tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9950494297027903172024-03-21T15:55:35.444+09:00KopperRose On The RunI've been running around the globe soaking up the goodness of various cultures but it's getting close to that time for me to go home to the good ol' U.S.A and build an abode of my own. I'm going off grid and I'm sharing the journey. It might take a while but I'll get there. Stay tuned!KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-66519907362800376042012-12-28T20:22:00.001+09:002012-12-28T20:22:15.284+09:00Inexpensive Greenhouse Living <span style="font-size: large;">Today I went on a little tour of Korean Green Houses turned Living Space. It is popular practice to convert plastic (or vinyl) metal frame green houses into temporary and even permanent living spaces. I had an opportunity to check out one generous man's home up close. He was kind enough to not only let me walk around his home freely but he also spent a great deal of time explaining the process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is what the house looks like from the street- just a green house, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is the entrance. There is a locking door which leads to the greenhouse and a walkway that leads to living space in the rear.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The black blocks stacked near the entrance are round blocks of coal which are used in the stove for cooking and heating the interior of the home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the right of the path, there is a smaller greenhouse in which the family grows cabbage and onion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The smaller building out back, is used for drying vegetables and there is a homemade barrel stove for heating water and cooking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the entrance to the smaller house that belongs to a relative. As you can see if you look closely, the front structure is a typical greenhouse, but there is a mud brick pathway inside that leads to the second structure which holds the living space. It is covered with a special sandwich of fabrics to keep the environment, dry, warm in the winter and cool in the summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are the hens who provide a steady flow of eggs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the countryside, there were many of these vinyl homes. Some more neatly wrapped than others. The owner of the first home explained that the house is covered in a sandwich of layers composed of </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">(from inside out) a couple of layers of low loft cotton tarp,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> a heavy duty plastic tarp, a kind of recycled high loft matting, more heavy duty plastic tarp and a layer of the black vinyl that you see in the picture below. I was concerned that the black vinyl would cause the interior to become way too hot during the summer months but the Ajashi (old man) assured me that the purpose of the black tarp is to keep the sun out and the interior temperature cool. He has no air conditioning and says that they are comfortable in the summer. I did however, notice a fan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the entrance to another house that we spotted on our drive. It was very neatly trimmed. There were even windows that opened and a side door as well as a back door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not quite sure why all the dried vegetation was clumped up around the base of the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to see inside but unfortunately, no one was home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the back of the house. It appears that the poles for the porch are ready to be covered in tarp.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to see a video of our tour inside one of these, you can watch it here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wehFUgGpp-M&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wehFUgGpp-M&feature=youtu.be</a> and here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAslfeES2jU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAslfeES2jU</a> </span>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-47576118860327418752012-12-28T04:11:00.001+09:002012-12-28T04:11:33.288+09:00Homemade Shower Scrub and Bath Salts<span style="font-size: large;">I made these shower scrubs (AKA bath salts) to give as Christmas presents to my co-workers. Many of them don't have tubs so, I adjusted the ingredients for use in the shower instead. Usually, for the tub, I use a larger salt crystal that takes longer to dissolve. For the scrubs, I used a large but finer grain of salt. That dissolves not as easily as your typical table salt, but faster than the bath salt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You'll need the following ingredients: Salt, food coloring, grape seed oil (or other carrier oil of your choice), essential oils and clean containers with lids. In all honesty, I have to say that this time, I had to make such a large amount that I didn't really pay much attention to my measurements. I go by touch, appearance and smell but for those of you new to the craft, I'll give you some basic guidelines to start with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, take about 3-4 cups of coarse salt (epson is fine) for a scrub or rock salt for the bath. You can use either of these in the bath but the larger crystals dissolve more slowly. Therefore, the smaller crystals are more suitable for the shower.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, mix your oil and food coloring. Once the solution is mixed well, add it to your salts. Gradually stir the oil and color into the salts until all of the crystals are completely covered. Use a plastic or wooden spoon to avoid any reactions that may occur using metals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like rich vibrant colors. I call this mix Manderine Rose. It smells divine. After adding the carrier oil and color, I add my essential oils (approximately 10-15 drops total) depending on my choosen fragrance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I usually crumble dried herbs and/or flowers into the mix. This adds to the fragrance, helps to bind and hold the scent and adds nice color, texture and extra exfoliation properties. These lavender petals were added to my Lavender salts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This blend is comprised of Lavender and Rose essential oils with a bit of vanilla. Sooooo, nice. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT4rPlttC5J04A06qrBlXLkH0paT49ZTVP8WNvnJYKOCMByNqcf7GB5v55IL9Tws-qMK1DcV37Yy99c0y5z1dJ1YiET-UYByWdqNyyzGLkDZbiwl7zmwLmBhwDao7D9J1beTA4CLeM-Zw/s1600/2012-12-23+23.17.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT4rPlttC5J04A06qrBlXLkH0paT49ZTVP8WNvnJYKOCMByNqcf7GB5v55IL9Tws-qMK1DcV37Yy99c0y5z1dJ1YiET-UYByWdqNyyzGLkDZbiwl7zmwLmBhwDao7D9J1beTA4CLeM-Zw/s320/2012-12-23+23.17.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I recycle glass jars, make my own labels and I use either recycled fabric or in this case, wrapping paper printed on recycled paper from prints found on the internet. Simply fill your containers, add a label and a lid, cover with the paper or fabric, then a rubber band and some string or ribbon. There you have it. Everything I needed for this project was already in my home. Well, except for the wrapping paper prints</span>.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Notes: For shower use, you may want to use shatter proof containers for safety purposes. I use the glass but I'm extra careful and only scoop out what I'm going to use into a small wooden dish. </span></i>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-11856700625801481912012-12-28T02:09:00.003+09:002012-12-28T18:13:40.491+09:00Off-Grid Heating and Cooking the Asian Way<span style="font-size: large;">The art of cooking off-grid is no stranger to the people of Asia. Japan and South Korea have a long history of the utilization of mud/clay wood fueled cook stoves which heat the home as well. In Korea, floors are kept cozy with a type of heating called on-dol. This is where pipes from the stove run the course of the house and provide toasty warmth to cold toes through the floor. </span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKraoPSNcmonwLl08-2GarP-UoLGKU2wZ7a0wbbr-nk00W7BREKTvucAx89zqHPpK7UO6HG_W96Vmp40xJuitDZartCBxRpd6tNT9YxO20blZcZqEc50SGv0XC1Xgr8JSxREX5HgdTt48/s1600/PhotoGrid_1354455451731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKraoPSNcmonwLl08-2GarP-UoLGKU2wZ7a0wbbr-nk00W7BREKTvucAx89zqHPpK7UO6HG_W96Vmp40xJuitDZartCBxRpd6tNT9YxO20blZcZqEc50SGv0XC1Xgr8JSxREX5HgdTt48/s320/PhotoGrid_1354455451731.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the above photos, all of the stoves are Korean except for the one in the lower right corner. That particular stove is Japanese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My preference is for the stove in the top right corner. However, my plan is to use standard rocket stove construction as a base in an attempt to limit the need for firewood. Rocket stoves burn more effectively therefore, utilizing much less fuel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a diagram of how ondol technology works vs that of the rocket stove:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzb8P0CaHXh8W0eOp1dfQh0HlirhqhnTuOqae-69ls9VY4mo0SmkWQ9RJy_H1MbgmkHLMG5LRNlHCTcbRTdDDazM0yKhyphenhyphenw2Gcf7gPPpOHcrZKVR6G-NAeiH9qoS1z4ZWZWHU5z3VPJcmF/s1600/ondol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzb8P0CaHXh8W0eOp1dfQh0HlirhqhnTuOqae-69ls9VY4mo0SmkWQ9RJy_H1MbgmkHLMG5LRNlHCTcbRTdDDazM0yKhyphenhyphenw2Gcf7gPPpOHcrZKVR6G-NAeiH9qoS1z4ZWZWHU5z3VPJcmF/s320/ondol.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8z_vKEppIyB_vFi4axaejjhKPwpIvolK-ZMrwWew1K760MlrOEezvGJjc5YiINk5NzEDGYmrfuX7J32_uGcNSd8AfEq2yUSJ72v574zEbjAW2_xdA24uIc3IJzrLHIn5ixFlF4xtz3-M/s1600/ondol3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8z_vKEppIyB_vFi4axaejjhKPwpIvolK-ZMrwWew1K760MlrOEezvGJjc5YiINk5NzEDGYmrfuX7J32_uGcNSd8AfEq2yUSJ72v574zEbjAW2_xdA24uIc3IJzrLHIn5ixFlF4xtz3-M/s320/ondol3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rocket Stove:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrJ7f3yi0yDJpSYMCDfm0AOnGqrE1OfAPcJKdwMvnIFVjbyFv8Id37SaD5w0yU5nf0ATBvU-7gGzgCRv3f96foiCbfb0vMzpHVAajHe9K2HyVfD2p3RpQc0FxpTwmQmvpI527lgl0QSHb/s1600/rockstv.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrJ7f3yi0yDJpSYMCDfm0AOnGqrE1OfAPcJKdwMvnIFVjbyFv8Id37SaD5w0yU5nf0ATBvU-7gGzgCRv3f96foiCbfb0vMzpHVAajHe9K2HyVfD2p3RpQc0FxpTwmQmvpI527lgl0QSHb/s320/rockstv.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the rocket stove, There are people who have actually run pipes from their rocket stoves underneath the flooring to create heating much like that of the traditional Korean ondol. Check out this link to see a video: <a href="http://www.permies.com/t/5831/stoves/underfloor-heating-system-rocket-mass">http://www.permies.com/t/5831/stoves/underfloor-heating-system-rocket-mass</a></span></div>
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KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-55166488909540576112012-12-28T00:33:00.000+09:002012-12-28T01:16:10.125+09:00An Experimentation with LED Battery Powered Lights<span style="font-size: large;">It's been awhile but I'm back. I've been experimenting with various off-grid lighting sources. Today, I decided to see which method would bring me the most light between a basic candle and an led battery powered light bulb or two. Here are the pics, you be the judge:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOOHTCaFL5QFlZrJZoyzJPse2UnTLZHsY0Jhye8ie74p50s3fM43u1VB-zo9WGYTYSI-Wqr_aId5ah2LCiqYtIlvZhuyz6HzPuWoOTUnQ0TzZ38O6oBFocHIG9wPzjBBcvyCWBNWARV3m/s1600/PhotoGrid_1356618672635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOOHTCaFL5QFlZrJZoyzJPse2UnTLZHsY0Jhye8ie74p50s3fM43u1VB-zo9WGYTYSI-Wqr_aId5ah2LCiqYtIlvZhuyz6HzPuWoOTUnQ0TzZ38O6oBFocHIG9wPzjBBcvyCWBNWARV3m/s320/PhotoGrid_1356618672635.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm using the Awa led light bulb made in South Korea. It has a sturdy base and an on/off switch on the side of the base. The bulb comes with an adhesive as well as a bracket for more permanent mounting. The lights don't compare to your standard incandescent bulb but it's enough light to make a cup of tea and to read by. It lights my tiny bathroom well enough to function within it properly. However, I wouldn't trust it for make-up application or more intricate work (whatever that may be). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">With one bulb, you have some light. With two or more, ah, more, of course. I'm happy that they use very little power and they're cool to the touch. They're inexpensive ( I paid about $6 U.S.) but it depends on where you purchase them. I have not seen these particular lights online in the U.S. However, you can order them from Korea. The similar bulbs sold in the U.S. via Amazon just don't measure up as they aren't as bright and they are quite flimsy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to see the video, check out my youtube channel: http:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4hY8qAotPg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4hY8qAotPg</a></span>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-3302451208045885032012-05-01T08:04:00.001+09:002012-05-01T08:05:56.138+09:00Solar Powered Generator Kit<div style="color: purple;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I got a call this morning from a relative who'd watched a program featuring this plug and play solar powered generator kit. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-IIThk1SNGiSn58ziTQyoVPX2FIOdv-7SElZMXRocLQptwQAJOnRAXN9UM_DP8ZdDelhU_oPWvobwnJtV4JdBC4Lm_o3jil-en6jUvgT-K7aNMhmU_wyAF3QqrIWBHlXCXkGD0oEjI99/s1600/Solargen1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-IIThk1SNGiSn58ziTQyoVPX2FIOdv-7SElZMXRocLQptwQAJOnRAXN9UM_DP8ZdDelhU_oPWvobwnJtV4JdBC4Lm_o3jil-en6jUvgT-K7aNMhmU_wyAF3QqrIWBHlXCXkGD0oEjI99/s400/Solargen1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">The kits sells for about $1800. U.S. and it is only sold in the United States.</span></span> <a href="http://www.mysolarbackup.com/">There's a video and more info here</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I did a little looking around and found that you could probably put together your own kit and or find a comparable one that works pretty much the same.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.solarhome.org/solargenerator.html">Solar Home also carries similar generators.</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">I also found this site which teaches you how to make your own solar generator for $300!</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.rain.org/%7Ephilfear/how2solar.html">$300 DIY Solar Generator</a>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-30763427445483117192012-04-30T20:49:00.001+09:002012-04-30T20:51:52.570+09:00Thoughts about LIving Off Grid<div style="color: blue;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's interesting that most people think of living off grid as strange or extreme. It saddens me to think about how difficult it is to truly live the, "American Dream". Despite the state of the economy, many brave individuals have proven that living this way is not only healthier, smarter and better for the environment, but also that it is very doable on a small budget. Unfortunately, there are many unbelievably ridiculous obstacles preventing others, who so desire, from living self-sufficient lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">I recently watched Garbage Warriors, the documentary featuring architect Michael Reynolds' three year journey through off-grid earth-ship pioneering hell and back. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVHQhll9nz6zFt0SetX6iyjPmyOtyGvVSkw0ofU0M5m_m20TvZCGLjsgx-5WI2AG9ur2calDaKA72TBwUDVUucZDZPCQB9Ugm_DDEZU-WpwlX0H4o1KgRvXVEp6LBcoMrJ49mz69Sw5qa/s1600/garbage-warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVHQhll9nz6zFt0SetX6iyjPmyOtyGvVSkw0ofU0M5m_m20TvZCGLjsgx-5WI2AG9ur2calDaKA72TBwUDVUucZDZPCQB9Ugm_DDEZU-WpwlX0H4o1KgRvXVEp6LBcoMrJ49mz69Sw5qa/s400/garbage-warrior.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">It's very long but well worth it.</span></span></span> <a href="http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/garbage-warrior/">You can watch the documentary here.</a><br />
