tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48107109347143623162024-03-13T13:52:26.849-07:00Dandelion StudioSarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-81800251360026518892018-02-21T09:22:00.001-08:002018-02-21T09:32:19.295-08:00Don't Freak Out: I'm not using a doctor for my 1st pregnancy!*Gasp*<br />
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I've slowly started telling people that I am choosing to use the only local Certified Nurse Midwife program in my area for this first pregnancy and it's definitely freaking some of them out. But that's ok, because until a few months ago I didn't know what a Nurse Midwife was or how they were different than a regular midwife, and probably would have thought someone using them was trying to give birth in a barn (kidding, kidding - if home birth with a regular midwife is something you've researched thoroughly and are comfortable with the risks, that's totally your choice and I support it!) I'm a huge proponent of using modern medical care, so this wasn't a choice I made lightly.<br />
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First off, what is a CNM? Here's a wonderful infograph that explains better than I could:<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="241" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1UVUn5qZVU/Wo2hLILW9iI/AAAAAAAAmQc/pv3OsXmoVH0w22fisJRw2a8CEkeTChnPACLcBGAs/s1600/CNM.jpg" /><a href="http://scrubsmag.com/infographic-the-role-of-a-certified-nurse-midwife/" target="_blank">Infograph source</a></div>
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In short, CNMs <b>are not</b> just midwives; they are highly trained, certified, and qualified nurses who can deliver babies in hospitals (or at home, depending on the group near you), run full diagnostic blood work throughout the pregnancy, and monitor for health issues for both baby and mama along the way. CNMs are required to maintain their licensed status and attend Continuing Education courses yearly to stay up-to-date on proper medical care. They can induce, give epidurals, and will call in an OB should any emergency come up along the way in labor. Disclaimer: Midwives are wonderful and certainly have their place, but the more I researched them I was appalled at the lack of training and true medical care they can give here in the U.S. Other countries have focused more on the medical training of their midwives and I feel this is an area that we as a country need to be stepping up in. </div>
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This group of CNMs only has 6 women in their group, and I will have met and had conversations with all of them by the time I go in to deliver. They will know me by name, and know my preferences for labor and delivery. I'm pretty much allowed to labor and deliver however I want as long as baby and I are progressing safely, and I will be intermittently monitored with an IUPC to measure the actual uterine strength of my contractions so they can better determine how close I am to delivery than they could with just the belly band. </div>
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I was looking for a more personalized approach to pregnancy and delivery than I felt I would receive from my OB/GYN (whom I truly would recommend to anyone!) I want to know the person who will be delivering my baby and have them know me by name, not by file number. And I want more natural options in the delivery room - or birthing center in this case - while still receiving full medical care throughout the entire process. The nurse midwife I met at my fist visit reviewed the blood work that my OB had run to ensure that I had been tested for everything I needed to be. I feel very comfortable knowing that they put my and baby's best health at the forefront of what they do. My nurse midwife took extra time with to explain their program and let me ask all of the questions I wanted. I love the personal touch they use! It's something I felt unable to get at my OB's office - which is not their fault because they have thousands of other patients and literally do not have the time to sit and chit-chat with me. </div>
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I will continue to use my local CNM group as long as I remain low-risk. The birthing center I will deliver at is literally attached to a wonderful hospital staffed by top doctors, so if any emergency occurs, an OB just has to walk through the doors. </div>
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I am so grateful that I live in a country where I have as many options as I do for medical care, and I'm so glad that I can choose the one I feel most comfortable with!</div>
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Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-53966431849269730022017-01-16T15:59:00.000-08:002017-01-16T16:59:34.833-08:00At-Risk & Agriculture: Reaching and Retaining Urban and At-Risk Youth(This was originally presented in January 2017 at the <a href="http://annualconvention.fb.org/" target="_blank">American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show</a> in Phoenix, AZ.)<br />
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As part of the requirements for an honors group I am in, I have been conducting a two-year research study on the benefits
that urban, at-risk middle school students could receive from a basic
introductory course in Agriculture. I chose this project topic due to experiences I had while a
volunteer zookeeper at a local Zoo in the “Petting Farm” area – members of
the public – both affluent and poor - were always astonished when they found
out what a chicken or a cow looked like in real life.<br />
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People would come running
up to me screaming, “What is THAT?!” And I would have the opportunity to
explain to them that, "THAT" was a cow.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQMuxZmryms/WH1fDzKc2wI/AAAAAAAAZbw/4RjqfgvdihkqE2tvoD_NPaK2ivzGAB8mgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160922_145513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQMuxZmryms/WH1fDzKc2wI/AAAAAAAAZbw/4RjqfgvdihkqE2tvoD_NPaK2ivzGAB8mgCLcB/s320/IMG_20160922_145513.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Angus-cross</td></tr>
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Or other times, someone would ask me, “Is that
where my KFC comes from?” and I would get to explain that while their KFC didn’t come
from bantam silkie chickens, they were on the right track.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/58704_white_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/510635/silkie-bantam-hen-or-roo" border="0" height="263" src="https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/58704_white_s.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bantam silkie chicken</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mF_czxFlglY/WH1aDHP6-yI/AAAAAAAAZa8/36mLgBbw4hUgCV2ZUt3UFsG_MIxekDUhQCKgB/s1600/IMG_20170103_095244_937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mF_czxFlglY/WH1aDHP6-yI/AAAAAAAAZa8/36mLgBbw4hUgCV2ZUt3UFsG_MIxekDUhQCKgB/s320/IMG_20170103_095244_937.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sanderson Farms truck hauling meat chickens heads down the highway, bringing fresh meat to you!</td></tr>
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I realized at
that time what an impact an education in Agriculture could have on my community
and I decided I would do my part to make that education available to community
members. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Defining Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Before I go any further, I am going to define At-Risk and
Urban, because these terms can be ambiguous or have different meanings,
depending on their context. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li><u>“At-Risk”</u> is defined as a
student who is likely to fail at school; usually by dropping out. (National
Center for Urban Education Statistics)</li>
<li><u>“Urban”</u> is typically large cities
or areas with characteristics such as an increasing population of English
language Learners or relatively high poverty rates. Urban can be further broken
down into three categories: </li>
<ul>
<li>Urban intensive: Cities >1 million people </li>
<li>Urban Emergent: Cities <1 million people, but are still very large</li>
<li>Urban Characteristic: Cities that are medium-large and share characteristics of
the other two (Milner, “But What Is Urban Education”)</li>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Why It Matters to You<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Clearly this project matters to me, as I have spent two
years of my life working on it, but why should it matter to you? The number one
most important reason is that a wave of uninformed members of the public are
dictating what happens at the production level of Agriculture. In short, your
jobs are being run by consumers who don’t know anything about what you do. Who
think that steak comes wrapped in cellophane and who have never seen a field,
much less a worm, in their life. Yet we cannot look down on these people
because they aren’t stupid – not at all – they are simply the product of an
educational system that has chosen to focus on other things and has left
Agriculture behind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4EizdBq7SaQ/WH1bi14NRxI/AAAAAAAAZbQ/GDtzSrlqK6ckEi3UEc-R643YXdbgU2eYwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161006_162711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4EizdBq7SaQ/WH1bi14NRxI/AAAAAAAAZbQ/GDtzSrlqK6ckEi3UEc-R643YXdbgU2eYwCLcB/s320/IMG_20161006_162711.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Cheviot eweling that will be shown later in her life</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Why It Matters to Them<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Agriculture education matters to me, and it matter to you,
but why should it matter to at-risk students living in inner cities? Because an
education in Agriculture provides students with new opportunities for careers
that they don’t even know exist. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It gives them the opportunity to learn skills that they
could live off of or use as a hobby. A class in veterinary science that
includes even small animals like a guinea pig gives students who are bullies
and jerks the chance to learn empathy, compassion, and patience – skills that
cannot be taught in almost any other setting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It gives them the knowledge to make better consumer
decisions in the grocery store and knowledge on how to respond when they see an
inflammatory article online about the dangers of GMOs and antibiotics in their
food. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And it gives them the chance to change the way that society
at large views agriculture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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High school is setting the stage for students’ careers and
collegiate decisions, and middle school sets the stage for high school.
