tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422044363743735002024-03-12T21:20:29.291-07:00The Diff Wagondiffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-14506061926438960982013-10-14T20:33:00.000-07:002013-10-14T20:33:49.386-07:00"If I was going somewhere...I was running!" - Forrest Gump<br />
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I absolutely love this movie. Brings back so many funny childhood memories when I would watch it with my Aunt and Uncle. I was such a little actress when I was little and would act out all the scenes. <br />
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Ironically this movie happened to be on TV the other day and I was watching it while running around the house. He truly was a "runnin fool" in that movie. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EZUwtfxBd6WQp1hz1tIVUvPcv1vBfwoBvzPhIYQojidxnrJSdkEvSPLOa5qZY4GFI_mU3nW2UZUdHxEnZvVpRxFD_YptiIRwsTrMX62a3pqFm9pVYVvGYdHZLWAqqMZraNrnkpzcmiY/s1600/IMG_3721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EZUwtfxBd6WQp1hz1tIVUvPcv1vBfwoBvzPhIYQojidxnrJSdkEvSPLOa5qZY4GFI_mU3nW2UZUdHxEnZvVpRxFD_YptiIRwsTrMX62a3pqFm9pVYVvGYdHZLWAqqMZraNrnkpzcmiY/s320/IMG_3721.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
That same weekend the movie was on, my sister was talking to me about being a pacer for a 50 mile endurance run she was thinking about doing in April of next year. This means I would be running with her for the last 20 miles. I actually have never ran anything over 13.1 miles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28zLS5jLV9tZZRvbNRKgAubSbde8iVW4R7fXsAw1CVRkjYfNFu79oTAZXum-bF8QFg-TWA30VCcFAuP02JvlwO9VUmfJ284DoqUmsF-p8ArYpH_Js9AiUohhIWJ980IOdxADwc_6CRQU/s1600/IMG_5250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28zLS5jLV9tZZRvbNRKgAubSbde8iVW4R7fXsAw1CVRkjYfNFu79oTAZXum-bF8QFg-TWA30VCcFAuP02JvlwO9VUmfJ284DoqUmsF-p8ArYpH_Js9AiUohhIWJ980IOdxADwc_6CRQU/s320/IMG_5250.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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I've always wanted to run a full on marathon but it is something I've always thought was an impossible feat. My sister later decided she was going to run the Napa Valley Marathon in March instead and wondered if I was interested. For me, registering for the event is my ultimate commitment to start training and finish the race. <br />
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My sister and I before our first race together.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGpDi97o56wQ5rkIkADqd4ns8HdS2rdeUvqP8wEfCpbJ2zEG46-mNM_o0te8jpJZfpKD7k_RowMUg9EO8Kmr3eyg0yWx98H3nDf0yKJkIQd3jEmvb-uYQa1roIuA9JSzIUlD_uOqJCaA/s1600/IMG_4038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGpDi97o56wQ5rkIkADqd4ns8HdS2rdeUvqP8wEfCpbJ2zEG46-mNM_o0te8jpJZfpKD7k_RowMUg9EO8Kmr3eyg0yWx98H3nDf0yKJkIQd3jEmvb-uYQa1roIuA9JSzIUlD_uOqJCaA/s320/IMG_4038.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><br />
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So...<br />
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I had to consult one of my best friends who has completed the SF Marathon twice now and has been my running partner through most of all my races. She said she had no doubts I would be able to finish it, but it would be the time commitment to train. <br />
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Us crazy girls before the Color Run in 2012. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnGbW-mCgkvAf5LPTTNvtepHIYfbHIX1BeqFtps8wQTWSuyZSffTXAfKpODQaB0uPv_ID9qURZ2uGNN6o7u3GAeYNZaTxAuB6gAY0_IE4nuS5DBEXj8LIpsW894gfLM8Nee-AtBrsZbM/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnGbW-mCgkvAf5LPTTNvtepHIYfbHIX1BeqFtps8wQTWSuyZSffTXAfKpODQaB0uPv_ID9qURZ2uGNN6o7u3GAeYNZaTxAuB6gAY0_IE4nuS5DBEXj8LIpsW894gfLM8Nee-AtBrsZbM/s320/IMG_2039.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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Already my schedule is jam packed. I wake up up every day at 4:45am, drive 30 minutes to catch my companies corporate bus at 6:05am every day. The ride is roughly 2 hours to work. I typically nap the entire way if I can and get to work at 8. I take an early bus home at 4pm where I work for an hour and nap another hour when I get back to my car at about 5:30pm to 6pm every day, then another 30min to an hour drive home (depending on traffic). This day is enough to make someone super tired despite the fact that I'm sitting most of the day. <br />
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Sooo, with my half marathon routine, I've made myself continue training after work despite the incredibly long day. It's been hard and there's been lots of ups and downs but it's kept me much more happy because I am active and it's something I truly love to do as hard as running is. <br />
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Best shoes ever...Brooks Adrenaline<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWqOncmXdtNXGBPzJvjmAPHwRUj_u4nZ7JAY90kt7_lB2-f0gjIuTfyEygl0wXHulVI2yur0O8_KOKkmOeNgTD2zVVyoma_wj0rkjc0wcXHb61S1XJ3JC0vqpjYAmbmDWA6Wvu6dzxT0/s1600/IMG_3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWqOncmXdtNXGBPzJvjmAPHwRUj_u4nZ7JAY90kt7_lB2-f0gjIuTfyEygl0wXHulVI2yur0O8_KOKkmOeNgTD2zVVyoma_wj0rkjc0wcXHb61S1XJ3JC0vqpjYAmbmDWA6Wvu6dzxT0/s320/IMG_3182.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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So I decided within a couple hours to sign up! My training will continue right after the half marathon on Oct. 20th till March 3rd where I will be running with my sister to complete my first Full Marathon. I'm scared beyond my wits but I'm ready to conquer something I've wanted to do for awhile now. It'll be nice to have my sister there with me to cross the finish line together. It'll be our second race together and I'm ready to train. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNtPvFtiNbvHsBZ9RvBU_NudEd2gXFo9SHv6C8URhUa4q9z9YeBVR9H0CrEbYh7mj8JHFUKD-P_BD1fIZ7Qyx0BtOwSa5rY9iqeURYvZCxS-b7QbgeVpSSqdwj59sPBgNre0Gu0f40xM/s1600/IMG_4047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNtPvFtiNbvHsBZ9RvBU_NudEd2gXFo9SHv6C8URhUa4q9z9YeBVR9H0CrEbYh7mj8JHFUKD-P_BD1fIZ7Qyx0BtOwSa5rY9iqeURYvZCxS-b7QbgeVpSSqdwj59sPBgNre0Gu0f40xM/s320/IMG_4047.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><br />
Wish me luck and I will be sure to check in with my progress along the way. diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-19823113047845317652013-10-13T17:20:00.004-07:002013-10-13T17:20:48.416-07:00Bloglovin'Ever since Google Reader went bye-bye I've been using Bloglovin to read and follow all my blogs. In fact, I think it's a much easier and user friendly site.<br />
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For my long commutes, I love to use the app on my phone and scroll through all my blogs. It's like my daily news! It's easy to "like" my favorite posts and Pin items straight from the app or the website.<br />
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Add the website and use the search tool to find all sorts of blogs. You can follow me there as well!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11045839/?claim=aajsh38x7kt">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-5779748199627334962013-10-13T12:05:00.002-07:002013-10-13T12:13:10.164-07:00Fall Is Here!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before but I absolutely adore Fall! It truly is just like F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's like a refreshing start...almost like the feeling of a new year. With Fall comes all my favorite things and I think it's because it's all tied to things of comfort, outdoors, childhood memories, and being with family and friends. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The other day I started to jot down a Fall to-do list. Fall cannot slip away with a few must-dos each and every year. Today, Mike and I with a few of our friends knocked a couple items off that list.'</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But to help those of you with your Fall to-do list...here is mine!</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Get in the kitchen and bake up some Fall treats. </span></b><br />
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My friend gave me a Caramel Apple Cake Pop kit, and I had to make them for Mike and my dad who love all things apple!</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Get in the spirit and decorate the house Fall style</span></b><br />