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<br />KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-90458499485534464842012-04-28T20:15:00.000+09:002012-04-28T20:15:01.170+09:00Eating Mild in South Korea<span style="font-size: large;">Korean Food is Spicy! It's not Mexican food spicy, it's not Indian food spicy, it's not even Thai spicy but it's hot! So, how can one with very low tolerance for spicy food survive in South Korea? Well, Korea has a little secret- you can actually find milder cuisine. Here are a few Korean dishes, some spicy, some not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bulgogi (Korean Style bbq beef) with rice and veggies, dumplings,naemyeong (cold noodle soup), sweet pickled radish and kimchi. Except for the Kimchi, not spicy at all.</span><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/AVvXsEhQTN8lrcnE__digHs9tQIEhuZxU15D7eRfUh3oNyzVBliH7_ONLhAu_zw_PwauW977m_i7w5F-m7w048U-DACylIvWDFDqR4EVMeqgVSrYtK9f7ug_7h5YqAO3WQ1yBv9i5kynHpzoPr6H/s1600/377892_10150452872616940_538101939_8606419_842652104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTN8lrcnE__digHs9tQIEhuZxU15D7eRfUh3oNyzVBliH7_ONLhAu_zw_PwauW977m_i7w5F-m7w048U-DACylIvWDFDqR4EVMeqgVSrYtK9f7ug_7h5YqAO3WQ1yBv9i5kynHpzoPr6H/s400/377892_10150452872616940_538101939_8606419_842652104_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Department and Super Store Cuisine. This is what the plastic food looks like in the window.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEiihyphenhyphenp-XtrPVMZlNl4Y-7ueLPCZ89mX67Z8-GidbFIHhzYiOV6-83zbBR6GDNAQSiMjJFwwRbpSBkzbBe64tEFILkgJ8xSzZXdmGQ9i637Sa2BR4UYrG6Tx6IyOjRhn7VjZyhKTn5z_l-f5/s1600/379429_10150452872561940_538101939_8606416_1028445725_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihyphenhyphenp-XtrPVMZlNl4Y-7ueLPCZ89mX67Z8-GidbFIHhzYiOV6-83zbBR6GDNAQSiMjJFwwRbpSBkzbBe64tEFILkgJ8xSzZXdmGQ9i637Sa2BR4UYrG6Tx6IyOjRhn7VjZyhKTn5z_l-f5/s400/379429_10150452872561940_538101939_8606416_1028445725_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what it actually looks like when you get it.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorites-kimbap (pretty much like Japanese sushi roll)- Unless you make a special request for it, not spicy.</span><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/AVvXsEjZ4RsJN6lnAEZVhMOiVj1A83k-OBjLnY2XLuUuHagxrYd-t8uTN9uEzZqp5J2VncpCc_yPAEaG2-F8mfKIXtz8oNlm_tR_c7MZCNDGAK2O9WS-5GbhKl2nBUhH7s7zFBDYSZZgHeB0Zib5/s1600/255743_10150232668016940_538101939_7316679_7100202_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4RsJN6lnAEZVhMOiVj1A83k-OBjLnY2XLuUuHagxrYd-t8uTN9uEzZqp5J2VncpCc_yPAEaG2-F8mfKIXtz8oNlm_tR_c7MZCNDGAK2O9WS-5GbhKl2nBUhH7s7zFBDYSZZgHeB0Zib5/s400/255743_10150232668016940_538101939_7316679_7100202_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chum Chi (Tuna/Mayo) Kimbap</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is absolutely wonderful! I love having this meal in the winter and/or when I'm feeling a little homesick. It's almost like my grandfather's hearty chicken and dumpling stew. but without the dumplings and carrots. This dish can be ordered as mild as you like it. If you're at all interested in maintaining the use of your tongue and taste buds, make sure you say, Waygookin (foreigner) mild not Korean mild. Yeah, I learned that the hard way.</span><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/AVvXsEhfxfH3L_j10Bj52wjP2yqe5itXfeihbbBlKHDIZCsqrQem5Ty_vRfgbdPRYEc92EIHJedLxEMdEPqDh-F5xQcyzI6uav59fGsbBaAIMOz-mmbG6St55i6MqGUrwhMLOpFBbWFPyFESE1TX/s1600/325612_10150378605001940_538101939_8304848_1861619786_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxfH3L_j10Bj52wjP2yqe5itXfeihbbBlKHDIZCsqrQem5Ty_vRfgbdPRYEc92EIHJedLxEMdEPqDh-F5xQcyzI6uav59fGsbBaAIMOz-mmbG6St55i6MqGUrwhMLOpFBbWFPyFESE1TX/s320/325612_10150378605001940_538101939_8304848_1861619786_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Chicken Soup-Mild without the noodles.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The same stew as above but made the traditional Korean way. See the heat? Can you feel it?</span><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/AVvXsEjAcGQoXDYdQb9lBjKPHxiKw_gFUge6a3FPhkTKK2fvNXi7_BmucCqng0PoF5pQhR7eXrx_ypjXMRUpz_A2UfW9JzQjPEnch1aCPZU8q1WT8N5QzrwhGYK7cdMNBHK-3mG2JCKXbmxFiGLC/s1600/162812_478522786939_538101939_5663527_7840093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcGQoXDYdQb9lBjKPHxiKw_gFUge6a3FPhkTKK2fvNXi7_BmucCqng0PoF5pQhR7eXrx_ypjXMRUpz_A2UfW9JzQjPEnch1aCPZU8q1WT8N5QzrwhGYK7cdMNBHK-3mG2JCKXbmxFiGLC/s320/162812_478522786939_538101939_5663527_7840093_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korean Black Chicken Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Korean sweet potato is served up in many ways. Here it's fried, honeyed and topped with almond slices and sprinkled with black sesame. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarJRkjyjjsRyZCemduAsBRte1otagWeI6MnBbxyyQngSYBN59GPc8-6UFQ1Foq59y4ANguiEfS2SjwzGam31WbdWM0nXxANajXis0QePoB8EE7GB_ftEzVEa9hDvg9oJgwXeFG9IQA6T9/s1600/323872_10150369501296940_1483229531_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarJRkjyjjsRyZCemduAsBRte1otagWeI6MnBbxyyQngSYBN59GPc8-6UFQ1Foq59y4ANguiEfS2SjwzGam31WbdWM0nXxANajXis0QePoB8EE7GB_ftEzVEa9hDvg9oJgwXeFG9IQA6T9/s320/323872_10150369501296940_1483229531_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korean Sweet Potato</td></tr>
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Korea is known for it's varied inexpensive street food. You can find Dokkbokki (spicy rice noodle) almost everywhere. I once actually came across one that I could eat without scorching my tongue but my stomach's rebuttal was very stern and unforgiving. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqDZ39gg1UZvcS-uuQXxzZgGFGOBzP3nvmCw_zDKqG54hDcp1m075jm14fgRhvRp-Noi-1GLqSZHVsMPAz78QO86Yy0tUJmnUyHbEjDlftg4QhIw5mMUjbUlF32yDuUmeDViBqRkdaa-S/s1600/2638_60080506939_538101939_1510376_6979762_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqDZ39gg1UZvcS-uuQXxzZgGFGOBzP3nvmCw_zDKqG54hDcp1m075jm14fgRhvRp-Noi-1GLqSZHVsMPAz78QO86Yy0tUJmnUyHbEjDlftg4QhIw5mMUjbUlF32yDuUmeDViBqRkdaa-S/s320/2638_60080506939_538101939_1510376_6979762_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VERY SPICY! Dokkboki.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite side dishes in a very mildly twangy steamed broccoli.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruUNNL2A8MS_UgzRdm06G-6D1iMsvmM5s0xh9qtrx3w0e-VlsiN92EHEFGWisxGq4w6uiTHKiHQj-T_3bWcBdu98623ETWELlpPlQwcz67V0PJjCh8Xwkl0w86pFgI9UnYNfwFySwL84P/s1600/338923_10150378605451940_538101939_8304852_1153130204_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruUNNL2A8MS_UgzRdm06G-6D1iMsvmM5s0xh9qtrx3w0e-VlsiN92EHEFGWisxGq4w6uiTHKiHQj-T_3bWcBdu98623ETWELlpPlQwcz67V0PJjCh8Xwkl0w86pFgI9UnYNfwFySwL84P/s320/338923_10150378605451940_538101939_8304852_1153130204_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korean-style broccoli</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDskCI7m1sPV-qJYjn1H-56AsU26SG01bWSE6MDfQjZtQJMVys2ZKdPpXj1zVa3j-rVxfYTaSkUwLIZ820Nm560snflKOiCF1XvokBGqL9DRE4Th142AHOUd1Q9wmv_aQkyWyOh2z4Zpg/s1600/192146_10150125794036940_538101939_6486496_2935056_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDskCI7m1sPV-qJYjn1H-56AsU26SG01bWSE6MDfQjZtQJMVys2ZKdPpXj1zVa3j-rVxfYTaSkUwLIZ820Nm560snflKOiCF1XvokBGqL9DRE4Th142AHOUd1Q9wmv_aQkyWyOh2z4Zpg/s320/192146_10150125794036940_538101939_6486496_2935056_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very Delicious Ginseng Hen in a Crock- Mild too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjRkeDlNr16duymIdixGGJt9mXeJ5rj-Ng5ebCh7_5EatCjYSeKcF3LhAZMvmY3p_zUarSxfCuIvaR8MFQyl6RXYdfd6zQ00p1zvhwT8wdjOWHfLiUiDLViA2URVQHnaidYE4sdVpXU67/s1600/194937_10150125794126940_538101939_6486498_3227933_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjRkeDlNr16duymIdixGGJt9mXeJ5rj-Ng5ebCh7_5EatCjYSeKcF3LhAZMvmY3p_zUarSxfCuIvaR8MFQyl6RXYdfd6zQ00p1zvhwT8wdjOWHfLiUiDLViA2URVQHnaidYE4sdVpXU67/s320/194937_10150125794126940_538101939_6486498_3227933_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sides- Salad, garlic, radish kimchi, white kimchi, pickled radish, peppers, soybean paste</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zXDA52v2sV0Un4zVX7ZDNoxj0Coda1AUx23u4ngn94THB88_DEzEePlitS9uN6-6sgC59T0Bc8M7K7C9qcDdbgQlDOFczWq_ONxXON7DwwoamlCEXgWPUffRK2UEmLWkNkDf0TzOKIZN/s1600/195888_10150125797931940_538101939_6486556_7485124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zXDA52v2sV0Un4zVX7ZDNoxj0Coda1AUx23u4ngn94THB88_DEzEePlitS9uN6-6sgC59T0Bc8M7K7C9qcDdbgQlDOFczWq_ONxXON7DwwoamlCEXgWPUffRK2UEmLWkNkDf0TzOKIZN/s320/195888_10150125797931940_538101939_6486556_7485124_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickled Eggplant </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy Sesame Leaves (I can't eat this one)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HmzQKjb9UiUnVqvtoimqL3I8Oa4uAS4EWWyNweYMtD-fYF8YhmDJdkDET6szDBV8Q4dpmOnmkm9vKotanWLgvxNHPUGniUgmPmsORXG1MeQmrIBkx6Tf5akZ9qk778ZLZebS5wXaTukL/s1600/196671_10150125798101940_538101939_6486563_4749623_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HmzQKjb9UiUnVqvtoimqL3I8Oa4uAS4EWWyNweYMtD-fYF8YhmDJdkDET6szDBV8Q4dpmOnmkm9vKotanWLgvxNHPUGniUgmPmsORXG1MeQmrIBkx6Tf5akZ9qk778ZLZebS5wXaTukL/s320/196671_10150125798101940_538101939_6486563_4749623_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy Shredded Radish (Too spicy for me)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulgogi cooking at the table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBN_N4CEg3N-pmW52Hi0Mtj_vYCtyEZlMZ1wmiDyPB8vJLRpRLbxopzl8doTNg3MBIZdVn3ho8q7_Y_WuOOg51SR_j4oCneZ8oTY_LjLuswCq3-Zj_LWVqPZJonMZOGDoFUAKSzWSU-bf/s1600/196885_10150125794191940_538101939_6486500_1095320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBN_N4CEg3N-pmW52Hi0Mtj_vYCtyEZlMZ1wmiDyPB8vJLRpRLbxopzl8doTNg3MBIZdVn3ho8q7_Y_WuOOg51SR_j4oCneZ8oTY_LjLuswCq3-Zj_LWVqPZJonMZOGDoFUAKSzWSU-bf/s320/196885_10150125794191940_538101939_6486500_1095320_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Yummy Chicken Soup again with the noodles but without all the spice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaf0_Q2MFTVPv90LXaO2rkFkqOAO5vsAJkza45XxPlib2kh-DpUL3I_4AY02VA2nPKIneznwKvzUrBtvVZYKcHMyXlvnewsnZAtkcNiWFb_atF9iDniLckon_FsVFj4-9yDIvmTCwyAnB/s1600/329885_10150369500211940_538101939_8267372_1775245391_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaf0_Q2MFTVPv90LXaO2rkFkqOAO5vsAJkza45XxPlib2kh-DpUL3I_4AY02VA2nPKIneznwKvzUrBtvVZYKcHMyXlvnewsnZAtkcNiWFb_atF9iDniLckon_FsVFj4-9yDIvmTCwyAnB/s320/329885_10150369500211940_538101939_8267372_1775245391_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Waffle. Koreans love their sugary waffles topped with ice-cream.</td></tr>
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<br />KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-22929195381250958592012-04-25T22:27:00.002+09:002012-04-25T22:37:03.628+09:00Resting in South KoreaMy favorite place to take a break in Seoul is P.J. Hotel. The hotel is located in Seoul with easy access by taxi or bus to many interesting attractions. I usually just go there for a break- when I need a little time away from it all to think, write, read, shop and/or luxuriate in a nice bath. The only thing that's missing is room service. I honestly can't believe that they are lacking in this area. Shame, shame, shame.<br />
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Anywho, I decided to post some pics from some of my South Korea hotel and hostel stays. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">PJ Hotel in Seoul near Myeondong</span></div>
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This hotel is a little difficult to locate but it's well worth the journey. (Don't waste your time with the subway. Taxi rides in Seoul are inexpensive) Print the map in Korean and hand it to the taxi driver and let him worry about getting you there. It's a lot better than getting lost down all those smelly side streets. Once you've had a chance to wander around, then ride the subway.<br />
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As with any hotel, the rates at P.J. vary depending on the season, day, demand, etc.<br />
Rooms can be as much as $340 per night for a double. The room pictured below is the most expensive aside from the penthouse suites. I never spend this much but I get to stay in the nice suites because I look for deals and always book online through third-party websites. My advice to you, shop around as there is usually a better deal but be savy enough to know when it's as good as it's going to get and make your move.<br />
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<b>Pros</b>: Clean, spacious, extraordinarily comfortable beds, complimentary tea and kettle, nice traditional options, very friendly staff. Oh, and there's free wifi in the room.<br />
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<b>Cons</b>: As mentioned above, there is no room service. The place is a tad difficult to locate. The immediate area looks a little grungy (especially at night) with all the long side streets, smelly stalls and wet sidewalks but once you get past all that, it's a nice place to stay. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5sHTBKv52REqAn2d4_Oaf97GujiisBmevtgUBQBudiv7h5nEfTa0BwAAUHYdSWF9Ig4kWk_ypdejqdV2e7ANIuudMMPtzIiHpkmedCXN5WvOe2YUXwhH0OeDGQrT0jcgOzA6JwlUOo0m/s1600/296082_10150292319361940_6045693_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5sHTBKv52REqAn2d4_Oaf97GujiisBmevtgUBQBudiv7h5nEfTa0BwAAUHYdSWF9Ig4kWk_ypdejqdV2e7ANIuudMMPtzIiHpkmedCXN5WvOe2YUXwhH0OeDGQrT0jcgOzA6JwlUOo0m/s320/296082_10150292319361940_6045693_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to PJ. Hotel, South Korea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PJ Hotel Powder Area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy71uSS-ltCzrkkvhobFIPHYqELu3Mw2aYgEtP6R6OrcD1i55jLoImd5pzc1gbQELD-orrrCI1Smw5rERK3kOzdd9osCowHLPVvFl5P8-UPa7d9MlAAKlEPfTISQE-ysUqdZcHRIirwEl9/s1600/303167_10150296652596940_538101939_7826172_2425118_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy71uSS-ltCzrkkvhobFIPHYqELu3Mw2aYgEtP6R6OrcD1i55jLoImd5pzc1gbQELD-orrrCI1Smw5rERK3kOzdd9osCowHLPVvFl5P8-UPa7d9MlAAKlEPfTISQE-ysUqdZcHRIirwEl9/s320/303167_10150296652596940_538101939_7826172_2425118_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Sleeping/Living Area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxQoTyzdoSAIEn4gIC_Xz1fr1O59tNlmAlEfsp3gzQw_34Uz3xBTRKbkeSQ0CvZrfnRnD_E6jRcG0V_fje01Jwl_KytXHZjeKjv4qGWeELfqdYS7SjI1I5QpWzPOkeVKzaHXoVNrdX0Ra/s1600/296137_10150296652656940_538101939_7826174_1264529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxQoTyzdoSAIEn4gIC_Xz1fr1O59tNlmAlEfsp3gzQw_34Uz3xBTRKbkeSQ0CvZrfnRnD_E6jRcG0V_fje01Jwl_KytXHZjeKjv4qGWeELfqdYS7SjI1I5QpWzPOkeVKzaHXoVNrdX0Ra/s320/296137_10150296652656940_538101939_7826174_1264529_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite Suite. I simply melt in these beds. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzu1Sxy5zUHvTlLd5QkNBnaxsw4r1cGHSqDYsNF_mNynaqPqbY_MOhmFiqs3T2f_da5DEPa6Eu90JT_ift0NpmkGKEET9Ooyx5mPKTxd2Zmx-Rs8UyJb0hWfmV_f2QrAhABn-zYmTn35L/s1600/305172_10150296652866940_538101939_7826179_5469116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzu1Sxy5zUHvTlLd5QkNBnaxsw4r1cGHSqDYsNF_mNynaqPqbY_MOhmFiqs3T2f_da5DEPa6Eu90JT_ift0NpmkGKEET9Ooyx5mPKTxd2Zmx-Rs8UyJb0hWfmV_f2QrAhABn-zYmTn35L/s320/305172_10150296652866940_538101939_7826179_5469116_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large, flat screen tv w/HD. I have no idea why anyone would need two but, that's how many you'll find in this suite.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Samjung Hotel in Seoul</span>-<span style="font-size: large;">Gangnam</span> </div>
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There are many expensive hotels in the vicinity. However, Samjung offers an affordable and comfortable opportunity to stay in the area without paying out the nose.<br />
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Pros: Great location, clean and comfortable rooms, good customer service, room service available. Business center. Restaurants, shopping and attractions in walking distance as a few short taxi rides. The staff is very helpful with recommendations.<br />
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Cons: No wifi in the room. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NhfYkJTc3SUnZDEajb8lNXPqH0oR1dWr02Y1Ja38q6W2Kray0lgCbKtVptb0Ac0-z_D6BZSblMG45n5bHrjhHk4X8oz9FynqchqG5EWQEkDV7gXGPm73eVfKYOgJ67Hu2vJ7tEtJJI1c/s1600/285574_10150273453081940_538101939_7600283_3925228_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NhfYkJTc3SUnZDEajb8lNXPqH0oR1dWr02Y1Ja38q6W2Kray0lgCbKtVptb0Ac0-z_D6BZSblMG45n5bHrjhHk4X8oz9FynqchqG5EWQEkDV7gXGPm73eVfKYOgJ67Hu2vJ7tEtJJI1c/s320/285574_10150273453081940_538101939_7600283_3925228_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03y4C52oLitEWmuu5RdaNWGZvGKaFwL5XT5Vmk-FCuY1hTH-EiBFpqcIgoMldCoBC6LGuRftK1pN9de7ttIy0_2Pi86v4e5N8IE6rSY4vEy5kr0ALp7Kqk9XQKacqM2t9Cxwu648-Bk9p/s1600/185203_10150273453016940_538101939_7600282_1138585_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03y4C52oLitEWmuu5RdaNWGZvGKaFwL5XT5Vmk-FCuY1hTH-EiBFpqcIgoMldCoBC6LGuRftK1pN9de7ttIy0_2Pi86v4e5N8IE6rSY4vEy5kr0ALp7Kqk9XQKacqM2t9Cxwu648-Bk9p/s320/185203_10150273453016940_538101939_7600282_1138585_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samjung Hotel Lobby</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBCJPWg-coy2KAKHCAJOMXA05UG5NkECFhiPwIyLQc8qDS58B_e9AzhMtgY9QvCdc_rHETDPFcxNUwzRGOX3QFP1BcjumwoPnX2BoYqtZ_B3x-7NGEEVfiqz7mlj-NzGs1xExh2SdKMEN/s1600/206144_10150273452161940_538101939_7600271_3583156_n+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBCJPWg-coy2KAKHCAJOMXA05UG5NkECFhiPwIyLQc8qDS58B_e9AzhMtgY9QvCdc_rHETDPFcxNUwzRGOX3QFP1BcjumwoPnX2BoYqtZ_B3x-7NGEEVfiqz7mlj-NzGs1xExh2SdKMEN/s320/206144_10150273452161940_538101939_7600271_3583156_n+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room was tight but alright. These are no P.J. beds but I slept well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samjung at night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS88EiAorvAAL2FCv7TxIoCQmM0OM9v1aQfrtWCOgJDO3XFCLQBB_dVtzIUwAEInwQZ9_ptr4tcS5jg0ovF9cBrj8hdaE5LZY7qoOTky_ZAZPsC5EyEkxv6GQHvcTu2xVnZyi-Lw6QrblZ/s1600/223175_10150273454141940_538101939_7600307_4242129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS88EiAorvAAL2FCv7TxIoCQmM0OM9v1aQfrtWCOgJDO3XFCLQBB_dVtzIUwAEInwQZ9_ptr4tcS5jg0ovF9cBrj8hdaE5LZY7qoOTky_ZAZPsC5EyEkxv6GQHvcTu2xVnZyi-Lw6QrblZ/s320/223175_10150273454141940_538101939_7600307_4242129_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gangnam Shopping Area</td></tr>
