LI/AAAAAAAAKPk/NLwrg-jBoasXSN_XKDubqWRe5_1X1JqwQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170710_163455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pL0SLWXawRI/WkqdHzsY-LI/AAAAAAAAKPk/NLwrg-jBoasXSN_XKDubqWRe5_1X1JqwQCLcBGAs/s640/20170710_163455.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>Candy</u></i></b></div>
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I found a lot of the candy that was also available in England and Ireland. Cadbury is a classic delicious chocolate sold in France. However, there are many french brands as well, I bought these. Hard caramel on a stick. They were good, and were oddly in the shape of a tear drop. Very interesting and fun to bring back. I shared them at work.</div>
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<u><i><b>Scarves</b></i></u></div>
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Last but not least of my Paris souvenirs. I love scarves, I love to wear them and they never go out of style, so I often buy them as souvenirs. I also like to buy a Sterling Silver charm for my travel bracelet, but the thing is, I couldn't speak french so I didn't know where to go to get a good quality charm. I did get this pretty scarf though and I couldn't pass up this pretty purse, though it's very cliche. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_iXJ-qwhbY/WkqhTSU6dTI/AAAAAAAAKQM/1lUo50GTTrktsWTLC2-ahaK1Um35qPVNQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170710_161941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1600" height="546" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_iXJ-qwhbY/WkqhTSU6dTI/AAAAAAAAKQM/1lUo50GTTrktsWTLC2-ahaK1Um35qPVNQCLcBGAs/s640/20170710_161941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My daughter is my official travel buddy and has been since 2015, I started a wanderlust in her that continues to grow. She loves to people watch and she loves fashion. She also loves Hoodies, before traveling she kept saying she wanted a Paris Hoodie... So we got her the hoodie and a couple of bits of French fashion.</div>
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Her brothers were not amused by her choice of T-shirt. Though we are all about equal rights for women, we do love men... geeze... calm down boys!!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tK3FvMK67Po/Wkqh9HJk_NI/AAAAAAAAKQQ/qImFDlHHezEVSJN02EMWEkbu78pVZse0gCLcBGAs/s1600/20170710_160919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1600" height="542" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tK3FvMK67Po/Wkqh9HJk_NI/AAAAAAAAKQQ/qImFDlHHezEVSJN02EMWEkbu78pVZse0gCLcBGAs/s640/20170710_160919.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I told her that she has the duck lips perfected... </div>
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She also HAD to have these shoes, they didn't have her size, so we got one size bigger, she said she would grow into them. How could I say no? We were, after all, buzzing on Paris! Both the shirt and the shoes were bought at <a href="http://www.pimkie.fr/">Pimkie</a> .. Since Hannah's favorite store is Holister, this was right up her alley. The Staff are friendly and it's easy to use your American Debit/Visa/Mastercard. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ff3NbsKEZqs/WkqilN_JvkI/AAAAAAAAKQY/Sv_IP0a6bkQ3LKdyYYU9DI0jTp7IaS-kwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170710_160829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1457" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ff3NbsKEZqs/WkqilN_JvkI/AAAAAAAAKQY/Sv_IP0a6bkQ3LKdyYYU9DI0jTp7IaS-kwCLcBGAs/s640/20170710_160829.jpg" width="582" /></a></div>
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Her Hoodie... It's her go to souvenir, and easy for me to buy her something if I go somewhere without her. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6GYbCDnmWVI/WkqkX7q1ZAI/AAAAAAAAKQo/ugN4A42oK9o7-hO4WT-x2qTLCpeqKVhRwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170710_164642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6GYbCDnmWVI/WkqkX7q1ZAI/AAAAAAAAKQo/ugN4A42oK9o7-hO4WT-x2qTLCpeqKVhRwCLcBGAs/s640/20170710_164642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were so many other things that I would have liked to bring home. We will go back to Paris, and when we do, I'm bringing an empty suitcase. Seriously. Same when I go to London.. I hoard Tea, Prawn Cocktail crisps, Cadbury and Galaxy Chocolate!</div>
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<b><i><u>Things to put on your list for your next trip to Paris</u></i></b></div>
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<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div>
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<b><i><u>Anaseed Drops</u></i></b></div>
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I wanted to buy Aniseed Drops, but I couldn't find any in the couple of shops we went into. I've read that they are a very popular and the tins are just adorable.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPI3RjDA0qQ/WkqrYmXXJXI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/vyinQx3Upucx7IYuQ9oQHBM2L5VgUUKBwCLcBGAs/s1600/anise1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="253" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPI3RjDA0qQ/WkqrYmXXJXI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/vyinQx3Upucx7IYuQ9oQHBM2L5VgUUKBwCLcBGAs/s320/anise1.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgHZWR5FCNo/WkqrVkQpDFI/AAAAAAAAKRM/-EoIaPbdp90mosQKf8rtl3PT2UlCq2fgQCLcBGAs/s1600/4a1612aaa216840f97bf23fbeadcf7a4--candies-tins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgHZWR5FCNo/WkqrVkQpDFI/AAAAAAAAKRM/-EoIaPbdp90mosQKf8rtl3PT2UlCq2fgQCLcBGAs/s320/4a1612aaa216840f97bf23fbeadcf7a4--candies-tins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>Chestnut Paste</u></i></b></div>
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I'm disappointed to say this is another thing that escaped me. Mind you we were only in Paris for 36 hours, but next time, I will go to a proper Supermarket.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeJa1-9cWO4/Wkqr6Wr1PjI/AAAAAAAAKRY/HPUPBBtf5FQ6psROMmtqkM7qpQL3i6I9QCLcBGAs/s1600/81GpPqTI89L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeJa1-9cWO4/Wkqr6Wr1PjI/AAAAAAAAKRY/HPUPBBtf5FQ6psROMmtqkM7qpQL3i6I9QCLcBGAs/s400/81GpPqTI89L._SL1500_.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<u><i><b>Macroons</b></i></u></div>
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I didn't actually have Macroons on my list. I know, it's a shame. But they are everywhere now, I actually purchased some at HEB in Texas. They are not just France favorites any longer. However, next time I am in France, I shall buy French Macroons.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5XgzxOuibQ/Wkqtt6rQtmI/AAAAAAAAKRk/AMf7TcGK1uUc61iFKQzLcn-8c1FSg3sVwCLcBGAs/s1600/Macaroons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="625" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5XgzxOuibQ/Wkqtt6rQtmI/AAAAAAAAKRk/AMf7TcGK1uUc61iFKQzLcn-8c1FSg3sVwCLcBGAs/s400/Macaroons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u><i><b>French Soap</b></i></u></div>
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I saw nothing as wonderful as these, but my research suggests, that French soap is some of the best in the world.. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YsG_rRna1nw/WkqvcpwRk2I/AAAAAAAAKR8/ed5durVOd8ctAgHzpcVYxocSWi4X3vpXQCLcBGAs/s1600/sdm-960x585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="960" height="390" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YsG_rRna1nw/WkqvcpwRk2I/AAAAAAAAKR8/ed5durVOd8ctAgHzpcVYxocSWi4X3vpXQCLcBGAs/s640/sdm-960x585.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And finally...</div>
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My biggest regret for not bringing a bigger suitcase.</div>
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<b><i><u>THE AMAZING SEASONINGS</u></i></b>!!</div>