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My mantle has since gotten yet another upgrade with tiny white pumpkins, but I was so excited to add some Fall flare to the house. Mantles are the best place to start for seasonal decor. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Love me some white pumpkins! They are by far my fave!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrthNF6eXRX3VxELNwX-YqK1uM8qaJsBQW1SqkHdRXCMHWg37ii2k5mVFxw1iVySZJq0k0TbJRbzLd8KbeojRNLRU7NAt5nhxZH44Ce25NGg4iMCVnyQQ705Y3_HBge9gjR3nJ7lsuI8/s1600/IMG_6029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrthNF6eXRX3VxELNwX-YqK1uM8qaJsBQW1SqkHdRXCMHWg37ii2k5mVFxw1iVySZJq0k0TbJRbzLd8KbeojRNLRU7NAt5nhxZH44Ce25NGg4iMCVnyQQ705Y3_HBge9gjR3nJ7lsuI8/s320/IMG_6029.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Scored with the fall welcome mat at <a href="http://www.CVS.com/" target="_blank">CVS </a>for $5!!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcG8B3UKmpu144_2z3lMBss0PkzLa1ijLY7TqScgSTP_a5jA2DCanfn1BYx526d24tuhpJvTGb0GipdjrvRo7c5Pkn5aMq-On_s91XOhGH9IooW0Mrh3umhglJ0m90d8upDYu7XQt8Ik/s1600/IMG_5927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcG8B3UKmpu144_2z3lMBss0PkzLa1ijLY7TqScgSTP_a5jA2DCanfn1BYx526d24tuhpJvTGb0GipdjrvRo7c5Pkn5aMq-On_s91XOhGH9IooW0Mrh3umhglJ0m90d8upDYu7XQt8Ik/s320/IMG_5927.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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I whipped up these <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/macadamia-nut-white-chip-pumpkin-cookies-3560?nl=RZ-101811-eaters-digest__item-link-url-5&sni_mid=19730&sni_rid=19730.311.533622" target="_blank">Pumpkin Macadamia White Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> and they have since become a family favorite. Several batches have already been devoured this Fall. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPSsgdcgX7zuhobbyMeJX8FUfiPJUBUpNiPaPY_FlYtSvLnjBpxbBmnv07qe09O2x3p7jTPz0YgUCQ21Y8Medvoga5sCkVxCJXdjOqNdeZbNV340cYOix-SC759p5KJk-7TGZQTL9Jng/s1600/IMG_5877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPSsgdcgX7zuhobbyMeJX8FUfiPJUBUpNiPaPY_FlYtSvLnjBpxbBmnv07qe09O2x3p7jTPz0YgUCQ21Y8Medvoga5sCkVxCJXdjOqNdeZbNV340cYOix-SC759p5KJk-7TGZQTL9Jng/s320/IMG_5877.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Go to Apple Hill (or the closest Orchard/Harvest-type Festival) </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBbQalUnTPGz0SuyEUqZTBC_OrxdG44jO7t8UMdv_qwIud8Vbg_kNhc6rneCbVT2odgi6wRIZp5r8y3Kz3vX66sTpRsIp6jkQfWa8Oxf1WkcbQcmw81pgcRzyIN5yCrh5fLE2Y8Ti4eI/s1600/IMG_6012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBbQalUnTPGz0SuyEUqZTBC_OrxdG44jO7t8UMdv_qwIud8Vbg_kNhc6rneCbVT2odgi6wRIZp5r8y3Kz3vX66sTpRsIp6jkQfWa8Oxf1WkcbQcmw81pgcRzyIN5yCrh5fLE2Y8Ti4eI/s320/IMG_6012.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This place is a staple for us each Fall and I'm sure there's a place wherever you are located that features absolutely everything Fall...apples, pumpkins, hayrides. Find your place and spend a weekend soaking up all the Fall galore!! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For me, Apple Hill is the place I MUST get an apple fritter...yes they are pretty much the size of my head! We just recently stumbled upon Caramel Apple Shakes so now it's a must every time we go! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArHegShWE-o03Wa_-YoLkuMlvnXVNc14793imqDThvNOrCfNxafq8JZn12-vUWy7PmFfy-IofMhgfMnvqZuhHF58wo2bq3yD4sp_waiYF-I0J7-N89uD-R-672Vp0X_zFQvveyfP625g/s1600/IMG_6013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArHegShWE-o03Wa_-YoLkuMlvnXVNc14793imqDThvNOrCfNxafq8JZn12-vUWy7PmFfy-IofMhgfMnvqZuhHF58wo2bq3yD4sp_waiYF-I0J7-N89uD-R-672Vp0X_zFQvveyfP625g/s320/IMG_6013.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINOmdpfOz-1xkL3QJ1aCn5TryRHAMAf00Lzgpl3PbPW4OPn6HmHp-ReuTv-8D2TJLkrfC-ot7UDlG4D5P3OzHQU4g6bGoqkTfsut7JAkk86U_w8DYd5rWva_VSTVlC4zZsNhRLd9HyVg/s1600/IMG_6009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINOmdpfOz-1xkL3QJ1aCn5TryRHAMAf00Lzgpl3PbPW4OPn6HmHp-ReuTv-8D2TJLkrfC-ot7UDlG4D5P3OzHQU4g6bGoqkTfsut7JAkk86U_w8DYd5rWva_VSTVlC4zZsNhRLd9HyVg/s320/IMG_6009.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></span></span><br />
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We also found a new spot this trip. Jack Russell Brewery! Had to try the Apple Beer which was great. However, Mike scored with their IPA.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0CtjtqHLdyq6LBSyttEEqSEkV05CJwwxVSWJThSUeg9krP4G3Ff5IxO_nlrhxsDdd4fPU_jGpkm6mGgrVOiMae2KitaTefjQcEcsfPzYvZeBNXb98j2Cye-KIn5b4XmQMJXmZmgBKCQ/s1600/IMG_6026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0CtjtqHLdyq6LBSyttEEqSEkV05CJwwxVSWJThSUeg9krP4G3Ff5IxO_nlrhxsDdd4fPU_jGpkm6mGgrVOiMae2KitaTefjQcEcsfPzYvZeBNXb98j2Cye-KIn5b4XmQMJXmZmgBKCQ/s320/IMG_6026.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. Pick yourself a pumpkin! </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love my little pea green pumpkin! I'm all about the odd suckers.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8IzJwqNx3FB-JeII7SHu0fcNnsInee_wz9Fan8aUjOSZanEPuvGnwTrMQXMiQc8o4u9zIDyBJt0iJKZ6B2lHoYmoymnnLVtHdiruyWEB6aAfW31cjYBdcFB5CJ5cvbq2JS1Uclt4JbQ/s1600/IMG_6020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8IzJwqNx3FB-JeII7SHu0fcNnsInee_wz9Fan8aUjOSZanEPuvGnwTrMQXMiQc8o4u9zIDyBJt0iJKZ6B2lHoYmoymnnLVtHdiruyWEB6aAfW31cjYBdcFB5CJ5cvbq2JS1Uclt4JbQ/s320/IMG_6020.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. Go Apple Picking</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is one item on the list I have yet to accomplish. We have another trip to Apple Hill scheduled this season, so it will be happening!</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6. Back yard bonfire with s'mores</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We tend to do this a lot in the summer but really the best weather for it is the Fall when it's cool outside and the fire is actually functional :-) </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7. Carve that pumpkin! </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was my Jack ;-) I'm a terrible pumpkin carver, but I LOVE the activity. Thought I'd pick something easy that year. I tried Tinkerbell the year before...not successful :-/</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij30TtarrcSGW7LLs-TVAu5U-QvjWOHbYCRc5RHMxEsb-6h2wPs0_h0mm7yyYbKkze8RTWlr92dZ0moC1riOzhqC5JdpbV8ipaSb1WJKjWi7zniHXMJa2ecACD0xAZGqU_SfqDx04aL2o/s1600/IMG_2424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij30TtarrcSGW7LLs-TVAu5U-QvjWOHbYCRc5RHMxEsb-6h2wPs0_h0mm7yyYbKkze8RTWlr92dZ0moC1riOzhqC5JdpbV8ipaSb1WJKjWi7zniHXMJa2ecACD0xAZGqU_SfqDx04aL2o/s320/IMG_2424.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8. Costume Party</span></b><br />
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We always have a great time during any Holiday at work and really get into the spirit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Several years ago this was my crazy flapper outfit...would be perfect with the Great Gatsby having resurfaced lately.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7fy8KmvyhMBPh0mApFKQCceSzSBT2i6rgLwVQUL0w96yT6VTpcP6OST18fmg9S9d1LVX-Fbui7Ac45CaaMvyTKzw49DfmDUFdxVMnS5yAcJKH8-DUFxP-DdFF8MUMD2CC-mlOI2ycGA/s1600/IMG_5019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7fy8KmvyhMBPh0mApFKQCceSzSBT2i6rgLwVQUL0w96yT6VTpcP6OST18fmg9S9d1LVX-Fbui7Ac45CaaMvyTKzw49DfmDUFdxVMnS5yAcJKH8-DUFxP-DdFF8MUMD2CC-mlOI2ycGA/s320/IMG_5019.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year...I'm recruiting some co-workers to be Minions with me! How fun and easy would that be, right!!?? </span><br />
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We've already partaken in office "Spooktacular" donuts ;-) </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9. Resist that Halloween candy...but act like a kid and dig in every once in awhile ;-) </span></b><br />
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I've already been told I'm "stealing from the children" according to Mike. He decided this year, we'd be handing out full size candy and it's been staring at me for a month now already. I've been good considering I could easily take one every day. Only a few have gone missing ;-) </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10. Get outside </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The weather is THE best this time of year (sans rain)...but even with rain, go have a dance in those puddles!</span></div>
