tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81616763528774391922024-03-19T06:20:06.465-06:00Mesa's PlaceThis blog is sporadically used, maybe one day it will have a specific direction but for now, it's got a little of it all.Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-69555199052108089462016-11-19T12:47:00.000-07:002016-11-19T12:52:06.477-07:00Christmas Wood [Free Printable]Here are a few more I've made. I left the middle blank for you to add whatever you'd like inside :) Just click the image and download!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBc40j2y6kO5k8YIXY7yJMG67E0Z7qma2SXznPcVW6uty3B9nBJUxRdEKGUhEuYWZjjd-tOW2chYD6VpUGik1Nl_Vl1twoph4MtW0eDXDYk1gh1xQkhurR8afWFyuMvmvuwMDMOAliKN5o/s1600/Hat.png" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1YKh7VxXx2h9yfRzHRmdQ0Gff3HQJ4X17R7G_7gY3oGjyFbwqfmy30WwK3u8TzzPQr-XMeEsiZaV5-px1DqWYc_YTWcVxYsQeefq3C0keyZ9hVB0R4wINqsMvbQg5Lu0aTHIpDh5fM1O/s1600/Wood.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1YKh7VxXx2h9yfRzHRmdQ0Gff3HQJ4X17R7G_7gY3oGjyFbwqfmy30WwK3u8TzzPQr-XMeEsiZaV5-px1DqWYc_YTWcVxYsQeefq3C0keyZ9hVB0R4wINqsMvbQg5Lu0aTHIpDh5fM1O/s640/Wood.png" width="512" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNyBqXorC576N0A2M2M64eSdRMg9u9-oXfCeSSKwbN4ZX8MbYuEJIEBdhU0EHuCNYLa8LCmj58Zj0vdFEpKvlj3lr-V8meBPEapM8yB6iACpba509kV1ty_1bp5lf6w1piC-wgQCs2Oh_/s1600/Hat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNyBqXorC576N0A2M2M64eSdRMg9u9-oXfCeSSKwbN4ZX8MbYuEJIEBdhU0EHuCNYLa8LCmj58Zj0vdFEpKvlj3lr-V8meBPEapM8yB6iACpba509kV1ty_1bp5lf6w1piC-wgQCs2Oh_/s640/Hat.png" width="512" /></a></div>
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<br />Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-63275995901676505402016-11-19T11:10:00.000-07:002016-11-19T11:10:05.692-07:00Merry & Bright [Free Printable]I'm creating today, decided to post some printables for ya'll, enjoy!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-f0BHpDPtzZVg-24h51F8n64NuldaQTMUVIoY8lUgJbGiZ0FeQhtO2OlKvv1UJKLWEnTs-ZaJAxnrigzc5utAX1s0RZ3mMO6dxMNOtiN9PvYEGIm6D-91LyU6wc7DvPxwmuY7SiWQnPw/s1600/Merry+Bright.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-f0BHpDPtzZVg-24h51F8n64NuldaQTMUVIoY8lUgJbGiZ0FeQhtO2OlKvv1UJKLWEnTs-ZaJAxnrigzc5utAX1s0RZ3mMO6dxMNOtiN9PvYEGIm6D-91LyU6wc7DvPxwmuY7SiWQnPw/s640/Merry+Bright.png" width="512" /></a>Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-21988444992221734572015-02-18T11:46:00.000-07:002015-02-18T13:37:27.871-07:00The Truth About BDSM and "50 Shades of Grey"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowsxqcM5iKsdygNJ3AK9gjwfAxgj8Mpi2wvFMp5WPolwkecmQfSpxrqmhK1-uA6NVXYdBiWw9KEo9XPjtU7tSct4E7bkwVZZs9NMYF2-8ss9AG9eNRRKbgasjYpLsoo_6g8GvSYBXKe3T/s1600/pink+truth.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowsxqcM5iKsdygNJ3AK9gjwfAxgj8Mpi2wvFMp5WPolwkecmQfSpxrqmhK1-uA6NVXYdBiWw9KEo9XPjtU7tSct4E7bkwVZZs9NMYF2-8ss9AG9eNRRKbgasjYpLsoo_6g8GvSYBXKe3T/s1600/pink+truth.png" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">A longtime
friend of mine recently had the courage to allow others an inside view of her BDSM experiences
and her thoughts on “50 Shades of Grey” and has allowed me to post it
anonymously because of its significant importance. Do yourself a favor and read
this if for no other reason than to educate yourself on the difference between consensual
BDSM and abuse. Also, please share this with as many people (men and women) as
you can. The message needs to be heard.</span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Made in Fifty.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As I'm sure many of you have seen, I'll keep pretty quiet
about a hot-button issue until most of the dust has settled. I do this because
I like to see both sides and I want to respect both. I like to be thoughtful
with things that I put out into the world that are strong convictions for me. I
wasn't always this way, but as I get older, it's important to me.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
A couple of my friends have privately messaged me and asked me what I thought
of "the 50 Shades of Grey debate." It was not a secret that for
several years I was involved in a BDSM relationship. The question, I presume,
was: did I think that "50 Shades of Grey" was poorly-written
mommy-porn like a lot of people criticize that it is, or did I think it was
worthy of all the sensation surrounding it? How did I compare it to what I
experienced in real life? This led me to think for a long time about how to
respond. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
I'll start by saying this: I haven't read it. That being said, I have read
excerpts of it. My opinion of it is neither black nor white; however I have
strong opinions about it. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
From the excerpts I have read and how I know it ends, what I can tell you is
that it sounds like it closely mirrors my real-life experience as a submissive.