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I know I can get seasonings at home, but to authentically buy them in a foreign country, and just look at these bottles, everything is inviting and beautiful. I stared at them a long time, knowing I could not fit another thing in. I was even secretly wondering how many I could fit in my purse and my daughter's backpack... but I slowly walked away, knowing I would return again.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBn8X_o0lSQ/WkqusuwHczI/AAAAAAAAKRw/GkrJ3z_AHj0wy_o97VErB0I16aLJRx_cQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170712_050105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBn8X_o0lSQ/WkqusuwHczI/AAAAAAAAKRw/GkrJ3z_AHj0wy_o97VErB0I16aLJRx_cQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170712_050105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There really had to be no explanation for these beauties!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kL8BLvIyIqQ/WkqusgucoxI/AAAAAAAAKR0/NueblPEPHiUBnNzIpus_F7XG_KTGzPacACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170712_050154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kL8BLvIyIqQ/WkqusgucoxI/AAAAAAAAKR0/NueblPEPHiUBnNzIpus_F7XG_KTGzPacACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170712_050154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On an amusing note...</div>
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The french children apparently love their sugar for breakfast, as much as American children!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgJkQ42wjto/WkqxOXgOdhI/AAAAAAAAKSM/2FobSzyMn-Q85bqvvTow8IqclilDhXiCQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170710_044424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgJkQ42wjto/WkqxOXgOdhI/AAAAAAAAKSM/2FobSzyMn-Q85bqvvTow8IqclilDhXiCQCLcBGAs/s640/20170710_044424.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When we were walking around one of the small corner stores, Hannah and I came upon this...</div>
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We stood there for quite some time, contemplating what this could possibly be.</div>
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Hannah said they were selling samples of blood, turns out,</div>
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It's Iodine! :) Haha... The beauty of traveling to different countries. Guessing some of the products on the shelves!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkmjs0WhL-4/WkqyanUeCcI/AAAAAAAAKSY/e8muS3uwl0o_DVJLdauyqer_WKiEUamugCLcBGAs/s1600/20170710_132112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="847" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkmjs0WhL-4/WkqyanUeCcI/AAAAAAAAKSY/e8muS3uwl0o_DVJLdauyqer_WKiEUamugCLcBGAs/s640/20170710_132112.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
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I hope you and your family have a prosperous and blessed 2018,</div>
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!</div>
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Tammy</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-47740243165819365162017-12-23T20:43:00.001-06:002017-12-23T20:45:24.770-06:00Eco-Friendly Gift WrappingWhat does an Eco-Friendly Christmas look like?<br />
Balance.<br />
Everything is in balance. Doing what you can, where you can.<br />
Being conscious of what we throw away. Being conscious of what we buy.<br />
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I'm not one of those Zero Waste people, (though I say kudos to them) though I do think of every single purchase I make. I also very often think about waste.<br />
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Name one time of year where waste if prominent and almost inevitable? Christmas.<br />
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I understand that the things that I do, as one person, probably won't have a lot of impact on the environment. But I'm also a firm believer that many people, working together to change something, can make an impact on the world. So this is my little bit of impact. I want to share it with you, so that together; we bring change.<br />
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I love Christmas, though the commercialism is not inviting to me, I do love all of the family gatherings, decorating the tree and wrapping the gifts. I don't save and refold every single piece of wrapping paper, and I only use paper/supplies/gift wrap that can be upcycled or recycled.<br />
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One of the hardest things for me to let go of, was curly ribbon. Oh how I love that stuff! I remember when I was a little girl and mom taught me the art of the curl. You know that technique, of zipping the back side of the scissors quickly against the ribbon... hearing that zzzzzzzzzziiiiiiiiiiipp, And Voila! A beautiful curled ribbon! Now I use wrapping paper and make my own. You just have to cut paper into strips and zip it just like curly ribbon and you'll have beautiful bow!<br />
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<b><i><u>PAPER BOWS</u></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icV75FElmYM/Wj71tSocGgI/AAAAAAAAKKg/Eb3RZKS05Gk0BkTju4oKWt_ZYSBJLxzOwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171125_195955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1335" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icV75FElmYM/Wj71tSocGgI/AAAAAAAAKKg/Eb3RZKS05Gk0BkTju4oKWt_ZYSBJLxzOwCLcBGAs/s640/20171125_195955.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
The best thing about (unlike traditional bows), paper bows you make yourself, they are completely recyclable.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuaIh3DkLdY/Wj71vLUmTqI/AAAAAAAAKKk/uA0PGRbhuDoMd5Q9Ls07CvtZjCU8MSfjQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171126_165658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1082" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuaIh3DkLdY/Wj71vLUmTqI/AAAAAAAAKKk/uA0PGRbhuDoMd5Q9Ls07CvtZjCU8MSfjQCLcBGAs/s640/20171126_165658.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
So I gave up regular, store bought bows.<br />
They can't be put into recycling.<br />
If you use bows or curling ribbon, they end up in a landfill. Used once and dumped. They are a waste of money and resources.<br />
Now you think I'm a scrooge... But...I love bows! If someone gives me a gift with one on, I save it. I reuse it. Now you think I'm cheap. Honestly, I'm not. I just really really really care about our environment!!<br />
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I also love bows made out of yarn, last year we made yarn pom-pom's, but this year we just tied our yarn into cute bows over and over.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DO4PQxwoD8/Wj794v0mtoI/AAAAAAAAKLQ/W9YzlNRM-i4mohaJu5Dg65F47ulFhA-IwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171218_131444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DO4PQxwoD8/Wj794v0mtoI/AAAAAAAAKLQ/W9YzlNRM-i4mohaJu5Dg65F47ulFhA-IwCLcBGAs/s400/20171218_131444.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are other ways, that I keep our Christmas eco-friendly<br />
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<b><u><i>GIFT BOXES</i></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3j284ezc-dk/Wj77Bpog1cI/AAAAAAAAKK0/ZW7TouX2wP8K0t0iB08NPzgEcJNO6gjhQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171202_171259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="987" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3j284ezc-dk/Wj77Bpog1cI/AAAAAAAAKK0/ZW7TouX2wP8K0t0iB08NPzgEcJNO6gjhQCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_171259.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
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I love gift boxes that can be used for decorations as well as gifts, the polka dot ribbon on this box is from a previous gift, how could I throw such a cute ribbon away? The yarn I used, is 100% cotton, therefore it can simply be put in a compost heap. Keep in mind, that the dye's on your yarn, may not be safe for compost, as it will end up back in our food supply. So remember to check your labels.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUg_7rQRYU4/Wj78pYpdPoI/AAAAAAAAKLA/8H4l0kTTWYMeSl4eN0bjKFYX01XlZ7m3QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171223_124915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1278" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUg_7rQRYU4/Wj78pYpdPoI/AAAAAAAAKLA/8H4l0kTTWYMeSl4eN0bjKFYX01XlZ7m3QCLcBGAs/s640/20171223_124915.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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All yarn and ribbon that I use, is 100% cotton.</div>
