tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32050103213330084042024-03-13T19:03:46.898-04:00The Beaz Hive...where something's always buzzin'!queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-82194920096983331672014-10-11T15:10:00.003-04:002014-10-11T15:11:19.839-04:00Our 1st Visit to Epcot's Food & Wine Festival<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWj61Ul1TAU/VDl9dbd843I/AAAAAAAAAuM/FU1dWk63bSs/s1600/IMG_5947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWj61Ul1TAU/VDl9dbd843I/AAAAAAAAAuM/FU1dWk63bSs/s1600/IMG_5947.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Despite our many trips to Walt Disney World, last weekend was our first ever experience at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival. Mama was certainly excited! With 36 booths and only 2 half-days to visit in, there was no way we could get to every one and sample everything we wanted to. Personally, I had a very long list of food & drinks to try, and the rest of the family was pretty much just along for the ride. ;) The first night I visited several booth by myself, then the next day we toured many others as a family. The kiosks that I visited on my solitary journey are noted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********************</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All photos were taken by me. For other photos of the foods I mentioned but forgot to take pictures of can be found at <a href="http://www.easywdw.com/">www.easywdw.com</a> and <a href="http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/">www.disneyfoodblog.com</a>, along with their thoughts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********************</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYu96OYdMe4/VDl9B_pyRDI/AAAAAAAAAuA/XyEmMQ9sGzI/s1600/IMG_5960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYu96OYdMe4/VDl9B_pyRDI/AAAAAAAAAuA/XyEmMQ9sGzI/s1600/IMG_5960.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon Juice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Terra</span></strong></em> <br />
<br />
<u>- Fresh Watermelon Juice</u> * Everyone else really enjoyed this, but I found it to be a bit sweet & would just prefer to eat my watermelon.<br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Patagonia</span></em></strong></div>
*When I first looked at the menu, I wasn't sure I wanted to try anything here. However, we ended up trying two different items here & I'm certainly glad we did.<br />
<br />
<u>-Beef Empanada</u> * Not overwhelmingly delicious because the flavors were a bit neutral, but the children and I found it to be tasty.<br />
<br />
<u>-Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Puree</u> * This was VERY good and everyone enjoyed it! The beef was tender and juicy, G loved the Chimichurri sauce, but the boniato puree mostly just tasted like under-seasoned mashed potatoes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ai1eQOhox_I/VDl8rtTdMYI/AAAAAAAAAt4/NgTcn3t4A4Y/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ai1eQOhox_I/VDl8rtTdMYI/AAAAAAAAAt4/NgTcn3t4A4Y/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Mexico</em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<u>-Rib Eye Taco</u> * This is tied as my favorite "main dish". Sadly, the hubs and I finished this off in about 4 bites before I remembered a photo! LOL Not much food for the price, but definitely delicious!<br />
<br />
<u>-Mango-Strawberry Margarita</u> * I really thought I would like this, but since I rarely drink alcohol, apparently I forgot that I only like sparkling white wines and frozen mixed drinks. The big man finished this off for me and enjoyed it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">The Refreshment Cool Post</span></em></strong></div>
<br />
<u>-Dulce de Leche Frozen Yogurt</u> * Apparently this is always a choice here because this is not technically a F&W kiosk. If this is the case, we will be ordering this every time we visit Epcot! Caramel flavored ice cream on a hot day? Yes, please!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Singapore</em></strong></span></div>
<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"></span></em></strong><br />
<u>-Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Coconut and Jasmine Rice</u> * I'm just going to blame the alcohol and heat for me also forgetting that I don't like curry. *eye roll* So obviously I did not like this dish, everybody thought it was okay, although I seem to recall one child asking what that weird taste was...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbvVt9CPoJk/VDl1xUFR7gI/AAAAAAAAAtA/-PfryCIq3Ik/s1600/IMG_5969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbvVt9CPoJk/VDl1xUFR7gI/AAAAAAAAAtA/-PfryCIq3Ik/s1600/IMG_5969.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schinkennedeln</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Germany</em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<u>-Schinkennedeln Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese</u> * This German version of baked mac n' cheese was fantastic. I was sad to have to share it! LOL Everyone liked it.<br />
<br />
<u>-Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll</u> * This was strictly for the hubs and the kids who were interested, and the consensus was that it was just okay. He's also had the bratwurst from Sommerfest and wasn't impressed with that either. I guess when you've had the real thing in country you won't be satisfied with less.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YryQGBZE4k/VDl1wxP0HoI/AAAAAAAAAs0/JT8vcEvyVls/s1600/IMG_5968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YryQGBZE4k/VDl1wxP0HoI/AAAAAAAAAs0/JT8vcEvyVls/s1600/IMG_5968.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berliner & Bratwurst<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>-Berliner-Yeast Doughnut filled with Apricot Jam</u> * If you like apricot jam and you like doughnuts, you will like this. I had to fight off children, particularly the one who eats apricot jam on a near daily basis & is now taller than me. *sigh* Maybe you should buy more than one if this is your dilemma as well?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayrOGyuAzlg/VDl42_SICGI/AAAAAAAAAtY/c1S-vfdGwyE/s1600/IMG_6024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayrOGyuAzlg/VDl42_SICGI/AAAAAAAAAtY/c1S-vfdGwyE/s1600/IMG_6024.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen "Apple Pie"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Poland</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<u>-Frozen Szarlotka-Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka</u> * A frozen cocktail that seriously tastes like apple pie. Very good!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Hops & Barley</em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<u>-Artisan Cheese Plate: Cabot Cloth-wrapped Cheddar, Purple Haze Chevre Goat Cheese, Cave Man Blue Cheese</u> * Nasty. The fact that this photo shows a near empty tray is surprising because I don't think anyone liked it enough to finish it off. Very disappointing.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTAxm1vYBQE/VDl1xUZgCNI/AAAAAAAAAs4/GXYktVzPjS4/s1600/IMG_5970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTAxm1vYBQE/VDl1xUZgCNI/AAAAAAAAAs4/GXYktVzPjS4/s1600/IMG_5970.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrot Cake aka Deliciousness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IMAwcW6NFs/VDl1x59KiaI/AAAAAAAAAtE/p8yLpxb4MbM/s1600/IMG_5972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IMAwcW6NFs/VDl1x59KiaI/AAAAAAAAAtE/p8yLpxb4MbM/s1600/IMG_5972.JPG" height="239" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artisan Cheese Plate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>-Florida Grass-Fed Beef Slider with Pimento Cheese</u> * This sounded really good except for the pimento cheese that they added, so the hubs was the only one who tasted this. He said it was good; meaty and cheesy. I guess that means it was good....take it for what it's worth! LOL<br />
<br />
<u>-Fresh-Baked Carrot Cake with Craisins and Cream Cheese Icing</u> * It's been over a week now since I had this, and I'm still thinking about it! Hands down the "<strong>best dessert</strong>" I tried. It was still warm, the cake was moist & the craisins were a great addition. The only complaint I would have would be that the icing was too sweet and sugary, but I don't usually like much icing or frosting on any cake. Everyone else enjoyed the icing, which I think is the only thing I let them taste. Again, buy more than one!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Morocco</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*I visited this booth by myself.</div>
<br />
<u>-Kefta Pocket</u> * Disappointing. The pita was too big for the one whole meatball I received as well as dry and flavorless. The meatball had okay flavor but was just too spicy. There was a slaw that had great flavor & helped to cool the heat from the meatball, but there was a tiny amount only on one side.<br />
<br />
<u>-Baklava</u> * This is the item I was most anticipating. It is one of my most favorite desserts that I rarely have. So with a heavy heart I must tell you that this was THE most disappointing item at F&W. :( It had obviously been frozen and may have experienced frost bite because it tasted like paper and even the honey tasted bad. Just bad all around. Wal-Mart makes better baklava.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Belgium</em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDt0HkSs0eE/VDly8Qbs3LI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/C67yv1N8zHI/s1600/IMG_5973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDt0HkSs0eE/VDly8Qbs3LI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/C67yv1N8zHI/s1600/IMG_5973.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belgian Waffles & Cocada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>-Belgium Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream</u> * You can't go wrong with a warm waffle covered in chocolate!<br />
<br />
<u>-Belgium Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream</u> * Personally, I liked this one even more than the chocolate one. However, I found myself combining the chocolate and the berries for an even tastier experience! Everybody liked both flavors.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Brazil</span></em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*I visited this booth both by myself and with my family.</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4U5r8wkz7vs/VDl5UnB7j-I/AAAAAAAAAtg/EL36Kufp4C8/s1600/IMG_5950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4U5r8wkz7vs/VDl5UnB7j-I/AAAAAAAAAtg/EL36Kufp4C8/s1600/IMG_5950.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen Caipirinha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>-Cocada-Brazilian Coconut Candy</u> * This is basically like a huge portion of the inside of a Mounds bar, but a bit drier. Not bad, but VERY sweet & you must really like coconut to enjoy this. One kid polished this off, no problem.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-<u>Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaca</u> * <strong>"Best Drink"</strong> in my book! It was cold, fruity & delicious. Not too sweet or strong. I would have bought another one the next day when we stopped there with my family if it wasn't $8.75!! :0<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDV9BFHRlf0/VDly9GJfuKI/AAAAAAAAAsY/NDXSg2ykdXg/s1600/IMG_5975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDV9BFHRlf0/VDly9GJfuKI/AAAAAAAAAsY/NDXSg2ykdXg/s1600/IMG_5975.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy Pork Belly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u>-Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato and Cilantro</u> * Unfortunately, my mouth was preoccupied with the waffles from Belgium when my husband ordered this, so I didn't try any. He and some of the kids agreed that it was tasty.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Ireland</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*I visited this booth by myself</div>
<br />
<u>-Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig</u> * This was SO good! Wins for <strong>"best side dish"</strong> in my tastings. It came with a fruit compote that was fantastically delicious and paired well with two strongly flavored cheeses. It was also served with bread (mine was dry) and Kerrygold butter, which is good. Sadly, I forgot to take a picture!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Refreshment Port</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*I visited this booth by myself.</div>
<br />
<u>-Croissant Doughnut with Cinnamon Sugar</u> * Again, I don't think this is limited to the Food & Wine Festival, as this is a permanent kiosk. $4.69 is a LOT for a doughnut, but it was hot & the perfect combination of croissant and doughnut. Hard to describe, but easy to eat! I will buy this again if it is always offered. Again, no picture. :(<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3WqgmrBFTI/VDl6I810c4I/AAAAAAAAAts/i5i0Do0lCvI/s1600/IMG_5949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3WqgmrBFTI/VDl6I810c4I/AAAAAAAAAts/i5i0Do0lCvI/s1600/IMG_5949.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalua Pork Slider & Pineapple Wine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>Hawai'i</strong></em></span></div>
*This was the first booth I visited on my single trip around the world.<br />
<br />
<u>-Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise</u> * Long name for a tiny sandwich! Having said that though, it was several bites of pure yumminess. The little bites of pineapple were nice surprising complement to the pork. Ties for "<strong>best main dish"</strong> for me!<br />
<br />
<u>-Maui Splash Sweet Pineapple Wine</u> * I bought this on a whim. It was dry, fruity & tasted like pineapple. Go figure! LOL It was very good, so if you like fruity wines, try it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>Scotland</strong></em></span></div>
<u>-Glenfiddich 15 year</u> * Yes, my husband braved the 15-year-old scotch! He said it was good, but didn't like it warm. He's really just a Bud Light kind of guy, so this was kind of a stretch and just for fun. I'm not sure he'll be trying that again. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNAcVTJU4I4/VDly9nZ3iYI/AAAAAAAAAsg/YzWQIdgbUpU/s1600/IMG_5977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNAcVTJU4I4/VDly9nZ3iYI/AAAAAAAAAsg/YzWQIdgbUpU/s1600/IMG_5977.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AqrrsRShHSk/VDly88P04KI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Lc_DvKqEPbs/s1600/IMG_5976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AqrrsRShHSk/VDly88P04KI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Lc_DvKqEPbs/s1600/IMG_5976.JPG" height="200" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15-year-old Scotch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey1ty-GieY4/VDl9dKhGlwI/AAAAAAAAAuI/U6xyJaVUvzA/s1600/IMG_5955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey1ty-GieY4/VDl9dKhGlwI/AAAAAAAAAuI/U6xyJaVUvzA/s1600/IMG_5955.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever been to Epcot's Food & Wine Festival? Have you been this year or are you planning to go? Let me know what you've tried or want to try! I still have a lot that I want to try and at this point have no plans to go back while F&W is still on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/F1gv__UvDutYKZ_zgyR5xr8CYu6B0ho1kQU8Ejmk_l47GNpd3t01SZIPhcsl1Dj3sn7yFPbiyoYdPpPn_EEqUpTeezCULvXKaU5djjuT7k03LPlx-cU5nwtz8pn2KE4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi713.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww136%2Fthebeazhive%2FQueenBeazSignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/F1gv__UvDutYKZ_zgyR5xr8CYu6B0ho1kQU8Ejmk_l47GNpd3t01SZIPhcsl1Dj3sn7yFPbiyoYdPpPn_EEqUpTeezCULvXKaU5djjuT7k03LPlx-cU5nwtz8pn2KE4" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/F1gv__UvDutYKZ_zgyR5xr8CYu6B0ho1kQU8Ejmk_l47GNpd3t01SZIPhcsl1Dj3sn7yFPbiyoYdPpPn_EEqUpTeezCULvXKaU5djjuT7k03LPlx-cU5nwtz8pn2KE4" with "https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/F1gv__UvDutYKZ_zgyR5xr8CYu6B0ho1kQU8Ejmk_l47GNpd3t01SZIPhcsl1Dj3sn7yFPbiyoYdPpPn_EEqUpTeezCULvXKaU5djjuT7k03LPlx-cU5nwtz8pn2KE4" -->queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-74303459749873871962014-09-20T11:39:00.000-04:002014-09-20T11:39:37.832-04:00Things I Learned This Week<br />
It's been an interesting week, and I've learned a few things along the way that I thought might be useful to pass on.<br />
<br />
1. If you don't know what you're having for dinner, don't eat all of your starches before dinner.<br />
<br />
2. Please don't think that you will be able to eat 4 cups of vegetables for dinner because you didn't bother to eat them at any other time during the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir67Um-Q3Z8/VB2YM1Yiy4I/AAAAAAAAArY/p8-8YUb9cec/s1600/2014-06-26%2B14.35.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir67Um-Q3Z8/VB2YM1Yiy4I/AAAAAAAAArY/p8-8YUb9cec/s1600/2014-06-26%2B14.35.05.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
3. If you're craving something sweet, do not buy 2 bags of "fun size" candies because it's more economical. It may be more economical for your wallet, but not your waistline.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVFKWAuj6bg/VB2Yw-e3ueI/AAAAAAAAArg/eeJA7ezogqk/s1600/untitled%2B(3).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVFKWAuj6bg/VB2Yw-e3ueI/AAAAAAAAArg/eeJA7ezogqk/s1600/untitled%2B(3).png" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEJaGxw3iUE/VB2d6jm57gI/AAAAAAAAAr4/Tw1neUpPFog/s1600/untitled%2B(4).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEJaGxw3iUE/VB2d6jm57gI/AAAAAAAAAr4/Tw1neUpPFog/s1600/untitled%2B(4).png" /></a>4. If you are an occasional drinker of "Dunkaccinos" (which is basically just chocolate & coffee flavored sugar and powdered creamer), and even if you sometimes get the "Turbo Shot", do not suddenly start drinking four cups of coffee per day. Eventually, your body will revolt.<br />
<br />
5. When you combine multiple "fun size" candies from Lesson #3 & your third and fourth cups from Lesson #4 on the same day, at roughly 2:30 in the afternoon, several things happen. <br />
<br />
Suddenly you just don't feel so great. You realize that it might be from your heart racing. Or from the sudden blood sugar spike. Or from the pounding headache. Maybe from the upset stomach. It could, of course, be a combination of all these things, but you're not really sure because you can't seem to concentrate on one thing long enough to make a decision. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TG8Ck5B4ec/VB2cVkTL3UI/AAAAAAAAArs/Ip29RjW7BOs/s1600/images%2B(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TG8Ck5B4ec/VB2cVkTL3UI/AAAAAAAAArs/Ip29RjW7BOs/s1600/images%2B(5).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
One of your children will come to ask you a school-related question, but end up asking you if you've been eating sugar. Then she stays for the show.<br />
<br />
What show you ask? The one that you seem to be the star of because you can't sit still or stop laughing about everything. The music in your head makes you dance. Professional comedians have nothing on you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aXP20hCHK3Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Then, of course, comes the fallout. Your heart will still be racing and your head will still be pounding, but your blood sugar will drop & you will need to eat some actual food. However, you were so busy being silly that you forgot to make dinner. So you order pizza. Uh-huh. In your delirious state, you aren't thinking about the fact that it's more starchy carbs, just that it sounds tasty & you don't have to think about preparing it.<br />
<br />
Your husband may or may not use the word "detox" on multiple occasions.<br />
<br />
Sleeping is sort of a joke. But you knew that was coming, right? YOU are more sensible than I am! What you may not be aware of is just how long the effects last. It's at least a day. Maybe a little more. All of the bad side effects without all the funny business.<br />
<br />