That experience ended up being one that scarred me deeply and had repercussions
I was unaware of until the damage was already done. While not all BDSM
relationships are like the one I was involved in, I experienced the same types
of treatment as Anastasia, the main character in "50 Shades of Grey,"
in that I was controlled, coerced, raped, isolated, degraded, shamed and
stalked.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
It's not that the sensuality of the book/movie is something I am against. Far
from it. It's the behavior of the characters and the way they interact. I
think- I hope- most adults know that the difference between being spanked in a
passionate moment of sex and being slapped in the face during an argument may
be similar physical methodology, but they feel drastically different
emotionally and the reason they do is because of the intent during the act. I'm
not writing any of this to insult anybody's intelligence or preach to them what
they should or should not enjoy in their private lives. I simply have a life
experience that I know is not an isolated incident, and while many people know
the generalities of what may have happened, I kept the details closely guarded,
out of denial, shame and fear.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
Defenders of the book say it's just a fictional story, just a fun and sexy
thing to read and not take too seriously. I could see many people taking it
that way, reading the books, enjoying them and going about their lives. But
it's obvious by the media coverage, massive sales, the movie and the increase
in BDSM-related products that have been seen since the books' release, that it
is indeed affecting people's real sex lives, for better or for worse. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
My concern doesn't lie in that. My concern is that if you're learning about
BDSM from a fictional book, especially one with poorly-executed boundaries,
blatant hesitation from one or more parties, and obsessive behavior, you run
huge risk of being hurt or hurting someone else. Couple that with an ending
that takes a callous man who "doesn't do romance" who eventually
decides that the woman he's been using for sex and control, he suddenly loves
and wants to marry. The book isn't just about kinky sex. It's also about
romance and love, and is portraying they're something that can be earned
through sex, compromising your boundaries and changing yourself to please someone
else.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
I grew up watching BDSM porn. So did my former partner. Porn is fantasy, just
like "50 Shades of Grey." It is not real. The "unsexy"
parts are omitted so you can simply embrace what's in front of you as a
pleasurable experience, but in real life those "unsexy" parts are
essential to keep you safe. Even today you don't often see a guy in porn
stopping to put on a condom. If he even uses one, it's not there one moment and
the next it's suddenly on him. So you generally don't learn about safe sex through
porn, but thankfully there are sex education classes and directions on a box of
condoms. But when you're learning about sex, especially sex that pushes
someone's physical and emotional limits, there is no room for omission and the
education that is out there is generally not taught to you unless you seek out
that education, independent of the fantasy.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
My partner and I had a long-distance relationship. Over this time of over two
years, he requested that I write a total of volumes and volumes of erotica
involving what we would do if we were closer. Much of this involved rape
fantasy, humiliation, degradation, and different kinds of abuse. I often
enjoyed writing these to him because they made him happy, but I knew they
weren't real. In these writings, I didn't talk about my boundaries, safe words,
what I would really do or could never imagine doing. The letters were to serve
him and to maintain my place in his life as the only girl he claimed could
satisfy him. He told me constantly how much he loved them.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
When he came to see me and we had to have a serious talk about what we would
really do together, he refused to use a safe word because it "would ruin
the moment." So we didn't have one. He refused to be mentored by someone
more experienced because that made him embarrassed. During sexual acts I would
sometimes feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and when I would tell him so he would
guilt me, yell at me, or tell me things like he was starting to hate sex with
me. One morning before he brought me to work, we were having what started out
as consensual sex, and he was hurting me. I was crying and said, "can we
please stop?" and pushed him away. He stood on the edge of the bed and
said, "get on the floor." </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
I complied, and was silent until he finished. I pretended I was somewhere else,
and told myself it would be over soon.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
He drove me to work and I couldn't speak or look at him. He said, "what
the fuck is YOUR problem?" I told him that I didn't want the sex we had
just had. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
"Then you should have told me to stop," he said.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
When I told him I did, he began to yell at me, saying that I should have been
more insistent about him stopping, and when I started to cry again, said,
" do not blame me for this... you had a rape fantasy." </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
I had no recourse for that. He was right, wasn't he? It went too far, and I
wanted him to stop. But he didn't, because "stop" didn't mean
anything. It was part of our fantasy play, something that, when ignored, turned
him on. Because of our lack of experience and miseducation by means of learning
through the fantasy scenarios we had seen, we were walking a tightrope without
a safety net. The fact that I "wanted it" or "asked for it"
haunts me, and I know that in the eyes of the law, the things I wrote that were
"just letters" that were "just fantasy" and "only for
fun" were effectively insuring that if I ever sought justice for what
happened to me, I would immediately fail.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
Our relationship continued, and I told very few people what had happened.
However, many people began to observe that my personality was changing. Unlike
Anastasia in "50 Shades," I have always been an extroverted person
with a lot of friends, who felt confident about her body and had strong
opinions about things that I was passionate about. As the relationship I was in
got more intense, I was controlled- what I could eat, the color nail polish I
could wear, the type of underwear and cut of my t-shirts. He required 5 ice
cubes in his drinks that I would serve him, and I referred to him as
"Sir" and "Daddy." He would humiliate me in public. When I
didn't want to do something I was told that I wasn't a good submissive and was
letting him down after all he did for me. I was accused of cheating on him with
every male friend that I had, and out of desperation to keep this man who I
loved so much and had worked so hard to "earn," I alienated friends
both male and female who had never wronged me. Adding my half-brother on
Facebook, whom I had just met for the second time in my life after being
adopted, was a fight and interrogation. Meanwhile, he had as much freedom as he
said he required to continue a relationship with me. He went through my iPhone
and tracked it so he always knew where I was, and demanded my Facebook and
email passwords. His sexual desires became more and more extreme and he blamed
me for it. His emotional extremes swung back and forth between telling me I was
his soul mate and he wanted to marry me, to telling me that he was sick of me
and nobody would ever love me again the way that he did. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
His affection and approval were like a drug to me. Eventually, I was afraid and
anxious all the time. In my head, I felt that if I could just keep him happy
all the time, if I could keep from screwing up like I always seemed to do, we
could be happy and I could have the person I first fell in love with. The
person who I felt understood me, was my best friend and the most thoughtful,
attentive and romantic person I had ever met. Our relationship ended violently.
I didn't just lose him, I lost every dream that I had for us and everything we
had built together. Because things looked great on the outside to a lot of
bystanders who didn't understand what was going on, people who saw my
participation in the dynamics of our relationship and saw him as an extremely
likable guy, I lost a lot of friends- the ones I hadn't already abandoned to
try to save our relationship. During our seemingly-endless court hearings
dealing with the fallout of our relationship, I knew it would be worthless to
tell them about the rape. I had written him so many letters telling him in
detail that that was what I wanted him to do to me, and I knew he would present
them if I ever said anything. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
Trying to get away was difficult. I went back to him several times. I wanted to
believe that if he really knew what he did, he would be sorry for it and would
make efforts to make things right again. But he didn't. He would draw me in by
gazing into my eyes and telling me how beautiful I was, asking me how I was
doing, telling me he missed me and the life we used to have. I longed for any
shred of kindness from him and clung to it desperately, hoping it was a sign he
had changed or was pridefully trying to show remorse. Over and over again, I
learned this was not the case. I had to learn that he never loved me. The
"love" I had earned from him was actually just a sexual obsession
with me that he found difficult to shake, perhaps because he didn't want
another man to have that experience with me, or maybe because he didn't want to
lose that control he had over me. But he definitely knew that if he could
manipulate me in just the right way, I would destroy myself just to please him.