Currently, many of our nations’ students are entering high school with
little-to-no background information on agriculture. We cannot expect those
students to take Agriscience classes – should they even be offered – if they
don’t even understand what agriculture is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What Educators Said<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In my research, I conducted a survey of middle school
teachers in large cities throughout Tennessee and North Mississippi. The
responses I got were very supportive of seeing Agriculture incorporated into
their programs. Some of the responses I got were:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->“It would give them structure and would be
better for students that are active during the school year with extracurricular
activities.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->“It would allow them to gain survival skills as
well as learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->“If disadvantaged students studied agriculture
and linked it to other disciplines, they have the potential to learn not only
healthier eating habits, but also how it fits into the greater economy. They
could learn skills from raising livestock and crops to preparation, marketing
and more - just within the food industry. And by tying it into technology,
math, and engineering, they may find inroads to fields that they otherwise
might not consider.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Reaching Students<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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To reach our urban students, we have to be able to show them
that the knowledge they gain from Agriculture classes will benefit their future
and their present lives. We have to start recruiting in middle schools if we
expect our students to be interested in high school. And we absolutely must
have a presence in their community. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Community support is one of the number one reasons that a
student may succeed. The community support will influence family support, and
this is critical. We have to convince urban families that we are worthy of
their child’s interest – careers in Agriculture just aren’t viewed as highly as
sports or music careers in a lot of urban communities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crop of soybeans, ready for harvest</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Retaining Students<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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To retain these students, we must ensure that students who
are low-achieving are receiving equally as much attention as high-achieving
ones. Simply because a student does not excel academically doesn’t mean that
they aren’t going to be brilliant in a hands-on career. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We must also push for culturally inclusive programs. The
majority of inner city students don’t look like me, and many of them don’t
speak my language as their primary one. We have to have a program that takes
note of this and includes them. Far too often we see programs that say
something along the lines of, “And the pilgrim settlers began to plow (<i>Oh yeah, and the
Native Americans showed them that if they planted fish with their corn it would grow
better</i>) but the pilgrims did all this work and were able to cultivate the land.” While that is totally true, and very important for our students to knwo, that course of learning has the
tendency to make White People the focus of it, totally discrediting the
thousands of years of agricultural production that was done by millions of
people that weren’t white. Some of the most historically advanced irrigation
systems have been unearthed as relics in the Andes mountains. Israel currently
leads the world in many Agricultural technologies. We have to make sure that
students of every race and background understand that their culture has had a
hand in getting Agriculture where it is today, and that they can continue that
legacy.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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And again, we must create a community focus. The more
involved that we as an agricultural community become in primary education, the
more we have a chance to shape and influence it and thus change societal perceptions
of Agriculture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">How to Get Involved<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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How can we accomplish these goals of reaching and retaining
students?<o:p></o:p></div>
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We can volunteer with local organizations and clubs already
in existence. Our physical presence can be life changing for these students. If
you don’t know what currently exists in your community, contact your Extension
Agents and see if <a href="http://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/master-gardeners" target="_blank">Master Gardeners</a>, <a href="http://4-h.org/" target="_blank">4-H</a>, or <a href="https://www.ffa.org/home" target="_blank">FFA</a> is partnering with inner-city
schools in any way. If you are a 4-H or FFA leader, consider having your
members practice their speeches and reasons at middle schools. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omuyHD26qNw/WH1bhVpNK4I/AAAAAAAAZbM/l-_yaqT8ACYR5W_iO7lyCys2tpOxJAE2ACEw/s1600/IMG_20160909_161200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omuyHD26qNw/WH1bhVpNK4I/AAAAAAAAZbM/l-_yaqT8ACYR5W_iO7lyCys2tpOxJAE2ACEw/s320/IMG_20160909_161200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Collegiate 4-H student giving back to her local 4-H club</td></tr>
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We can also talk to our local schools to find out what
programs are already being offered to students by the school and then become
active with those programs.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Time is a precious commodity, so if you are pressed for it,
consider donating materials to school programs. If the school has a garden,
perhaps you can donate top soil, or seeds, or a few shovels or rakes. These
donations can be tax deductible, depending on which organization you give to. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Kids love field trips, and seeing a farm in working action
can be highly influential to them. You may be able to have students out while
planting or harvesting and let them simply stand on the side of your field and
watch – I’ve had the opportunity to do this in my college classes, and if a 21
year old city-slicker can get excited from watching a combine drive past, image
how excited a 12 or 13 year old would be. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, if bringing people to your farm makes you
uncomfortable, is a biohazard, or just doesn’t work, consider taking the field
trip to the students. I can’t tell you how excited a class of kids would be if
you pulled up to their school with a cow in a trailer. Or if a biology class is
talking about plant systems, bring in a few corn plants, or soybean, or cotton,
or wheat. Whatever you’ve got is something that they don’t, and they want to
learn about it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Case combine harvesting a test plot of corn</td></tr>
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<b>A Call to Action</b></div>
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This was only a few ideas to get you started, but there are
many more out there. I encourage each of you create your own list for getting
involved in a school’s community.</div>
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I want to
encourage you – we are living in a time period when Agriculture is needed more
than ever, yet is overlooked, unappreciated, and insulted on a daily basis. <i>We
cannot change people’s mindsets by being angry</i>. <i>Instead, we can provide the
knowledge that is lacking and do it with kindness.</i> We have the chance to mold
society through our Nation’s youth, and I strongly encourage you to get out
there and do so for the sake of Agriculture. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"You know, farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field." - Dwight Eisenhower </strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Address at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, 9/25/56</i></span></span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-64172114619188399122015-05-31T21:33:00.001-07:002015-05-31T21:33:10.749-07:00We Got Hitched!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whew! The Gentleman and I managed to pull of getting married without loosing (all) our sanity.<br />
The ceremony was short, and due to the weather, inside the same room where our reception was held. We worked extensively with our pastor - also our pre-marriage counselor - to create a ceremony that had meaning for both my husband and myself.<br />
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What the Bride Wore:</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Hand-sewn dress and sash</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Mother-in-law's petticoat</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Turquoise boots from <a href="http://www.countryoutfitter.com/products/27505-womens-turquoise-cortez-cream-fleur-de-lis-boot-r1973&source=googleps?gclid=CM-3pYHV7cUCFdcZgQod9nkAyQ" target="_blank">Country Outfitter</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Great-grandmother's necklace and handkerchief</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Grandmother's watch and studs</li>
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What the Bridesmaids Wore:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Dresses from <a href="http://www.fleetcollection.com/" target="_blank">Fleet Collection</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Silver sandals of their choice</li>
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Bride's cakes by Lori Mundt</div>
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Groom's cake by Julie Garner</div>
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Photography by Rebecca Garner and Jennifer Holt</div>
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Venue:<a href="http://www.fountainsouthinn.com/" target="_blank"> Fountain South Inn</a></div>
Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-63644200312977162612015-05-27T15:07:00.000-07:002015-05-27T15:07:34.719-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-34055868187423488622015-04-12T15:34:00.001-07:002015-04-13T17:52:22.248-07:003-D Study GuideI'm back! It's been a long while since I've posted anything, but today I'm sharing an instructional on creating a 3-D study guide. I made mine as part of a WebQuest assignment in an Educational Psychology class I am in. While mine is aimed at a high school/college level class, you can make yours for anything!<br />
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(Instructions have been modified from the fantastic ones over at <a href="http://hootyshomeroom.blogspot.com/2013/05/foldable-fungeometry.html" target="_blank">Hooty's Homeroom</a>.)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3C8cYLu7_04/VSxi6PAEMpI/AAAAAAAAVNU/xyM1rYp7whQ/s1600/How%2Bto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3C8cYLu7_04/VSxi6PAEMpI/AAAAAAAAVNU/xyM1rYp7whQ/s1600/How%2Bto.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8dA1XQoEaao/VSlKak-AOTI/AAAAAAAAVLk/ao1fCQOjBg0/s1600/20150411_102652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8dA1XQoEaao/VSlKak-AOTI/AAAAAAAAVLk/ao1fCQOjBg0/s1600/20150411_102652.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Materials needed:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 sheet 8.5" x 11" paper</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pens</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tape (or paperclip) </span><br />