6. You are never too old to learn something new. I learned how to diagram prepositional phrases!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHcCQmCc0q8/VB2epffW0XI/AAAAAAAAAsA/B7qAkGP1-3o/s1600/untitled%2B(5).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHcCQmCc0q8/VB2epffW0XI/AAAAAAAAAsA/B7qAkGP1-3o/s1600/untitled%2B(5).png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Change that "He" to a "She" & it would be so on point for this week!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Did you learn anything this week?<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /><div align="right">
Jenny, aka</div>
queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-61069972812036778762014-06-29T18:49:00.001-04:002014-07-04T17:46:13.506-04:00Meet the Grogman Family!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSo5-cVZ_dc/U7CWcRaCRPI/AAAAAAAAArA/c6G_cwXPF9w/s1600/Family+Camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSo5-cVZ_dc/U7CWcRaCRPI/AAAAAAAAArA/c6G_cwXPF9w/s1600/Family+Camping.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Meet the Grogman Family!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My name is Janet Grogman (Beasley). I have never written a blog before, so I hope you find this adventure with me delightful and encouraging. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My family and I currently live in Woodbridge, VA. It is just 20 miles outside of Washington, DC. Which I must say, the scenery is very beautiful out here and I am currently enjoying the east coast in this season of my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am military wife to a wonderful husband, Daniel. I love being a military spouse. We have been married for 15 years this August and have 2 beautiful girls. Alecia who is 14 years already ready to drive and take the world on with every step she takes. Madison, she is 12 but will be 13 in August. She is very informative and outgoing, always has to be doing something :). I learn something new each and every day from raising these 2 teenagers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am prior military myself, and while in the military is where I met my amazing Husband (a story for another time it could take years to tell, lol). But in the military is where I found my things I enjoy most: traveling, seeing new things, and meeting new people. I am proud to be a military wife to be able to still do the things that I love. The down side of being in the military though is that we are not close to family. So seeing our nieces and nephews in person is sometimes challenging. I still have a niece out there that one day I have yet to meet but rest assured, I will make it out to Montana to see your sweetness! But thank goodness for our life saver Skype and Facetime that keeps our families able to see each other and see each other more often.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJr-6tlKy1E/U7CW6Cs_yUI/AAAAAAAAArI/QX8wN0zCz-w/s1600/Alecia+and+Maddie+Life+is+Good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJr-6tlKy1E/U7CW6Cs_yUI/AAAAAAAAArI/QX8wN0zCz-w/s1600/Alecia+and+Maddie+Life+is+Good.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As a family we enjoy traveling and have always try and see new places each year. Our family keeps that part easy for us since they are living all over. Last year we went to Florida to spend Christmas with my brother. This summer we are going to be able to spend a week in California. One day I hope to go and visit my brother in Alaska. Not sure I would stay a long period because I do like warmth. And last time I looked on a map there was not a beach near by LOL. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thank you for taking time to read this, and I look forward to sharing our adventures together.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i><b>Sissy "SIL" Beaz</b></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-32995679137784569672014-06-23T14:45:00.001-04:002014-06-23T14:45:10.361-04:00My Favorite Breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I wanted to share with you my new favorite breakfast,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Greek yogurt with berries!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JViJecI7QgE/U6hpInDiz8I/AAAAAAAAAqE/QG_cOtBJe0A/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JViJecI7QgE/U6hpInDiz8I/AAAAAAAAAqE/QG_cOtBJe0A/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please pardon the poor quality of my pics, they straight off my phone without editing! :O</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So exciting, right? Okay, maybe not so much, but it is delicious & I find myself fixing it nearly every morning these days. I've been following a new eating & exercise plan called the <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/THEBEAZHIVE" target="_blank">21 Day Fix</a>. I seriously love it because it has totally changed the way I think about food. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4zbkT3wvqI/U6hwgFVMBnI/AAAAAAAAAqU/YzUdTj4_6xo/s1600/IMG_5016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4zbkT3wvqI/U6hwgFVMBnI/AAAAAAAAAqU/YzUdTj4_6xo/s1600/IMG_5016.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Technically, you're supposed to be able to close the lid, but these are frozen. If they were fresh or defrosted the lid would close! ;)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The program comes with these adorable little containers that you originally think "That's it?", but end up saying, "Wow, that's a lot more than I thought!" LOL</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waVPdSmQBEk/U6hyCE-exzI/AAAAAAAAAqs/65KDadEz6_Y/s1600/IMG_5017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waVPdSmQBEk/U6hyCE-exzI/AAAAAAAAAqs/65KDadEz6_Y/s1600/IMG_5017.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
See? Way more than you thought, right?</div>
<div align="center">
I like mostly raspberries with 3 strawberries for sweetness. Then I sprinkle about 1/4tsp. coconut sugar on top & pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.</div>
<div align="center">
Haven't tried coconut sugar yet? You should! It looks and tastes almost like brown sugar & it doesn't affect your blood sugar levels the way that regular sugar does. That's important for diabetics like me.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Std04RKMeGQ/U6hyBgTQ5cI/AAAAAAAAAqw/L2Y92vZSBco/s1600/IMG_5018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Std04RKMeGQ/U6hyBgTQ5cI/AAAAAAAAAqw/L2Y92vZSBco/s1600/IMG_5018.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
While the berries are heating up, I fill up my little red protein cup with plain, non-fat greek yogurt. I don't want any artificial coloring or flavorings, chemicals, or any added sodium or sugars added to my food, so I always choose the plain, non-fat. I buy the big tub of it at Wal-Mart for around $4.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-qWr9_ooME/U6hyAyDLfvI/AAAAAAAAAq0/ITn94K1LgVY/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-qWr9_ooME/U6hyAyDLfvI/AAAAAAAAAq0/ITn94K1LgVY/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
When the berries are finished, stir them up a bit as the juices will have come out & break up the strawberries into bite size pieces. Mix in all the yogurt until it's completely blended. It will be a little soupy, but that just means you could drink it if you needed to take it to go. Feel free to top it with a few of your berries to make it look prettier! Throw it in the fridge to let the flavors marry while you go workout, then treat your sweaty self to a delicious breakfast that will help your muscles repair after your workout & fuel your body for the rest of the day! ENJOY!</div>
<div align="right">
</div>
<div align="right">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jenny</span> aka</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/F1gv__UvDutYKZ_zgyR5xr8CYu6B0ho1kQU8Ejmk_l47GNpd3t01SZIPhcsl1Dj3sn7yFPbiyoYdPpPn_EEqUpTeezCULvXKaU5djjuT7k03LPlx-cU5nwtz8pn2KE4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi713.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww136%2Fthebeazhive%2FQueenBeazSignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/F1gv__UvDutYKZ_zgyR5xr8CYu6B0ho1kQU8Ejmk_l47GNpd3t01SZIPhcsl1Dj3sn7yFPbiyoYdPpPn_EEqUpTeezCULvXKaU5djjuT7k03LPlx-cU5nwtz8pn2KE4" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/F1gv__UvDutYKZ_zgyR5xr8CYu6B0ho1kQU8Ejmk_l47GNpd3t01SZIPhcsl1Dj3sn7yFPbiyoYdPpPn_EEqUpTeezCULvXKaU5djjuT7k03LPlx-cU5nwtz8pn2KE4" with "https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/F1gv__UvDutYKZ_zgyR5xr8CYu6B0ho1kQU8Ejmk_l47GNpd3t01SZIPhcsl1Dj3sn7yFPbiyoYdPpPn_EEqUpTeezCULvXKaU5djjuT7k03LPlx-cU5nwtz8pn2KE4" -->queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-58948239070954386722014-06-15T18:58:00.000-04:002014-06-23T14:45:25.668-04:00Meet Jenny!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey everybody! I'm Jenny & I started this blog several years ago as a place to share pictures and stories of the kids with the grandparents. You may already know all about me, but here's the rundown: I'm a Christian, a wife, & a homeschooling mom of 4. The hubs & I just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7xpqyDv4a0/U54W3dQkiDI/AAAAAAAAAps/lGSu6yOtmH8/s1600/2014-05-17+11.55.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7xpqyDv4a0/U54W3dQkiDI/AAAAAAAAAps/lGSu6yOtmH8/s1600/2014-05-17+11.55.15.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My kids are J (14), G (12), K (8), and E (6). Each child was born in a different state due to the ARMY and my husband's job. They drive me insane on a daily basis, but I love them to death! LOL Right now we are homeschooling, but this always seems to be in flux. Whatever works for us at different seasons is what we do. We should probably stick to one thing, but ADD seems to run in the family. :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh1wjCZJ0ck/U54YWmjgOnI/AAAAAAAAAp0/xGqwQ9PNvjc/s1600/2014-05-17+08.52.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh1wjCZJ0ck/U54YWmjgOnI/AAAAAAAAAp0/xGqwQ9PNvjc/s1600/2014-05-17+08.52.24.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is our cute & crazy family at our favorite place on earth! Since we currently reside in Florida, we have season passes to Walt Disney World and visit as often as we can. Doing things together is our favorite family hobby.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I never seem to stick to just one hobby, so I'm usually all over the place. However, I do enjoy cooking & baking, sewing, crafts, reading and playing on the computer. I do not enjoy housework of any type. LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jenny</span> aka</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<img align="right" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-76827959531472795552014-06-15T17:42:00.000-04:002014-06-15T17:42:22.048-04:00The All-New-and-Totally-Improved Beaz Hive Blog!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-usef40Slg/TZiyPIpyizI/AAAAAAAAAbc/3ddjsNHcd7c/s1600/theBeazHive+blog+header2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-usef40Slg/TZiyPIpyizI/AAAAAAAAAbc/3ddjsNHcd7c/s1600/theBeazHive+blog+header2+copy.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hey everybody, welcome to The Beaz Hive! This used to be my little corner to blog about my family and whatever else, but I admit that it has been sadly neglected in the past few years. If you've been one of my loyal readers (thank you to all 7 of you!), then you'll know that I struggled greatly with the identity of the blog. What should it really be about? What should I write about? How do I get more readers? Perhaps you can relate. I was really at a loss & pretty much just gave up.<br />
<br />
A few months ago, I had an idea to revive this blog & give it new purpose. It took me a while to figure it all out and then convince the others to join me. Others, you say? What others? Yes, others! LOL It occurred to me that I didn't have to go it alone, and I just happened to have 4 other women who could bring their voices to the Beaz Hive. You may have already guessed that the Beaz Hive is so named because our last name is Beasley. :) These other 4 women are Beasley's too, either by birth or by marriage. We are all wives, mothers and either are or were in the ARMY or married to a soldier. <br />
<br />
The way I see it, we all have something to contribute that might be of encouragement or help to someone else. We share some commonalities but are all very different women, from very different backgrounds. There is no set schedule or focus to what we will be posting, but rather a focus on sharing stories, recipes, praises, prayers, and words of encouragement. Hopefully you will get to know us & our families better. At the very least, this blog will serve as a record of the Beasley family.<br />
<br />
We sincerely hope that you will be blessed, encouraged or entertained by our blog & enjoy stopping by often. Stay tuned as each one of us introduce ourselves & our families!<br />
<br />
Jenny (Queenbeaz)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-67602864059889250812014-02-18T16:48:00.001-05:002014-02-18T16:48:44.585-05:00So, it's been awhile...<div style="text-align: center;">
Just when I think I'm going to get back into the swing of blogging, life gets in the way. This is why I can't be a professional blogger. You have to be able to roll with the punches and work through the crazy times. That, and writing about more than just your fantastically adorable kiddos!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I last checked in:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother came to visit for Christmas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband's sister, her husband & their two girls came for almost a week for Christmas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We hosted a "Holiday Potluck" that involved good food, good friends, an ambulance and a police officer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My baby turned 6. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mom left after a 3 week visit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my very best friends passed away suddenly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My other "baby" turned 8.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We moved. Again. For the 5th time in 3 years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just haven't felt liking blogging. I hope you understand. Hopefully, I will get back into the blogging groove soon. </div>
<br /><img align="right" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-21263225336702246422013-12-11T16:31:00.007-05:002013-12-11T16:31:57.838-05:00Happy Birthday G!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">My little G turned 12 on Sunday!</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNFXP3KZyJo/UqjRDcAh2YI/AAAAAAAAAnc/3w1Aent3ncs/s1600/J+R%27+s+Family++01+01+2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNFXP3KZyJo/UqjRDcAh2YI/AAAAAAAAAnc/3w1Aent3ncs/s320/J+R%27+s+Family++01+01+2002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">That's the Lil' Coconut on the right when she was just a few weeks old!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">*sigh*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Why must they do that?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avgaLVLXQXY/UqjRtpIv0YI/AAAAAAAAAno/TZe9H0viRlo/s1600/091+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avgaLVLXQXY/UqjRtpIv0YI/AAAAAAAAAno/TZe9H0viRlo/s1600/091+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems like just yesterday she was that adorable baby who screamed 23 hours a day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, really. She did.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqhAdi1be2E/UqjSalryivI/AAAAAAAAAnw/mmjk-NkhFu0/s1600/949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqhAdi1be2E/UqjSalryivI/AAAAAAAAAnw/mmjk-NkhFu0/s320/949.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new big sister!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life with G has never been dull.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is disturbingly gifted in many areas of life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Both the good and the bad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8o8HKeh0i4U/UqjUPbbBkFI/AAAAAAAAAn8/hFr8SanjZGw/s1600/100_1604_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8o8HKeh0i4U/UqjUPbbBkFI/AAAAAAAAAn8/hFr8SanjZGw/s320/100_1604_00.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_bt8PYdEVE/UqjUgHX4WGI/AAAAAAAAAoE/URIyJPPlv40/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_bt8PYdEVE/UqjUgHX4WGI/AAAAAAAAAoE/URIyJPPlv40/s320/IMG_0315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh-huh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSq2cDb9jxI/UqjU3ZIsMeI/AAAAAAAAAoM/bqFeiQK94zY/s1600/IMG_1524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSq2cDb9jxI/UqjU3ZIsMeI/AAAAAAAAAoM/bqFeiQK94zY/s320/IMG_1524.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I do.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5Ki1NOJE4I/UqjVMauGW1I/AAAAAAAAAog/q-E99reBvHQ/s1600/IMG_1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5Ki1NOJE4I/UqjVMauGW1I/AAAAAAAAAog/q-E99reBvHQ/s320/IMG_1905.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She likes burning things. Marshmallows included.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQDoKAv_5mQ/UqjV38D72dI/AAAAAAAAAoo/v8UeuLCnPHg/s1600/IMG_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQDoKAv_5mQ/UqjV38D72dI/AAAAAAAAAoo/v8UeuLCnPHg/s320/IMG_2007.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hugger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kT8YZiMs2CI/UqjWQp9C1uI/AAAAAAAAAo0/udovSmEqXes/s1600/IMG_2084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kT8YZiMs2CI/UqjWQp9C1uI/AAAAAAAAAo0/udovSmEqXes/s320/IMG_2084.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fan of good music. (Blues Brothers, for those of you who are NOT fans of good music)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENpejO2bhNs/UqjW0huPzmI/AAAAAAAAAo8/EN_A5RiuF6A/s1600/IMG_2258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENpejO2bhNs/UqjW0huPzmI/AAAAAAAAAo8/EN_A5RiuF6A/s320/IMG_2258.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emotional. Crafty. Usually the ring leader.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yRWTxneG6w/UqjXv88njmI/AAAAAAAAApQ/xsVhNcseY5g/s1600/IMG_2272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yRWTxneG6w/UqjXv88njmI/AAAAAAAAApQ/xsVhNcseY5g/s320/IMG_2272.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The life of every party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here's to the girl who keeps my life interesting. May your creativity and your energy bring you many blessings, baby girl!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/409f86ce62ab11e3a3f1129c5e705bd8_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386770460981_34505" src="https://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/409f86ce62ab11e3a3f1129c5e705bd8_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