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Love motel or bust. You haven't experienced all that true Korea has to offer until you've stayed in the infamous LOVE MOTEL. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to book a room for more than a few hours. :D Also, it is possible to book a room for purposes other than a hook-up. Some of the love motels, call themselves motels while others hide under the guise of a hotel. Believe me, there isn't much of a difference in the two. However, if you can rent a room for only a few hours, it is NOT your typical hotel. If the entrance is hidden, it's not your typical hotel. If by chance, your find complimentary scented condoms in your bathroom, it is not your typical hotel. If the hallways are dark and the rooms are decorated with murals and there's only a tiny box on the wall in which light struggles to peek through, this is not your typical hotel room. They have a very odd feel about them however, many of them are quite clean (here I attempt to keep my very active imagination at bay) and accommodating; suitable for a night or two during a short sightseeing outing. However, spending an entire day in one of these rooms could be quite depressing, given the limited sunlight.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daelim Hotel in Daejeon, South Korea</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're spending time in Daejeon, this is a good place to stay that's very close to all the action. There are shops, restaurants, cafes, clubs, cinema, etc. Only a short walk to Downtown Daejeon which is host to a very lively night life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pros: Clean, spacious, affordable, friendly and helpful staff, free breakfast buffet, two desks and computers with free internet in the room, business center in the lobby. Also, there is a tea and kettle in the room as well as complimentary basic toiletries.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cons: No wifi, breakfast buffet not so appetizing. It has that Love Motel feeling about it but, it's not so bad.</span> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNVTUxoLvYNNQJHKRfNUywpRhcXysmNUacrNSb5TRls6mxDfY1Y3_HJGiE_YoZBByNldziZrCNYCQhxsH8vm_KpBwv42lXGzjqymOO2xFw-tVh43CLeKm7HWHUyoaxaijwCLdp2nQORVe/s1600/Day9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNVTUxoLvYNNQJHKRfNUywpRhcXysmNUacrNSb5TRls6mxDfY1Y3_HJGiE_YoZBByNldziZrCNYCQhxsH8vm_KpBwv42lXGzjqymOO2xFw-tVh43CLeKm7HWHUyoaxaijwCLdp2nQORVe/s320/Day9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby/Reception</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jWo-7hyolWn75T3WXg58tNJaacuSH6xI2qJqTL6lUrkamuKArJhgyGf1iNVqkflJI7b-NGpcN0NsJHnaMgc0WlgaUzORi3lflgZfng7WL8nFswPvuyDGXDXuZAMsOUwS7c6rQ033qwRW/s1600/da6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jWo-7hyolWn75T3WXg58tNJaacuSH6xI2qJqTL6lUrkamuKArJhgyGf1iNVqkflJI7b-NGpcN0NsJHnaMgc0WlgaUzORi3lflgZfng7WL8nFswPvuyDGXDXuZAMsOUwS7c6rQ033qwRW/s320/da6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway leading to room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJj4xE-s3lmpRFR3V-Doa85U0ge3ZqfMXtbj7M_t5DHCKWBpXUn_2-WNdi98iYiF9g9S66_H71AGFdDhFXIvBTMTQ20SzehgVkkZ9aQVuZnNjREgHjmyIhUbcf4O1dfsPJmJzkj21TNsN/s1600/m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJj4xE-s3lmpRFR3V-Doa85U0ge3ZqfMXtbj7M_t5DHCKWBpXUn_2-WNdi98iYiF9g9S66_H71AGFdDhFXIvBTMTQ20SzehgVkkZ9aQVuZnNjREgHjmyIhUbcf4O1dfsPJmJzkj21TNsN/s320/m.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closest thing to a double room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLvL_vI4TdpT3WyhNEnmZTr-07T773yfqU61uPRUSpKcTxPN0PNut8GGZCZ-E-13pprao5v80YaakRsAnoopcq9KXGl74SEaHODe2lYTQCI4cMAM_izB2QEbM66hs76H3RPunG5zQkHvE/s1600/Da8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLvL_vI4TdpT3WyhNEnmZTr-07T773yfqU61uPRUSpKcTxPN0PNut8GGZCZ-E-13pprao5v80YaakRsAnoopcq9KXGl74SEaHODe2lYTQCI4cMAM_izB2QEbM66hs76H3RPunG5zQkHvE/s320/Da8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby/Business Center-Computers located on the wall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daejeon at night</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daejeon</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9S7DEoSHto014fZ7M1lonOHJBUCNOAw7GmfNQ-U8M07UP8PuCceCfKJ_WgrbpF03sA_HGpAHsZWj0FoSZjSnWz7vxanlXzg5GTD1MqqJoOKEVUZpgJEwxtBuYnn2fjwc_7EA0ZX7zC2Xm/s1600/DJ4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9S7DEoSHto014fZ7M1lonOHJBUCNOAw7GmfNQ-U8M07UP8PuCceCfKJ_WgrbpF03sA_HGpAHsZWj0FoSZjSnWz7vxanlXzg5GTD1MqqJoOKEVUZpgJEwxtBuYnn2fjwc_7EA0ZX7zC2Xm/s320/DJ4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daejeon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-52095840386224495522012-04-24T19:10:00.000+09:002012-04-24T19:10:30.367+09:00Simple Beauty-A Visual Meditation<div style="color: #351c75;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was a child and I heard the elders say, "It's the simple things in life that matter" and "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", I knew exactly what that meant to me. I think of the the dog that I had for my very own for almost a whole month before he was sent to live with someone else. I think of the floor to ceiling windows of our near downtown apartment in which I stood staring out at the night sky of the Chicago downtown skyline, It was full of twinkling lights and stars so bright that at times it was difficult to distinguish them from the reflections of the lights bouncing off of Lake Michigan. I also think of the dirty boy who worked with the horses in the hidden stable across the street- a stable, with horses, right there, in the middle of the city! I think about hopscotches draw in thick chalk on the neighborhood sidewalk and I remember that melting cherry popsicle as it blurred the lines between squares 2 and 3 while the wooden sticks that once held the cold confection together slowly transformed into building pieces for my new jewelry box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That was then and this is now. However, life's simple beauties still prevail in every corner of the Earth if you only pay attention. This is what I call, visual meditation because when you focus on the wonderful, yet simple things in life; in nature, it's almost impossible to simultaneously worry about anything. Try it:</span></div>
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(All photos the property of KopperRose)<br />
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<br />KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-63119743540207863282012-04-22T13:14:00.001+09:002012-07-21T18:52:57.725+09:00The Joy of Tea<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some people like beer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some people like wine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some people like coffee, all the time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's just no comparing the essence of thee, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my wonderful, elegant, glorious tea! </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">KR</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQecGDczvhQigiepzyylxSA_jc-5Qd7vKT2elC94i3dbP6Ztq9l5BqQC5TGoBRKRdtjjo6G3xiiWbY5mWDujQKGWhokO1nNaEcE6jMFYSLyQWWtUHo6K1cm1RG-y01U0h1MRdLjA0CgGCW/s1600/415855_10150562405166940_538101939_9003585_178732944_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQecGDczvhQigiepzyylxSA_jc-5Qd7vKT2elC94i3dbP6Ztq9l5BqQC5TGoBRKRdtjjo6G3xiiWbY5mWDujQKGWhokO1nNaEcE6jMFYSLyQWWtUHo6K1cm1RG-y01U0h1MRdLjA0CgGCW/s320/415855_10150562405166940_538101939_9003585_178732944_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Plum Tea with Pine Nuts</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the sake of clarity, when I speak of tea, I am referring to not only the wonderful liquid produced after brewing leaves from the tea family. I'm also including hot and cold concoctions created from an infusion of herbs or roots, flowers, and/or fruits and berries with honey, marmalade or other natural preservatives. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SxoaJNSEA2v2edLeaRYrytk_M03-Zpe0uBisY1UH9ThfgDiLb0OlQZriY4lhbKtxE49ypLshbHGOEjso58hprj9iFtDA_s2UD-d_sqdiVhxBlj7m4jznCv4WVtmiUuAQShPSIheizHea/s1600/Insadong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SxoaJNSEA2v2edLeaRYrytk_M03-Zpe0uBisY1UH9ThfgDiLb0OlQZriY4lhbKtxE49ypLshbHGOEjso58hprj9iFtDA_s2UD-d_sqdiVhxBlj7m4jznCv4WVtmiUuAQShPSIheizHea/s320/Insadong.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This road leads to tea- Insadong, South Korea.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL7T5g8izQLT8xoN6tT1WLArlkuFq092BuZ-nGDKad0Kp4kK4yUATd2OiUlQJ74VXnWw9hpjLAkmShg4TFAvsHFFS2fRdWyRdJbSPrZDe52cNmB60UCR_69rMhdAI8sIKzrv-uW_kXFBL/s1600/THouse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL7T5g8izQLT8xoN6tT1WLArlkuFq092BuZ-nGDKad0Kp4kK4yUATd2OiUlQJ74VXnWw9hpjLAkmShg4TFAvsHFFS2fRdWyRdJbSPrZDe52cNmB60UCR_69rMhdAI8sIKzrv-uW_kXFBL/s320/THouse3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Tea Shop in Insadong- One of my favorite stops for Korean Honey Tea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXbj63V5Bl56rocdtBUZIavNYiKnSN37mxfxPP8UCgEI2Mj7APpy2bQ7huP37wkmSUXlgf6gP6DgU_LZEBjX43YFV2dUMHHsIyTmVWOQxl81vpbn5W6-oFp6z9kYpHrvJglzTpLnD8FVP/s1600/THouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXbj63V5Bl56rocdtBUZIavNYiKnSN37mxfxPP8UCgEI2Mj7APpy2bQ7huP37wkmSUXlgf6gP6DgU_LZEBjX43YFV2dUMHHsIyTmVWOQxl81vpbn5W6-oFp6z9kYpHrvJglzTpLnD8FVP/s320/THouse2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside The Old Tea Shop, People leave messages on the walls, tables and anywhere else they can find a spot. I read a few and left a few.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At The Old Tea Shop, I found a message from a girl who wondered if the world would end in 2012. I took a scan of it with my pmp and will post it here later, if I can find it. I've taken many of my Korean friends here for their first visit. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6vLZdbjY_hPZOq5EpjyvZvS_8Dmp6PoHLihQSxBL1FrQjg35KpB0L4RfrABkytUQk_WKhjf6E7zvivUBTzOYnqQoOUZwsG7bruzYGXIgacA1h1xlIztRu6cFi4JKTqQ5EyChVdvK38SV/s1600/328134_10150562406431940_538101939_9003587_959934147_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6vLZdbjY_hPZOq5EpjyvZvS_8Dmp6PoHLihQSxBL1FrQjg35KpB0L4RfrABkytUQk_WKhjf6E7zvivUBTzOYnqQoOUZwsG7bruzYGXIgacA1h1xlIztRu6cFi4JKTqQ5EyChVdvK38SV/s320/328134_10150562406431940_538101939_9003587_959934147_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, this is the table that holds my message.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9xxrCeNWoI89yUlpUfpEvy3fsd8cRJkce_wuzm5k9TqkGeNF7CTE3zF4sNYz4KLlhnOegKhYGZNXFBxaQeG2dx5Fdx5Z4SI-QRMF2uwAoxtwRD-KOPpEXJvFp4LIsQvRUOtMSbmXkTsz/s1600/456445_10150692382221940_538101939_9390275_1741024809_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9xxrCeNWoI89yUlpUfpEvy3fsd8cRJkce_wuzm5k9TqkGeNF7CTE3zF4sNYz4KLlhnOegKhYGZNXFBxaQeG2dx5Fdx5Z4SI-QRMF2uwAoxtwRD-KOPpEXJvFp4LIsQvRUOtMSbmXkTsz/s320/456445_10150692382221940_538101939_9390275_1741024809_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea with friends. Traditional Korean Snacks.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Korea is home to one of the best tea plantations in Asia- Boseong! I visited Boseong again last summer and it was incredible- miles and miles of rolling hills of tea. I almost climbed to the top of the highest hill......almost. I formally introduce to you, Boseong Tea Plantation. Ta Daaa! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircSNnBHZk2y_hyphenhyphenLnr_8FN0bwsNRDxskqZ69NhTrShF98nLJBWavBOEHiaayzV8sPfWOOjRT006FS-BmMd4Ylk0u3FtPnv_vbXAqh6fQ4ucFm0xbC3SnGNVmHJyae9QqL8qUB-N9jiHnJI/s1600/223720_10150277147751940_538101939_7634590_3737739_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircSNnBHZk2y_hyphenhyphenLnr_8FN0bwsNRDxskqZ69NhTrShF98nLJBWavBOEHiaayzV8sPfWOOjRT006FS-BmMd4Ylk0u3FtPnv_vbXAqh6fQ4ucFm0xbC3SnGNVmHJyae9QqL8qUB-N9jiHnJI/s320/223720_10150277147751940_538101939_7634590_3737739_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sign near the entrance of Boseong. Notice the cute mud houses? I did and I love them!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8TYD0bkz7ooexB6JcJyxSzYUa_gQIMrkouC5Iqyk1Pz7dCl3tonJlSzObNGwk1Q5V6pGYoqBswGR0mhDqH0nWLnONpwV2P4k-UjIQf5_RYe_CAjoR7GbdS7ZYIcgxyyPAw2Lstw69xgC/s1600/teaf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8TYD0bkz7ooexB6JcJyxSzYUa_gQIMrkouC5Iqyk1Pz7dCl3tonJlSzObNGwk1Q5V6pGYoqBswGR0mhDqH0nWLnONpwV2P4k-UjIQf5_RYe_CAjoR7GbdS7ZYIcgxyyPAw2Lstw69xgC/s320/teaf2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZbwIFCv47IbWGZ5nKobbxKgNvYso5QfIZUi0pyoF6zCO4w03U584kjB2rIAYMBtWp7nFJp6KjR6y4u8MAIODEjfa9JqLkPEhASkEJyiuAllL4s67hxMkzowZqg3rPdJpWF5bPWPI5ZHL/s1600/teaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZbwIFCv47IbWGZ5nKobbxKgNvYso5QfIZUi0pyoF6zCO4w03U584kjB2rIAYMBtWp7nFJp6KjR6y4u8MAIODEjfa9JqLkPEhASkEJyiuAllL4s67hxMkzowZqg3rPdJpWF5bPWPI5ZHL/s320/teaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, there is Sangsoo's Herbland outside of Daejeon. There were many herbal tea concoctions to sample down there. Take a look at Sangoo Herbland:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn3X2zQx-v9p1dxR4KIu_Aiulds9uo6Pu1rs5Migr1qmQm8nBt7bYAXAC4AuBLxrMC-3dsSNMU2N9YGscAFaiaJKa8lCa41shoih74P6bAGMPlbvQiywRMMs7heJtwmmalIXQbdtURWu6/s1600/284158_10150277217806940_538101939_7635399_2564187_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn3X2zQx-v9p1dxR4KIu_Aiulds9uo6Pu1rs5Migr1qmQm8nBt7bYAXAC4AuBLxrMC-3dsSNMU2N9YGscAFaiaJKa8lCa41shoih74P6bAGMPlbvQiywRMMs7heJtwmmalIXQbdtURWu6/s320/284158_10150277217806940_538101939_7635399_2564187_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlsYSfICtzY7eNSINMytC2y_IvrI6kH6Lu_gICDrbI2IvBMXFB7eH-7_FZQgxUNzaOukIsr28KDO97Np28Sj-G31MvECHtco6pWQcsC4tjytJ4KM_sO6nVn-RPo4eyGK-b6VAbPzgJYWa/s1600/283363_10150277218176940_538101939_7635405_874140_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlsYSfICtzY7eNSINMytC2y_IvrI6kH6Lu_gICDrbI2IvBMXFB7eH-7_FZQgxUNzaOukIsr28KDO97Np28Sj-G31MvECHtco6pWQcsC4tjytJ4KM_sO6nVn-RPo4eyGK-b6VAbPzgJYWa/s320/283363_10150277218176940_538101939_7635405_874140_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTuttAfg_dV09Ywe3WYHo0MyV8HBT2QoQSDKtn4z3bOFUdl01x1mL0oJ8dVK03VIJXY4ptROyfdqUJg1OXcEtOf9A20ZuDOXUKYzDFZDp1dgJppiz0gsHrTCOIRmyGJEbM7YWMGTGNoU4/s1600/270192_10150277219986940_538101939_7635434_2089014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTuttAfg_dV09Ywe3WYHo0MyV8HBT2QoQSDKtn4z3bOFUdl01x1mL0oJ8dVK03VIJXY4ptROyfdqUJg1OXcEtOf9A20ZuDOXUKYzDFZDp1dgJppiz0gsHrTCOIRmyGJEbM7YWMGTGNoU4/s320/270192_10150277219986940_538101939_7635434_2089014_n.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Truly Serene Space-The Wishing Well</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have so many pictures from Sangsoo (and other tea locations) but currently, they're on my dear Macbook which has been (sniff, sniff) com.....pro.....mised! :( (Pray for her.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If there's tea, I will find it! These are pics from various tea locations around town, including my place.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkColFJRdpGWcmM1Ms-yprymZqU_8_Qi_ugmT3f7xbK0s5lOYT5aJ6vclTV0RZZYtZJwnw6MWl_1NMGWOfPdewBk39s4_dZso33vi-wDtQRI81HfD8BcZB8qSOGEnGiMLTd0YO5HM2E-Z/s1600/2012-01-23+15.10.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkColFJRdpGWcmM1Ms-yprymZqU_8_Qi_ugmT3f7xbK0s5lOYT5aJ6vclTV0RZZYtZJwnw6MWl_1NMGWOfPdewBk39s4_dZso33vi-wDtQRI81HfD8BcZB8qSOGEnGiMLTd0YO5HM2E-Z/s320/2012-01-23+15.10.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koren Honey Teas at The Old Tea Shop</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXOCaes36_2zwyPldUyIidPwc9W5zdGMD2eEWPVYq6l4gAnEQG6QLjUJstIOy32AO3mwojvKkwZW8clVwibTGxFOEdOMQb9Clpn9t2z8UA-hCom3SnIcizKmv1RTUxTIBRjHS2q_Xb4U8/s1600/THouse5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXOCaes36_2zwyPldUyIidPwc9W5zdGMD2eEWPVYq6l4gAnEQG6QLjUJstIOy32AO3mwojvKkwZW8clVwibTGxFOEdOMQb9Clpn9t2z8UA-hCom3SnIcizKmv1RTUxTIBRjHS2q_Xb4U8/s320/THouse5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3avmRGf8M6u6-nBVgP2htWx3vdKYZHhUbiBlnvyZR0Jfh3CMgC8-i0NblTQxB9-eOwM97GkempLFHW7uma3A5uZWbT4AeEQt1KTyUK40xOEQEU7S2dbqCPmG4deXBexUTrO3y_qU9PXe5/s1600/Thouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3avmRGf8M6u6-nBVgP2htWx3vdKYZHhUbiBlnvyZR0Jfh3CMgC8-i0NblTQxB9-eOwM97GkempLFHW7uma3A5uZWbT4AeEQt1KTyUK40xOEQEU7S2dbqCPmG4deXBexUTrO3y_qU9PXe5/s320/Thouse.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Iron pot on the top shelf on the left- I inquired about it and (Gulp) it was $3,000! Seriously? Mmm, I don't mind paying for tea and tea essentials. This is where I will splurge but seriously? No, I don't think so.