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I have been training for my 8th half marathon, <a href="http://www.finishlineproduction.com/events/running/GrapeStomp/GrapeStomp.html" target="_blank">The Livermore Grape Stomp</a>, which I will complete on Oct. 20th. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYJWLvXp59vnCTSTKizb6lGRWRileHzThvgd6ju0SJ_ozUmTASsB7R3Rkow3FoD-PuZoPY-qjA_GZq6cR65p5fFt59buT-NuUc2wQKye_dACV40usUNITSLCFcMeDP9dDbPnlGtXRtJ4/s1600/IMG_5918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYJWLvXp59vnCTSTKizb6lGRWRileHzThvgd6ju0SJ_ozUmTASsB7R3Rkow3FoD-PuZoPY-qjA_GZq6cR65p5fFt59buT-NuUc2wQKye_dACV40usUNITSLCFcMeDP9dDbPnlGtXRtJ4/s320/IMG_5918.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The morning runs have been the best! The weather is nice and crisp and perfect for my long runs. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is on your Fall must-do list? I'm always excited for new Fall activities so please comment away! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Enjoy your Fall!! </span><br />
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diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-44333542292298506692013-03-27T22:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T22:12:12.594-07:00Pale Mint, Poppy, and Gold!<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I've finally really and truly come down to the main colors of the wedding. I've been tinkering around with both the blue/green shade and the pink/red shade. Gold was always just standard...had to be there! I went from aqua all the way to a finite pale mint. It's the best description I can come up with for now. It's not a spearmint, it's not at all on a blue scale...it's a pale cloudy mint. Then I fought with myself over the fucshia color that I started with...and it quickly become a poppy red. I think the mint and poppy are elegant and classy together and has more of a vintage feel than aqua and fucshia did...and our venue is all about vintage! Granted, I asked the "finance" (no, not fiance...finance...it's our new nickname) if he liked the colors...his answer, "whatever you like". Good, good man, he is! </div>
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This was the original picture from <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/" target="_blank">Style Me Pretty</a> that inspired me with the color palette: fuschia and aqua. </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618326119/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/f1/c9/cb/f1c9cb5488389a73c8a97ab61adac124.jpg" height="354" width="236" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/2012/03/02/wonderland-inspired-wedding-by-rosemary-hattenbach-eden-rodriguez/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">stylemepretty.com</a> via<a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I've been pinning like a madman but I haven't found a color board or inspiration board that really captures all the colors well. Usually there's one color that is missing. So, I've put together my own color board using <a href="http://www.weddingwire.com/" target="_blank">Wedding Wire</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding/UserViewBoards?wid=4f88523a3c67ae77&bid=55572624fcd77409"><img src="http://static.weddingwire.com/static/wedding/510001_515000/513434/iboard/iboard-55572624fcd77409.jpg?1364444743000" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Photos by: </div>
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<a href="http://watters.com/Product/Seahorse/44379" target="_blank">Glitter Flower Girl Dress</a>/2&3: My Own/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Men's Suit</a>/<a href="http://lover.ly/image/13099" target="_blank">Anemones</a>/<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/113951279/wedding-bridal-jewelry-bridal-earrings" target="_blank">Gold Earrings</a>/<a href="http://ruffledblog.com/galleries/rock-quarry-wedding-inspiration/?pid=74824&nggpage=2" target="_blank">Mint&Gold Leaf</a> Cake/<a href="http://www.withlovefromkat.com/" target="_blank">Gold Framed Chalkboard</a></div>
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Wedding Wire has been such a helpful site thus far. I can save all my vendors in a vendor area and even research reviews of vendors. I have created many many inspiration boards just putting together color themes. The check list is great, and my OCD self loves checking off all the items! We can even create our own wedding website through Wedding Wire, although I haven't delved too far into that aspect of the site quite yet. </div>
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I <i>have</i> been in craft mode lately and finished my first DIY project for the wedding. I made flower pens in our wedding flowers of course, to be placed on the guest book table. </div>
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Cute right!!?</div>
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Next DIY are going to be sparkly gold signs tied with pale mint ribbon that say "Mr" and "Mrs" for our head table! Inspiration was found from this awesome "Love" sign. </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618978457/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/736x/11/d4/ef/11d4ef2d17e72afbc0dab86eb75beb26.jpg" height="334" width="236" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">100layercake.com</a> via<a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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More wedding updates to come! </div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-19775282724578432892013-03-25T19:16:00.000-07:002013-03-25T19:16:47.870-07:00Just Cakey<div style="text-align: center;">
I think there's a trend with the whole Cake Batter and Confetti/Funfetti Cake being made into things...well, other than cake. So far, I haven't made anything with cake batter/confetti cake other than cake pops (which doesn't count as being creative)...so I hopped on board today. </div>
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Mike asked me to make a dessert for a pizza party him and his coworkers are having. Some of his co-workers are going to be bringing their kids, so I thought I should make it a little more fun! Mike had the idea of brownies and then throwing some sprinkles on top which jogged my inspiration. I've wanted to try <a href="http://codykitchenconfections.blogspot.com/2012/11/funfetti-cake-mix-cookies.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a>, Funfetti Cookies from Confection's From the Cody Kitchen. This was the perfect time to try it out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7qLMdEfaTAHxu8q2bqeH_NyD6QI8z0VWsVLiDLI-SGI6g3L9GsG0-vwCLQLm7DiWL1uAY6geb86iU9WWVsZFoGhSoc0dhDDJV5g-wIbggoJUVFJuXvrVuk_j1stqWgUzkP2q5QzlgD0/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7qLMdEfaTAHxu8q2bqeH_NyD6QI8z0VWsVLiDLI-SGI6g3L9GsG0-vwCLQLm7DiWL1uAY6geb86iU9WWVsZFoGhSoc0dhDDJV5g-wIbggoJUVFJuXvrVuk_j1stqWgUzkP2q5QzlgD0/s1600/image.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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However, I wanted to incorporate chocolate chips...you gotta have some chocolate in there! And I didn't exactly have a Confetti or Funfetti cake mix...so I ended up using a white cake mix and stealing (shhh don't tell) the "confettis" from a Pillsbury Confetti Icing jar :-/ and throwing it into the mix. I know I'm going to regret that later when I'm looking for some confetti icing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXi-3hYQC25kh-7gbRQ896jUoNpUszjlE7v1OzShpqcEL8L0SjyUOtoWJA4Zcwsb3cj9Dllh4vxD75qVN-I2UyN5AWNkaLWiJC1G1nTPfqqODRz9JIE1tWK9wdVNChaGVLKka9cBACNBY/s1600/image-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXi-3hYQC25kh-7gbRQ896jUoNpUszjlE7v1OzShpqcEL8L0SjyUOtoWJA4Zcwsb3cj9Dllh4vxD75qVN-I2UyN5AWNkaLWiJC1G1nTPfqqODRz9JIE1tWK9wdVNChaGVLKka9cBACNBY/s1600/image-3.jpeg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Getting crazy, I know! Other than that...oh and using Xanthum Gum in exchange for the cornstarch...I followed her recipe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPl4oZyfeYZmz5BHvdCNDtpfP0Z1hsjQaKW15yw0TYeYb4H7d2CB3OogIB878bK0SP54GWbPGxrnGQVaywh3CZSejkANBHkiQWXMfZ5po1CvYC2vN6y72673_7giOv-QiQfhEjEkK8s8/s1600/image-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPl4oZyfeYZmz5BHvdCNDtpfP0Z1hsjQaKW15yw0TYeYb4H7d2CB3OogIB878bK0SP54GWbPGxrnGQVaywh3CZSejkANBHkiQWXMfZ5po1CvYC2vN6y72673_7giOv-QiQfhEjEkK8s8/s1600/image-1.jpeg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm thinking the kids are going to enjoy these fluffy creations tomorrow! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj238cVxxylcMAvdmP5-USNNh3n6mEJ7IcW_mVoMf8Rnv2ZZHQ8ZH3w5YCeqovmn_jPL_ka6mDFIllIDAQH3MvVpQiZCiEZ4HiAlVuKh6HYm6zlN-vmg27qFf1u9Pprity0Hr9VPdbA-BE/s1600/image-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj238cVxxylcMAvdmP5-USNNh3n6mEJ7IcW_mVoMf8Rnv2ZZHQ8ZH3w5YCeqovmn_jPL_ka6mDFIllIDAQH3MvVpQiZCiEZ4HiAlVuKh6HYm6zlN-vmg27qFf1u9Pprity0Hr9VPdbA-BE/s1600/image-2.jpeg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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I however, had the smallest of tastes as I was bad and ate three Reese's cups for dinner. Yes, dinner. I'm hoping my 4 mile run afterwards burned it off and then some. I ate like a horse today! </div>
