tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20547242005749490522024-03-08T12:19:03.778-07:00Utah County MomJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.comBlogger351125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-47567100653205873632017-03-25T10:04:00.003-06:002017-03-25T10:13:15.553-06:00Black and White Bunco theme with FREE printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Does anyone else play Bunco? Our Bunco group has over 20 girls in it and we love it. If you've never heard of Bunco, you should look into it! It's an easy dice game but mostly it's an excuse to hang out with a bunch of girls every month and eat snacks.</div>
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Last month's theme was black and white. The invites, score cards, decorations and food were all black and white and the gifts people brought for prizes were black and white too!</div>
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For food, I did popcorn (boom chicka pop at Costco), Hostess cupcakes, oreos, cauliflower and black olives and <a href="https://www.melskitchencafe.com/oreo-cheesecake-bites/">these</a> amazing Oreo cheesecake bites.</div>
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What could be better than a soda bar for Bunco night?! We had lemonade, sodas, limes, flavored syrups and pebbled ice. I printed out recipes for Italian sodas, dirty sodas, flavored lemonades and other drinks we could make. (Link to FREE recipe card printables at the bottom)</div>
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We used black and white tablecloths and the centerpieces were glass square vases from the dollar store filled with dice. I also printed a lable for each vase with the table number.</div>
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I love Bunco night! Do any of you play? What are some of your favorite themes?</div>
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<strong>FREE PRINTABLES</strong></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B94oUg8YqKnzcUdpS2E1VmQ1Mm8/view?usp=sharing">Bunco score cards</a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B94oUg8YqKnzU1IyVFZkVEFTUGc/view?usp=sharing">Drink recipe cards</a></div>
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<strong>FREE INVITATION TEMPLATE BELOW</strong></div>
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(Just add text to tell them where, when and what to bring)</div>
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Downloadable link <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B94oUg8YqKnzMGVEOFIwUVp3NDA/view?usp=sharing">here</a></div>
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(or right click on pic below)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtp3_iFoOMCu-yqpuyU22-jrtzUZJOyfgiprN_bmuhwo7OgJmNx8bqCjVrChUOqakWG3hmTjjbtu9vrJ3nFpgpy7WovYxQtF9_rhwepkvV2XxXnkeZMAiOPn1tTZbBPyhAAJY_4N27bM/s1600/bunco+black+n+white+invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtp3_iFoOMCu-yqpuyU22-jrtzUZJOyfgiprN_bmuhwo7OgJmNx8bqCjVrChUOqakWG3hmTjjbtu9vrJ3nFpgpy7WovYxQtF9_rhwepkvV2XxXnkeZMAiOPn1tTZbBPyhAAJY_4N27bM/s320/bunco+black+n+white+invite.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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©2017 Just Another Utah County Mom.</div>
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You are welcome to download my products for personal use but if you want to repost this idea, please link back to my page do not steal the content and use it as your own.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03030142972923931570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-71778572054647384962017-03-24T09:25:00.000-06:002017-03-24T09:25:03.151-06:00Mangia Pizzeria in Draper and GIVEAWAY<div align="center">
Last week, after we went to the aquarium in Draper, we met some friends at <a href="http://mangiadraper.com/">Mangia Pizzeria</a> in Draper for dinner. The owners and staff were so nice and it ended up being a lot of fun.</div>
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I'll just leave this food porn up for you to salivate over.</div>
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The crust was amazing. They fly their dough starts in from Boston to make sure it's just right.</div>
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We got the family special - with 2 large 1-topping pizzas and garlic knots for just $19.99.</div>
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My favorite part was the live music. It was a ton of fun to eat and talk while listening to some good music. Did you catch it on my Insta stories? He played some of my favorite covers.</div>
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My kids' favorite part was the gelato.</div>
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Do you want to WIN the same family special we got so you can check out how fun this place is?!? Just enter on Instagram or Facebook. Giveaway ends March 31 and is open to everyone within driving distance of Mangia.</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-2865446434358573232017-03-18T10:36:00.004-06:002017-03-18T10:45:19.302-06:00Beginner's guide to reupholstering a sectional sofa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaMiIh6WyWXq3OKOoD0YI4XZpNfeHSWPJ-IgA9DR-tPzLid1j7Aliun2fSwB1SF1Og6TAmXF4TJJL1N4s0EZDu5HMPTFrYXOWf_XHFnYIVDIYgMkwXyBk2kuvl5xSWERIUObk-bEzTPc/s1600/before+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaMiIh6WyWXq3OKOoD0YI4XZpNfeHSWPJ-IgA9DR-tPzLid1j7Aliun2fSwB1SF1Og6TAmXF4TJJL1N4s0EZDu5HMPTFrYXOWf_XHFnYIVDIYgMkwXyBk2kuvl5xSWERIUObk-bEzTPc/s320/before+after.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I happened to be browsing my local online classifieds when someone posted a FREE sectional. FREE!!! The only problem is it was made of this pleather that was ripped and peeling but I decided I wanted it anyway.</div>
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My husband was on shift at the fire station, when I called him and said "don't be mad."</div>
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"What did you do?"</div>
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"I got us a new couch...for FREE. But I have to reupholster it."</div>
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"Do you even know how to reupholster a couch?"</div>
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"No, but I will. How hard can it be?"</div>
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My ever-patient husband responded without even a hint of hesitation that he believed in me and was sure I would do a good job at anything I put my mind to. "If this is really what you want to do, I fully support you. Just let me know what help you need from me," he told me. *Swoon* He loves me.</div>
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The next day we rented a small U-Haul and picked up the couch. I was committed. Click the links below to see how I did it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2017/03/beginners-guide-to-reupholstering_50.html">STEP ONE: CHOOSE THE FABRIC</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2017/03/beginners-guide-to-reupholstering.html">STEP TWO: CUT APART YOUR SOFA</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2017/03/beginners-guide-to-reupholstering_18.html">STEP THREE: REUPHOLSTERING</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2017/03/beginners-guide-to-reupholstering_46.html">STEP FOUR: THE CUSHIONS</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUibjfT7kjJ7OXiVew5vWgNZWmlfl88CtF75jY_DuUAcoXKYimbWqUxLAfRTgMyV23jqaqroeKsaVbmp_lM8U2y7TWFZ-D6bX9QYK1xPo0Pw2YNo8ev9kwDwp4p9Tlilaq0FSheYFE54/s1600/sofa+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4xxCRdP71MC6wx2fB5vfyAQ65zI2bg0pVOO4l1SrXY4rSZ7M5FfQ3KG5ZYjn0kszYmTOGyg4Rdqyb5tFYR7VXAMRtvUmwNfr0-PXY47nYkp59CLp0MKJK0cXptlCwooaJZtDUqavPlo/s1600/sofa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4xxCRdP71MC6wx2fB5vfyAQ65zI2bg0pVOO4l1SrXY4rSZ7M5FfQ3KG5ZYjn0kszYmTOGyg4Rdqyb5tFYR7VXAMRtvUmwNfr0-PXY47nYkp59CLp0MKJK0cXptlCwooaJZtDUqavPlo/s320/sofa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-4265140151911539212017-03-18T10:36:00.003-06:002017-03-18T10:36:38.586-06:00Beginner's guide to reupholstering a sectional sofa: STEP FOUR<div style="text-align: center;">
Beginner's guide to reupholstering a sectional sofa: STEP FOUR - the cushions</div>
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Every cushion is going to be different so I'm not going to go through making the pattern to shape mine. I will tell you that I had six cushions that were five different sizes so I had to make five different patterns. For three of the cushions I measured the existing cushion and drew a pattern myself using my measurements. For the other three cushions I actually unpicked the existing cushion completely and used the fabric to cut out the new pieces and pieced it back together. The cushions I made my own pattern for actually turned out better but both types of cushions looked fine and honestly no one but me would even be able to tell which ones I did and which ones I unpicked and pieced back together unless I told them what to look for.</div>
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I will, however, tell you in detail how I did the cute tufting. Tufting with buttons is a little easier than tufting without. Here is how I did the tufting without buttons.</div>
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First I took the front piece and measured where I wanted the tufting by dividing the finished size in thirds and marking where I wanted the lines to be with colored pencil. Then I pinned 3/4" strips of upholstery fabric in place (shown below).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFXYzdS5xil2fl0ZXzjoncRp3SuAWvOiQtsskmO-QOkRRJNRQOzcAs0Idk8EgAkcJrHly-ye8Kk2LTradjkcF_MdQ3PPNpW0sxaB80OLrVXgbcsyPuQxRaBLwxs69vkgul9pxFyfZcdA/s1600/IMG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFXYzdS5xil2fl0ZXzjoncRp3SuAWvOiQtsskmO-QOkRRJNRQOzcAs0Idk8EgAkcJrHly-ye8Kk2LTradjkcF_MdQ3PPNpW0sxaB80OLrVXgbcsyPuQxRaBLwxs69vkgul9pxFyfZcdA/s320/IMG_1398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I sewed all the horizontal strips in place 1/4" from the edge, sewing all the way down. Then I sewed another line parallel to the first one, 1/4" away from both the first line and the outer edge of the strip.</div>
