tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65294532228815429522024-03-05T21:32:46.507-08:00What Flows From The FountainWelcome to What Flows From The Fountain, the blog for Melissa Fouch Machowski and my online stores, M Design Boutique and MDB Weddings & Events.Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-33412207027177075042013-02-14T13:02:00.000-08:002013-02-14T13:02:01.838-08:00New location!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello dear readers!<br />
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As you may have noticed, I don't post much here on this blog. That is because I have moved over to a new location. You can still find my articles, news, eye-candy, product info and discount codes...just go to <a href="http://www.mdesignboutique.com/">M Design Boutique's New Location!</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.mdesignboutique.com/"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFmDVCz0MZvQO9_Qe6e2iO5gxf4eaQVKfNzLPaC3x7Ks99rc4Ocp5_-8Wj5qvavKNq97gE5rqb647OIUb8AuWfQiLmcxUwqRm0ckCyvVoELMJwgQfu8Cqzd2DyBhIyS_ZA9qBK8A9I7ts/s640/Banner2013Feb.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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See you there!</div>
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Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-44161611410373203602012-01-02T17:39:00.000-08:002012-01-08T12:38:30.351-08:00Aromatherapy Products Coming to M Design Boutique<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Along with the other changes you'll be seeing (watch the<a href="http://www.facebook.com/mdesignboutique"> M Design Boutique facebook page</a>) in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa">M Design Boutique</a>, I am now going to be offering Aromatherapy products.<br />
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M Design Boutique is shifting focus from a wide range of handmade things to a narrower focus on specialty wax candles, favor gifts, small batch natural bath and body products and other aromatics (room and linen sprays, incense, reed diffusers, etc).<br />
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I have expanded my education into the world of Aromatherapy as it applies to stress management and overall health and well-being. Coming later this month I will introduce my first Essential Oil Aromatherapy Products featuring Lavender, known for its stress-relieving effects and versatility of application. <br />
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My Lavender Small Batch Products will include:<br />
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Hand-milled Lavender Soap & Shave Soap<br />
Lavender Soy Travel Candles<br />
Lavender Foaming Shave Butter<br />
Lavender Linen & Room Spray<br />
Lavender Drawer Sachet<br />
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Be sure to check in and make sure you don't miss the small batch products!<br />
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Stay tuned for more posts about the changes you are seeing throughout the month in M Design Boutique!</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-80328644275552390742012-01-01T20:16:00.000-08:002012-01-01T20:16:38.472-08:00M Design Boutique 2012 -- Excitement Abounds!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQvmCm42CKcxlLZ7yau7yRhFUjJdubWwc8fRKvtYGxKpwvt_Nm1MiJXyXaU-6iBMefl_iaYggcYTjwdWFhi8GqjZwDE4OjPNWu-Hg8EJQ8MOLFpFmgb9GQo-Voy6EQOPbF2PaVaMi1GG5/s1600/BayBerryLogoCAPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQvmCm42CKcxlLZ7yau7yRhFUjJdubWwc8fRKvtYGxKpwvt_Nm1MiJXyXaU-6iBMefl_iaYggcYTjwdWFhi8GqjZwDE4OjPNWu-Hg8EJQ8MOLFpFmgb9GQo-Voy6EQOPbF2PaVaMi1GG5/s1600/BayBerryLogoCAPS.jpg" /></a></div>Happy New Year!<br />
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I am especially excited (and busy) giving M Design Boutique a make-over. Two years in business and my shop has become several shops, and grown and changed and...well...I decided it was time to take a step back and change things around to fit all that growth.<br />
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First up: I had a new logo designed! There are a few different versions of it that you'll be seeing around here on this blog, and in my shop. I am also going to be using it as inspiration for all of my product packaging and shipping materials. I am crazy about the new logo!<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/mdesignboutique">Watch my facebook page for news and updates about the latest changes happening over the course of January 2012. </a><br />
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</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-50461714699227184032011-11-29T17:12:00.000-08:002011-11-29T17:12:59.011-08:00Gift Ideas Galore!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKbAXwlt0b5Ld_95vovd8dkFaYNRfPYXR8fnTcV3Gwb0_RSR3-QXQulc4yXxe_c6GP77PFefsNZ_QhrBOuDcCLJTz2aMKPB1FkTdaTnuip90fdlGQM9KAkC_wVy2GapsodAQaCi3cSEE2/s1600/giftWrap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKbAXwlt0b5Ld_95vovd8dkFaYNRfPYXR8fnTcV3Gwb0_RSR3-QXQulc4yXxe_c6GP77PFefsNZ_QhrBOuDcCLJTz2aMKPB1FkTdaTnuip90fdlGQM9KAkC_wVy2GapsodAQaCi3cSEE2/s320/giftWrap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">For those of you looking for some great gifts at great prices, here are some great ideas for you, all available in <a href="http://mdesignboutique.soopsee.com/home/"><b><i>M Design Boutique</i></b></a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Click the photos to be taken to the section in M Design Boutique where you can find a selection of what you see in the image.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=6987966"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPLv5XzciwTlyqPKo_jx42v_0gJy2zOysH3J6CROqjCiYeWiXiWcQYYcbRvSHARfIpNsM7h_DoNSSh5e8eO0ydkl9srhRW0sU9bC_KMjhcOPzQO4CKrQJH3SROnkihg4FtdJcmGMY6o5G/s320/il_570xN.262586743.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=7016194"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9kQrBxJ3gDXKiQY-0msHJFLZLExUsp6PVtQolfhl7l5Q9i1Iuyx7R5FLKy3GY1HuagOk91Q_QH1D2XGQWyn-wgmivu3CgL8T8z6ZPGT8ojhNdRURpAHUd8HGchzK4YYycgG-YbvWAAWR/s320/greyCozyMain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=6751055"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A6BekdVsaE4T-e2c8dXLwVu1VpEi61Tu7VOhBR05lSBhAX8sWyNVrRiZ8uFCKKsauoLWzMkEAyN2EAkVL5NDkDfPPnQk2wuscQ2VrhDVuS97r7Tn5msuV8Nc4Ipa_VueX82nAVgMqTO_/s320/multiSeaChaCharm05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=6751055"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymfjiYmU-QBnPJTE8AhemIBozevsFWCLsEJUDGbdKJgS46sj-DvEtioErSP8Z8-vXAE4UxepvMXH4Ihkcb6ek6E8ibesybwfPOGZZ69TbCO5lS1Kmj6jWLrx2ltUX1jhXrw3ugzGSkzFG/s320/TallRedFloral.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=6751055"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5ANgiJbBS35j5mEkUXWjLlAwl5HiFumHXOLSLSmrO4KddZAwx6PPfbzAHk5i8RnYw9zeIoOYaMCpX2AQd218iVDcoS05ctKmyNXBpiGkb3flCIApMvI045DG3LEsXRq4dlNCjHBN1vDC/s320/tallArmWarmers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=6960383"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA3fcT-z4_tnmFpjmKlhO7nrEsXy3_0hyphenhyphenBB1U50LlEtx7WJrTWcPkxn2mHvU4RKxzcDimhiKWtYMIvEV9Ez27MlcUOA9R142NvlnHyfCxp2i17ci7ybOCY_8qz2BSw0U4zP1V2U6N-iln/s320/ApplePie.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=6960383"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRc6jHIwUprINcNsptrt25i2ZRPKbT126psGJSUdQiOPSHWcivYwK6Tur0dg1RpBLMB1AYwRf6hJOIFnivSUJY9b6gndmOX_FFEMC6cHiUKOZglyZNAtw0HvHXuK6QzLxz1fObZXExoGg5/s320/P9161750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKbAXwlt0b5Ld_95vovd8dkFaYNRfPYXR8fnTcV3Gwb0_RSR3-QXQulc4yXxe_c6GP77PFefsNZ_QhrBOuDcCLJTz2aMKPB1FkTdaTnuip90fdlGQM9KAkC_wVy2GapsodAQaCi3cSEE2/s1600/giftWrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Please don't hesitate to email me with questions or special requests. Final shipping day is December 20, unless expedited shipping is arranged. Shop early for your best selection!</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-22631024602289395152011-10-17T14:20:00.000-07:002011-10-18T11:55:04.193-07:00Wrist and Arm Warmers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Check out the latest madness at M Design Boutique! These are all for sale (more being added daily) in the<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=6751055"> "Accessories" section of M Design Boutique</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRf5fVbJ2449D5vcAX1ajPIUrDvTXvhFR4xebhYnw9hABmmT3eOKsqvJbG4kDVjHZU8gga1OHW1Xhy_4v3ePUCABJ1s7bTc90OGhw1SyaFf_jBITGRKYX_bGCE9DyQQfgNyRc6LWNno5n/s1600/blackTallArmWarmers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRf5fVbJ2449D5vcAX1ajPIUrDvTXvhFR4xebhYnw9hABmmT3eOKsqvJbG4kDVjHZU8gga1OHW1Xhy_4v3ePUCABJ1s7bTc90OGhw1SyaFf_jBITGRKYX_bGCE9DyQQfgNyRc6LWNno5n/s320/blackTallArmWarmers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaPb0ci7OxdmDBGQxAwqiLte3MBhsOl728SdhIko1V_oez9cKnDGXi6lB66lgvzGYSaJNskt1neEUhXRK5FQo7KTiSXNEzc0Vdd-6LDIBgTUjiOMFyfnxS37hyH7LfkDt2avxmb5cYIut/s1600/blackWhiteStripWrist01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaPb0ci7OxdmDBGQxAwqiLte3MBhsOl728SdhIko1V_oez9cKnDGXi6lB66lgvzGYSaJNskt1neEUhXRK5FQo7KTiSXNEzc0Vdd-6LDIBgTUjiOMFyfnxS37hyH7LfkDt2avxmb5cYIut/s320/blackWhiteStripWrist01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-R7tD3yQcmPPDRMZalGBllqLtj5rxzafRCYJLyWz2QE9MUTUlRqrLs8aKe-mEwHVK_f3_kVcRM-74z79a_VW7olcDU1mtJvYIdbi31iU8btQIKClsDmI38YsFHdxEijJX1LrJc8hzYLe/s1600/ShortBWPrint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-R7tD3yQcmPPDRMZalGBllqLtj5rxzafRCYJLyWz2QE9MUTUlRqrLs8aKe-mEwHVK_f3_kVcRM-74z79a_VW7olcDU1mtJvYIdbi31iU8btQIKClsDmI38YsFHdxEijJX1LrJc8hzYLe/s320/ShortBWPrint.JPG" width="317" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HZ77QYfGxVqtWPiNrart80aQSG_IL1bp-Ct_HA21uGCmKi0fT7Dfelqj1t-Xa1E0Im8JXBEf7no38pkO47jNjB-BDhBbKTnYDpTjRSSboEAZ7yw-f-e-65Y8pVZEPG_W_7AWqbFk7a_l/s1600/tallArmWarmers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HZ77QYfGxVqtWPiNrart80aQSG_IL1bp-Ct_HA21uGCmKi0fT7Dfelqj1t-Xa1E0Im8JXBEf7no38pkO47jNjB-BDhBbKTnYDpTjRSSboEAZ7yw-f-e-65Y8pVZEPG_W_7AWqbFk7a_l/s320/tallArmWarmers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_G6MMXBzmDXHlUq_CHOMVnYH2D6W7HOr0aU1Xj8pfoz0_HCRrv_17d25fFpiNhyuS5aNgjnkLuCaDnE772KNfINRPgvCsulzlAYuaPuNIVjHQUaJJqxMU247WTN3hYloZzrLJQlEcTq6/s1600/AquaBluesMed01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_G6MMXBzmDXHlUq_CHOMVnYH2D6W7HOr0aU1Xj8pfoz0_HCRrv_17d25fFpiNhyuS5aNgjnkLuCaDnE772KNfINRPgvCsulzlAYuaPuNIVjHQUaJJqxMU247WTN3hYloZzrLJQlEcTq6/s320/AquaBluesMed01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC8bLoGz1827T0bvr87bFxkDQnLKWARaC_z6jPKvatfixWBIK3AqYKZiKT_lFsn8ndzSJV8gy8ZdKGjCoDlKihgexmYlceq_WwtCExQUPr_96erTyU3l4JUWgEbXmEbeIE-BnDGGgaHEv/s1600/AquaStripesMed01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC8bLoGz1827T0bvr87bFxkDQnLKWARaC_z6jPKvatfixWBIK3AqYKZiKT_lFsn8ndzSJV8gy8ZdKGjCoDlKihgexmYlceq_WwtCExQUPr_96erTyU3l4JUWgEbXmEbeIE-BnDGGgaHEv/s320/AquaStripesMed01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just Listed 10/18/2011:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-WXcGayElWzEfT4prhJQ_GkX-8sBqW7AEv_7qFt5-1Q1BgepTqDr0b7DZOpQuwcf5XtF4ZYBH_xO9q-RE37QMI_hiGTCVIb86btOBhG7iL3c4yElCJ2oWBLtOtmxtBmuNHTjTLo5x2WA/s1600/floralComboRedTopLong.