I no longer knew who I was, the things I liked, who I could trust. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
This is the kind of man Christian Grey really is. There is a reason that
players in the BDSM scene distance themselves from the book- because it is not
an accurate or responsible portrayal of a BDSM relationship. The very people
who are well-versed enough in BDSM practices to know what is real and what is
not, largely are not reading this book. People who have had little to no
experience are the ones reading it. This is not said with intent to shame
anyone. If people want to explore this type of sexuality in real life, they
have the right to do so. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
What I will say is, a fictional book, movie, or anything else of the sort is
not a means to get educated about an intense, delicate, and potentially
dangerous (if done the wrong way) type of sex. It is true what they say:
"you don't know what you don't know, because you don't know it."
Nobody foresees going into a situation where they're looking to explore
something that is supposed to be fun, intimate and exciting while expecting it
to devolve into a place of deep shame, trauma or regret that is extremely
difficult to reconcile and rebuild from. But it did to me and the consequences
were very severe. I now have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
and have symptoms of dissociation (feeling like what is happening isn't real-
this is a way to shut off emotional or physical pain). I am distrustful of men,
I'm afraid that sex will never feel safe or enjoyable again, and my
self-confidence has plummeted. I have had times where I genuinely felt as
worthless as I was told I was. And the next partner I have will have to in some
way deal with the fallout of what happened in this past relationship. I don't
want to subject anyone to that.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
When a woman reads a book like "50 Shades" and introduces it to her
partner when they don't have experience or knowledge about what they're doing,
and one of them is traumatized from it, who is to be blamed and who shall be
held accountable? She entered into this voluntarily- she may have even
initiated it. If it goes wrong, does it make it her fault? If her partner hurts
her, are they accountable for doing what seemed identical to what they read in
a book? Does "I'm sorry" make it better? Do they deserve to serve
jail time for a rape they never intended to commit or an injury they never
intended to inflict? How do we differentiate if that person did it out of
malice or by accident? Is the author of "50 Shades of Grey," E.L.
James, going to give a shit that your sex play went wrong while she's swimming
in the millions of dollars that she made off the sale of her books, film and
licensed products? Even if she did, would it change what happened? 100 million
copies of this book were sold, largely to women. 1 in 4 women is abused by a
partner in her lifetime. The odds are that, while I feel very alone in my
experience, I'm not the only one. But as of now, nobody is talking about
recovery from BDSM relationships that go wrong. There are no support groups, no
resources, no books and no specialized therapy. I know because I've tried to
seek it out. There are only instructions on how to practice BDSM correctly and
how to prevent it from going wrong in the first place. These resources will
tell you that there is always risk involved, but just like preventing STDs,
certain measures can be taken to protect yourself and your partner.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
There are a lot of resources available for people who want to explore BDSM,
that are thorough, accurate and valuable. Sex educators are trained and paid to
answer your specific questions in a way that is friendly, non-intimidating and
won't result in shame or embarrassment. They're fairly easy to find depending
on your local community but are accessible through internet searches as well.
You can even privately message me for resources and I'll try my best to point
you in the right direction. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
There is not a good or responsible way to cut corners when you're exploring
anything that involves potentially hurting another person's body, mind or
heart. If you care about them (or even if you don't), invest the time to keep
both of you mentally and physically safe. The BDSM community prides itself on
being "safe, sane and consensual" and those guidelines are in place
for a very good reason. Private BDSM practice involves being personally
accountable, educated on the subject and in excellent trust and communication
with your partner. If there is part of a piece of erotica like "50 Shades
of Grey" that intrigues you, know that there is more to a relationship
like this than what you are reading. While it is exciting, being careless or
sloppy with it can do a lot of harm, so empower yourself with knowledge before
observing this piece of literature as empowering in and of itself. Just because
it was written for women and is about sex doesn't mean it's empowering or
liberating or feminist. The subject, by any account, is the victim of Intimate
Partner Violence, and you do not want to be her or experience what she did. The
neat little package that the author uses to tie up loose ends in the story- the
one about changing a man from a controlling user to a loving, committed
husband- is the firmly-held belief of every abused person who continues to hold
on to their relationship or repeatedly goes back even after things get
dangerous. In real life, their story with their partner is never a happy
ending.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span></span><br />
<div data-canvas-width="467.08085699999987" style="left: 280px; text-align: center; top: 404.8px; transform: scaleX(0.807307);">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A guide for victims of sexual assault and/or </span></span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="529.6018409999999" style="left: 245.6px; text-align: center; top: 450.8px; transform: scaleX(0.806234);">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">intimate partner violence in the BDSM community</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ncsfreedom.org/images/stories/pdfs/Consent%20Counts/CC%20Doc/NCSF_Aftermath_21feb12_WEB.