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Once those were sewn in place, I started down the vertical strips the same way but when I got to where the horizontal strip was, I pulled the vertical strip out of the way while I sewed through the horizontal strip (shown below).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiQ0JLoXgprXS1XeR2H3oCiR1RHNqcJggpyBpATpmL6xsK7tgCrOdcEmCsvP1qGlF8_KGgTCPV3aQGtse7yNZlUCEQ2JScl6Eo9kNCsLJgY-dG1T1P4lE4Dzjd_r5TwvTFVGLjzfxZVk/s1600/IMG_1400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiQ0JLoXgprXS1XeR2H3oCiR1RHNqcJggpyBpATpmL6xsK7tgCrOdcEmCsvP1qGlF8_KGgTCPV3aQGtse7yNZlUCEQ2JScl6Eo9kNCsLJgY-dG1T1P4lE4Dzjd_r5TwvTFVGLjzfxZVk/s200/IMG_1400.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4goj2mTdeQd-h9vuypuxZn4hdpHsxtXJBvCLgOSTluXz-p-VdkxVdvZy8CPlJeUKyG4e1mwkknmq4t7GJsyfsrXC0VGTJf3A4OzhFzSd_tXmcM0mcYIJgcsBOKIy86h3GE02SuAzrkmg/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4goj2mTdeQd-h9vuypuxZn4hdpHsxtXJBvCLgOSTluXz-p-VdkxVdvZy8CPlJeUKyG4e1mwkknmq4t7GJsyfsrXC0VGTJf3A4OzhFzSd_tXmcM0mcYIJgcsBOKIy86h3GE02SuAzrkmg/s200/IMG_1402.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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After I got over the horizontal strip, I put the vertical strip back in place and kept sewing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lDa4q44FGeTUDE6kmtKKv5Y8YPBDlFoB8WA_F3f-lPaiF8Kxj8dTrPKPCdTYk5H9nqHka_R_caDNDTNbF10NFcJ1TQwn0LhOH-Fu8ybgQA9k9YGlEzxer9a3x3QZuQeLrEB5N7JMZyk/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lDa4q44FGeTUDE6kmtKKv5Y8YPBDlFoB8WA_F3f-lPaiF8Kxj8dTrPKPCdTYk5H9nqHka_R_caDNDTNbF10NFcJ1TQwn0LhOH-Fu8ybgQA9k9YGlEzxer9a3x3QZuQeLrEB5N7JMZyk/s320/IMG_1401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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From the front it looks like one straight, continuous line but from the back it creates a loop with the vertical strip. See below?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUgDpY6EWUbJvWtk8kiZ-JY8ug8kthljip-1rdZJaUAZ41IVQyqw_aQvE2HhQgzeDdKgK99UcRjLMJkvuxFv8QNArHpcMC1VuWSgI97M0p0ZkoA8duhEmPCgSQ11hT3FFdI5WwO3QwB8/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUgDpY6EWUbJvWtk8kiZ-JY8ug8kthljip-1rdZJaUAZ41IVQyqw_aQvE2HhQgzeDdKgK99UcRjLMJkvuxFv8QNArHpcMC1VuWSgI97M0p0ZkoA8duhEmPCgSQ11hT3FFdI5WwO3QwB8/s320/IMG_1403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After all the strips were sewn into place, I sewed the rest of the pillows together. Once finished, I threaded through some black elastic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPal08LICzzDJl6rzHYCk-i9n1cTIh-5C7SeqiOF_eGji4am_HbYrRx8KewoR3hk6xNjVigddCxwrJvOdiBEmPrVCh0va85jmwCHBn5i7HTXBMH427dA29EPTw580NVKT-oiCjwYMZ6PE/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPal08LICzzDJl6rzHYCk-i9n1cTIh-5C7SeqiOF_eGji4am_HbYrRx8KewoR3hk6xNjVigddCxwrJvOdiBEmPrVCh0va85jmwCHBn5i7HTXBMH427dA29EPTw580NVKT-oiCjwYMZ6PE/s320/IMG_1404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I marked both ends of the elastic a couple inches from where it was looped through. (I did it 2", use what measurement works for you and your pillows.) Just make sure that ALL of the tufts have elastic measured exactly the same so all of the tufts will look uniform and even.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U0fwYVitIGCtdhzCUMWZnm7BbzN2NmmHGJQQA-fAoEo4C_9a6aDLsx4lBsiX-wU-9HyS1RigTV4eto2lMviBGGZ3gT-CbRdplDTqfXkPzhEyKw1Uc6yzSiSjj0cBsdKBkkkKEyUfVbU/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U0fwYVitIGCtdhzCUMWZnm7BbzN2NmmHGJQQA-fAoEo4C_9a6aDLsx4lBsiX-wU-9HyS1RigTV4eto2lMviBGGZ3gT-CbRdplDTqfXkPzhEyKw1Uc6yzSiSjj0cBsdKBkkkKEyUfVbU/s320/IMG_1412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After I had the elastics in placed and marked, I put the cushions in. Use a long, straight upholstery needle to thread the elastic through the pillows exactly where you want the tufting to be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnnE4eshBMfXyzPbUYdCrw2-Y19dQ4OzPN_nGPPSMtZX9WLp9O9NmwOPPvjsThLdaV9vuG8uyFFSbMm0z9VzEXCiTz87AtVkQRtoD12fNPNey-N4oNhFziXiaELI01lgwaKBylZkw5F0/s1600/DONUT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnnE4eshBMfXyzPbUYdCrw2-Y19dQ4OzPN_nGPPSMtZX9WLp9O9NmwOPPvjsThLdaV9vuG8uyFFSbMm0z9VzEXCiTz87AtVkQRtoD12fNPNey-N4oNhFziXiaELI01lgwaKBylZkw5F0/s320/DONUT.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once through, I stapled the elastic to a small, 4ish-inch donut-shaped piece of wood that came with my existing cushions that the other fabric had been stapled to. The wood keeps the elastic pulled through in place. I just made sure the markings on my elastic lined up with the edge of the wood and stapled the elastic several times into place. Then all of the tufts looked exactly the same and uniform.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qtq2BB8j4EUJV-KZ4wV0wzDPpLxh7FjH8lCfz3KQWzTyEqZFDMtgqBJvZQrWdVbpi2C_8tJcHbTPIr_dbr_Bz5hV9knj2LUsJFIxmXjWkYJwi5I6XA1jOiVtJpLmOJ5UP_K7u3Oi4AE/s1600/sofa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qtq2BB8j4EUJV-KZ4wV0wzDPpLxh7FjH8lCfz3KQWzTyEqZFDMtgqBJvZQrWdVbpi2C_8tJcHbTPIr_dbr_Bz5hV9knj2LUsJFIxmXjWkYJwi5I6XA1jOiVtJpLmOJ5UP_K7u3Oi4AE/s320/sofa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The cushions are beautiful and my favorite part of the couch but they took FOREVER. Making 5 different patterns and sewing, assembling and tufting 6 cushions with 6 zippers took about 3 hours a cushion. It was definitely worth it but it took a lot longer than I had anticipated. I added some throw pillows and I was done!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUXAAyrKAAcHM-zzLDyFzkn8ONDKvsVl5hs2N70QUtijaNdT1Eqw8vbxhxxWTXRfYn-MdCVpr8DuhyphenhyphenMlMlnw2FRwyJFK8e3DjoIbsF0GV1T2V_6S_4XtKtO4UpuD3pPPCWmkbp0wCvS4/s1600/sofa+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUXAAyrKAAcHM-zzLDyFzkn8ONDKvsVl5hs2N70QUtijaNdT1Eqw8vbxhxxWTXRfYn-MdCVpr8DuhyphenhyphenMlMlnw2FRwyJFK8e3DjoIbsF0GV1T2V_6S_4XtKtO4UpuD3pPPCWmkbp0wCvS4/s320/sofa+after.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-6206540482673095682017-03-18T10:36:00.002-06:002017-03-18T10:39:21.927-06:00Beginner's guide to reupholstering a sectional sofa: STEP THREE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beginner's guide to reupholstering a sectional sofa: STEP THREE - REUPHOLSTERING</div>
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This is going to more of a general tutorial because every couch is different and you kind of have to just figure out what works for you. As you can see below, I didn't always do everything perfectly but it still turned out great.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxCpL9WqLKxnhw_1d1jEo-Gs63-hSkkZNLO7naZlpG1N7tlaR5xjGP4LXOh6Xzd2i-Y0896-b6u1tYFVbOr-Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
The first thing I did (above) is pull up the cushion along the back of the couch and stapled the fabric down (right side down) under where that cushion went. I laid the fabric so when it wrapped around the back of the cushion and I pulled it over the seat and down to the front the right side out would be out. You can see it after that one side had been stapled better in the video below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dya84ivjVfd-snOXyXtGUgQ7dK34-BzPJXYei0YsBR0WgaIlTal964r7z8K1albDijggKm-iq4d1dSmyHBHeg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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After I did that one side of the fabric, I stapled the batting on. I started with the same side I had stapled the fabric and then pulled it over the seat cushion and down the front. Once I had it where I wanted I spray glued it in place. This batting went directly over the foam. Once the batting was spray glued in place I could pull the fabric over the seat cushion, showed in the video below.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyBYcPlyILNiVB3KX9_eSJHXBgYxb-U6GVhU8HnQSvG_C_xAjecwjU21YbPJkAWm0eKX8ZZ-Fc4IoKtnL2daw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here's where it got tricky. AFTER I had stapled the back edge of the fabric down AND stapled and spray glued the batting on, I decided that in order to make the curve around the arm cushion look good I was going to have to sew a small seam just around the cushion. This is what happens when you figure it out as you go. It turned out well in the end but <strong>IF</strong> <strong>I DID IT AGAIN I WOUL </strong><strong>DEFINATELY SEW ANY SEAMS BEFORE I STARTED STAPLING.</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAGN23HPpBQP-mZK8ckZxXurBosplsdfcYboJ3B9_cKDg4lAN3VIVGX0cgtTh0DaOKxyrU0SgJQIHFGehrLrdwvBw4JjSHxurAWtZfstITCkGzP_LuJfD5WgCkn_UsY3pU19NrzWbEyA/s1600/4+cushion+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAGN23HPpBQP-mZK8ckZxXurBosplsdfcYboJ3B9_cKDg4lAN3VIVGX0cgtTh0DaOKxyrU0SgJQIHFGehrLrdwvBw4JjSHxurAWtZfstITCkGzP_LuJfD5WgCkn_UsY3pU19NrzWbEyA/s200/4+cushion+pic.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0kGputWlhIOIoKatT5OlfQxRCPWtsOT29yo739AvbtBtTXat-iQBhyphenhyphenMBPZRVeO-ZoCmjkdso_x1lALdripn22_bjiJLfVZ91wUBmksjypXMTH_WiwcosLDcHGbS_oyQ9aPqQ3kWbyWk/s1600/5+curve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0kGputWlhIOIoKatT5OlfQxRCPWtsOT29yo739AvbtBtTXat-iQBhyphenhyphenMBPZRVeO-ZoCmjkdso_x1lALdripn22_bjiJLfVZ91wUBmksjypXMTH_WiwcosLDcHGbS_oyQ9aPqQ3kWbyWk/s200/5+curve.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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After I managed to sew that one seam it looked great. As a rule of thumb, any inside corners will need a seam to fit well and outside corners can either have a seam or just be folded and stapled in place (what I chose to do because it was easier).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlve7D_CzTprxnvL4vTKnltsOlNHr1VlIgImg0BOH45P2mxVKhsfp0V-YxgRhunwvqnjq8cLsuXxeO_PYf4hHdZRKdAQ_t0V_4dV3L-jqitXFFNHwdb6Vifc8GDyr2eGttumR3tQioIQ/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlve7D_CzTprxnvL4vTKnltsOlNHr1VlIgImg0BOH45P2mxVKhsfp0V-YxgRhunwvqnjq8cLsuXxeO_PYf4hHdZRKdAQ_t0V_4dV3L-jqitXFFNHwdb6Vifc8GDyr2eGttumR3tQioIQ/s320/IMG_1331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See how I left extra fabric both along the front and sides? That way I had plenty to use once I started stapling and folding the sides in place. It's so much easier to have a little extra to drape and make it just right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjId_9UvxJShGzSANdcY3x1zYMgSrtl1CGyot4IR-h-B8KweACcptuW2MQ28p8D3UT_1jeDKv77NOVMGYr8w3NzliRHJ1lNsGE1tth7adQpkn3xr1Cr2EoQ1XeraLHXn8QmjZ16JxTqCE/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjId_9UvxJShGzSANdcY3x1zYMgSrtl1CGyot4IR-h-B8KweACcptuW2MQ28p8D3UT_1jeDKv77NOVMGYr8w3NzliRHJ1lNsGE1tth7adQpkn3xr1Cr2EoQ1XeraLHXn8QmjZ16JxTqCE/s320/IMG_1332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next I did the arm (above). I was lucky with this sofa because the arm was square and I didn't have to do any big curves. I started by stapling the side under the cushion and then draped it over, pulled it tight over the fake leather and stapled it to the bottom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys1hP3tGlEGtsiIyWquqrw7l1KTtYjGd9rCuw-VWqJEp-2lI68sVL6jkGqCz0yh_CqTx-08yCwVrvZz4eaTyce5UNMtxIZM5wFylKSlMHgJJ_1SkED6PlX9Z3eNAyeK1W-f_REF0uNaY/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys1hP3tGlEGtsiIyWquqrw7l1KTtYjGd9rCuw-VWqJEp-2lI68sVL6jkGqCz0yh_CqTx-08yCwVrvZz4eaTyce5UNMtxIZM5wFylKSlMHgJJ_1SkED6PlX9Z3eNAyeK1W-f_REF0uNaY/s320/IMG_1338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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At first I would unpick the bottom and staple the fabric down and then staple the bottom back over the top so it looked nice and professional (above) but by the end I realized you can't tell anyway and ended up stapling a folded edge right over the top of the bottom layer because it was a lot faster and easier.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dznMaCqG7NS4NIfNpQLM6GbQwes8cEDOjB4af9fA-UCSrxjYDUet4dISmYCsaIVPERuyxXK6K6iFaTB_mgN4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Then I spray glued the fabric on the seat cushion in place onto the batting, pulled it tight and down along the front and stapled into place. I folded along the corners of both the front seat cushion and the side and stapled everything where I wanted it to sit, making sure the staples were out of sight, either in between cushions or below where I was going to piece the other fabric (shown below).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2e9-_8x-RXZzVZt1MY214TPSNsVM7Aih4DCvj_WfoysrK2KqIESkj_ssDz2m-wnvoCYjRIMhnL-T3QhaLDy4rpgxBWVWz9oapU6UJhHyPHReeW1p_4rlX8JX7-q-qsapwURvZCa-cOU/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2e9-_8x-RXZzVZt1MY214TPSNsVM7Aih4DCvj_WfoysrK2KqIESkj_ssDz2m-wnvoCYjRIMhnL-T3QhaLDy4rpgxBWVWz9oapU6UJhHyPHReeW1p_4rlX8JX7-q-qsapwURvZCa-cOU/s320/IMG_1345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I stapled the fabric over the fake leather in the back.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyE_cta71vleTGnarbGTpBSo7En8bQT_hshWQhoYBrg9uuODmcWIG4C3EpSeVvtzNl5BQBbRiPN1SeWug82ug' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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You can see in the movie that I folded along the back edge. I could have sewn it into place using an upholstery needle but I decided that no one was going to see that edge along the back anyway. If I was putting it in a high-traffic area with nothing along the back I would have sewn that fold into place by hand or used a tack strip.</div>