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-WXcGayElWzEfT4prhJQ_GkX-8sBqW7AEv_7qFt5-1Q1BgepTqDr0b7DZOpQuwcf5XtF4ZYBH_xO9q-RE37QMI_hiGTCVIb86btOBhG7iL3c4yElCJ2oWBLtOtmxtBmuNHTjTLo5x2WA/s320/floralComboRedTopLong.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHHPV55CsI0JmiPWDn3VZpsqvZWVzQvISJE8qu-pJxTYauijBUx6IQPhwWa_QtdfYh91XPre4eXCeD7vpvFfkyerC9OAGYkLAg6CU5qDvN6MM45S5SQ8xDSUgdlPWpvY5IYACtupV3cZe/s1600/TallRedFloral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHHPV55CsI0JmiPWDn3VZpsqvZWVzQvISJE8qu-pJxTYauijBUx6IQPhwWa_QtdfYh91XPre4eXCeD7vpvFfkyerC9OAGYkLAg6CU5qDvN6MM45S5SQ8xDSUgdlPWpvY5IYACtupV3cZe/s320/TallRedFloral.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-65671330795183241172011-10-14T14:30:00.000-07:002011-10-14T14:30:24.099-07:00Knock Out One Gift Per Week! First stop: Mom!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Holidays are a crazy and hectic time to get things done...because everyone is doing the same thing. Running around shopping for Moms, Dads, sisters, brothers, in-laws, grandparents, friends, hosts and hostesses, even office mates, yoga teachers, favorite waitresses, teachers, post workers and so on. Of course, you never think to knock out these gifts a little bit at a time over the course of the previous months.<br />
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But this year could be different! This year you can lighten the load of last-minute (and face it, more meaningless) gift buying. This year, with just a little effort each week, you can reduce your stress at the end!<br />
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Start with Mom! The mother of your child, your mom, your friends who are moms...just use it as a theme to get a little list of who you can buy for RIGHT NOW!<br />
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As always, I encourage people to shop indie and handmade, if not also local! To help you figure out some good Mom gift ideas, I am posting some images of things I think lots of Moms would love that are available right in my own online shop!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjqqVPI0l6UomrYpmFuGahVqUIPqj8vqeSAagOg4_j00JxUHnt6ZUbxGSyDaMSe_5LSfMH3BDd_gQlXqgj3ieoO0LfvQYZag8xHgQI3CizE4ZEcoQ81siKxPP1WVzRV_ZKsZXvY8dU7nG/s1600/229775_2302322395036_1158504628_2881620_2709253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjqqVPI0l6UomrYpmFuGahVqUIPqj8vqeSAagOg4_j00JxUHnt6ZUbxGSyDaMSe_5LSfMH3BDd_gQlXqgj3ieoO0LfvQYZag8xHgQI3CizE4ZEcoQ81siKxPP1WVzRV_ZKsZXvY8dU7nG/s320/229775_2302322395036_1158504628_2881620_2709253_n.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beeswax Taper Candles in the Beeswax Section</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN8NaejpTbQq2z-bqMM1GTI3gjZNW3q1SEJ67JidCKwGPYJI5d9Q7EyZVMBzosi52_H44UidC4gzxJQrB92G1CKRVpnTfaTqCm7IpdSK9CyE7SAhrPGR8qF6yqqFbeIaHUPgQLcOsLS7v/s1600/DrippyPillar8Inch02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN8NaejpTbQq2z-bqMM1GTI3gjZNW3q1SEJ67JidCKwGPYJI5d9Q7EyZVMBzosi52_H44UidC4gzxJQrB92G1CKRVpnTfaTqCm7IpdSK9CyE7SAhrPGR8qF6yqqFbeIaHUPgQLcOsLS7v/s320/DrippyPillar8Inch02.JPG" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drippy Beeswax Pillar also in the Beeswax Section</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLaOTz2PVETP1D7oM6Z0X8zY4I9ZsZSyePjSdXzPBvK2izgvgGhgmRxb9tM1-ebPHfDAEiyqEbyslHfJR8KDoV4-iA78LIuGnpx1k8DFhUSU_nnKdChWTD4-2lj3MDduD0A9aoH-oRW3R/s1600/fruitCupCandle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLaOTz2PVETP1D7oM6Z0X8zY4I9ZsZSyePjSdXzPBvK2izgvgGhgmRxb9tM1-ebPHfDAEiyqEbyslHfJR8KDoV4-iA78LIuGnpx1k8DFhUSU_nnKdChWTD4-2lj3MDduD0A9aoH-oRW3R/s320/fruitCupCandle.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit Salad Candle in the Looks Like Food Section</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl4ovv2O05HjydtFauGy_0IbvyvRKrO7I_n9UkmL-qdC2lr-7E35tjG8KdgM6zmubSeO_EQl9qU-grhcBZ0Cb7KlRkVuSYS6Jsd67cl3GV7ubKehnm-Fq1GAoX5y1Vg0sxz5xZq9GeM_o/s1600/P9161750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl4ovv2O05HjydtFauGy_0IbvyvRKrO7I_n9UkmL-qdC2lr-7E35tjG8KdgM6zmubSeO_EQl9qU-grhcBZ0Cb7KlRkVuSYS6Jsd67cl3GV7ubKehnm-Fq1GAoX5y1Vg0sxz5xZq9GeM_o/s320/P9161750.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canning Jar Gift Set in the Farmhouse Candles Section</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU3fQwaVvfMEoBkD5Ubb_zjyxi5YKvdApm0VV7oLsSl_udmy87OQYYFW3UXujvb_bU8cULLVXXXPbcsoHvFr70kh2Uk6tEOVg7Sw1ga4GAZCbTm151Ns3RXP3ub_F6PGrIxvDS7STITHz/s1600/mugButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU3fQwaVvfMEoBkD5Ubb_zjyxi5YKvdApm0VV7oLsSl_udmy87OQYYFW3UXujvb_bU8cULLVXXXPbcsoHvFr70kh2Uk6tEOVg7Sw1ga4GAZCbTm151Ns3RXP3ub_F6PGrIxvDS7STITHz/s320/mugButton.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand-spun Wool Cup Cozy in the Kitchen and Garden Section</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZftMXEjgfJomhJLoi1Px7sGlMGhQp6vKcKJsJ8JiH4STFCwyluTPZ34jFRmRQ7MrRyAnA-2uTD5DWSaW2dK98az-auCR-6qu42QkH8AILUYJoJTWvdGWk55QnOwSoTlD4YVCXlLLBYPmR/s1600/multipleBeeTapers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZftMXEjgfJomhJLoi1Px7sGlMGhQp6vKcKJsJ8JiH4STFCwyluTPZ34jFRmRQ7MrRyAnA-2uTD5DWSaW2dK98az-auCR-6qu42QkH8AILUYJoJTWvdGWk55QnOwSoTlD4YVCXlLLBYPmR/s320/multipleBeeTapers.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primitive Style Beeswax Tapers in the Beeswax Section</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Feel free to contact me at info@mdesignboutique.com if you want something custom for the Moms in your life. I am happy to suggest gifts in any price range, and I welcome custom ideas. Happy Shopping!</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-89950880372899285662011-10-13T14:52:00.000-07:002011-10-13T15:00:49.302-07:00New Collaboration Announcement: Hammer & Light Concept Collections<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOaZh9W_cQj37YID2bOqvvP8SAk4iFnvlKZoXP11Gsrbe1LESafd0o3jQuRnZHYX10AWk0J0sFeURpSkQBYSwuNN4L1hYK54CkCkiY4Lv1ybEAdv1-PhBIdYoKuwo74BQWOVMr968HBfs/s1600/Text_File02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOaZh9W_cQj37YID2bOqvvP8SAk4iFnvlKZoXP11Gsrbe1LESafd0o3jQuRnZHYX10AWk0J0sFeURpSkQBYSwuNN4L1hYK54CkCkiY4Lv1ybEAdv1-PhBIdYoKuwo74BQWOVMr968HBfs/s320/Text_File02.png" width="320" /></a></div>Over the past several months, I have been collaborating on a new product line and brand with one of my oldest friends and favorite designers Angi Quincy of Tiny Armour Jewelry.<br />
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It all started with a card-swap that we were intending to do with eachothers' business cards going out with orders leading up to the holidays. We figured this would help promote a group of shops that we love by exposing our own customers to some other great shops. When the other shop owners ended up bowing out of the swap for various reasons, Angi and I decided that since there was just the two of us, we should collaborate on a holiday gift to offer in both of our shops...and then over a whole lotta cross-country phone calls and a rush of inspirations, a brand formed.<br />
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Our first product debuts October 20, 2011.<br />
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Get on board now! Check out and follow our blog feed over at <a href="http://hammerandlight.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/hello-world/">Hammer & Light's blog here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hammerandlight">Follow us on facebook here</a>.<br />
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We will be announcing our new products and collections in both places, with all the details and magic behind them all.<br />
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We welcome you to <i><b>Hammer & Light</b></i>.<br />
<br />