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The pretty boxes, I bought at the Dollar Tree. They sell them every Halloween and Christmas, I love them, as you can recycle them if you want after the holidays, but I keep them, I use them as decoration year after year and gift giving. They are also great for storing cookies!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56AKn9yebn0/Wj7-Lh3prPI/AAAAAAAAKLY/Wded5karJ6c-vXmvfrQf6ytuIEampHz3QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171218_131926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56AKn9yebn0/Wj7-Lh3prPI/AAAAAAAAKLY/Wded5karJ6c-vXmvfrQf6ytuIEampHz3QCLcBGAs/s640/20171218_131926.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the round ones for candy, glasses and rolled up t-shirts. They can be recycled after Christmas, or saved to store tree ornaments. These 3 were 3 foe $5 at Michaels. Towards the end of the season, they were only $1 each.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--2czY1pyx_E/Wj8FxySSQ7I/AAAAAAAAKMU/w2eukU7-12wR04rAq2uSEFeIp5NKuxFTACLcBGAs/s1600/20171202_185027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1388" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--2czY1pyx_E/Wj8FxySSQ7I/AAAAAAAAKMU/w2eukU7-12wR04rAq2uSEFeIp5NKuxFTACLcBGAs/s640/20171202_185027.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>GIFT TAGS</u></i></b></div>
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My lovely daughter decided to make us a lot of gift tags this year, she cut them out free hand, so they aren't perfect, but that's what makes them perfect! What is better than something made by a 12 year old? It just adds more love to the holiday. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MMeSd7-ojY/Wj79XJkpSNI/AAAAAAAAKLI/e-FlrUTNdQgipfV_SOouuLAITFCqLHgdACLcBGAs/s1600/20171223_124921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MMeSd7-ojY/Wj79XJkpSNI/AAAAAAAAKLI/e-FlrUTNdQgipfV_SOouuLAITFCqLHgdACLcBGAs/s640/20171223_124921.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Recyclable gift tags are very readily available. Anything cardboard or paper.</div>
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<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div>
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<b><i><u>TIN!</u></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8e_hJ-qN8ro/Wj7_uka19gI/AAAAAAAAKLk/t3FcQMTB4iIbEBzXNAj6qeAPvQhRUQObQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171202_160811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8e_hJ-qN8ro/Wj7_uka19gI/AAAAAAAAKLk/t3FcQMTB4iIbEBzXNAj6qeAPvQhRUQObQCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_160811.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seriously, how cute is this? This tin came with it's own ribbon. Again... Thank you Dollar Tree. When tins are used to give gifts, they are used for years and years by the recipient. I think every house has some sort of tin, with cookies, buttons or something stored in them. I used this tin to give the gift of jewelry, as it's a non-crushing container.</div>
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<b><i><u>USE ONLY PAPER THAT CAN BE RECYCLED</u></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfTYyZt21lg/Wj8BYwGR1uI/AAAAAAAAKL0/3qXkVZ4Fq1YlcQnVJpF2GiSBmVXhcTqMQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171218_162652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfTYyZt21lg/Wj8BYwGR1uI/AAAAAAAAKL0/3qXkVZ4Fq1YlcQnVJpF2GiSBmVXhcTqMQCLcBGAs/s640/20171218_162652.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
Remember to recycle your plastic!!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUFFH_2VuNw/Wj8BbiJ8UpI/AAAAAAAAKL4/xzSBaHt8mVsXfvoaZjtFvJe20YIPwFuzACLcBGAs/s1600/20171202_145655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUFFH_2VuNw/Wj8BbiJ8UpI/AAAAAAAAKL4/xzSBaHt8mVsXfvoaZjtFvJe20YIPwFuzACLcBGAs/s640/20171202_145655.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0ESW6Z3EbE/Wj8BSv26GWI/AAAAAAAAKLw/u7iMTqN2QnMTJwNNfPjQXNjdmiyAH7yYQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171202_173130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0ESW6Z3EbE/Wj8BSv26GWI/AAAAAAAAKLw/u7iMTqN2QnMTJwNNfPjQXNjdmiyAH7yYQCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_173130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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More reused ribbon... I have a thing for polka dots</div>
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<u><i><b>USE THE BAG THE STORE GIVES OUT</b></i></u></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMJYpNhlJxU/Wj8CFEarobI/AAAAAAAAKMA/L7IrixcZ0xIRslN7VWQ3o6T_GAkvmQdTgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171202_140420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMJYpNhlJxU/Wj8CFEarobI/AAAAAAAAKMA/L7IrixcZ0xIRslN7VWQ3o6T_GAkvmQdTgCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_140420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This drove my daughter crazy! She has only just started liking a store called "PINK" this year, they have cute clothes for young adults. However, they are owned by Victoria Secret, thus the bag! She knew she had something from PINK, so she is literally beside herself wanting to open it. All part of the Christmas fun! And NO... there is no sexy lingerie in here for a young girl, PINK sells a lot of sporty wear. Hannah got a hoodie. Since moving to Washington State, no one can have too many!</div>
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<b><i><u>REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS</u></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqZBih0Jd-0/Wj8E5s1i0hI/AAAAAAAAKMM/PRzuQ1ECFrcMrwtiHBznmaHPndS-JsVUQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171202_183701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1570" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqZBih0Jd-0/Wj8E5s1i0hI/AAAAAAAAKMM/PRzuQ1ECFrcMrwtiHBznmaHPndS-JsVUQCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_183701.jpg" width="628" /></a></div>
Almost every store now has reusable Holiday shopping bags. I take advantage of that, it's like giving 2 gifts, they can keep the bag for shopping. I apologize for the glare of the flash... It's clearly user error :)<br />
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<b><i><u>PAPER GIFT BAGS</u></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYfmyxPzTTU/Wj8GOTgvgQI/AAAAAAAAKMY/IUJ5kzHHZ3YE__ggI_PeNDBP5heYnJrKgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171126_161815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1268" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYfmyxPzTTU/Wj8GOTgvgQI/AAAAAAAAKMY/IUJ5kzHHZ3YE__ggI_PeNDBP5heYnJrKgCLcBGAs/s640/20171126_161815.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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Paper gift bags are easy, fast, recyclable, reusable and adorable!</div>
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My favorite... <b><i><u>BROWN PAPER BAGS OR BROWN PAPER WRAP</u></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NptpdhB88Jc/Wj8IEdOl2rI/AAAAAAAAKMk/weVbuoFztTAx-3dTstJcZBk5mWlgq1nswCLcBGAs/s1600/20171218_124054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NptpdhB88Jc/Wj8IEdOl2rI/AAAAAAAAKMk/weVbuoFztTAx-3dTstJcZBk5mWlgq1nswCLcBGAs/s640/20171218_124054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I prefer to cut up and re-use a paper bag, it makes me feel like I'm the saver of planet earth! (ha-ha)... Last year my sister-in-law actually asked me if I had run out of wrapping paper, she didn't see me as the saver of anything, I think she thought I was just being weird, she's used to my idiosyncrasies! My dad is old fashioned, So he didn't mind his gift in paper :)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gftd2qe805Y/Wj8IFvRTu2I/AAAAAAAAKMo/59qp7_1WOpgsCMFRuQk3sa_esQDbPVPawCLcBGAs/s1600/20171126_152011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1307" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gftd2qe805Y/Wj8IFvRTu2I/AAAAAAAAKMo/59qp7_1WOpgsCMFRuQk3sa_esQDbPVPawCLcBGAs/s640/20171126_152011.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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Just keeping it simple! </div>