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Step 1: Fold the top right corner of the paper over to make a right triangle. Make sure the fold is creased sharply.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlZpTkymKYg/VSlKaAMlQKI/AAAAAAAAVLc/w-aZPUHpc2E/s1600/20150411_102730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlZpTkymKYg/VSlKaAMlQKI/AAAAAAAAVLc/w-aZPUHpc2E/s1600/20150411_102730.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 2: Unfold and repeat with left corner, creasing sharply. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76ZUgktF32Q/VSlKn7uC4VI/AAAAAAAAVL4/UdqQV_nxBV8/s1600/20150411_102757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76ZUgktF32Q/VSlKn7uC4VI/AAAAAAAAVL4/UdqQV_nxBV8/s1600/20150411_102757.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 3: With the left corner still folded down, fold the bottom rectangle up to crease.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfZKq-niRu4/VSlKnis0r-I/AAAAAAAAVL0/BQMBMB4zPA0/s1600/20150411_102821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfZKq-niRu4/VSlKnis0r-I/AAAAAAAAVL0/BQMBMB4zPA0/s1600/20150411_102821.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 4: Unfold and check to ensure all creases are sharp. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ykt-pzJlZU/VSlKngIC5GI/AAAAAAAAVLw/0pgEYuVt0CI/s1600/20150411_102931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ykt-pzJlZU/VSlKngIC5GI/AAAAAAAAVLw/0pgEYuVt0CI/s1600/20150411_102931.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 5: Flip paper over so that the rectangle crease is to the top.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh7nvzrv9hw/VSlKqzgTmpI/AAAAAAAAVMI/Pus3wLywpSg/s1600/20150411_102952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh7nvzrv9hw/VSlKqzgTmpI/AAAAAAAAVMI/Pus3wLywpSg/s1600/20150411_102952.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 6: Cut the bottom left-hand crease to the center.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFbrJQfk_ss/VSlKuXx4ngI/AAAAAAAAVMU/YSqTbEbcl4c/s1600/20150411_103019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFbrJQfk_ss/VSlKuXx4ngI/AAAAAAAAVMU/YSqTbEbcl4c/s1600/20150411_103019.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 7: "Puff" the center up and slide one flap under the other. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogG4QbSlY-0/VSlKudBEjRI/AAAAAAAAVMQ/BH0xRX1FNYA/s1600/20150411_103043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogG4QbSlY-0/VSlKudBEjRI/AAAAAAAAVMQ/BH0xRX1FNYA/s1600/20150411_103043.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 8: Admire your blank study guide. At this point, feel free to do your own thing with this, modifying it for any class. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfP0fjmkCRI/VSlKwX17raI/AAAAAAAAVMg/-rPa2MQwm9g/s1600/20150411_103131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfP0fjmkCRI/VSlKwX17raI/AAAAAAAAVMg/-rPa2MQwm9g/s1600/20150411_103131.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 9: Unfold your paper and label 3 of the sides with different areas that you are studying. Do not label the side that will be slid under.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKGv_DkL8Po/VSlK0Ks70gI/AAAAAAAAVMo/WYiLZc1rSkc/s1600/20150411_103249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKGv_DkL8Po/VSlK0Ks70gI/AAAAAAAAVMo/WYiLZc1rSkc/s1600/20150411_103249.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 10: Under each section that you've labeled, write notes that fall under those areas. (I color coded mine, but there's no real need to.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZVnphxxr3k/VSlK2PikFbI/AAAAAAAAVMw/jj0mH2e7AnI/s1600/20150411_105321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZVnphxxr3k/VSlK2PikFbI/AAAAAAAAVMw/jj0mH2e7AnI/s1600/20150411_105321.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 11: Title the study guide.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54J7VrJtLuc/VSlK3FHUiJI/AAAAAAAAVM4/JsrwP2HuZs8/s1600/20150411_105410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54J7VrJtLuc/VSlK3FHUiJI/AAAAAAAAVM4/JsrwP2HuZs8/s1600/20150411_105410.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Step 12: Using tape or a paperclip, attach the two sides together. </div>
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<span id="goog_1311001813"></span><span id="goog_1311001814"></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8yGl9ZgD6k/VSlK6lZ9pDI/AAAAAAAAVNA/bgdgbRTUiEU/s1600/20150411_105529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8yGl9ZgD6k/VSlK6lZ9pDI/AAAAAAAAVNA/bgdgbRTUiEU/s1600/20150411_105529.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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All done! Again, this is completely modifiable for anything you or your students are studying with 3 areas. It doesn't even have to be a study guide - you could definitely use this for lots of other things!</div>
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♥ Sarah</div>
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Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-42952634452353910842015-02-22T15:55:00.004-08:002015-02-22T18:22:20.340-08:005 Things Learned During My Engagement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Throughout this process of planning a wedding in 5 months, I've discovered 5 things that engaged girls (and guys!) should keep in mind:</div>
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No, really, I promise. This is the wedding of two people. Not the wedding of two people, their mothers, grandparents, well-meaning cousins, and the florist. If you and your SO want something (within reason), go for it. If you don't want something, don't do it. People that love you can become so excited to help you out that they end up bullying you into doing things you just don't want. They still love you, and you still love them, but do your own thing. </div>
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Make sure that the wedding is a reflection of your personality, not just something that is a copy-and-paste from someone else's vision. It's ok to break some traditions - how else do you think those traditions got started?! (P.S. The traditional "church wedding" comes from Roman culture and mimics one of the several types of marriages they performed, with a little Christian twist to it. It's cool to not be like the Romans, if you don't want.)</div>
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Guys, money doesn't grow on trees and I really can't stress this one enough. You and your SO sit down with whoever is paying for the wedding and decide an actual dollar amount for the wedding and the reception. If you two are paying, that's cool, but you need to do the same thing. What we've done is to make a spreadsheet with every category we could think of as the rows, with the following columns: Description, Estimated cost, Actual cost, Person Paying, and Person in Charge. (I might make a separate post about setting this up and using it. It has been invaluable!) </div>
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Once you have the dollar amount, stick to it. If you can't afford a $5000 loft barn for the ceremony, then no matter how badly you want it (and let me tell you, it was GORGEOUS!) you have to find somewhere else to get married or compromise on another category. </div>
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Colors, theme, decorations, dresses, flowers, food, etc. Everything in my wedding has had to change a little bit. And that's ok! What matters more than if I got the original things that I wanted is that everything, in the end, works out for good. Fight for what you love, but don't make mountains out of molehills. </div>
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*Confession: Both of those are things I have said when being much less than nice. I was also possibly hormonal at the time they were said. I ate a doughnut afterwards and things were much better.* </div>
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You are going to get stressed. You might even cry. Someone might say something rude or un-thoughtful to you. You might completely disagree with your future spouse on the kind of music that is and is not acceptable to play at receptions. That's tough, but you have to be nice. A party that lasts for a few hours on one day is totally not worth making people who care mad at you. Remember back to #1 when I said you should fight for what you want? You should, and you might hurt some feelings along the way, but be loving when you fight. There's no point in getting your way if your attitude makes people not want to show up on the big day. </div>
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Yay! You're engaged to a really awesome person who you are going to get to annoy and laugh with for the rest of your lives and you only have a few months to plan the (so far) biggest day of your life. No pressure.....ha. </div>
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There's lots of pressure. There are lots and lots of things to do. But you can burn out if you tackle them all at once with all of your energy. My future mother in law gave me a beautiful piece of advice:</div>
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Take a break to be a couple - you only have a little while to be engaged. </div>
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She's right. I can get so caught up in getting married to The Gentleman that I sometimes forget that I am still in a functioning relationship with him. Go watch a movie together, or build something, or go workout. Don't neglect your relationship so you can marry him/her. It's not cool, man. </div>
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Go have fun, be engaged, and rock your wedding! </div>
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♥ Sarah</div>
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<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-8650101671546558872015-01-13T21:20:00.000-08:002015-01-13T21:20:09.726-08:00DIY Bridesmaids Request<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPET8QuWtHU/VLXVSBgMvaI/AAAAAAAAVDM/0KPNV2JcA7o/s1600/bridesmaids%2Brequest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPET8QuWtHU/VLXVSBgMvaI/AAAAAAAAVDM/0KPNV2JcA7o/s1600/bridesmaids%2Brequest.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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My wedding planning is going extremely well and I've been blessed beyond measure with all of the support and advice I've received. Much of the wedding is DIY (shocker there, right?) and while I can't share all of it yet, I thought I'd go on and show you how I asked my bridesmaids. It's not the most fancy way in the world, but it is from the heart. And at the end of the day, that's all that matters. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4JgA8Jm7hQ/VLXVIkeXKMI/AAAAAAAAVCk/QZz3ONtSTt8/s1600/20150113_194127G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4JgA8Jm7hQ/VLXVIkeXKMI/AAAAAAAAVCk/QZz3ONtSTt8/s1600/20150113_194127G.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are the materials:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Small squares of scrapbook paper</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Paint pen</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sharpies (1 fine tip & 2 regular)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Yarn</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Rings of your choice</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Pla5TWw52o/VLXVFB4pKnI/AAAAAAAAVCc/X6igNZzmSrg/s1600/20150113_194134G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Pla5TWw52o/VLXVFB4pKnI/AAAAAAAAVCc/X6igNZzmSrg/s1600/20150113_194134G.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Choose your paper!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Fa4fcnHcU/VLXVEUwdCbI/AAAAAAAAVCU/IBy9kpXYgoQ/s1600/20150113_194151G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Fa4fcnHcU/VLXVEUwdCbI/AAAAAAAAVCU/IBy9kpXYgoQ/s1600/20150113_194151G.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Fold it in half and crease tightly.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vRnvhe9Lac/VLXVJ7V8VLI/AAAAAAAAVC0/cqf4R1DPh70/s1600/20150113_194227G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vRnvhe9Lac/VLXVJ7V8VLI/AAAAAAAAVC0/cqf4R1DPh70/s1600/20150113_194227G.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Write your girls names on!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnLXrjK6Wn8/VLXVI3CDjlI/AAAAAAAAVCo/x1mqZat1V60/s1600/20150113_195044G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnLXrjK6Wn8/VLXVI3CDjlI/AAAAAAAAVCo/x1mqZat1V60/s1600/20150113_195044G.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Pick a cute phrase and write it on the card, accenting the fun words with the larger markers. (Yup, stole the wording from Pinterest.)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmBX-Zbe-rI/VLXVPAToD-I/AAAAAAAAVC8/2GlykHyW-40/s1600/20150113_195104G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmBX-Zbe-rI/VLXVPAToD-I/AAAAAAAAVC8/2GlykHyW-40/s1600/20150113_195104G.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Use a hole punch to make a hole in one corner.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkqZGohl1gg/VLXVQN0aeqI/AAAAAAAAVDE/bZS_EH7ZEA4/s1600/20150113_195216G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkqZGohl1gg/VLXVQN0aeqI/AAAAAAAAVDE/bZS_EH7ZEA4/s1600/20150113_195216G.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cut your yarn around 8" long.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OblPlFpceQo/VLXVR_vdE3I/AAAAAAAAVDQ/Da-R71eURN0/s1600/20150113_195408G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OblPlFpceQo/VLXVR_vdE3I/AAAAAAAAVDQ/Da-R71eURN0/s1600/20150113_195408G.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Double the yarn, pull it through the hole, thread it through the ring and back through the hole. Tie on the back side. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0EwIvakBnM/VLXXUKYfsLI/AAAAAAAAVDg/3k38T0dt3Mk/s1600/20150113_195424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0EwIvakBnM/VLXXUKYfsLI/AAAAAAAAVDg/3k38T0dt3Mk/s1600/20150113_195424.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tada! </div>
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(yes, there are 2 holes in that request.....mistakes happen.)<br />
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♥ Sarah</div>
Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-90159053484815835562014-12-10T19:34:00.000-08:002014-12-10T19:34:12.458-08:00For Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A dear (not deer) friend of mine is talented at both natural resource management and art. Combining both of her loves, she has created these one-of-a-kind art pieces and because I was so darn impressed by them, I offered to host a sale for her. Take a look and comment if interested!</div>
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Wonky Deer (buck) Skull: The hand-drawn designs are adorable and the wonky antlers add to the charm of this small skull. </div>