</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-50623101495004459152011-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:002011-10-10T22:10:01.146-07:00Just Got Back From The Big Easy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enough Said!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY075rVLLMMrzEHJVHmLVcdqm6WGTXcduGxkBHPGNNJTGhFsb809HHKhaMPY7EdmnB-ZLo6RJEmhH7OnsM9LQBDGlrdSFs_Y4LhO_dy5es7YRPxeJSfSOEdIYe_aRVH_edzlnjJJ_JNq6a/s320/mannequinFeathers01.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-74452988624672138492011-09-27T21:00:00.000-07:002011-09-27T21:02:20.984-07:00Eye Candy -- Just Pictures of the Recent Creations!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All of these items are available at <a href="http://www.mdesignboutique.com/">M Design Boutique</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk69wig0_rypb8ESWrq0gQ4QhYd7Mf4nyvGzLdUBPy1BEXgcGTeHQ7_1hIKc2Ge_V8N7WDbouZJRpxUCfihhVgae23E5paWYH8hAYsqGdYlwjw-LifYBXWSi0u96Akrjl7FufQZ4a_q3K/s1600/berryPie.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk69wig0_rypb8ESWrq0gQ4QhYd7Mf4nyvGzLdUBPy1BEXgcGTeHQ7_1hIKc2Ge_V8N7WDbouZJRpxUCfihhVgae23E5paWYH8hAYsqGdYlwjw-LifYBXWSi0u96Akrjl7FufQZ4a_q3K/s320/berryPie.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl4ovv2O05HjydtFauGy_0IbvyvRKrO7I_n9UkmL-qdC2lr-7E35tjG8KdgM6zmubSeO_EQl9qU-grhcBZ0Cb7KlRkVuSYS6Jsd67cl3GV7ubKehnm-Fq1GAoX5y1Vg0sxz5xZq9GeM_o/s1600/P9161750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZftMXEjgfJomhJLoi1Px7sGlMGhQp6vKcKJsJ8JiH4STFCwyluTPZ34jFRmRQ7MrRyAnA-2uTD5DWSaW2dK98az-auCR-6qu42QkH8AILUYJoJTWvdGWk55QnOwSoTlD4YVCXlLLBYPmR/s1600/multipleBeeTapers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZftMXEjgfJomhJLoi1Px7sGlMGhQp6vKcKJsJ8JiH4STFCwyluTPZ34jFRmRQ7MrRyAnA-2uTD5DWSaW2dK98az-auCR-6qu42QkH8AILUYJoJTWvdGWk55QnOwSoTlD4YVCXlLLBYPmR/s320/multipleBeeTapers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIew5BN0nQRj9_MAiD05OPtTAYl-mDTzwtfZWSk0RIln6XwX_z6ZG7UEbThGxMIYEDHzSiJldalPZuKabsVTwAu6V7HXgVR1Qh_ijnRMogGO-SvJE9hGQYJifG7d2UF-zo0pvaSehkzFSD/s1600/handmilled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIew5BN0nQRj9_MAiD05OPtTAYl-mDTzwtfZWSk0RIln6XwX_z6ZG7UEbThGxMIYEDHzSiJldalPZuKabsVTwAu6V7HXgVR1Qh_ijnRMogGO-SvJE9hGQYJifG7d2UF-zo0pvaSehkzFSD/s320/handmilled.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZ5iz_U-MinKLrzhx1hugcgMlUXLWkscQkWd6LqRAvAk65E95MJHvptdA1EvFmCzeaDMX-kACdNgv-lUPI2tfWevS15DXt-dzkixf8IQxh2ge_1oOokVRgblrYFhZMdPqiZDfVfgow1tf/s1600/lightDarkHoneycombBee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZ5iz_U-MinKLrzhx1hugcgMlUXLWkscQkWd6LqRAvAk65E95MJHvptdA1EvFmCzeaDMX-kACdNgv-lUPI2tfWevS15DXt-dzkixf8IQxh2ge_1oOokVRgblrYFhZMdPqiZDfVfgow1tf/s320/lightDarkHoneycombBee.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-70226772806090821282011-09-26T14:55:00.000-07:002011-09-26T14:57:11.367-07:00Photo Documented Cherry Preserves - How I Made It!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last weekend I made Cherry Preserves (or Jam or something...I don't know the difference between them to be perfectly honest). This recipe yields 5 or 6 half pints or 3 pints. I did half pints in some cute jars with checkered country style lids that look pretty and modern, but with a call back to way back when. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am not going to give the recipe here (unless by popular demand), as this is meant to show how the process looks for those of you considering making your own fresh canned jam/preserves!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The apples are just here to look pretty. So, you won't need apples for this recipe. I pitted all of these and it took a good long time, made a mess and was really fun (for the mess-makers out there).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyuISSQlGjApJ9xIXKNpTrb01f9g1yZneH8lAqGt4NmFynl1NCg2xkGudvCrZwVK95B-hatbsYpw09TaqrQq1B5zGEckj0ipJwop1D0dzTYuFU1GDuy-tFWB5n7y-5UWLrDxGZ4dDfDgh/s320/P9181761.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fruit, measured and washed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwP9G8XOx9L3Bc1a509c61DUsRxPjLJT43yEzg1uBz84mkzRmPSX8jp-NDnTdIWgMGJn2csOnDZEYBDZa-4Jd15fHC2ciF8JLKjoQrmuLX9EOphFJRonDd8fO0auL8zgfPLLNNsOH6P_yf/s1600/P9181762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwP9G8XOx9L3Bc1a509c61DUsRxPjLJT43yEzg1uBz84mkzRmPSX8jp-NDnTdIWgMGJn2csOnDZEYBDZa-4Jd15fHC2ciF8JLKjoQrmuLX9EOphFJRonDd8fO0auL8zgfPLLNNsOH6P_yf/s320/P9181762.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pitted and mashed cherries in the pot with sugar and pectin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDwxQpjbLyrbBJsnSoFa24zuX8Bk0xZbG-U_-xqIEz4J0x0T9pSPROlgbDgUror0vCmZxaA6c41ZJvh8B8dBaG7lXt9zC7WsVhO1r5rKFifp1Fn_Ata8o0N2cXOLFJbHc-joUtQdFCNig/s1600/P9181763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDwxQpjbLyrbBJsnSoFa24zuX8Bk0xZbG-U_-xqIEz4J0x0T9pSPROlgbDgUror0vCmZxaA6c41ZJvh8B8dBaG7lXt9zC7WsVhO1r5rKFifp1Fn_Ata8o0N2cXOLFJbHc-joUtQdFCNig/s320/P9181763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simmering for awhile breaks down the fruit and blends it with the sweetener and pectin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfoEW0g2a3UeZfwSTLKwMh0hdxPUvv02gLEJQE5E2jqKhVx8Y1UEm9c-waQv_2j6LlTGeLxCBpu2BWwGRf_SI_vL7zVkznefbZ9dxSjaeuubOHg-dRGW7GuskB1EEqocCniNDvqT7vuaK/s1600/P9181764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfoEW0g2a3UeZfwSTLKwMh0hdxPUvv02gLEJQE5E2jqKhVx8Y1UEm9c-waQv_2j6LlTGeLxCBpu2BWwGRf_SI_vL7zVkznefbZ9dxSjaeuubOHg-dRGW7GuskB1EEqocCniNDvqT7vuaK/s320/P9181764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After some simmering, we now have the final product! Its that simple!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQMxfXoHQkdTobmIeSuLQ9I99DDiVtt_i9pnYVKVTqJExTUH1FJ6Xh9GWGxlcbQ8YA-wxJb6m8Zk0-qgmyh6oGWTs683wm6VSy-dwuoRfAc2zvW-sJsdb40j_cPyPtu7CEyBWk_tr7bKW/s1600/P9181765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQMxfXoHQkdTobmIeSuLQ9I99DDiVtt_i9pnYVKVTqJExTUH1FJ6Xh9GWGxlcbQ8YA-wxJb6m8Zk0-qgmyh6oGWTs683wm6VSy-dwuoRfAc2zvW-sJsdb40j_cPyPtu7CEyBWk_tr7bKW/s320/P9181765.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sterilized Canning Jars. I boiled them for 10 minutes (the lids too).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuiF4g6BxITBJ0cZyChyphenhyphen6gekZtAxGaUVVztzzoSVqj3dmz02sj3RiDE064MggrwDrT8vvFsikXm2MmkDtxT-hGDxeVGJaXZnOoU49WFoN3_LM0HmXN_qq4VBk2WKOa6FQZCUhTOS-t0gs/s1600/P9181768.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuiF4g6BxITBJ0cZyChyphenhyphen6gekZtAxGaUVVztzzoSVqj3dmz02sj3RiDE064MggrwDrT8vvFsikXm2MmkDtxT-hGDxeVGJaXZnOoU49WFoN3_LM0HmXN_qq4VBk2WKOa6FQZCUhTOS-t0gs/s320/P9181768.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having the right tools will prevent contamination and burns! Do it the right way! Canning is science. Read up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2AJovX_PBKa4PVMxl-r8vdHQF1-PTIXEHT0uJhXkVGFNxNV2td5348x1SOjTITY4e5Y0L7i_MJImo_0Li6XU-GHeeibO4uRd1ZnQ6jffY-CMfYpbRV0WY4ZyKrfriL5BB_GOTUXSW5lM/s1600/P9181766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2AJovX_PBKa4PVMxl-r8vdHQF1-PTIXEHT0uJhXkVGFNxNV2td5348x1SOjTITY4e5Y0L7i_MJImo_0Li6XU-GHeeibO4uRd1ZnQ6jffY-CMfYpbRV0WY4ZyKrfriL5BB_GOTUXSW5lM/s320/P9181766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I prepared 6 half pint jars, but only 5 were needed. I got a little lazy with pitting the cherries and cut the recipe back slightly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqTzw7gJIc0nkBiNl_TgbpFsXpiILqmryxDTNaW85K22tlQ49wozD6vK27xBArgnoh9VdHqaBVzj9KwXsE5x3ar37saHYTzLBV0izZxBKfQMFWmd-SvgFjg52vmhz3ppigWxicOQoQVsN/s1600/P9181767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqTzw7gJIc0nkBiNl_TgbpFsXpiILqmryxDTNaW85K22tlQ49wozD6vK27xBArgnoh9VdHqaBVzj9KwXsE5x3ar37saHYTzLBV0izZxBKfQMFWmd-SvgFjg52vmhz3ppigWxicOQoQVsN/s320/P9181767.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pressed out air bubbles, fastened lids and then return the jars to boil for 15 minutes, covered with an inch of water. Remove from pot and place on wood or a towel to cool slowly. Any jar lids that don't seal properly should be re-canned or refridgerated and contents consumed within three weeks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuiF4g6BxITBJ0cZyChyphenhyphen6gekZtAxGaUVVztzzoSVqj3dmz02sj3RiDE064MggrwDrT8vvFsikXm2MmkDtxT-hGDxeVGJaXZnOoU49WFoN3_LM0HmXN_qq4VBk2WKOa6FQZCUhTOS-t0gs/s1600/P9181768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> There you have it! Stay tuned for my photo documented pickling! Coming soon!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Also...available soon in M Design Boutique, Canning Jar Candle Gift Set!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl4ovv2O05HjydtFauGy_0IbvyvRKrO7I_n9UkmL-qdC2lr-7E35tjG8KdgM6zmubSeO_EQl9qU-grhcBZ0Cb7KlRkVuSYS6Jsd67cl3GV7ubKehnm-Fq1GAoX5y1Vg0sxz5xZq9GeM_o/s1600/P9161750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl4ovv2O05HjydtFauGy_0IbvyvRKrO7I_n9UkmL-qdC2lr-7E35tjG8KdgM6zmubSeO_EQl9qU-grhcBZ0Cb7KlRkVuSYS6Jsd67cl3GV7ubKehnm-Fq1GAoX5y1Vg0sxz5xZq9GeM_o/s320/P9161750.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm Apple Pie, Sage Citrus, Maple Pumpkin Pie and Strawberries & Champagne</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-17896986616430400512011-09-14T22:02:00.000-07:002011-09-14T22:02:02.817-07:00The Latest Happenings at MDB - Lots of Photos!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">First off I MUST show off the first success of my new Food Candles. Not only do they smell like food...but you're going to have to take a really close look to figure out if they are real. I will allow my image to do the speaking.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLaOTz2PVETP1D7oM6Z0X8zY4I9ZsZSyePjSdXzPBvK2izgvgGhgmRxb9tM1-ebPHfDAEiyqEbyslHfJR8KDoV4-iA78LIuGnpx1k8DFhUSU_nnKdChWTD4-2lj3MDduD0A9aoH-oRW3R/s1600/fruitCupCandle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLaOTz2PVETP1D7oM6Z0X8zY4I9ZsZSyePjSdXzPBvK2izgvgGhgmRxb9tM1-ebPHfDAEiyqEbyslHfJR8KDoV4-iA78LIuGnpx1k8DFhUSU_nnKdChWTD4-2lj3MDduD0A9aoH-oRW3R/s400/fruitCupCandle.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81606415/fruit-salad-candle-in-half-orange-peel">You can order your Half Orange filled with Fruit Salad Here! </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The calender has turned into the Fall months and people are ordering lots of great pillar candles in Fall baking and spicy fragrances. My studio smells so comforting I have to resist the urge to take naps! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Something about Sandalwood intermingling with Mulled Cider takes me back to my childhood in Colorado. In the Fall the whole neighborhood would go up to the mountains to chop down marked trees and load them on to our neighbor's large truck (he was a trucker and somehow could get a semi for us...talk about amazing fun for kids!). The large logs would be loaded on to the truck and then unloaded in front of our house at the bottom of our cul de sac and for weeks everyone got to chainsawing and chopping and splitting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It smelled so great and to this day I love the sound of a chainsaw off in the distance. Anyway...Fall is full of memories and comforts. Here are some of the beauties I've been working on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DH7nVJfsqKg6EUCmKj6w5i7tqyqFSL_BCEXIlRf69d_eB3VSEF1fToNl4LNFP93vcaeAqn6svsBKn7mZipugsnQ0I6k9g5zDXWd4oiZGA-ipknv7CEEs5ZCLLDASIHWz0TehdeG9GLbn/s1600/FallTableCandles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DH7nVJfsqKg6EUCmKj6w5i7tqyqFSL_BCEXIlRf69d_eB3VSEF1fToNl4LNFP93vcaeAqn6svsBKn7mZipugsnQ0I6k9g5zDXWd4oiZGA-ipknv7CEEs5ZCLLDASIHWz0TehdeG9GLbn/s400/FallTableCandles.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJZ3IOZIP7i7fg85SLXMAmsa3QoC2_bexeulvN-pvHkQ37119RjTyL7qNOY2_PJQz9_NA_U68JePczebZDFQZ1r2LoKwgXspzYDgsVOew9czerIYnzbfL_12WWzOASvPez-T1cLoyxM5P/s1600/MartaSquareGreyThree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJZ3IOZIP7i7fg85SLXMAmsa3QoC2_bexeulvN-pvHkQ37119RjTyL7qNOY2_PJQz9_NA_U68JePczebZDFQZ1r2LoKwgXspzYDgsVOew9czerIYnzbfL_12WWzOASvPez-T1cLoyxM5P/s320/MartaSquareGreyThree.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBPGFH5g22n8LefqZoZEOSa3NSIRp7bn0GMPXlykI6tHq0xrAjxMnqfaqmW4sCu8sMadYgQ3cqqWxeNV7poJY4vR0QRbULH7F6W-IJdLgkaNqm8f2Jh4Bu928G5e7Vz7odPfcghyPksag/s1600/SeptemberAssortedCandles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBPGFH5g22n8LefqZoZEOSa3NSIRp7bn0GMPXlykI6tHq0xrAjxMnqfaqmW4sCu8sMadYgQ3cqqWxeNV7poJY4vR0QRbULH7F6W-IJdLgkaNqm8f2Jh4Bu928G5e7Vz7odPfcghyPksag/s400/SeptemberAssortedCandles.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDduUaTOfVYWJzCTQw2PevI0O77q0XdvK_JMs0C-YvhBNJo01WvIVPfFScQItRdieahVnM9Zo1biXq_XN7SeXcpNuzsiDbiCFY3BedkqMjNigl0hrVtkrfOKV3fBt3_BX9y0VWs_266nj6/s1600/ThreeWickOutdoors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDduUaTOfVYWJzCTQw2PevI0O77q0XdvK_JMs0C-YvhBNJo01WvIVPfFScQItRdieahVnM9Zo1biXq_XN7SeXcpNuzsiDbiCFY3BedkqMjNigl0hrVtkrfOKV3fBt3_BX9y0VWs_266nj6/s320/ThreeWickOutdoors.JPG" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCT24hPbiJBBY21bT_AuGSS8riNdSTdiBBYYwXlV0RlJ82ShR-j-nEgCwzNpQszMA8hJzX7WaoVateJQKZEQRq6HWZk_KEtGgoy5k9ghY7Ig-u5JO3vRDypp8nAuVqb8YPLv7qc1ONqxx/s1600/BirchCandle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCT24hPbiJBBY21bT_AuGSS8riNdSTdiBBYYwXlV0RlJ82ShR-j-nEgCwzNpQszMA8hJzX7WaoVateJQKZEQRq6HWZk_KEtGgoy5k9ghY7Ig-u5JO3vRDypp8nAuVqb8YPLv7qc1ONqxx/s320/BirchCandle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_rRW3LnlAI12SwzTUy4-Qyh7Nt_IZfH6t45Mxu-YMe3doP3lCVie_9_Sry66xlXJ-4QRx8XkDFWio3D2h-tv57iUkfJ5dofxeOlQ37vRD5H-YSVzBSdSpTqC7lOoRcoJMOD27p4EkraR/s1600/fourFallPillars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_rRW3LnlAI12SwzTUy4-Qyh7Nt_IZfH6t45Mxu-YMe3doP3lCVie_9_Sry66xlXJ-4QRx8XkDFWio3D2h-tv57iUkfJ5dofxeOlQ37vRD5H-YSVzBSdSpTqC7lOoRcoJMOD27p4EkraR/s320/fourFallPillars.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span id="goog_1703574940"></span><span id="goog_1703574941"></span></div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-28395092966681107032011-09-10T18:55:00.000-07:002011-09-10T18:58:48.546-07:009/11 Ten Year Tribute<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In the past week we have all been hearing so much about the ten year anniversary of 9/11. Seeing the footage and hearing all of the stories of hope and despair and human courage have brought my (and likely your) emotions about the event, the people and the United States to the surface.<br />
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9/11 was the first day of my life that I truly really wholly felt proud and so lucky to be American, in a whole new way. In the days following the horrible event, I drove from Oakland, California (where I lived at the time) to Los Angeles. I don't know if many people realize how much of California is farm land. Beautiful rolling acres where garlic, tomatoes, spinach, squash and everything else you can think of are grown. Just south of the Bay Area within an hour you can start to feel the middle America associated with the mid-west. It is alive and well between the Silicon Valley and Hollywood.<br />
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As I drove that day listening to radio coverage of the aftermath, I saw American flags everywhere. There were huge banners made from bed sheets stating "We Will Never Forget" and "USA" and so on. I grew up here in the US with all of the privileges of being a citizen...which I appreciated, but never to the core like I did that day. We are lucky. We are fragile as individuals. Our country is strong and standing on the shoulders of the people who built our buildings, highways, schools, justice system and all of the infrastructure that we don't think about until we are rocked by something like 9/11.<br />
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There are a lot of tributes, big and small happening around the US and the world to commemorate all that is 9/11.<br />
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I am a candle maker. It is my favorite form of art. So tonight I am working on the first of my two Twin Tower candles. These candles are a meditation on the massive loss of human life and the deep grief felt by the loved ones of those lost. I am making them in dark colors to represent the darkness of the day, both literally and figuratively. The dark wax will be in incense fragrances to represent the ceremony of loss and healing. Within the darkness, there will be bright, bold Fall colors to represent the time of year and the bright boldness of humanity that we all saw on our televisions, and are re-living through footage as the tenth anniversary comes upon us. The fragrances of the colors will be of life. Apples ripening on the vine. Baking in the kitchen as the weather cools. Pumpkin Pie. It is just two candles, but it is my small tribute as I wish for the relief of the darkness of pain to be relieved by the flame of hope in the embers.<br />
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I wonder if everyone feels compelled to sit and take a moment to reflect like this.<br />
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I will post photos tomorrow when the Twin Tower Candle Tribute is completed, and ready to burn in memory of all that was lost on that terrible day.</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-72503697894888113562011-09-06T11:50:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:18:03.978-07:00Recipe of the Week: Potato Leek Soup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So it is after Labor Day now and here in New England we're having a rainy Tuesday. Yesterday my husband and I went to Shartner Farms and picked up some fresh produce. Knowing that it would be rainy today, I decided to get fresh veggies for Potato Leek Soup. Mike set up the bread machine to start in time for fresh bread to be ready for dinner. I am making a variation on a few recipes that I perused (as usual I can't just go by the recipe!).<br />
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I am slow-cooking this recipe, but it could be done more quickly in a regular stock pot over medium heat.<br />
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Here's what is in the pot:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Red and Russet Potatoes (cubed)</li>
<li>Two Celery Stalks cut into large, about 2 inch pieces (smaller if you're not slow-cooking)</li>
<li>Three cups of Carrots, cut into two inch sections and sliced horizontally (smaller if you're not slow-cooking)</li>
<li>Two Small Onions, carmelized in a separate pan</li>
<li>Optional: I am adding two diced, sauteed chicken breasts</li>
<li>Four Leeks, sliced large (using only the white and light green parts)</li>
<li>Fresh Rosemary stalk (from my garden)</li>
<li>Fresh sage, chopped (from my garden)</li>
<li>Fresh ground pepper (to taste)</li>
<li>Dried Thyme (about a teaspoon)</li>
<li>Chicken broth and water to top of pot (use your judgement)</li>
</ul><br />
Once the potatoes are cooked, I will take about half of the broth, potatoes, celery and carrots and blend it in the food processor (you can use a blender if you want). Then add it back into the pot and continue cooking. If you like a creamier soup, you can add heavy cream, corn starch or even a little bit of flour to thicken it. At the end, I will add a pinch of salt at a time until the flavors of the other ingredients shine a bit more (you should let the salt bring out the other flavors rather than making the other stuff taste salty).<br />
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If we lived in San Francisco, we would make this a pretty thick soup and serve it in bread bowls. Because it would be silly to waste the opportunity to pair up sour dough and leek flavors. But since we're in New England, we're going to have this with some fresh bread machine bread. I will post that recipe in a later recipe of the week. We have a favorite that is by far the best we've tried.<br />
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Photos will be added to this post after we chow down!<br />
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Bon Appetit!</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-8620508501576613112011-08-29T12:37:00.000-07:002011-08-29T16:14:33.239-07:00Hurricane Irene and How We Prepared<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Today is a beautiful sunny Summer day here in Rhode Island. It is also the day after Hurricane Irene, which I am happy to say, did not do much damage to our home or property. We were lucky. Our hearts go out to those who were not so lucky, and to those who are left with no power and a major clean up.<br />