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Off to watch the Shark's Game. Not very excited about the Murray trade...so I've gotta go find myself a new favorite. Happy Monday all :-) </div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-17793010626191941322013-03-24T21:53:00.001-07:002013-03-24T21:57:23.744-07:00Feb. Showers bring March Flowers?<div style="text-align: center;">
Yay, it's Spring time and the weather is actually being cooperative lately. I hear though that it's not the same in much of the midwest and further East. I have been maximizing my vitamin D time and getting outside! I'm currently training for the <a href="http://www.parkwayhalf.com/" target="_blank">American River Parkway Half Marathon</a> that is in another month so I've been trying to get outside more and off my treadmill. However, we just recently acquired a treadmill and I must say, it is a dream come true!! </div>
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The one thing I loved so much about living in apartment complexes in Foster City and in Folsom was that they came with great onsite exercise facilities. I actually trained for my first half marathon entirely on a treadmill. So I've been utilizing the convenience of our new treadmill!! Mike and I are also running the <a href="http://www.runrocklin.com/" target="_blank">Run Rocklin</a> 5 and 12k in a couple weeks with a couple of our friends so he's been getting his run on too! </div>
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I ran tons of errands today. When I've got lots of random things to get and a whole bunch of places to go, it's best for me to go by myself. I linger as long as I want, take my sweet time, and stock up on tons of things I don't need ;-) My trip started out at <a href="http://www.ulta.com/" target="_blank">Ulta</a>. I was in the market for some waterproof mascara. I wanted to try out Tarte's "lights, camera, splashes" 4-in-1 mascara as I'll be needing some heavy duty flood proof stuff for our wedding. </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618964883/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/01/c3/5f/01c35f6fcfe7a08b237780e1b451d982.jpg" height="314" width="236" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-lights-camera-splashes?gclid=CKWvtb6Cl7YCFcR7Qgod3kcAgQ" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tartecosmetics.com</a> via<a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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And I also picked up Tarte's Maracuja Lip Gloss in "Blushing Bride" (I know, how ironic) to test out. I'll report back on my findings!</div>
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With Spring in the air, I've started to make lists for wedding crafts. I know, Spring has nothing to do with wedding crafts, but since it IS wedding season, I'm getting in the mood to start checking off some of my projects from my DIY list. Project 1: Flower Pens! </div>
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<a href="http://www.michaels.com/" target="_blank">Michael's</a> was my stop for my DIY project. I was looking for white and red anemone's. I should backup and explain that our wedding color palette is pale mint, poppy (or red Anemone), with touches of gold and black/white. </div>
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Kinda like this color board found here...</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618713607/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/80/ca/94/80ca941e670e31f8104a9c7c2b423cd8.jpg" height="278" width="236" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.snippetandink.com/bold-retro-wedding-colors.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">snippetandink.com</a> via<a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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When discussing the florals with our florist from <a href="http://www.designwithflorae.com/" target="_blank">Design with Florae</a>, Anemone's were big on my list as well as Peonies, Ranunculus, Fringed Tulips, and those awesome pod like things that look minty green. Poppy pods? I wanted to copy these florals for an arrangement on the guest </div>
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book table. I made some floral pens for my maid of honor's bridal shower awhile ago and I loved the way they turned out. I thought I'd recreate the idea for us. </div>
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I sat outside in the backyard today and went to town making pens. I used 5 Anemone stalks, 2 red Ranunculus, and 2 red Peonies for 9 pens in total. I also bought green floral tape and used a cute vase I had from Valentine's Day that worked perfectly. And of course, I completed the look with some gold and mint ribbon. </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618964296/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/c0/e9/41/c0e9411bc62b7a16d49e108a88a3b048.jpg" height="236" width="236" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I'm very happy with the result! Now I have to figure out, an actual guestbook, a matting to surround a photo of us, or something like this?</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792616578428/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/df/75/ec/df75ecd80571dff1ad470618efc32710.jpg" height="286" width="236" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.ilovefarmweddings.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">ilovefarmweddings.com</a> via<a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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What have you guys seen or done at your own weddings?</div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-43612786170477057572013-03-04T20:28:00.002-08:002013-03-04T20:28:50.915-08:00Little "Pizza" My Heart<div style="text-align: center;">
So today marks 3 years that Mikey and I have been together! Yay us! I love any chance to celebrate even though we are engaged and we will have a wedding anniversary soon enough...we are celebrating our three years together anyway!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmlIVOdiK6rHeqkjYedy5zZPDP7PHRiHKBKbOZ6f0jy0CMlc0v-R6etStsYiXokZ37v-Oix11uTrFyVmDHgPLF0gNYYo6xy8gFrZ839_uBZt5h9RXXzUuKSNrMhDYKd-WG_6VxX1usws/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmlIVOdiK6rHeqkjYedy5zZPDP7PHRiHKBKbOZ6f0jy0CMlc0v-R6etStsYiXokZ37v-Oix11uTrFyVmDHgPLF0gNYYo6xy8gFrZ839_uBZt5h9RXXzUuKSNrMhDYKd-WG_6VxX1usws/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I try to be creative and think of things Mike loves (usually involving food) to make for our celebrations. He's not one for the store bought stuff so I like to think outside the box!</div>