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuPM8xXE5F3Kc7O6siapdC1SJFM_iz8dX_sQRIAB6w_9aNWji2Jv8-ir5DjvAoXqo2iThqAkcqpABnpcG5W24NBzAXfu2s-RC36JXD1bC__Zzqmc9TG4lR4X3QwAZy7soohHsxppjzDwb/s1600/insadonT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuPM8xXE5F3Kc7O6siapdC1SJFM_iz8dX_sQRIAB6w_9aNWji2Jv8-ir5DjvAoXqo2iThqAkcqpABnpcG5W24NBzAXfu2s-RC36JXD1bC__Zzqmc9TG4lR4X3QwAZy7soohHsxppjzDwb/s320/insadonT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Korean Tea House but honestly, I wish the chairs were more friendly. No, the bottom of me was not pleased. The tea was delicious though. :D</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF3rSv5jeenCT2iHm6cDeU3Rzun_5kU0LPED0lbLxV4Jjl-wy3RIf51bMouITys8KGpUh6Dn_P2H-Cxhw7VRB7evcMjAPDTNryI8tfiAKDP4di2kJjL-kqedQKrbXeT3EvoDOxYM0-ckW/s1600/194755_10150559607116940_538101939_8991974_902297534_o+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF3rSv5jeenCT2iHm6cDeU3Rzun_5kU0LPED0lbLxV4Jjl-wy3RIf51bMouITys8KGpUh6Dn_P2H-Cxhw7VRB7evcMjAPDTNryI8tfiAKDP4di2kJjL-kqedQKrbXeT3EvoDOxYM0-ckW/s320/194755_10150559607116940_538101939_8991974_902297534_o+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quaint little pot of tea in a tiny shop located in Gangnam, South Korea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMj_kProT530yUkrZuVfjgN-r-AVebJQYLBK9QN22D4GZsfP_JXmTjU2MEYQUqcFs5hym8DUi1GDzk7gXLcwBwWmi6ZUItjR7ikDycB1fXumDtovUfVoQG7e8YBCK01_K1-zeeR4wveDZd/s1600/257469_10150228961141940_538101939_7282239_1867088_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMj_kProT530yUkrZuVfjgN-r-AVebJQYLBK9QN22D4GZsfP_JXmTjU2MEYQUqcFs5hym8DUi1GDzk7gXLcwBwWmi6ZUItjR7ikDycB1fXumDtovUfVoQG7e8YBCK01_K1-zeeR4wveDZd/s320/257469_10150228961141940_538101939_7282239_1867088_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what my work area looked like when I worked on weekends. I no longer take work home but I think my desk kind of looks something like this now......</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipy1vp7FmXiZyp6jFNLR1X4P6cB7u8C3k2GVxIzBL-Ql6L0UUoxGdhAK6eGD7aeT99zD24d1DaEPv7IhZIvAXy8wA_d4ubFEXrZgajTRrhQyaIi4cDeAOuOIIQDi5sQwHu4Ntvk2QYp21d/s1600/262313_10150232635801940_538101939_7316205_1512299_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipy1vp7FmXiZyp6jFNLR1X4P6cB7u8C3k2GVxIzBL-Ql6L0UUoxGdhAK6eGD7aeT99zD24d1DaEPv7IhZIvAXy8wA_d4ubFEXrZgajTRrhQyaIi4cDeAOuOIIQDi5sQwHu4Ntvk2QYp21d/s320/262313_10150232635801940_538101939_7316205_1512299_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They thought they were a coffee house until I arrived.....now, they serve a descent cup of tea- I'm having Rosemary.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_xvV3R_n0oYYyvpyiENCGQ7kQe9bV01q5h-gODkgIF9XM-m3Sz0LQq-YmqDdGASKe20qB2piHQJPXZXbJIdyUoqxmIo8mvlRxzKFA7Fck8_C0pkAgizD3tgZrF27urbk9D0DFSyiULgv/s1600/263598_10150232635891940_538101939_7316207_7364835_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_xvV3R_n0oYYyvpyiENCGQ7kQe9bV01q5h-gODkgIF9XM-m3Sz0LQq-YmqDdGASKe20qB2piHQJPXZXbJIdyUoqxmIo8mvlRxzKFA7Fck8_C0pkAgizD3tgZrF27urbk9D0DFSyiULgv/s320/263598_10150232635891940_538101939_7316207_7364835_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same shop as above.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbM_q5h95xnetkHcp8dfkMHZ9Y60q7c_bxKBWtPx6paWuYVBkt-JgoGOfOMW-Wr1cVlazkl0bZEdNmK3ajey5kwmEYB7zFFBRA4ugUYcMnf7bgZPxmyzfcOUzcb9fFREeCkunPuvTrfSH/s1600/263668_10150232635421940_538101939_7316199_7896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbM_q5h95xnetkHcp8dfkMHZ9Y60q7c_bxKBWtPx6paWuYVBkt-JgoGOfOMW-Wr1cVlazkl0bZEdNmK3ajey5kwmEYB7zFFBRA4ugUYcMnf7bgZPxmyzfcOUzcb9fFREeCkunPuvTrfSH/s320/263668_10150232635421940_538101939_7316199_7896_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JlE-JtCQs9Jh3Px_KePjxehJla65I1-pwbKYO-XHjIjPgiR7dWQrF8yucjn4t_wpju0thpmKobba7mOHQEHNDyjSMto5jSMHQwzgK6W7qWWYduQUFlPO_5HeEHtTl3T5EFXRWhO9whze/s1600/268146_10150247811106940_538101939_7339448_6720443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JlE-JtCQs9Jh3Px_KePjxehJla65I1-pwbKYO-XHjIjPgiR7dWQrF8yucjn4t_wpju0thpmKobba7mOHQEHNDyjSMto5jSMHQwzgK6W7qWWYduQUFlPO_5HeEHtTl3T5EFXRWhO9whze/s320/268146_10150247811106940_538101939_7339448_6720443_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The transformed tea house. :D</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvBcmA7wFJWuevK-jCOyzqbMw5VtOxhk0EFiyZHPKx_ADYvfI_s0z70dbSdCyZ0_CHNPjgk-2UseRp55nAvZvam4S2fqZG_x-Al8QZIj-dhDKfejXdChcbar2ZHBof6L8gTGB6yVuiEiG/s1600/286594_10150317807171940_538101939_8006701_797738068_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvBcmA7wFJWuevK-jCOyzqbMw5VtOxhk0EFiyZHPKx_ADYvfI_s0z70dbSdCyZ0_CHNPjgk-2UseRp55nAvZvam4S2fqZG_x-Al8QZIj-dhDKfejXdChcbar2ZHBof6L8gTGB6yVuiEiG/s320/286594_10150317807171940_538101939_8006701_797738068_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earl Grey Chai- I was happy.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgjqr3oB1O7LpWJa9w0R_kp0MYXUzQAE23W7s3RF1GsL64cT7NfTRm0sdCFzJ-gwBm2oU0Y09hOkjyjd_SIp1Di_shVTNmhMshR8-QcbLBLPI7EePncu8SxrN6RXQWzGeqbUieVTDP9KwIr/s1600/287339_10150316957576940_538101939_8000757_451042368_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqr3oB1O7LpWJa9w0R_kp0MYXUzQAE23W7s3RF1GsL64cT7NfTRm0sdCFzJ-gwBm2oU0Y09hOkjyjd_SIp1Di_shVTNmhMshR8-QcbLBLPI7EePncu8SxrN6RXQWzGeqbUieVTDP9KwIr/s320/287339_10150316957576940_538101939_8000757_451042368_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While Salerno restaurant doesn't do loose leaf tea, they had a descent selection of teabags. </td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhZuCTvnMXvfEH16zkGntw1o_Whd5E330Xz7lkLrVBu0n1F3aHc6uzJIkmGpUWveLlaG5roS6MNdeuMRBtYoi1ifrZE0t6RBZhDf8qCzaMBgAfmftfBuCMvQsNoBK0jdIfhtaBJQQQ3c79I/s1600/340269_10150504073426940_538101939_8786209_1335471894_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuCTvnMXvfEH16zkGntw1o_Whd5E330Xz7lkLrVBu0n1F3aHc6uzJIkmGpUWveLlaG5roS6MNdeuMRBtYoi1ifrZE0t6RBZhDf8qCzaMBgAfmftfBuCMvQsNoBK0jdIfhtaBJQQQ3c79I/s320/340269_10150504073426940_538101939_8786209_1335471894_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Perfect winter herbal tea -1 tbsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 sml candy cane (These herbs are great at fighting infection and reducing inflammation.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjR46clUkd3IkZEuGYSNctx0RX5uvrWivu66AGV_-n8wE-0IkdgwQ2CGC-auiZcodOsLQQPkIxIkQEMQjcGJ6hWd358FS8Z5r0woFYwih3CmuuOr9m8Vn7p5Ebb1HiiXxeNl9h73d-d386/s1600/325909_10150306976746940_538101939_7924987_6561595_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjR46clUkd3IkZEuGYSNctx0RX5uvrWivu66AGV_-n8wE-0IkdgwQ2CGC-auiZcodOsLQQPkIxIkQEMQjcGJ6hWd358FS8Z5r0woFYwih3CmuuOr9m8Vn7p5Ebb1HiiXxeNl9h73d-d386/s320/325909_10150306976746940_538101939_7924987_6561595_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Chrysanthemum. I made this at home as I was a little under the weather. It's very light and mellow. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30TWXTMPgO3hrj5gF-hPA2XQuYKN-Ll9lo29qtbyAERi9f0hwtStMQC5CvEbuSj1qVKgslS5EtEOUbA7eDgAAB7AbI6tRt0I_R7lTtaQm6bvqUX0wPO05tl8GNnxeECG85gV4O4sCjnRQ/s1600/328138_10150564947716940_538101939_9011644_1460589122_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30TWXTMPgO3hrj5gF-hPA2XQuYKN-Ll9lo29qtbyAERi9f0hwtStMQC5CvEbuSj1qVKgslS5EtEOUbA7eDgAAB7AbI6tRt0I_R7lTtaQm6bvqUX0wPO05tl8GNnxeECG85gV4O4sCjnRQ/s320/328138_10150564947716940_538101939_9011644_1460589122_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger Tea with Pine Nuts and Pear Slithers- Not bad at all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVirVq1IaQYbv8HgcvMlKq8VbkUx45LKFo-39DMCV7sRYea9Rc5mXPhKRnros5pczrJCeg4FNwiDRp9LYUSHt9wB3wFvC70C58Zyvio3NUfhx4yQEoypvAAcd7AGmGsgQuZMJfci4leGtV/s1600/328144_10150498073956940_538101939_8753754_907208489_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVirVq1IaQYbv8HgcvMlKq8VbkUx45LKFo-39DMCV7sRYea9Rc5mXPhKRnros5pczrJCeg4FNwiDRp9LYUSHt9wB3wFvC70C58Zyvio3NUfhx4yQEoypvAAcd7AGmGsgQuZMJfci4leGtV/s320/328144_10150498073956940_538101939_8753754_907208489_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iced Punch Tea- You could call it Punch but it's not. It's made from dried fruits and herbs.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhL237kD7K5AXVkSbKIX_QY6X4vW3fvyvLnQYlbOodVmM03taM2jHQ_gUt6Pvj2MpVH6NEw-XR7Mg3kDvuaxQQaWElR2eJjtSeCQ9q-OlSNgVaqjrt3ljLettR4U7k2jNiet3TTEhccnpxV/s1600/328417_10150564944656940_538101939_9011637_1731499348_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL237kD7K5AXVkSbKIX_QY6X4vW3fvyvLnQYlbOodVmM03taM2jHQ_gUt6Pvj2MpVH6NEw-XR7Mg3kDvuaxQQaWElR2eJjtSeCQ9q-OlSNgVaqjrt3ljLettR4U7k2jNiet3TTEhccnpxV/s320/328417_10150564944656940_538101939_9011637_1731499348_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very robust punch tea but it was a tad too bitter on the end. Tea with an unpleasant after taste, not good but it's pretty. </td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEg0838eHW7Nx7EyH-wtGq9Wd2WinJT85Qv5lIHJn0qHi6o4jBkwwjQ7ib4MBtlNApQJ2_5K3JTPoMKD6dn24A4j_K23Nk9NOdPGmbbXpr1E8HPWDGG_2WvO_Oun5Rm3C1BeYzNASTcQKD4S/s1600/332209_10150506168376940_538101939_8794862_1565180426_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0838eHW7Nx7EyH-wtGq9Wd2WinJT85Qv5lIHJn0qHi6o4jBkwwjQ7ib4MBtlNApQJ2_5K3JTPoMKD6dn24A4j_K23Nk9NOdPGmbbXpr1E8HPWDGG_2WvO_Oun5Rm3C1BeYzNASTcQKD4S/s320/332209_10150506168376940_538101939_8794862_1565180426_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AaaHA! I found you! A Chinese version of my dream pot. It's not $3,000 either. It's $65. I know, I know but it's made in Chiiiiiiiii naaaaa. So what? The Chinese know more about tea and making pots than the rest of the world. They've been doing it longer than anyone!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QDRqksiLrng8IhaanJSSiogyDHZ2MXZ2tZvFJUvN9RGr_6EpIDa7kWM11BU3r9sfEATiV2q3OiZ8Laaz7bpuExLu4tgZXZvLua_5_aZjvVWBLojAGcnODF_Ub5PcYMpVhTkTVH9_nKs7/s1600/333006_10150564942316940_538101939_9011632_119141209_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QDRqksiLrng8IhaanJSSiogyDHZ2MXZ2tZvFJUvN9RGr_6EpIDa7kWM11BU3r9sfEATiV2q3OiZ8Laaz7bpuExLu4tgZXZvLua_5_aZjvVWBLojAGcnODF_Ub5PcYMpVhTkTVH9_nKs7/s320/333006_10150564942316940_538101939_9011632_119141209_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like the earthiness of this tiny booth. The seats were comfy too. </td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEiNbEs6I1n91Ulu0SSilY-q8-73YmL-Uyua4nAlhzMBSQ7mzNe9av0VztIXWiI7DP0WsaVP4R_Dj1EmYcfvwSxmKpAWPyYg8lQ7NoI66VXCMOgsDDzbNmreqCx9tzAP3ULlUP_Q7TkiQwD9/s1600/333292_10150317824781940_538101939_8006860_1227453085_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbEs6I1n91Ulu0SSilY-q8-73YmL-Uyua4nAlhzMBSQ7mzNe9av0VztIXWiI7DP0WsaVP4R_Dj1EmYcfvwSxmKpAWPyYg8lQ7NoI66VXCMOgsDDzbNmreqCx9tzAP3ULlUP_Q7TkiQwD9/s320/333292_10150317824781940_538101939_8006860_1227453085_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a picture. For some reason, I had no desire to enter this place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebqOzC_2D3mfSZdMyXm-7Dbq8cP9pasODmJ1uFQEg1nRTVSxZmNs58PnkhetCDxNFbbE1apQYqfYpf2bGO-e79xR9yBueIzx0VTghqyr82MjKW-UzPnoxXPk2T07R-Qd7GKwMPLkfwSme/s1600/335590_10150562414041940_538101939_9003599_1237540000_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebqOzC_2D3mfSZdMyXm-7Dbq8cP9pasODmJ1uFQEg1nRTVSxZmNs58PnkhetCDxNFbbE1apQYqfYpf2bGO-e79xR9yBueIzx0VTghqyr82MjKW-UzPnoxXPk2T07R-Qd7GKwMPLkfwSme/s320/335590_10150562414041940_538101939_9003599_1237540000_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddah in the tea house window. Notice the ladies having lunch and tea inside. They were kind enough to share a wonderful blend with us. :D</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEiKeljBzW0bY9qKMTlc6FKgy1Zcdppnk3poV_LF-Xt4KraiyYSKtv03oQhUE11zgcFmzjD5OhFsg6LUwrfzl-6AmwWPQLkvrrzqRVG1CeeJE_KwHevf1T_icrewqDvhcQ6bxuMvuFTA9zeQ/s1600/337338_10150562429636940_538101939_9003618_1843910977_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeljBzW0bY9qKMTlc6FKgy1Zcdppnk3poV_LF-Xt4KraiyYSKtv03oQhUE11zgcFmzjD5OhFsg6LUwrfzl-6AmwWPQLkvrrzqRVG1CeeJE_KwHevf1T_icrewqDvhcQ6bxuMvuFTA9zeQ/s320/337338_10150562429636940_538101939_9003618_1843910977_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the tea or shall a say, Meishi. Supposedly it was fermented for several years. I know about plum tea but, after it ferments for that long, isn't it more like, say, ...........wine? Mmm........</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEh0-h_cJxurPgJIg2CwzgW384ZzD5QiqOznPROyHQZ-biy7HTEb2e72kZtbsoTwi9wtKUNAlOC9VWACjqyUkKN0qr1oNtI_dRz_HGUmvra4z9NVm8cSaZpKlfeQpfSCA0HA6A_dBUNalCzq/s1600/459603_10150760734256940_538101939_9631667_1184719896_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-h_cJxurPgJIg2CwzgW384ZzD5QiqOznPROyHQZ-biy7HTEb2e72kZtbsoTwi9wtKUNAlOC9VWACjqyUkKN0qr1oNtI_dRz_HGUmvra4z9NVm8cSaZpKlfeQpfSCA0HA6A_dBUNalCzq/s320/459603_10150760734256940_538101939_9631667_1184719896_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, I thought I'd just throw this in. It's no tea house but I thought about having a cup of tea here. This is a shot from my drive out to Provence last week.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3H63_YDdPgq2P6i2JA6Yo9bHQOjJ6X4xmX54ASVYDg5UoeudQE7X7vkUdmyNTYvK0w12KPeEJJpTVN5iwcZUmvHr5UknOPBE4Ox9UcQLIfeLPxufyIo1TJQERNkriWcuZcqsgndAZMA0/s1600/473472_10150760739681940_538101939_9631687_652011707_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3H63_YDdPgq2P6i2JA6Yo9bHQOjJ6X4xmX54ASVYDg5UoeudQE7X7vkUdmyNTYvK0w12KPeEJJpTVN5iwcZUmvHr5UknOPBE4Ox9UcQLIfeLPxufyIo1TJQERNkriWcuZcqsgndAZMA0/s320/473472_10150760739681940_538101939_9631687_652011707_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Provence in April. There is a light show going on so everything's aglow.</td></tr>
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<br />KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-16613411417006047482012-04-21T16:24:00.002+09:002012-07-21T18:52:16.069+09:00Happy Birthday to Me!<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Ye</span><span style="font-size: small;">sterday was my birthday in Korea so there was a dinner and gifts and well wishes and such. I'm grateful. However, my thoughts are always somewhere else when people are doing what they think they should do for me on my birthday. I no longer complain. I simply accept their gestures with a smile and try to enjoy myself. Birthdays, at least mine, have always been a day of reflection, gratitude and reconnection to my deepest most spiritual self. I like to spend time assessing where I've been, where I am and where I'd like to go. I've been this way all my life. Even when I was a child, I couldn't wait for everyone to leave so that I could spend some time with myself, then with my closet friends. So, now that I'm here, I get the best of both worlds, I can celebrate with friends on my birthday, while reserving my U.S. and official birthday for myself on the following day. Yeh! The Quieter scenes from yesterday:</span></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuCma78qag-Ikx66ylqmhtnvefR_8EEkxc3V09ggpxedEYnvA_msCvv92mac47ST6YGpAOpnP9znB8bLcKdovwgw5To-BvHOux1u6UhS73RQGh0SSZpK8p2u6xlR4SoR62YQX4HQN8UBC/s1600/restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuCma78qag-Ikx66ylqmhtnvefR_8EEkxc3V09ggpxedEYnvA_msCvv92mac47ST6YGpAOpnP9znB8bLcKdovwgw5To-BvHOux1u6UhS73RQGh0SSZpK8p2u6xlR4SoR62YQX4HQN8UBC/s320/restaurant.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Shell Restaurant</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEiLU2RWc1TwSOl06hSzH1qI5FxPg6Oh_WR_JbG_M9PUXqCqEKXdQbOrqn-lyAO5-N3v1RpF9kkWqKYp_hC9niGbb2G2eQn2x8QqfRKEaesWZS7GlAcm5uk2UbpF-OH00lMxeP-6kPUP8cY0/s1600/carcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU2RWc1TwSOl06hSzH1qI5FxPg6Oh_WR_JbG_M9PUXqCqEKXdQbOrqn-lyAO5-N3v1RpF9kkWqKYp_hC9niGbb2G2eQn2x8QqfRKEaesWZS7GlAcm5uk2UbpF-OH00lMxeP-6kPUP8cY0/s320/carcar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My trusty but tired car takes in the sunset while patiently waiting for me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4cy6FxpU1GEUmWuW95PX8QYu48LmfItJ1rO6pmcKGG2A9t73yYS9MOv1CU246VawMtOztC5iCppEPt0uawqVLFKv6oBFhmavfvn3ToC3hx0aFMaMH6RN8jb9AHGez0A12LvahiDXbylb/s1600/pancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4cy6FxpU1GEUmWuW95PX8QYu48LmfItJ1rO6pmcKGG2A9t73yYS9MOv1CU246VawMtOztC5iCppEPt0uawqVLFKv6oBFhmavfvn3ToC3hx0aFMaMH6RN8jb9AHGez0A12LvahiDXbylb/s320/pancake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Korean Pancake.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEiNLEyOR7d6zh0wo_3l3oPCeINn3zZ23bIxRA3bhUFxdHANACBcleWtPERSsPzeIPt2eLnlXy7mGcMgFrkFGceTVgANq6igztg8MbozbRV3_BvzFC0nbHUkKgai8ZOXcRVCATtXq269MXc8/s1600/rest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLEyOR7d6zh0wo_3l3oPCeINn3zZ23bIxRA3bhUFxdHANACBcleWtPERSsPzeIPt2eLnlXy7mGcMgFrkFGceTVgANq6igztg8MbozbRV3_BvzFC0nbHUkKgai8ZOXcRVCATtXq269MXc8/s320/rest2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shell Restaurant wall display- many small jars filled with decorative sea shells.</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEhseT-cc0tkSbw5IrB1iV23ZXBo94HYg2IraRw_eLOuFbSNTJQYVmd8PEzsEuifS6cApjnp1UQoaX91uFd_aXeL8-7FZ1HJr-Z66xDnsIZcZJwY-WnB47WnWB9Td4SMEwv0yTdd6ZPWdUf9/s1600/salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseT-cc0tkSbw5IrB1iV23ZXBo94HYg2IraRw_eLOuFbSNTJQYVmd8PEzsEuifS6cApjnp1UQoaX91uFd_aXeL8-7FZ1HJr-Z66xDnsIZcZJwY-WnB47WnWB9Td4SMEwv0yTdd6ZPWdUf9/s320/salad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love salads!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiDt-cI50rrjY-9zzYDjx7hJj0rtZdJlRNFeXAp-f6JOSXFvUZfjLu7jSne5MLokMTJ-I9UVrjtKuT1Y1Z1p9N-bZyZqd6SGj6z9GNAm2745msMJBkIsworjf9HNralFv_EnsTf_WLGZ-/s1600/shelltable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiDt-cI50rrjY-9zzYDjx7hJj0rtZdJlRNFeXAp-f6JOSXFvUZfjLu7jSne5MLokMTJ-I9UVrjtKuT1Y1Z1p9N-bZyZqd6SGj6z9GNAm2745msMJBkIsworjf9HNralFv_EnsTf_WLGZ-/s320/shelltable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5NB7E8Tjs8SJ3dur6w2kCZ0Ar8CPvep6NMU97vIz305IxIglb8bK-JzE9iGVpEFPDNLfCpVv5CuFa16ByiKID4RuunnJLyoVrJe00opX3iyP6G9rtyBDEEBoutChqCe1_Fa7dvqP-EzC/s1600/shelltable2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5NB7E8Tjs8SJ3dur6w2kCZ0Ar8CPvep6NMU97vIz305IxIglb8bK-JzE9iGVpEFPDNLfCpVv5CuFa16ByiKID4RuunnJLyoVrJe00opX3iyP6G9rtyBDEEBoutChqCe1_Fa7dvqP-EzC/s320/shelltable2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfortable Seating</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgMOFPAkAtVg5ozHkVY3Y98hxKSH5LaoFoTszky9h_lm2H03RceqzUHb0NOe2B3qLrzdWm0II25lD-0LnOlatO-awqiPuIPYgNhYaILokESOSlzoPx42Vql-mfWSrzQbX9he1idI2HTNTaj/s1600/shelltbl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOFPAkAtVg5ozHkVY3Y98hxKSH5LaoFoTszky9h_lm2H03RceqzUHb0NOe2B3qLrzdWm0II25lD-0LnOlatO-awqiPuIPYgNhYaILokESOSlzoPx42Vql-mfWSrzQbX9he1idI2HTNTaj/s320/shelltbl.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Shell table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC32BFbbTmWSBgMLjHK9QOuaunKDEjJ1ImobJwsldkAebqEZeeCNCRci8PzA4XGkGWhFXVeciTLthihJw8dXv0iiVUXgchyphenhyphenZn7vyMYMMb6pcSPORdlNly5aKg06SqQ42MqLukKuhp4ALUQ/s1600/spread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC32BFbbTmWSBgMLjHK9QOuaunKDEjJ1ImobJwsldkAebqEZeeCNCRci8PzA4XGkGWhFXVeciTLthihJw8dXv0iiVUXgchyphenhyphenZn7vyMYMMb6pcSPORdlNly5aKg06SqQ42MqLukKuhp4ALUQ/s320/spread.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Main Course and Sides-Too bad I couldn't eat the pasta-there was shellfish, of course.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLImKp5Cgekm1VXQ-phy7fhxrfXWtKRQ2AAEB9sJ1jwQehllJY1ojmv9_tu35sqG2DZqbT8OjzL8Bznj7EVUdVX4nI0pNCgQNUyRluqvSIezIKi-UmulGJkeHxoZdhGtdqA4ZXt07ehDI/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLImKp5Cgekm1VXQ-phy7fhxrfXWtKRQ2AAEB9sJ1jwQehllJY1ojmv9_tu35sqG2DZqbT8OjzL8Bznj7EVUdVX4nI0pNCgQNUyRluqvSIezIKi-UmulGJkeHxoZdhGtdqA4ZXt07ehDI/s320/tea.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then there was tea.<br />