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I am able to write this because our power was restored early this morning. Yesterday we drove around the area and saw some giant trees uprooted and branches across roads, driveways and everywhere else. Power lines were down and we returned to a dark house. Of course, being a Candle Maker for a living meant a beautifully candle lit home. We played Scrabble and had a couple of cocktails and listened to the last of the storm winds blow through the leaves on our trees.<br />
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I thought I would document some of the ways that we prepared for Hurricane Irene. Maybe some of our ideas will help you prepare for power outages, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural disasters where you are left to your own resources until your town is back up and running.<br />
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1. Water: We filled many containers with water for drinking and for washing up. Also for flushing toilets and cleaning dishes. We make beer and wine so we filled our carboys and buckets and cook pots with water for drinking. We filled wash buckets and drink tubs (the kind you fill with ice and drinks for a party) for flushing and washing. We also filled the bath tub and lots of bottles that we placed in the fridge and freezer.<br />
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2. Hygiene: In addition to stocking up on baby wipes, hand wipes and disinfecting house-cleaning wipes, we filled a big container with a spout and placed it next to the sink. This allowed us to wash our hands and brush our teeth with a "faucet" and really helped! It was easy to refill and made using the sink feel a little more normal. We also used paper plates (I know...the environment...but this was to avoid FILTH people!).<br />
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3. Light: Several days before the storm, I went to the store for batteries for two large flashlights, only to find that they were out of all batteries besides AA and AAA. In case of this type of "oops" on preparing while everyone else was preparing...I recommend also having two smaller flashlights on hand that you can replace batteries in when the large ones fail, or you can't get batteries for them. Another GREAT thing to have on hand is a battery operated magnetic tap light. Those are the funny little round lights that you press down and light up small spaces with. Place them in each room near a candle and matches or a lighter so that you can use it to illuminate a space while you light your candles. Which brings me to Candles! Keep reading...<br />
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4. If you get to the grocery store too late and the shelves are bare of candles, I have a secret for you. Go to the canning section of the store. Yes...I said the CANNING SECTION. You will find boxes of Gulf Wax. Gulf Wax comes in four slabs or four bars. The trick is to get some 100% cotton string around the size of a wick (because most of us don't have 100 feet of wick lying around). When you get your gulf wax home, seperate the slabs or bars and us a lighter to soften some wax to stick onto the wick. Press the slabs or bars of wax together around the wick and viola! You've got a long-burning candle. Be sure to place EVERY candle into a hurricane vase or into a container that can handle wax drips. It is easy to remove wax from glass by popping it into the freezer for a few minutes. Keep candles away from windows or other drafts. Keep them away from curtains and blow them out or bring them with you as you change rooms. NEVER LEAVE A CANDLE BURNING UNATTENDED! If you have time to prepare, buy long-burning candles (natural wax like soy or beeswax burn the longest and cleanest) and get yourself a lantern that takes long tapers. Lanterns are awesome...cuz you can bring them with you everywhere you go...including outside in the wind.<br />
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5. Stuff to store in your Safe Room (fewest windows, load-bearing wall):<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>flashlights</li>
<li>batteries</li>
<li>candles</li>
<li>lamps</li>
<li>cook stove</li>
<li>fire extinguisher</li>
<li>breathing mask</li>
<li>rubber gloves</li>
<li>wipes</li>
<li>paper dishes</li>
<li>non-parishable food (jerky, peanut butter and crackers, juice, vitamin water, water, canned food, etc)</li>
<li>can opener</li>
<li>rope</li>
<li>chainsaw (and gas)</li>
<li>a generator if possible</li>
<li>ice</li>
<li>cooler to avoid opening your fridge and freezer</li>
<li>hand sanitizer</li>
<li>paper towels</li>
<li>evacuation bag containing clothing for a few days and bath/towel supplies</li>
<li>pet carriers on hand for evacuation along with food for all pets for several days</li>
<li>first aid kit</li>
<li>medications for every member of your household, including pets </li>
<li>gas up your cars</li>
<li>charge all electronic batteries (computers, phones and other devices)</li>
<li>rotary phone (yep...they don't need electricity and if your phone lines are not down, you can call out or receive calls without using up cell phone batteries!)</li>
<li>battery operated/ hand-crank radio </li>
</ul>There are probably things I am forgetting off-hand, but just picture having no running water, electricity or heat source for several days. Add to it that there has just been a disaster that could have caused damage to gas lines, windows, trees, roads and so on. If you have no access to medical help, food or water, what will you need to survive?<br />
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The fun side of things...where is your deck of cards? Board games? How about a few good books you've been meaning to read. Magazines or other reading/writing materials you can use for entertainment during daylight hours or by candle light.<br />
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Well, that is my first crack at this post. I may add to this as I think of other bright ideas we either had, or wish we would have to endure the storm and resulting loss of power.<br />
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What are your suggestions? Add them in the comments section!<br />
<br />
</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-40845053755084123512011-08-19T15:11:00.000-07:002011-08-19T15:11:28.021-07:00Beeswax Hand-Dripped Pillar Candles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">I am excited to show off my new beeswax candle style: <i><b>Hand-Dripped Pillar Candles</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1792932408">These are available now in M Design Boutique</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1792932408" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN8NaejpTbQq2z-bqMM1GTI3gjZNW3q1SEJ67JidCKwGPYJI5d9Q7EyZVMBzosi52_H44UidC4gzxJQrB92G1CKRVpnTfaTqCm7IpdSK9CyE7SAhrPGR8qF6yqqFbeIaHUPgQLcOsLS7v/s320/DrippyPillar8Inch02.JPG" width="311" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1792932408"> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1792932408" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0VpXONiK0yaphqzLuTiD7iP5L6f5M6kSneSuztYiYAT4kr8IZwm3d-gFfbPG78JfzWyLfFBYuZs3GMTCCOuJv5aHZbq2UdvU9UvpvRR39UbqAA37GtWxarMFtt4PH5Dkl7Lj_E8-jgD6/s320/drippyPillar8Inch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1792932408" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTI4L89JD9opPz9csqt_DF4Dhlc3TfG6GkOy3kVQHUaZlNqQlgJjVwIgKnEJk-HzQRTkldtpHXiSMUvHLDilKiisloU2zsfa_3eFwyQytawAhvZMIG8Llt0bHWnFXHpSLxlNGS6kihmvj/s320/drippySurface.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80030237/beeswax-pioneer-brasa-8-inch-hand-poured" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div></div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-78466242393836114272011-08-16T11:38:00.000-07:002011-08-16T11:51:25.245-07:00Recipe of the Week: Herbed Waters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ok so this sounds strange, right? But in the Summer, I drink a ton of water throughout the day and I get bored with it. So...I try spicing it up with different herbs or other ingredients to keep it interesting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRfkgva2H4DLRN_d4Ye4p_tW7Vax6edv1rFT6tf_rKvSoec3VnB13hyphenhyphenw1dzYLmUwARhj8WisEZNtjbIUMUi4WowNCcclzSaLemLdFF62ikmvmznrmRWdv8Q1JiGI7VxOqdMt86BskYhRW/s1600/fresh-rosemary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRfkgva2H4DLRN_d4Ye4p_tW7Vax6edv1rFT6tf_rKvSoec3VnB13hyphenhyphenw1dzYLmUwARhj8WisEZNtjbIUMUi4WowNCcclzSaLemLdFF62ikmvmznrmRWdv8Q1JiGI7VxOqdMt86BskYhRW/s1600/fresh-rosemary.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
You can do this by the glass, but I prefer doing a whole pitcher and refridgerating it for a couple of hours before drinking it.<br />
<br />
Here are my favorites:<br />
<br />
<b>Cucumber and Lime</b><br />
Add four or five slices of cucumber and half of a lime (squeezed) for a super refreshing blend.<br />
<br />
<b>Rosemary and Lime</b><br />
Add FRESH PICKED rosemary and half of a lime. This sounds a little mysterious, but I promise the rosemary and lime combo is really pleasant.<br />
<br />
<b>Cucumber and Ginger</b><br />
Add sliced cucumber and sliced ginger. This is also good with fresh mint.<br />
<br />
<b>Mint Cucumber</b><br />
Fresh spearmint or mountain mint with cucumber slices.<br />
<br />
<b>Orange Ginger or Lemon Ginger</b><br />
Just like it sounds...half of an orange or a lemon with sliced ginger.<br />
<br />
<b>Lemon Thyme</b><br />
Fresh thyme sprigs with slices of lemon.<br />
<br />