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$35obo</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyqZQefB8Dg/VIkLgH2O3fI/AAAAAAAAU4w/p4gM5RTypSg/s1600/DSC_0139G.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyqZQefB8Dg/VIkLgH2O3fI/AAAAAAAAU4w/p4gM5RTypSg/s1600/DSC_0139G.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Bright lighting washed out the colors in the second photo, but I promise they are there!) </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tEGv5CfclPs/VIkMMDI1AdI/AAAAAAAAU5Q/tn6n9FhUlHw/s1600/DSC_0158G.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tEGv5CfclPs/VIkMMDI1AdI/AAAAAAAAU5Q/tn6n9FhUlHw/s1600/DSC_0158G.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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This hand-painted deer skull (doe) would be super cool to accent a southwestern home or could work as a neat paper weight. $40obo</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOT57b5zGlc/VIkLfFlC6NI/AAAAAAAAU4o/5_QIr0QgZ3k/s1600/DSC_0143G.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOT57b5zGlc/VIkLfFlC6NI/AAAAAAAAU4o/5_QIr0QgZ3k/s1600/DSC_0143G.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I love the detail she put into this!</div>
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This cow jawbone is also hand-painted, and is fantastic! I'd love to see this as a wall hanging, but the possibilities are endless. Both sides have designs. $50obo</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xw72lWyHa8Q/VIkMUMdjpBI/AAAAAAAAU5Y/_GftY9vcpzQ/s1600/DSC_0183G.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xw72lWyHa8Q/VIkMUMdjpBI/AAAAAAAAU5Y/_GftY9vcpzQ/s1600/DSC_0183G.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-3934699927791058382014-12-07T20:17:00.000-08:002014-12-07T20:17:27.193-08:00I Said YesYesterday afternoon, in the middle of a movie marathon with a group of my friends, The Gentleman asked if we could go take a photo shoot with his car. So we drove for 20 or so minutes until we found a little country road where we parked the car and set the camera up for a shot. The Gentleman requested that we take a photo together, but while I posed, he stepped away from me and I turned to find him on one knee with a ring box in one hand.<br />
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{I said yes}</div>
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I'll admit that I coasted through the entire day without the realization truly hitting me. To be perfectly honest I'm not sure if it has really hit yet this evening. I'm ecstatic and humbled, and a little bit awkward - but definitely happy.<br />
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The next few months will be crazy busy, but I will be sharing lots of DIY stuff as I prepare for the wedding. I can't wait to share with you!<br />
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<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-23371183428399671182014-11-26T18:22:00.000-08:002015-02-22T15:56:13.704-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-80233151776068432802014-11-17T10:32:00.001-08:002014-11-17T20:29:33.935-08:00Home Education - A Social Schooling(This is the extended edition of a persuasive speech given in my Honors Communications class. Links to sources available upon request.)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Volunteer
Zookeeper, ballerina, amateur herpetologist, beekeeper, costume maker, and orphaned
squirrel rehabilitator. These are all titles I have held at some point in my
grade school career. Titles that would not have been possible if my parents had
not made the decision to homeschool me and my sisters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Although I knew it
existed, until I got to college, I had never personally encountered the
argument that homeschoolers do not achieve proper social skills because of
their style of education. For the majority of my life I had only come across
those who had recognized the vast benefits of homeschooling. It was intriguing
to me to see that the pervasive myth of homeschoolers receiving improper
socialization was present even among my peers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After examining this issue from various
viewpoints, I have come to the following conclusions; when used properly,
homeschooling provides proper social skills, diverse relationships, and extensive
social interactions. Today, I hope to persuade you likewise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When
used properly, homeschooling provides proper social skills because the
definition of social skills is misunderstood by mainstream society and because
when used properly, homeschooling teaches all necessary social skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Instead
of immediately questioning if homeschoolers have necessary social skills,
question if you understand what necessary social skills are. According to
dictionary.com, the definition of social skills is; “T<span class="oneclick-link"><span style="background: white;">he</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oneclick-link"><span style="background: white;">personal</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oneclick-link"><span style="background: white;">skills</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oneclick-link"><span style="background: white;">needed</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oneclick-link"><span style="background: white;">for</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oneclick-link"><span style="background: white;">successful</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oneclick-link"><span style="background: white;">social</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oneclick-link"><span style="background: white;">communication</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oneclick-link"><span style="background: white;">and interaction.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_VuOCrnPCY/VGrKq4IhQFI/AAAAAAAAUWY/0DY4MdwZn0Y/s1600/Tripple%2BTrap%2Bday%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_VuOCrnPCY/VGrKq4IhQFI/AAAAAAAAUWY/0DY4MdwZn0Y/s1600/Tripple%2BTrap%2Bday%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In a study conducted by Vanderbilt University, “[Stephen]
<span style="background: white;">Elliott [and] Frank Gresham
identified the top 10 skills that students need to succeed based on surveys of over
8,000 teachers and over 20 years of research in classrooms across the country”.
The skills are:</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">1. Listen to others</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">2. Follow the steps</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">3. Follow the rules</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">4. Ignore distractions</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">5. Ask for help</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">6. Take turns when you talk</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">7. Get along with others</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">8. Stay calm with others</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">9. Be responsible for your behavior</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">10. Do nice things for others</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Parents
are indeed concerned with socialization. In a survey of 31 homeschooling
parents and students roughly half said that socialization was of either high or
very high importance to them. The results did not vary much when student and
parent results were separated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iG_0ztLNXw/VGo7D8l0aTI/AAAAAAAAUS4/_xaGAPx0xTE/s1600/Student's%2Bresponse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iG_0ztLNXw/VGo7D8l0aTI/AAAAAAAAUS4/_xaGAPx0xTE/s1600/Student%27s%2Bresponse.png" height="276" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Students
have the opportunity to work directly with their parent who can more easily
monitor their behavior and help shape it in their early formative years. As the
students grow older, these skills are broadened by their interactions with
other people. Because students have the ability to work one-on-one with
parents, skills can be sharpened and weaknesses are able to be strengthened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now
that we have a clear understanding of what proper social skills are, we can
take a look at the social relationships homeschooling can offer students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When
used properly, homeschooling provides diverse social relationships because
homeschoolers grow up in diverse families and because homeschoolers are exposed
to a variety of demographics<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JkFcpsc93Lw/VGo8HYNqeyI/AAAAAAAAUTQ/4gSF4y_7qTw/s1600/Amber%2C%2BLysa%2C%2Band%2BSarah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JkFcpsc93Lw/VGo8HYNqeyI/AAAAAAAAUTQ/4gSF4y_7qTw/s1600/Amber%2C%2BLysa%2C%2Band%2BSarah.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
have met homeschooled students from different religions, ethnicities, and socio-economic
backgrounds. Families with members who have different gender identifications,
different races within the family, and families with members who had various
learning challenges or health issues. In the same way that public or privately
schooled students come from unique backgrounds, homeschoolers are not all cut from
the same cloth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">According
to the National Center for Education Statistics’ 2011-2012 report on education
in the United States, 32% of home-educated students were in a minority group
and 20% of all home-educating families were considered poor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">93%
of my in-class survey participants said that they were friends with students
from different schooling backgrounds than theirs. Interestingly enough, 94% of
the homeschoolers who responded said that they are friends with public or
private schooled students as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-9Bcs-KyoU/VGo7D03OJtI/AAAAAAAAUS0/bpOwofFBP7I/s1600/Friendships.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-9Bcs-KyoU/VGo7D03OJtI/AAAAAAAAUS0/bpOwofFBP7I/s1600/Friendships.png" height="297" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In
a survey, one homeschooling parent listed questions they kept in mind when
thinking of necessary social skills,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> “Can my child converse with those he or she
comes in contact with in a clear and understandable way? Are they able to speak
with the appropriate vocabulary depending on the age of the person they are
speaking with? Are they able to make and maintain eye contact with those they
are speaking? Are they able to engage in meaningful conversation with all ages
and demographics they come in contact with?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
parent is not only concerned with making sure their student is exposed to a
variety of demographics, they have considered the skills their student will
need to master such interactions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdlse0c4rxs/VGo8WY1rLvI/AAAAAAAAUTw/thxceUtOJSo/s1600/Prom!!!%2B2012%2B950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdlse0c4rxs/VGo8WY1rLvI/AAAAAAAAUTw/thxceUtOJSo/s1600/Prom!!!%2B2012%2B950.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another
parent’s response was, “My children participate in swimming for 3 hours a day
with other children their own age who are homeschooled and public school
children. They also participate in Band and Choir with same age children. When
in high school they take dual enrollment college courses. They also volunteer
in church with people of all ages. So they socialize with people of different ages
in a variety of activities.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Social
skills are seldom selected as a point of strife for students in public school
systems. Yet while a public or privately schooled students spends approximately
6 hours a day inside of a school, homeschoolers are able to participate in
activities outside of their home at any time they choose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkWli3Qv3fk/VGo8R5Li3JI/AAAAAAAAUTk/STxM6Vjkjh8/s1600/DSC_0405_edited%2Belana's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkWli3Qv3fk/VGo8R5Li3JI/AAAAAAAAUTk/STxM6Vjkjh8/s1600/DSC_0405_edited%2Belana's.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Personally,
I have done my schoolwork everywhere from doctors’ offices to car inspection
lines. Because I could take my schoolwork with me, I was able to meet more
people and see more situations than I might have elsewise. Homeschool support
groups I have participated in would go to nursing homes or assisted living
homes to sing Christmas carols or hand out Valentine’s Day cards. Because of my
involvement with 4H, I was selected as a teen leader for a day camp where I
helped master gardeners teach urban children all about where their food comes
from. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
have discovered the diverse social relationships a homeschooler may encounter,
it is now time to examine their social interactions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When
used properly, homeschooling provides extensive social interactions because homeschoolers
have regular scholastic social interactions and because homeschoolers
participate in extra-curricular activities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFLDF6nhCcY/VGo7sEHuXdI/AAAAAAAAUTM/NRIyXnWcV_E/s1600/Beehive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFLDF6nhCcY/VGo7sEHuXdI/AAAAAAAAUTM/NRIyXnWcV_E/s1600/Beehive.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> In his article “Revisiting Common Myths about Homeschoolers”,
Michael Romanowski stated that “On the average, homeschooled students are
involved in 5.2 activities outside the home, with 98 percent engaged in two or