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Ok. Ok. It's not pretty. But I love the look of an old fashioned Christmas as well.</div>
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The cat however, doesn't care what the gifts look like, he just wants in on the action!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEo0yP35Mo0/Wj8NJ5csltI/AAAAAAAAKM4/hZnOKDh6FCwzmnTtWKjpgweGIqZKXP2hwCLcBGAs/s1600/25593916_1486313384739921_6719988020160849429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEo0yP35Mo0/Wj8NJ5csltI/AAAAAAAAKM4/hZnOKDh6FCwzmnTtWKjpgweGIqZKXP2hwCLcBGAs/s640/25593916_1486313384739921_6719988020160849429_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not professing to be a guru on Environmental issues, but I am passionate about them. Everything the human race does, has an impact on our planet and the future generations we leave it for. I'm just trying to do my part, in my little corner of the world.</div>
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I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season and an Amazing 2018!</div>
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Tammy x</div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-77627902786015183022017-12-01T21:50:00.002-06:002018-01-07T17:09:11.155-06:00Dairy Free Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream FrostingI have been on the quest for Dairy Free Food, since my son was diagnosed with a dairy allergy in 2015. Many people confuse this with being Lactose Intolerant. But he actually has, a full blown allergy to dairy. So since then, I have learned to cook dairy free, and I have also learned how to read a label with a fine tooth comb.<br />
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So in my quest, I have signed up for a few vegan recipe emails. Even though we aren't Vegans, I have come across some great desserts. I have tweaked them, as I'm not opposed to using eggs, but I have to tell you, Vegans know how to do some great desserts!</div>
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On to the pumpkin cupcakes... I'm not a big pumpkin fan, but my dairy free teenager is, so when I saw this recipe I had to try it. And it's DELICIOUS! I even thought so, the pumpkin isn't over powering, there is just a hint of pumpkin flavor.<br />
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Whenever I come across something that's dairy free and mouth watering, I have to share it!</div>
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I will do just that... Here's some deliciousness for you...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujOlf3EyNbI/WiISnO3pZpI/AAAAAAAAKJE/npiv5spynssY5AgmPF5H08X6SG7ck-6lACLcBGAs/s1600/20171112_164000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1312" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujOlf3EyNbI/WiISnO3pZpI/AAAAAAAAKJE/npiv5spynssY5AgmPF5H08X6SG7ck-6lACLcBGAs/s640/20171112_164000.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>DAIRY FREE PUMPKIN CUPCAKES</u></i></b></div>
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2 cups all purpose flour</div>
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1 cup brown sugar</div>
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1/2 cup white sugar</div>
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1 tsp baking soda</div>
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1 tsp baking powder</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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3 1/2 tsp cinnamon</div>
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1 1/2 cups pumpkin pie filling</div>
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1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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1/4 cup olive oil</div>
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</div>
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1 egg</div>
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Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.</div>
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Mix the sugars, pumpkin pie filling, vanilla extract, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and egg in a mixing bowl. In a 2nd bowl mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and pumpkin pie spice. When both bowls of ingredients are individually mixed, combine the sugar mixture into the flour mixture and mix thoroughly. The batter will be thick, much like a muffin mix.</div>
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Line your cupcake pan with liners and divide batter evenly between them. I found that the batter makes 12 perfect large cupcakes.</div>
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Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick poked into the center of one of the cupcakes, comes out clean. </div>
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Transfer to a rack, and let cool completely before frosting.</div>
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<b><i><u>DAIRY FREE CINNAMON BUTTERCREAM FROSTING</u></i></b></div>
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3 cups powdered Sugar</div>
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1/3 cup vegan butter (we love smart balance)</div>
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1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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1 tsp cinnamon</div>
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2 tbsp plain almond milk</div>
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Combine all of the frosting ingredients in a bowl, mix with an electric mixer on low speed to start, working up to a regular speed, keep mixing until frosting is smooth.<br />
Spoon frosting into a bag and pipe on top of the cupcakes.<br />
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Sprinkle with crushed pecans and cinnamon sugar.<br />
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This frosting is super rich and oh so sweet and delicious! </div>
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In my wildest dreams, I wish that these were fat and calorie free as well :) But not everything in life can be perfect... right? </div>
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I will say that the cupcakes bake quite thick, but not as thick as a muffin. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dt2__2X55nA/WiIheLZOKgI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/TDB5hEB3D4E-C0tCZVbPzuA0U2_lbORWACEwYBhgL/s1600/20171112_141154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dt2__2X55nA/WiIheLZOKgI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/TDB5hEB3D4E-C0tCZVbPzuA0U2_lbORWACEwYBhgL/s400/20171112_141154.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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The dairy free alternative that we prefer to use, there are several different options to choose from</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcpoe1-yzW0/WiIhJ_q6F1I/AAAAAAAAKJ4/SZq8SCMKLm0UffVMFwC3Yazu0-fHkJqBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20171112_162336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1122" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcpoe1-yzW0/WiIhJ_q6F1I/AAAAAAAAKJ4/SZq8SCMKLm0UffVMFwC3Yazu0-fHkJqBwCEwYBhgL/s400/20171112_162336.