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<br />KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-64067439545603896212012-04-15T02:01:00.001+09:002012-04-15T02:01:46.135+09:00Affordable Off-Grid Portable Tub<b><span style="font-size: small;">My tub finally arrived! Actually, it only took 2 days from ordering. I was going to get the fancy 200 buck one but instead, I purchased the </span>a little green half tub that fits me just fine. It was about $60. While it was light enough to carry up the stairs, it's quite sturdy. </b><br />
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<b>Now my laundry room is a bathroom! Even though this apartment is not off-grid, this kind of tub would be perfect for an off-grid cabin. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnb7Y4ug2WJzb81GypfaowXnvdy52n1mf49mZcpp0dMLeUZg2nhzFwYNSQ1dGmMHlbiGZiXMNHYN-kKpKBoGVXoKKMH56ZtqWac5UWlxzfYYi0EnhVZKBL2dV4eYeq-sxuYzj3MLAOlO1/s1600/2012-04-14+09.43.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnb7Y4ug2WJzb81GypfaowXnvdy52n1mf49mZcpp0dMLeUZg2nhzFwYNSQ1dGmMHlbiGZiXMNHYN-kKpKBoGVXoKKMH56ZtqWac5UWlxzfYYi0EnhVZKBL2dV4eYeq-sxuYzj3MLAOlO1/s320/2012-04-14+09.43.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-14485453522047496372012-04-01T13:56:00.000+09:002012-04-01T13:58:14.391+09:00Small Apartment Living for Off-Grid Prep<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDEt9_eirGKb6Hl-O_xOABNg8WA3V746K4iQw_yRHVa_lDMK38nOnYxkJa225T5B6PmVqeIA3_mRZVsc154L6b_TEZdVxLLk0hQ6SWuNqxhEOjbzehacfJeORJh4RPhCXlw9HJtjQ-82F/s1600/Apartmt_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDEt9_eirGKb6Hl-O_xOABNg8WA3V746K4iQw_yRHVa_lDMK38nOnYxkJa225T5B6PmVqeIA3_mRZVsc154L6b_TEZdVxLLk0hQ6SWuNqxhEOjbzehacfJeORJh4RPhCXlw9HJtjQ-82F/s320/Apartmt_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipAS0dqg8nAOJi18FYNwkmJ6Cm4CBE6hBxO1qJdvMX7NSU4axG0IHgTaWIBw-p_4MPIOE18QYhBXVHMntcYPwbP3nFMwdHmqOJGDhwlrtiudbqECaA_5neWUWEeyygF0baNTvpWJtNDvy/s1600/Apt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipAS0dqg8nAOJi18FYNwkmJ6Cm4CBE6hBxO1qJdvMX7NSU4axG0IHgTaWIBw-p_4MPIOE18QYhBXVHMntcYPwbP3nFMwdHmqOJGDhwlrtiudbqECaA_5neWUWEeyygF0baNTvpWJtNDvy/s320/Apt2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My off-grid move is now less than a year away and I've been doing many things to get us ready to take the plunge. Mainly, an awful lot of research but also, I moved into a small Korean apartment in which I've been taking note of things I might want to incorporate into my off-grid abode. Here are a few pics of the place both furnished and unfurnished. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(Above) From the entrance, you can see my bedroom to the left. It's about 78 sq ft. which is small but it's quite sunny. It's really all I need as I can comfortably fit my bed, a closet, desk and shelf. I also added a small bedside table.</span></div>
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(left) It really helps that the door is a glass and sliding as it really opens the room up.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As you can see, the kitchen is quite small-only 25 sq ft. I've found though, that it has been more than enough space for me. I never thought I could be so comfortable with such a small kitchen, it helps that it's not closed in but open to the living room area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The space was much more functional after moving the fridge outside the kitchen into the living area. That way, I had enough room for my oven rack which holds an electric oven (big enough for cooking a turkey), a microwave and toaster, my wood steamer, wooden bowls, trays and cutting board. I've been thinking about how I'm going to replace all of my appliances when off-grid and I've come up with a few ideas that I'll discuss in a future post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The door to the left of the oven rack leads to a shower/toilet room. In Korea, usually, these rooms are totally wet and the water simply goes down a drain on the floor. This is actually, the second bathroom. </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This hallway is part of the living room. The small hallway on the right, leads to the entrance and straight ahead, is my bedroom. The area of the hallway is about 3 sq ft.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is my private bath which is located inside my bedroom. As you can see, it's simply a wet room- sink, toilet and hose for taking a shower.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The bathroom is a little over 9 sq ft.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This room was meant to be a laundry/drying room but since there is a small washing machine in the kitchen, I'm going to make this room a bath room. I've already found a nice plastic portable tub online. I'll post pics of it when it's all set up. This room goes from the living room to my bedroom. It's approximately 14 sq ft.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSlHFpDTlN3RFYrecFOTG_c7SYY5nvGe5epJYmbbCaWvCtVvAqP8pYUJinwNxVBNmxF-dFG3l0zYOb48AUxeNkAdfWZ6vRUw1wPVyR2L4C7bhKY6b6Lzu5OfvMwaB-Z2KpfUblhsb-x6l/s1600/2012-03-04+22.17.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSlHFpDTlN3RFYrecFOTG_c7SYY5nvGe5epJYmbbCaWvCtVvAqP8pYUJinwNxVBNmxF-dFG3l0zYOb48AUxeNkAdfWZ6vRUw1wPVyR2L4C7bhKY6b6Lzu5OfvMwaB-Z2KpfUblhsb-x6l/s320/2012-03-04+22.17.13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">View from my bedroom into the living room.</span></div>
</div>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-20886260664970506022011-03-30T00:09:00.000+09:002011-03-30T00:09:41.303+09:00Simple Cooking in a Bamboo Steamer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love cooking in my bamboo steamer. One of the coolest things about this steamer is that you can use it on almost any type of stove- a portable gas stove, an electric stove, an open pit, etc. As long as you have a well- fitted pot on which to perch it, you're good to go.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</div><div class="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;">Start by finding a wok or pot in which your steamer fits well. It should lay perfectly on top of the rim of the wok. Fill the wok to appximately 2/3 with water. Make sure that when the water boils, it doesn't touch your food in the lower steamer.</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Place the first level of the steamer on the wok.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWf-6URlp32ZK6dcEcVeaNsTecZ6ZPKCSvMUwsEi_CTI-XMoe8MMVUssNSgHemUlFuVJjOt3IC5fqrK0EHnY1Tn3xo9BlMrh0z283O21L_j4xywXq0bMsGNRdqTQJaXWvw1iLy5L7YeIN/s1600/DSCN6003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWf-6URlp32ZK6dcEcVeaNsTecZ6ZPKCSvMUwsEi_CTI-XMoe8MMVUssNSgHemUlFuVJjOt3IC5fqrK0EHnY1Tn3xo9BlMrh0z283O21L_j4xywXq0bMsGNRdqTQJaXWvw1iLy5L7YeIN/s400/DSCN6003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add your heavier foods (those that take longer to cook). I put my sweet potatoes in the lowest rack and the broccoli above </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpKEYvfm_5UaOvCjzUY75FFPZ9tcTrZJTqxTheMwxFZRXog11-kKhQUXIkYDwsveVmTdsoZmPstaO-Q9ZaXJcIbUqFieJvtbZsUNG3rdkBkhnlY6JqPVusu6806JkizgosHi1J_LOCTd3/s1600/DSCN6017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpKEYvfm_5UaOvCjzUY75FFPZ9tcTrZJTqxTheMwxFZRXog11-kKhQUXIkYDwsveVmTdsoZmPstaO-Q9ZaXJcIbUqFieJvtbZsUNG3rdkBkhnlY6JqPVusu6806JkizgosHi1J_LOCTd3/s400/DSCN6017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5kXVP22YVWE178t9WTnjvbfGeSQWjDG-7fw5yktfhJqRVmhyphenhyphen5vhXq6ZlUuEN8f2kuHGn_l5BsCYatGmHpFtr_TGAFkK7rmKgMGyjgNOB_t_LvzMAjdB-eB5BJN8Ui62F87SSD07kPyCY/s1600/DSCN6009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5kXVP22YVWE178t9WTnjvbfGeSQWjDG-7fw5yktfhJqRVmhyphenhyphen5vhXq6ZlUuEN8f2kuHGn_l5BsCYatGmHpFtr_TGAFkK7rmKgMGyjgNOB_t_LvzMAjdB-eB5BJN8Ui62F87SSD07kPyCY/s400/DSCN6009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cover the food and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat for a steady low boil and watch your water to make sure that you don't burn your steamer. If you hear sizzling, you need to add more water if the food requires additional cook time.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fXH9us9Qrq-n6dziOb1lnqSwdYDpMaXi02Jsevquo4tG1wrOP30CAd951LCLG_zjLEQdM7vin843Oo1T_-xF972yTaBzhbn1h_ejMA42xLjRZmX_zOU2cI5pGSjcokbe5BGVBDaNZg7E/s1600/DSCN6011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fXH9us9Qrq-n6dziOb1lnqSwdYDpMaXi02Jsevquo4tG1wrOP30CAd951LCLG_zjLEQdM7vin843Oo1T_-xF972yTaBzhbn1h_ejMA42xLjRZmX_zOU2cI5pGSjcokbe5BGVBDaNZg7E/s400/DSCN6011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The broccoli was ready first so, I carefully removed the top rack and replaced the lid over the sweet potatoes.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj7aBdPKru-780EETRvWLIvfNCqRvP5s0pExghZtRbjbXpJahdM-fdtsF49IQEi3g8ACejDBUWnXtWZc0MRX1PHdUmaIAFAmAnGAX8ml6KubhLCdXLu2DFF2w51y2bra8b0HH40pdcP1l/s1600/DSCN6013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj7aBdPKru-780EETRvWLIvfNCqRvP5s0pExghZtRbjbXpJahdM-fdtsF49IQEi3g8ACejDBUWnXtWZc0MRX1PHdUmaIAFAmAnGAX8ml6KubhLCdXLu2DFF2w51y2bra8b0HH40pdcP1l/s400/DSCN6013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A nice wooden plate over the broccoli, keeps it warm until the sweet potatoes are ready.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEREBDqxru0S6CXRF1FMKHqesNZ14heqgviTa8zyzLQoh3xAVmj1o9MkCt-si4shIflLXmUupQbGKIJSFa1Inqa1uGEh7PgZnRo8xzsoSol30vKq7oxMkOhsFp2Gx0mrJnOEPWUZDABnWn/s1600/DSCN6015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEREBDqxru0S6CXRF1FMKHqesNZ14heqgviTa8zyzLQoh3xAVmj1o9MkCt-si4shIflLXmUupQbGKIJSFa1Inqa1uGEh7PgZnRo8xzsoSol30vKq7oxMkOhsFp2Gx0mrJnOEPWUZDABnWn/s400/DSCN6015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The aroma from the sweet potatoes reveal that they're almost ready.</span></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxX-juuRDtlxqsEE-ahlrgCvVP0XCqHqju2Bun6sDzfd_NDyenGqe6afBsWDMA66IoKmm0PHuWZarWa_WdoJiZtH7BoUfwwfCoUGpxu1ASuCZRZDSmoGmb9WxNqG4X5A0ig4MFduglmuW/s1600/DSCN6016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxX-juuRDtlxqsEE-ahlrgCvVP0XCqHqju2Bun6sDzfd_NDyenGqe6afBsWDMA66IoKmm0PHuWZarWa_WdoJiZtH7BoUfwwfCoUGpxu1ASuCZRZDSmoGmb9WxNqG4X5A0ig4MFduglmuW/s400/DSCN6016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Test with a fork. Yep, they're ready.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeJ6_YE8AeKzEJtddcdkZZUCxxEiVfpnGmC4MKnC-_V-7-8iUMhuUDoHHLAqTp9HqD1GaV1IVTfBl-YF5jUPgnZYM-a8W5ADRmVk1yu6mtWyptkQaJkt4x98L9Id12htT1UBvKCCnF3B-/s1600/DSCN6019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeJ6_YE8AeKzEJtddcdkZZUCxxEiVfpnGmC4MKnC-_V-7-8iUMhuUDoHHLAqTp9HqD1GaV1IVTfBl-YF5jUPgnZYM-a8W5ADRmVk1yu6mtWyptkQaJkt4x98L9Id12htT1UBvKCCnF3B-/s400/DSCN6019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, the brown rice isn't ready- forgot to hit the steamer button. Oh well, I probably didn't need the extra carbs anyway. So, we'll have to settle for this simple meal- Broccoli, sweet potato and stewed chicken breast.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM-2ugKAtK1t4LL-FpmWDQ1EVq1heBYn_dTM7b6qcjsZlM6JcFHbYkXgS1GMfkx3HZNzyNJNq1dwkAw3WrdjzQNNvKMzVouiOmLNFrdPMUZb6gNa8wmR3bPiPHBvn2tAd7x4zI7esegB8/s1600/DSCN6021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM-2ugKAtK1t4LL-FpmWDQ1EVq1heBYn_dTM7b6qcjsZlM6JcFHbYkXgS1GMfkx3HZNzyNJNq1dwkAw3WrdjzQNNvKMzVouiOmLNFrdPMUZb6gNa8wmR3bPiPHBvn2tAd7x4zI7esegB8/s400/DSCN6021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-1457624373625441132011-03-27T02:38:00.000+09:002011-03-27T02:38:47.165+09:00Homemade Body Powder<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a simple and easy to make body powder that does and excellent job of absorbing excess moisture and neutralizing odors (especially sneaker odor).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies & Ingredients: 1/2 cup Corn Starch, 1/2 cup Arrowroot Powder, 1 tsp Baking Soda, 3-4 drops of Essential Oils, 1 Powder container with mesh screen, 1 powder puff, a glass or ceramic container for mixing, spoon and/or wooden stick. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBGh3SLgh_iuffE1Bzd1l2rBEuP8Sd6hKH_siA1S01QsEF5pctOoSCvLQJRNlei2Qa0QHVsd2S8_HshHSnN1LcSqnQrGMvl6_HI5LyfEdN0EZ4IJc3PoT4k17p-IlQwRHttDEtEXAUKTn/s1600/DSCN4869.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBGh3SLgh_iuffE1Bzd1l2rBEuP8Sd6hKH_siA1S01QsEF5pctOoSCvLQJRNlei2Qa0QHVsd2S8_HshHSnN1LcSqnQrGMvl6_HI5LyfEdN0EZ4IJc3PoT4k17p-IlQwRHttDEtEXAUKTn/s400/DSCN4869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Mix the dry ingredients. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhTFoYiYk7o_kb0IsaJvebiyQ2njmWCmYhNGhiwaB04H_XB9E8h07AVYUyBgjSN6Wh0bP5AnltL5LGEcfDzJTw05Qoos738W1w8Hjmq23HNlpestQuKw5rLx78QgseIdTACneNYFmmFMj/s1600/DSCN4870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhTFoYiYk7o_kb0IsaJvebiyQ2njmWCmYhNGhiwaB04H_XB9E8h07AVYUyBgjSN6Wh0bP5AnltL5LGEcfDzJTw05Qoos738W1w8Hjmq23HNlpestQuKw5rLx78QgseIdTACneNYFmmFMj/s400/DSCN4870.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Add your essential oils and stir.</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgBW6PbWoGWjcLIESGBmttycOSKKz3DhkCoYRVrVcGCSaDESOrkEU5IxJ3ncxQWoJOySGb0qD6pgDlfDhRiditu6dnXeASPPdyZeLrbkyA3xWiozM2AkSwdWpeOHbhIW9-E5aUtLqRyM5/s1600/DSCN4872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgBW6PbWoGWjcLIESGBmttycOSKKz3DhkCoYRVrVcGCSaDESOrkEU5IxJ3ncxQWoJOySGb0qD6pgDlfDhRiditu6dnXeASPPdyZeLrbkyA3xWiozM2AkSwdWpeOHbhIW9-E5aUtLqRyM5/s400/DSCN4872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Spoon the mixture into your container. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAi-tnvTtyouiu-gJtJEPpdHpT68MPStlohGksWQKKtESIqOVU0Yyq5cdKZENVif0yNXQ_YSkGELgiAGN5yyCjYB1LCsvZzB7WSrHarkq7yUfh8FgkjlRHfVuOXxTFX5xZwEbXt7q5XVF/s1600/DSCN4873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAi-tnvTtyouiu-gJtJEPpdHpT68MPStlohGksWQKKtESIqOVU0Yyq5cdKZENVif0yNXQ_YSkGELgiAGN5yyCjYB1LCsvZzB7WSrHarkq7yUfh8FgkjlRHfVuOXxTFX5xZwEbXt7q5XVF/s400/DSCN4873.JPG" width="400" /></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/AVvXsEgwsIHbrtOhWtmbaP-03BIvAgx2hWFPTWqP1QhcFWYz71jTUm3N_I1C-pRJRiIfXy8k7gc0dJ4AWy_54Mx8DjPJYWEVEasAjvUkOmjtl57_QmOJhopye_i5oLM1YgaFncqHZA6TiAnE0aLq/s1600/DSCN4874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsIHbrtOhWtmbaP-03BIvAgx2hWFPTWqP1QhcFWYz71jTUm3N_I1C-pRJRiIfXy8k7gc0dJ4AWy_54Mx8DjPJYWEVEasAjvUkOmjtl57_QmOJhopye_i5oLM1YgaFncqHZA6TiAnE0aLq/s400/DSCN4874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Add the screen, puff and lid. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfNbhqjaAzdH-nex6s1cgexuBmLohnb6pPJU_hgRHUodP0t9j9wgUrX3YlxWf54nXFJY6MC1BHm-2yhFYIWFRIUZKsNvQuHKwUcBABkqGUW2-50_V4XbTdWexq7IY9HaImpopGBVTCe9b/s1600/DSCN4876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfNbhqjaAzdH-nex6s1cgexuBmLohnb6pPJU_hgRHUodP0t9j9wgUrX3YlxWf54nXFJY6MC1BHm-2yhFYIWFRIUZKsNvQuHKwUcBABkqGUW2-50_V4XbTdWexq7IY9HaImpopGBVTCe9b/s400/DSCN4876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can change the quantities of the ingredients based on how much of the product you choose to make.