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After I had done the seat, arm rest, back and both sides it looked like this...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxoq0cN_CUj2CnyZ_-KDMSNKGxXld-i_t1PVTH8uDyWB-gdxmiTMQ7sCkm7lUBtQGyZbPgHSMt7GheZ-dqPyA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The last part was that front bottom part. I don't know how I didn't get any pictures of this part but basically I took the salvage edge of the fabric and placed it along the top line of where I wanted the bottom piece to be. I placed it upside down - right side against the couch. So the fabric was draped up and over the seat and back and only about an inch of fabric was hanging down along where I wanted the piece to be. Then I stapled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Upholstery-Tack-Strip-Natural/dp/B001EL5VZ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489851024&sr=8-1&keywords=cardboard+upholstery+strip">this cardboard strip</a> along where I wanted the seam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCbMpM5CAbb_4OMmRh1yMMmNo0uoVlQQTwShXqcMji2nKmajF-BM6fi1Sq8jUFa6-7yYHSDAF2cLLf8ufDsATShlreq_sLOSxl5Bb6DIuBy27DhmBhBDrMVpzG3TGRHhF6JIKMGDH77c/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCbMpM5CAbb_4OMmRh1yMMmNo0uoVlQQTwShXqcMji2nKmajF-BM6fi1Sq8jUFa6-7yYHSDAF2cLLf8ufDsATShlreq_sLOSxl5Bb6DIuBy27DhmBhBDrMVpzG3TGRHhF6JIKMGDH77c/s320/IMG_1349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once that edge was stapled, I folded the fabric down over the cardboard I had stapled and stapled in place along the bottom (shown above). That's what creates that seam along the front - since I couldn't pry the couch apart and actually get in there.</div>
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I followed all these steps for both couches and I was done with the couch part! It's not perfect, but it's good enough and I get compliments all the time. Totally worth the $250 or so I spent on supplies and fabric and hours I put into it instead of buying a new couch, but then again I'm pretty cheap. If you have the money I guess it may not be worth your time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4xxCRdP71MC6wx2fB5vfyAQ65zI2bg0pVOO4l1SrXY4rSZ7M5FfQ3KG5ZYjn0kszYmTOGyg4Rdqyb5tFYR7VXAMRtvUmwNfr0-PXY47nYkp59CLp0MKJK0cXptlCwooaJZtDUqavPlo/s1600/sofa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4xxCRdP71MC6wx2fB5vfyAQ65zI2bg0pVOO4l1SrXY4rSZ7M5FfQ3KG5ZYjn0kszYmTOGyg4Rdqyb5tFYR7VXAMRtvUmwNfr0-PXY47nYkp59CLp0MKJK0cXptlCwooaJZtDUqavPlo/s320/sofa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Go <a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2017/03/beginners-guide-to-reupholstering_46.html">HERE</a> to learn how to make those cushions.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-44040070194687867872017-03-18T10:36:00.001-06:002017-03-18T10:41:23.054-06:00Beginner's guide to reupholstering a sectional sofa: STEP TWO<div style="text-align: center;">
STEP TWO: CUT APART YOUR SOFA</div>
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My top cushions are removable and separate from the couch but my bottom cushions aren't. It was easy to unzip the top cushions and see how they were pieced together but it was a little scary to start cutting the fabric off the bottom cushions. Once I started to peel back the layers though I figured out how the couch was put together in the first place so I could recreate it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijX37BcGwmKGOhwLyYRyFj6D8dc5vxggMXQlqEE0jVgcU5Ri6EZN-DRjsoMOdlUpHRd-vTv4mGSRIKyVqLP2d0A_cZ4VwGa2004IbqE0hyphenhyphenylTmJokqxEE1ZZdd4SUj9lMmB5kOUQePhR4/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijX37BcGwmKGOhwLyYRyFj6D8dc5vxggMXQlqEE0jVgcU5Ri6EZN-DRjsoMOdlUpHRd-vTv4mGSRIKyVqLP2d0A_cZ4VwGa2004IbqE0hyphenhyphenylTmJokqxEE1ZZdd4SUj9lMmB5kOUQePhR4/s320/IMG_1273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(the couch before I started)</span></div>
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Even though it was kind of scary to start cutting off the first piece, my advice is once you are committed, just go for it. Be sure to get just the top layer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOiMQ8C_9hJDgCGGRKQcnh3IsRLUtmF2qVzb57Jwhre9PcFFFkGlSYVGPMQSOe-22qu7FpnRvdtR3xWPlFf_bIKXK3mxRzRCEpPrDhyuTOO5vcXrqLOjj92gEvTkjcRhbYm8F-UxiZZI/s1600/IMG_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOiMQ8C_9hJDgCGGRKQcnh3IsRLUtmF2qVzb57Jwhre9PcFFFkGlSYVGPMQSOe-22qu7FpnRvdtR3xWPlFf_bIKXK3mxRzRCEpPrDhyuTOO5vcXrqLOjj92gEvTkjcRhbYm8F-UxiZZI/s320/IMG_1275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once I peeled back the top layer I could see the batting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYN_18TGT7vjfK0-uybLwSfrRxcj3FAPg_ropiOOPEAP690ian0nHCnT6f0153675axGbhPTE0SQlqWo-oMk0Wl4gM9gWYtQxy1ujMq_YRMFvNfcbsOJvQQ5d23Q7GJshV1RUll6h_UQ/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYN_18TGT7vjfK0-uybLwSfrRxcj3FAPg_ropiOOPEAP690ian0nHCnT6f0153675axGbhPTE0SQlqWo-oMk0Wl4gM9gWYtQxy1ujMq_YRMFvNfcbsOJvQQ5d23Q7GJshV1RUll6h_UQ/s320/IMG_1285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The batting was ripped and worn and I could see that the foam underneath was ripped and worn too. I took off the batting, exposing the foam underneath.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDAKd888rLT7DxEo9OY2fp_IXuK1dYZCzVV9-M-KHw3MM-HPde8hZ0Qg6d2XSU62POha6drRisyqJjw-FR6p2DMjqv1Cq1AxBiAgxP7JtzRwDkeD6iXBdJ9PfYNQAi9Kk2J4pH2S6saI/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDAKd888rLT7DxEo9OY2fp_IXuK1dYZCzVV9-M-KHw3MM-HPde8hZ0Qg6d2XSU62POha6drRisyqJjw-FR6p2DMjqv1Cq1AxBiAgxP7JtzRwDkeD6iXBdJ9PfYNQAi9Kk2J4pH2S6saI/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once I peeled back the top layer of foam I could see a thin layer of rebond foam and a layer of interfacing covering the springs. In the most well-used areas, the springs were poking through both the interfacing and the rebond foam. The top layer of foam was also in bad shape so I decided to replace the foam as well.</div>
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I used a high-quality, high-density foam to help extend the life of the sofa. I used 2-inch thickness, which was slightly thicker than the 1-inch foam they used on the original sofa but I wanted it to last and be comfortable. Use what works for you and your sofa. When replacing foam, I suggest you use high-density foam which will last longer and use the thickness or only slightly thicker than the original foam that was used to make your couch.</div>
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All the layers had been spray-glued together but it was still possible to peel them apart. I kept the thick foam that ran along the sides of the springs on the outside of the couch and only replaced the top piece. Every couch is different so disassemble your couch and recreate whatever has been done before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_QAuI_dlIdyb74LVaG4XXq0gLCJRnqdXVqCI8vEQ4gSDuY973Q0y2x7iQP0okGDRgKRudf-ha4LTFGc-tqQNLZM3VWI8PnqcJEGPHPGMQjXhJdZLK0vW6QR-g5Wd8REQaZJyh_ForkI/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_QAuI_dlIdyb74LVaG4XXq0gLCJRnqdXVqCI8vEQ4gSDuY973Q0y2x7iQP0okGDRgKRudf-ha4LTFGc-tqQNLZM3VWI8PnqcJEGPHPGMQjXhJdZLK0vW6QR-g5Wd8REQaZJyh_ForkI/s320/IMG_1359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I carefully peeled off the top layer of foam and used it as a pattern to cut my new piece with fabric scissors. You can also use an electric knife to carve the foam but I only had the fabric scissors, which worked well as long as I cut slowly and carefully.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_HKKcOi8-9Awcv-LmHg4KbXO63yCvYclG8dyGlDRPmC7WuUijWKfk27cRpP68Vyj81V1fp-Db7PxWQtpCZ7kTUiQcTMkLIr3xujMffJs7gzqxmg6-9wK_yG9pq_6N0L54BvwN1fyWPY/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_HKKcOi8-9Awcv-LmHg4KbXO63yCvYclG8dyGlDRPmC7WuUijWKfk27cRpP68Vyj81V1fp-Db7PxWQtpCZ7kTUiQcTMkLIr3xujMffJs7gzqxmg6-9wK_yG9pq_6N0L54BvwN1fyWPY/s320/IMG_1374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On one side of my sofa, the foam wasn't thick enough to do in all one piece so I just did two pieces and spray glued them together. Once it was covered in batting and upholstery fabric you couldn't even tell the foam was pieced together.</div>
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After the foam was all cut, I spray glued the new interfacing fabric in place over the springs, then the rebond foam, followed with spray gluing the high-density foam in place.</div>
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I left the pleather fabric on the very bottom section as well as along the back because I decided it would be easier for me to just staple the fabric over it. Do what works for you.</div>
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Now I was ready for <a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2017/03/beginners-guide-to-reupholstering_18.html">STEP THREE</a>!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-40662172814984191632017-03-18T10:36:00.000-06:002017-03-18T10:43:29.175-06:00Beginner's guide to reupholstering a sectional sofa: STEP ONE<div style="text-align: center;">
STEP ONE: CHOOSE THE FABRIC<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4xxCRdP71MC6wx2fB5vfyAQ65zI2bg0pVOO4l1SrXY4rSZ7M5FfQ3KG5ZYjn0kszYmTOGyg4Rdqyb5tFYR7VXAMRtvUmwNfr0-PXY47nYkp59CLp0MKJK0cXptlCwooaJZtDUqavPlo/s1600/sofa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4xxCRdP71MC6wx2fB5vfyAQ65zI2bg0pVOO4l1SrXY4rSZ7M5FfQ3KG5ZYjn0kszYmTOGyg4Rdqyb5tFYR7VXAMRtvUmwNfr0-PXY47nYkp59CLp0MKJK0cXptlCwooaJZtDUqavPlo/s320/sofa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(finished couch)</span> </div>
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After I had my sectional, I raced to Joann's and looked at all of the upholstery fabrics. My heart sank as I saw the $30/yd prices. I needed 20+ yards.</div>