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What's become sort of a tradition each year is bringing out our mini chocolate fountain that Mikey gave me for our first year celebration. He surprised me with everything you could ever want to dip into chocolate on a plate...maximum chocolate gluttony!!! I've continued to bring it out each year. Strawberries for dipping this year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIoEPceeC6x0OoYwYTj8a6BV5p9RX4Q26lPwZZig3Slk9zY7DNjOyFZxqpMeg_AGa4-nTvFbSHaj77Jv2x_m1zzyYgDwfrgOMTLl-mgcJBjbm9-RkZnQlCAn7j9VmomCqOxXlRP62xMo/s1600/IMG_3399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIoEPceeC6x0OoYwYTj8a6BV5p9RX4Q26lPwZZig3Slk9zY7DNjOyFZxqpMeg_AGa4-nTvFbSHaj77Jv2x_m1zzyYgDwfrgOMTLl-mgcJBjbm9-RkZnQlCAn7j9VmomCqOxXlRP62xMo/s1600/IMG_3399.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mikey looooves pizza. It's probably one of his favorite foods. He could eat it at least once a week and never tire of it, of that I'm sure. Papa John's has been at the top of his list lately so much so that he gets cravings for it (sounds like a pregnant women ;-) </div>
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I went on my trusty Pinterest to find a good recipe. At first, I wasn't necessarily going to make everything from scratch, but then I figured...if I want it to taste exactly like Papa John's I'm gonna need to make everything right down to the tomato puree in the tomato sauce. </div>
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I used all the copy cat recipes from Food.com. I started with the dough (<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/almost-like-papa-johns-pizza-dough-177072" target="_blank">recipe here</a>) in the early morning. Even though the recipe only states for the dough to rise for 15 minutes, I allowed mine to rise almost the entire day, probably a good 6 hours. I thought I hadn't gotten the dough right as mine was kind of sticky in the end, but it was just the right texture out of the oven! So don't fret if yours is sticky.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgznt3tk1pQDiBWTxdXUnlpG3slST-QFp1adkFAOMLRk335PAm0Ea6VLJCWwy-iW5HRgKhc1U63RsoCDGhkP_UIh7MNN5jC-iai88DC5iT5-EDb5zCF17KU2SpuG1gS5pyaNJxCrWjppM/s1600/IMG_3391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgznt3tk1pQDiBWTxdXUnlpG3slST-QFp1adkFAOMLRk335PAm0Ea6VLJCWwy-iW5HRgKhc1U63RsoCDGhkP_UIh7MNN5jC-iai88DC5iT5-EDb5zCF17KU2SpuG1gS5pyaNJxCrWjppM/s1600/IMG_3391.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIhlX8QVagHlq4vwppLDo49sI0OEVVtt6hDbMUhfbVaUPK2-l43iu_5PId78Grjr-SlSCDeeSY1Cwsky7wDxuGI_BcdSQ_qCcWKu3c1jWTDao7ac5sDQkXqiFdk0WN8ux4SC6psKbxDA/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIhlX8QVagHlq4vwppLDo49sI0OEVVtt6hDbMUhfbVaUPK2-l43iu_5PId78Grjr-SlSCDeeSY1Cwsky7wDxuGI_BcdSQ_qCcWKu3c1jWTDao7ac5sDQkXqiFdk0WN8ux4SC6psKbxDA/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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The dough recipe makes two pizzas!</div>
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With any Papa John's Pizza you have to have LOADS of their garlic sauce. I went ahead and made the garlic sauce (<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/papa-johns-garlic-dipping-sauce-26039" target="_blank">recipe here</a>) way in advance because it was super easy and could be refrigerated and then heated up before dinner.</div>
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The most time consuming part of the pizza making process was making the actual tomato sauce from scratch. I now appreciate tomato sauce a bit more after today. I used <a href="http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/fresh-ideas/easy-dinner-ideas/how-to-make-tomato-puree.htm" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> on making tomato puree as I had everything to make it and <i>didn't</i> have a can of it. So it came down to "scratching" it! Yup, I just came up with that ;-)</div>
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Let me tell you, there is something about fresh tomato sauce! It's heavenly and I'm not a fan of tomato sauce. I boiled 5 tomatoes for 15 minutes (the skins fall off in the process which is rather nice), then roasted them with garlic powder, olive oil, and salt at 350 degrees for 2 hours (mine was more like 1.5 hours). Then I pureed the tomatoes in a blender. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQz1i05Bd1itVvRBHlzktoLBpgpjRsu96Jl6KxKy3HdNtEk0DiVqcvTRmfUUma7ET8vP7SaK5JZUupyPTuoRnUUpo7v90BSlPk6ql11j04GX36uLgBGc1fr1cC6h_t87eZ_H7Yv3oBTo/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQz1i05Bd1itVvRBHlzktoLBpgpjRsu96Jl6KxKy3HdNtEk0DiVqcvTRmfUUma7ET8vP7SaK5JZUupyPTuoRnUUpo7v90BSlPk6ql11j04GX36uLgBGc1fr1cC6h_t87eZ_H7Yv3oBTo/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, I used another copy cat Papa John's recipe for the sauce (<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/papa-johns-pizza-sauce-108447" target="_blank">recipe here</a>) and it was FANtastic! I'm not sure I would call it like Papa John's though, because Papa John's sauce to me is tangy and hearty whereas my final product was more light and airy and more garlicy flavor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT8ubt8t_NTgY6OKdFoOAGsOuaIr2J9I7h1MwNDnLysALkHb2x25_p_ZvKnFknDGK3n8RGgkuS87frKlihuZkwrevfQ0M5kD2JrEzaNLGR_aSNRXA4bPGys-CP-VKSpkh2TZBLnUieLQ/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT8ubt8t_NTgY6OKdFoOAGsOuaIr2J9I7h1MwNDnLysALkHb2x25_p_ZvKnFknDGK3n8RGgkuS87frKlihuZkwrevfQ0M5kD2JrEzaNLGR_aSNRXA4bPGys-CP-VKSpkh2TZBLnUieLQ/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I might have made one of my favorite pizzas!! The dough makes two 12" round pizzas...however, I only had 9" rounds so my pizzas must've been a little doughier (which I prefer). For Mikey's pizza I used mozzarella, pepperoni, and sprinkled sausage on half. </div>
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Before</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnbvfHOhAU4aKbAtHqCOSkQkESxKlYmU2Gub_n38K54sNuxqL1o8j_6frJ9v4279zE2s_fK4IvsNw-8X8WEXFo2eaD60cBigerAwQovHvZlYaDa0svoLy1ZmKdsvw44jXQi2g-nCinpg/s1600/IMG_3396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnbvfHOhAU4aKbAtHqCOSkQkESxKlYmU2Gub_n38K54sNuxqL1o8j_6frJ9v4279zE2s_fK4IvsNw-8X8WEXFo2eaD60cBigerAwQovHvZlYaDa0svoLy1ZmKdsvw44jXQi2g-nCinpg/s1600/IMG_3396.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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And After...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzl2rV5jXPTDTwYeiH8dHmTY0YGv9CoPmXhRUvr-FVaOSIhVQsvQ2uOm-vcN21muO_hbw4WJZWNtY6r1_pjupAIyNZK039LAXqERLd2Hf03iyQ6TZhIQ3kXoDImS9EHZogIxdGBWfdW4U/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzl2rV5jXPTDTwYeiH8dHmTY0YGv9CoPmXhRUvr-FVaOSIhVQsvQ2uOm-vcN21muO_hbw4WJZWNtY6r1_pjupAIyNZK039LAXqERLd2Hf03iyQ6TZhIQ3kXoDImS9EHZogIxdGBWfdW4U/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mine was plain cheese...half mozzarella and half pepper jack!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrNse4vvhZw_8jj4kn7eFa_Xh1_v7V2x9qU7ufrpKkV_n930vaf2IvLZcNgy00fY3LUT2ST25V6Sy8MYBb86hJsbRiCfu-t5vN3K8Qfik6Udnl_RANU2EtQO3nkXHvfygbJFIJndKLVU/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrNse4vvhZw_8jj4kn7eFa_Xh1_v7V2x9qU7ufrpKkV_n930vaf2IvLZcNgy00fY3LUT2ST25V6Sy8MYBb86hJsbRiCfu-t5vN3K8Qfik6Udnl_RANU2EtQO3nkXHvfygbJFIJndKLVU/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ta-dah!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRT1OoJGhZIXnaMz7xWZTbImqZ1q4Hwer87AyK5CEHjaGhjehunaqc6dcGmLdCY9lbt4cgaABW0chkwmTI9djJo1JWhHhy60xTd5cdpBosK2zjiv9KbQ3dJPzAOfPKsaUgVWpxpw59Lk/s1600/IMG_3401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRT1OoJGhZIXnaMz7xWZTbImqZ1q4Hwer87AyK5CEHjaGhjehunaqc6dcGmLdCY9lbt4cgaABW0chkwmTI9djJo1JWhHhy60xTd5cdpBosK2zjiv9KbQ3dJPzAOfPKsaUgVWpxpw59Lk/s1600/IMG_3401.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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What a hit in my book! I think Mikey appreciated the doughy-ness too. He likes a deep dish just like me even though that's not really what I was going for but it was definitely pillow like. So glad for some leftovers tomorrow!</div>
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Man, I'm beat...making things from scratch ("scratching it") is hard work. And I'll reiterate that I'm not a cook at all. Although I loved the final product that went in my mouth, I can't do this cooking thing every day. Not to mention the mess I made in the kitchen...here's to cleaning up!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm6VbSnEz4fFZ6aPdVEvmKN6d0FpAR8TlsfZxt7Ol1KdYdES1xNJVewdwLriE0m4hP64DQiEekXr_aWpP3kt12T1xxcrb7ZLm0LouJlKqHAFziGQNl5My1ijaAr7r9C3-aVtNPSOw5Do/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm6VbSnEz4fFZ6aPdVEvmKN6d0FpAR8TlsfZxt7Ol1KdYdES1xNJVewdwLriE0m4hP64DQiEekXr_aWpP3kt12T1xxcrb7ZLm0LouJlKqHAFziGQNl5My1ijaAr7r9C3-aVtNPSOw5Do/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And of course many more years and celebrations to come with my one and only!!</div>