All of these are best after sitting for a bit, and if you have time, try starting with warm water and chilling until it is ice cold. That way the heat brings out the flavor into the water, as it would with tea or sun tea.<br />
<br />
These are also all great combined with iced teas...which are delicious with mashed berries!<br />
<br />
I hope that you try some of these! Drinking water is so important, and this helps make it a bit more interesting.<br />
<br />
Oh...one last bit of advice...drink these within a day or two. You want FRESH ingredients in your water. So...there is another incentive to drink lots of water for good health! <br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-74592293979656383422011-08-14T17:57:00.000-07:002011-08-14T17:57:34.834-07:00Rolled Beeswax Candle Colors Available in M Design Boutique<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently, <i><b>M Design Boutique</b></i> began introducing the new "Pioneer Brasa" Beeswax Candles and as with any new product, I am learning what you, my customers want to know!<br />
<br />
Most of the beeswax candles are available in the natural colors of beeswax, in small batches of each particular color, based on the availability of local wax. They are also available in white. But...some of you have asked about colored beeswax. There is an option for you too! The hand-rolled Tapers, Votives and Pillars come in a wide variety of colors.<br />
<br />
Due to the differences in screens, browsers, lighting and other variables, I cannot guarantee that you will get the exact color you are seeing here, but it will be close! Here are the available colors:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DQMmkECPTenfjPenPvaagUfG-0QNj6y0sI1FoHuECjPuz_-Uu6AojU8eEZz8tG3uW5f_q5qW616Umj5FYbrk3448cTwyin3uQ1dLHOUNtnb1GqQ3qaOhRJOvwudiuIkNoxdMKuVOI_YK/s1600/beeswaxcolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DQMmkECPTenfjPenPvaagUfG-0QNj6y0sI1FoHuECjPuz_-Uu6AojU8eEZz8tG3uW5f_q5qW616Umj5FYbrk3448cTwyin3uQ1dLHOUNtnb1GqQ3qaOhRJOvwudiuIkNoxdMKuVOI_YK/s400/beeswaxcolors.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are ready to order your hand-rolled candles, please visit <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=6987966">M Design Boutique</a></b>!</div><br />
</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-1907257808143223462011-08-03T12:52:00.000-07:002011-08-03T12:52:17.427-07:00Sneak Preview: Pioneer Brasa (M Design Boutique's Line of Beeswax Candles)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE8KSM07CnkGWmabU2HGP0EseQN6YV2Mtf1pKrd135TzRGkj9ypoVQIao5fRelWnrwEUl3s-2a8Hctxn8GLETUWmmDeD7gPrPiGHNZO743a1IgWJMdzD9WnASJlTOpq-98D4kKN9OJKZW/s1600/HandrolledBeeswaxBlue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE8KSM07CnkGWmabU2HGP0EseQN6YV2Mtf1pKrd135TzRGkj9ypoVQIao5fRelWnrwEUl3s-2a8Hctxn8GLETUWmmDeD7gPrPiGHNZO743a1IgWJMdzD9WnASJlTOpq-98D4kKN9OJKZW/s320/HandrolledBeeswaxBlue.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand-rolled Beeswax comes in a variety of colors. $5/pair</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>Pioneer Brasa</b></div><br />
<b>M Design Boutique's</b> new line of Beeswax Candles will debut this Fall!<br />
<br />
These are high quality pure natural beeswax candles (no blends!) with braided cotton wick.<br />
<br />
Natural wax burns cleaner and slower than other types of wax because it burns at a higher temperature.<br />
<br />
The wicks have been selected to burn clean and efficiently with a slight top curl to burn evenly throughout to the edge of the wax.<br />
<br />
The fragrance of all Pioneer Brasa is from the natural fragrance of the wax, which is a light floral honey fragrance that is so light and natural it works for any season. <br />
<br />
Enjoy the first photos of some of the candles in the new line!<br />
<br />
If you want to order your beeswax candles before they make it into the shop, I am accepting early orders, and have already been processing requests...so don't wait! Email info@mdesignboutique.com to request your handmade beeswax candles today from M Design Boutique!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDdld4OfXZdnUG2oZ4d8Xt8Ig-0ldwTLojjX95MEumnv29rpSp_r065WMe1buFseBTTt3x_I-yi9YSbtMWNVmhebhIsSOuJsja0_iNiF857_9_HU109qCqRXV8XKr6AjwOJBIwLF7uEKQ/s1600/tapers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDdld4OfXZdnUG2oZ4d8Xt8Ig-0ldwTLojjX95MEumnv29rpSp_r065WMe1buFseBTTt3x_I-yi9YSbtMWNVmhebhIsSOuJsja0_iNiF857_9_HU109qCqRXV8XKr6AjwOJBIwLF7uEKQ/s320/tapers.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rustic Taper. This is the darkest natural shade of beeswax being offered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvWfAnOudJaIvhxR-jiPyCC7gDbuwd_CqDXs9rtghRp57KjI6jyOHijl65EQiLeTIdtZ-bmjI6_yRCYThsY7wIPBo7Pevy_GaU6X7c4TM1vwet2z6Y4AgHD3FUEn46S8snSZBpjFyOmPu/s1600/taperswithRibbon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvWfAnOudJaIvhxR-jiPyCC7gDbuwd_CqDXs9rtghRp57KjI6jyOHijl65EQiLeTIdtZ-bmjI6_yRCYThsY7wIPBo7Pevy_GaU6X7c4TM1vwet2z6Y4AgHD3FUEn46S8snSZBpjFyOmPu/s320/taperswithRibbon.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9.5" Rustic Tapers $7/pair</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-6111252347980391382011-08-01T12:03:00.000-07:002011-08-02T11:19:56.305-07:00Recipe of the Week by Linda VanDyke (My Awesome Cousin) Chocolate Buttermilk Zuchinni Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>This recipe comes via my cousin Linda who is a creative powerhouse!</b><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When life gives you zuchinni, make zuchinni cake! </i><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Summertime brings a wealth of home-grown garden harvests that honestly sometimes...you just don't know what to do with. Add to that all of the bags of produce the neighbors show up with from their gardens! My cousin Linda recently posted this photo of a masterpiece of a cake! Her neighbor had dropped a zucchini off at Linda's door, having too much to use herself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Presenting: Chocolate Buttermilk Zucchini Cake!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkGEzDQszk3xDRE06giTzZxo9kBnUHnScxOJAv2j3VKhInxxAJVPUJZhMmfiG0I-WOwmufkOYUjpWlwVgFRj33GfpuoWQrvOXEQwJJnjtdEilZOAKcKWTYUalUDzG5AlIGifd_gpbrPSA/s1600/LindaCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkGEzDQszk3xDRE06giTzZxo9kBnUHnScxOJAv2j3VKhInxxAJVPUJZhMmfiG0I-WOwmufkOYUjpWlwVgFRj33GfpuoWQrvOXEQwJJnjtdEilZOAKcKWTYUalUDzG5AlIGifd_gpbrPSA/s1600/LindaCake.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<i><b>You will need:</b></i><br />
1/2 c. buttermilk</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">1 t. vanilla</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">2 c. sifted all purpose flour</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">1 t. baking soda</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">1/2 t. cinnamon</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">1/4 t. cloves</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">1/2 t. salt</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">4 T. cocoa powder</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">1/4 c. walnuts chopped</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">6 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips</div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined"></div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined"><br />
<i><b>Directions:</b></i><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><li> Heat oven to 325 degrees</li>
<li>Grease and flour a bundt pan.</li>
<li>Cream together butter, oil, sugar.</li>
<li>Add 1 egg at a time. blend in the buttermilk, vanilla,with the other ingredients.</li>
<li>Blend well.</li>
<li>Sift the dry ingredients. and add to the above.</li>
<li>Add the grated zuchinni and blend well.</li>
<li>Pour mixture into the bundt pan.</li>
<li>Top with the chocolate chips, and walnuts.</li>
<li>Bake for 45-50 minutes.</li>
</ol></div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined"><b>Frosting: </b></div><div class="fbChatMessage fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message" id="msg_654210511_undefined">I used 4 oz. milk choc. chips, butter, vanilla, and milk beat with electric mixer. (Make sure to heat the chocolate chips.)</div><br />
Wait for cake to cool completely, and then frost!</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-69370528445441277462011-07-27T11:16:00.000-07:002011-07-27T11:18:01.226-07:00Pioneer Beeswax Candles Coming to M Design Boutique This Fall 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I am excited to announce that after a whole lot of research, testing and experimentation, I have found my way through the world of Beeswax Candlemaking! The candles will be offered in only the natural light honey/botanical fragrance of the wax, which, as it turns out, comes from the flora the worker bees bring to the wax and the honey produced in the hive.<br />
<br />
My new line of Beeswax Candles will be called "Pioneer Brasa" drawing from the Swedish term for bonfire. I will be offering Hand-rolled, Hand-poured, Hand-kneaded Pillars, Tapers and Votive Candles. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZqVhUvoU1D11oJTbr4WwKUiNN_4JEwUpUeqXykle1Hxhjk_lfr3qJO1bnNsCHs1SxiA0lwzeP8eLsec-zVrd1Q5HXIOFh_REq6ROrcW4ov93rfPVOEs6gyBZuiYRI_1B7CXzmn0UCLmD/s1600/pioneerPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZqVhUvoU1D11oJTbr4WwKUiNN_4JEwUpUeqXykle1Hxhjk_lfr3qJO1bnNsCHs1SxiA0lwzeP8eLsec-zVrd1Q5HXIOFh_REq6ROrcW4ov93rfPVOEs6gyBZuiYRI_1B7CXzmn0UCLmD/s320/pioneerPhoto.jpg" width="320" /></a>The techniques I will use come from Scandinavian traditions and American Old West Pioneer techniques, which reflects my Scandinavian heritage and my Colorado, Montana and California up-bringing and life until very recently. I have always been interested in doing things the Old World way, which is part of my passion for making things. It captivates my imagination to envision the difficulties my ancestors encountered that I do not have to navigate in my modern life. My work reflects my interest in the tedium of everyday objects that is eliminated by the candy-like world of American consumption. Getting dirty is transformative. Learning to do things the hard way makes me tick.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-w4MGNdgIO70I0Ac-ef0Gg_rjBF32VBGYLc81Yhkf2awXxJhdo376ZnkfozCEZuwCdJZlXpZO6zRAjYs0oOW4dcrv5GRwzPmbdKgTmPPsjvvBMmkkf1LALW2dTeL_pTQRCSCrCtbGrQ2/s1600/HandkneadedBeeswax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-w4MGNdgIO70I0Ac-ef0Gg_rjBF32VBGYLc81Yhkf2awXxJhdo376ZnkfozCEZuwCdJZlXpZO6zRAjYs0oOW4dcrv5GRwzPmbdKgTmPPsjvvBMmkkf1LALW2dTeL_pTQRCSCrCtbGrQ2/s1600/HandkneadedBeeswax.jpg" /></a><br />