P.S. You really must try these Hot Cocoa Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from <a href="http://thecakeblog.com/2011/12/peppermint-hot-chocolate-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">The Cake Blog</a>! They are divine!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-53110860291592157512013-12-09T03:52:00.000-05:002013-12-09T07:55:34.273-05:00Christmas House Tour 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hey there!</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Welcome to The Beazhive's 1st Christmas House Tour!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so excited to be joining <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a>'s Holiday House Walk Linky Party this year! If you haven't already checked out all the <span style="color: #0b5394;">amazing</span> houses on the <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/12/welcome-to-the-2013-holiday-housewalk-day-1.html" target="_blank">virtual holiday housewalk</a> yet, you really must. They are simply gorgeous!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/12/show-us-your-holiday-home-linky-party.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Jennifer Rizzo's holiday housewalk link party. Link up your home for a chance to be in next years house walk." class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5622" height="300" src="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Jennifer-Rizzo-link-party-button-Holiday-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you're visiting from <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/12/show-us-your-holiday-home-linky-party.html" target="_blank">Holiday House Linky Party</a>, thank you! I can't wait to see all the gorgeous houses YOU have decorated for the season!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, there are a few things you must know </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">before we get started:</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. I am NOT an interior decorator.</span> In fact, I pretty much fail at decorating my home, but I am getting better. At Christmas time I feel as though I do a bit better. Maybe it's because it's not permanent? At any rate, please do not expect Macy's worth displays! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I am NOT a photographer.</span> I really, really, really love taking photographs, and I really, really, really want a DSLR. That is probably not ever going to be in my budget, though, so for now I take pictures on my phone. Mediocre pictures. I probably should read all those posts about taking better pictures on your phone that I have pinned.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, please be kind! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I went BIG this year!</span> Why? Well, last year we moved the day after Christmas. The year before we moved right around Christmas. The year before that we were living in a hotel until December 23rd. I feel like we were cheated out of three beautiful, peaceful Christmases in a row! I know that Christmas is not about the decorations and the presents & we try very hard to keep our family's focus on Jesus during the season. I just really love all the other aspects of Christmas that make it so lovely and magical. So this year, I'm going BIG.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Without further ado:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="329" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VkTAOlMryac/UqVgx7q4h0I/AAAAAAAAAgo/ynPLmcfIyag/s640/IMG_2974.JPG" width="640" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We moved to Florida last year & rented this beautiful house. Doesn't that entryway look beautiful with all the icicle lights? How about the 3 palm trees decked out in their holiday best?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My hubby did a great job!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Shall we go in? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIvR_E05p9w/UqVg3FL-QXI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/c6YZfztRLrg/s1600/IMG_3073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIvR_E05p9w/UqVg3FL-QXI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/c6YZfztRLrg/s640/IMG_3073.JPG" width="612" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have named this the <span style="color: #0b5394;">"Grand"</span> tree because, well....it's grand. LOL</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's 7 1/2 feet tall with a base of 60 inches.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It sits in our foyer that for 11 months out of the year is basically 150 square feet of wasted space.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In my opinion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think the idea is the "wow" factor of opening that front door and being able to look across the entire house through the back WALL of sliding glass doors onto the patio & out onto the yard. It is very dramatic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It may have suckered us in, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We didn't consider the cost of air conditioning that much square footage with up to twenty foot high ceilings in the main living areas. YIKES!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But now, the foyer is home to my beautiful blue & silver tree! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IasXnPaB4_Q/UqVg4Qa4PJI/AAAAAAAAAhc/7l2O6jybpXI/s1600/IMG_3074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IasXnPaB4_Q/UqVg4Qa4PJI/AAAAAAAAAhc/7l2O6jybpXI/s400/IMG_3074.JPG" width="273" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My husband and I are having a debate on where & when we bought this tree, which is weird because in the 10 or 11 years we've owned this tree, we've never even discussed it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He thinks we bought it in Watertown, NY when Ames was going out of business.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, our last Christmas at Ft. Drum we had a big beautiful live tree that really resembled this one. It was perfect, and the model for our "Grand" tree. We moved just over a month later. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VY4isB-TbBY/UqVg0XLFUkI/AAAAAAAAAg4/p2co9cOtkMk/s1600/IMG_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VY4isB-TbBY/UqVg0XLFUkI/AAAAAAAAAg4/p2co9cOtkMk/s400/IMG_3004.JPG" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think we bought it the next year when we were in Hawaii and getting a real tree was bad option.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not that it matters. It's still a gorgeous tree & we love it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3hsAjHeRwA/UqVg11wR2wI/AAAAAAAAAhA/DVV3LKsKMn0/s1600/IMG_3011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3hsAjHeRwA/UqVg11wR2wI/AAAAAAAAAhA/DVV3LKsKMn0/s320/IMG_3011.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YChz8TCIWDE/UqVg2qE-dkI/AAAAAAAAAhM/2NYYiShdqks/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YChz8TCIWDE/UqVg2qE-dkI/AAAAAAAAAhM/2NYYiShdqks/s320/IMG_3014.JPG" width="237" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This simple yet stunning paper star was acquired at the swap meet in Hawaii.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I am smitten with it.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The tree would not be complete without it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1i9oE5Fa6Vs/UqVg4f-RztI/AAAAAAAAAhg/2tr_oXOnyVs/s1600/The+Beazhive+Grand+Tree+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1i9oE5Fa6Vs/UqVg4f-RztI/AAAAAAAAAhg/2tr_oXOnyVs/s640/The+Beazhive+Grand+Tree+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year, I used a couple of cans of spray snow to lighten the green of the tree and adorned it with varying shades of blue, silver & white.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vby3X5wFrI/UqVlDJjuP0I/AAAAAAAAAlE/_iFoaPGXRvk/s1600/IMG_3076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vby3X5wFrI/UqVlDJjuP0I/AAAAAAAAAlE/_iFoaPGXRvk/s400/IMG_3076.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The dining room is off the left of the foyer. All of the walls in living areas are an interesting of yellowish, orangish, peach that I'm not a fan of. It took awhile to decide on a color that complimented it, but we finally decided on purple. Purple is not exactly a Christmas color, so this took some creativity. Luckily, the <span style="color: #0b5394;">Advent</span> candles matched nicely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hanging those ornaments was harder than I imagined. I love how it turned out, though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1swqhqfcq1w/UqVlC50XzFI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PkxJxEuH2ys/s1600/IMG_3086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1swqhqfcq1w/UqVlC50XzFI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PkxJxEuH2ys/s400/IMG_3086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Normally, three mirrors live on this wall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two of them had an accident, so we finally replaced them & put a wreath in lieu of the center one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The wreath was one that I got at a yard sale this year. It was horribly ugly with old fake flowers hot glued to it. It's my first attempt at styling a wreath from scratch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not too shabby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-At3fUE6XLds/UqVlDUTn-vI/AAAAAAAAAlU/Ho_4WOmx8qs/s1600/IMG_3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-At3fUE6XLds/UqVlDUTn-vI/AAAAAAAAAlU/Ho_4WOmx8qs/s320/IMG_3090.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My china cabinet is still a work in progress, so check back next week for the update!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvA9Wgq0juw/UqVjQCi5rCI/AAAAAAAAAkg/YWuWJcD8eDU/s1600/IMG_3060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvA9Wgq0juw/UqVjQCi5rCI/AAAAAAAAAkg/YWuWJcD8eDU/s640/IMG_3060.JPG" width="374" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention there are no overhead lights in this room?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To the right of the foyer is our school room. It's the room we spend the most time in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a yellow, grey & black theme in this room because of our "bee" theme at the Busy Beaz Academy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, this is where the <span style="color: #0b5394;">"Family"</span> tree is located.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I let the kids decorate this one! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-SyikClPmc/UqVjQvFUw7I/AAAAAAAAAkk/DCpgTfmlfUw/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-SyikClPmc/UqVjQvFUw7I/AAAAAAAAAkk/DCpgTfmlfUw/s320/IMG_3059.JPG" width="256" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sDN50CQ-LQ/UqVjNQR-JlI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/NDaoBOPLHC0/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sDN50CQ-LQ/UqVjNQR-JlI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/NDaoBOPLHC0/s320/IMG_3054.JPG" width="195" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This baby is loaded with decades of special ornaments that we've all received over the years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really felt like a momma when I received that first gold spray painted macaroni Christmas ornament!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvrk6KJsau4/UqVjNmmzM7I/AAAAAAAAAkU/6vKk6P4T2j0/s1600/IMG_3055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvrk6KJsau4/UqVjNmmzM7I/AAAAAAAAAkU/6vKk6P4T2j0/s400/IMG_3055.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is our favorite ornament. It's a peek-a-boo Tigger!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-gYZJNxup0/UqVjNkGYh5I/AAAAAAAAAkM/SMK2RxRskSs/s1600/IMG_3056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-gYZJNxup0/UqVjNkGYh5I/AAAAAAAAAkM/SMK2RxRskSs/s400/IMG_3056.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
PEEK-A-BOO! I have a thing for Tigger & have had this ornament for a LONG time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqqi-13mnfQ/UqVlGddsacI/AAAAAAAAAlo/-kd-3xyIYu0/s1600/IMG_3093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="545" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqqi-13mnfQ/UqVlGddsacI/AAAAAAAAAlo/-kd-3xyIYu0/s640/IMG_3093.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the gigantic built-in entertainment center in our living room. The living room is right behind the foyer. When we moved in we had a 32 inch tv in the spot. It was teeny looking! We scored that giant flat screen for $200 bucks off Craigslist! Of course, it's not currently working, so...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There will be 5 other family members joining us for Christmas this year! We are so excited.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We put up stockings for everyone from our extensive stocking collection.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For some reason, we seem to buy more every year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's getting a bit out of control. Kind of like the trees. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybe you should start keeping count of how many stockings and how many trees there are!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtHiPGcYRrg/UqVlGq5sr9I/AAAAAAAAAls/0KWgR9cc0-Q/s1600/IMG_3094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtHiPGcYRrg/UqVlGq5sr9I/AAAAAAAAAls/0KWgR9cc0-Q/s640/IMG_3094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our glitter silver <span style="color: #0b5394;">nativity</span> cut-out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sadly, this is the only nativity in our house. It's very had to find one that is both affordable and not breakable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But that adorable baby in the manger is <span style="color: #0b5394;">THE REASON FOR THE SEASON</span> and we should never forget that! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k08fKknhRxw/UqVlGFvLfKI/AAAAAAAAAlk/AKp9kJBsN04/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k08fKknhRxw/UqVlGFvLfKI/AAAAAAAAAlk/AKp9kJBsN04/s640/IMG_3096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">MELE KALIKIMAKA!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<span style="color: #0b5394;">may-lay kuh-leaky-mah-kuh</span>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For those of you who don't speak Hawaiian, that means Merry Christmas!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7d3HaAG2Fo/UqViG_BSzEI/AAAAAAAAAiw/_DNCL3IFCLc/s1600/IMG_3123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7d3HaAG2Fo/UqViG_BSzEI/AAAAAAAAAiw/_DNCL3IFCLc/s640/IMG_3123.JPG" width="336" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the <span style="color: #0b5394;">"Romantic" </span>tree. So dubbed by J because it's in the master bedroom</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ahem. Moving on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not really a fan of skinny trees, but when I was working at Hobby Lobby last year, this tree was returned because the "lights didn't work". Mmm hmm. I rescued it from the trash chute for $5. Yes, <i>five dollars</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This may be a good time to mention that most of the Christmas items you see here were all bought at after Christmas clearance sales. A great deal of them were 80% off (or more) plus my employee discount. I rarely pay full price for any Christmas item.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPoCb__LNHM/UqViHLSH-_I/AAAAAAAAAi4/Wx74y2-6XVA/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPoCb__LNHM/UqViHLSH-_I/AAAAAAAAAi4/Wx74y2-6XVA/s320/IMG_3039.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y5IjG0j5t8/UqViHLdyIwI/AAAAAAAAAi0/OFJhgV5Spzw/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y5IjG0j5t8/UqViHLdyIwI/AAAAAAAAAi0/OFJhgV5Spzw/s320/IMG_3033.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back when we only had one tree, I used to rotate between my blue & silver ornaments and my maroon & gold ornaments and the family ornaments usually got mixed in too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I always felt a little selfish wanting a "family" tree AND a "pretty" tree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now I don't have to feel guilty!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I did reserve that maroon ornament from some very dear friends of ours from our ARMY days in Hawaii for this tree, though. That Mrs. Bradley had a house straight from the pages of <i>Southern Living</i> & I loved it. Her tree had more lights and decorations on it than I thought possible!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ficqr7VsTv8/UqViKTGliRI/AAAAAAAAAjU/w61xITvfN0Q/s1600/IMG_3128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ficqr7VsTv8/UqViKTGliRI/AAAAAAAAAjU/w61xITvfN0Q/s400/IMG_3128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you remember when I said we rent this house? Yeah, I didn't pick any of the paint colors. I'm very thankful that my master bathroom is not still the mauve color hiding underneath this color! However, I found some great ornaments in the Dollar Spot at Target (plus an extra 10% Cartwheel!) that compliment the lime green. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXNSFNtwcX4/UqViLGG7iUI/AAAAAAAAAjY/LRR_jUmdUjM/s1600/IMG_3130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXNSFNtwcX4/UqViLGG7iUI/AAAAAAAAAjY/LRR_jUmdUjM/s400/IMG_3130.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What? You don't have a tree in your bathroom?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDXZZj0cS8M/UqViKmZArYI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/R07v_Aq8O-E/s1600/IMG_3127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDXZZj0cS8M/UqViKmZArYI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/R07v_Aq8O-E/s320/IMG_3127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little more color for the bathroom.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIKHMAvyRaw/UqVmBxBQIKI/AAAAAAAAAmk/YeIzBNYRpto/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIKHMAvyRaw/UqVmBxBQIKI/AAAAAAAAAmk/YeIzBNYRpto/s640/IMG_3107.JPG" width="452" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My <span style="color: #0b5394;">"Candy Land"</span> tree! Love this one! It is so fun & whimsical.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the tree we bought last year when we celebrated Christmas in an empty house because the movers had already taken all our furniture. It was a bright, fun spot in that trying time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really need to take some daytime pictures because it's so cute!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the neighbor kids said they wanted to eat it up! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R6Eyesfbbc/UqVl8lVVnAI/AAAAAAAAAmE/bCMwX7BcAwM/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R6Eyesfbbc/UqVl8lVVnAI/AAAAAAAAAmE/bCMwX7BcAwM/s400/IMG_3099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My kids love the "snow" in the jars.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jx4_AmH95Lg/UqVmDgE6yoI/AAAAAAAAAm0/ltw2YQ-MN-M/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jx4_AmH95Lg/UqVmDgE6yoI/AAAAAAAAAm0/ltw2YQ-MN-M/s400/IMG_3108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was going to hang red and white pot holders from the cupboards but J came up with this free solution of putting wrapping paper on them after how well my china cabinet turned out. Smart, frugal kid!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, I already owned all those different red wrapping papers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm pretty sure only one of them cost more than .25 a roll.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj9E3KRxh5M/UqVmDdsgLVI/AAAAAAAAAmw/dsfyssvSK5U/s1600/IMG_3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj9E3KRxh5M/UqVmDdsgLVI/AAAAAAAAAmw/dsfyssvSK5U/s400/IMG_3109.JPG" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This post is so long & I've only just begun! I will leave you with this fantastically adorable snowman that is hanging in the hallway between the kids rooms,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;">but I really hope you'll come back to view the rest of my decorations!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9qW53PdDak/UqVmEjEDZMI/AAAAAAAAAm8/FulwI8lluQ4/s1600/IMG_3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9qW53PdDak/UqVmEjEDZMI/AAAAAAAAAm8/FulwI8lluQ4/s640/IMG_3110.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mr. Snowy wants you to come back too!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*Please feel free to ask any questions or leave a comment!*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*I love visitors!*</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-31365286809578164362013-11-09T17:00:00.000-05:002013-11-09T17:00:13.372-05:00Bad LinksIt has come to my attention that some of my recent posts with links are bad. I am going through & fixing those. Sorry for any inconvenience! Also, I have set up an <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20">Amazon store</a> that most of my product links will go to. If you purchase anything through <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20">TheBeazHive Amazon Store</a> you will be supporting our homeschool, and for that, I thank you! <br />