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzIRJYd8rfg/WiIhNKCs_CI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/JxFGdodHN4EhCp-ZpxiCcfQkhw4PjDbngCEwYBhgL/s1600/20171112_163121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1075" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzIRJYd8rfg/WiIhNKCs_CI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/JxFGdodHN4EhCp-ZpxiCcfQkhw4PjDbngCEwYBhgL/s400/20171112_163121.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Ahhh... Sugar sugar and more sugar</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3pBwIX9jV4/WiIhSnTKd_I/AAAAAAAAKJ4/AlFak2OKC0sFBUZBZRUwTqH0aquRX0G7gCEwYBhgL/s1600/20171112_174042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1600" height="564" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3pBwIX9jV4/WiIhSnTKd_I/AAAAAAAAKJ4/AlFak2OKC0sFBUZBZRUwTqH0aquRX0G7gCEwYBhgL/s640/20171112_174042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQePWuR1d5U/WiIhSjAUb-I/AAAAAAAAKJ4/GQwfGRgLN0c_XJxqxa7SfXuGxZqkZNYYACEwYBhgL/s1600/20171112_174049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1086" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQePWuR1d5U/WiIhSjAUb-I/AAAAAAAAKJ4/GQwfGRgLN0c_XJxqxa7SfXuGxZqkZNYYACEwYBhgL/s640/20171112_174049.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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Just call me Betty Crocker!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoQTuBci7GM/WiIhScihUqI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/Yu6II2J-EdU6fzRCYVt91Eib6KVjMPuIACEwYBhgL/s1600/20171112_164016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1399" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoQTuBci7GM/WiIhScihUqI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/Yu6II2J-EdU6fzRCYVt91Eib6KVjMPuIACEwYBhgL/s640/20171112_164016.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
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If you bake these, you won't regret it!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBnGeFf0HDg/WiIhUlbNMvI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/nyqfKL_KnTYpWJpSJJ7UhU6uLd-CYXCfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG-20171112-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="747" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBnGeFf0HDg/WiIhUlbNMvI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/nyqfKL_KnTYpWJpSJJ7UhU6uLd-CYXCfQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG-20171112-WA0002.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
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I did tweak this recipe, but the original came from <a href="https://lovingitvegan.com/pumpkin-cupcakes/">Loving it Vegan</a> I did ask for her permission, before using her recipe on my blog, tweaks and all!</div>
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I hope you have a wonderful weekend, It's December, It's the final countdown to Christmas! Have a wonderful weekend.</div>
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Tammy x</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-81738365994496962312017-11-27T23:49:00.000-06:002017-11-27T23:49:14.474-06:00Homemade Baked Cinnamon OrnamentsThe desire to write and get back into the blogging world over came me, I thought I would have all the time in the world, since moving to Washington State from Austin, Texas. Especially while looking for work. Well. I was wrong. That whole "time" thing, didn't end up being consumed with blogging.<br />
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I found, that since I was home again, even if it were just for a brief time, I started doing some of the things that I have always wanted to do. Like bake! I have friends that bake, and I was quite happy to let them do all of the kitchen duties, until one of my sons became Dairy Free. Now I'm always on the look out for Dairy Free options, and have now had the time to cook and bake them! I've had a lot of fun, I forgot how much I like to be in the kitchen. Ironically, these ornaments are Dairy Free as well, but DO NOT EAT THEM. No no no. Not for eating! In future posts, I would like to share the edible versions of my dairy free baking.<br />
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I love making Christmas ornaments, I think it gives the holiday an old fashioned feel. Every year I make and give away ornaments. This year, with the ornaments I chose to make, it will be hard to send them in the mail, but I will enjoy having these lovelies on our tree and They smell DIVINE!!<br />
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When the ornaments are baking, the whole house smells of cinnamon. I have a thing for cinnamon, I love the smell of it and the taste of it... I can't get enough cinnamon!</div>
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These ornaments smell good enough to eat, but again... these ornaments are <i><b>NOT Edible.</b></i><br />
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To make them you will need a lot of cinnamon, so these are not the cheapest ornaments to make, but they are worth every penny. Did I mention they smell exquisite? </div>
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There are 2 mandatory ingredients for this recipe, but I also added Ground Cloves. </div>
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<b><i><u>Mandatory Ingredients</u></i></b><br />
1.5 Cup Cinnamon<br />
1 Cup Applesauce<br />
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<i><b><u>Optional Ingredient</u></b></i><br />
1 Tbsp Ground Cloves<br />
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You can purchase very large containers of cinnamon at Walmart for around $8<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mF6pC6jNU9E/Whzt_X6wLPI/AAAAAAAAKHA/Z8O9wuHBx_sIoQEjOCiPx2onBwIKQPOUQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171116_151148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1129" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mF6pC6jNU9E/Whzt_X6wLPI/AAAAAAAAKHA/Z8O9wuHBx_sIoQEjOCiPx2onBwIKQPOUQCLcBGAs/s400/20171116_151148.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
This is not a specific recipe, you can play around with it a lot. You need to mix the 3 ingredients until a ball forms, (as if you were making bread). If it's too sticky, add cinnamon and if it's too dry, add applesauce.<br />
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Before you begin to flatten your ball of cinnamon ornament dough, make sure that you have a surface covered in cinnamon, you will need a lot of cinnamon for the rolling out. I even had to rub cinnamon on my rolling pin and some of the cookie cutters, as the dough is very sticky.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQTtTrb7zKI/WhzuP2CDi5I/AAAAAAAAKHI/_p90hHKSd1gUEj1d9bCtRfHFSaOA84e6wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171116_152111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1275" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQTtTrb7zKI/WhzuP2CDi5I/AAAAAAAAKHI/_p90hHKSd1gUEj1d9bCtRfHFSaOA84e6wCLcBGAs/s400/20171116_152111.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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It's very messy, but a lot of fun!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh9vIbBj9Cc/WhzuOxo_BfI/AAAAAAAAKHM/rn1X2uYcVu04yrbrdqY4EDCjKvdcxOhLgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20171116_152209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1322" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh9vIbBj9Cc/WhzuOxo_BfI/AAAAAAAAKHM/rn1X2uYcVu04yrbrdqY4EDCjKvdcxOhLgCEwYBhgL/s640/20171116_152209.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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I played around a bit with the thickness of my dough, the nicest ornaments were the ones that I cut roughly half an inch thick.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKBtSI4cM3M/Whzv0GjfKeI/AAAAAAAAKHU/PiNe9dc1m20K2vsG3JjDybI0vzBI4UbqACLcBGAs/s1600/20171116_153646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1466" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKBtSI4cM3M/Whzv0GjfKeI/AAAAAAAAKHU/PiNe9dc1m20K2vsG3JjDybI0vzBI4UbqACLcBGAs/s640/20171116_153646.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