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I looked online. I found two fabrics from two different sites I liked that were quite a bit cheaper. One had a pattern and one didn't. I decided to try the one without a pattern first so I wouldn't have to worry so much about matching up lines. It was a good choice. I ordered a sample and waited (not so patiently) for it to get here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMczmttWU8ElIo1N1geFzlZ5E8-vh9UeI3gYQ6G5U58xqVfuyOUl-aXc07RMWYVFgFGO5C7cFV98925-_xKEV8vjhAx20b2vAVcBvJle7nurhbgBYttMfRgY_MXG8q5ydKRjtfUOrDBCY/s1600/hudsondolphin-f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMczmttWU8ElIo1N1geFzlZ5E8-vh9UeI3gYQ6G5U58xqVfuyOUl-aXc07RMWYVFgFGO5C7cFV98925-_xKEV8vjhAx20b2vAVcBvJle7nurhbgBYttMfRgY_MXG8q5ydKRjtfUOrDBCY/s320/hudsondolphin-f.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Once the sample arrived, I made sure that it was the color/feel I wanted. It draped well, wasn't too stiff. I left it on the floor for a day and made sure that it wasn't the type of fabric every single hair in my house would stick to (we have 4 girls and a cat - fabrics that attract hair are a no-go in our house). It passed the test.</div>
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<strong>I put the sample next to my 3-year-old as she ate two different meals</strong>. I watched as she wiped her Cheeto hands all over it as she ate and played with it. I didn't even tell her why it was there - I think it just comes naturally to a 3-year-old to wipe their dirty hands on whatever is closest to them. I took a quesadilla and rubbed it all over the fabric. I made sure I could get all of the marks off of it without washing it in a washing machine. It passed the test - better than I expected without any stain treatment or scotch guard.</div>
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I read the reviews online and looked a photos of projects other people had done with this fabric.</div>
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When choosing fabric for upholstery, take a look at the double-rub count. This tells you how durable the fabric is. Most fabrics at Joann's or other online discount stores were around the 30,000 to 45,000 range. This fabric was fleece backed and could withstand up to 100,000 double rubs. At only $6.98/yard before any discounts, I was sold!</div>
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(The fabric I chose was Hudson Dolphin, found <a href="https://bestfabricstore.com/HUNDON.html">here</a>.)</div>
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Always order more fabric than you think you're going to need. Always. I ordered 22 yards, which ended up being just over what I needed but if I did it again I would still order 22 yards for the size of sectional and 7 cushions I did. It would have stressed me out to come down to the wire on fabric.<br />
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After I had the fabric, I was ready for <a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2017/03/beginners-guide-to-reupholstering.html">STEP TWO.</a></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-55439579589366444942017-02-01T19:33:00.001-07:002017-02-01T19:33:34.878-07:00Stay at home date - Fancy cheeses and cheesy movie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKX6hwpMTPRTNnA3E-PuXQeq1TnIOtiD_YUMTIQLoR9kbraku2QO2fb6zKWB5RUMMt0rylF0A8GAJb5R1DHFbMXnw-JSNAiOtzSRjf8eBL1ETyRS3VODVy2kaxjrii7h0HogJ2Vlo00Q/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKX6hwpMTPRTNnA3E-PuXQeq1TnIOtiD_YUMTIQLoR9kbraku2QO2fb6zKWB5RUMMt0rylF0A8GAJb5R1DHFbMXnw-JSNAiOtzSRjf8eBL1ETyRS3VODVy2kaxjrii7h0HogJ2Vlo00Q/s320/IMG_1388.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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For our last stay-at-home date night, I bought a bunch of fancy cheeses and we watched a cheesy romantic movie. All of these cheeses were from different countries and it was fun to try all of the flavors. I kept it a little cheaper by buying smaller sections and got this whole plate of cheese for under $30. We didn't eat even close to all of it - or even 1/4 of it - so this would be a good group stay-at-home date night too.</div>
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I got my cheese at Harmon's because they have such a good selection of fancy cheeses.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-89074248879909790642017-01-30T16:46:00.003-07:002017-01-30T16:48:57.149-07:00LG PuriCare Air Purifier from RC Willey - Product Review<div style="text-align: center;">
I love living in Provo but I <em>hate</em> the inversion in winter. Did you know Provo is in the top 5 cities in the nation for having the dirtiest air, and sometimes is ranked as top city for<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=38054587&nid=148">dirtiest air in the nation</a>?</div>
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A couple years ago I got a really bad case of bronchitis that lasted three months and ever since then I have been very sensitive to getting respiratory infections. It doesn't take much for my cough to come back and when it does it usually hangs around for a couple weeks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgSfAnwUTGsKaOqcyBEEuBPJQF2FhP1SPE0crSMhFT1SOsCLnI2mDgASFIXmFcF3-jUXWiDu5rQxno0cR0zkNqToVAg7oP4ls5vkkRX5E_z0rFLGGvS0toMQhm0T1KtDNS851Fc5JYJs/s1600/croup+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgSfAnwUTGsKaOqcyBEEuBPJQF2FhP1SPE0crSMhFT1SOsCLnI2mDgASFIXmFcF3-jUXWiDu5rQxno0cR0zkNqToVAg7oP4ls5vkkRX5E_z0rFLGGvS0toMQhm0T1KtDNS851Fc5JYJs/s320/croup+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The picture above is from when my daughter got croup just last month and had to sleep elevated to breathe better. She gets it a few times a year and has to go to the hospital sometimes to get steroids for her lungs and breathing treatments. I do what I can to prevent it and check <a href="https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&cityid=185">this site</a> periodically to see when we need to limit our time outside but even when we stay inside the bad air can cause problems.</div>
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I got a new<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.rcwilley.com/Electronics/AS401VSA0/110370457/LG-Silver-PuriCare-Air-Purifier--View.jsp"><strong>LG PuriCare Air Purifier from RC Willey</strong></a> and even though the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups today, the inversion hasn't been bothering me or my daughter at all this week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1i3bjfRofN5sfz8lAel5YZct4KXHkWjcDOiShEhnhtbQjqml_YdfG3f-HSL7gVwfITWHRVze8JeDdW21iqYlEBg0GUb7JbxciwZEnlqhkOsPqkZo6uw4TPsmAXLMpDw4lDnKUGwEbR4/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1i3bjfRofN5sfz8lAel5YZct4KXHkWjcDOiShEhnhtbQjqml_YdfG3f-HSL7gVwfITWHRVze8JeDdW21iqYlEBg0GUb7JbxciwZEnlqhkOsPqkZo6uw4TPsmAXLMpDw4lDnKUGwEbR4/s320/IMG_1392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The LG PuriCare Air Purifier from RC Willey is easy to use, with a color-coded LED system that shows the current air quality. It works for pollutants and allergens too to remove 99.97% of airborne particles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iqdsvQsE-dtIc-8ceMDtP4JeSmQB0M1TtbIYLKnP0Xx834S2XCP92mR_e0KQRzPlL3CgkUF23xH5TthVw57k4hEMlBujWVlYKo_h7XLS7N8cb2uxy4SSxsQaeB2OZX-F9C_y8LkEf8I/s1600/rc+willey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iqdsvQsE-dtIc-8ceMDtP4JeSmQB0M1TtbIYLKnP0Xx834S2XCP92mR_e0KQRzPlL3CgkUF23xH5TthVw57k4hEMlBujWVlYKo_h7XLS7N8cb2uxy4SSxsQaeB2OZX-F9C_y8LkEf8I/s1600/rc+willey.png" /></a></div>
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Want to pick up an LG PuriCare Air Purifier for yourself? LG's new air purifiers are <a href="https://www.rcwilley.com/Electronics/AS401VSA0/110370457/LG-Silver-PuriCare-Air-Purifier--View.jsp"><strong>available at RC Willey now</strong></a>!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03030142972923931570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-77900335930518706132017-01-30T15:23:00.002-07:002017-01-30T15:51:15.806-07:00Mad Greens at Traverse Mountain is now open! (and GIVEAWAY)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
GIVEAWAY - Do you want to WIN a $25 gift card so you can try MAD Greens too?!? Just comment on my posts on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BP59OjulW-Y/?taken-by=justanotherutahmom"> Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahcountymom/photos/a.148197268587979.37062.124364307637942/1336741459733548/?type=3&theater">Facebook</a> for your chance to win! Giveaway ends February 6 at midnight Utah time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHkexXSRNL-HwJ0XRdZwfiaNVirt47qAGNffnao92ZGf9fGCqlHjl8o_vme9-oRKCQK5G_j7BLETkwfakzYcCY174dHxzYwZ8CEfoj7fOQZzzvUXQrtt4fbHq1__k8B0MGAJf1SAeDCU/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHkexXSRNL-HwJ0XRdZwfiaNVirt47qAGNffnao92ZGf9fGCqlHjl8o_vme9-oRKCQK5G_j7BLETkwfakzYcCY174dHxzYwZ8CEfoj7fOQZzzvUXQrtt4fbHq1__k8B0MGAJf1SAeDCU/s320/IMG_1376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We went and checked out the grand opening for <a href="https://www.madgreens.com/">Mad Greens</a> at Traverse Mountain last week with some friends and loved it. The food was great and everything was healthy, which was an added plus!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QrOrk7zlZPLQqZPf6fptkcP68aw7QpQB7-XPVMJlQFGedoIcnvsEZUAXxPVe9EujBLzrGTM3P19nNBkaTU9VXfNsdRjezEVFhpZK0iHU5inqzf6cdiToHz6ELVeiy0L6plJN46bcyok/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QrOrk7zlZPLQqZPf6fptkcP68aw7QpQB7-XPVMJlQFGedoIcnvsEZUAXxPVe9EujBLzrGTM3P19nNBkaTU9VXfNsdRjezEVFhpZK0iHU5inqzf6cdiToHz6ELVeiy0L6plJN46bcyok/s320/IMG_1377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We chose between wraps, sandwiches and salads. My favorite was the<a href="https://www.madgreens.com/menu/salads/edgar-allan-poe-salad"> Edgar Allen Poe</a> salad that I had turned into a wrap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqtUZVEp4yIbmBloEk5hlPbIKlZ3euur4kC6E2jBc3Sf7LPoRVYZp3CbEFEPh7MzqzqusdqSTW_1x_-tP2FGyTMLNU4JLdB2HS90QM7V6usWc2Tr5-ivYwLo-J8x5IpuDuZla-hF3kro/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqtUZVEp4yIbmBloEk5hlPbIKlZ3euur4kC6E2jBc3Sf7LPoRVYZp3CbEFEPh7MzqzqusdqSTW_1x_-tP2FGyTMLNU4JLdB2HS90QM7V6usWc2Tr5-ivYwLo-J8x5IpuDuZla-hF3kro/s320/IMG_1379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The most popular menu items in Utah are the Annie Oakley Panini and the Ty Cobb salad. There is also a Utah-inspired salad to try called the Butch Cassidy. Can you tell they name their menu items after "mad" characters throughout history?</div>
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INSIDER TIPS:</div>
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Join the MAD MOB email list to get offers! Also, if you're a mom who wants to eat healthy but not get the kids out of the car, try their curbside pickup by placing an order online or over the phone and then give them a call when you arrive and they'll bring the food out to you!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-84718358020311540652017-01-19T18:27:00.000-07:002017-01-19T18:49:52.972-07:00Stay-at-home date idea: Sushi from Five Sushi Brothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you want to WIN a date night package of 3 rolls, an order of gyoza and two sodas so you can have the romantic stay-at-home dinner we did?!? Just comment on my posts on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPd9OHSliNP/?taken-by=justanotherutahmom">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahcountymom/photos/a.148197268587979.37062.124364307637942/1321703037904057/?type=3&theater">Facebook</a> for your chance to win! Giveaway ends January 26 at midnight Utah time.</div>