more.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Out
of the 8 homeschoolers whose classwork was confined to their home only, 7 of
them still participated in activities outside the home on a weekly basis. These
included Civil Air Patrol, band, sports teams, and classes with other students.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
you can see from the photos, homeschoolers are able to participate in
a multitude of extracurricular activities. Everything from working with animals
to being in a circus, running a 5K to being a beekeeper, and even going to prom
or senior banquets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According
to my survey of homeschoolers, extracurricular activities they participate in
include: 4H, dance, volunteer work, field trips, parties, scouts, Taekwondo,
gymnastics, music lessons, and hanging out with friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: center;">Homeschoolers
have even tackled the internet. Let’s watch a clip from the highly successful
YouTube channel “Blimey Cow” as Jordan busts a few homeschooling myths.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xJHt-m3VX6o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In review, I have shown you why, when used properly,
homeschooling provides proper social skills, diverse relationships, and extensive
social interactions. Now, this is not to say that every single homeschooled
student will display all ten skills at all times, and this is not to say that
every homeschooled student will receive enough diverse socialization for them
to not be individually labeled as socially awkward or unsure. However, as I
hope I have shown you, these students are rare and should be considered
outliers. The majority of homeschooling students are active members of their
community. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As one mother told me just recently, “Socialization? I am too busy
driving my children from ballet to archery to 4-H to be able to focus on
socialization.”</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p>Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-70793764107343836722014-10-13T14:19:00.002-07:002014-10-13T14:19:59.310-07:00On animals in the city<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been blessed with an array of animal encounters that
most who are raised in the city miss out on. While I may not have the advantage
to having grown up on a farm, I make up for it in my experiences. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I made a list of creatures that have been permitted to live
in my house over the years:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Dogs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Snakes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Turtles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Snails</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Rabbits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Mice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Rats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Squirrels – they were babies that fell out of
their nests</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Shrimp</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Frogs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Lizards</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bees</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">And the latest addition: chickens</span></li>
</ul>
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I’ve begged for chickens for years and been turned down
every time. But on the occasion of my sisters + mother rescuing one from the
middle of a very busy road a few weeks ago, they are now chicken owners. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Wy0NKVFm1U/VDxBWyekCqI/AAAAAAAATVw/4qBRh5HyupA/s1600/20141011_134044-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Wy0NKVFm1U/VDxBWyekCqI/AAAAAAAATVw/4qBRh5HyupA/s1600/20141011_134044-EFFECTS.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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She’s a very nice, albeit spoiled, chicken and she needs a
nice chicken house. I spent hours designing an awesome coop yesterday, only to
be informed that we were picking one up from a friend. At least my limited math
skills got a little workout... <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vZWZ6_lBEM/VDxBheHmfAI/AAAAAAAATV4/vJx3jDGiUT4/s1600/20141013_130038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vZWZ6_lBEM/VDxBheHmfAI/AAAAAAAATV4/vJx3jDGiUT4/s1600/20141013_130038.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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But this coop is going to need some TLC before it can be
handed over to Miss. Chelsey (oh yes, she’s got a fancy-pants name.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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The friend’s goats were not impressed at my attempts to lure
them closer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chickens are allowed in the city where I live, but we still
have to be careful due to the many possums, raccoons, cats, and hawks that
would eat a chicken up in a heartbeat. This will be a great adventure for my
younger sisters as they learn how to care for a few chickens (Dad doesn’t know
it but there will be a small flock soon) and how much responsibility a few
small animals take. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, I’ll applaud from a distance and be willing
to console if something goes wrong. This isn’t my project, but I’m proud of how
my sisters are willing to step up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
♥ Sarah</div>
Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-6370743425816344522014-10-09T21:36:00.000-07:002014-10-09T21:37:47.146-07:00Our Precious Lasts<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There's a rapidly circulating
article on a lovely young woman named Brittany who is choosing to end her life
on November 1st, 2014 in order to avoid a painful death due to brain
cancer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I spent a solid 30 minutes
sobbing after I read about her on <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2014/10/my-right-to-die-with-dignity-at-age-29.html" target="_blank">A Cup of Jo</a> - I have been "blessed" with the ability to feel strongly other
people's pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">My stance on the issue is not
in line with Brittany's, but I feel for her. I am empathetic to how terrifying
her limited number of days is. I understand how big that vacuum inside her
heart is when she thinks about death and what comes after.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">However, this post is not
about her choice to decide the time and place of her death - that is not a
topic I wish to carry out on social media – and others have done a <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/10/dear-brittany-why-we-dont-have-to-be-so-afraid-of-dying-suffering-that-we-choose-suicide/" target="_blank">much more eloquent job</a> than I ever could.
This post is about living. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">As I scrolled through the
comments on A Cup of Jo, one in particular stood out. Another woman who has
been diagnosed with an illness made the point that today's society is so caught
up in having amazing *new* experiences before we "kick the bucket"
that we fail to think about how precious our *last* experiences will be. We as
a society are disengaged from our elders, missing out on the opportunity to
witness and participate in "lasts." We take the time to photograph or
otherwise document a child’s thousands of “firsts”, but </span>aren't<span style="font-size: small;"> an elderly
person’s “lasts” just as important? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_TtcR4UHZE/VDdf4vQLliI/AAAAAAAATG0/uVmkMDIsOhU/s1600/5basasociety5dwhenwe27realwayschasing27firsts270awehavenopreparation0afor27lasts270ahttp3a2f2fjoanna-default.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_TtcR4UHZE/VDdf4vQLliI/AAAAAAAATG0/uVmkMDIsOhU/s1600/5basasociety5dwhenwe27realwayschasing27firsts270awehavenopreparation0afor27lasts270ahttp3a2f2fjoanna-default.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The end of life is not what most would consider beautiful; it lacks the aesthetic nature of birth and childhood. But in so many ways, it is more so. The last days we have on this planet are our parting gifts to humanity. Our flourished - or scribbled - signature on the letter we wrote as we lived. The punctuation mark at the end of a sentence. And they are fleeting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I know from personal
experience what a terrible thing it is to waste lasts. I grew up paying short
visits to my great grandmother every year, but I was so much more interested in
watching her TV or playing with her dogs and cats that I can only remember a
handful of things she said before she passed away. In retrospect, she was one
of the strongest, most unbiased, and loved-filled women to ever grace this planet.
Her heart and home had room for everyone, even those society would consider
unlovable. I completely missed out on learning from her, instead I only have
snatches of her essence, so to speak, to remember her by. I would give so much to go back and
talk with her, ask her questions, or just listen to her gently laugh at the
antics of her large family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve thought about this over
and over today, and wondered how I can change my thoughts on firsts and lasts.
How I can mold my sense of appreciation to accept the nearing end of someone’s
life. How I can learn to see it as beautiful and not something to be shut away and
mentioned in hushed tones. How I can prepare to experience lasts in mine and other's lives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Because life is beautiful, and terrible, and hard
and as it draws to a close the
finale should be abundantly celebrated. It should be cherished. It should be
brought out in the open and talked about – it is something we will all face and
we might well face it with as much vigor as we can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> ♥ Sarah</span></div>
Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-36549624718863495912014-10-08T12:21:00.000-07:002014-10-08T12:21:44.002-07:00Adventures in Student ObservingThere have been so many little adventures over the past few weeks that I've been observing at a local high school. I am required to write a journal-type report after each visit and I thought it would be fun to share my latest writings.<br />
<br />
*All names have been changed in order to protect students' privacy<br />
---<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">In order to accomplish the
necessary planning for the lesson I am to teach in Vet Science, I am keeping
track of where my CT is with her lessons and I have spent time with her going
over the objectives. The lesson I will be teaching is on animal nutrition and
reading feed labels. My CT employs several strong teaching techniques into all
of her lessons and I will be sure to do the same. She has a portion where she
introduces the new vocabulary and has students come up with definitions in
their own words and then she teaches them mnemonics to help them remember the
meanings. I plan on using some of her strategies and then combining them with
some of my own. I am also consulting another agriculture teacher who is a
recent graduate and using his ideas to inspire my lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">I enjoy the time before classes
start and in-between classes because the teachers take time to talk with me
about what works and what doesn’t in their classes, and how they deal with
different situations in the school system. The CTs offer opinions on everything
you could think of and I am enjoying being in their company. On the other hand,
I have noticed that they enjoy the classes they teach because there is not too
much pressure on them to have fantastic test scores on standardized tests, and
because of this they don’t teach material as well as they might otherwise. This
influences a n increasing concern I have - that I will fall into the mindset
that agriculture classes don’t really matter and I’ll become too lax in my
approach to teaching. The best way I can see to avoid this is to stay current
in both global agricultural news and educational news. I will need to
constantly remind myself and my students the real-world impact of what they are
learning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">I’ve discovered over the past
five visits how careful I need to be with the words I speak to teachers and
students. If I am too approachable for the students, I lose authority and have
to backtrack to regain it. If I am not careful, my willingness to participate
in instructing the class can be misinterpreted as overstepping my bounds and I
have to work to regain the teacher’s acceptance of my help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">I have been on the lookout, so to speak, for the effects of the
“No Bully” program. Today I witnessed a scene in my third-block class that both
warmed my heart and made me angry. The turf class is composed of junior and
senior guys who are fairly well behaved. There is one boy (I’ll call him,
“Ian”) who is usually in special-education classes due to mental development
issues, but because he helps his father with his landscaping business he
requested to take the turf class. Today another classmate - “George” - swiped
Ian’s hat in-between classes and hid it from him in the classroom – I didn’t
realize what was going on until later or I would have stepped in at this point.