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I used regular Christmas cookie cutters, but I also used some vintage cutters. It was the first time I have used the vintage cookie cutters since inheriting them from my mom. She used to always complain about the dough getting stuck in them. I can now relate! But I just dusted the cookie cutters with cinnamon, and it worked... mostly!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UIlysQWA78M/Whzw9UDuUyI/AAAAAAAAKHg/gfcPkqBfiW85S0ezigxb1MJtBmwFs0S4ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171116_152420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1532" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UIlysQWA78M/Whzw9UDuUyI/AAAAAAAAKHg/gfcPkqBfiW85S0ezigxb1MJtBmwFs0S4ACLcBGAs/s640/20171116_152420.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
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Then other times, it didn't work...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52nRABViZjI/Whzw-SE3DpI/AAAAAAAAKHk/ysXMh1mipvcDA2NI4bw_i6suDEkSMxTDwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171116_154357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1073" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52nRABViZjI/Whzw-SE3DpI/AAAAAAAAKHk/ysXMh1mipvcDA2NI4bw_i6suDEkSMxTDwCLcBGAs/s640/20171116_154357.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Even when they finally came unstuck, there were sometimes casuallties...</div>
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Poor Cinnamon dough boy.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKkH6gkOnCM/Whzw_blqnhI/AAAAAAAAKHo/xAfq8_w_7GwaWWNev2PYIoB7oleKLCWpQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171116_154427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1095" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKkH6gkOnCM/Whzw_blqnhI/AAAAAAAAKHo/xAfq8_w_7GwaWWNev2PYIoB7oleKLCWpQCLcBGAs/s640/20171116_154427.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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Once all ornaments have been cut, place them on top of parchment paper, on a cookie sheet.</div>
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Before baking, don't forget to poke a little hole in each one. I used the tip of a chopstick, it was the perfect sized hole.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4qVBADHU5Y/Whzxp--E2OI/AAAAAAAAKHw/IOqXonV_OAsMow0moAFEj1pniVJRlYF0ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171117_153137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4qVBADHU5Y/Whzxp--E2OI/AAAAAAAAKHw/IOqXonV_OAsMow0moAFEj1pniVJRlYF0ACLcBGAs/s640/20171117_153137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bake at 200 degrees for about an hour and a half. Take them out once they are rock hard. The whole house will smell of deliciousness.</div>
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And seriously... How cute are they?</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S44w0IqthH8/WhzyEe4iUNI/AAAAAAAAKH4/kGhOzn8Etpw2dNy3eJMCw7gQePSZynjEgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171117_153221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1600" height="505" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S44w0IqthH8/WhzyEe4iUNI/AAAAAAAAKH4/kGhOzn8Etpw2dNy3eJMCw7gQePSZynjEgCLcBGAs/s640/20171117_153221.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The ones I cut out with the vintage cookie cutters, were especially adorable.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFqQk7ggi58/WhzyHRbdFAI/AAAAAAAAKH8/SOeSuWZNDjIW6ttGAcXovx6WD02Hw8EqQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171117_153216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1306" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFqQk7ggi58/WhzyHRbdFAI/AAAAAAAAKH8/SOeSuWZNDjIW6ttGAcXovx6WD02Hw8EqQCLcBGAs/s640/20171117_153216.jpg" width="521" /></a></div>
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After they cool, string them up...</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWoOssR4s7w/WhzzANTPKFI/AAAAAAAAKIU/V8CDkJKXzu4vmSyvQvNNwRtlBGSlgLOZwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_100953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWoOssR4s7w/WhzzANTPKFI/AAAAAAAAKIU/V8CDkJKXzu4vmSyvQvNNwRtlBGSlgLOZwCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_100953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made a star garland as well... I hung it on the wall as a decoration, I'm thinking it would look good on the Christmas tree as well.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1yjz-OJy6A/Whzy9HLM-tI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/607ROJQZhYcfCeGootJ8ZgyMRJ8F5L27QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_001524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1yjz-OJy6A/Whzy9HLM-tI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/607ROJQZhYcfCeGootJ8ZgyMRJ8F5L27QCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_001524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the first time I have made these ornaments, so I don't know how long they will last, but they are really sturdy, I haven't had one break and I have a feeling that they will last for years. They smell great as well!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NX9tVQhNsNM/WhzzgJ-kJfI/AAAAAAAAKIc/z6A4evzAH7YcAmGF8mTMpcGUDidJKqbdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171118_224707_533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NX9tVQhNsNM/WhzzgJ-kJfI/AAAAAAAAKIc/z6A4evzAH7YcAmGF8mTMpcGUDidJKqbdACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171118_224707_533.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZGM0cp1gcI/WhzzganuHXI/AAAAAAAAKIg/M1Xir_ljad8TIoxUmwsKNNZN4uFXNKU1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171118_224352_404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZGM0cp1gcI/WhzzganuHXI/AAAAAAAAKIg/M1Xir_ljad8TIoxUmwsKNNZN4uFXNKU1wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171118_224352_404.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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I love an old fashioned looking ornament, and these do just the trick</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0JLp3lhHZI/WhzzjRDQU4I/AAAAAAAAKIk/BFLH4ILH5LQUhpuoXf34TMzu1M87Qci9wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171125_182642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0JLp3lhHZI/WhzzjRDQU4I/AAAAAAAAKIk/BFLH4ILH5LQUhpuoXf34TMzu1M87Qci9wCLcBGAs/s640/20171125_182642.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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If you make your own cinnamon/applesauce ornaments, please let me know, so I can see how yours turned out!</div>
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I hope you're having a wonderful Christmas season!</div>
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Tammy </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Original adaptation from <a href="http://www.completelydelicious.com/homemade-cinnamon-ornaments/">here</a></span></div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-88579328739553638562017-11-12T01:56:00.001-06:002017-11-13T13:23:31.147-06:0050 Words<div dir="ltr">
My 50 Words</div>
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1. Mother<br />
2. Friend <br />
3. Sister <br />
4. Daughter <br />
5. Traveler <br />
6. Encourager <br />
7. Optimist <br />
8. Funny <br />
9. Dreamer <br />
10. Environmentalist <br />
11. Feminine <br />
12. Kind <br />
13. Generous <br />
14. Blessed <br />
15. Recycler <br />
16. Upcycler <br />
17. Curious <br />
18. Organized <br />
19. Intelligent <br />
20. Fun <br />
21. Reader <br />
22. Writer <br />
23. Explorer <br />
24. Strong <br />
25. Lover <br />
27. Tenacious <br />
28. Sporadic <br />
29. Emotional<br />
30. Crafter <br />
31. Crocheter<br />
32. Blogger<br />
33. Protector <br />
34. Devoted<br />
35. Reliable<br />
36. Snorer <br />
37. Saver<br />
38. Investor<br />
39. Listener<br />
40. Thinker<br />
41. Artist<br />
42. Believer<br />
43. Prayer <br />
44. Snuggler<br />
45. Professional <br />
46. Stubborn<br />
47. Communicator <br />
48. Friendly<br />
49. Student<br />
50. Eager</div>