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Our go-to stay-at-home date night idea is ordering sushi in after the kids go to bed. In the past one of us puts the kids to bed while the other picks up the sushi but I just found out about <a href="https://fivesushibrothers.com/">this amazing place</a> that DELIVERS SUSHI IN PROVO from 9 pm to midnight. Stay-at-home date night game changer for us. It was amazing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZpYoHkXoYH2k06EwyuGcC0b2WFdpJi3D-ASt6dHF-a8okNTxNvNqKxLVe_NUoTtmFlmSCCU8MFnFoDXpDAG4rRnGe78MSZvbINAwIqI1n2kWiTMHD6fPRlO6sc3jCR7G4yR1k8DGKnA/s1600/sushi+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZpYoHkXoYH2k06EwyuGcC0b2WFdpJi3D-ASt6dHF-a8okNTxNvNqKxLVe_NUoTtmFlmSCCU8MFnFoDXpDAG4rRnGe78MSZvbINAwIqI1n2kWiTMHD6fPRlO6sc3jCR7G4yR1k8DGKnA/s320/sushi+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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It's simple. Their rolls are $7 $8 or $9. You order online and they show up at your house with your food.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie21zK-64JH0-QqkU3aCY9p3qcxiH5JsSOVJKbqIVulwAxWSnE5ppzTkQgmsNk13VIpIeIcZ5ZndtTg55639HfdIRqI-aepZW59VKyR2GJdLwo7P1US8fvvIS2Zuq6gOZFsa7mj0mGN5A/s1600/sushi+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie21zK-64JH0-QqkU3aCY9p3qcxiH5JsSOVJKbqIVulwAxWSnE5ppzTkQgmsNk13VIpIeIcZ5ZndtTg55639HfdIRqI-aepZW59VKyR2GJdLwo7P1US8fvvIS2Zuq6gOZFsa7mj0mGN5A/s320/sushi+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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BUT GUESS WHAT!!! Saturdays from 11-12 ALL ROLLS ARE ONLY $5!!! That's a killer deal!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePHISY0MgZnfta5ngrTsrWMwxQT0KirSp95shBmYuujvgOcLJGx1qoSSTwJU7X9O9BX9hc3lKC2r4dWcxln4wneam7P2TPueR5DyGaAHiOFB2Hc0ts_98az8hGnTHY9OftUtCihF86mE/s1600/sushi+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePHISY0MgZnfta5ngrTsrWMwxQT0KirSp95shBmYuujvgOcLJGx1qoSSTwJU7X9O9BX9hc3lKC2r4dWcxln4wneam7P2TPueR5DyGaAHiOFB2Hc0ts_98az8hGnTHY9OftUtCihF86mE/s320/sushi+3.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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We got the Cali roll (top left), tiger mom (middle) and bandies (right), an order of gyoza and 2 drinks. The drinks were so much fun because they had this glass marble that dropped down when you opened the bottle. Have any of you had a drink like that?!? It was fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1mlD40Ns8vG_hd9BsAvhcMRWVi3Ckrc9fPTs4XmjFuCB7bKmdS3ZE7TkVJClxyd_JS9ZuBksFekqPtHa9qQ-xFuX70Om6GJm3RqypDlqZmPPbSVYuMoxD1y_vV-8iDFd4BJnmJ5erbw/s1600/sushi+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1mlD40Ns8vG_hd9BsAvhcMRWVi3Ckrc9fPTs4XmjFuCB7bKmdS3ZE7TkVJClxyd_JS9ZuBksFekqPtHa9qQ-xFuX70Om6GJm3RqypDlqZmPPbSVYuMoxD1y_vV-8iDFd4BJnmJ5erbw/s320/sushi+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> </span>My favorite was the Bandies roll. In fact, looking at this picture is making me crave another roll right now. Oh man, this sushi delivery stuff is going to murder my budget for the month, I can already tell.</div>
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(...ok...I <em>may</em> have just texted my friend (since my husband is working) and told her to come over after the kids are in bed so we can order sushi.)</div>
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We usually pair our sushi with a game or puzzle or movie.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-76646509817124341902017-01-18T20:37:00.004-07:002017-01-18T20:37:36.785-07:00Stay at home date idea - Tin Foil Dinners and Doomsday Preppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We try to have <a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/p/date-nights.html">frequent dates</a> to help <a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2017/01/making-our-marriage-stronger-through.html">strengthen our marriage</a> but from time to time we can't get away and do a stay-at-home date instead after the kids go to bed. (Like today when my little girl called us from school throwing up, which means I'm stuck at the house until she gets better).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmlZKS4BN1gv3n02BebKik1hFt7tUN7pZ-oSK0qeZIvASDYmHcq8WTRJJzLTHledWnu96ITXk9XWRtB8AOA2XO5DuLSFZoOa24cIEUTnLmf2EhEMqwllZnjVERd1PIQlp2sSTrymJe-s/s1600/doomsday+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmlZKS4BN1gv3n02BebKik1hFt7tUN7pZ-oSK0qeZIvASDYmHcq8WTRJJzLTHledWnu96ITXk9XWRtB8AOA2XO5DuLSFZoOa24cIEUTnLmf2EhEMqwllZnjVERd1PIQlp2sSTrymJe-s/s400/doomsday+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Tonight we made tin foil dinners and watched Doomsday Preppers and it was SO MUCH FUN. Honestly, I was pretty excited about this idea but after we did it then it ended up being even more fun than I had hoped!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmPL0Jhyu8xQJapuRnIA4WDQ4AdmNgIJA11RjNVBrQep8_p0HOHSpiVpSwuH-9rhj6OXgSbeMOi4ad_BzealT2-t_nLQFuJ_TK0KofeyzCoAjmFPct_IxLwJ2OVsHhojFzTVvlsoO8qU/s1600/doomsday+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmPL0Jhyu8xQJapuRnIA4WDQ4AdmNgIJA11RjNVBrQep8_p0HOHSpiVpSwuH-9rhj6OXgSbeMOi4ad_BzealT2-t_nLQFuJ_TK0KofeyzCoAjmFPct_IxLwJ2OVsHhojFzTVvlsoO8qU/s320/doomsday+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We started out by making our tin foil dinners just before we started putting our kids to bed. We like to put bacon on the bottom and over the top of ours to give it some extra flavor. I know my brother loves to add cream of mushroom soup to his but we didn't do that this time. We cut the veggies bite-sized to help it cook faster and stuck it in the oven at 375 for a little over an hour until the potatoes and baby carrots were soft.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80Tm_-odXRcYEzIiDlyAdaasZxdG40f1_Aat7xskuDHCNxJZzRqQdqMHn_qzCfAoYWi5Q6E7s6Kf7X_6tDE_b6WvUPAgu3MLevakDC8fnxzkzbY6IzkVGmlVRye1UarhwDorDyMfRL5s/s1600/doomsday+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80Tm_-odXRcYEzIiDlyAdaasZxdG40f1_Aat7xskuDHCNxJZzRqQdqMHn_qzCfAoYWi5Q6E7s6Kf7X_6tDE_b6WvUPAgu3MLevakDC8fnxzkzbY6IzkVGmlVRye1UarhwDorDyMfRL5s/s320/doomsday+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I set up a picnic next to the TV and added a camping lantern and some small candles for a little romance (and to go along with the Doomsday Prepper theme) and we were set!</div>
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Have you ever seen Doomsday Preppers?!?!? It's a show about people who are getting ready for end-of-the-world type stuff and go to great lengths to protect themselves from whatever they think might happen. This is way past the average food storage standards and show people making assault vehicles, underground bunkers and elaborate family escape plans. We love it. Then at the end the experts tell them how well their family is prepare and what they need to change to survive. They also tell us what the statistics are that something like whatever that family is scared of will happen.</div>
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Want to watch it? Full episodes of Doomsday Preppers are on YouTube for free or you can rent episodes off of Amazon.</div>
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Seriously though, you should try this stay-at-home date night idea. It was one of the best stay-at-home dates we have had so far.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-72164128863150355302017-01-17T10:51:00.000-07:002017-01-17T10:51:05.801-07:00Making our marriage stronger through frequent dating<div style="text-align: center;">
I was a little surprise by the overwhelmingly positive response to my post on <a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2016/12/the-moment-we-saved-my-marriage-and-6.html">the moment we saved my marriage and the six words that started it all</a>. After several private messages and emails from both readers and friends asking what types of things I have done to strengthen (and save) my marriage, I have decided to post a few ideas intermittently on this blog.</div>
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The first (of many) things we implemented was frequent dating. I have talked to so many friends who don't go on frequent dates with their spouse. I get it. We used to be the same way. Life gets busy and expensive, especially with young kids, and it's hard to align schedules and find sitters. I have talked to several friends who tell me they want to go on dates but sometimes it's hard to convince their spouse it's a priority. I get it.</div>
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Let me stress again that <strong>I am not a marriage or personal therapist</strong>. I do not pretend to know the answer to everyone's marriage struggles. However, for my marriage, planning frequent (weekly) dates was a big part of helping us grow (and stay) close and strong.</div>
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It sets aside time during the week where we can connect again. It's different with the kids (or even big groups of family or friends) around. We get interrupted or distracted and it's not the same. By prioritizing a date night, we are prioritizing our marriage, keeping it a focus and in the front of our minds instead of an afterthought we don't really worry about.</div>
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For me, as a stay-at-home mom with young kids, date night is sometimes the only time during the week I get a break and feel like an adult. I take the diapers and wipes out of my purse and have a real conversation with an adult and eat my food while it's still hot and take a breath. I need this break to be a kind, patient wife. If I'm too overwhelmed, overworked and stressed it's really hard for me to be a nice wife and overall pleasant person to be around. These breaks help me reset.</div>
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I know I could leave the kids with my husband one night he's home and go out by myself or with friends to reset and get that break. Although I definitely think that's a necessity too in it's own way, by looking forward to something fun <em>with</em> my husband I am <em>turning to him</em> for happiness. I look at him as a source of joy. I am looking forward to something with him. I want him to be part of my fun. It really does help us feel closer.</div>
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It allows us to create these happy memories that keep us strong when something gets hard.</div>
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Although we try to go out at least once a week (partially so I get that break from the kids), sometimes kids are sick or we can't find a sitter or the budget is tight or schedules are crazy. We never sacrifice date night (part of keeping our marriage our highest priority) so occasionally we do stay-at-home date nights. It still puts our marriage as a priority. It still gives us time to connect. It still lets us create happy memories that make us strong when something gets hard.</div>