I am currently working on building a multi-taper dipping set-up. I suppose I should put on my prarie skirt & bonnet and my wooden shoes, just to make it interesting.<br />
<br />
</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-85943159907026810832011-07-21T09:53:00.000-07:002011-07-21T09:53:45.818-07:00Recipe of the Week (Catching Up!) -- Martini Steaks!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqsUKK7CvXW_ANR1PhbFmt4BMIM98Jb8NZyRlGINp3HicdcrQvJHWsubmayPF8R7040larvy1h4A9AG5cdiAp6AqpyP9SXz3FEhlwSykFwxVqqh8p6Iu4OYvwLxXfgIFLLNzkVMY-WA4_/s1600/34373_1528632093262_1158504628_1545990_5425817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqsUKK7CvXW_ANR1PhbFmt4BMIM98Jb8NZyRlGINp3HicdcrQvJHWsubmayPF8R7040larvy1h4A9AG5cdiAp6AqpyP9SXz3FEhlwSykFwxVqqh8p6Iu4OYvwLxXfgIFLLNzkVMY-WA4_/s320/34373_1528632093262_1158504628_1545990_5425817_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="summary"><i>Tired of the same old steak? Here's a crowd-pleaser inspired by the classic martini. </i></div><br />
<b>Things you'll need:</b><br />
<ul><li>Your favorite cut of steak</li>
<li>Blue Cheese Crumbles</li>
<li> Green Olives </li>
<li>Grill & Charcoal </li>
<li>Vodka </li>
<li>Vermouth </li>
<li> Olive Juice </li>
<li> Pepper, Salt</li>
</ul> Place steaks in a large Ziploc bag or a Tupperware container that seals well. <br />
<br />
<b>Add the following ingredients to marinate: </b><br />
1/2 cup vodka per steak <br />
1/4 cup vermouth per steak <br />
1 Tablespoon green olive juice per steak <br />
dash salt <br />
dash pepper<br />
<br />
Marinate for several hours, or overnight but no longer than 10 hours or the liquor flavor will take over.<br />
<br />
Remove steaks from fridge and bring them to room temperature. Light coals piled on either side, or on one side of your grill. This is called "indirect grilling".<br />
<br />
Once coals are white, place steaks on the part of the grill with no coals underneath. Place lid over grill. <br />
<br />
Cook steaks per guidelines found here: <br />
<a href="http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--906/beef-cooking-times.asp">http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--906/beef-cooking-times.asp</a><br />
<br />
Remove steaks from heat once they are cooked to your liking. Plate them, adding a generous heap of blue cheese crumbles to the top, and sticking an olive into the top of the steak with a toothpick. Serve with your favorite side dishes!<br />
<br />
<b>Tips & Warnings:</b><br />
<br />
While marinating, keep the steaks moving. Turn them every hour or so if you're around.<br />
<br />
Use the indirect method of cooking to prevent over-cooking your steaks.<br />
<br />
The perfect cocktail with this steak is of course: a dry dirty vodka martini! <br />
<br />
</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-69238513590036241302011-07-18T14:12:00.000-07:002011-07-18T14:13:22.862-07:00Fall Fragrances 2011 Preview!Nothing like dreaming of crisp Fall weather on a sweltering Summer day!<br />
<br />
That explains why today I sat down and decided on the upcoming additions to my already awesome line of <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalissa?section_id=6901409&page=2">Fall Candle Fragrances in M Design Boutique.</a></b><br />
<br />
Last year's favorites were Maple Pumpkin Pie, Autumn Leaves and Warm Sugar Cookies.<br />
<br />
Here are the fragrances I will be offering in addition to my current line, beginning in September. If you must have one or two prior to that, be sure to comment on my facebook wall and I will indulge you:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Fresh Baked Bread</li>
<li>Peanut Butter Cookies</li>
<li>Chocolate Chip Cookies</li>
<li>Amaretto Nog</li>
<li>Mulled Cider</li>
<li>Maple Bourbon & Apples</li>
<li>Buttered Rum</li>
<li>Hazelnut Coffee</li>
<li>Honeycomb</li>
<li>Vanilla Cedar</li>
<li>Firewood</li>
<li>Blue Spruce</li>
</ol>I am actually comforted on a hot July day by the thought of a cool Autumn day making all of those cozy fragrances...is that wrong?<br />
<br />
Let me know what you think of the new line...and what Fall fragrances would you like to see added to my shop?Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-10169209151014401452011-07-18T13:34:00.000-07:002011-07-18T13:36:11.243-07:00M Design Boutique Moved!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopLMF_a9Po03Wv18Fz74q2JxIm8RWGAmojORZP4VZe_L37UTiUfPPhBFkXkN6VALI82R-TZQ8XWQMRoCzy2Nk3-MolqzjzLSvJR_Vgn-a8U2dqD9tiimpHhRCENYNGN9N3KbpQ3gPnHwt/s320/284456_2234388456730_1158504628_2782660_5673949_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The New Studio!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>While it remained "business as usual" throughout the move of <a href="http://www.mdesignboutique.com/"><b>M Design Boutique</b></a> from the Boston area in Massachusetts to the Providence area in Rhode Island....behind the scenes kept things interesting!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjjiLFqipPHlLkoQLx8cKHL7Bmk1_I4_pXq1_1Oj0P-nCSsdD6DzMi1FIVmGePzfuGVrOqflEohlLshrbk7hq1JAoFfOh2NBIZ6xnzqAcM7tak885y3fCUgIdNrzHIukuVM01Bm-pcsxC/s1600/254423_2156458268524_1158504628_2715601_7631261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjjiLFqipPHlLkoQLx8cKHL7Bmk1_I4_pXq1_1Oj0P-nCSsdD6DzMi1FIVmGePzfuGVrOqflEohlLshrbk7hq1JAoFfOh2NBIZ6xnzqAcM7tak885y3fCUgIdNrzHIukuVM01Bm-pcsxC/s320/254423_2156458268524_1158504628_2715601_7631261_n.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gazebo at The Eager Homestead where we said our vows June 20, 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table> My husband Mike's company <b><a href="http://38studios.com/">38 Studios</a></b> moved from its home in Maynard, MA to beautiful down town Providence, Rhode Island. When we first got the news (about a year ago) that it could happen, we were shocked and pretty shaken by the news, as we had just celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary in our amazing historical home in MA where we were married in our yard. Over the course of the year, though, we began gathering information and looking at houses in RI to see if we could find something to ease the sting of leaving The Eager Homestead. The company moved several months ago and Mike was commuting as we cranked the gears on finding a house we would both fall head-over-heels in love with. Not an easy task to beat out a major gem of a historical home. But we did it. We found a home that we both fell in love with.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QZEKiOJEV6Dji_D9luEFfhYN1icRlSrekL3WF7mUkuk3w1MLdNPPmrH2DoN9wVej5nCzgwGJAuOufYo0FppL7Oz0swArhE5AKPTNDFfZFK17Lyiv_3CGt2tmU9wYE-3OTPEq2RJwr-bV/s1600/264929_2156456828488_1158504628_2715600_6832827_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QZEKiOJEV6Dji_D9luEFfhYN1icRlSrekL3WF7mUkuk3w1MLdNPPmrH2DoN9wVej5nCzgwGJAuOufYo0FppL7Oz0swArhE5AKPTNDFfZFK17Lyiv_3CGt2tmU9wYE-3OTPEq2RJwr-bV/s320/264929_2156456828488_1158504628_2715600_6832827_n.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We celebrated our 2nd anniversary at The Eager Homestead three weeks before the move.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It was no fun saying goodbye to our home in Mass, but we had time to leave it the right way, with plenty of ceremony (mostly grilling, watching the Spring blooms and celebrating our 2nd anniversary watching fireflies from the gazebo where we said our vows).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoS6y7vhdflYkSCPhTyZeS_tzpUWtnkENUREv_15DRXIAdPaMlauN-NNdoElZmUr7KMVYbz3uEl4CoJ_c-83nPkY45R4Eob-EAvsj49LAK3KM9wQI_zw3iaJtirwFDyoj6WhcDBGFB6PIp/s1600/284081_2234352335827_1158504628_2782606_4044170_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoS6y7vhdflYkSCPhTyZeS_tzpUWtnkENUREv_15DRXIAdPaMlauN-NNdoElZmUr7KMVYbz3uEl4CoJ_c-83nPkY45R4Eob-EAvsj49LAK3KM9wQI_zw3iaJtirwFDyoj6WhcDBGFB6PIp/s320/284081_2234352335827_1158504628_2782606_4044170_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the "Walls of Windows" that make the studio a bright, beautiful place to work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The new home has a beautiful space for M Design Boutique's ever-growing studio and business to thrive. I am a nature-lover and two walls of the studio are windows that look out to the woods and over our yard where our pets hang out. Lots of cardinals, gold finches and humming birds, among others, hang out at our feeders as I pour candles and do all of the other behind-the-scenes work at MDB. Last night we even saw our first deer in the back yard!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaInstZl-EJpft8qy-Cww9KyUlwr0FamXJNKOUaotJuXnLZCI_Z9ASkfa3Rt8bsFvK9uxXO1ZFhKFnKO2vf4R8Zx2z1-2zbAzvZN1tToz7T5PJqp4xZ7bZK3rqxEUeJRV1XOmG-1Vl_Nqt/s1600/264236_2234334495381_1158504628_2782565_4327136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaInstZl-EJpft8qy-Cww9KyUlwr0FamXJNKOUaotJuXnLZCI_Z9ASkfa3Rt8bsFvK9uxXO1ZFhKFnKO2vf4R8Zx2z1-2zbAzvZN1tToz7T5PJqp4xZ7bZK3rqxEUeJRV1XOmG-1Vl_Nqt/s320/264236_2234334495381_1158504628_2782565_4327136_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First batch of candles made two days after moving in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I truly feel happy and thankful to be working and living in Rhode Island. I look forward to creating a whole lot of beautiful things in the new home of MDB!