<br /><img align="right" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-69105841442053425982013-10-30T13:09:00.002-04:002013-11-09T16:52:50.501-05:00Book Review: "Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do you think you know everything about couponing?</span> Do you
find couponing too confusing, too much work, boring? Do you fall anywhere in
between those extremes? Then, <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/0615525172" target="_blank">“Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey”</a> is the book
for you! Joanie Demer & Heather Wheeler have debunked the myths about
couponing and taken it to superstar heights, while talking to you like your
best friend. They teach you to make the grocery aisles your catwalk!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/0615525172" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0615525172&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=the0af8-20" width="248" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=the0af8-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0615525172" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a lot I know (or think I know) about couponing. I’ve
been doing it off and on for nearly 5 years, but <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/0615525172" target="_blank">“Pick Another Checkout Lane,Honey”</a> has taught me a few more things. It’s a very in-depth look at couponing
with some great ideas for what to do with all the money you save as well!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re a newbie, they cover all the basics. From building
your coupon binder, to building your stockpile, to building your savings
account, these ladies have it covered. Both Joanie & Heather give their
personal stories about how and why they started couponing and how it has
changed their lives. The entire book is conversational in tone and makes you
wish you knew these girls in person. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re seasoned you might learn something you didn’t
already know, and you’re likely to find the humorous drawings spot on! For me,
it was nice to have the monthly sales cycles and the price list laid out. I’ve
made a copy of the price list to use as a guide and then adjust to the best
prices I can get. I plan on making a copy of the sales cycles to keep in my
binder as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The biggest thing I learned is that I need to obtain
official coupon policies on company letterhead for every store I shop at, as
well as talk to the general manager of each store. This sounds downright
terrifying to me, but makes complete sense. My husband said he would go with me, so that makes me feel more confident! It’s true that as the couponer, I
probably know more about the store’s coupon policy than my cashier and maybe
even the manager. Being able to prove that I’m playing by the rules may come in
handy one day!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These fabulous ladies also run this fantastic website called
<a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/">TheKrazyCouponLady.com</a>. It’s where I go to find all my coupon match-ups. I
probably check everyday because I’m a little obsessed, but I definitely look
before I head out to the stores to make sure there aren’t any great new deals
that have popped up. They list the weekly sales with the corresponding coupons
for all the major super centers and drugstores, plus many large grocery stores
around the country. They recently started doing the match-ups for Winn-Dixie,
so they are my go-to site for all my major stores (Publix, Winn-Dixie, CVS, Walgreens,
Target & Wal-Mart) now. I occasionally shop at BJ’s and Save-A-Lot, and
infrequently at Whole Foods & Aldi because they are so far away. Oh, how I
miss Aldi…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I highly recommend <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/0615525172" target="_blank">“Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey”</a> to
ANYONE! Young, old, spender, saver, you can learn something from this book and
be entertained at the same time. I’m sure you can find something to relate to.
Everybody likes saving money, right? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S. I made this <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2010/08/coupon-sorter.html" target="_blank">coupon sorting mat</a> a couple years ago that
makes organizing all those little pieces of paper so much easier! Sadly, over
the last 3 moves in a 12-month period I’ve lost track of it. If I don’t find it
soon, I will need to make another one so the kids can help more too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>*All opinions expressed are my own! I was not compensated in
any way for this review.</i></div>
<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-78964341978911632732013-10-18T23:39:00.001-04:002013-11-09T17:08:45.572-05:00Vacation on the Cheap: Orlando 2013 - Meal & Snack Ideas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg1H1thrd9o/UkYvDW9d64I/AAAAAAAAAd0/IG70TAfMLGw/s1600/Vacation+on+the+Cheap+Logo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg1H1thrd9o/UkYvDW9d64I/AAAAAAAAAd0/IG70TAfMLGw/s200/Vacation+on+the+Cheap+Logo+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome back to my Vacation on the Cheap Series! I hope that
you have been following along and gathering some ideas that you can use on your
next vacation.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today’s topic is food! Yummy! Food can be one of the
biggest, if not the biggest cost when vacationing. A family can spend anywhere
from $30 for some mediocre chicken strips that have been sitting under warming
lights for 5 hours, all the way up to several HUNDRED dollars for a sit-down
meal with a certain princess in her castle. That’s just per meal! Over the
course of several days one could easily go bankrupt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not to say that you should skip on food and dining
experiences that you believe to be worth the money. Like I’ve mentioned before,
we do NOT skip on the Dole Whips. (If you’ve had one, you know why I keep mentioning this!) We have
several character meals that we really want to do, but have yet to save the
money for. When it becomes a priority, I’m sure we’ll figure out a way to save
that money.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Figure out what your food priorities are and save for those.
Get creative in areas where you know you could save money. We’ve already
discussed finding a hotel with a kitchen, free breakfast, a mini-fridge and/or
a microwave. Now we’re going to talk about specific ideas for each of those
situations, and a few ideas for when you can’t find a hotel with any of those
things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter where you stay, do as much as you can before
leaving home. If you are striving for a “real food” diet, make snacks such as
homemade goldfish crackers rather than buying them. Homemade baked goods will
add a special touch to your brown bag lunch. Strive to include treats that will
set your lunch apart from run-of-the-mill kids meals so that no one feels
deprived. Don’t forget lots of fruits & vegetables to keep it healthy!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;">*Please note that these are suggestions, and I have not
personally tried every recipe*</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The No-Frills Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Many items will need to be kept cold. Use discretion when
choosing items to bring based on how much space your cooler has, number of days
items will remain in cooler, and if they must be kept very cold or only cool*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/87/42/ed/8742edae8bc9829b8b46ff639db5802b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/87/42/ed/8742edae8bc9829b8b46ff639db5802b.jpg" width="149" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Breakfast</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oatmeal (packets)– use hot water from the coffee maker or
the tap </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818658727631/" target="_blank">Muffins</a> - these are really yummy & what we took with us; I also added blueberries to some of them</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cereal – keep milk in the cooler</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818655938515/" target="_blank">Breakfast cookies</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818655146375/" target="_blank">Granola Bars</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Don’t forget the fruit!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Lunch & Dinner</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Homemade lunchables -meat, cheese, crackers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/80/7a/7e/807a7ed367ffffbd6a9c23e2246ac952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/80/7a/7e/807a7ed367ffffbd6a9c23e2246ac952.jpg" width="125" /></a>Pasta salad (recipe coming soon!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sandwiches or Wraps: meat, pb&j, cream cheese &
jelly, cream cheese & ham, Nutella & banana, egg salad, tuna salad
(<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818655866682/" target="_blank">could be made with avocado</a>, it's yummy!) - could also be served on bagel or with crackers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*I would
highly recommend wraps because of their portability. No squished bread!*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818655796561/" target="_blank">Cucumber and tomato salad</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/250653535484007441/" target="_blank">Layered salads</a> - in plastic jars because glass may not be
permitted</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
California Taco Salad (recipe coming soon!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818658724647/" target="_blank">Cucumber, dill, & Greek yogurt salad</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tortellini salad (recipe coming soon!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Snacks & Desserts</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7d/ab/e3/7dabe3e9864c77efd4a8f3b710f7fcce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7d/ab/e3/7dabe3e9864c77efd4a8f3b710f7fcce.jpg" width="150" /></a>Cookies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yogurt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fruit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Granola bars</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Muffins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hard-boiled eggs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hummus & veggies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peanut butter in bottom of jar with celery - could add
raisins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rice crispy bars/brown rice bars (recipe coming soon!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Banana, pumpkin or zucchini bread (one or more recipes
coming soon!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fruit cups (could make your own!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trail mix</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/dd/59/f1/dd59f13be186d4b27869dc9bd2d8706c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/dd/59/f1/dd59f13be186d4b27869dc9bd2d8706c.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818656647248/" target="_blank">Homemade soft pretzels</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://weelicious.com/2010/09/01/graham-crackers/" target="_blank">Homemade graham crackers</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://weelicious.com/2012/04/02/avocado-hummus/" target="_blank">Avocado hummus</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://weelicious.com/2012/01/10/whole-wheat-cheddar-crackers/" target="_blank">Homemade goldfish</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818654943668/" target="_blank">Homemade fruit leathers</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cake</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fruit with Nutella or other dip</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818654962219/" target="_blank">Lemon bars</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cheese wedges or sticks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mixed nuts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hotel with a Mini-Fridge and Microwave</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Including all of the above suggestions)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Breakfast</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818655820155/" target="_blank">Sausage Pancake Bites</a> – made at home, kept in fridge &
reheated</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waffles - made at home with maple syrup in mix &
reheated</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mini sausages in biscuits – made at home & reheated</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c6/5f/6a/c65f6ac1c533eea0ad22481042c8a7f9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c6/5f/6a/c65f6ac1c533eea0ad22481042c8a7f9.jpg" width="200" /></a>*If you can find these really cool <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00578EKRY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00578EKRY&linkCode=as2&tag=the0af8-20%22%3EReynolds%20Metals%2000504%20Slow%20Cooker%20Liners%2013%22X21%22%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=the0af8-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00578EKRY%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">slow cooker liners</a>, you
can use your crock-pot to make delicious food for you while you are sleeping or
out enjoying the sites!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818658184467/" target="_blank">Crock pot Oatmeal</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/6685099418697939/" target="_blank">Crock pot French toast</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818654938847/" target="_blank">Crock pot Egg casserole</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Lunch & Dinner</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buffalo or BBQ chicken wraps – keep sauce on side until
eating time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ef/4b/f5/ef4bf5be8a092c20a3e41b4cfa98ae80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ef/4b/f5/ef4bf5be8a092c20a3e41b4cfa98ae80.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818657686408/" target="_blank">Ham & cheese pockets</a> or calzones</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pasties – a tasty hand-held meat pie, referred to as a hand
pie or empanada in other parts of the country (recipe coming soon!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/174162710562535461/" target="_blank">Picnic pizza rolls</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chicken, pork, or steak skewers with microwavable rice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/100345897919811842/" target="_blank">Biscuit meatballs</a> with marinara dipping sauce</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Black & Blue Salad - mixed greens with thinly sliced steak, blue cheese & blue cheese dressing </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, you can use your slow cooker for these meals:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/115897390384298800/" target="_blank">Crock pot meatloaf</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Crock pot Meatballs – party (recipe coming soon!), buffalo
chicken, meatball subs (recipe coming soon!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818658283835/" target="_blank">Crock pot buffalo chicken sliders</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/96/28/80/962880819b253ac0c5183152964c678a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/96/28/80/962880819b253ac0c5183152964c678a.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Snacks & Desserts</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Popcorn – take advantage of the microwave; try the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818654949966/" target="_blank">paper bag method</a> of popping to avoid nasty chemicals!</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/97601516895078789/" target="_blank">Layered fruit parfaits </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fruit salad</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d4/b0/c4/d4b0c4d0803f6e209f9d2e43e7518f51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d4/b0/c4/d4b0c4d0803f6e209f9d2e43e7518f51.jpg" width="159" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hotel with Kitchen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Including all of the above suggestions)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Breakfast</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever you like to eat at home! (Okay, so I've never made those yummy looking caramel pecan cinnamon rolls, but they're on my short list! Anybody else try these yet?)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Lunch & Dinner</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taco salad to go – layered seasoned beef, beans, olives, chopped veggies, cheese, lettuce in a lidded bowl (or plastic jars) pack sour
cream, salsa & chips on the side</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srRFBa3Q1p8/Ufbb6VYA61I/AAAAAAAADNc/ibYhmyKZgjs/s400/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srRFBa3Q1p8/Ufbb6VYA61I/AAAAAAAADNc/ibYhmyKZgjs/s200/25.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://bentoformygirls.blogspot.com/2013/07/day-424.html" target="_blank">Chicken taco salad</a> – mixed greens diced chicken, shredded
cheese, beans, and tomatoes with yogurt/salsa mix on side</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818658677301/" target="_blank">Sesame noodles</a>- I double the sauce for these noodles!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quesadilla strips with yogurt/sour cream, guacamole &
salsa on side</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nachos
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tacos</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spaghetti </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hamburgers & Hot Dogs </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/15/0c/f6/150cf6fd0315c34ab46a05bd9ecd144d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/15/0c/f6/150cf6fd0315c34ab46a05bd9ecd144d.jpg" width="133" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Snacks & Desserts</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Smoothies (freeze in <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B000SN0WH0" target="_blank">freezer jam jars</a>, or those <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B00DTV8I10" target="_blank">cool reusable smoothie pop thingies</a>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jell-o cubes or jell-o w/ fruit (can pour right into lunch
containers to set up overnight)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deviled eggs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fruit salad</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818659060507/" target="_blank">Raspberry cheesecake jars</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/257338566177970779/" target="_blank">Strawberry shortcake in a jar</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is just a sampling of ideas that I’ve culled from my
own recipes, recipes from family and friends, and that wealth of information
known as Pinterest! I’m sure that you probably have recipes in your repertoire that
could be used to save you money on vacation as well. If you’re serious about
saving money on vacation food, take the time to make lists of meals that you
think your family would enjoy, which will be easy to transport & prepare.