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All week long this week I am going to post some of these stay-at-home date night ideas. Stay-at-home dates are a good way to make your marriage a priority if you don't feel comfortable getting a sitter, have a tight budget, or even if your spouse is hesitant to make frequent dates a priority. "I planned this fun thing for us to do after the kids go to bed tomorrow night" might be easier for them to commit to than "I want you to start taking me out on dates every week."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWiZhinwXKIXDX5ZZeTNEXPSfEJ2J1HQLkM4rBOta_BQh2Ky36PSj7jd7jezHVdaeWZRwl0WlqFnWdqKjSBDYVucr_hqf5RhKE1gKQ71Gg5XwK10-eXXi8FthaB4wa2iW3U1f3VUWGSg/s1600/puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWiZhinwXKIXDX5ZZeTNEXPSfEJ2J1HQLkM4rBOta_BQh2Ky36PSj7jd7jezHVdaeWZRwl0WlqFnWdqKjSBDYVucr_hqf5RhKE1gKQ71Gg5XwK10-eXXi8FthaB4wa2iW3U1f3VUWGSg/s320/puzzle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This picture is from of one of our first stay-at-home date nights. We just did a puzzle by the fire but it was so much fun.</div>
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Three things we like to keep in mind for a successful date night at home:</div>
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1. Movies are probably the easiest stay-at-home date night (and we love to watch movies or shows together) but we don't only watch a movie <em>every time</em> because it's not as social and doesn't allow us to talk and connect as much. Although, it does allow us to cuddle, which is important too. My suggestion is to pair it with dinner or some time where the TV is off (a game or something) so you can still have a conversation and feel connected.</div>
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2. Most of the time, I still get ready to go on a stay-at-home date as if I were going out. I figure if I'm going to do my hair and makeup to go to a business meeting or family party, date nights (even when at home) are just as important. It's not necessary but something I do to show him that I care and that it's an event I take seriously and look forward to.</div>
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3. Plan ahead. By deciding ahead of time when you're going to have a date, it keeps your schedule open and doesn't get it pushed off with other things. Commit to a night <em>before</em> you fill your schedule with other things. If I don't plan ahead it doesn't happen. Also, it allows me to look forward to it all week, which creates these positive feelings about our relationship and the memories we make together.</div>
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What are your favorite stay-at-home date night ideas?</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-81758610543690644172017-01-16T14:31:00.000-07:002017-01-17T14:31:27.703-07:00"Reisens I Love You" Missionary Care Package<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EZ_cwU7qGlhgVk2srnLx-KPeJweTy6zwQOf0WW1ZkjoUVGqSUXf0lSaX1zBKKb1FM0cm6DxrTeL2BkmNgZqvMdBD2v5N07rHByp5ZzIBmyR-qLBXyMSBRuLSfE8ycQoPhSAzcy3DDd8/s1600/reisens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EZ_cwU7qGlhgVk2srnLx-KPeJweTy6zwQOf0WW1ZkjoUVGqSUXf0lSaX1zBKKb1FM0cm6DxrTeL2BkmNgZqvMdBD2v5N07rHByp5ZzIBmyR-qLBXyMSBRuLSfE8ycQoPhSAzcy3DDd8/s320/reisens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just in time for Valentines Day! Send your missionary a box full of "Reisens" you love them!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-32732992365903508222017-01-11T20:09:00.003-07:002017-01-11T21:03:28.422-07:00The Baked Bear (and GIVEAWAY)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you want to WIN a gift certificate to Baked Bear so you can try it out for yourself?!? Just check out my posts on Instagram or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahcountymom/photos/a.148197268587979.37062.124364307637942/1311427932264901/?type=3&theater">Facebook</a> to enter. Giveaway ends January 18.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_BhPn-0Fe7_Z_uiUv6ypgtr2C2VH1T-tM6Tdw70zd_RncsMoXyIxHLjePF_YKHikVXugiNeXXc48XV8ieLkA0qfZeO5khsaAtZN2tTYUnfmc3Adgd-Zi5e79rakQLZHaidM5s1wqOXk/s1600/bakedbear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_BhPn-0Fe7_Z_uiUv6ypgtr2C2VH1T-tM6Tdw70zd_RncsMoXyIxHLjePF_YKHikVXugiNeXXc48XV8ieLkA0qfZeO5khsaAtZN2tTYUnfmc3Adgd-Zi5e79rakQLZHaidM5s1wqOXk/s320/bakedbear.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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We went and tried out the <a href="http://thebakedbear.com/menu">Baked Bear</a> for family night this week. It's the stuff ice cream sandwich dreams are made of.</div>
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Why, yes that IS a HOT CHOCOLATE FLOAT with hot chocolate and a scoop of delicious ice cream topped with whipped cream, hot fudge and oreos. We liked the ice cream sandwiches best though - this one sandwiched between a freshly-baked cookie and a brownie.</div>
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My favorite ice cream was the blue kind - bear batter. I'm not usually a fan of blue ice cream but this one was really good.<br />
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They bake several times a day and even heat up your cookie and brownie when you order so it's perfect.</div>
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They were super nice and cut my kids' ice cream sandwich in half, which ended up being plenty for both of them. It was so good I have plans to go back with my sisters this weekend. Give it a try!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-47973911814944442152017-01-07T21:40:00.004-07:002017-01-07T22:10:58.970-07:00Bowl of Heaven (and GIVEAWAY)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you want to WIN a $15 gift card to <a href="http://bowlofheaven.com/">Bowl of Heaven</a> so you can try the acai bowls for yourself? Just comment on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BO_aQ6FlJHv/">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahcountymom/photos/pb.124364307637942.-2207520000.1483852172./1307095862698108/?type=3&theater">Facebook</a> for your chance to win! 2 winners will win! Giveaway ends January 14 at midnight Utah time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf1rWrcrzEBf3hWD283UWWcEmY18kRH1ScCACEgz68Addbgfbh0fuxLVlI95bpO8dZj0QyR5bF-vOqx2k_LshsHVFyFGoWTQZw1wNN1lsahp4Wsl_uBty7AMen7cNuT7MFWgZ-eGnqW8/s1600/acai+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf1rWrcrzEBf3hWD283UWWcEmY18kRH1ScCACEgz68Addbgfbh0fuxLVlI95bpO8dZj0QyR5bF-vOqx2k_LshsHVFyFGoWTQZw1wNN1lsahp4Wsl_uBty7AMen7cNuT7MFWgZ-eGnqW8/s320/acai+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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WHY has nobody told me about how good these acai bowls are before now?!? One of the things I love most about blogging is trying new things all the time but let me tell you - these bowls were <em>life changing</em>.</div>
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The idea behind this post was that a lot of people have health-related New Years resolutions to either eat healthier or lose weight or be fit. I wanted to show that you could eat healthy but still go out. We were blown away and kind of surprised with how good it tasted.</div>
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Before going to Bowl of Heaven, I had heard of an acai bowl but didn't know what it was. Basically they use just super fruits (like acai) to make a thick smoothie-like base and top it with fresh fruit, granola, honey, sometimes coconut...it's delicious.</div>
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We tried the chocolate peanut butter one which was my fav (in the picture above it's the one covered in bananas) followed closely by the Brazil bowl which had an acai base and strawberries and coconut over the top. The Brazil bowl was my husband's favorite. Honestly, all three were amazing.</div>
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My husband and I throughout the day after we left kept bringing it up saying things like "that was so fun!" "I can't believe those are so healthy!" "Those acai bowls were good!" We will definitely be going back for more.</div>
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Okay, more about the bowls....</div>
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First of all, they are super healthy. I know <em>everybody</em> is trying to be healthy and eat well and get fit at the starting of the New Year and this is a great way to do that. It's <em>filled</em> with super foods with no dairy, no added sugars, no artificial flavors, no gluten. Most are paleo. Some are vegan. YOU GUYS.</div>
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Honestly, as a healthy meal replacement it seems too good to be true because it's so healthy and tastes so good. It has a lot of protein so it keeps you full longer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUNd0Zz0LEierehjel8VDhaIRC5tr0zKN0CgWi2GF6SAGjgHgDy5hCDNWQp77HJVGdaiUJRgHPWw8ZH7gcUBEuPxOWqxLQi32PNW_SAU6aghTMcdF6E_IK26zyVuoHUNCCe8Fv3HfjR0/s1600/acai+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUNd0Zz0LEierehjel8VDhaIRC5tr0zKN0CgWi2GF6SAGjgHgDy5hCDNWQp77HJVGdaiUJRgHPWw8ZH7gcUBEuPxOWqxLQi32PNW_SAU6aghTMcdF6E_IK26zyVuoHUNCCe8Fv3HfjR0/s320/acai+3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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It would be an awesome date night treat in lieu of ice cream or a delicious breakfast or lunch.</div>
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DE-LIC-OUS. Seriously you guys have to try one.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-58384539524944469022017-01-06T21:31:00.001-07:002017-01-06T21:55:33.493-07:00Ice Castles in Midway (and GIVEAWAY)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you want to WIN 2 PASSES TO THE ICE CASTLES so you can have the fun we did?!?! Just enter by commenting on <a href="http://www.pictaram.com/user/justanotherutahmom/1365664308">Instagram</a> and/or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahcountymom/photos/pb.124364307637942.-2207520000.1483764711./1305988952808799/?type=3&theater">Facebook</a>. It couldn't be easier! Giveaway ends January 9 at midnight Utah time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfad33prt5rna8IMceXLbJ6LnGWEIxTTxJUTOa9sgCXa7u4O0hwGmNMqD9NFilG4lpbQpk_GFcA_aOltXPYpGeNts9NWmSjsRAFQYNLVNm8YemWCWPhEoLf-LlvNlvWTT5maw7GbECTA/s1600/ice+castles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfad33prt5rna8IMceXLbJ6LnGWEIxTTxJUTOa9sgCXa7u4O0hwGmNMqD9NFilG4lpbQpk_GFcA_aOltXPYpGeNts9NWmSjsRAFQYNLVNm8YemWCWPhEoLf-LlvNlvWTT5maw7GbECTA/s320/ice+castles.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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We love going to see the ice castles! My 3-year-old is obsessed with everything Frozen and Elsa/Anna and is convinced that this is Elsa's real castle. It was like taking her to Disneyland! The picture above is of her sliding down one of the ice tunnel slides. Everything is made of ice!