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_QjXpSzsBo6mOMHlM9K87YrqjI7kHHwT4GLupbfOe4EBWuqo2nTffKxk5HGlR0Kg1QWbEHrBfP3wd1yWyNBMEOUVMWOLXu4TFyzdhyjJd1PRnyErZhHbfHO31xM6We5_51xHT-kx32Md/s1600/268053_2251200677025_1158504628_2802982_7172272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_QjXpSzsBo6mOMHlM9K87YrqjI7kHHwT4GLupbfOe4EBWuqo2nTffKxk5HGlR0Kg1QWbEHrBfP3wd1yWyNBMEOUVMWOLXu4TFyzdhyjJd1PRnyErZhHbfHO31xM6We5_51xHT-kx32Md/s320/268053_2251200677025_1158504628_2802982_7172272_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First grilled dinner by MDB Candle Light, of course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-84819132758096671882011-06-28T19:45:00.000-07:002011-06-28T19:46:36.909-07:00New Feature! Weekly Recipe From My Recipe Book!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Many of my readers already know that I love to cook. It makes sense, since I love making things, that I would love making things in the kitchen!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I come from a family who loves to cook too. In fact, when the time allows, a bunch of us plan on putting together a cook book to publish based on all of our combined family traditions and our respective regional immediate family recipes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pictured below is a little taste (pun intended) of what I have whipped up in the kitchen and added to my recipe book. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNHy2JjSazCF7XvHy6Z6Wq0VPxTOp4Ze22NHazbTXe0Zs3ZnB_QvxYY8rMBCVchIVa90bQeT-L5T4Ch35LHfswImjEPL9tJ8COAidJyF2pYc5VKbPfHkK5aiHRUzCwtPFSpK3I5LnjA4J/s400/76357_1711205217476_1158504628_1975375_4032335_n.jpg" width="298" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The photo is of the cake I made in 2010 for my husband's birthday. It is a peanut butter cake with peanut butter cream icing topped with crushed peanut butter cups and Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Follow my blog and follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mdesignboutique">facebook</a> for announcements about my Weekly Recipe! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Bon Apetit!</b></i></div><br />
</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529453222881542952.post-53876996787556018462011-06-22T16:49:00.000-07:002011-08-19T12:28:42.298-07:00Wedding Suite -- Bringing A Theme to the Wedding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_105246583" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ERiOXdBt1nBqVDvaBK4k04PEOcWh2HSLhqJHRRWCyh307f3GSLdwH80ULs4oid8xtBvsJKMxKabkreRke2SGT-THuOjDjQS6P6hTfVfNfQR9OTOabDnaXvUg2ilMV8oUYzBGrcwzAuP2/s320/BottleGift.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76051139/adventures-in-marriage-wedding-gift">Keep reading to learn about the photo above!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Monday was my second wedding anniversary. I married Mike Machowski on a sunny Saturday in June of 2009. The "sunny" part was a small miracle, as New England was steeped in a solid month of rain at the time and I had prepared myself for a rainy outdoor wedding...sheltered by a gazebo, and our guests sheltered under a large tent. Alas, the clouds parted and the day was all sunshine!<br />
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Celebrating our anniversary brought back all of the memories of that beautiful day, along with the images in our wedding album and a lovely gift of a whole armful of blue hydrangea blooms sent to our door by my ever-generous parents. Hydrangeas are the favorite flower of my Mom and my Mother In-Law...which influenced my decision to make them our wedding flower.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VWXMqybevG2zgFX1gVDc_bt_kBEPjSTtNzF4fN3UENwvJn0bpDkznm1EFBhIJQnegnBkCllf_JWbjHTMJDLieQjZlTbbG5oJJnH2p3JxzJDmqRNaHN0Rz7ujBFFsWUowzHs-qYbhKdmZ/s1600/EngagementRing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VWXMqybevG2zgFX1gVDc_bt_kBEPjSTtNzF4fN3UENwvJn0bpDkznm1EFBhIJQnegnBkCllf_JWbjHTMJDLieQjZlTbbG5oJJnH2p3JxzJDmqRNaHN0Rz7ujBFFsWUowzHs-qYbhKdmZ/s320/EngagementRing.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><br />
When Mike proposed, he drew a ring on my finger, explaining that he wanted my friend Angi (<a href="http://www.tinyarmour.com/">Tiny Armour Jewelry</a>) to design my ring with me. Wait for it....the ring features a hydrangea four-petal flower.<br />
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All that explained, I thought it would be a good idea to show how the hydrangea theme plays out throughout our wedding decor and a favorite wedding gift that continues to develop as we travel through our marriage.<br />
<br />
This highlights the items in M Design Boutique that can be customized to fit your wedding colors, flowers, decor or theme. Enjoy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_105246618" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGhXe0R1ir491pklB_QOjwV3VIL65qjpIB3EozhYLLHmXemnELtnl_RjR5dDg-_Qilyk53p_a1_3VC8Gs84n42nSk2gMBQAxEwWsPwJNzkK2C03evwqHggSGH6dzIGm5I0wyivSjBM2_4/s400/SummerWedding01.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76337315/wedding-or-event-candles-please-request">The Votive Candles, in Hydrangea colors, adorned the tables at our reception.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_105246604" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dUWUgu2Nl6HM6O526AQjz6qbiTpxk-F6ds_iX_fZoYp7KmRyClKl01Yj006YskhFhNPakDZmIayZFKiZ1swgH9TSoCcfhFbqRwZKUSu-66F6FTnm1sqxaiPKZeRQz-vbJNZxDPDllFjm/s400/SummerWedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_105246604">The White Votives in Frosted Cups and Dark Chocolate scented adorned the dessert table that was set up in the gazebo where we said our vows. Email </a><a href="mailto:info@mdesignboutique.com">info@mdesignboutique.com</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76337315/wedding-or-event-candles-please-request"> for a custom quote for votives, pillars or hand-dipped tapers for your event!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCKYV7SDGpkifVbSNZzKZZapE2MhU050d0E5mnMzmJG1odOrSd4bDTIIvzi4v5PduvUvu2UkTAlmxrCDhbXYklDgd5TCCVn812d6X7_upz_3oicL1a4vRWK6RBlWAHbn3ZjPNfWBzQ9xG/s1600/SurvivalKit02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCKYV7SDGpkifVbSNZzKZZapE2MhU050d0E5mnMzmJG1odOrSd4bDTIIvzi4v5PduvUvu2UkTAlmxrCDhbXYklDgd5TCCVn812d6X7_upz_3oicL1a4vRWK6RBlWAHbn3ZjPNfWBzQ9xG/s320/SurvivalKit02.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67672636/wedding-day-bridal-survival-kit-with">Bridal Survival Kit</a>" that comes with anything a Bride might need (bobby pins, stain remover, calming candle, sewing kit, etc) at the last minute. This makes a great Bridal Shower Gift or something the Bridesmaids can show up with!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_105246624" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv0hG3rCYBBZdlM-HSgmuvuHvKV_NSFXlSrDJFEEVFyr4hsjx6csm4RDIHdMrKQw9s7BwII3eNJy7wUBpHpzTjtuh91kM7cXp7gjuy0YlfhbDyOc9Y4Axz8jCIVqN7L-Q4a1hH_uJsVOF/s400/weddingTins.jpg" width="381" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_105246624">Hydrangea Fragrance Soy Travel Candle Favor Gifts. The labels and fragrance can be customized and the more you order, the bigger the discounts!</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_105246624"><br />
</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72275309/wedding-reception-travel-candles-please"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_105246578" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55i22ZNo7ci8-pMFGY834xMkP8uRj8IV1teKwOT7hVSW05HIA9AgMYSyXZK3WCYli-ObNxYxXZPs2prOqKrBje8tvaW9iebbzIuKZOi5JJ1npmEEJ4l-xasdJRJEA2U0wdXCh8vCknfGb/s400/outdoor.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_105246578">This is an amazing wedding gift from my Mom. The idea is that throughout our marriage we can collect things and label them with locations and dates to display our adventures together. I love this idea so much, I created custom labels and am now offering this in M Design Boutique with custom or stock labels! </a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76051139/adventures-in-marriage-wedding-gift"><br />
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</div>Now that we have been married for two years, I have been able to enjoy a little taste of the memories from our wedding day when I look at the photos, my ring, burn a candle or look up at the mantle where "Our Adventures in Marriage" bottles are on display.<br />
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Here is the instruction sheet that comes with your custom gift:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9Ycx8oKDP6mr95HGVUvTNWbVd8SccDoqRZLG0NeYi7sRg-SZQsmEpcara-iSE4qSeBLt9TZ0ISJYAuW50rNI9KTaKr6IMKLzGEdP5H8EzlR0ysQbkuGjn9nInXymDfBGAfKPQF9AIi6C/s1600/AdventuresInMarriageInfo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9Ycx8oKDP6mr95HGVUvTNWbVd8SccDoqRZLG0NeYi7sRg-SZQsmEpcara-iSE4qSeBLt9TZ0ISJYAuW50rNI9KTaKr6IMKLzGEdP5H8EzlR0ysQbkuGjn9nInXymDfBGAfKPQF9AIi6C/s1600/AdventuresInMarriageInfo.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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If you would like a custom "suite" for your wedding, email me and we can customize a package of any of these ideas for you. I can even put you in touch with my ring designer!<br />
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</div>Melissa (Fouch) Machowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13977389668676251617noreply@blogger.com1