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt="A guide for victims of sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence in the BDSM community" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqVMmm-eRx-UGUk92EVeU8ahyphenhyphenVp4blptA6QDuZBbjVws8sFfrapcYrWJK_L-4I0rRDizD0-iBoFfDpFHu8tDOWhzYux9jqBJ6c7KxjkQ2X1HFaNrxvtU3FY8LFP-R8sp8FRk2u3rXbTei/s1600/ncsf+sticker+a.png" height="66" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-85786731958340369872013-08-16T10:12:00.002-06:002013-08-16T10:12:23.655-06:00Itching For FallThe last week my extreme desire for autumn to arrive has really been kicked into overdrive. I'm itching to pull out my decorations and deliciously perfect fall candles. I long for mildly warm days and cool evenings. For that crisp smell that wafts in with the breeze which unmistakenly announces the season. For the pumpkin and apple cider flavored <b>everything! </b>There is no doubt the fall is by far my favorite and I love everything about those couple months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWczshJQvJEXeH4vPJuEPrIPi7v3jKpJj5qKbWGvme5inSZMD2C_fvUIfq3M-9lzXGfyCWWtyUJvSwz5EyNE2X6ElVtPqOUOpLnfVHOHVkyUEHIzXnl5t65DrDbplhiwnF-TmpkN2LnMvJ/s1600/403596_10151212935817980_1646370906_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWczshJQvJEXeH4vPJuEPrIPi7v3jKpJj5qKbWGvme5inSZMD2C_fvUIfq3M-9lzXGfyCWWtyUJvSwz5EyNE2X6ElVtPqOUOpLnfVHOHVkyUEHIzXnl5t65DrDbplhiwnF-TmpkN2LnMvJ/s320/403596_10151212935817980_1646370906_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Every year around this time I start to nest. Not like I'm knocked up nest, but settle in for the 'colder months'. I start to get my home in order and create a happy and comfortable environment since more time is spent inside during the later seasons. And I must admit, it is the final 4 months of the year that my home really does feel the most cozy.<br />
<br />
I try to start in September, even though there are usually several, if not most, days that are summer-like. But fall and spring seem to get the short end of the stick in Colorado; we are lucky if we get to experience the season(s) at all. So I make it happen inside my home, even if the world outside is still running in shorts through sprinklers.<br />
<br />
Last fall was the first time in my adult life that I was living in a house, so I went all out! The decorations and ideas I came up seemed endless! Fall was September, then of course Halloween decorations were added in October. November was back to fall but only until Thanksgiving, then BAM! Christmas went up.<br />
<br />
I have so many things I want to share about what I found and what I plan to do this year! So many blog posts that I just never got around to because I was in a weird writer's slump that affected all areas of my writing life (even Facebook statuses... seriously). <br />
<br />
Here are a couple of the pictures I took last year (it's amazing how good they look on a phone and how awful they look on the computer!) and a list of things I want to write about. Oh the thrifty DIY crafty ideas are already flowing and I can't wait to share!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0i4pspLS1OVKCrP7RwdmmHv1nq5g_KXXhNlHS4vPPwsSV7Q8gZbqtNK_7v7xJeHwul2eRfK9pA5hHFCAgXjTyUTb-bBX4Ljn5HxAVeNHlpTxqEz-TWnDnh4yQTm36wbC3tdef0qte_rDH/s1600/281416_10151233310302980_1902876892_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0i4pspLS1OVKCrP7RwdmmHv1nq5g_KXXhNlHS4vPPwsSV7Q8gZbqtNK_7v7xJeHwul2eRfK9pA5hHFCAgXjTyUTb-bBX4Ljn5HxAVeNHlpTxqEz-TWnDnh4yQTm36wbC3tdef0qte_rDH/s320/281416_10151233310302980_1902876892_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eofrIRw9uYCxN9hUt0sjJut0k9kDGCDPQXWfryVhHThuScktpbhhQgOZQcRgBOrtmfOZ1Umuq99kBKA8_FhntQEA-YGcTIzuDV5cIIGu9n6UXvUDCBg3Ql_GGdTY9zCaBbsO7F5Gv_OM/s1600/317212_10151233288957980_1148509351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eofrIRw9uYCxN9hUt0sjJut0k9kDGCDPQXWfryVhHThuScktpbhhQgOZQcRgBOrtmfOZ1Umuq99kBKA8_FhntQEA-YGcTIzuDV5cIIGu9n6UXvUDCBg3Ql_GGdTY9zCaBbsO7F5Gv_OM/s320/317212_10151233288957980_1148509351_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr7IEep9sL_sBppvrFVoR2J1hWjcPui7JoTSpFq2NZwFjO_2kASTXCdnyCmRhpibx53LO9l9YZ-JNsNWU0nTY881e5Q2JXCMVSnowsAN7TXuHqRTXiI1DidNF1sP5s29vlq5gQf2eIsk6/s1600/602653_10151233298742980_388599220_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr7IEep9sL_sBppvrFVoR2J1hWjcPui7JoTSpFq2NZwFjO_2kASTXCdnyCmRhpibx53LO9l9YZ-JNsNWU0nTY881e5Q2JXCMVSnowsAN7TXuHqRTXiI1DidNF1sP5s29vlq5gQf2eIsk6/s320/602653_10151233298742980_388599220_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Fall Decoration: Indoor decor, vases, outdoor decor, DIY crafts, where to buy for cheaper, etc.</li>
<li>Halloween Horror: Indoor decor, vases, outdoor decore, where to buy amazing decorations for cheap, etc.</li>
<li>Apple cider cookie recipe</li>
</ul>
I'm so excited!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdECbUb3dJtZBbe5Mu_OC6TIKDRczhymHEsr06FnJ_ZI-5LSbTw0xgkBB174lhRP_A_mH82F3Q7wNiBQOv5QBQsh4g50Z1CgCZLtDqV150198gigIB5ObqBDYGFuWrqZcQMiFbWvn7s4X/s1600/mesa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdECbUb3dJtZBbe5Mu_OC6TIKDRczhymHEsr06FnJ_ZI-5LSbTw0xgkBB174lhRP_A_mH82F3Q7wNiBQOv5QBQsh4g50Z1CgCZLtDqV150198gigIB5ObqBDYGFuWrqZcQMiFbWvn7s4X/s1600/mesa.jpg" /></a></div>
Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-24156365521388124562013-08-15T13:16:00.004-06:002013-08-16T10:14:18.291-06:00Bubble Up Pizza [Pizza Substitute]A little over a year ago this recipe was everywhere I looked on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and I couldn't resist trying it out. At the time I was living with my [then] boyfriend and his 2 elementary age boys, one of whom was an extremely picky eater. Lucky for me, the meal was a hit and they didn't know that I had used <i>healthier</i> ingredients.<br />
<br />
About a month ago I joined a <a href="http://beachbody.com/" target="_blank">Beachbody</a> challenge and armed with what I have learned there along with my extensive <a href="http://weightwatchers.com/" target="_blank">Weight Watchers</a> knowledge, I made it for myself last night (planning to freeze some of the leftovers for a later time).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb15UR1NGxu1_fFpr-6i7zFP403rmiACWARCTXWlZN6kYJYh-M6dYmL59Aiq1CvAqxq5dM7e28Ev90lfRHL4QTmssQUaSC7WzcQgDXuFmAFys27DmMxC85rHnf-G4hMIjztMN5o2yuEXd/s1600/bubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb15UR1NGxu1_fFpr-6i7zFP403rmiACWARCTXWlZN6kYJYh-M6dYmL59Aiq1CvAqxq5dM7e28Ev90lfRHL4QTmssQUaSC7WzcQgDXuFmAFys27DmMxC85rHnf-G4hMIjztMN5o2yuEXd/s320/bubble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I make no claims for creating this, I honestly have no idea where the first one came from with all the sites I found that had it listed. I also do not want anyone to think this is the healthiest version out there, (I know there are several clean eating versions where you basically make pizza sauce from scratch, etc.) but this is the version that works for me, and is fairly quick- you can obviously make changes or substitutions wherever you choose (a few ideas I've had will be listed with the recipe)<br />
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(I'm so sorry for some of the blurry pictures, when I was taking them with my phone last night they looked good. After uploading them today, I am ashamed. I'll have to snap better shots with my good camera next time I make this.) <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Fry it up!</div>
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Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes</div>
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<h3 align="left" dir="ltr" id="sites-page-title-header">