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoYkbO8ChgjHyaoNkgxD-d6PGDJvWx3Eu0bwtCf3CIMSJCU56kFYvvf4yU-aNByLt-BciOPrZgkvacqGwco4pBU2Qr-dzirE2xo3nAByUTT6TC9O-RwD-xkTwy6FMQxju4Q67uj4XESc/s1600/ice+castles+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoYkbO8ChgjHyaoNkgxD-d6PGDJvWx3Eu0bwtCf3CIMSJCU56kFYvvf4yU-aNByLt-BciOPrZgkvacqGwco4pBU2Qr-dzirE2xo3nAByUTT6TC9O-RwD-xkTwy6FMQxju4Q67uj4XESc/s320/ice+castles+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This place is awesome but <strong>make sure you dress warm</strong>. I put my kids in leggings <em>and</em> jeans, snow pants, winter socks and boots, hats, scarves and gloves. They'll likely want to crawl through the tunnels and slide down the slides so dress them as if they'll be playing in the snow. We saw a couple people in jeans who wish they had dressed warmer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic09u6Ux86jjxrrsY0yYeIWpbihPwn-Tnj_HX4v2RYh2CqDMNQ34sLQB8Ze0d-lcY3bMjMRdfkp7MXS5a-oW-gtSTc0jP827nMq4tMjOu-BPzbZtW-0mYczeTLLRLzFX53gUvdobs2zJg/s1600/ice+castles+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic09u6Ux86jjxrrsY0yYeIWpbihPwn-Tnj_HX4v2RYh2CqDMNQ34sLQB8Ze0d-lcY3bMjMRdfkp7MXS5a-oW-gtSTc0jP827nMq4tMjOu-BPzbZtW-0mYczeTLLRLzFX53gUvdobs2zJg/s320/ice+castles+3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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It's beautiful. It would be a fun date night too! Hurry and go before they close - as soon as it melts they close it down!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-18095566770123457802017-01-02T13:57:00.000-07:002017-01-02T14:04:07.465-07:00Gnome hunting at Thanksgiving Point Museum of Ancient Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have you guys ever looked for the 13 hidden gnomes at the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point? We tried to do it once with kids but our kids wanted to go faster than finding these gnomes required so we came back for date night last week. The idea is that paleontologists have to search really hard for things that everyone else misses to find fossils. The gnomes are hidden all over the museum, in various nooks, crannies, and fossils!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP1cZW2tiZnBUb6GXyxp8Ae6ECDvQ-gO8Iu0kzM8azS1p8LWz74Bz1NNu13CzlKReM4BDPQM1h32sgwqeGTB_-O1ug3PdkkgRUMRWLF8t_Rk5bcReYzzzqugTqeX5vVgRyOmKbhHfI8E/s1600/gnome.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP1cZW2tiZnBUb6GXyxp8Ae6ECDvQ-gO8Iu0kzM8azS1p8LWz74Bz1NNu13CzlKReM4BDPQM1h32sgwqeGTB_-O1ug3PdkkgRUMRWLF8t_Rk5bcReYzzzqugTqeX5vVgRyOmKbhHfI8E/s320/gnome.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let me tell you - these things are tricky to find! We were there for just over an hour and only found TWO. Have any of you actually found all of them before?!?!?</div>
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Sometimes when I take my kids to the museum I see people walking around with flashlights and binoculars. THIS IS WHY! I have to admit, I thought the flashlights and binoculars were a little over-the-top so we didn't bring anything but I will tell you one of the two gnomes we found, my husband ended up using his phone light to find. Next time we'll be taking flashlights. I don't know if binoculars are necessary because obviously we haven't even come close to finding them all yet.</div>
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Don't you worry though, I talked to the staff and got some "insider tips" you should know before you go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVb-d7Sxi7-nyTkyCZBqtMq5KJNd37zS12B21cn_m-W4Hn2QJwtH3HJFI4gkcJmeRgE_WNiHp7c7hq0foWgKluDt37Y6d8X5uFVl07-ImjVRVeRU2lLZGqfp3o4MhQVm9yE6Iv_1cn-Ic/s1600/gnome+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVb-d7Sxi7-nyTkyCZBqtMq5KJNd37zS12B21cn_m-W4Hn2QJwtH3HJFI4gkcJmeRgE_WNiHp7c7hq0foWgKluDt37Y6d8X5uFVl07-ImjVRVeRU2lLZGqfp3o4MhQVm9yE6Iv_1cn-Ic/s320/gnome+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The gnomes are hidden throughout the museum - starting through the doors after the iguana and ending with the doors leading from the sand digging quarry to the lobby. No gnomes are hidden in the lobby, gift shop, café, bathrooms or geometry playground.</div>
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8 gnomes are figurines like the one pictured above and 5 are painted.</div>
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The gnomes are hidden twice per year, usually around October and April.</div>
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There are no gnomes hidden behind the glass of any exhibit.</div>
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The Head of Paleontology at Thanksgiving Point is in charge of hiding the gnomes. Very few of the staff know where they all are!</div>
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I have seen people with flashlights and binoculars looking for these before. I don't know about the binoculars but I would recommend bringing a small flashlight.</div>
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According to the staff "it is a pretty rare feat to find them all in one visit, but not impossible."</div>
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On average it takes <em>at least</em> three hours to find them all.</div>
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Going for date night was a ton of fun but when we go back we are going to double (or group) date so we have a lot more eyes looking.</div>
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Once you find them all your picture goes on the wall in the lobby!</div>
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Honestly, this activity helped me appreciate the museum on a whole different level. I never noticed all of the detail that goes into every single exhibit. I really did love it and can't wait to go back!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03030142972923931570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-24051280747633461322017-01-01T15:19:00.000-07:002017-01-01T15:22:06.227-07:00Ice Skating at Peaks Ice Arena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
GIVEAWAY: Do you want to WIN 4 SKATING PASSES (INCLUDING SKATE RENTAL) to Peaks Ice Arena so your family can have as much fun as we did yesterday?!? Enter on Facebook or Instagram. Giveaway ends January 7.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYk5o1lFgR9J9EGDdmK0zt2g2GztwTCtzAalsiF7oXyrkcGs34fhdL-gebv_cs8u-ZbRm6_CUAjMGUmyQTsQ7JPfwmxKxTVWUTHoBSj4pU6b9chwfzWvKrvi4shlT7hZcA0-q6sxblkY/s1600/ice+skating+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYk5o1lFgR9J9EGDdmK0zt2g2GztwTCtzAalsiF7oXyrkcGs34fhdL-gebv_cs8u-ZbRm6_CUAjMGUmyQTsQ7JPfwmxKxTVWUTHoBSj4pU6b9chwfzWvKrvi4shlT7hZcA0-q6sxblkY/s320/ice+skating+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We went ice skating as a family yesterday at Peaks Ice Arena. It was a ton of fun and my girls didn't want to get off the ice! We will definitely be going back again soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtELGX1CFUKjEfDIAWUaAAedS1yAoFkFlYSwSuj7WheIFZ1xSmpNnGar3XtOFgzVxvwrflEn-QrLpx3Gl8HVKrJf1XdC-BKGD-My7QFpWaiOwaxiBGAGkJUcDBbQ8w-b972zMNpjgAzSE/s1600/ice+skating+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtELGX1CFUKjEfDIAWUaAAedS1yAoFkFlYSwSuj7WheIFZ1xSmpNnGar3XtOFgzVxvwrflEn-QrLpx3Gl8HVKrJf1XdC-BKGD-My7QFpWaiOwaxiBGAGkJUcDBbQ8w-b972zMNpjgAzSE/s1600/ice+skating+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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My girls had never skated before so we made sure to get there early so we could rent these blue walkers. They made all the difference! These things are a hot commodity! There aren't very many and once they are gone, Peaks Ice Arena keeps a waiting list for those who still want them but I don't think there is a very quick turnover because all sorts of people were asking us if they could have ours and some even offered cash! Granted, we went on a busy day (a Saturday during Christmas break) but if you have new skaters, I recommend getting there early.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Xh_4ysOkwe1zccnxUhYjsJbB6pLoqbA2BanXnnbjoTBTJUIzOmT-CV8XuQUFlcR5wMStKia18DrLLkryYhHn1htyLsGPKyo32j8L6vCTKUap1LwgSg5J4vxwMu75YMMkxPAucCvLfU8/s1600/ice+skating+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Xh_4ysOkwe1zccnxUhYjsJbB6pLoqbA2BanXnnbjoTBTJUIzOmT-CV8XuQUFlcR5wMStKia18DrLLkryYhHn1htyLsGPKyo32j8L6vCTKUap1LwgSg5J4vxwMu75YMMkxPAucCvLfU8/s320/ice+skating+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I spoke with some of the staff and these are the insider tips I learned:</div>
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If you want a walker, get there early. People start lining up to skate 15 minutes before the session so if you're too late, you'll find yourself on the waiting list.</div>
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Leave the baby at home. They don't allow strollers on the ice and don't allow you to hold children while you skate.</div>
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Be sure to check the <a href="http://www.provo.org/community/peaks-ice-arena/peaks-ice-rink-calendar">calendar online</a> to make sure you know when the public skating times are before you go. The schedule changes a lot and you don't want to show up to find out you can't skate.</div>
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Dress warm. It's inside but it's an ice skating rink and they have to keep the ice frozen. My girls wore coats, gloves and a hat and were fine.</div>
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Consider wearing thick socks or double-layering your socks for comfort and to avoid getting blisters.</div>
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Honestly, my girls loved it so much we signed them up for skating lessons. My 6-year-old skated for 2 hours and even then didn't want to go! If you're interested in skating lessons, make sure to use the <a href="https://www.valpak.com/coupons/printable/peaks-ice-arena/136479?addressId=212305&offerId=1826880">ValPak coupon here</a>. ($30 for 6 skating lessons is a<em> STEAL of a deal</em>!)</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-38911123519899458062016-12-27T20:35:00.002-07:002016-12-27T20:35:40.938-07:00Kids Hot Chocolate at Starbucks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPxCnLlYo86MJcmg9BZx3ygduVg2_UgGfsy6-1TUcUMSil47HugNT01fNDORm1y2CMulZm32WtdhT10H5sqNY8iDLuIEEj5ZrWkQBVffk8Asv5nhw8RkW_0HJpqugFQq1NWXiECYK6A8/s1600/starbucks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPxCnLlYo86MJcmg9BZx3ygduVg2_UgGfsy6-1TUcUMSil47HugNT01fNDORm1y2CMulZm32WtdhT10H5sqNY8iDLuIEEj5ZrWkQBVffk8Asv5nhw8RkW_0HJpqugFQq1NWXiECYK6A8/s320/starbucks+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Did you know you can get a kids hot chocolate at Starbucks that comes just <em>warm</em> and <em>not hot</em> so they can gulp it down right away and you don't have to worry about them burning their tongue?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjH2KLwy5fYVoUpMMbBJpQmAStGoZUe18RAX09E3T6ecYNuHHlJgEFpVJNayMABL89VZyA54_CSWIkM7_1RrrX6PwrIVHLQCwcs6DQzWRR_2NJUONqg-tSyhc-_WKBWSVJouRHlUnQZc/s1600/starbucks+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjH2KLwy5fYVoUpMMbBJpQmAStGoZUe18RAX09E3T6ecYNuHHlJgEFpVJNayMABL89VZyA54_CSWIkM7_1RrrX6PwrIVHLQCwcs6DQzWRR_2NJUONqg-tSyhc-_WKBWSVJouRHlUnQZc/s320/starbucks+1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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We only go for special occasions (usually while we are looking at Christmas lights or after sledding) but my kids love it.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-40350775685603927782016-12-26T19:36:00.000-07:002016-12-26T19:51:24.828-07:00Cardboard box fort with twinkling lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW910YOoBkut5AFHIlGhh4hiprZdKHE7dyInwhzqm7hOOXjUvW9t_kPn4VsS5lvKKeQqFNBE0LwYbhJ8Es7QRQBCMYpfRnJ9BUyxhtnLA17CGK4vy9pqnI7XJDhNxb8A5SM5KXNQjmCgM/s1600/box+fort+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW910YOoBkut5AFHIlGhh4hiprZdKHE7dyInwhzqm7hOOXjUvW9t_kPn4VsS5lvKKeQqFNBE0LwYbhJ8Es7QRQBCMYpfRnJ9BUyxhtnLA17CGK4vy9pqnI7XJDhNxb8A5SM5KXNQjmCgM/s400/box+fort+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We made use out of some of our old boxes and lights leftover from Christmas today and made a cardboard box fort. After we taped it together I used a knife to put holes in the top to push Christmas lights through.</div>