Ian came into the class red-faced and upset because he couldn't find his hat.
George sat and watched Ian get more and more upset, until yet another classmate
- “Phillip” - noticed what was going on and demanded that George return Ian’s
hat to him post haste and dared him to even think about picking on Ian again.
The hat was returned, albeit some eye-rolling, and no more was mentioned of the
matter by the boys. I was more than a little upset that someone would pick on a
special-needs student – or any student for that matter – but I was excited to
see that there were students willing to stop the bullying head-on. Now, as to
whether or not that student stepped up because of the program, I am not sure. I
will ask around next week to get the teacher’s input. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Something else that has been very encouraging to me is
the principal’s encouragement for me to continue coming even after I am
finished with my ten visits. Ms. C would like for me to stay involved
with the agriculture program at her school. I talked with the teachers and
we’ve agreed that I will start attending their FFA meetings so that I can both
learn about how that club works and stay involved in the school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-85077834645873510112014-09-24T14:48:00.001-07:002014-09-24T14:48:56.966-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-92132669282868745192014-09-17T19:46:00.000-07:002014-09-17T19:46:19.156-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-10463596405557936182014-09-15T04:00:00.000-07:002014-09-15T10:26:34.766-07:00Guest Post: DIY Decorate a Small Space<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif;">Today marks a Very Special Day for me and my little blog! Today's the day I have my very first Guest Blogger! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif;">Hannah is a friend from way, way (way) back in middle school. She's a lovely woman who has played a large role in my life (she's also The Gentleman's sister!) and I've been charmed by how she's embraced adulthood and married life. She's currently not a blogger - though she used to be, and I'm hoping she will be again someday. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif;">I asked her to write about how she's decorated her apartment. I didn't realize it, but I'd asked her to write the article as she was in the middle of a move - sorry about that, dear!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif;">And now, I'll let her charm you herself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moving from apartment to apartment can be stressful. Especially since it seems like there is always something you overlooked in the new apartment that you won’t find out about until you’re half-way through the moving process. For my husband and I, that one thing always seems to be a lack of storage space. The past two times we moved we’ve had to find creative ways of storing things that, when I was younger, I </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 14.9499998092651px; white-space: pre-wrap;">wouldn't</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"> have ever thought about! Where to put the magazines, the extra blankets, the crafting supplies, the board games…the list seemed endless. So it seemed we had two options, buy pieces of furniture exclusively for storage, or rearrange our house so we could have one piece of furniture that served multiple purposes. Seeing as we try to not focus on having an over-abundance of material possessions (not to mention we would have no place to put those pieces), that left us with the latter choice. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">We started with our lack of a proper coffee table (apparently the carpet “</span><span style="line-height: 13.5909090042114px; white-space: pre-wrap;">isn't</span><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a good enough coffee table”). I looked around on Pinterest for a bit and decided that a rustic, pallet look would go best with the look of our house, and give us a place to put those pesky magazines! So we acquired the pallets from my parents farm (although it’s fairly easy to find free pallets on Craigslist or at a furniture store) and simply stacked three of them on top of each other. Thankfully, pallets are heavy enough that there’s no need to bolt them together to keep them from sliding around. From there we put anything we didn’t want to look at all the time into the slots and put a Webster’s Dictionary and a few candles on top for decoration. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next we needed a place to put extra quilts and crafting supplies. My parents-in-law had given us a dresser that, even though was a beautiful antique, was far too massive to fit in our bedroom. So we simply took the mirror off, decorated the top with an antique typewriter, my DIY origami wedding bouquet, a dried flower arrangement, and an original painting found at Goodwill. And then voila! We found a new use for a dresser and turned it into a buffet where we now store blankets, biking accessories and craft supplies. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I know there are girls out there who have the same problem I do of not having a great place to put their jewelry and it seems to only get tangled and in the way. Well there is hope! An easy way to fix that problem (if you’re like me and aren’t really interested in having a more traditional jewelry box) is to find an old picture frame, take out its contents and hot glue/staple ribbon across. your necklaces can hang down from the top of the frame and the ribbon is the perfect place to put earrings! So there you are, a 30 minute job and it clears up the clutter of jewelry from whatever drawer it was being stuffed. Definitely a great weekend project! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if you don’t have the money/space to spend on buying something to store your bike tire pumps or sewing material in, never fear. Just look around in thrift shops, garage sales and antique shops to find inexpensive ways to clear up your house. I find it the most peaceful when I can come home from work, light some incense, make some tea...and NOT be forced to stare at random piles of books and DVDs. Don’t let the stress of having a messy house rule your life, take charge and find ways to clear things up, once and for all! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">♥ Hanna</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">h</span></span></div>
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Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-21699865427008934192014-09-12T22:44:00.000-07:002014-09-12T22:44:12.951-07:00School Outfits: Week 1This is a terribly late and crappy photo of an outfit. But it is the best I can do for this week. Sincere apologies and a pinky promise to do better next week.<br />
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For my first visit to the school, I kept it simple with a blue tank-top, plaid button-up, a black maxi skirt, and silver sandals.<br />
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If you were going to rock such an outfit, you might could grab stuff like these products:</div>
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<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-25455102834698862882014-09-09T14:26:00.000-07:002014-09-09T14:26:27.446-07:00College: The Sophomore YearHello, dearest of readers!<br />
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I am back in school, and goodness have I hit the ground running! Being in class 16+ hours a week means that I study roughly 16 hours a week too. So I basically "work" a 32 hour week. Not bad, all things considered. I also maintain a small personal life, and I am on the lookout for a part time job.<br />
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Due to time constraints, I will be posting less on here, and due to current life situations, the direction of the blog will change slightly. I will be addressing current issues facing Agriculture and Education, along with my stance on both topics as a Christian. (Yes, my religious beliefs do affect my views on Agriculture! I'll explain more in the coming weeks.) I'll also post humorous stories, life lessons learned, and tips/tricks I find helpful on living as a full-time student.<br />
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Over the next semester, I will be an assisting/observing preservice teacher in a local school ten different times. I have been searching like mad lately to find clothing appropriate to wear to a school, in a style that I actually like, that is also inexpensive enough for my very, very limited budget. I will be posting my weekly outfits every Friday, in the hopes of inspiring other education students.<br />
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If there's anything you'd like to see on here, feel free to comment. I like hearing from people.<br />
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♥ SarahSarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-9845008298236285052014-08-15T10:12:00.002-07:002014-08-15T10:12:56.171-07:00Popping InHello Lovelies!<br />
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I'm still caught up in the whirlwind of getting ready to move back in to school in a few days. But I've missed writing and I said to myself this morning, "Dadgummit, I'm going to write a blog post if it kills me!"<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ma1gG9svJdA/U-49WMwXjEI/AAAAAAAARSU/Ct00ykl9HSY/s1600/20140807_160353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ma1gG9svJdA/U-49WMwXjEI/AAAAAAAARSU/Ct00ykl9HSY/s1600/20140807_160353.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0UkFh6rEv8/U-49WHQdQJI/AAAAAAAARSU/ccJAiIAUrd4/s1600/20140807_160448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0UkFh6rEv8/U-49WHQdQJI/AAAAAAAARSU/ccJAiIAUrd4/s1600/20140807_160448.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'm done (mostly) making things for the Fair. My favorite things I've made are ^That book clutch^ and these necklace pendants:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rRlKgEZs2sY/U-49WLuE3dI/AAAAAAAARSU/hoWv3G-DwzE/s1600/20140806_190442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rRlKgEZs2sY/U-49WLuE3dI/AAAAAAAARSU/hoWv3G-DwzE/s1600/20140806_190442.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got to go to my favorite Elvis Week event - one of the free shows at The Tent! My super incredibly talented friend performs and competes every year and I've been blown away by how much stronger his performance is every time he steps onto a stage. This boy's going places. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqXjhda8-Hw/U-49WHxQzfI/AAAAAAAARSU/4kZOU3LDvKM/s1600/IMG_20140811_200451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqXjhda8-Hw/U-49WHxQzfI/AAAAAAAARSU/4kZOU3LDvKM/s1600/IMG_20140811_200451.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'll miss my "summer home" but it's time for me to hit the road. </div>
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No, really! I finally bought a car! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea4M71bPHK4/U-49WGJZQvI/AAAAAAAARSU/Ez4PUov7IjI/s1600/20140814_173235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea4M71bPHK4/U-49WGJZQvI/AAAAAAAARSU/Ez4PUov7IjI/s1600/20140814_173235.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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College, here I come for Round 2.</div>
<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-11271867393139119372014-08-05T18:45:00.002-07:002014-09-09T20:34:08.128-07:00A Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So almost two weeks ago I posted that I was really busy. I was and am still. </div>