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~ Happy Anniversary ~</div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-11731869635744439202013-01-23T22:35:00.003-08:002013-01-24T17:37:43.970-08:00How to plan a wedding in...30 days?I wouldn't call this advice for those of you in need of planning a wedding in 30 days because your wedding is actually <i>IN</i> 30 days but moreso advice for those of you that are...<i>proactive</i>! Maybe you have a big chunk of time now, but as you get closer to your wedding date you might be in a time crunch with everything else going on. Every one's schedules are different and involve many types of balls in the air. <br />
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I would be in the latter category and extremely proactive. I've got exactly 499 days till our wedding date. Yup, that <i>IS</i> a lot of time. However, I was so excited to start the planning the moment we got engaged. Maybe I should look into a career change ;-) Technically, it hasn't even been a month since our engagement so I still have a few more days to get in even more planning! And I'm pretty sure I will ;-)<br />
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I wouldn't say I've been overly obsessive about planning, but I have loved all the research, scouring of the Internet, magazine browsing for everything to do "wedding".<br />
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When we first got engaged I was already trying to envision what our wedding would look like. Let's be honest here...we have all pre-planned parts of our wedding via Pinterest prior to actually being engaged. Well, at least those of you who are newly engaged or married (since Pinterest has only been around a few years). But let me tell you, it is <i>SUCH</i> a great way to organize all the ideas that might be part of your big day.<br />
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An idea for the bridesmaids...loving pale mint!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618477370/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/88875792618477370_9Bv1jUFo_c.jpg" height="270" width="380" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://lover.ly/image/48134" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">lover.ly</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I started my organizing by creating a whole new wedding board on Pinterest for all the things that I actually thought were "for sure" ideas. I've stumbled upon so many great wedding ideas that I've had to sift through all the good stuff and really start to narrow it down. <br />
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Flower inspiration: Peonies<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618477433/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/88875792618477433_ZskXlLwb_c.jpg" height="751" width="550" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://lover.ly/image/122803" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">lover.ly</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Right after Christmas, we were at my parents house...great place to get married which is in the wine country. So, we went down the street to a winery to just to take a look. It was good to visit some random places just to be able to start comparing venues. I didn't get an immediate "feeling" that it was the right place but I did like getting mental ideas of what I did and didn't like. That next weekend, I had called to set up an appointment at a venue I had fallen in love with just after seeing photos. We took a tour of this quaint and rustic Inn and right away I was envisioning all the details and could really see myself getting married here. However, one we sat down with their contact there was a very strict portion that just wasn't going to be feasible with our priorities. We have family with small children that would not have been allowed to stay the night in the Inn for liability/insurance reasons. <b>Advice:</b> keep your mind and heart open to changes along the way. Do not have your heart set on anything until a contract is signed and a deposit is made. Nothing is set in stone until those two things have happened. Being the emotional girl that wears her heart on her sleeve...I was heartbroken that the Inn could no longer be an option for us. Quickly after we discovered the Inn was out...I went to my bridal magazines that were specific to our region "The Knot" Northern California and Sacramento Bride. I happened upon a gorgeous venue that I thought would be completely out of our budget range...it was right out of a fairytale! I quickly filled out their enquiry page with my information and received the pricing and packages. I was shocked to find that it would be cheaper to book a wedding there in their grand and extravagant Mansion than a rustic Inn. <br />
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Color inspiration board: mint and coral!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618377563/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/342344009143852538_85PlzXpa_c.jpg" height="753" width="590" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://bios.weddingbee.com/topic/peachy-mint-golds-and-lots-of-fun" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bios.weddingbee.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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We found out there would be an open house at the Mansion the following weekend so we planned to take a tour with my parents. Just by talking to the staff during these tours and randomly reading magazines and researching the Internet, you might happen upon different bridal shows or fairs happening in your neck of the woods. Just driving around town I found a billboard and a bus ad for a fairly large bridal show in our area. I planned to go the following weekend after our Mansion tour to find out what I could about local vendors.<br />
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I did my research on <a href="http://theeverylastdetail.com/" target="_blank">Every Last Detail</a> to find tips/tricks to going to such a thing as a bridal fair. If you want any expertise and advice about anything wedding, this girl has it. I took her advice for bridal shows:<br />
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1) Bring labels that include: Your name, your fiances name, address, phone number, wedding date, venue (if you know it), and e-mail address. This will alleviate having to write down all your info a bazillion times with vendor after vendor. There are lot of give-aways and your time will be better spent if you are ready with labels in hand! Include only the information you want to be contacted by...if you don't want calls, don't put your phone number. <br />
2) Bring an extra tote - You will get so much information via cards, fliers, goodie bags, brochures that you'll be glad you brought something to dump everything into. Large bridal fairs might provide these for you, but just in case, it's always good to have one on you. <br />
3) Bring your patience - There will be LOTS of people to sift through, vendors and brides...both can be quite aggressive. Just be prepared and maybe do a little research before heading to a show as to what you might be looking for. You can always just breeze by the vendors you may not need. Some vendors you might want to talk to may be busy, so my advice is to go as early as possible to get priority with your preferred vendor. <br />
4) Be open minded - Even though you might have a vendor you want in mind, it's great to see other's work and have back-up plans in case a vendor you love falls through. Maybe they are booked on your day or their packages too pricey...whatever the reason take all the information you can get while you're there.<br />