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I let the girls decorate the walls and ceiling with markers, stickers and some colored flower cut outs I had leftover from another project. They LOVED decorating the walls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbIrjkruT_zlEvIq-Y5zL8XgJnY_6QIdQwAD3aleiC4d9ldL3E5tmECoaszXXgQIULoUtMXvFHeaag8tmUcqys7uyWah4yw0cfoBurSMCWzvMmhCiR7rqwgeVsqLHy4tRFz_wljzdISc/s1600/box+fort+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbIrjkruT_zlEvIq-Y5zL8XgJnY_6QIdQwAD3aleiC4d9ldL3E5tmECoaszXXgQIULoUtMXvFHeaag8tmUcqys7uyWah4yw0cfoBurSMCWzvMmhCiR7rqwgeVsqLHy4tRFz_wljzdISc/s400/box+fort+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that it's done, I haven't been able to get them out of it! They have been playing with their Christmas toys and as I am typing this are watching a movie in preparation to sleep under the twinkling lights all night long.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13347057841323263679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-1561582574949623082016-12-22T09:42:00.000-07:002016-12-22T09:42:29.446-07:00Rudolph pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXHJ4TKjb1LGcPRw5b9x41JoXLxQ-3fPP84yDHZOCAzkA-Igwhmh9buCVeeuPOR8H_Q4wNDT-54x9YEuyZ63jo_BBemNX9LWDc6pzbWx4tNNn_8uA1oq-ybM8Em5WJyBoef44GwCIoQc/s1600/rudolph+breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXHJ4TKjb1LGcPRw5b9x41JoXLxQ-3fPP84yDHZOCAzkA-Igwhmh9buCVeeuPOR8H_Q4wNDT-54x9YEuyZ63jo_BBemNX9LWDc6pzbWx4tNNn_8uA1oq-ybM8Em5WJyBoef44GwCIoQc/s400/rudolph+breakfast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rudolph pancakes for breakfast today!</div>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03030142972923931570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-87418910746384935822016-12-20T12:24:00.000-07:002016-12-20T12:24:10.867-07:00Sweeto Burrito - and GIVEAWAY!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you want to WIN one of two $20 gift cards to Sweeto Burrito so you can have the fun outing we did this week?!?! To enter, just comment on my posts on Instagram or Facebook. It couldn't be easier! Giveaway ends December 27.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2efpkrKBAcufiCSLODLnkTtrr3mMj1aAzqKbdq-BQPch4_iQXj4M2nWIb6VlfAOoho8Fz6ceE7MwcxJe0RNrKNrm5racC9ulDli0p50kxrQIqDyA71pVMOQuvQsJ9B0JZ6T50kQ58TI/s1600/sweeto+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2efpkrKBAcufiCSLODLnkTtrr3mMj1aAzqKbdq-BQPch4_iQXj4M2nWIb6VlfAOoho8Fz6ceE7MwcxJe0RNrKNrm5racC9ulDli0p50kxrQIqDyA71pVMOQuvQsJ9B0JZ6T50kQ58TI/s320/sweeto+4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Have you been to <a href="http://www.sweetoburrito.com/menu/">Sweeto Burrito</a> in Orem? Our kids loved it so much we have been twice in the last week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82CB9YHc4BAfWi9o0JT4nR6hHH3AGRQPpvUNvga_Y5pvknhKxK88bT2C9K7PdZ66k66nfBDrzepRBswhI8-56D5dwCHK7anOobbjTmoqakmsAEB4EJqQPQj8OtPcgUachY6tgBNpuAzk/s1600/sweeto+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82CB9YHc4BAfWi9o0JT4nR6hHH3AGRQPpvUNvga_Y5pvknhKxK88bT2C9K7PdZ66k66nfBDrzepRBswhI8-56D5dwCHK7anOobbjTmoqakmsAEB4EJqQPQj8OtPcgUachY6tgBNpuAzk/s200/sweeto+2.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXO3g5_euzkAEkyDCS8GaItKSDiRB8zNqjmFkDLbDAmLpjBxeKkwPfsHKSL3YlorZVpBJ2MeU0eWC3J_-YWpwiCC-Xl5uWF4Mpal4ciMk2iAMu7DCnv9MAwi8GN0mwLt6IxZxeUsNoxw/s1600/sweeto+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXO3g5_euzkAEkyDCS8GaItKSDiRB8zNqjmFkDLbDAmLpjBxeKkwPfsHKSL3YlorZVpBJ2MeU0eWC3J_-YWpwiCC-Xl5uWF4Mpal4ciMk2iAMu7DCnv9MAwi8GN0mwLt6IxZxeUsNoxw/s200/sweeto+3.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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They had a few kids meals to choose from, including chicken strips and fries and a cheese quesadilla. My kids loved them and I loved that they were cheap!</div>
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My 3-year-old spent a good deal of time trying to make her fries and dip into a work of art. Ha ha.</div>
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My husband and I liked our food too. My husband got "the Carnivore" with steak, chicken, bacon, pepper jack cheese, white ranch, cilantro ranch and a kiss of Sriracha. I got the "buff chick" which had buffalo chicken, tater tots, cheddar cheese and cilantro ranch. Mmmm. I'm a sucker for buffalo chicken.</div>
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This time we decided to try the Bavarian cream filled churro for dessert to share. My 6-year-old and I may or may not have been racing to eat it to see who could get the most bites before it was gone. That churro was <em>good</em>.</div>
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Sweeto Burrito was the perfect place for our family to grab lunch this Christmas break.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03030142972923931570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-28680219433377461462016-12-19T21:06:00.001-07:002016-12-19T21:06:24.356-07:00Chocolate Crinkle Peppermint Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi316xAW9oIvyNw1C-V34ZpISDvmzqNVs7y9TLq4pjkvGhwMRAXBWZ6LlzQA-lwqq3Ikc6sK0eThzpTgfHFAXgYFAyYmPEZuJCjk6GN7XPpq7RcTAj3Dytoudqoxr3J86BEJDFkjAAprNg/s1600/crinkle+peppermint+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi316xAW9oIvyNw1C-V34ZpISDvmzqNVs7y9TLq4pjkvGhwMRAXBWZ6LlzQA-lwqq3Ikc6sK0eThzpTgfHFAXgYFAyYmPEZuJCjk6GN7XPpq7RcTAj3Dytoudqoxr3J86BEJDFkjAAprNg/s400/crinkle+peppermint+cookies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My sisters, mom and I love to do holiday baking together. This is a recipe we tried this year for the first time but loved so much we decided to make it every year.</div>
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Find the recipe we used <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/wp-content/uploads/Chocolate-Peppermint-Blossom-Cookies-Newsletter-Printable.pdf">here</a>.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03030142972923931570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054724200574949052.post-16572980500576393492016-12-19T00:06:00.003-07:002016-12-19T00:48:12.228-07:00HuHot - Date night (and GIVEAWAY!!!)<div align="center">
Everybody has been so nice and positive about <a href="http://www.utahcountymom.com/2016/12/the-moment-we-saved-my-marriage-and-6.html">the post I did earlier this week</a> on saving my marriage. I have had a lot of people reach out to me asking what I do (or have done) to strengthen my marriage. Maybe I'll post little things (and big things) we do for each other to keep us so happy as time goes on but for now I just want to stress the importance of frequent date nights in our relationship.</div>
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Guys...Date your spouse. Date your spouse. Date your spouse. I can't stress enough how big of a difference it made when we sucked it up and started getting a babysitter every week to spend time together, just us. We decided no matter how little money we had or how little time, we would always make it work - even something little - and we don't miss a week.<br />
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This week we went with some friends to HuHot in Spanish Fork. Have you been there?!? My husband <em>LOVES</em> this place. How can you go wrong with all you can eat Mongolian BBQ? </div>
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For those of you who aren't familiar with the gloriousness of Mongolian BBQ, you just fill up a bowl with meats/seafood, noodles, veggies and sauce and then they cook it right in front of you! The sauce was my favorite part. They had recipes you could use to get it just right. <strong>Make sure you get at least 5-6 ladles of sauce to help cook and flavor it. </strong>The staff there informed me the biggest mistake people make is adding too little sauce so don't skimp out!!<br />
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After they cook it for you, top it off with a garnish or two (those crunchy noodles are my favorite) and you're ready to go! And it's all you can eat! My husband and his firefighter friend each had <em>three</em> bowls!<br />
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I loved the food. Loved. I tried the traditional Mongolian BBQ flavor, pad Thai and a spicier bowl and I loved them all. I loved the Asian salad and rice it came with, which really rounded out the meal. We got flavored lemonades and flavored sodas from their drink menu that has more options than some restaurants' entrée menus. It honestly is really good food and a lot of fun.</div>
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I'm always looking for a deal so I was excited to hear about their <a href="https://www.huhot.com/loyalty/">rewards program</a>. Sign up online or in store and get a <strong>FREE appetizer</strong>. Once you're all signed up it's like an online punch card and once you've purchased 12 grill meals the 13th is free. You also get updates on specials and deals and get a <strong>FREE BIRTHDAY MEAL FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!</strong><br />
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Want to give HuHot as a gift? Right now through the end of this month you can get $10 free when you buy $50 in gift cards, or $20 free when you buy $100.<br />
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The amazingness didn't stop there! We were super full and convinced we didn't want dessert until we saw this. A S'MORES STATION!!! We cooked our own s'mores over our very own tiny fire right at our table! This was definitely worth $8 (it fed 4 people, making 8 s'mores) and I'll probably go back when I'm not so full just to get that dessert again. $8 for dessert for 4 people?!? You can't beat that!<br />
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The staff there was AMAZING. So. Incredibly. Nice. I was blown away with how nice and helpful they were.<br />
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Try it. It's a perfect date night and one of our favorites because it's so fun.<br />
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Just Another Utah County Mom and HuHot are teaming up to offer 1 lucky couple a date night like the one we had at HuHot. Do you want to win dinner for 2 at HuHot? Just comment on my post on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOML7-mFlgf/?taken-by=utcountymom">Instagram</a> and/or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/utahcountymom/photos/pb.124364307637942.-2207520000.1482133265./1266953526712342/?type=3&theater">Facebook</a> for your chance to win. It couldn't be easier! Giveaway ends Dec 23.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03030142972923931570noreply@blogger.com0