<span id="sites-page-title">Bubble Up Pizza</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Makes approx. 4-6 se<span style="font-size: small;">rvings</span></b></span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></span></span></u><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-1 jar (approx. 15 ounces) pizza sauce </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-1 can reduced fat refrigerated biscuits (I like Grands Flaky Layers. Wheat would be the healthiest if you can find them!)*</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-1-2 cup(s) shredded mozzarella cheese</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-Your favorite pizza toppings such as turkey pepperoni, turkey bacon, onion, tomato, green pepper, jalapeno, mushrooms, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Directions:</u></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-Preheat oven to 350 degrees</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-Fry ground beef/ground turkey in large skillet</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-Stir in favorite toppings and pizza sauce</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-Cut biscuits into quarters and add to skillet, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">-<i>Optional: Mix in half of the cheese</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-Pour mixture into casserole dish</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-Place on middle rack in oven and cook for 20 minutes**</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-Evenly distribute cheese and cook for another 5-10 minutes**</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">*Using only half the can will save calories/carbs.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">**If
you're partial to somewhat burnt/crunch cheese like me, you can put the
cheese on right after pouring the mixture into the casserole dish and
just cook straight for 25-30 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">For another healthy suggestion, instead of going for seconds of this delicious beast, have a salad! </span><br />
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mesasprintablerecipes/bubble-up-pizza" target="_blank">Print Bubble Up Pizza Recipe!</a><br />
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Hope you can play around with this and love it as much as I do!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdECbUb3dJtZBbe5Mu_OC6TIKDRczhymHEsr06FnJ_ZI-5LSbTw0xgkBB174lhRP_A_mH82F3Q7wNiBQOv5QBQsh4g50Z1CgCZLtDqV150198gigIB5ObqBDYGFuWrqZcQMiFbWvn7s4X/s1600/mesa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdECbUb3dJtZBbe5Mu_OC6TIKDRczhymHEsr06FnJ_ZI-5LSbTw0xgkBB174lhRP_A_mH82F3Q7wNiBQOv5QBQsh4g50Z1CgCZLtDqV150198gigIB5ObqBDYGFuWrqZcQMiFbWvn7s4X/s1600/mesa.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-30970913527937302402013-08-15T09:41:00.003-06:002013-08-16T10:14:18.294-06:00Pre-packing Next Day Meals<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">I quickly took these pics last night while getting everything together and posted them on my <a href="http://beachbody.com/" target="_blank">Beachbody</a> Challenge group wall (Which I plan to talk more about in the future!) in the hopes it could benefit someone else. </span></span></h5>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"Most
of my day I'm driving or at work so I pre-cook and pack a day or 2 in
advance (like I'm sure a lot of you do!) While getting things ready last night I thought I'd show you the system I came up with because I was
tired of having to remember random items all over the kitchen. I usually
do 2 days worth like pictured.<br /> <br /> I pack each day's breakfast,
lunch and 2 snacks in a plastic basket and then pop it in the fridge
(even the stuff that doesn't need to be cold) The next morning, all I
have to do is put a full basket in one of those canvas shopping bags,
which I always have equipped with eating utensils, vitamins, etc. and
I'm out the door! Once I get to work I can transfer the stuff that
needs to stay cold into the fridge, grab my breakfast and start my day."</span></span></h5>
</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7AnOqG74l_vwu_YeglwT1T10cXZgznPjBE4-9gO2EqtLJFptx9PEEOvDpPSeeS0qf6G7Vtmp_sgwrwjBK6wUxy1hGNbik0vpuPBZq4cQ_xf_9e5pIRhDMfY_UlaVyBWpXFjxaxkUGxbF/s1600/59288_10151789429962980_765218174_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7AnOqG74l_vwu_YeglwT1T10cXZgznPjBE4-9gO2EqtLJFptx9PEEOvDpPSeeS0qf6G7Vtmp_sgwrwjBK6wUxy1hGNbik0vpuPBZq4cQ_xf_9e5pIRhDMfY_UlaVyBWpXFjxaxkUGxbF/s320/59288_10151789429962980_765218174_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Another
nice feature about this is the ability to just toss the baskets in the
dishwasher on the weekend to clean any little spills out that may have
occurred.</span></span></h5>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdECbUb3dJtZBbe5Mu_OC6TIKDRczhymHEsr06FnJ_ZI-5LSbTw0xgkBB174lhRP_A_mH82F3Q7wNiBQOv5QBQsh4g50Z1CgCZLtDqV150198gigIB5ObqBDYGFuWrqZcQMiFbWvn7s4X/s1600/mesa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdECbUb3dJtZBbe5Mu_OC6TIKDRczhymHEsr06FnJ_ZI-5LSbTw0xgkBB174lhRP_A_mH82F3Q7wNiBQOv5QBQsh4g50Z1CgCZLtDqV150198gigIB5ObqBDYGFuWrqZcQMiFbWvn7s4X/s1600/mesa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></h5>
Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-88992347152482157842012-09-18T11:50:00.001-06:002012-09-18T13:07:55.152-06:00Full Page Recipe Templates [Free printables]I've been on a mission for quite some time to find full binder size recipe card templates. It seems to me that a 3 ring binder recipe book is much more efficient than the old school 3x5's. Don't get me wrong, I love those little things, but they get lost, dirty, wrinkled and torn and you have to write really small or use several cards for longer recipes.<br />
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The internet is surprisingly lacking in full page recipe templates. I did find a couple really cute ones but they just didn't fit my vision/my style. And by my vision and style, I mean something with hot pink and very upbeat.<br />
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So I took the task on my own, after several frustrating attempts at not having it print correctly, I changed the design a little and now lovers, I decided to share them with you. For FREE! Because everyone loves printables, especially the free ones.<br />
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Here are a couple different variations. I figured each person might have a slightly different vision of what they want, or depending on the recipe you may want a modified format. Either way, enjoy!!<br />
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More to come, so keep an eye out!<br />
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**EDIT**<br />
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I'm adding 2 more from this series. Do keep checking <a href="http://mesasplace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mesa's Place</a> because I plan on adding several Household Planner/Binder printables along with some different design variations!<br />