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7LLK-Fb60ePcnZKtM2prF75zbUyea1cDL_aM7hMX_a99RH4XwySQUwJEqP_3CrYsWjMsi4MQFq_oSdVubkqzWu4zGmXnPAYzYY9bEZ4cdvAgYS8ukrNp2h32ZoU_5vs2DnwZZ3ZxDnin/s1600/DSCN4879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7LLK-Fb60ePcnZKtM2prF75zbUyea1cDL_aM7hMX_a99RH4XwySQUwJEqP_3CrYsWjMsi4MQFq_oSdVubkqzWu4zGmXnPAYzYY9bEZ4cdvAgYS8ukrNp2h32ZoU_5vs2DnwZZ3ZxDnin/s400/DSCN4879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSkZUiw-xbUXMKN2KVj_oCnKpIjpwhqw_ij8Ilcw-FdwVEc8bOvlsc0qnJPq1H2szSXiM63tzBYTsRK90mBjNJB9e_0Zd8ZC1SHrdZLO0lTRRu76KUJ4vrvlT5x0TVBfknDmxfvhZXwz1/s1600/DSCN4877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-19368793940141977912011-03-25T00:39:00.000+09:002011-03-25T00:39:30.465+09:00Homemade Herbal Products and Herbal Smokeless Cigarettes<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV42Z0i9FDMXXvks4kMyHpUculh6mptuPC1680CTOaDzeUlnJ82elcjvJwzmKYfjK6mRleNdUc7oIEy44h-8t0DUpjiNvQhY-r4jJ0vFf3kBQfdgY430WbupyT8jt_RRIms7J5pEJpb-Ej/s1600/DSCN5318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I made these quick and easy body oils by combing essential oils, a carrier oil and (in one mixture) hot sesame. </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQkufECXzylS9HnIm9vj11O1xNBw699_8YRGOFJi8M5TZG_Z-SGz0t-rGTJTbWiwexNuPJH_vKYOGnsNlEv_7I-E6SrC1gvLX-HabpgGrb49ETvS3JjAZa5k1bKNo3mMANr4BlkiCDusi/s1600/DSCN5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQkufECXzylS9HnIm9vj11O1xNBw699_8YRGOFJi8M5TZG_Z-SGz0t-rGTJTbWiwexNuPJH_vKYOGnsNlEv_7I-E6SrC1gvLX-HabpgGrb49ETvS3JjAZa5k1bKNo3mMANr4BlkiCDusi/s320/DSCN5320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W2-iJNC_vsM9IaWOjoiG0gwTEf46fCWNiclAhMt9TvbhFLk2vOBGCI5Za5hBbrJMz3o75OhwNC9tjr1FuUC0nj92MAuCJxKE21V6Rt6Dj-Vv6a9RvTMKwNPvF-plBFxGYo47IS3iDz6H/s1600/DSCN5321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W2-iJNC_vsM9IaWOjoiG0gwTEf46fCWNiclAhMt9TvbhFLk2vOBGCI5Za5hBbrJMz3o75OhwNC9tjr1FuUC0nj92MAuCJxKE21V6Rt6Dj-Vv6a9RvTMKwNPvF-plBFxGYo47IS3iDz6H/s320/DSCN5321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Mix the carrier oil ( I used cold-pressed sesame oil) with a few drops of your selected essential oils and pour the mixture into a clean, sterile glass or ceramic container. These are small quantities so I used clear glass but for larger quantities, I use amber or cobalt blue glass containers because the oils stay fresher in these containers as they block out extra light.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKZz14TxPpO2kLjYkC7_BqQJLGxK0au8LS3ecWf4kUsNsvzPNj1xor-NfoPMxNwdzVtU4uymCMJ40zGKtR-AYj9DELbMt40OWCGmeBWIXK_KzCk1ikXwL5FD7AHlr57qHc3JTpwDSP24X/s1600/DSCN5322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKZz14TxPpO2kLjYkC7_BqQJLGxK0au8LS3ecWf4kUsNsvzPNj1xor-NfoPMxNwdzVtU4uymCMJ40zGKtR-AYj9DELbMt40OWCGmeBWIXK_KzCk1ikXwL5FD7AHlr57qHc3JTpwDSP24X/s320/DSCN5322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">This oil is for muscle aches. It's a combination of peppermint and lavender essential oils with a few drops of hot sesame.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Hhmr8qgRo7BcxXsx6efoKbb-KOJl22H9hRTfvNZijCkZsdeSrOOW4FhkFTw2g_TL6_F3-eA77gYMTPLE4DorXPiUFgg_tm_mrLBDA-4Mc7QI4pGi7DW8YXLVEfRleRxEtygzRXPYw8_8/s1600/DSCN5329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Hhmr8qgRo7BcxXsx6efoKbb-KOJl22H9hRTfvNZijCkZsdeSrOOW4FhkFTw2g_TL6_F3-eA77gYMTPLE4DorXPiUFgg_tm_mrLBDA-4Mc7QI4pGi7DW8YXLVEfRleRxEtygzRXPYw8_8/s320/DSCN5329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Mix and match to create a favorite fragrance of your own for a simple body or massage oil or concentrate on the healing benefits of specific oils to develop healing oils for whatever ails you.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_R2fCJyP0SeaOK4RCcPmDIh2kjvgwbo88fUc-wsucsYAKqshL0TX9zL16kskyCA7q8cAfLUXi7fMB19ScUZt35WCOEy2eEG-7jrEEUgmYyGW-cb4ySkvdLEc5UKF9teuNC0j4hba1Ryhk/s1600/DSCN5337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_R2fCJyP0SeaOK4RCcPmDIh2kjvgwbo88fUc-wsucsYAKqshL0TX9zL16kskyCA7q8cAfLUXi7fMB19ScUZt35WCOEy2eEG-7jrEEUgmYyGW-cb4ySkvdLEc5UKF9teuNC0j4hba1Ryhk/s320/DSCN5337.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">I Also found these interesting smokeless herbal cigarettes at the local pharmacy. I purchased two flavors, peppermint (for colds and flu) and a combination labeled, "relaxation".</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7EOktyPDRr5iwoERgp2Ha3GgLAViCOg-7lJwLgauZhzn_QnRiu7GDz9HTfD7Sa2juaaIRuxAJhgiFpK7frw270QHzNZNgevp1bqVjHIO15y96NXtk8Q69TigFcFf79gbdNz8UruXZPOT/s1600/DSCN5338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7EOktyPDRr5iwoERgp2Ha3GgLAViCOg-7lJwLgauZhzn_QnRiu7GDz9HTfD7Sa2juaaIRuxAJhgiFpK7frw270QHzNZNgevp1bqVjHIO15y96NXtk8Q69TigFcFf79gbdNz8UruXZPOT/s320/DSCN5338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've only tried the peppermint as curious friends, snapped up the others before I had a chance to try them. They are pretty potent. The peppermint was actually quite effective in opening my stuffy nose and soothing my sore throat. The cigarette lasts a long time if you replace the caps on both ends in between uses.</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkivnbCJiunlX7CwPdLEw_7VV9k90IOGylyeoOXz3MSNRtgNfc2pWN08TaB0-bECcaLGDrZ6Wk8IGMBdicJ0dhvBhlb3muzPrpJf4qp0IXVmzwEXqQGFVKo9xvla6uNRAZn2-G7JcmLXou/s1600/DSCN5341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkivnbCJiunlX7CwPdLEw_7VV9k90IOGylyeoOXz3MSNRtgNfc2pWN08TaB0-bECcaLGDrZ6Wk8IGMBdicJ0dhvBhlb3muzPrpJf4qp0IXVmzwEXqQGFVKo9xvla6uNRAZn2-G7JcmLXou/s320/DSCN5341.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">I found that once the oils are depleted from the cigarettes, they can be refreshed by adding a few drops of essential oil to the filter.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7sZFrzq-LbUCizquiMV8YRqbYU-jAbrzP3nljvThoE9-d-ktVQ-c41rCOek_8XwfD7JmrNeMzGUDWKK3ctxjCaLmFwIj7_vlK_23j3x3tJZplKpwtLBltuMgWU63NcCJHZH7RjNt3Rvd/s1600/DSCN5343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7sZFrzq-LbUCizquiMV8YRqbYU-jAbrzP3nljvThoE9-d-ktVQ-c41rCOek_8XwfD7JmrNeMzGUDWKK3ctxjCaLmFwIj7_vlK_23j3x3tJZplKpwtLBltuMgWU63NcCJHZH7RjNt3Rvd/s320/DSCN5343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UDfjYuyPE7w3_jhloZdD1_QeNQkpX-acN9asKKnQ5Rqv3nT63hIsvHOIF7YQijO88pLGrQubV0ZZJlp7Znv2ut6DlkUABmW0QUY8dcXLkhl2Ms4SYS8KIi9MKA9JJRTJfiKg7JhlAuE9/s1600/DSCN5344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UDfjYuyPE7w3_jhloZdD1_QeNQkpX-acN9asKKnQ5Rqv3nT63hIsvHOIF7YQijO88pLGrQubV0ZZJlp7Znv2ut6DlkUABmW0QUY8dcXLkhl2Ms4SYS8KIi9MKA9JJRTJfiKg7JhlAuE9/s320/DSCN5344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-4697022713345197632011-02-07T00:47:00.002+09:002011-02-07T00:59:39.356+09:00Buggin Out with my recycled BOB<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7RqZkljOGQZrBei0xUjJjTI9MMYX1ai25U3dViygKJx4pLKNnj2kT7CPlEMfNmzDUD43rxN3IXpLsM6CH6LeoJUT8PxzUiZ1rzbqZ_dK_NJn_LIQUt0wNeCJDwJ0nyCQGZ32PeC7_LVU/s1600/DSCN4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7RqZkljOGQZrBei0xUjJjTI9MMYX1ai25U3dViygKJx4pLKNnj2kT7CPlEMfNmzDUD43rxN3IXpLsM6CH6LeoJUT8PxzUiZ1rzbqZ_dK_NJn_LIQUt0wNeCJDwJ0nyCQGZ32PeC7_LVU/s320/DSCN4959.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">I decided to put together our bug out/ emergency bags and I'd been gathering up all the supplies. We had almost everything we needed except bags to put the supplies in. I went to the local department store but all the bags were 69 bucks and up. Maybe that's not so bad but I really just wanted some inexpensive little bags as we didn't want to lug around huge sacks.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lDSJMPNKWwtUntRGG48-liUiw_MW9ThqtRfOTRtTdrQJXxztAPVz_PUxkacOrE3m7CxyTTllh1MvEU4d2lCIvB0vOIcF8h6gjXGKHdpI9qIN8chPK-08gDT6sga8Ev30vmysAOcoRxmK/s1600/DSCN4960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lDSJMPNKWwtUntRGG48-liUiw_MW9ThqtRfOTRtTdrQJXxztAPVz_PUxkacOrE3m7CxyTTllh1MvEU4d2lCIvB0vOIcF8h6gjXGKHdpI9qIN8chPK-08gDT6sga8Ev30vmysAOcoRxmK/s320/DSCN4960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I had this old pair of black Khaki's that I decided to sacrifice. Now, I'm not much of a seamstress but I think the bags came out ok. First, I cut the legs off up to thigh level. Then, I cut some additional material from the remaining pants (or should I say, shorts). I attached these pieces of material the the widest part of the pants to make a base. Then, I folded over the top of the leg and put in an invisible hem. Next, I took 6 (approximately an arm's length) pieces of wool twine and braided them. I then waxed the ends and cut them off so that they were neat. I cut a few holes in the inside of the top of the piece and pulled the twine through doubling it. Then I knotted it off. On the back of the bag, I added two black canvas straps and my bag was done. We discussed adding some waterproofing material to the inside of the bags and/or waterproofing spray to the outside. We also talked about adding some reflective material and/or patches. We'll see.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeziNlXIXmEs8Sypl3ub-4RKNMow4D004EpAc03zQwIdVabcTlRkmGrUNrClSCI-pv5wsK9tXChk-fALAxBmsetnBS64wQSIEGwa1sUXcMjRnkMMmidMk6dEEuNmoaxtvL76adWsAYCVJs/s1600/DSCN4961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeziNlXIXmEs8Sypl3ub-4RKNMow4D004EpAc03zQwIdVabcTlRkmGrUNrClSCI-pv5wsK9tXChk-fALAxBmsetnBS64wQSIEGwa1sUXcMjRnkMMmidMk6dEEuNmoaxtvL76adWsAYCVJs/s320/DSCN4961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> In the pic above, I'm using an airline pouch to store a bunch of goodies. Love these rice bowls! ($1)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb_6R4xTPhxP7oxPWNlCGAJlBCNmBTV7nB6oeIQwoltywozTGQmkeLWbwR10-PS7KSzclFyeVKChB7T_Hhx_8nPLorh3KMjGl_zKAYAKQ9BQvxrFy3rrGiWh34RqBCYalUbWMz_ySCdta/s1600/DSCN4962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb_6R4xTPhxP7oxPWNlCGAJlBCNmBTV7nB6oeIQwoltywozTGQmkeLWbwR10-PS7KSzclFyeVKChB7T_Hhx_8nPLorh3KMjGl_zKAYAKQ9BQvxrFy3rrGiWh34RqBCYalUbWMz_ySCdta/s320/DSCN4962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To each bag I added a first aid kit, an herbal first aid kit, waterproof matches, a lighter and a flint stone, toiletries, a very bright LED flashlight, 2 pairs of wool socks, huge scarf pens, a roll of duct tape (very small one), homemade MRE's (dried oatmeal packs, nuts, fruit, jerky, sprout seeds), a sewing kit, a multi-tool knife (One bag has a Gerber Clutch Navy Multi-tool and the other has a Winchester Winframe), A Gerber mini paraframe, a stainless steel canteen, a stainless steel camping mug with a compass lid, a whistle (includes a compass and thermometer), water purification tablets (one bag has a canteen filter), a stainless steel rice bowl with lid ( you can cook in it, eat out of it and carry all your smaller items in this), a p&p, a pad and a super absorbent towel.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIXXDm1u7PXFjVe_7WYMcsdqqCYDWuDoh0P-CLB8HJUjTsUUDaeuGaqV71MghMjc8mFEq_QL1zP6I7K89nH_hyphenhypheneT3HcEV0nAZjzJnujbsN_9cIzP7LHI6Gt5SM0ETTPCc7cTOCpuExdir/s1600/GerberMulti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIXXDm1u7PXFjVe_7WYMcsdqqCYDWuDoh0P-CLB8HJUjTsUUDaeuGaqV71MghMjc8mFEq_QL1zP6I7K89nH_hyphenhypheneT3HcEV0nAZjzJnujbsN_9cIzP7LHI6Gt5SM0ETTPCc7cTOCpuExdir/s200/GerberMulti.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm_dQwfQGbSoQi2lXM7iWPqGEz7gvZtXpbqhWgyhv37wGaFHq3LcrMnWpxnB2JWfsAprXKx2HzELh0GqV5wQiwcnte23HcmfxwCgrPAGbPrpOCGlhO5i5hccCBHbvaisvB9_G5cbBijv7/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-30+at+1.51.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm_dQwfQGbSoQi2lXM7iWPqGEz7gvZtXpbqhWgyhv37wGaFHq3LcrMnWpxnB2JWfsAprXKx2HzELh0GqV5wQiwcnte23HcmfxwCgrPAGbPrpOCGlhO5i5hccCBHbvaisvB9_G5cbBijv7/s200/Screen+shot+2011-01-30+at+1.51.39+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Directly above is the Winchester. Below, the Gerber mini paraframe.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVhWfVSwBtm1U7sPkrR8OjPSnG7EmEnPjmQ2i73n4ln1ue-wndjTMNJKqnQC4slX31gplfQvoQpDWn-g0bBI8S4qoRmFHKUOYpgRRsRIYvJ8AwJN99SkFaefIU1ks-3Cbd3Od1Wni5hBa/s1600/GerberParaframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVhWfVSwBtm1U7sPkrR8OjPSnG7EmEnPjmQ2i73n4ln1ue-wndjTMNJKqnQC4slX31gplfQvoQpDWn-g0bBI8S4qoRmFHKUOYpgRRsRIYvJ8AwJN99SkFaefIU1ks-3Cbd3Od1Wni5hBa/s200/GerberParaframe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We found a cool pop-up camouflage tent (appx. $25) that's light weight and easy to carry (prob won't use this unless we're using the car during an emergency because that's where it lives). We also have these magic-like sleeping bags (Asian made) that fold up into an amazingly tiny ball (they're going into the bags), a small reflective mat and our rain ponchos (not pictured but they all fit easily). Oh and we also keep a 5 gallon collapsible water container in the car. That's about it.</span><br />
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</span>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-57319152914457286882011-01-26T22:33:00.002+09:002011-01-26T22:40:16.443+09:00Organic & Heirloom Seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHwrSaDi2i2Npx8RgORgCsPCueZcf6KrEJ05EboSK-5f6pkEyVkzmkG_Qu9uBjLXyWQKtT9JjQCE_fBRGqoRLojiyTCPiWlfMS8MoIsnKxY5f_70wkPooucXsbp52CCs_nYu1pV5GSiY7/s1600/seeds.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHwrSaDi2i2Npx8RgORgCsPCueZcf6KrEJ05EboSK-5f6pkEyVkzmkG_Qu9uBjLXyWQKtT9JjQCE_fBRGqoRLojiyTCPiWlfMS8MoIsnKxY5f_70wkPooucXsbp52CCs_nYu1pV5GSiY7/s320/seeds.png" width="320" /></a></div>We finally received the first set of our seed collection. I ordered from several sites, however, the best service was with Peaceful Valley. The prices were reasonable and they have a huge selection of organic seeds as well as some nice heirlooms. Since we can't really plant any of those seeds over here, they've been added to our temp controlled storage back home.<br />
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We also purchased some seeds and sprouts to experiment with while over here. I'm planning some container gardening in the spring. Here's the link to Peaceful Valley.<a href="http://www.groworganic.com/">Peaceful Valley</a><br />
<a href="http://www.groworganic.com/"><br />
</a>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-22961274561571256822011-01-26T22:06:00.000+09:002011-01-26T22:06:04.156+09:00Outsourcing BabiesNow this has nothing to with living off-grid but boy, is this interesting. So, I watched this HBO documentary called, "Google Baby". It's about couples who want babies, women who donate (sell) their eggs, donated sperm, the women in India who, with the consent of their husbands, carry the babies , the gifts they receive - One family got a house. There's also coverage on the people (donor agencies, doctors, nurses, etc.) who make it all possible.<br />
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If you get a chance, check out this video- Google Baby. You may be able to find a link to it here: http://stagevu.com/video/ikcuwpawsgjx. I ended up watching it in Spanish because I couldn't find a link where I could watch it overseas in English. KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-19537765445805049832011-01-23T02:47:00.002+09:002011-01-23T02:53:18.136+09:00Homemade DeodorantWe ran out of deodorant this week and since it's way too difficult to get here, I decided to whip up another batch. Mine is healthier anyway. I made two batches- a male and a female batch. The only difference was the essential oils added. For the male batch I used bergamot, mint and a drop of lavender; for the female batch, rose, lavendar, peppermint and a drop of honeysuckle. They were both very nice blends. Everyone was happy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TLfreRi0j4gc3RUBBelJiuxjTi-rpnpSLaaPy9LMATfKmes-4TpIBW3aH9Vby_arJhYWwtHQlGyCh0ACatt9IdRjXfL1UH3nV4QSY_PiR6uzcVpNomVQbRChGlPuPWKcCfkmsacAK-Ig/s1600/Deodorant_Label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TLfreRi0j4gc3RUBBelJiuxjTi-rpnpSLaaPy9LMATfKmes-4TpIBW3aH9Vby_arJhYWwtHQlGyCh0ACatt9IdRjXfL1UH3nV4QSY_PiR6uzcVpNomVQbRChGlPuPWKcCfkmsacAK-Ig/s200/Deodorant_Label.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div 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> Here are the ingredients:<br />
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3/4 cups of baking soda<br />
1.5 oz sunflower oil (about the size of a shot glass)<br />
1 tsp cornflour<br />
essential oils<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7fikvCi162gqv1ExxFEaSKzlE7fVAz6Kh3vL78IYLkZj9wz8X2q6DPYWNtanPkFylT5fBgc8YGJNnTItak-4aFlA1Aqg3C7rn3L2sVat0lGonghTTmU9rNwUZVxGqyYXyl4WsSz6oI-6/s1600/Deodorant_Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7fikvCi162gqv1ExxFEaSKzlE7fVAz6Kh3vL78IYLkZj9wz8X2q6DPYWNtanPkFylT5fBgc8YGJNnTItak-4aFlA1Aqg3C7rn3L2sVat0lGonghTTmU9rNwUZVxGqyYXyl4WsSz6oI-6/s320/Deodorant_Ingredients.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here are the steps:<br />