Make sure you share your ideas here with the rest of us!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Miss a "Vacation on the Cheap" Post? Find them here:</b></span><br />
Part 1 - <a href="http://thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/09/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013.html" target="_blank">Itinerary & Menu</a><br />
Part 2 - <a href="http://thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/10/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013-tips.html" target="_blank">Tips & FREE Things to Do at Disney</a><br />
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a>Part 3 - <a href="http://thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/10/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013-tips-for.html" target="_blank">Tips for Saving on Food</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything through one of the links, you will be supporting our home school! Thank you!</span></i>queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-12950159331783604322013-10-11T17:14:00.000-04:002013-11-09T17:23:13.317-05:00Vacation on the Cheap: Orlando 2013 - Tips for Saving on Food<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg1H1thrd9o/UkYvDW9d64I/AAAAAAAAAd0/IG70TAfMLGw/s1600/Vacation+on+the+Cheap+Logo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg1H1thrd9o/UkYvDW9d64I/AAAAAAAAAd0/IG70TAfMLGw/s200/Vacation+on+the+Cheap+Logo+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome back to my series Vacation on the Cheap!</b> Links to the preceding installments can be found at the bottom of this post!</div>
<br />
Saving money on food when you're at home can be difficult. Saving money when you're on vacation can seem downright impossible! For as long as I can remember, we've been packing sandwich fixings whenever we go roadtripping, whether for one day or one week. This is a great money saver & one I highly recommend! Unless of course you're like me and don't really enjoy sandwiches. I'm not really sure why it took me so dang long to realize that if I was not happy eating sandwiches at home, I would never be truly happy and satisfied eating them while away from home! This holds especially true when you are somewhere like a theme park where delicious food is in your face every hundred yards. This is the vacation where I decided to change that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSmw2pZ2QXI/UlhRP9vik6I/AAAAAAAAAfc/c9MtetzRKQ4/s1600/IMG_1928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSmw2pZ2QXI/UlhRP9vik6I/AAAAAAAAAfc/c9MtetzRKQ4/s320/IMG_1928.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our ham & cream cheese bagels!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you studied my <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/09/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013.html" target="_blank">menu</a> at all, you'll notice that sandwiches make an appearance a grand total of three times in eight days. Only one of those is a boring old pb&j or lunchmeat sandwich. In reality, I think we only ate two. The day we left home (pb&j or lunchmeat) and the day we went to Downtown Disney (ham & cream cheese on bagels).<br />
<br />
<br />
I was determined to have delicious food whilst on vacation without spending a ton of money! I know some of you are thinking, "Yes, but you had a KITCHEN in your <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/10/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013-tips.html" target="_blank">hotel room</a>! What about those of us who stay at regular hotels?"<br />
<br />
Good question. I've yet to try it, but the next weekend we vacation I will let you know how it goes. The hotel that we will be staying at from now on when we only go for weekends is a super cheap, no-frills hotel. It's run-down and old on the outside, but the rooms are clean and in good shape. The mattress is sagging, but it's comfortable. (Always bring your own pillow!) There is no fridge or microwave. There may be a single-serve coffee maker in the room, but I'm not sure. There is an unadvertised free breakfast consisting of instant oatmeal, bagels, danishes, fruit, cereals, and beverages. It's super-duper close to one of the Disney gates. Oh, and it's cheap!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Here are some tips that should help you save money on food no matter where you stay:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Tip #1:</b> <i>Find a hotel that offers a FREE breakfast!</i> Plain instant oatmeal, a glass of milk & a piece of fruit is a great breakfast! (Avoid the flavored oatmeal! Sweeten with good old sugar, jelly, maple syrup or honey, if they have it.)<br />
<br />
If you can't get a free breakfast, make sure your hotel room has a fridge and a microwave. Some hotels don't put them in all their rooms, so make sure you ask!<br />
<br />
If you can't find a hotel that offers any of that (although you should be with some dedicated research), pretend like you are going <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thebeazhive/camping-food/" target="_blank">camping</a>! At least food wise. Plan foods that are non-perishable, portable, are easy to prepare without a kitchen, and/or made at home and brought with you. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tip #2:</b> <i>Don't be embarrassed by bringing your own food! </i>No, really. People will
probably stare at you as you enjoy your delicious & nutritious
homemade meal packed with love, but I like to imagine that they're just
jealous. I'm pretty sure those people were watching with envy the day we
ate Black & Blue Salad (steak with blue cheese) and fresh strawberries with Nutella dip!<br />
<br />
There is no rule that says you can't bring your own food into a theme park. Disney has restrictions on type & size of cooler, plus no glass containers. Whatever your destination, check the rules for what you are and are not allowed to bring.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip #3:</b> <i>Plan Ahead!</i> Remember the<a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/09/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013.html" target="_blank"> itinerary </a>we <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/10/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013-tips.html" target="_blank">discussed</a>? If you want to take your own food with you on vacation, you'll need to have a basic idea of what you'll be doing around each meal time. Some days I planned for us to still be at the hotel for lunch, and other days where we'd need to pack our food. I needed to know this before we left home.<br />
<br />
Also, do not pack your food and leave it in the big cooler in the car with the idea that you will retrieve it come meal time. Your family will be starving, you'll be at the back of the park, and NO ONE will want to walk all the way back out to the car. Ask me how I know. LOL See <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/10/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013-tips.html" target="_blank">our set up for packing it all</a> with us here. <br />
<br />
<b>Tip #4:</b><i> Be Creative!</i> No boring sandwiches unless your entire family REALLY loves them! I spent large amounts of time scouring <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thebeazhive/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for portable foods. I found some really great ones under <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thebeazhive/food-lunch-box-goodness/" target="_blank">lunch ideas</a> or <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thebeazhive/camping-food/" target="_blank">camping boards</a>!<br />
<br />
I didn't want anyone to feel like they were deprived of some fantastic meal just because we made it ourselves. This led to meal ideas like steaks, Dinosaur (hard-boiled) eggs, orange cake, and bananas with minion faces! Don't forget to include your family's favorite foods and snacks.<br />
<br />
If you really want to get creative, you could try making those <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818659020380/" target="_blank">cool bento lunches</a> that look like someone spent hours making them. In this house, "ain't nobody got time for that!" <br />
<br />
<b>Tip #5:</b> <i>Pack more snacks than you think you'll need!</i> When your kid passes 7 other kids with Mickey bars dripping down their brand-new $80 Cinderella costumes, they're going to want one too. Probably the Mickey bar AND the costume! If you want your kid to have a Cinderella costume, or any other Disney memorabilia for that matter, make a stop at the nearest Wal-Mart where the same costume will only set you back $20. It's still official Disney merchandise.<br />
<br />
As for the Mickey bars, have an alternative on hand at all times! We don't skip the Dole Whips in our family, and you shouldn't skip something that you really want & have planned ahead to spend the money on. For all the other times, I have snacks. They may not be super nutritious because I chose ease and portability, but they're probably healthier than the theme park snacks.<br />
<br />
I plan for two snacks a day. It takes a lot of energy to walk around theme parks, stand on line in the boiling hot sun and humidity, and push your children through the themed store that you have to walk through at the end of every ride.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Us, successfully navigating the shops. (Meaning we didn't buy anything! LOL) </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoGAwIeyukU/Ulhgw7V5G2I/AAAAAAAAAfo/v890hUYk0RQ/s1600/IMG_2005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoGAwIeyukU/Ulhgw7V5G2I/AAAAAAAAAfo/v890hUYk0RQ/s200/IMG_2005.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqIADvaCucU/Ulhl8FV1_3I/AAAAAAAAAgE/jaWG7xmJ7ZU/s1600/IMG_2138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqIADvaCucU/Ulhl8FV1_3I/AAAAAAAAAgE/jaWG7xmJ7ZU/s200/IMG_2138.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transformers in Training</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Include some protein and (healthy)carbohydrates for a more satisfying snack. Make sure you pack enough to help everyone get through the day, plus a little extra. If you end up with leftovers at the end of the day it's okay. I'm sure they will get eaten eventually!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B003U6DJ90" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003U6DJ90&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=the0af8-20" /></a><b>Tip #6:</b> <i>Invest in quality containers!</i> The only two items I can confidently recommend are the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B003U6DJ90">Ziploc Divided Containers </a>and the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B000LNY1D8">Ziploc Round Screw-top Containers</a>. I have not encountered any problems with these two items that weren't user caused. All of the refillable bottles, coolers, lunch bags, and other plastic containers we have used have either not stood the test of time and <strike>abuse</strike> use, or are just adequate. I don't want to recommend anything that doesn't work!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=the0af8-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003U6DJ90" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=the0af8-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000LNY1D8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B000LNY1D8" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000LNY1D8&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=the0af8-20" /></a>Both of these containers are reasonably priced, so you should be able to stock up on however many your family needs. We bought 12 of the divided containers so we could pack 2 meals per day. Buy whatever you need & will fit into your coolers with room for extra ice. BTW, we ended up buying two of the clearanced (70%off, so $3.98 each)lunch bags from Target that I <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/10/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013-tips.html" target="_blank">mentioned</a> before. They will fit two of the Ziploc Divided containers, with plenty of room for ice packs. They also came with little water bottles that fit into an outside pocket! BONUS!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here is the meal we enjoyed on the beach of Disney's Polynesian Resort.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Look! No leaking between compartments!) </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bINrZDkAQU/UlhRPoRjRUI/AAAAAAAAAfY/uKu1F6ex_4c/s1600/IMG_1895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bINrZDkAQU/UlhRPoRjRUI/AAAAAAAAAfY/uKu1F6ex_4c/s320/IMG_1895.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teriyaki Pork & Pineapple Kebabs over brown rice (with soy sauce), grapes & banana pudding!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Tip #7:</b> <i>Bring your own water!</i> Each person should have their own refillable water container. On this vacation they received lanyards from which they carried their own bottles. There are plenty of water fountains from which to refill, or you can ask for free ice water from a food vendor. Keep frozen water bottles in your cooler to keep your food cold and to drink later in the day. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!<br />
<br />
<br />
I really hope that the tips I've shared with you will be helpful in saving you money on your next vacation or even a day away from the house!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Next Up: Meal & Snack Ideas</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My adorable family in the shops. We have a thing for hats!</span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K84jmXGwY58/UlhlqJOJDcI/AAAAAAAAAf4/S9nDziTipZs/s1600/Vacation+Shop+Collage+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K84jmXGwY58/UlhlqJOJDcI/AAAAAAAAAf4/S9nDziTipZs/s320/Vacation+Shop+Collage+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Vacation on the Cheap Posts:</b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/09/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013.html" target="_blank">Part One - Itinerary & Menu</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/10/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013-tips.html" target="_blank">Part Two - Tips & FREE Things to Do at Disney</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-45741742143202017702013-10-09T13:06:00.004-04:002013-11-09T17:31:44.829-05:00Food Inc.-A Must Watch Movie!Last night we sat down and watch <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B0027BOL4G" target="_blank">Food, Inc</a>. as a family. We have become increasingly interested in improving the quality of the food we eat. For us, the only thing stopping us from making big changes is money. The sad truth is that healthy foods cost more and this movie showcases why that is.<br />
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B0027BOL4G" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0027BOL4G&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=the0af8-20" /></a><br />
As my husband said, "It was eye-opening."<br />
<br />
This movie was made in 2008 and sadly, things have only gotten worse for the American food industry. Private corporations control our government more than ever before, putting the safety of our citizens at risk in favor of making money. It's time that we take a stand. Personally, every time a see a petition to fight Monsanto, I sign it. If you can afford it, vote with your dollars. Buy organic and local whenever possible. Grow your own! Make the changes that you can & bring awareness when you can.<br />
<br />
Like they mentioned in the film, if the American people were able to take on the tobacco industry and remove its grasp on the government, we should be able to do it with the food industry!<br />
<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0;" /><br />
*There are some graphic images that may affect your smaller children. Please use discretion!*<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=the0af8-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0027BOL4G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-29575185706416518742013-10-05T20:59:00.000-04:002013-11-09T17:39:20.262-05:00Vacation on the Cheap: Orlando 2013 - Tips & FREE things to do at Disney!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg1H1thrd9o/UkYvDW9d64I/AAAAAAAAAd0/IG70TAfMLGw/s1600/Vacation+on+the+Cheap+Logo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg1H1thrd9o/UkYvDW9d64I/AAAAAAAAAd0/IG70TAfMLGw/s200/Vacation+on+the+Cheap+Logo+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Welcome back to my series Vacation on the Cheap! </b>You can find the first installment <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/09/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013.html" target="_blank">here</a> where I shared my planned itinerary and menu.</span><br />
<br />
<u><b>HOTELS:</b></u><br />
I talked briefly about the hotel we got for a great price through a vacation club. If you're interested in the specifics, let me know. I supposed I shouldn't really call it a hotel because it is a resort that is comprised of 1-3 bedroom condos. The <a href="https://www.diamondresorts.com/Polynesian-Isles-Phase-I" target="_blank">Polynesian Isles</a> was a lovely resort that I hope we get to stay at again! I didn't take any pictures of the resort or our room, and can't get any pictures to transfer over, but you can check a bunch of them on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34352-d88560-Reviews-Polynesian_Isles_Resort-Kissimmee_Florida.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a>. We rented a 2 bedroom condo for the week because we were expecting another family to join us & split the cost, but they weren't able to come. This worked out just fine because the six of pretty much needed all the room! It had a full kitchen and an outdoor grill which were the secret to our saving money on food.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend that if you will be vacationing for a week or longer, that you find accommodations that have a kitchen. There are many rentals within reasonable distances from popular tourist destinations that are probably cheaper than a hotel room and come with extra room & amenities. This is also a superb option for families larger than the standard "2 adults, 2 children". This is why we (sadly) don't stay on Disney property. There are very few rooms to accommodate families with more than 4 people & they are WAY too expensive. In the future we may rent point from Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Members which would allow us to stay in a Deluxe Disney Villa for less money than the rack rate. The DisBoards Forum has thread <a href="http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29" target="_blank">here</a> that you can learn more about renting DVC points.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>ITINERARIES:</b></u><br />
I'm sure that itineraries is a dirty word to some of you! That's okay. There's a lot to be said about flying by the seat of your pants! <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2009/02/our-emergency-vacation.html" target="_blank">Remember when I packed up my 4 kids and drove for 2 1/2 days from Texas to California so I could see my husband</a>? That led to my kids' first trip to Disneyland! :) See the pics <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2009/03/disneys-california-adventure-pix.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2009/03/disneyland-pix.html" target="_blank">here</a>! Don't forget to read all the stories that go with the pics & all the other interesting things we did along the way! <br />
<br />
Still, having an itinerary can save you time, money & headaches. No, really! Like I've already mentioned, we aren't a family that can go on vacation and lay around on the beach for a week. We need to DO things! I spend hours (okay, days!) researching our destination and what we can do there. In case you hadn't guessed, Disney is our big love! It doesn't matter how many times I have been there, I still plan. Especially at a theme park, this pre-planning can save you time. I know what attractions to visit at what time of the day, and which day is the best day to visit to have the shortest wait times. I hate standing in line, and so do my children!<br />
<br />
*If you are going to Walt Disney World, the best planning site by far is <a href="http://easywdw.com/">easywdw.com</a> ! Josh knows what he is talking about! For WDW food, visit <a href="http://allears.net/din/dining.htm">http://allears.net/din/dining.htm</a> *<br />
<br />
On this trip we weren't going into a Disney park, so I obviously needed to find other things for us to do (besides our 2 days at Universal Studios) & since we were on a budget, FREE was the name of the game. I scoured the internet & here is what I came up with:<br />
<span id="goog_1518646268"></span><span id="goog_1518646269"></span><br />
Swimming at our hotel<br />
Disney's Boardwalk at night (pretty lights & entertainment)<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoX4b5t2k6w/UlCj1yV7MaI/AAAAAAAAAeE/SSRmNsbCc50/s1600/Jenny+Phone+309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoX4b5t2k6w/UlCj1yV7MaI/AAAAAAAAAeE/SSRmNsbCc50/s320/Jenny+Phone+309.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first every Dole Whip Float! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Disney's Contemporary Resort (riding the monorail through the building, the butterfly garden & view from the roof)<br />
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort (the Wedding Pavilion)<br />
Disney's Polynesian Resort (hula lessons, DOLE WHIPS!, the Electric Water Pageant & Wishes Fireworks from the beach)<br />
Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports<br />
Downtown Disney (the Lego store & a FREE Lego build!, FREE chocolate from Ghirardelli)<br />
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (animal watching by day & by night-vision goggles, and African storytelling)<br />
Disney's Art of Animation Resort (Cars, Finding Nemo & Little Mermaid) <br />
Disney's All-Star Movie Resort (Toy Story!)<br />
Ride the boat from Disney's Port Orleans Resort to Downtown Disney & back<br />
Disney's Wilderness Lodge (follow the river from the lodge to the beach & watch the geyser erupt)<br />
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort (butterfly garden, Tri-Circle D Ranch & petting zoo, Chip & Dale's Campfire Sing-Along & marshmallow roast, followed by an outdoor movie) <br />
<br />