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P.S. I also really do plan on adding a lot of the crafts that I've been up to including:<br />
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-Fall DIY decorating<br />
-Kiddo cork boards<br />
-Seasonal shadow box<br />
-Kiddo pencil holders/organizers<br />
-Kiddo responsibility chart and reward system<br />
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And more.<br />
<br />Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-27570856465679780242012-03-26T08:47:00.000-06:002012-03-26T08:47:38.393-06:00The Little Engine That CouldWhen I was a little girl I wasn't afraid of anything. I would run down the sidewalk at full speed, literally fall flat on my face, get up and keep running. I tackle some aspects of life that way still, but as I got older, so much of that bravery faded.<br />
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I blame a lot of it on society though it's my fault as well. As hormones began to rage, looking and acting a certain way became important, and dancing like nobody was looking was frowned upon. I held my head high, but became a lot more scared to take those risks I had always been so keen to on. I became clinically depressed. I would lock myself off from the world at times and just sleep my life away. <br />
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I lost that spark in my eye, that "go get'em" attitude and why? Just so I would fit the mold that I thought I was supposed to. I was afraid of looking 'wrong', acting 'wrong', saying the 'wrong' thing and so I closed myself off in a little bubble- a safety zone if you will- and cautiously rolled down the worn path. I could see the untouched ground, the meadow of opportunity, the blank canvas of life, but I still rolled in that rut.<br />
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I'm incredibly disappointed to say that rut has only grown deeper as I've gotten older. As the years have sped by, I've only become more terrified of change. Don't get me wrong, I've had one hell of a time in that rut. I've met amazing people and done amazing things -right and wrong- that have definitely shaped a lot of who I am, and a lot of what I'm proud of, but I know there is more.<br />
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I'm going to be 30 this year. Bleh! That leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. <i>Thirty</i>! Where has the last 10 years gone? I can easily recall the fun I've had, and wouldn't change that but I'm left wondering where I go from here. I can't stay in this stagnant life. I physically ache for more. I know I'm meant for and capable of so much more and even more important... who the hell am I?<br />
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What makes me happy? What is my inspiration? What is my deepest desire? I don't think I can 100% answer those because I don't fully know myself yet.Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-5777007654870445872012-03-22T09:18:00.000-06:002012-03-22T09:18:09.399-06:00SlackerI have a ton of pictures on my camera and entry ideas up the wazoo but for some reason I just haven't felt motivated to go there. I can tell you that part of that is because most of my life is at my apartment, but my body is at boyfriend's house. <br />
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Roomie and his kids move out in about 2 weeks, give or take. Then we start the process of arranging boyfriend's furniture where we want it, tossing the old stuff and moving my stuff in. We figured it was best to avoid having to maneuver 3 almost complete households around each other so we've got all of April to get me out of my place and have it spotless. Plenty of time.<br />
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The other deterrent(s) for me [to blog] are Pants and Sauce. As a single chick, without kids, having to adapt to daily life with a 9 year old and a 7 year old (not to mention another 9 year old and an 11 year old when Roomie's kids are at the house) has been quite exhausting. I find my evenings flying by between dinner and chaos and showers and Nerf wars and games and airsoft guns and bikes and skateboards and fights and crap all over the place and constantly telling kids to do something... you get the idea, especially if you've been there. This is an especially daunting task for me because I didn't have the nibblets from the time they were little cashews. I didn't get to slowly adjust to their increasing energy levels [as they age]. I was tossed in to the sharks and they have torn me up.<br />
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8 o'clock rolls around and I find myself longing to crawl into bed, play some Words with Friends or Scramble with Friends on my phone while watching mindless TV, and then pass out. Don't get me wrong, I love them to death, but I definitely have to remember to keep some 'me time'. Which is why when Roomie moves out, I get a crafting/painting/computer/JUST MESA, STAY OUT! room all to myself and I can't wait. I promise you will love me when I'm sane... then again, most love me when I'm insane as well.<br />
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Some future blogs:<br />
<ul><li>'Mesa in SnoWonderland'</li>
<li>More printables!</li>
<li>Personal blog</li>
<li>Fun kid cork-boards</li>
<li>Household binder</li>
<li>Other stuff I can't remember right now</li>
</ul>So please, please follow. This journey is just getting started and I have a feeling I'm in for a hilarious whirlwind of complete and utter chaos. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdECbUb3dJtZBbe5Mu_OC6TIKDRczhymHEsr06FnJ_ZI-5LSbTw0xgkBB174lhRP_A_mH82F3Q7wNiBQOv5QBQsh4g50Z1CgCZLtDqV150198gigIB5ObqBDYGFuWrqZcQMiFbWvn7s4X/s1600/mesa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdECbUb3dJtZBbe5Mu_OC6TIKDRczhymHEsr06FnJ_ZI-5LSbTw0xgkBB174lhRP_A_mH82F3Q7wNiBQOv5QBQsh4g50Z1CgCZLtDqV150198gigIB5ObqBDYGFuWrqZcQMiFbWvn7s4X/s1600/mesa.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-6443316721799472892012-01-26T09:58:00.000-07:002012-01-26T09:58:44.062-07:00Household Planner: Ideas [free printables]Sometimes before you have specific plans like dates planned, budget to spend, firm ideas, you just need to jot down ideas. I made a few little printables the other day that I thought I would share. Clearly hot pink and black is a color scheme that I am drawn to so I also decided to make some variations to meet other's needs. Enjoy!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0d_BP1rrpV0by-BrpqdQ5vk6xWu8BhXQReoTNl8ewYQkb8QyKA5P-yQkMwkDOTmp4exOljKnQG_COugp85YuLozBymjFhSowQat-f2Z-1io6-eWafTSyhBYtwt1FMrRlPFpEW5U1RRYc2/s1600/mesa_activity.ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0d_BP1rrpV0by-BrpqdQ5vk6xWu8BhXQReoTNl8ewYQkb8QyKA5P-yQkMwkDOTmp4exOljKnQG_COugp85YuLozBymjFhSowQat-f2Z-1io6-eWafTSyhBYtwt1FMrRlPFpEW5U1RRYc2/s320/mesa_activity.ideas.