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Our ceremony site at the mansion.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618328087/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/88875792618328087_cOEp4XbL_c.jpg" height="400" width="600" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://artpixportraitstudio.com/category/weddings/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">artpixportraitstudio.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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So after our Mansion tour, both myself and Mike loved the place and it was perfect for what we needed in a venue. We booked right then and there, signed a contract, and put down our deposit. I also got great ideas for some preferred vendors and started looking at their websites to get an idea of pricing, packages, and style. Might I add that great vendors will book far in advance. Our venue had very little openings left for a June, 2014 wedding which I was SHOCKED about! I thought I had so much time. I'm starting to figure out that a year and half out in the wedding world is not that far away. Who-da thought!?<br />
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Despite the fact that since our engagement I've spent every weekend doing something wedding related, I have fully enjoyed myself. This planning stuff is right up my alley so I'm enjoying spending free time devoted to this stuff. Along the way, I've kept myself organized. You will start to be swamped with information, so I knew I needed to be organized from Day 1. I made myself a "Wedding Time" binder. I put blank paper in it, a small notebook, a couple folders labeled Vendors and Venue. It helped to keep all the information about our venue in one place and then all our potential vendors information in another folder. Then I went to my trusty google documents. I created spreadsheet after spreadsheet! One for a rough draft guest list, one with a budget outlining every single vendor we might need, an actual expenses spreadsheet to keep track of actual expenditures along the way. And then I shared these spreadsheets with the people that would need to be seeing them on a regular basis. This allows for easier communication and everyone can be on the same page. I love having an idea of numbers, budgets, comparison costs all down so everyone is prepared and knows what we're dealing with. <br />
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I then went to a another bridal faire which was actually put on by our venue with their preferred vendors. That weekend I was able to narrow down our DJ and photographer/videographer. It's great to be able to casually meet vendors in person after e-mail communication but before really sitting down with them via a personal consultation to really iron things out. You get a sense of their personality and their work without really feeling like you've gotten too involved just yet. The sit down consultation should really then be your deciding factor as to whether you want to book with that vendor. <br />
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And to be even more on top of things, I scheduled a lunch date and bridal appointment with my mom and bridesmaids. I had never even stepped foot in a bridal store for myself yet. I really had no idea what I wanted and went with an open mind. I took advice from my other married friends and made an appointment. They said with an appointment, I'll have their undivided attention while trying to narrow down my dress search. I went with my mom and two other bridesmaids. This was the perfect amount of people. I basically grabbed a few dresses off the rack, they each grabbed one they liked for me to try on and we went to town. Such a fun experience! My fiance asked me...was it just like the show (meaning, was it just like "Say Yes to the Dress"). My response...It was!! I was on the pedestal strapped into those dresses by metal clips and getting the "yays" or "nays" from my fellow entourage. <br />
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I really thought I would just narrow my dress search in my first visit to a shape and a fabric. I would've never thought I would actually have said "Yes" to the dress!!! I had my moment in the dressing room the minute I had the dress on...and ironically, it wasn't even one of the dresses that any of us had picked but one that the saleslady had brought out that was similar to "the favorite". Let me tell you, it became the new favorite! I think I had to sell it for my entourage though. However, the more I stood there in the dress...the more I think they fell in love with it too. I ended up putting the old fave back on and it seemed to have lost its luster to them. I think they knew...my dress just had an "oomph" the other dress didn't.<br />
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I love ruffles, but went in the opposite direction!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792618349532/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/88875792618349532_YZ1eMJ3K_c.jpg" height="660" width="440" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://watters.com/Product/WtooBrides/WeddingType:Statement/10573/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">watters.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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My only thought about actually purchasing the dress this early on in the wedding planning was just that...is it too early? Well, I knew in my gut that no other dress would amount to this one. I did sleep on it...for two nights actually! Come Monday morning, I was convinced that it was still my dress. It was just perfect in every way. I'm not saying you should rush in to the first store and pick up your dress...but when you know, you know! You may not have a "moment" as I call it, but there will be a unique feeling that you know deep down it's just right. My friend recently purchased her dress...and she had the same feeling, that the more she stood in the dress, the more she loved it and didn't want to take it off. Every one's experience will be different, I'm sure. The one thing that helped with my decision was that I was very open to trying every style, shape, color, and fabric. I had no idea what was going to look good on me, so I wanted to try everything. For example, the very first dress I tried on was a satin gown and it was fantastic. I was very surprised that I loved a satin gown and it was a favorite amongst the group. You just never know till you try!<br />
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I know this post was extremely lengthy and I probably lost you way back there, but if you're still reading, thanks for stopping by!! I hope some of my experiences this month will help in your planning. I've learned a lot in a month and will continue to share my wedding planning tips. Again, we have LOTS of time. I'm just having great fun thus far and am happy that some of the big decisions are already falling into place. If there's something I know about me it's that I hate to be rushed and stressed...and I think early planning will alleviate that for me. <br />
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Happy Wedding Planning!!<br />
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<br />diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-81256067932434832042013-01-09T21:35:00.001-08:002013-01-09T21:36:38.324-08:00I've got big news!<div style="text-align: center;">
It's 2013!! Okay, that's not my news obviously but let's take a look back at the end of the year that just seemed to fly right on by.</div>
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I felt like the holidays swooped in and left just as quickly. The holidays are always crazy around here as we have lots of friends and family to see and more than just Christmas to celebrate. A lot of my friends (including me) celebrate birthdays around the holiday. Celebrations galore! I love any reason to celebrate and boy did we. </div>
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I traveled into work to celebrate all my co-workers birthdays and we had a night out of wonderful food at an Italian restaurant, laughs all night long, and an extremely thoughtful exchange of gifts. </div>
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Yummy Italian desserts were devoured...happy birthday to US! </div>