Then we needed to find a time to fit all these activities in while still being able to relax at our fantastic resort. I didn't know if this would be too many activities or not enough, but that's what the itinerary is for. Just remember that an itinerary is tool to help you, not restrict you. A guideline, if you will. If you looked at my schedule in <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/09/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013.html" target="_blank">the last post</a>, you'll see that instead of times, I broke down the days into "morning", "afternoon", and "evening". This keeps things flexible. Plus, everyone in your group knows what is going on each day and YOU don't have to keep answering "What are we doing today?" over and over.<br />
<br />
Which brings me to my next point: Get your family involved in the planning. In my house, I'm in charge of the planning. All the kids and the hubs can offer up their advice & I will try to include things that each person wants to do. My fantastic hubby gets the final say. Luckily, he usually only makes changes if I've made a stupid mistake somewhere!<br />
<br />
When I'm going to a theme park, I have a list (at least in my head) of what attraction we need to visit first, based on popularity and capacity. If you really don't care about getting everything done in a day, you can go to whatever you want first, but you may end up waiting in ridiculously long lines. I say do your homework before you go!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>PACKING FOR THE DAY:</b></u><br />
Packing for a full day of touring requires some thought. We've perfected our packing skills a little more on each trip we take to the parks. Here are some of our essentials:<br />
<br />
<b>A Stroller: </b>Yup. My youngest child is 5 & we still push a stroller around the park! My children aren't allowed in it though! LOL You can rent a locker at most parks, but they cost money & usually aren't anywhere near you when you need them. There is always stroller parking near attractions. A stroller can be loaded down with tons of weight and no one will complain about having to carry it all. If your children are responsible enough, they can help push it. Mine fight over who gets to push it. Go figure.<br />
<br />
<b>A Backpack:</b> A good sturdy backpack is a must. We just acquired a new to us (FREE) backpack which was miraculous since both straps had finally broken on our old one and we weren't going to fork out money for a new one. Stuff this puppy with all your non-perishable snacks, napkins, wet wipes, sunscreen, diapers, change of clothes, whatever you need! <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8P-hNAJyZYU/UlCxmqscBWI/AAAAAAAAAeY/QvhRfNq5yKI/s1600/IMG_1838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8P-hNAJyZYU/UlCxmqscBWI/AAAAAAAAAeY/QvhRfNq5yKI/s320/IMG_1838.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An adorable child & all our stuff! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Coolers/Lunchboxes:</b> For us, we have a soft-sided cooler (the only kind allowed in WDW) measuring 10.5" x 10.5" x 9" (which is also within WDW regulations). This holds four of these <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B003U6DJ90">Ziploc divided containers</a> with room for plenty of ice & maybe an extra water bottle or two. <br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&nou=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=the0af8-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&asins=B003U6DJ90" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> These containers are fantastic! They are leak-proof and sturdy. We have had several for years and not had problems with them.<br />
<br />
We also used a small soft-sided lunchbox (leftover from the kids public school days) that sort of holds two more lunch containers and a small baggie of flat ice. This is not ideal as the ice melts quickly. We've spotted some lunch bags that will fit two <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/B003U6DJ90">Ziploc containers</a> with plenty of room for ice at Target's Back to School clearance section. <strike>We're just waiting for the price to drop past 30% off, then we'll most likely pick up two. Otherwise, we will need to get another large cooler.</strike> <b>Update:</b> The price dropped & we scored 2 (with water bottles) for less than $10!<br />
<br />
Coolers are essential for avoiding costly (and not always so tasty) vacation food! This is especially helpful if you are eating a special diet. I know many of you are here from <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/" target="_blank">100 Days of Real Food</a>, which means you're probably trying to eat a real food diet. Although Disney is very good at offering healthier options at many of their restaurants, this is not the case everywhere. By bringing your own food into the parks, which is totally within the rules, you can control what you are eating!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Water Bottles:</b> This seems like a no-brainer to me, but maybe it isn't obvious to everyone. Each member of our family carries their own refillable water bottle. This trip our kids had lanyards to carry them across one shoulder so they didn't always have to hold on to it. It was big help! The hubs and I usually just keep ours in the outside pockets of the backpack. There are also as many extra frozen bottles that we can fit stuffed into the cooler. At Disney any food service place will give you cups of ice water that you can then refill your bottle with. Unfortunately, I think most of their water tastes funny, so I just pack as much of my own as I can.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lanyard with a pocket attached:</b> Keep your money and park passes on you at all times with this handy dandy invention. You will have to leave bags and loose articles when you board most rides, and you don't want to leave your money behind! The plastic pocket should help to keep your items dry in case of a sudden downpour or an especially wet water ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, I think that about covers it! I would love to hear any tips and ideas that you guys have for vacationing on the cheap!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a>In the next post I will talk more about the food and menu planning. <br />
<br />
Any questions I can answer? Or at least attempt to??<br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-34978881885070975632013-10-02T11:33:00.003-04:002013-10-02T11:33:42.915-04:00Pirates & the Bathroom??<br />
<br />
Little boys are so cute! E comes running in....<br />
<br />
E: Mommy, you know how pirates like to go to the bathroom in the dark?<br />
<br />
Me: They do?<br />
<br />
E: Yeah! So I just went to the bathroom with the lights off! *giggling*<br />
<br />
Me: Wow! That's very piratey of you!<br />
<br />
E: I know! Hey J! Guess what! *running off to tell his siblings*<br />
<br />
LOL<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.free-clipart-pictures.net/free_clipart/pirate_clipart/pirate_clipart_flag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pirate flag clipart" border="0" src="http://www.free-clipart-pictures.net/free_clipart/pirate_clipart/pirate_clipart_flag.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
*I promise I have another post coming for my <a href="http://thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/09/vacation-on-cheap-orlando-2013.html" target="_blank">Vacation on the Cheap</a> series! We are having issues getting pictures from my iPhone onto my pc. :(<br />
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-38869656179279108952013-09-27T19:32:00.001-04:002013-09-27T21:21:41.753-04:00Vacation on the Cheap-Orlando 2013-Itinerary & Menu<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg1H1thrd9o/UkYvDW9d64I/AAAAAAAAAdw/y5ODMlpPmPY/s1600/Vacation+on+the+Cheap+Logo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg1H1thrd9o/UkYvDW9d64I/AAAAAAAAAdw/y5ODMlpPmPY/s200/Vacation+on+the+Cheap+Logo+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
We went to Orlando on vacation at the beginning of the month. It was a totally different kind of vacation for us for a couple of reasons. The biggest reason is that we shouldn't really have gone because we're kind of broke right now. It seems to be a familiar state for us, but we are working on it. The biggest factor right now has been power bills of $400+ dollars every.single.month for several months now. Running the AC is killing us, but I can't live with the heat & humidity.<br />
<br />
Despite our current economic situation, the fact of the matter was that we had already paid for the hotel (a great deal through a vacation club) back around March, and our tickets for Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure were paid for last year.<br />
<br />
Back story: Way back in 2011 we started planning for a super special 10 day trip to Walt Disney World & Universal Studios for Christmas 2012. We pre-bought all the theme park tickets. Then the hubs got word that they were closing the facility that he worked at & we were going to be relocating just after Christmas 2012. To Florida! Yay, happy circumstance! On our first trip to WDW we traded those tickets in for annual passes which left us with a very small monthly payment.<br />
<br />
Sadly, we can't use our WDW passes right now because we skipped a couple of those monthly payments in lieu of keeping our power on. It's cooling off a bit (like 5 whole degrees), so our bill should go back down to a slightly more reasonable bill.<br />
<br />
Because of this, I had to get a bit creative when it came to stuff to do. This leads to the next reason why this vacation is different. Usually we go, go, go on vacation. We love to hit the theme parks early and stay late. Yes, we are usually exhausted & need a vacation from our vacation! LOL After this vacation, I'm glad we didn't do that & thankful that we didn't take that super Christmas vacation because we never would have made good use of all the tickets.<br />
<br />
After some internet searching I found some great FREE things to do at Walt Disney World that don't involve stepping foot into one the four theme parks! Here is the itinerary I came up with:<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Vacation Itinerary - September 2013</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 21.4pt;">
<td style="border-right: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 21.4pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Day</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 21.4pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Morning</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 21.4pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Afternoon</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 21.4pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Evening</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 61.1pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 61.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Saturday
8/31</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
At Home</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
At Hotel</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 61.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Drive to Orlando</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 61.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Grocery Shopping</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Check-in to Hotel (after 4 pm)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Swimming/Preparing food for the week</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 61.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Disney’s Boardwalk</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.0pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sunday
9/1</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
Cereal At Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Islands of Adventure (opens at 9 am, leave by 8 am,
latest!)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Islands of Adventure</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cinematic Spectacular –best viewing at Central Park at the
lagoon curve (be there 30 min. early)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 107.0pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 107.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Monday
9/2</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
At Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 107.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Swimming</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 107.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Explore the Contemporary (visit the butterfly garden &
see the view from the rooftop) & the Grand Floridian resorts (Wedding
Pavilion)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hula Lessons at the Polynesian at 330 pm (BE EARLY!)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 107.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Eat a Dole Whip</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Walk through the torch-lit gardens at the Polynesian.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Watch the Electrical Water Pageant & Wishes fireworks
from the Poly beach.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 60.55pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 60.55pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tuesday
9/3</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
At Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch: At
Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 60.55pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Swimming</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 60.55pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wide World of Sports</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Free Lego Build at Lego Store Downtown Disney (5 pm – BE
EARLY!)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 60.55pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Animal Kingdom Lodge night vision goggle animal watching
& African storytelling</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 63.35pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 63.35pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wednesday
9/4</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
Cereal At Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 63.35pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Universal Studios (opens at 9 am, leave by 8 am, latest!)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 63.35pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Universal Studios</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 63.35pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cinematic Spectacular –best viewing at Central Park at the
lagoon curve (be there 30 min. early)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.0pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thursday
9/5</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
At Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch: At
Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Swimming</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Art of Animation & All-Star Movie Resorts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Downtown Disney</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ride the boat from DD to Port Orleans</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Eat beignets</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Yeehaa Bob! (begins at 830 pm BE SUPER EARLY!!!)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.0pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Friday
9/6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
At Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wilderness Lodge – follow the river from the lodge to the
beach & watch the geyser erupt</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Fort Wilderness – Butterfly Garden, Petting zoo &
Tri-Circle D Ranch</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 62.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Chip & Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along & Marshmallow
Roast followed by an outdoor movie.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 61.75pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 61.75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.65pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Saturday
9/7</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
At Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 61.75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pack up & check-out of hotel by 10 am</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 61.75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Anywhere
on Disney property that we didn’t get to explore, or want to go back to!</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 61.75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 137.7pt;" valign="top" width="184"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Drive home</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Please don't think that everything went this way, because of course, it did not! LOL I love to plan everything out completely, but am pretty flexible in the moment.<br />
<br />
Based on the above itinerary I devised the following menu plan:<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Vacation Menu - September 2013</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 21.4pt;">
<td style="border-right: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 21.4pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Day</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 21.4pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Breakfast</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 21.4pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Lunch</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 21.4pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Dinner</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 69.9pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 69.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoBodyText">
Saturday 8/31</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:Home</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
At Hotel</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 69.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Waffles or Pancakes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Mix maple syrup into mix for extra ones for snack)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: Make the hummus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Bake the orange cake</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 69.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Leftovers or Sandwiches</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Veggies</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 69.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Grilled Steaks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Grilled Corn on the Cob, Sweet Potatoes, and any other
veggies that we find that would be good to grill</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: grill steak kebabs & pineapple (separately &
assemble later) for Monday</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Grill steak for Black & Blue salad for tomorrow</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Make Tortellini Salad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Boil eggs (18)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Frost the orange cake</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 25.1pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 25.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Snacks</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 25.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 25.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Leftover waffles or pancakes</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 25.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Orange Cake</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 74.7pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 74.7pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sunday 9/1</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 74.7pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cereal</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 74.7pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tortellini Salad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Carrots, celery & cucumbers or leftover grilled
veggies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans (jelly beans)</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 74.7pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Black & Blue Salad with avocado & hard-boiled eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Strawberries with Nutella </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: mix eggs & spinach together for breakfast (to