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6NjZmZmRlYjUtYmY0Ny00NDhjLWE0ZDMtMjlmZTVmYTcyNjE1&hl=en_US" target="_blank">[Hot pink 'Activity Ideas']</a></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5a7bA3JlKrZn9iNQK4yqhCMSCxvwjC4M7R19bJwBYjhJJGrHkd-ltaYQjUhgp9-f5IzaA3FMELRPgWCpE5dsqVMyOny6V5h7csoHQH4qqpOaiQXEDdVQ-gvQjDyMJvsSsxr2PIhXo37aN/s1600/mesa_blog.ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5a7bA3JlKrZn9iNQK4yqhCMSCxvwjC4M7R19bJwBYjhJJGrHkd-ltaYQjUhgp9-f5IzaA3FMELRPgWCpE5dsqVMyOny6V5h7csoHQH4qqpOaiQXEDdVQ-gvQjDyMJvsSsxr2PIhXo37aN/s320/mesa_blog.ideas.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6ZGMzMDMxOTYtYmM1YS00YTIxLTgxNDktY2U3ZGFkZTdmYmEz&hl=en_US" target="_blank">[Hot pink 'Blog Ideas']</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6MjA4NTkzYjMtNjc4YS00NjIzLWIyOTItMDViODIyNzE0Y2Vm&hl=en_US" target="_blank">[Hot Pink 'Project Ideas']</a></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6ZWFkNmI2MTItOTBlMi00YjZmLWI1YWUtYzU4NDhjOTc1MGQ3&hl=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Green 'Activity Ideas']<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15mXiYJA4LbvQ5zQ_HrlKkbgvofgC1EcmZVuZJXXyrR9aVRi3aimoQLrNqL8Hu4h_Be5i0srheVryz0XPJD_AOU5Qy97AgkD4XW_VfBwsTYl0RF6YbYW7fwTlomU_tfeDyTMl7NuduMWV/s1600/mesa_greenblog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15mXiYJA4LbvQ5zQ_HrlKkbgvofgC1EcmZVuZJXXyrR9aVRi3aimoQLrNqL8Hu4h_Be5i0srheVryz0XPJD_AOU5Qy97AgkD4XW_VfBwsTYl0RF6YbYW7fwTlomU_tfeDyTMl7NuduMWV/s320/mesa_greenblog.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6YjI2MzdlNTEtYjczYS00NzUxLTkzNWQtMGExOTdmY2Y3MGY4&hl=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Green 'Blog Ideas']</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKIUdzvosCTUkCPvqutWc7YoWu-Rif7Pvi17ndxo48lDBo85yzkmimT399h9j1HL_WZsFVK4XZfdxEzYHu53nwapT0wnTx2bgDzLk8WWPDD_OwZV-Bg4mLmI3K-0m5B6m_dcJDq7-4ml0/s1600/mesa_greenproject.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKIUdzvosCTUkCPvqutWc7YoWu-Rif7Pvi17ndxo48lDBo85yzkmimT399h9j1HL_WZsFVK4XZfdxEzYHu53nwapT0wnTx2bgDzLk8WWPDD_OwZV-Bg4mLmI3K-0m5B6m_dcJDq7-4ml0/s320/mesa_greenproject.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6ZDI4OTA2YjUtNWQzZi00ZDJjLTgzYjgtMzVlOTdhZWNkZTBl&hl=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Green 'Project Ideas']</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6C27Bnl-d5o1rFzsa1YCC0m2AwBsEeuokr5FQh8xWKuIrZLxmvzgqWga3kr7GAve_UTSY-Ir_fPQ7mkqUa1tUzquK-dAar0g17f_KwacNgcPff-V_mVv2aWSuX0F8dK5I4tH1WYWb5Ng/s1600/mesa_blueactivity.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6C27Bnl-d5o1rFzsa1YCC0m2AwBsEeuokr5FQh8xWKuIrZLxmvzgqWga3kr7GAve_UTSY-Ir_fPQ7mkqUa1tUzquK-dAar0g17f_KwacNgcPff-V_mVv2aWSuX0F8dK5I4tH1WYWb5Ng/s320/mesa_blueactivity.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> <a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6Zjc5ZDdkM2MtMWNlZi00YTI5LWEyYTUtZWMxNWUzNjNjMDJj&hl=en_US" target="_blank">[Blue 'Activity Ideas']</a></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuDGSIr2fQfVXC2KWUuHsBt0URlqTpIcOPhbdhg5fRPLJi0xtD3K7teYadpvJoVz9U_wzC2uxTSoTz8t39JfFIY1XeJyhEjcDK-XT_pIJj3aqKj0fb8FnBWJsYjV43j_nP8dBdrVxOreE/s1600/mesa_blueblog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuDGSIr2fQfVXC2KWUuHsBt0URlqTpIcOPhbdhg5fRPLJi0xtD3K7teYadpvJoVz9U_wzC2uxTSoTz8t39JfFIY1XeJyhEjcDK-XT_pIJj3aqKj0fb8FnBWJsYjV43j_nP8dBdrVxOreE/s320/mesa_blueblog.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6YmIxOTI0NTYtZTQyNC00NWQyLWE2MTctOGQ1YjYyNTBhZWZm&hl=en_US" target="_blank">[Blue 'Blog Ideas']</a></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9XXrR4vi9ZuFfIYa50pRHW2tG4RsViu5Ki5dq6xeuIUzhLMAKumK0Jf7OjwsAH4iB9QBc3j8807SZjdtRlAXCw39hvkPU1YAcnR8pnEYvnnTYz-ruTdWLjUV0sD2bRcg8QrKOYHUkv6z/s1600/mesa_blueproject.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9XXrR4vi9ZuFfIYa50pRHW2tG4RsViu5Ki5dq6xeuIUzhLMAKumK0Jf7OjwsAH4iB9QBc3j8807SZjdtRlAXCw39hvkPU1YAcnR8pnEYvnnTYz-ruTdWLjUV0sD2bRcg8QrKOYHUkv6z/s320/mesa_blueproject.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6NjI1ZDExMzYtZDU5OC00ZDdmLTk1YjYtNzAxZTJlMWNkM2Jm&hl=en_US" target="_blank">[Blue 'Project Ideas']</a></b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-74717692534998294822012-01-24T18:44:00.001-07:002012-01-26T09:08:26.338-07:00"Close Your Eyes" PrintableI'm in love with printables. Massively and obsessively in love. If they are free, they are (for obvious reasons) that much more amazing. I love all the different creative ideas... I can't tell you how many 'To-Do' lists and menu planners I have printed out just from the various sites. Then I realize, "Hey, I could do this!" So I thought I'd give back.<br />
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I have this journal that I've kept since high school where I write quotes and lyrics that I love. I dug through there and found the little gem that was the inspiration for today's treat. Enjoy!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HwdE6NyDvrYGp1p-jvlH2xhTNy2liovmtAP5T22zp_sAcV-ymfkBqQz6un9GOsYGzt_S_kRHXMrmzW0r98HJt-sOBHt7WgSAXp6r-siOUwfa142q2GhhyphenhyphenjKjvqKoStqYFrByllz3Umyh/s1600/close+eyes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HwdE6NyDvrYGp1p-jvlH2xhTNy2liovmtAP5T22zp_sAcV-ymfkBqQz6un9GOsYGzt_S_kRHXMrmzW0r98HJt-sOBHt7WgSAXp6r-siOUwfa142q2GhhyphenhyphenjKjvqKoStqYFrByllz3Umyh/s320/close+eyes.jpeg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B3Hv3LXAnwg6M2JjODAyMGMtZGViZC00YTNlLWEzMTMtZDhlNTc4ZTBjYTIz&hl=en_US" target="_blank">GET IT HERE</a></b></td></tr>
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</div>Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-84079339646927388222012-01-24T13:37:00.000-07:002013-08-16T10:13:58.061-06:00Bacon Chicken Dumplings<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlDGOkIj50oZkl53M4mMlc8GqWDCLraPlkOFEa63aPsmw9saDCHMKlNE-oZFUW2yzi8F_o2A05e4xteTk5rryzXsIaAfmh-PB9_8tXvEHjfnog_h0sbd2anblAELczpiUjd_QpSHERN7T/s1600/DSC_0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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A couple months ago I was surfing the webs for recipes involving bacon because, let's face it, to most men it is considered its' own food group and my boyfriend is no exception. I found <a href="http://www.baconrecipes.net/BaconRecipes/BaconandChickenDumplings.htm" target="_blank">this</a> delicious looking recipe for Bacon Chicken Dumplings, promptly printed it out and purchased the ingredients for us to make that night.</div>
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Long story short, it was delicious... and enough to feed an entire college campus at 2am on a Friday night. We were juggling pots and pans like the <a href="http://www.ringling.com/" target="_blank">Ringling Brother's Circus</a>! "But the recipe <i>says</i> a large skillet," Boyfriend had said as we pulled out a third pan to accommodate the growing proportions.<br />