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But I have had many adventures!</div>
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I visited my little college town and its library. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQqg3Ik952s/U-F2a1KbdFI/AAAAAAAAQpg/9iuwLZDmXb8/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQqg3Ik952s/U-F2a1KbdFI/AAAAAAAAQpg/9iuwLZDmXb8/s1600/Books.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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People should know better than to offer free books to take home around me!</div>
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I paid a visit to an old family quilt that hangs in the library. Each pattern piece is made of twenty or so names hand-embroidered on. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYtCYDGhIb8/U-F3Ia0vw9I/AAAAAAAAQp4/sxT66DwmPV0/s1600/Name+Quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYtCYDGhIb8/U-F3Ia0vw9I/AAAAAAAAQp4/sxT66DwmPV0/s1600/Name+Quilt.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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That took some patience, right there.</div>
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Then the next day I got up and for two days I traveled all the way up to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the EAA Airventure Airshow. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkL0AW1qE8Y/U-F3bgzrAmI/AAAAAAAAQqI/rvTuyiqXASg/s1600/Tents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkL0AW1qE8Y/U-F3bgzrAmI/AAAAAAAAQqI/rvTuyiqXASg/s1600/Tents.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was my first time camping....so of course it rained every day and my tent leaked. Good thing I love nature.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJqWPy8RJ2E/U-F3LPozP4I/AAAAAAAAQqA/Q128ikYSqLI/s1600/Rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJqWPy8RJ2E/U-F3LPozP4I/AAAAAAAAQqA/Q128ikYSqLI/s1600/Rainbow.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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And a few rainbows never hurt anyone, either.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lMX_1hNdJ8/U-F2bDLeK4I/AAAAAAAAQpk/-CNCFvimUwI/s1600/20140729_100122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lMX_1hNdJ8/U-F2bDLeK4I/AAAAAAAAQpk/-CNCFvimUwI/s1600/20140729_100122.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Among the hundreds of things to do was listen to astronauts talk about their research plane. </div>
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Or, for those with a need for adrenaline.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGmlPYuoG9s/U-GFa9oHi0I/AAAAAAAAQqc/XLWNLdfj2tI/s1600/Boom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGmlPYuoG9s/U-GFa9oHi0I/AAAAAAAAQqc/XLWNLdfj2tI/s1600/Boom+2.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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...You could watch aerial-aerobatics with exploding dynamite as the backdrop!<br />
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(At this point, I informed The Gentleman that I am, in fact, actually in *<i>need</i>* of a few sticks of dynamite for my very own. He disagreed vehemently....apparently I don't seem trustworthy with fire or something...) </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUEG8puvxrs/U-F2WDfWcKI/AAAAAAAAQpY/ZzmNp67RfWk/s1600/Back+off,+ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUEG8puvxrs/U-F2WDfWcKI/AAAAAAAAQpY/ZzmNp67RfWk/s1600/Back+off,+ladies.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Back off, ladies - he's mine!)</td></tr>
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It was a wonderful adventure (or Airventure, as the case may be.) Plus, I got to hang out with this handsome fellow for a solid 9 days! </div>
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♥ sHe</div>
Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-43702542440292297782014-07-24T11:50:00.001-07:002014-07-24T11:50:07.309-07:00{Tutorial} Super Quick NO SEW Tank Top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBcmn-qt8i4/U9FQQcfA7NI/AAAAAAAAP48/Q2-Hw_MCMMg/s1600/tank1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBcmn-qt8i4/U9FQQcfA7NI/AAAAAAAAP48/Q2-Hw_MCMMg/s1600/tank1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love a quick project, and I'll bet you do, too.</div>
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For this tank top, all you'll need is a pair of scissors and a stretchy-material dress that looks like this:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bp41-9wI0Q8/U9FUOMYuHfI/AAAAAAAAP5Q/-vcnKjuDqiA/s1600/Dress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bp41-9wI0Q8/U9FUOMYuHfI/AAAAAAAAP5Q/-vcnKjuDqiA/s1600/Dress.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Steps:</div>
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1) put dress on</div>
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2) find where you want the top to stop</div>
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3) mark the place (I use white chalk cause it washes or rubs off)</div>
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4) take dress off</div>
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5) cut across the dress in a clean, straight line at the mark you made</div>
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6) put on your cute new tank top and go show it off!</div>
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***Please note that if the dress is not made of a stretchy-knit material, it will fray and you will have to hem it.***</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW2hvkTltmA/U9FQTJ8VR1I/AAAAAAAAP5E/z8BsH9h-YuY/s1600/tank2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW2hvkTltmA/U9FQTJ8VR1I/AAAAAAAAP5E/z8BsH9h-YuY/s1600/tank2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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♥ Sarah</div>
<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-19487341477437165482014-07-21T20:50:00.000-07:002014-07-21T20:50:23.301-07:00Much In Progress<div style="text-align: center;">
My posts are going to be sporadic for a bit - I am gearing up to camp out at the <a href="http://www.eaa.org/en/airventure" target="_blank">EAA AirVenture Oshkosh</a> for a week, going back to school in less than a month, and just life in general. </div>
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BUT!</div>
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(hehe, "butt")</div>
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I am working on:</div>
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Three men's-to-women's shirt tutorials</div>
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A cool-off bandanna/neck tie tutorial</div>
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A baking tutorial</div>
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A gift-gone-wrong post</div>
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And a few thought-provoking musings</div>
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For today, I'll leave you with an old photo that makes me smile. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFgofqklnrg/U83ezFHdNYI/AAAAAAAAPvo/cW1Ws60V6w8/s1600/We+are+two+different+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFgofqklnrg/U83ezFHdNYI/AAAAAAAAPvo/cW1Ws60V6w8/s1600/We+are+two+different+.jpg" /></a></div>
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♥ Sarah</div>
<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-48009939811821199912014-07-18T17:18:00.000-07:002014-07-18T18:15:51.220-07:00{Tutorial} Flat-Bottomed Tote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tem1rDoom-k/U8mfF3EW8vI/AAAAAAAAPhM/9uJMVPv-a5k/s1600/How+to+Sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tem1rDoom-k/U8mfF3EW8vI/AAAAAAAAPhM/9uJMVPv-a5k/s1600/How+to+Sew.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love having a bag on hand in the car or stuffed in a kitchen drawer to hold random things when I'm flying out of the house or running into the store for some quick shopping. This bag is a great size, holds a ton of stuff, and can be fancied up as needed.</div>
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What you'll need:</div>
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<li>1 1/2 Yards of a 44" wide cotton or cotton/polyester blend fabric</li>
<li>Contrasting or matching thread</li>
<li>Sewing machine</li>
<li>Yardstick</li>
<li>Fabric Scissors</li>
<li>Sewing pins</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkBOIdQnAWc/U8mRl29N6mI/AAAAAAAAPdI/hKXN5kY7F8Q/s1600/20140718_125029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkBOIdQnAWc/U8mRl29N6mI/AAAAAAAAPdI/hKXN5kY7F8Q/s1600/20140718_125029.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Fold your fabric in half long-ways. Measure and cut at 24" so you end up with a 44" x 48" rectangle. </div>
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Then measure and cut two 6" x 44" rectangles:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMwliePcGc0/U8mRxstE-KI/AAAAAAAAPdQ/g3BwbdRL2QQ/s1600/20140718_130023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMwliePcGc0/U8mRxstE-KI/AAAAAAAAPdQ/g3BwbdRL2QQ/s1600/20140718_130023.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Take the large rectangle, right-side out, keeping it folded in half short-ways, and sew the two short sides, using a 1/4" seam allowance.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPBtHNTE8-w/U8mRbLTAyaI/AAAAAAAAPdA/xhcpCBeSabY/s1600/20140718_130412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPBtHNTE8-w/U8mRbLTAyaI/AAAAAAAAPdA/xhcpCBeSabY/s1600/20140718_130412.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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(That tape tells me where the 1/2" is. And yes, it's in need of replacement.)</div>
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Turn the bag inside out and press the seam.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVaN8SX19-Y/U8mSUzsAEAI/AAAAAAAAPdk/t2lxsHPTwz4/s1600/20140718_130906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVaN8SX19-Y/U8mSUzsAEAI/AAAAAAAAPdk/t2lxsHPTwz4/s1600/20140718_130906.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now, using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew the short sides and the bottom (yes, I know the bottom is closed, just trust me at this point!) Make sure not to sew the open top!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ye7skOWXl5g/U8mSTXXnnGI/AAAAAAAAPdc/t6Iy7mdPdcE/s1600/20140718_131104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ye7skOWXl5g/U8mSTXXnnGI/AAAAAAAAPdc/t6Iy7mdPdcE/s1600/20140718_131104.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jDP-i0QAcAk/U8mS4wOfAYI/AAAAAAAAPds/62LI6EF4I7s/s1600/20140718_131121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jDP-i0QAcAk/U8mS4wOfAYI/AAAAAAAAPds/62LI6EF4I7s/s1600/20140718_131121.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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On the side and bottom, sew until you get 1/2" away from the bottom and put the needle down.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnpgIZ_K7lY/U8mTX8j1JDI/AAAAAAAAPd0/42ppWZd2RyM/s1600/20140718_131155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnpgIZ_K7lY/U8mTX8j1JDI/AAAAAAAAPd0/42ppWZd2RyM/s1600/20140718_131155.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Pick the presser foot up</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NRAnQTTeN48/U8mTaPHQ-oI/AAAAAAAAPd8/zzSZb87BLG8/s1600/20140718_131204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NRAnQTTeN48/U8mTaPHQ-oI/AAAAAAAAPd8/zzSZb87BLG8/s1600/20140718_131204.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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And swivel the bag so you're now ready to sew down the next side. Put the presser foot back down and sew!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzJ9aWjiDgk/U8mTowJEnZI/AAAAAAAAPeE/8BbCarzs1Lg/s1600/20140718_131217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzJ9aWjiDgk/U8mTowJEnZI/AAAAAAAAPeE/8BbCarzs1Lg/s1600/20140718_131217.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Tada! You've made what's called a french seam. Now all of your raw ends are enclosed. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4bfwEth3lA/U8mVRolIvhI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/y0_LEGsqJ3E/s1600/20140718_131312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4bfwEth3lA/U8mVRolIvhI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/y0_LEGsqJ3E/s1600/20140718_131312.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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^ That's what it should look like on the inside^</div>