turn eggs green)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Put chicken in crockpot on low</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 26.0pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 26.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Snacks</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 26.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Muffins & Dinosaur (hard-boiled) eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Butter Beer @ Harry Potter!</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 26.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hummus & Crackers</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 26.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Orange Cake</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 93.5pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 93.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Monday 9/2</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 93.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Green (Scrambled) Eggs & Ham </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Toast w/ butter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: Make Hawaiian Rice Pudding</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Make Yakitori Noodles</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Shred chicken</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 93.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Teriyaki?) Steak & Pineapple Kebabs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Salad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hawaiian Rice Pudding</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 93.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yakitori Noodles with Chicken</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sweet Potatoes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit Salad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 26.0pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 26.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Snacks</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 26.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 26.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tropical Trail Mix</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 26.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dole Whips @ Poly!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Orange Cake</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 60.55pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 60.55pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tuesday 9/3</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 60.55pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oatmeal (with fruit?)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: Make lemon bars</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Boil rice for tomorrow</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 60.55pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hamburgers & Hot dogs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Grilled Veggies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lemon Bars</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Baked beans</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: Grill Chicken & Veggies for kebabs</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 60.55pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tortellini Salad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fresh veggies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Banana Pudding (?)</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.1pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 16.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Snacks</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 16.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 16.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hummus & Crackers</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 16.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Animal cookies</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 74.7pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 74.7pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoBodyText">
Wednesday 9/4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:
Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 74.7pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cereal</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Bananas with Minion faces drawn on! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 74.7pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Chicken & Veggie Kebabs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 74.7pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ham & Cream Cheese Bagel Sandwiches</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Veggies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: Freeze lemonade for Friday</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 13.4pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 13.4pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Snacks</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 13.4pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Muffins & cheese sticks/wedges</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 13.4pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 13.4pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lemon Bars</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 69.9pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 69.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thursday 9/5</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 69.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Breakfast Burritos (with bacon)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: Make Pasta Salad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Boil eggs (8)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Bake extra bacon for BLT’s </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Make brown rice crispy bars</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 69.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nachos with guacamole</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: Make corn dog muffins</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 69.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pasta Salad with Ham</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Veggies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit Salad</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 25.1pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 25.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Snacks</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 25.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 25.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brown rice crispy bars</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 25.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Beignets @ POR! Drinks @ Yeehaa Bob!</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 62.9pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Friday 9/6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oatmeal with fruit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep: Pop popcorn in individual brown bags for movie
tonight</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Boil rice</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 62.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BLT’s</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 62.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Corn Dog Muffins</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Coleslaw</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Frozen lemonade</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.1pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 16.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Snacks</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 16.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Muffins & cheese sticks/wedges</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 16.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Trail Mix</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 16.1pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">S’mores & popcorn!</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 61.75pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 61.75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Saturday 9/7</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Breakfast:Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lunch:
Packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dinner:
Packed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 61.75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cereal</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 61.75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pasta Salad with Ham</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Veggies</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 61.75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tuna Salad with Relish & Crackers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Veggies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fruit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 17.9pt;">
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 17.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Snacks</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 17.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 171.0pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; height: 17.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 1.75in;" valign="top" width="168"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brown rice crispy bars</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 17.9pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt; width: 153.0pt;" valign="top" width="204"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Whatever is left!</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*Use
little umbrellas on Monday when we go to the Polynesian</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*Make
“minion” bags out of yellow paper bags for Wednesday when we go to Universal
Studios</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*Use
decorated brown lunch bags & bandanas for napkins on Friday when we go to
Ft. Wilderness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
This too did not go according to plan, but that's okay! I spent about $200 on groceries for the trip which is more than I usually spend for a week's worth of food, but way less than we would have spent eating out! I also did not get many pictures of the actual food because it was consumed so quickly or I forgot, but I think I got a few. I'm still going through the pics.<br />
<br />
Check back for more details of our "Vacation on the Cheap"! Feel free to ask any questions & let me know your ideas for Vacationing on the Cheap!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-87823790563430939252013-08-28T12:20:00.001-04:002013-11-09T17:48:21.313-05:00The Book That Kept Me Up All Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
Do you ever have a book that you suddenly decide is more important than sleep? It's been a long time for me. As a teenager, I would do this all the time. Now, sleep is my favorite activity, so choosing a book over it just doesn't happen much any more. Actually, I can't remember the last time it did. Until last night. What book kept me up until 4:15 am, you ask?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/0439023521"><img alt="Product Details" border="0" class="productImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41bOj-am1RL._SL200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA200_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Ummm, aren't you a little late to the "<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/0439023521" target="_blank">Hunger Games</a>" game?" I can hear you asking.<br />
<br />
Ummm, yeeesssss! <br />
<br />
Why? Well, to begin with, I haven't been reading much in the last few years. It's sad really because I used to read books like they were life-sustaining water. Then kids happened. And more kids happened, until all I was reading was picture books & parenting how-tos. There was an occasional adult fiction book thrown in here and there. I read every Harry Potter book several times. But there has been a definite drought.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the summer I participated in making a "Summer Bucket List" with my fellow <a href="http://toneitup.com/" target="_blank">Tone It Up</a> members. On it, I listed reading 3 books (one for each month) as one of my goals. I am happy to say that not only have I met that goal, but I have exceeded it! :)<br />
<br />
I started with where I had left off in Sue Grafton's Alphabet Mysteries, reading <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/125000649X" target="_blank">N is for Noose</a>, <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/0449003787" target="_blank">O is for Outlaw</a>, and <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/the0af8-20/detail/0449003795" target="_blank">P is for Peril</a>. Then I read the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Trilogy-Darker-3-/dp/034580404X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377704396&sr=1-1&keywords=fifty+shades+of+grey+trilogy" target="_blank">Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy</a>. Yes, yes I did. No, I will not be reviewing those! LOL At some point in there, I decided I needed to read The Hunger Games. Not sure why exactly, but probably because it's so popular.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*SPOILER ALERT*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Just a small one) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(For those of you who have also managed to not read this book yet!) </div>
<br />
I've been waiting for it to appear back on my library shelves. Last Wednesday I finally got to check it out. Last night (Tuesday...6 days later), I decide to pick it up & start reading while playing my favorite on-line game (<a href="https://zynga.com/play/chefville/?src=zdc&aff=homepage&crt=my_games&cam=240" target="_blank">Chefville</a>, in case you want to join me!!) during the slow loading times that my computer puts me through. It needs a thorough cleaning, but I digress.<br />
<br />
This was approximately 6:30 at night. I know better. Although I figured that I would only stay up an hour or two later than usual, I could not bring myself to put the book down! I seriously NEEDED to know what would happen. There was just so many intriguing aspects to this book that I could not sleep without knowing how it ended. I honestly didn't know if Katniss would survive. Yes, I know it is part of a trilogy, but that does not guarantee the main character's survival.<br />
<br />
My husband was seriously dismayed to find me still wide awake and reading when his alarm went off at 230 am. He reset it to the correct wake-up time of 330am (like THAT'S any better!), and goes back to sleep only to find me still cranking away an hour later.<br />
<br />
At 415 I finally finished. When I finally fell asleep, I dreamed about it for the approximate four hours of sleep I managed to achieve. Now I NEED to read the next two books. They are currently unavailable at my library. Grrr. I've put them on hold, but....<br />
<br />
In conclusion I would HIGHLY recommend this book! Just not to the middle-school-aged children whose section this book is found in. I'm just not sure that my 13yo can handle the fact that children are thrown together in a battle to the death for the enjoyment of others. I'm not sure he should have to. It's like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Truman-Show/dp/B005DNPKSQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1377705877&sr=1-1&keywords=truman+show" target="_blank">The Truman Show</a> (stupid movie, imo) meets the Roman Colosseum. With a little <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mad-Max-Beyond-Thunderdome/dp/B001EC0OPY/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1377706367&sr=1-1&keywords=mad+max+beyond+thunderdome" target="_blank">Mad Max</a> thrown in for good measure. When he's ready, I'll let him read it. It's very thought-provoking.<br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to how this story ends. I sincerely hope the next books give more background and/or peripheral information to how and why this society came to be. I have so many questions. So by all means, please read this book for your enjoyment & use discernment when handing it to your kid.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
...and may the odds be <i>ever</i> in your favor!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a><br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-13201510040479408302013-08-27T16:57:00.001-04:002013-08-27T16:58:18.801-04:00"Prepared", As Defined By My 5 Year Old<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /><img height="320" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1377636666152_1975" src="https://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/b390b0940f5a11e3a40622000aeb0bd4_7.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0.4em;" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Normally, each day I write out my kids individual assignments for school on some cute but cheap little blue note paper & distribute them. I'm sure there are plenty of other good ways to do this, but it's workin' for us right now. At any rate, I still haven't planned out <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/2013/08/busy-beaz-academy-2013-2014-homeschool.html" target="_blank">E's preschool</a>. So I was feeling quite a bit of mom guilt once again as this conversation ensued:</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>E: Mama, do you have my school work prepared? </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>Me: Prepared?
(tee hee)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>E: Yeah,
prepared.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>Me: No, baby
I don’t, but I love that you used such a big boy word like “prepared”.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>E: (tapping
my arm) No, no, no, mom. It means did you get ready for me!</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">M<span>e:
Yes, I know what it means. No, I do not have it prepared for you. (Grabbing him
in a bear hug, kissing his cheek, and still giggling) You are just too cute!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>Despite the mom guilt, there was a certain sense of pride that my baby knew what prepared meant & could use it correctly in a sentence! LOL </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><img align="right" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0;" />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-53987375207219537282013-08-20T12:01:00.003-04:002013-08-20T12:02:43.971-04:00Candy Crush Heartbreak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
If you play the evil game that is Candy Crush, you will understand my pain. If not, you could always read any of these posts on other things <a href="http://www.thebeazhive.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20Cute%20Kids" target="_blank">My Cute Kids</a> do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.crushingcandies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/147-300x234.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Candy Crush Level 147" border="0" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2532" height="234" src="http://www.crushingcandies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/147-300x234.png" width="300" /></a></div>
I have been stuck on level 147 for what feels like forever. Literally, it's been weeks.<br />
<br />
(See the lovely set up here >>>>>>>>>>)<br />
Each of those chocolate covered jellies takes like 4 or 5 times to clear them. Those corners are just plain evil.<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning I played my five allotted lives & started using my amassed extra moves. I decided that I needed to start using them or I may never get through this stupid level.<br />
<br />
When I left the game, I had 70+ extra lives and moves saved up.<br />
<br />
When I went back to play it last night I had 5. Yes, just the five. My heart may have skipped a beat or two.<br />
<br />
Luckily, all children were in bed & asleep and therefore escaped certain wrath. I'm still not sure who the culprit was.<br />
<br />
All of the extra lives are gone, but there is a small upside to this, though. (Whew!) All of the extra moves are saved onto level 147 for me, so I do get to use those every time until they run out.<br />
<br />
Does anyone else get this worked up over that stupid game???<br />
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-83803293973665777652013-08-19T21:19:00.001-04:002013-08-19T21:19:26.687-04:00"Continue Kissing"Tonight the hubs and I were in the kitchen making dinner, and J was helping out (instead of his chores...). For whatever reason, Kingbeaz came over to give me a kiss. Awwww. The microwaved dinged & J yells, "I'll get it so you two can continue kissing!" Tee hee hee! Love that boy!<br />
<br /><img align="right" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-2219655569571698242013-08-13T14:03:00.001-04:002013-08-13T14:03:42.300-04:00Busy Beaz Academy 2013-2014 Homeschool Curriculum<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1376416752072_2103" src="https://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/dd668c14044111e3af4222000aa8012b_7.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0.4em;" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I'm a little late to the game, but I'm joining the <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/not-back-to-school-blog-hop-curriculum-week" target="_blank">Not Back to School Blog Hop</a> over at <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/" target="_blank">iHomeschoolNetwork</a>. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/nbts-blog-hop-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="nbts-blog-hop-2013" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3514" height="125" src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/nbts-blog-hop-2013.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Note: Some of the book levels may look a bit off for the age of my children. Mostly, this is due to assessing where they were in each subject after coming out of public school & finding the corresponding level. They are behind in some subjects & we are working to get caught up. Math-U-See teaches concepts at different times than public school does, so we needed to make sure we covered all topics. Some of the books were chosen because that's what was available at the book store & was close to their level.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: large;">J - 13 years old</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.mathusee.com/" target="_blank">Math-U-See</a> Delta<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Word-Problems-Grade-4/dp/1557998167/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376411059&sr=8-1&keywords=daily+word+problems+grade+4" target="_blank">Daily Word Problems Grade 4 </a>(yeah, this is too easy for him, but it is helping him to focus a bit better as he has a tendency to make mistakes simply by not paying attention!)<br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/vol-1-ancient-times-revised-softcover/susan-bauer/9781933339009/pd/339004?item_code=WW&netp_id=460536&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times </a>with corresponding readings from <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/egermeiers-bible-story-book-softcover/elsie-egermeier/9781593173364/pd/173364?product_redirect=1&Ntt=173364&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Egermeier's Bible Story Book</a> (We also have the SOTW Activity & Test Books)<br />
<a href="http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into.php" target="_blank">Drawn Into The Heart of Reading</a> using the Level 6-7-8 workbook<br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/flying-creatures-fifth-exploring-creation-zoology/jeannie-fulbright/9781932012613/pd/337010?item_code=WW&netp_id=388768&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Apologia Zoology 1</a> (He is also following along with K's <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/exploring-creation-with-astronomy-textbook/jeannie-fulbright/9781932012484/pd/337001?item_code=WW&netp_id=344230&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Apologia Astronomy</a> readings because these aren't really grade specific) & <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/notebooking-journal-exploring-creation-with-zoology/jeanne-fulbright/9781935495116/pd/495116?item_code=WW&netp_id=684512&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Notebook</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Gifted-Student-Grade-6/dp/1411416562/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1376411446&sr=8-10&keywords=reading+for+the+gifted+student+grade+6" target="_blank">Reading for the Gifted Student Grade 6</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Skills-Harcourt-Family-Learning/dp/1411404823/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376411576&sr=8-1&keywords=writing+skills+grade+5" target="_blank">Writing Skills Grade 5</a> (sharing with G because I couldn't find one at his level, but it works well)<br />