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1. Mix the baking soda and cornstarch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx-X24D2d2q_QrqC0YidcXNT2baar2LopARbA6u7cb6IhXYMymmZzBoQ4xMX6P9UdsODhxok6zDRl8qqOur_t1HOYOpRk2zn4aAsV_JkzlPUBA-oqbsfM7CmKWQPSo0_A3kJV8k3HX5WR/s1600/Deodorant_Step1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx-X24D2d2q_QrqC0YidcXNT2baar2LopARbA6u7cb6IhXYMymmZzBoQ4xMX6P9UdsODhxok6zDRl8qqOur_t1HOYOpRk2zn4aAsV_JkzlPUBA-oqbsfM7CmKWQPSo0_A3kJV8k3HX5WR/s320/Deodorant_Step1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 2. Add 1/2 of the oil.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrmonceeBIHdTmAO8r-oo2r6kO5tiVUYgB9V1IQIH6E8lNeFjg2fgxM410ue4OBIbL0JScnEvtsRsmU59p_WOQmBmxl8JCkqf6Muvq9AsyEJm9hdfhEFnd_31-ypLcI4ZBwSN0qSW1cGv/s1600/Deodorant_Step2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrmonceeBIHdTmAO8r-oo2r6kO5tiVUYgB9V1IQIH6E8lNeFjg2fgxM410ue4OBIbL0JScnEvtsRsmU59p_WOQmBmxl8JCkqf6Muvq9AsyEJm9hdfhEFnd_31-ypLcI4ZBwSN0qSW1cGv/s320/Deodorant_Step2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 3. Add your essential oils by the drop ( I used approximately 1-3 drops of each).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuxn0EUx55p8cY9V784EKuL0R7fPWl3qJdHjNc7DwCOhB2TJBDUIIlXDgITTP_37MZV21skvwAzNZe2fA36CHt4xAFiF_pXOpMZJcokFxZwJsUi9R1WapzGjOjutClQt9uYjmt8tQ8ZOV/s1600/Deodorant_Step3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuxn0EUx55p8cY9V784EKuL0R7fPWl3qJdHjNc7DwCOhB2TJBDUIIlXDgITTP_37MZV21skvwAzNZe2fA36CHt4xAFiF_pXOpMZJcokFxZwJsUi9R1WapzGjOjutClQt9uYjmt8tQ8ZOV/s320/Deodorant_Step3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 3. Mix with wooden spoon or stick.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSAd-YFnnPSWktaYM38SEGIRadkiRXroFHheNmUJdorStughvLO1ws6-BhOrNnQm7MItQ33DFYa26ij1qpEqFOhP-KhPdVDrjd58CTMCgkwOASfLFXWJCXDfYDAk6OKNvSM9oXjobEJeA/s1600/Deodorant_Step4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSAd-YFnnPSWktaYM38SEGIRadkiRXroFHheNmUJdorStughvLO1ws6-BhOrNnQm7MItQ33DFYa26ij1qpEqFOhP-KhPdVDrjd58CTMCgkwOASfLFXWJCXDfYDAk6OKNvSM9oXjobEJeA/s320/Deodorant_Step4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 4. Add the rest of the oil and stir.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZW-2l5Zv-2GfvcE6CQe_VHprWzflYhKZb99tCaDe_XUA6mEnzkZJ6p45VNMw6PzBdQ7yAdgX9qSamoct46cunPAADFdPM1QPOAZ7yJW47dcOSLls96yy1sasupzbS2IloEg6G2520teF/s1600/Deodorant_Step5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZW-2l5Zv-2GfvcE6CQe_VHprWzflYhKZb99tCaDe_XUA6mEnzkZJ6p45VNMw6PzBdQ7yAdgX9qSamoct46cunPAADFdPM1QPOAZ7yJW47dcOSLls96yy1sasupzbS2IloEg6G2520teF/s320/Deodorant_Step5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 5. Pour into your container.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QR9nNHTMwT0M0qo5kBGlLLkDDKnEpVQl01yBlqphAhkuPP0pWfochPg2BoJUXhsQKG3QfeLiZ19kHHbIUfZuLDGcXTk1bBx6jFrGUMIewACblwvwDQYB0K0RlJMxQ1unOZkwpsYKps9F/s1600/Deodorant_Step6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QR9nNHTMwT0M0qo5kBGlLLkDDKnEpVQl01yBlqphAhkuPP0pWfochPg2BoJUXhsQKG3QfeLiZ19kHHbIUfZuLDGcXTk1bBx6jFrGUMIewACblwvwDQYB0K0RlJMxQ1unOZkwpsYKps9F/s320/Deodorant_Step6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> 6. Add an air-tight lid and label. I'm using one of my amateur photos for now-pictured above.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfb8c4MWP3RtLnoA8d09-UrVe9XdHaYEb7GADI7cRZ08SHkvn09fIYXBfoOwyykKEAvtWraN9gUP4TJ2YQVwZuKqjV7pWC2JFdupxj2cwLKcvIFoDkRHeSyb2vZflSO6B3_5EtWGR-BdT/s1600/Deodorant_Step7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfb8c4MWP3RtLnoA8d09-UrVe9XdHaYEb7GADI7cRZ08SHkvn09fIYXBfoOwyykKEAvtWraN9gUP4TJ2YQVwZuKqjV7pWC2JFdupxj2cwLKcvIFoDkRHeSyb2vZflSO6B3_5EtWGR-BdT/s320/Deodorant_Step7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This particular mixture feels very light and smooth under your arms. It works pretty well and even though it is not an antiperspirant, we've stayed pretty dry. Everything I needed was in my kitchen so, I didn't have to spend megabucks having deodorant shipped from the states.KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-41783879399776041872011-01-17T02:40:00.002+09:002011-01-17T03:01:10.155+09:00Off-grid Shelter<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/AVvXsEjJxCY7Os1z2ehIVWBrlE5Ga6oTBzxJGNVtfmHWJroahcR5Qiq_zzYGR97Em0HzzEdp1E5cE9-UJYZK-wUpCZFE2YEbNgQmR1tCeP9WCpw07jaOjWA5KSFmnZAzKNW9DBAxpUci73fAdi-s/s1600/FotoFlexer_Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxCY7Os1z2ehIVWBrlE5Ga6oTBzxJGNVtfmHWJroahcR5Qiq_zzYGR97Em0HzzEdp1E5cE9-UJYZK-wUpCZFE2YEbNgQmR1tCeP9WCpw07jaOjWA5KSFmnZAzKNW9DBAxpUci73fAdi-s/s400/FotoFlexer_Photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Off-grid Options!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Thought I'd share two of my favorite temporary off-grid shelter solutions. They're tiny homes, much tinier than I'd like for long term but they're sooo nice. You may want to visit the company websites for a closer look. I absolutely love these!<br />
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Here are the links: <a href="http://arvesund.com/en/hermits-cabin/">http://arvesund.com/en/hermits-cabin/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theshepherdsrest.net/">Shepherd's Rest Huts (The second set of framed pics)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theyorkshirehutcompany.com/gallery.html%20">The Yorkshire Hut Company</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNnknP6neG8">Shepherd's Hut as a Guest House- Arigatou Caron!</a>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-13882105444780797282011-01-16T18:42:00.000+09:002011-01-16T19:45:02.656+09:00Off-grid Lighting Success!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpYzypL3cqNLnBp77QSl5od-0Hje6NZT9_e9vnB8sRdwz2FHc_5HcvHKDVBdaHXLpxXQSa3d7CCmBulQIGZLotGtj9owO-yifZO3jUvWvsickcek2xmXCHTAc1SoOPBdgoAOP8uczaXA5/s1600/DSCN0196.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpYzypL3cqNLnBp77QSl5od-0Hje6NZT9_e9vnB8sRdwz2FHc_5HcvHKDVBdaHXLpxXQSa3d7CCmBulQIGZLotGtj9owO-yifZO3jUvWvsickcek2xmXCHTAc1SoOPBdgoAOP8uczaXA5/s320/DSCN0196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562719547621104562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ok, well, not exactly. You see, even though I'm not off-grid yet, I'm at least trying out things that I'll hopefully use when I am off-grid. So, with that said, I've been trying to make these home made oil candles but I only had canola oil and sunflower oil. I was not successful. I tried different containers and wicks and holders. So, I decided that it must be the oil. On my next trip to the market, I bought some more olive oil. I used these little inexpensive oil bottles that I bought off an ebay-like site for a couple of bucks but you could use a glass or jar as well.<br /><br />Anywho, it worked! First I soaked the cotton wick in a small amount of olive oil until it was well saturated. Then, I poured some oil in the bottle, pulled the wick through the tick and stuck the other end in the bottle and there was light; a nice light. One thing I noticed though was that my candle was brighter. So, I'll have to figure out what to do to get my light on the oil candle as bright as the wax candle if that is possible. I think I might have to extend the wick a little.<br /><br />I was thinking that until I have solar and/or wind power, I will need some form of inexpensive lighting. Olive oil isn't exactly cheap though unless you buy it in bulk. Back in Houston, I remember there was this Phoenician market where I could buy olive oil in as much as 5 gallon tins and they weren't that expensive. I'd just worry about it going rancid. I'll be giving this another try with regular vegetable oil to see how it turns out but for now, the olive oil candle burned nice and clean. Just wish it were a tad brighter.<br /><br />Here are some of the paraffin lamps that could be used as olive oil lamps instead since the olive oil burns cleaner:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfXmoF960jM3KpPRJFSYgOTVoy7n7RNzZ4_W8XhyphenhyphenVCcS8RHem22eZndZZW6klYiEwhOGimyZ4pwE_uMtoTOBmxUDfLxv9ZUzaBOWu6ze_px3EGTcZDk2Snx-b_MdnB5ivKqDnwYtpfa12/s1600/Oil_lamp3.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfXmoF960jM3KpPRJFSYgOTVoy7n7RNzZ4_W8XhyphenhyphenVCcS8RHem22eZndZZW6klYiEwhOGimyZ4pwE_uMtoTOBmxUDfLxv9ZUzaBOWu6ze_px3EGTcZDk2Snx-b_MdnB5ivKqDnwYtpfa12/s320/Oil_lamp3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562727026753841682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3CerYrv0AQLKxfaIUH2aQFeDMIyxC6qoRBXSxS6Tg1DchQ9vLyNx1IGD3wG6RoLFSMvWfAtckcOGGVHfEzXQ6Q4b-ZWgO4FM7DHtaW78QVkNXLbdSWViFYCILWGllfdvL2PBX6ek0DzL/s1600/oil_lamp2.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3CerYrv0AQLKxfaIUH2aQFeDMIyxC6qoRBXSxS6Tg1DchQ9vLyNx1IGD3wG6RoLFSMvWfAtckcOGGVHfEzXQ6Q4b-ZWgO4FM7DHtaW78QVkNXLbdSWViFYCILWGllfdvL2PBX6ek0DzL/s320/oil_lamp2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562727043177306530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs9FmsG1Fam9kEdmChceZEyCnGU0jRH2t9Z6WeIWXiyPLz1cN5GqIInkllPT_ZFPRJ0s-7ZRh1jMg7NuibGsaWH3asAXGZ1qcjPG8WpPVBCD0O8g82PKHUg6CmYyhcpvVwQaBMbLEV4mI/s1600/Oil_lamp6.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs9FmsG1Fam9kEdmChceZEyCnGU0jRH2t9Z6WeIWXiyPLz1cN5GqIInkllPT_ZFPRJ0s-7ZRh1jMg7NuibGsaWH3asAXGZ1qcjPG8WpPVBCD0O8g82PKHUg6CmYyhcpvVwQaBMbLEV4mI/s320/Oil_lamp6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562727937333048322" border="0" /></a><br />I particularly like the one that hangs on the wall but I wonder if it isn't a tad too close to that wall. Hmmm..........<br /><br />I also found this interesting tea light holder. With the colored glass and all, it probably won't give off much light but it could add ambiance.:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGuU-vYNv27FwvwSBDZ_QGL3a3kPSLiL-2nZC4v1alYgwx-ACLxaCrXf60l6ebRKHgaXgJGXbbHft-0A-Ew2Ak6_C11YFaFjRjqgeQP_ozhCOstEsPrE5zdwjoY6b6cU3FDm0-GNizZIt/s1600/Oil_lamp4.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGuU-vYNv27FwvwSBDZ_QGL3a3kPSLiL-2nZC4v1alYgwx-ACLxaCrXf60l6ebRKHgaXgJGXbbHft-0A-Ew2Ak6_C11YFaFjRjqgeQP_ozhCOstEsPrE5zdwjoY6b6cU3FDm0-GNizZIt/s320/Oil_lamp4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562727932300982594" border="0" /></a>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-58241865710112926402011-01-15T21:51:00.000+09:002011-01-15T23:00:56.461+09:00Change of Plans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmVsAF27rTZmUvlZwUjucOCxvUQqpVJDucfj3VTi6nYuhU00ppg3xI3lOQuvZMSESl_9uZemSKfayTBKQlGmCQaXlFAibsFhAT94qnBYPqE2woLAUm-rqk6pXMREmVVInSTq7pvqGfayA/s1600/61540_442351391939_538101939_5074271_8295180_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmVsAF27rTZmUvlZwUjucOCxvUQqpVJDucfj3VTi6nYuhU00ppg3xI3lOQuvZMSESl_9uZemSKfayTBKQlGmCQaXlFAibsFhAT94qnBYPqE2woLAUm-rqk6pXMREmVVInSTq7pvqGfayA/s320/61540_442351391939_538101939_5074271_8295180_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562406335057874178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlPPMKo3A9oucAkjK4pM-_E9YZ9Bf1VVGSQbUzGxKYTQbTTvGfAN_IX8ojKJojqfWTg4MhlXTN4yMDLS9MAKsZieZRE9QUTSDqedP0dDUV99cks0WsHNw7Yol3xBJkx95k307aPrj8-eZ/s1600/62834_442351696939_538101939_5074279_5309849_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlPPMKo3A9oucAkjK4pM-_E9YZ9Bf1VVGSQbUzGxKYTQbTTvGfAN_IX8ojKJojqfWTg4MhlXTN4yMDLS9MAKsZieZRE9QUTSDqedP0dDUV99cks0WsHNw7Yol3xBJkx95k307aPrj8-eZ/s320/62834_442351696939_538101939_5074279_5309849_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562406342371260066" border="0" /></a><br />So, it's been over a year and I've decided to stay overseas yet another year. I'll try to make it back sometime this year but I may opt to visit someplace new while I can. I've been doing quite a bit of research on living off-grid but for now, I think I've done all I can do since I'm not actually on my land right now.<br /><br />I haven't been living off the grid over here but I have been living rent free which is a start. I do have to pay a bit in utilities once a month. So, I've been saving up as much as possible. I've been making my own body and health care products for some time now but recently, I've been trying to find an affordable distiller. It's been almost impossible over here. The ones back home in the states are quite pricey too. So, at some point, I'm going to attempt to build my own.<br /><br />While looking for the distiller, I came across this pretty cool press in which one could take, say, a bunch of sunflower seeds (or any other seed or grain) and make sunflower oil. Boy, was I excited to find that! I haven't purchased the machine yet but I think I might- It's a bit pricey. Also, I have to keep in mind the power requirements and conversion issues and how much energy it might suck up from a modest off-grid power system. We'll see. Here's a pic of the press: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSYdsVZiG8T0CmdWb2WGxAUcrIKSz0F8NIB8NexbSz0frkvgpn9kjZF4PPlco8-2ZpkLGVjneYpVSUMQfDeKgZ9o9jFD7IUHwPjyVE3mb60McjPRcRJ1ml3OI1DhK-cTFvpG8us97ngsQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+10.22.28+PM.png"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSYdsVZiG8T0CmdWb2WGxAUcrIKSz0F8NIB8NexbSz0frkvgpn9kjZF4PPlco8-2ZpkLGVjneYpVSUMQfDeKgZ9o9jFD7IUHwPjyVE3mb60McjPRcRJ1ml3OI1DhK-cTFvpG8us97ngsQ/s320/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+10.22.28+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562403280875249378" border="0" /></a><br />The down side is that it costs about $700 bucks U.S. According to the advertisement, it's supposed to be pretty heavy duty though. I'd love to have one of these even before I'm able to harvest my own crops.<br /><br />I've been walking through my neighborhood and I've noticed that the people here, use every bit of land for some kind of edible crop. One day, you'll see a bit of a junk yard but the very next, there's corn or rice or eggplants growing. This fall, I harvested quite a few jujubees and chestnuts as I walked to work. Once, I had to fight a crow over a chestnut. The crow won. He was a bold little buggar. I've included a few pics from around my neighborhood and my walk to school. One of the old farm houses even has a solar water heater.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBINQCNZo-9zksO5Bn2KdkuhbXlI5YJtY8xN-EjXYHddE70p2xEeVeX1JgQYyJZ5Y-Dp8eYUPWg7XOLiGBzc5KYYBps8jYRMkSdq8kYZloTf1ZXj_5g4SwExEwVDer3m-Y3V7Ix1G_2nS/s1600/61540_442351376939_538101939_5074269_6063035_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBINQCNZo-9zksO5Bn2KdkuhbXlI5YJtY8xN-EjXYHddE70p2xEeVeX1JgQYyJZ5Y-Dp8eYUPWg7XOLiGBzc5KYYBps8jYRMkSdq8kYZloTf1ZXj_5g4SwExEwVDer3m-Y3V7Ix1G_2nS/s320/61540_442351376939_538101939_5074269_6063035_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562407100463493106" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI_WVefrMMvnm5Yb5kIrvhlg0zvzqOsiF4zHQrA1YaiQQQnDv_Wol7k6nJE3HckaP8e89LaS3yfqQAkOPQGfdut-csRYut9RZPvDRGQx9jWLklc4UcD8_kh_kv2iIZQ4dJzUfMjq8mRFI/s1600/63003_442351266939_538101939_5074267_4569008_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI_WVefrMMvnm5Yb5kIrvhlg0zvzqOsiF4zHQrA1YaiQQQnDv_Wol7k6nJE3HckaP8e89LaS3yfqQAkOPQGfdut-csRYut9RZPvDRGQx9jWLklc4UcD8_kh_kv2iIZQ4dJzUfMjq8mRFI/s320/63003_442351266939_538101939_5074267_4569008_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562406332909608786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPche5nomP5nWIEZYXYSG4X3DPtHvKwQnLLwq1RuNBUon_qGSKJlDgbVq0yJ-TSz7T-5SPUxbEhGoeSxsLwQRcw8FGoO5QHLNdmOVuO7r9LJ5oMa8lmaSKCVxFOAf8F873dTXXD06qRSV/s1600/63373_442351601939_538101939_5074277_5284176_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPche5nomP5nWIEZYXYSG4X3DPtHvKwQnLLwq1RuNBUon_qGSKJlDgbVq0yJ-TSz7T-5SPUxbEhGoeSxsLwQRcw8FGoO5QHLNdmOVuO7r9LJ5oMa8lmaSKCVxFOAf8F873dTXXD06qRSV/s320/63373_442351601939_538101939_5074277_5284176_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562406318060788386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskmJ_xZbLWZR3_de96XBvqs54QO81fmeoOWJI-DTtNDHKci8TEpMGoiK-8H_WaipyxcIOppC1DgpgLaFTVBwxzvrhX9GLk7Iw08MEgSDIiEc1RR1vTQUUN3_XKIA7URmEIT_jcLTuSj1A/s1600/63373_442351581939_538101939_5074273_683452_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskmJ_xZbLWZR3_de96XBvqs54QO81fmeoOWJI-DTtNDHKci8TEpMGoiK-8H_WaipyxcIOppC1DgpgLaFTVBwxzvrhX9GLk7Iw08MEgSDIiEc1RR1vTQUUN3_XKIA7URmEIT_jcLTuSj1A/s320/63373_442351581939_538101939_5074273_683452_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562406320673952690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, today, I cooked some of the rice from my friend's rice paddy. It was pretty good. I stir-fried it with some bbq beef and served it with fresh sesame dressing, spicy red paste and sesame leaves. To drink we had fresh pressed organic apple juice and some oolong tea.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP9p3LtLYLYMtdjqcPQXb2ellUj-EsNrJWtwLiJmwUV1yMtn7orkW-JdgdrjTpRu4GpVNKP-p68QSpVXdJv2sK7W-6bjDigMt3PIKkMTzJxg7GGTudAesKztRWt1JSYw5tIj1Yey0Uwc8/s1600/DSCN0144.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP9p3LtLYLYMtdjqcPQXb2ellUj-EsNrJWtwLiJmwUV1yMtn7orkW-JdgdrjTpRu4GpVNKP-p68QSpVXdJv2sK7W-6bjDigMt3PIKkMTzJxg7GGTudAesKztRWt1JSYw5tIj1Yey0Uwc8/s320/DSCN0144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562410095360192962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qLhU87fb9L_oPq-iFHjcL2E-LKuxU-OBY5zI876chiRgcHsCrZ5WmG1EnkAnrv5AKQ-9DK5j1oVum4Gj_9O47K6IejEYodtnG_7Ex4G2SuMJvkzOo8RvHbYZuZoRNCQkeqm6cBJPzwCr/s1600/DSCN0141.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qLhU87fb9L_oPq-iFHjcL2E-LKuxU-OBY5zI876chiRgcHsCrZ5WmG1EnkAnrv5AKQ-9DK5j1oVum4Gj_9O47K6IejEYodtnG_7Ex4G2SuMJvkzOo8RvHbYZuZoRNCQkeqm6cBJPzwCr/s320/DSCN0141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562410098842251298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gjnV4NbkZWL_QEEz36uFnbjTtGhr82CRUVTgRtkKxkjrog9IzmnW4fYRCmMjyKy72RpjHHnVQYbCATImAc0j1kt0qHK8Eyi575Hp-GHe3VUqXwleG2zeKXruuL9ab4tbEzBZLFAdB_lW/s1600/DSCN0145.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gjnV4NbkZWL_QEEz36uFnbjTtGhr82CRUVTgRtkKxkjrog9IzmnW4fYRCmMjyKy72RpjHHnVQYbCATImAc0j1kt0qHK8Eyi575Hp-GHe3VUqXwleG2zeKXruuL9ab4tbEzBZLFAdB_lW/s320/DSCN0145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562410108307330850" border="0" /></a>KopperRosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129823606289434146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995049429702790317.post-83490711582226342862010-01-05T20:34:00.001+09:002012-07-28T11:49:53.533+09:00Going Off-Grid: The Plan<span style="font-size: 180%; font-weight: bold;">S</span>o, this is my first post about my plan to live off-grid. This is something that I've been thinking about and researching for over 10 years. Now that I have finally purchased some land, I thought that it would be a good idea to start documenting the process.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Why Am I going off-grid?</span><br />
Many people in their explanations about living off-grid talk about how they want to decrease their carbon footprints and live closer to nature while others talk about how they feel guilty about having so much while others in the world have very little.<br />
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Well, while these things matter to me, to be perfectly honest, the real reason why I want to live off-grid is because I hate bills ! At least the ones that make me feel like a prisoner to the system. I don't want a house note. I don't want utility bills every month, I don't want my neighbors telling me that my son can't play basketball in the driveway. I don't want the nosey neighbors stopping by unannounced just because its convenient (it's okay if the nice ones come around but there's always that relentless nosy one). I don't want to go to work everyday just to pay my bills while having very little time to do the things that I love like reading, writing, making music, doing crafts, making my own herbal products, doing reiki, etc.<br />