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I feel these are my 50 Words.<br />
They describe me.<br />
What are your 50?</div>
tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-17630293411198105162017-11-09T21:11:00.001-06:002018-01-01T21:06:17.767-06:00Travel Destinations 2018Whenever I can see a new year creeping in on the horizon, the only thing that I can think of, besides "Did this year go fast, or is it just me?".. I always consider my travel destination. Where I want to go, What I want to see, Where I want to take my children and how many places can I afford to visit?<br />
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My 15 year old has taken to telling me, as of late, that traveling is just wasting my money. After I passed out cold, I came to, and let that statement settle in my brain cells for a few seconds. The thing is, and I told my son, this IS what I want to spend my money on. I want to travel. I want to see things. I want to meet new people. I want to take trains, planes, buses and boats! The inside of an airport isn't stressful to me, it's electric energy! Fully charged with eager people, waiting to reach dream destinations! (Business travelers may disagree :)</div>
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Though I have not yet worked out all of the dates, as any mom I have to work around school dates, schedules and work. I know that these are some of the places we want to travel this year. My 12 year old daughter is a huge collaborating force in where I travel these days. She loves to travel, honestly, I thought I was a wanderluster. I've created quite the little travel bug.</div>
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So here we go.</div>
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In <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">January</span></i></b>, I like to bring the new year in while in London, that won't change this year. I spend Christmas with my children and then leave on Boxing day for London.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNkKyniQH-c/WgTccP-bKQI/AAAAAAAAKFU/weh8tBHumloe9sja2sNkaJVtDFAq08tVgCLcBGAs/s1600/NYELondon_iStock_franckreporter_www.istockphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNkKyniQH-c/WgTccP-bKQI/AAAAAAAAKFU/weh8tBHumloe9sja2sNkaJVtDFAq08tVgCLcBGAs/s640/NYELondon_iStock_franckreporter_www.istockphoto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">February</span></i></b>, Hannah and I are planning on freezing our buns off a bit and flying to Iceland, because seeing the northern lights would be phenomenal! I haven't seen them since I lived in Maine in the early 80's.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgIeGi2hvGg/WgO9qAgxY0I/AAAAAAAAKDw/-4CUGHjqQPU0CGDvkvuj90w_acvJLhPqwCLcBGAs/s1600/best-time-see-northern-lights5-1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1500" height="570" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgIeGi2hvGg/WgO9qAgxY0I/AAAAAAAAKDw/-4CUGHjqQPU0CGDvkvuj90w_acvJLhPqwCLcBGAs/s640/best-time-see-northern-lights5-1500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo from <a href="https://www.extremeiceland.is/en/">The Extreme Iceland Website</a></span></div>
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In <b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">March</span></i></b> I want to do a couple of local trips. We only just moved to Washington State 3 weeks ago and I found out today that there is a glass museum in Tacoma. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtrKoRiiZPs/WgSkVru3lEI/AAAAAAAAKEY/w8AJrLZHOM0uQSukYnszE5WTy3YYNQDegCLcBGAs/s1600/hagen_1202271_171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtrKoRiiZPs/WgSkVru3lEI/AAAAAAAAKEY/w8AJrLZHOM0uQSukYnszE5WTy3YYNQDegCLcBGAs/s640/hagen_1202271_171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OrqNDICjUcY/WgSkYUxn4lI/AAAAAAAAKEc/AIi1W8Nlm2YDCJXB9YkVAHW9a5t9qmH3ACLcBGAs/s1600/tacomabridgeofglass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OrqNDICjUcY/WgSkYUxn4lI/AAAAAAAAKEc/AIi1W8Nlm2YDCJXB9YkVAHW9a5t9qmH3ACLcBGAs/s640/tacomabridgeofglass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Complete need right? Need to visit! The good news is it's only 30 minutes drive from us and there is a Natural History Museum as well. So Tacoma it is. I have actually heard negative things about this small city, so I'm intent on finding the good!</div>
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We will also be going to Seattle in March. I figure after a very long winter, Seattle will be just the ticket. I mean, who doesn't want to see the gum wall? I'll instinctively complain about how gross it is, and then add my very own chewed piece :) </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MAcuMz7Lwo/WgTJZPJrMuI/AAAAAAAAKEs/z5VQEbNBOiAtHttLGduq9exKtHc7hYSNQCLcBGAs/s1600/920x920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="920" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MAcuMz7Lwo/WgTJZPJrMuI/AAAAAAAAKEs/z5VQEbNBOiAtHttLGduq9exKtHc7hYSNQCLcBGAs/s320/920x920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then there is the Pike Market, Space Needle and another glass museum.</div>
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This one looks phenomenal</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XP798HgWzQ0/WgSeVEGBq_I/AAAAAAAAKEM/tEzkmr4VPbgZ4UpvOvY1EEGUd_KOKkXigCEwYBhgL/s1600/fixedw_large_4x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1224" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XP798HgWzQ0/WgSeVEGBq_I/AAAAAAAAKEM/tEzkmr4VPbgZ4UpvOvY1EEGUd_KOKkXigCEwYBhgL/s640/fixedw_large_4x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S__LZ27EDsI/WgSeXsjDt8I/AAAAAAAAKEM/9OohIF_2oR4I3Gon2RNlrqAHDf01OY6UQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fixedw_large_4x%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1224" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S__LZ27EDsI/WgSeXsjDt8I/AAAAAAAAKEM/9OohIF_2oR4I3Gon2RNlrqAHDf01OY6UQCEwYBhgL/s640/fixedw_large_4x%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images from <a href="https://www.trover.com/d/SpRd-chihuly-garden-and-glass-seattle-washington">The Trover Website</a></span></div>
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I'm super excited about what I'm planning for <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">April </span></i></b></div>
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I'm planning a trip to Juan Island to Whale Watch! It's like a serious check off of the ole bucket list, it's right up there with watching Sea Turtles hurry back to sea after hatching. I'm seriously beside myself!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1cBrWLGZdQ/WgTYFO6nYzI/AAAAAAAAKE8/DX-a9cUjEl4dr6gq_NG9OqXfaQwZuMLeACLcBGAs/s1600/killerwhales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1000" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1cBrWLGZdQ/WgTYFO6nYzI/AAAAAAAAKE8/DX-a9cUjEl4dr6gq_NG9OqXfaQwZuMLeACLcBGAs/s640/killerwhales.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To be honest, <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">May</span></b></i> is still undecided. It's my birthday month, and I just don't know where I want to go! I'll poke into London at some point... I'm sure... Maybe I will just hang around home. Maybe. </div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">June</span> </i>is the Red Wood forest in California ... More super excitement. I have a thing for trees. They are true loves. There is one right outside my friends house in Ireland that I adore and another one by Tower Bridge that I love. Honestly, I'm not a weirdo. I just love trees!<br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">July and August </i>is all about the kids, it's summer vacation... and since we are in a new State. We are going to explore Washington. On the Agenda... Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helen, Ruby Beach and Olympic State Park<br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">August </i>brings us Europe. Hannah and I will be creeping our way through Europe again. 2018 we are going to Greece (Athens and Santorini) and Italy (Venice and Rome). We are slowly making our way around Europe, in summer 2017 we went to Limerick and Paris, it was our second trip to Limerick, and yes... we will go again. There is just something about Ireland, it's breathtaking and peaceful. </div>