<a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/queenbeaz/" target="_blank">Spelling City</a>, as well as other spelling activities (feel free to use our lists, it's free!)<br />
Journaling<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Language-Grade-Harcourt-Family-Learning/dp/B00E40LP6A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1376411523&sr=8-3&keywords=language+arts+grade+8+harcourt" target="_blank">Language Arts Grade 8</a><br />
<a href="http://www.criticalthinking.com/building-thinking-skills-level-1.html" target="_blank">Building Thinking Skills Book 1</a><br />
Bible, Character Building, & Health are going to be taken from a myriad of books still stacked on my desk & printer. Mostly devotionals and <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=15" target="_blank">For Instructions in Righteousness</a>. J will also be reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boyhood-Beyond-Practical-Wisdom-Becoming/dp/1883934095/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376412054&sr=1-1&keywords=boyhood+and+beyond" target="_blank">Boyhood and Beyond</a>.<br />
Read-Alouds will be from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Five-Row-Volume/dp/1888659009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376411677&sr=8-1&keywords=five+in+a+row+volume+1" target="_blank">Five in a Row</a> (which ever one my library has) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Book-Activities-Preschoolers-Childrens/dp/0743216172/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376411745&sr=1-1&keywords=picture+book+activities" target="_blank">Picture Book Activities</a> (Yes, I realize he is a bit old for this, but he loves it.) I always get books from the library that correspond with our history and science books, which I may read aloud.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;">G-11 years old</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*G has some medical issues that make some aspects of school extremely difficult for her. As such, she has fallen behind in virtually every subject, every year. This is an on-going struggle for everyone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mathusee.com/" target="_blank">Math-U-See</a> Gamma<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Word-Problems-Grade-2/dp/1557998140/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376412186&sr=1-1&keywords=daily+word+problems+grade+2" target="_blank">Daily Word Problems Grade 2</a><br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/vol-1-ancient-times-revised-softcover/susan-bauer/9781933339009/pd/339004?item_code=WW&netp_id=460536&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times </a>with corresponding readings from <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/egermeiers-bible-story-book-softcover/elsie-egermeier/9781593173364/pd/173364?product_redirect=1&Ntt=173364&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Egermeier's Bible Story Book</a> (We also have the SOTW Activity & Test Books)<br />
<a href="http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into.php" target="_blank">Drawn Into The Heart of Reading</a> using the Level 2-3 workbook<br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/flying-creatures-fifth-exploring-creation-zoology/jeannie-fulbright/9781932012613/pd/337010?item_code=WW&netp_id=388768&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Apologia Zoology 1</a> (She is also following along with K's <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/exploring-creation-with-astronomy-textbook/jeannie-fulbright/9781932012484/pd/337001?item_code=WW&netp_id=344230&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Apologia Astronomy</a> readings because these aren't really grade specific) & <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/notebooking-journal-exploring-creation-with-zoology/jeanne-fulbright/9781935495116/pd/495116?item_code=WW&netp_id=684512&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Notebook</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Grade-5-Spectrum/dp/0769638651/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376412478&sr=1-1&keywords=spectrum+reading+grade+5" target="_blank">Spectrum Reading Grade 5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Skills-Harcourt-Family-Learning/dp/1411404823/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376411576&sr=8-1&keywords=writing+skills+grade+5" target="_blank">Writing Skills Grade 5</a> (sharing with G because I couldn't find one at his level, but it works well)<br />
<a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/queenbeaz/" target="_blank">Spelling City</a>, as well as other spelling activities (feel free to use our lists, it's free!)<br />
Journaling<br />
Language Arts Grade 5 <br />
<a href="http://www.criticalthinking.com/building-thinking-skills-level-1.html" target="_blank">Building Thinking Skills Book 1</a><br />
Bible,
Character Building, & Health are going to be taken from a myriad of
books still stacked on my desk & printer. Mostly devotionals and <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=15" target="_blank">For Instructions in Righteousness</a>. <br />
Read-Alouds will be from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Five-Row-Volume/dp/1888659009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376411677&sr=8-1&keywords=five+in+a+row+volume+1" target="_blank">Five in a Row</a> (which ever one my library has) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Book-Activities-Preschoolers-Childrens/dp/0743216172/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376411745&sr=1-1&keywords=picture+book+activities" target="_blank">Picture Book Activities</a> (Yes, I realize she is a bit old for this, but she loves it also.) I always get books from the library that correspond with our history and science books, which I may read aloud.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">K- 7 years old</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.mathusee.com/" target="_blank">Math-U-See</a> Alpha<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mastermind-Grade-Editors-Studio-Publishing/dp/1592233163/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376413098&sr=1-2&keywords=math+mastermind" target="_blank">Math Mastermind Grade 1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/vol-1-ancient-times-revised-softcover/susan-bauer/9781933339009/pd/339004?item_code=WW&netp_id=460536&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times </a>with corresponding readings from <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/egermeiers-bible-story-book-softcover/elsie-egermeier/9781593173364/pd/173364?product_redirect=1&Ntt=173364&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Egermeier's Bible Story Book</a> (We also have the SOTW Activity & Test Books)<br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/exploring-creation-with-astronomy-textbook/jeannie-fulbright/9781932012484/pd/337001?item_code=WW&netp_id=344230&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Apologia Astronomy</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scholastic-Success-Workbook-Reading-Writing/dp/0439569699/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376413196&sr=1-7&keywords=Scholastic+success+with+grade+1" target="_blank">Scholastic Success with 1st Grade</a> - we are using everything but the handwriting<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Early-Learning-Grade-1/dp/076963348X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376413349&sr=1-1&keywords=everything+for+early+learning+grade+1" target="_blank">Everything for Early Learning Grade 1</a> - There were a few leftover language arts & math pages that we will be using. <br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/handwriting-manuscript-student-worktext-grade-1/carol-retzer/9780936785387/pd/785381?item_code=WW&netp_id=273222&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">A Reason for Handwriting A</a><br />
<a href="https://www.spellingcity.com/queenbeaz/" target="_blank">Spelling City</a>, as well as other spelling activities (feel free to use our lists, it's free!)<br />
Journaling<br />
<br />
Bible,
Character Building, & Health are going to be taken from a myriad of
books still stacked on my desk & printer. Mostly devotionals and <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=15" target="_blank">For Instructions in Righteousness</a>. <br />
Read-Alouds will be from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Five-Row-Volume/dp/1888659009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376411677&sr=8-1&keywords=five+in+a+row+volume+1" target="_blank">Five in a Row</a> (which ever one my library has) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Book-Activities-Preschoolers-Childrens/dp/0743216172/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376411745&sr=1-1&keywords=picture+book+activities" target="_blank">Picture Book Activities</a> I
always get books from the library that correspond with our history and
science books, which I may read aloud.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">E- 5 years old</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Home-Kindergarten-Day---Day/dp/092346302X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376415513&sr=1-1&keywords=learning+at+home" target="_blank">Learning at Home Preschool & Kindergarten</a> (We are obviously doing the preschool. Love this book! I bought it when J was 2! Highly recommended!)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mastermind-Kindergarten-Editors-Studio-Publishing/dp/1592233155/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376415488&sr=1-1&keywords=math+mastermind" target="_blank">Math Mastermind Grade K</a> (activity book only)<br />
Journaling<br />
Bible,
Character Building, & Health are going to be taken from a myriad of
books still stacked on my desk & printer. Mostly devotionals and <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=15" target="_blank">For Instructions in Righteousness</a>. <br />
Read-Alouds will be from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Five-Row-Volume/dp/1888659009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376411677&sr=8-1&keywords=five+in+a+row+volume+1" target="_blank">Five in a Row</a> (which ever one my library has) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Book-Activities-Preschoolers-Childrens/dp/0743216172/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376411745&sr=1-1&keywords=picture+book+activities" target="_blank">Picture Book Activities</a> I
always get books from the library that correspond with our history and
science books, which I may read aloud.<br />
He also listens to the readings from <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/vol-1-ancient-times-revised-softcover/susan-bauer/9781933339009/pd/339004?item_code=WW&netp_id=460536&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times </a>, <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/egermeiers-bible-story-book-softcover/elsie-egermeier/9781593173364/pd/173364?product_redirect=1&Ntt=173364&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Egermeier's Bible Story Book</a>, <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/flying-creatures-fifth-exploring-creation-zoology/jeannie-fulbright/9781932012613/pd/337010?item_code=WW&netp_id=388768&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Apologia Zoology 1</a>, and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/exploring-creation-with-astronomy-textbook/jeannie-fulbright/9781932012484/pd/337001?item_code=WW&netp_id=344230&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Apologia Astronomy</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
I feel like I'm forgetting something. Hmmm.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this is E's first year of formal teaching. I learned my lesson with J & now just let my kids play and have fun until they show me they are reading for formal learning. It works better. :)<br />
<br />
We have already started on math and language arts. J may have already filled up a page in his "Books Read" list. He takes after his book lovin' mama. God bless him! We should be starting the Story of the World (history) & Drawn Into the Heart of Reading (DITHOR) next week. SOTW is planned through about chapter 22 & DITHOR is very much "open & go". I just need to pick a genre and a book for each kiddo.<br />
<br />
I feel really bad because I haven't planned ANY of E's preschool. Bad mommy. I know. I'm getting around to it, I promise. Along with all the other curriculum I need to plan still. Oh, yes! I forgot about foreign language! Our local library system offers FREE courses in several languages on-line. The kids will be taking Spanish, although I have no idea when we'll start that.<br />
<br />
So there is the run-down of our 2013-2014 Busy Beaz Academy homeschool curriculum. Hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into our very eclectic style of homeschooling! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-27893132500320662072013-08-12T22:48:00.001-04:002013-08-12T22:59:14.012-04:00Prescribing Fruits & Veggies: Good or Bad?<br />
<h1 style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><img alt="Take two of these and call me in the morning." class="img" height="179" src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/07/24/istock_000022676306medium_wide-fee9c78b86e505fe0a0b99b497b826f0619a37b2-s4.jpg" style="display: block;" title="Take two of these and call me in the morning." width="320" /></h1>
<br />
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/07/24/205124705/nyc-doctors-are-now-prescribing-fruits-and-veggies" target="_blank">NYC Doctors Are Now Prescribing Fruits And Veggies</a></span></h1>
<br />
Maybe I'm wrong here so let me know what you think.<br />
<br />
On this surface, this sounds great. But when you think about it for a minute, you realize it's just another handout from the government. Hear me out...<br />
<br />
I think the idea of prescribing fruits & veggies as an alternative to medications to treat obesity is a great idea.<br />
Obviously, diet and exercise should be the very first thing doctors prescribe. Medication should be a last alternative & really only if there is a medical need. I think everyone should fill their diet with as many fruits and vegetables as they can!<br />
<br />
I am also quite aware of how much fruit and vegetables can cost. This is always a bummer to me. Our entire family loves them. Yes, even the kids! Tonight at dinner K is busy eating her chicken casserole when she spots a hidden broccoli floret & yells "Yay! Broccoli!" This makes me smile. This is also the same child who was at the grocery store with me and threw a small temper tantrum in the produce section because I couldn't afford to by a $6 bag of apples. This makes me sad. And slightly embarrassed. People looked at me like a mean mommy who wouldn't by her kid a bag of apples.<br />
<br />
My problem with this program is that it targets low-income families. Why? Are the middle and upper income families immune to obesity? Obviously not. I'm an overweight middle-class mom with 4 healthy (& not overweight) children, married to an overweight man. Despite our "disease" we would not qualify for this "prescription" because we make to much money. Not enough money to buy a $6 bag of apples, but too much money to be given $6 a day (<a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/07/24/205124705/nyc-doctors-are-now-prescribing-fruits-and-veggies" target="_blank">see article</a>) to buy said bag of apples.<br />
<br />
On the post there was quite a discussion in the comments section, and few things stood out to me:<br />
<br />
<i>"It's not fair to the sick who are thin."</i> I agree! Just because you are thin does not mean you are healthy. What about anyone who is malnourished?<br />
<br />
<i> "...where is the sense of responsibility? Being obese is now considered a disease and are being prescribed sh** they should have been eating in the first place?" </i>Okay, to be totally honest, I could go either way with this one. Not everyone who is obese got that way from stuffing their face with Oreos. Some of us have medical issues that add excess weight or make it hard to lose any. However, we should ALL be responsible enough to eat a carrot stick every once in a while.<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223607}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223607}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223607}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><i>"There
are many urban cities that do not have ready access to fruits and
vegetables. They do not have large grocery chains in their area and
when they can get it, produce is expensive. If your trying to fill
bellies, unfortunately processed food is often more filling. Please
understand their lives before you pass judgement."</i> This one just totally irks me. Perhaps they missed the part in the article that mentions the Health Bucks are accepted at 140 farmer's markets. 140! In one city! That would signal access to fruits and vegetables. And I'm pretty darn sure that NYC has a few grocery stores. Maybe not next door to your house, but probably within walking distance. Yes, processed food is filling. However, that sounds like a good educational program is needed, not another handout.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223607}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223607}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223607}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><br /></span></span></span>
<i>"<span data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223750}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][1]"></span></i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223750}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223750}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3ebn6].[1][4][1]{comment608864139157932_99223750}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><i>Can
I get health bucks to help us stay healthy? So those who are not smart
get an incentive to get them to eat healthy but those who know better
get nothing?"</i> No, apparently not. Yes, apparently so. SMH</span></span></span><br />
<br />
My last point is this: This program appears to only be available to low-income families, which means they are all probably recipients of food stamps. (I have no problems with food stamps for people who need them.) I read somewhere not too long ago that my family of six COULD qualify for up to $900 a month in food stamps. If we didn't make the bazillions of dollars that we do. (Can you feel the sarcasm in that one? Ok, good.) $900 a month for groceries would have me catapulting over the house! With this "prescription", we would get another $180 a month to spend at the farmer's market. I'm salivating at the thought! Can you add? That's over $1,000 every stinkin' month to feed my family. Organic & grass-fed all the way, baby!<br />
<br />
But, we're not low-income. We're middle-income, which means we have a much smaller budget for groceries because nobody gives it to us. We still manage to eat relatively healthy. We do not get to buy as many fruits and vegetables as we want because they ARE expensive. We do not fill up on convenience foods just because they are cheap.<br />
<a href="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a><br />
And apparently it's okay for us to be fat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-1696714042756969202013-08-03T15:33:00.001-04:002013-08-03T15:33:43.044-04:00My Favorite Trip to the Bathroom Today...So Far<p>I shut the door & immediately had to change the toilet paper roll, because apparently I am the only person capable of doing so.</p>
<p>G: It's lunch time! It's lunch time! We need to eat lunch now!</p>
<p>Me: *silence* (Hoping she would just go away.)</p>
<p>J: Mom? What's a Renaissance man?</p>
<p>Me: What?</p>
<p>J: What's a Renaissance man?</p>
<p>Me: Seriously? I'm trying to use the restroom!</p>
<p>J: Okay.</p>
<p>G: It's lunch time! Can you make lunch now? I'm hungry! It's lunch time! (She has obviously not left)</p>
<p>E: Mommy, can you fix Optimus?</p>
<p>Me: Using the bathroom here! You're going to have to wait.</p>
<p>G: I'm hungry. Are you going to make lunch yet? It's lunch time! It's lunch time!</p>
<p>It was a power packed two-minute break. I'm pretty sure they don't do this to dad. </p>queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3205010321333008404.post-4895029071413330532013-07-31T21:38:00.002-04:002013-07-31T21:38:38.029-04:00How my day startedI turned off the 645am alarm and went back to sleep. Typical. Later, I became vaguely aware that there was someone in my bed, even though the hubs had left for work at 5am. Opening one eye, I saw the now 13-year-old J lying next to me reading.<br />
"Why are you here?"<br />
"Because you have a Tempurpedic* and it molds to my body. It's comfortable!"<br />
"Hmm."<br />
I'm thinking, "Whatever, at least he's quiet." Then I hear screams of delight. From outside. *sigh* They know they are NOT supposed to be outside if I am still in bed! So I send J outside to find the other children. Moments later three dripping wet, muddy, swimsuit-clad children arrive at my bedside.<br />
"What do you want Mommy?" Smiling, while dirtying the carpet in a rental.<br />
I'm sure you can imagine the rest of that conversation. And the consequences for breaking two rules. I made them all shower and get dressed. Later in the afternoon, I let them go back outside to play. I heard noises at the front door & opened it to find them playing in the mud beside the front door, yet again. My mouth opened & then I just shut the door.<br />
<br />
<br />
*This was a fantastic deal at over 60% of retail price by buying a floor model at the clearance center! Our old mattress was 12 years old & had molded to our bodies in a totally different way! ;)<br />
<br /><img align="right" src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/thebeazhive/QueenBeazSignature.png" style="border: 0;" /><br />
<br />queenbeazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070335602924118552noreply@blogger.com0