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I want to spend time with the people who are important in my life, including myself. I must admit, mostly, I am doing this for very selfish reasons. I am not ashamed. In my opinion, life is meant to be enjoyed. I have no intention of slaving the rest of my life away to live like the Joneses.<br />
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I don't expect this to be easy but I also don't expect it to be impossible. I've spent years on the net, in the library and alone with my pen and notebook thinking of ways in which I can make this a realitiy. I've tried to stay up on things and off-grid living ideas are changing everyday.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">About the Purchase of the Land?</span><br />
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One day while surfing the net looking for land (this is something that I do often), I finally decided to place a bid on a 5 acre piece of desert land. I won and now it's mine.<br />
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Why this particular piece of land? Why desert? Well, bottom line, I could afford it. I'd tried other areas but this, I could afford with one click of the paypal button. I did as much due diligence online as possible. Also had a realtor friend do a little checking for me.<br />
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The land is dry (dessert) but there are things growing on it. There are scattered shrubs and a few succulents. It seems that I should be able to grow some pecan trees, some cantaloupe, some cotton (LOL! This isn't going to happen) and some dessert flowers at the least. We'll see. I contacted one of the locals and discussed the area a bit and they seem like friendly people although there aren't too many folks living off-grid in the area. At least there aren't many people living off-grid that they know of. I bet there are some folks hidden out there somewhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfy-D6FElSUXmAmfjJBD3LgJD13wVuLqlFkOkM_x8OQx5mBkPIn6RzoYl_S1fYuBrOpX5XcHwWS5cIpkdtcP7jWQL2ViVUfdleyLS3s71kbfzP0GNQjYNLqHqyaGWVYaK9ELUs-ev5tgs/s1600-h/Texas+Land.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423273905662254626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfy-D6FElSUXmAmfjJBD3LgJD13wVuLqlFkOkM_x8OQx5mBkPIn6RzoYl_S1fYuBrOpX5XcHwWS5cIpkdtcP7jWQL2ViVUfdleyLS3s71kbfzP0GNQjYNLqHqyaGWVYaK9ELUs-ev5tgs/s320/Texas+Land.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">What's on the Land?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nuin'. Absolutely Nuin'.</span><br />
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5 acres of dry soil, shrubs, a few scattered succulents and not much else. I've read about there being some wild cats and scary poisonous snakes about. This concerns me but I guess I'll cross that cactus when I get there.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">My Long-Term Housing Plans</span><br />
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</span>I'm<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span>sooo building a Calearth superadobe ecodome. I purchased the how to video a couple of years ago and I think I've studied every version of the ecodome available on line. If I can find the time, I might even go do a semeste<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrX1wmWyS1ge-oGxxc58mHPLBzhdWK7ODwGvlJ6POUNNuGWZlqe4b-7UXcfmwAYUOVoO5XFzEZ-3NjD3tG-0uJANgTqHuh3McR7CKhoCG6xkp6-Tl8aAACpO-b9Ey186XiXoO97NSED39/s1600-h/Dome-House-Modelhouse2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423267708557992754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrX1wmWyS1ge-oGxxc58mHPLBzhdWK7ODwGvlJ6POUNNuGWZlqe4b-7UXcfmwAYUOVoO5XFzEZ-3NjD3tG-0uJANgTqHuh3McR7CKhoCG6xkp6-Tl8aAACpO-b9Ey186XiXoO97NSED39/s320/Dome-House-Modelhouse2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 160px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>r at Calearth institute so that I can get the hands on experience. We'll see. Well the models to the left are a kind of snap together dome created by this Japanese company. It's kind of a rip off of the geodesic shockcrete blown domes created by the folks at Domebuilder's Institute.</span><br />
I love these round homes but the Calearth version is the only one that I find affordable. I know that most people don't think that $40,ooo is a lot to pay for a home but I'm not spending that much and I fully intend to have a nice strong functional home. Take a look at what they're doing over at Calearth-www. calearth.org.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">My Temporary Housing Plans</span><br />
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I've thought about many <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu6BLHPKYFUsSPN2oai5AgzgpfI-_IKMLXbf4Hd1jvA3omMyub6bmoGCW8BYUzouVRz8nBD6j6Vl4S-ts6H_fwwyH3X6MTKMAnBEMUoptfOFylMLT0ZRwPWEsAwMI-t7_97QP1WjX07Jh/s1600-h/walmart_storage_shed1500.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423266110417835954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu6BLHPKYFUsSPN2oai5AgzgpfI-_IKMLXbf4Hd1jvA3omMyub6bmoGCW8BYUzouVRz8nBD6j6Vl4S-ts6H_fwwyH3X6MTKMAnBEMUoptfOFylMLT0ZRwPWEsAwMI-t7_97QP1WjX07Jh/s320/walmart_storage_shed1500.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 215px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 215px;" /></a>things from yurts to back yard sheds to camping tents. The building to the left is one of the backyard sheds I took a fancy to until I read the reviews about it. Many people had difficulty putting it together do to the shotty crafting and instructions. Also, it's kind of flimsy even for storage of garden tools. Too bad because it's actually kind of cute. Do to time constraints-I'll only have about 2-3 weeks to build on my trip back to the U.S. I almost settled on buying a couple of cargo containers and jazzing them up a bit until I have more time to build the ecodome. However, I recently purchased Lamar Alexander's ebook (Simple Solar Homesteading) on how to build his tiny solar home and I'm pretty much sold on it as I think it's easy and practical enough to fit my needs and my time frame. Besides, I have a few ideas how this home can be utilized once it has served it's initial purpose. If you're interested in living off-grid, you should check out Lamar's book as it has a wealth of useful and practical information.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">My Home Building Experience</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xz73rQSK4ymH-FMSzFGXqgpDpYdnztKq282WCUbOGWCejglWRISlDn1Iog1oRALP_T6ek5uRRtp8jBuYXmZxJzLrNKrnN0Mn7fHIGmCxe65rmib1Akxyi-31fs308zekwvLMzYH1nKQ_/s1600-h/philippines2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423297387669344226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xz73rQSK4ymH-FMSzFGXqgpDpYdnztKq282WCUbOGWCejglWRISlDn1Iog1oRALP_T6ek5uRRtp8jBuYXmZxJzLrNKrnN0Mn7fHIGmCxe65rmib1Akxyi-31fs308zekwvLMzYH1nKQ_/s320/philippines2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
I'll be building my first home. However, over the years I've volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in building various homes for people in need. In <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiji</span>, we built a house from wood, straw and metal siding.<br />
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In the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Philippines</span>, we built a house made of concrete bricks. We actually made the bricks ourselves.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauZw79C4VqnwzaZlmviJgH66oW5v-N8c8AefJL1-aIpjCGUGXs7lhcQYkGuag-oO7OhiaO0_rATDN-qrMHJI3i9d5QQJSFWgzBQNWCJv6VNChxPas8n0YkBfnMOnTOuAly_jdx1gTDiOd/s1600-h/philippines.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423298903178533010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauZw79C4VqnwzaZlmviJgH66oW5v-N8c8AefJL1-aIpjCGUGXs7lhcQYkGuag-oO7OhiaO0_rATDN-qrMHJI3i9d5QQJSFWgzBQNWCJv6VNChxPas8n0YkBfnMOnTOuAly_jdx1gTDiOd/s320/philippines.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
In <span style="font-weight: bold;">India</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thailand</span> we built homes made of adobe and wood. There were always professionals to guide us. Overall, the experience gave me the confidence that I need to at least attempt to build my own home. I'm no pro but I'll do my best.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">My Energy Plans</span><br />
I'm working on this but thus far, I'm pretty settled on utilizing wind energy in conjunction with solar panels as well as a back-up propane generator. I'll talk more about the specifics when the time comes.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Heating</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">& Cooling</span><br />
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Nights in west Texas can be pretty cold but during the day for most of the year- it's hot. So, I'm actually more concerned about cooling than I am heating. This is another reason why I decided to fore-go the cargo containers- yeah, they're metal and we all know what happens to a metal container in the baking sun. I will have an airconditioner. I know that this may seem like a big waste but we will have to find a way to have enough power for one because I don't like roasted me. Now, in the super adobe, there may not be a need for an actual air-conditioner due to the natural thermal advantages to this type of home but it may be awhile before I have enough time to build one.<br />
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***** I just remembered something. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Einstein</span> invented a type of refigerator that doesn't need electricity. I heard that this guy,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Malcolm McCollum from Oxford University </span>was working on l prototype that would be marketed sometime in the near future. http://www.physorg.com/news141581384.html . Now, I'm no egg- head but I'm wondering if anyone as come up with an idea based on these same principles in which maybe a small home might be cooled. Hey, just wondering. According to the article about McCollum and his team, they are supposedly working on many appliances that might be used in areas without electricity. Anyone have any updates on this?<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">What About Water?</span><br />
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You can't live without it. Well, depending on whether or not I'll be able to do any outside gardening (probably not) I'll collect rainwater and use grey water for my garden. Since I have 5 acres, I can legally build a well. Now, although I've heard that having a well dug is expensive, I've also read about folks who either rented the tools needed and did it themselves (see Lamar's Off-grid Solar book) or they've purchase reasonably priced tools and did it themselves. I've saved some info on this and I'll post it when I dig it out of my didital archives.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">What about Communication and Entertainment?</span><br />
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Hey, I don't mind being off-grid but I have a problem with being off-net. In Wreatha's blog she talks about going without internet for awhile before getting hooked-up to a wireless service. Something inside me got a little nauseous when I read that. I've been so spoiled living overseas with my lightening speed free internet and rent- free life that it will be hard for me to cope with no net at all. No offense Wretha but I hope and pray that I can find a reasonable solution so that I don't have to suffer that fate. :)<br />
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As for TV, I don't really care about that as long as I have the internet. I intend to do business via internet so without it, there goes my bread and butter and I like bread and butter a lot.<br />
So for now, I'm looking into the satellite and other resources available. Hopefully, by the time I make the full move, everything will be copacetic.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ring Ring! Got a couple of cups and some twine?</span><br />
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Over the years I read about the long-distance remote phones. They've developed a model in Korea that some people are using in the U.S. I hear that some folks have had some problems with the government with these phones while others haven't. This is how they work- if you have local telephone service, you hook the base of this phone into your telephone line, then you and your family members could carry the hand sets with you. When your home phone rings, the call is automatically forwarded from your base station to your hand sets according to the cycle you've determined. For instance, if the phone forwards to handset A and no one answers, it would then forward to handset B and so on. I hear that this type of phone works better outside busy cities than inside due to the lower level of interference. These are the type of phones used by miners. This phone kind of goes against the living off-grid plan though. However, they are much cheaper than mobile phones and you don't have to have a cell phone plan to use one.<br />
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I however, use my skype internet phone. It's great because I have both a Texas skype-in number and another U.S. city number that allows my friends and family to dial a local number and ring me overseas without paying long-distance fees. When I am not online, the call simply forwards to my foreign mobile phone. I pay a cheap yearly rate (less than $100) for my two local U.S. numbers and unlimited calling to anywhere in the U.S. (land line or mobile). This is another reason why off-grid cannot mean off-net to me. www.skype.com<br />
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There is another service (can't remember the name now) that you can download to your mobile phone and if your friends and family also download this software, you can talk to eachother, free of charge. It's kind of like skype (you can talk skype to skype to anywhere in the world for free) except you are talking mobile to mobile to anywhere in the world free as long as the other person has downloaded the software as well. When I find the name of the software, I'll post it. One thing though, I tried to download it overseas and it didn't work on my mobile because I have a cheap one. Don't get me wrong, the phones over hear are way more advanced than the ones back home but, this one is not 3G and on my particular plan, I would need a 3G phone or a phone with MS windows mobile in order for the software to work. I took the free phone with my plan so, I missed out on this deal. I intend to purchase an inexpensive 3G online soon as its fairly easy to transfer service from phone to phone over here.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">How About Security and Emergencies?</span><br />
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My home will be equipped with a traditional first aid kit and an he<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL2LTPvuAvRE1dIF9Hk19WJa969zQl5SCepY3KoR8bsbvJc9lulKcU7AM2R4mAyV9c8hQWmVbeKPbFwNCKzWcIibSqUBe4ofICum8-OUQ3un9INT7DNCkFzcmoHS8-eRj2GfkwWBc0SB7/s1600-h/herbalfrstaidA.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423287348915151986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL2LTPvuAvRE1dIF9Hk19WJa969zQl5SCepY3KoR8bsbvJc9lulKcU7AM2R4mAyV9c8hQWmVbeKPbFwNCKzWcIibSqUBe4ofICum8-OUQ3un9INT7DNCkFzcmoHS8-eRj2GfkwWBc0SB7/s320/herbalfrstaidA.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 240px;" /></a>rbal first aid kit. We'll have to renew our certifications but I think we can remember what to do if needed. There is a hospital with-in reasonable driving distance.<br />
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I decided to install a simple but effective security system in my house. Years ago, before my son was born, I helped my husband install such systems when he was moonlighting at radio shack. I think I'll upgrade a bit though with a system that I can monitor via internet from wherever I am. Not that different from the kinds used in many kindergartens. Yep, another reason why I'll need internet even while I'm away. Also folks, this is Texas. One word- packin'.<br />
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Who Said You Can't Grow Food in the Desert?</span><br />
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You know, eating is kind of important. If I'm unable to get anything growing on the land, I'll look into a raised bed green house. I recently purchased an ebook on raised bed gardening. As long as I can get some descent fruits and or veggies growing, I'll do what canning, drying and roasting needed to stock my cupboards. I'm not a vegetarian but meat isn't that big of a part of my diet and I can do without having too much of it. I've been learning from the professionals in Asia how to ferment soy beans to make my own high protien/high calcium soy spreads and soup stocks. It's such a drawn out process but well worth the nutritional value. I'll post more on this when I actually find time to document the step by step process.<br />
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