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The coming year though, it's Greece and Italy. There aren't enough adjectives in the world to describe our elation!<br />
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Is there anything more exciting than packing, knowing you're going on an incredible journey? Almost all travel is educational, but this one will be especially educational for myself and my daughter. Roman and Greek history? I can hardly contain myself!</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">September, October, November, December</span></i></b></div>
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Very often, we enjoy the holidays with family. Family is very important to me and I like the holidays to be ground in tradition. The older the kids get, the more I would rather have experiences for them, instead of presents under the Christmas tree, but with having 5 kids, 3 already adults, those experiences aren't always easy to arrange. So I'm often playing these 3 months by ear. Because I know at some point, I will be able to spend time with all of them. We live in different States, so travel will be involved some how. </div>
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I have a real itch to go to Boston and Charleston as well. </div>
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Maybe I'll win the lottery and be able to squeeze them in! </div>
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So many places to go!</div>
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So few days off of work :)</div>
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Thanks for stopping by,</div>
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Tammy</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911900515801263690.post-76978442651129005302017-11-07T00:37:00.001-06:002017-11-07T00:37:28.091-06:00Under The Sea Birthday Party<div class="MsoNormal">
Ahhhh… the things my gorgeous little girl talks me in to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For her 12<sup>th</sup> birthday, she insisted that she
wanted highlights in her hair. I thought that was a great gift for a birthday gift. I knew I would be charged a lot as she has very long hair, but I didn't mind. She's worth it. But...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lf11Qw_faR4/WgFEIxj45RI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/XUQp8njhhDMTGBCW0TTAxjABjJueKEg6ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170114_131108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lf11Qw_faR4/WgFEIxj45RI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/XUQp8njhhDMTGBCW0TTAxjABjJueKEg6ACLcBGAs/s640/20170114_131108.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Then she asked “Could I just have a few friends over for my
birthday?”…. “Sure honey”… “Well mom, I changed my mind, could we all go to the
roller rink together? “Sure babe, that sounds like fun”… “But mom, how about if
we have a party at the roller rink? And also mom, I want the theme to be ‘Under
the Sea’, okay?”</div>
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Under the Sea? Like there must be a lot of fish and stuff?<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Mom, I really want a cat too”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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(Our cat was adopted from the Austin animal shelter, Hannah named her Hope. She has cerebral palsy and she's deaf, but she is the most lovely, amazing little tabby cat) </div>
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I found the greatest party ideas on Pinterest, however, I had
never thrown a themed (make everything myself) party before. My boys always asked for specifics, like Superhero’s,
Lego or Minecraft. All those things are pretty easy to find, all made up and ready to buy at Target. But Hannah had
very specific idea’s in mind and wanted Mermaids and fish!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to admit. I enjoyed every minute of the process. But
it wasn’t cheap. Since I was no pro at throwing themed parties, I had to buy
everything new. And Hannah had very specific ideas of what she wanted.</div>
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Even though we had some major fails, (for instance my attempt at jelly fish), but hey, we aren’t all
party planner extraordinaire goddesses! <o:p></o:p></div>
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But being noobies and all...I think we did a pretty good job!</div>
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We made everything, including the invitations. AND made BIG
MESSES in the process. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I loved molding the chocolate and decided at that moment I could
be a chocolatier! (Isn’t it amazing what we can talk ourselves into and back
out of in a matter of 15 minutes<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hannah’s dad was in charge of the anchor (I think he’s quite
Handy with a cardboard box and silver spray paint!!)</div>
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We adopted out pufferfish.<br />
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We wrapped the spoons and forks in rope and lifebuoy’s. (Lifesaver candy and twine)<br />
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We had fish snacks (Blue jelly beans and fish crackers)<br />
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And Mermaid tail gift bags.<br />
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We had drift wood. (Pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with blue sugar and crushed graham cracker crumbs)<br />
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Hannah said these represented sand and water. (Marshmallows dipped in blue chocolate and sprinkled with crushed graham cracker crumbs)<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">I admit. I ordered the cupcakes. Undecorated, and we put icing and our chocolate shells.</span></div>
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Hannah made bobby pins with shells for all the girls to
wear.</div>
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We then gathered everything up, took it to the Skating rink
and decorated there. I wasn’t overly thrilled that the room was orange, but the
kids didn’t care.</div>
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All in all, I think that everything turned out really cute!</div>
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Each girl got cupcake in a cup with purple chocolate coins and sixlets.</div>
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The birthday girl got 2 cupcakes</div>
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After the cupcakes, pizza and gifts, the girls spent a couple of hours giggling and rollerskating. I didn't manage to get any decent pictures, you know what roller rinks are like, not well lit and kids zipping all over on roller skates. It was so much fun watching my 40 year old brother rip his trousers and watch Hannah's dad fall over. I think the adults did a good job entertaining the girls!</div>
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It's not every day that your princess turns 12!</div>
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Would I try my hand at another themed party? I think I would. I really enjoyed putting it all together. I don't know if I could have done it without Hannah's great idea's, she could totally be a party planner extraordinaire!</div>
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I hope you're having a great week!</div>
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Thank you for dropping by,</div>
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Tammy</div>
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tlcukjourneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18126317345680620502noreply@blogger.com0