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Below is what it should look like from the outside:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzDqCwRdHw8/U8mVU0AFpzI/AAAAAAAAPeg/EK7dPZqDiHI/s1600/20140718_131330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzDqCwRdHw8/U8mVU0AFpzI/AAAAAAAAPeg/EK7dPZqDiHI/s1600/20140718_131330.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now go back to your iron and press the enclosed seams to one side (even the bottom seam!)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxbt0adrfus/U8mVTyD9QvI/AAAAAAAAPeY/9-0yMALLmpc/s1600/20140718_131359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxbt0adrfus/U8mVTyD9QvI/AAAAAAAAPeY/9-0yMALLmpc/s1600/20140718_131359.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now you're going to sew on the loose side of the seams. The bag should still be inside out, but don't sew the bag together again. You're only sewing the seam and one side.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V28uFOZQ55k/U8mWj7kmwJI/AAAAAAAAPes/JVuavnz288c/s1600/20140718_131711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V28uFOZQ55k/U8mWj7kmwJI/AAAAAAAAPes/JVuavnz288c/s1600/20140718_131711.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sew as close to the corner as you can get, but don't stress if you can't get too close. (Do remember to backstitch, however) Sewing is only rocket science if you want it to be, and you don't need it to be for this bag. It's going to be ok!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcUoXvWJXtg/U8mWx8d2eRI/AAAAAAAAPe8/2pd36XVGsIw/s1600/20140718_131856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcUoXvWJXtg/U8mWx8d2eRI/AAAAAAAAPe8/2pd36XVGsIw/s1600/20140718_131856.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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No, it's not the most beautiful thing in the world at this point. Repeat for the bottom and other side then clip the threads. And trust me, it's going to turn out great!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTW6x6rhPsk/U8mWqrbe1dI/AAAAAAAAPe0/CcQrvIlIyLQ/s1600/20140718_131922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTW6x6rhPsk/U8mWqrbe1dI/AAAAAAAAPe0/CcQrvIlIyLQ/s1600/20140718_131922.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's the trickiest part of this whole bag, and the part that gives it the flat bottom. </div>
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You need to make a triangle on the bottom of the bag at each corner. To do this, spread out the sides until the side seam and the bottom seam are on top of each other. Like so:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZr5OoUT_P8/U8mX4w0tReI/AAAAAAAAPfI/40KLdX19KWI/s1600/20140718_144241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZr5OoUT_P8/U8mX4w0tReI/AAAAAAAAPfI/40KLdX19KWI/s1600/20140718_144241.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Measure 6" across the triangle and mark it. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEt27bQZNqs/U8mYrb8fImI/AAAAAAAAPfY/faoHpTCscNA/s1600/20140718_144302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEt27bQZNqs/U8mYrb8fImI/AAAAAAAAPfY/faoHpTCscNA/s1600/20140718_144302.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sew down the marked line. Repeat on the other side. </div>
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When you turn the bag right side out, you should have a flat bottom! (Well, the bag should, anyways.)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S95m1CgMNao/U8mYEhtHlwI/AAAAAAAAPfQ/fRagc5YTvOM/s1600/20140718_145331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S95m1CgMNao/U8mYEhtHlwI/AAAAAAAAPfQ/fRagc5YTvOM/s1600/20140718_145331.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I don't like the loose flaps in the bottom of the bag, so I tack the tips of the triangles down. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ORHkkSsOqw/U8mZHCKEX2I/AAAAAAAAPfg/oHQE2S0lu0U/s1600/20140718_145416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ORHkkSsOqw/U8mZHCKEX2I/AAAAAAAAPfg/oHQE2S0lu0U/s1600/20140718_145416.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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On to the top of the bag!</div>
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Fold the top down 1" to the inside around the entire bag and iron it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k2g7GpUG0vQ/U8mZjwuFKBI/AAAAAAAAPfo/hZ7xeToar4M/s1600/20140718_145732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k2g7GpUG0vQ/U8mZjwuFKBI/AAAAAAAAPfo/hZ7xeToar4M/s1600/20140718_145732.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then fold the top down the top 2" (so the first fold is encased) and iron it. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWEPFLkfP48/U8mZ1zEJahI/AAAAAAAAPfw/fJ1XIvJzc7E/s1600/20140718_150509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWEPFLkfP48/U8mZ1zEJahI/AAAAAAAAPfw/fJ1XIvJzc7E/s1600/20140718_150509.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sew down both sides of the hem you've created, as close to the edge as you can, all the way around the bag.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OrlA8Ztd2Ms/U8maHsPI7pI/AAAAAAAAPf4/5iwC7rwFvIY/s1600/20140718_150805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OrlA8Ztd2Ms/U8maHsPI7pI/AAAAAAAAPf4/5iwC7rwFvIY/s1600/20140718_150805.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It should look like this:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxlSbyOb-8Q/U8maU9KJhDI/AAAAAAAAPgA/drrB3xPJnLo/s1600/20140718_150936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxlSbyOb-8Q/U8maU9KJhDI/AAAAAAAAPgA/drrB3xPJnLo/s1600/20140718_150936.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's time to make the straps. </div>
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Take one of the rectangles, fold and iron it in half long sides together, with the right side of the fabric facing out.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYJLgzyyhnQ/U8mb91tTlaI/AAAAAAAAPgc/LnxQD5WBwYw/s1600/20140718_151128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYJLgzyyhnQ/U8mb91tTlaI/AAAAAAAAPgc/LnxQD5WBwYw/s1600/20140718_151128.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then open it back up and fold down each half to the center line you just created.</div>
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Iron those sides flat.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAM7dP7Dg9c/U8mb54ksprI/AAAAAAAAPgM/QOpHps5vFUk/s1600/20140718_151231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAM7dP7Dg9c/U8mb54ksprI/AAAAAAAAPgM/QOpHps5vFUk/s1600/20140718_151231.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then fold the rectangle in half again and iron it. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-8RzX7jm8c/U8mb6kGWAkI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/eX-f_ZVettY/s1600/20140718_151242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-8RzX7jm8c/U8mb6kGWAkI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/eX-f_ZVettY/s1600/20140718_151242.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Repeat with the other rectangle. You've got two almost-straps now!</div>
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Before you go to sew the straps, take the ends and fold them 1" to the inside:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMdGrpkmo_k/U8mdftpW_YI/AAAAAAAAPgw/qavZ7k8MjV0/s1600/20140718_151828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMdGrpkmo_k/U8mdftpW_YI/AAAAAAAAPgw/qavZ7k8MjV0/s1600/20140718_151828.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then re-fold the strap together:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jWa8kfsGd8/U8mdJ8VFDUI/AAAAAAAAPgo/FUVRZ0YOiks/s1600/20140718_151842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jWa8kfsGd8/U8mdJ8VFDUI/AAAAAAAAPgo/FUVRZ0YOiks/s1600/20140718_151842.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sew around the entire strap, 1/8-1/4" away from the edge.</div>
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Clip all threads and iron the strap. </div>
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Now it's time to pin the strap to the bag. </div>
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Measure 4 1/2" from the bag's side seam and 5" down the strap and pin each strap end in place. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Az1hzTSPVM4/U8mdw-yFhlI/AAAAAAAAPg4/DGMnVMiBork/s1600/20140718_152759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Az1hzTSPVM4/U8mdw-yFhlI/AAAAAAAAPg4/DGMnVMiBork/s1600/20140718_152759.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sew a rectangle around the strap end attached to the bag, and then sew an "X" through the middle. I know that's confusing, but it should look like this:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5RlOCFh3d0/U8mfa2SZr2I/AAAAAAAAPhU/XGW1RtM1fk4/s1600/20140718_155613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5RlOCFh3d0/U8mfa2SZr2I/AAAAAAAAPhU/XGW1RtM1fk4/s1600/20140718_155613.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Clip the threads and you are done!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXbPmAxL0Og/U8me47I3KnI/AAAAAAAAPhE/K6ogWfeY2pk/s1600/20140718_155601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXbPmAxL0Og/U8me47I3KnI/AAAAAAAAPhE/K6ogWfeY2pk/s1600/20140718_155601.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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This pattern is easily modified and I ended up adding a pocket to the outside. You could line the bag, add pockets, closures (zipper, snap, button, etc) or anything else you can think of. Have fun and make it personal.</div>
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You are free to sell any bags you make with this pattern.</div>
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Just credit me, please-and-thank-you!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">♥ Sarah</span></div>
<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810710934714362316.post-60176569614503353842014-07-16T06:01:00.002-07:002014-07-16T06:18:35.398-07:00{Just a little} Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2BzZpykn3o/U8RL2fne0HI/AAAAAAAAPYM/6JL32ygXCuA/s1600/Coffee+Booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2BzZpykn3o/U8RL2fne0HI/AAAAAAAAPYM/6JL32ygXCuA/s1600/Coffee+Booth.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emeKFpa9U5M/U8RLjfXS0OI/AAAAAAAAPYE/w-BWsfhaLfI/s1600/Coke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emeKFpa9U5M/U8RLjfXS0OI/AAAAAAAAPYE/w-BWsfhaLfI/s1600/Coke.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHORr0MPQLE/U8RMw6TAF2I/AAAAAAAAPY0/cX6HqYfosNo/s1600/shorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHORr0MPQLE/U8RMw6TAF2I/AAAAAAAAPY0/cX6HqYfosNo/s1600/shorts.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Sarah Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590888433056582600noreply@blogger.com0