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The boys (Sauce who is 7 and Pants who is 9) loved it. Pants is a very picky eater and not usually a fan of chicken unless it is deep fried and covered in ketchup but he devoured his serving and even came back for seconds. After the overwhelming response, Boyfriend and I decided we needed to make the recipe again but we made some changes, like cutting the whole thing in half (except the bacon, which we actually added a couple slices). I also chose to go with a lot of lower fat/fat free and lower sodium ingredients.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's get started!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throw some bacon in a large stockpot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the bacon is cooking, chop your onion, potato and chicken</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at my little helper!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set bacon aside to drain and cool (Hope your family doesn't try to steal a piece!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add chicken stock (I used low sodium) and seasonings and reduce heat to simmer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prepare your biscuit mix (I used cheese and garlic for an extra umph!) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pour in half & half (I used fat free) and bring to boil</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crumble the delicious bacon and add to pot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE5aG4YMtffZTVJr3IYMfoEcBO2A-iWaY80LdCxrQxtNTYAT5kvRLlsj3Pp_RfbKjV6cS7oQZrIBRRCP9A5CpLL115WSegWxU00BvuaJ_EMPkHiSLo4qjR3waJw-cLgmLzkiNNv-3b4rB/s1600/DSC_0710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE5aG4YMtffZTVJr3IYMfoEcBO2A-iWaY80LdCxrQxtNTYAT5kvRLlsj3Pp_RfbKjV6cS7oQZrIBRRCP9A5CpLL115WSegWxU00BvuaJ_EMPkHiSLo4qjR3waJw-cLgmLzkiNNv-3b4rB/s320/DSC_0710.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drop tablespoon sizes of biscuit mix into boiling mixture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm, biscuity, bacony, chickeny goodness!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Depending on how hearty your family's appetites are, you may have leftovers. I suggest either eating them within a couple days or freezing immediately for one of those days that you just don't want to cook.</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">8 Slices Bacon <br />
3 Large Potatoes, peeled and diced <br />
1 Onions, diced <br />
1 Chicken Breast Halves, skinless, boneless, diced <br />
3 Cups Chicken Broth <br />
1 Teaspoons Poultry Seasoning <br />
Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste <br />
1 Can Whole Kernel Corn, (15.25 ounce), drained and rinsed <br />
3 Cups Half-and-Half <br />
1.5 Cups Biscuit Mix <br />
Milk as needed to make biscuit mix</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8161676352877439192" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Preparation: </span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">1. Place the bacon in a large stock pot and cook over medium heat until it is dark brown. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">2. Drain, crumble and set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">3. Reserve the bacon drippings in the skillet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">4. Add the potatoes, chicken and onion to the bacon drippings and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. (<i><b>Note: If after 15 minutes they aren’t completely cooked it is ok! By the end of the recipe everything will be thoroughly cooked by following these instructions.</b></i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">5. Pour in the chicken broth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">6. Season with the salt, fresh ground black pepper and poultry seasoning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">7. Stir in the corn, and simmer for 15 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">8. Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a boil.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">9. Add the crumbled bacon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">10. Prepare biscuit mix as instructed on package.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">11. Drop tablespoon sizes of dough into the boiling mixture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">12 Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes uncovered, then another 10 minutes covered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">13. Serve warm.</span><br />
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Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161676352877439192.post-52389592098100590532012-01-23T13:22:00.002-07:002013-08-16T10:13:03.690-06:00All Things Pinterest<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have</span> </span><span style="font-size: small;">been completely <i>consumed</i> </span><span style="font-size: small;">with <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> lately. </span>I go through phases where I surf the interwebz obsessively looking for artsy fartsy things, activites, cool whatchamacallits, and do hoppers. <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/" target="_blank">StumbleUpon </a>was a pretty great source of all things amazing but then the online cork board showed up and won my heart.<br />
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Prior to October 2011, cooking was exhausting because it was only for myself. I lived alone in a one bedroom apartment with my cat and fish. Yes, I'd have company sometimes but not often enough to really try a lot of new recipes. Enter my boyfriend and his 2 kids. It seems over the last few months I practically live at his house (and will be officially moving in end of April) which has allowed me to flex my love for cooking and baking. Not only that, but my itch for organization and <i>forms</i> has been happily scratched with meal planning, schedules for when the boys are with us and when they are with their mother, etc. My arts and craft addiction has been on overdrive as I visit Hobby Lobby or Michael's close to once a week making things that will look great in 'our house' once his roomie is out and I'm in.<br />
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I've been blog surfing like a madwoman on a mission, a mission to print/paint/cook/build as much as I can before the zombie apocalypse. (Ha, I don't believe in it but there are a lot of amusing things they have in preparedness.) I feel like I just.can't.get.enough. I fell in love with free printables and made myself a household/family planner. Unbeknownst to my boyfriend, I am preparing for the merging of our lives. It's going to be difficult because he was married for 10 years and single for the last 1.5. He is set in his ways and there is no denying that I, too am stubborn.<br />
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I hope you come back for everything that I have to offer from the recipes I try or create, to projects, being a step parent (when I'm not even used to being any kind of parent!), free printables, etc.Mesahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676843844880148592noreply@blogger.com0