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My friends know me so well! An awesome <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/" target="_blank">Paper-Source</a> stamp for my baked goods with the inscription, "from the kitchen of:", a beautiful ceramic wine stopper, and two delectable alfajores!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMINfpXN7AvJayH7p8HJyC1kG7OR9uT-DMmoABFwD1xGLn0FmGahHbvcM2PUkljqOt3Dz2N6DhFU9i4wISQUxyUo5zyt0M5oB3YG2Dw0OTgwipHgKNxN85kQ-eqN17FkWTEQVm3aDzh4/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMINfpXN7AvJayH7p8HJyC1kG7OR9uT-DMmoABFwD1xGLn0FmGahHbvcM2PUkljqOt3Dz2N6DhFU9i4wISQUxyUo5zyt0M5oB3YG2Dw0OTgwipHgKNxN85kQ-eqN17FkWTEQVm3aDzh4/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another celebration the following day! Onion soup and a sundae!!</div>
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Back home at work enjoying my birthday gifts, a <a href="http://www.rodarte.net/" target="_blank">Rodarte</a> mug from the collaboration with <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/" target="_blank">Starbucks</a> and <a href="http://traderjoes.com/" target="_blank">Trader Joe's </a>gingerbread cookies. Deadly, I tell ya!</div>
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And, sooo spoiled now with my <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/" target="_blank">Lululemon</a> tech gloves...texting and running, don't mind if I do!</div>
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And seriously spoiled with my annual birthday trip from the one and only! A trip to Napa...I had never been before. <a href="http://bouchonbistro.com/" target="_blank">Bouchon Bistro</a> for lunch! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_JqTrPfXlGA8i0srnuTnPgp6CcujI2bUf8eCEIn8_Raiv7yffM5jC-Isiw20zkTOTtLJbV7MOYiVkpKzaWPrH_6cw1IOcsP-MW_bqpzVfATkV-HSBnzWDIYgAKFCVpljsYdSyO4IRMQ/s1600/IMG_2566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_JqTrPfXlGA8i0srnuTnPgp6CcujI2bUf8eCEIn8_Raiv7yffM5jC-Isiw20zkTOTtLJbV7MOYiVkpKzaWPrH_6cw1IOcsP-MW_bqpzVfATkV-HSBnzWDIYgAKFCVpljsYdSyO4IRMQ/s1600/IMG_2566.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvXfu3ooz3_veCaY5FUF-adcjC5G-iUNdVrmoSqQfczrUvg1vfa2k-HoJyfQQmB1UdY0k8WMwn0PxX8BKZS6hZ0m6L7ZYG4Vd9s-RNW9j8n5L-u5ocjwUsFsJUg9euir_Y1tApAhbK2M/s1600/IMG_2569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvXfu3ooz3_veCaY5FUF-adcjC5G-iUNdVrmoSqQfczrUvg1vfa2k-HoJyfQQmB1UdY0k8WMwn0PxX8BKZS6hZ0m6L7ZYG4Vd9s-RNW9j8n5L-u5ocjwUsFsJUg9euir_Y1tApAhbK2M/s1600/IMG_2569.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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A custom drink made just for Mikey...a mix of vodka, elderflower liquor, and grapefruit juice.</div>
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And of course I had to stop into the bakery for some of the famed macarons!!! Each flavor...UNREAL good! My favorite were the gingerbread and pistachio!</div>
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The smorgasbord of food continued...with brunch the next morning at BRIX. A must if you're ever in Napa. I highly recommend their Sunday Brunch. Everything was perfection. From the seafood down to the dessert table. </div>
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A couple morning mimosas and coffee to star the day right!</div>
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After all the birthday celebrations, the holidays were <i>really</i> in full swing and I had to get cracking on my last minute crafty gifts which included the ever popular <a href="http://diffwgn.blogspot.com/2012/11/pumpkin-peanut-butter-dog-treats.html" target="_blank">dog treats </a>(popular with Sophie, that is!)</div>
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Had to make some for "the boys" (my parents' dogs) and Kiera (mike's brother's dog)</div>
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And what's a holiday without my brother-in-laws special egg-nog! His secret...peach schnapps...holy moly amazing!!</div>
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And the big bang to end the year...if all <i>that</i> wasn't celebration enough. My one and only surprised me like only <i>he</i> can. We were opening up the last Christmas gifts of the season...and whattdya know, I got a wooden box of olive oil soaps (this is actually right up my alley if you know me), and so I go to open the wooden box to check out the soap smells...and of course, they smell wonderful...I got two lavender, one olive oil, and a....black circular jar that looks like lotion?....wait it has a picture of two interlocking rings on the top...wait, WHAT!??? Am I seeing things<looks and="and" balling="balling" continues="continues" crying="crying" hysterically="hysterically" is="is" looks="looks" make="make" mike="mike" mom="mom" real="real" starts="starts" stunned="stunned" sure="sure" this="this" to="to">. I looked up at Mikey to make sure it was real and that what I was seeing wasn't a joke. </looks></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVhiXW_lcupRYs1ArfE66ss78ZnTwJ9Tc2iuByICsVUBWYn5_UaShECCitFTmRq4GqEYDAyUZmX77x4TnIGIDhFxdoApuMkNzE7D-W3BPk70r2708FXZgmm7gtGs1In__O2w8MqrwLaA/s1600/IMG_2623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVhiXW_lcupRYs1ArfE66ss78ZnTwJ9Tc2iuByICsVUBWYn5_UaShECCitFTmRq4GqEYDAyUZmX77x4TnIGIDhFxdoApuMkNzE7D-W3BPk70r2708FXZgmm7gtGs1In__O2w8MqrwLaA/s1600/IMG_2623.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZAYde0IrHpky9kBhjbItwnp8itSbmNStavxStACqqi43OsGnxmEyA0io2Xmdej1nhXSI6c3g9LT3STAG7jXpZkEVmmzqL-ykUCLT7pJ6Hsf3V1R_aQhNz0qwvnf6mhPK6NfRbHNJXps/s1600/IMG_2621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZAYde0IrHpky9kBhjbItwnp8itSbmNStavxStACqqi43OsGnxmEyA0io2Xmdej1nhXSI6c3g9LT3STAG7jXpZkEVmmzqL-ykUCLT7pJ6Hsf3V1R_aQhNz0qwvnf6mhPK6NfRbHNJXps/s1600/IMG_2621.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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No joke! I was a hysterical mess. Crying millions of happy tears and of course he then popped the question formally and I said "yes!"</div>
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A celebratory breakfast trip to Starbucks the next morning and I cleverly asked the barista if she could write "Bride to Be" so I could post our announcement to Facebook ;-) </div>
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My parents knew THE question was coming, and were able to successfully hide the surprise since October when Mikey showed them the ring. The above picture was a "contingent" gift...a congratulatory Christmas tag made by my mom! So crafty she is!!<br />
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So the start to the new year was full boar into wedding planning....because it was for real!! I've been secretly planning my wedding via Pinterest for what seems like ages now. Now I can pin without shame!! And boy have I!<br />
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I'll be documenting my ideas and things I've learned about the planning process along the way. So far, it's been a real treat for me. I have loved every minute of it. We have lots of time to plan as our wedding won't be till 2014 which gives me adequate time to get everything just right. <br />
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The next couple weekend are filled with bridal shows, lunch dates with the bridesmaids, dress shopping, vendor research. Sounds like loads to FUN to me!!!<br />
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Stay tuned!</div>
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diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-71993642218593563222012-11-25T21:43:00.003-08:002012-11-25T21:44:38.547-08:00Pecan Tassies<div style="text-align: center;">
I realize y'all are stuffed and can't even begin to think of food because Thanksgiving just passed along with all of it's leftovers. BUT, Christmas is right around the corner and that means holiday parties, entertaining, and more yummy goodness!</div>
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A friend of mine about 2 years ago made this <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/pecan-tassies-51971.aspx" target="_blank">Pecan Tassies</a> recipe as a dessert for her Thanksgiving get together and so she shared it with me. These would be a perfect dessert for a holiday gathering as they are bite size and super easy to just grab and go! </div>
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I've always been meaning to make these little morsels and Mike's friend from work gave me just the reason! She gave me an entire back of organically grown pecans from Mt. Aukum! So...I got to crackin with my hammer...I don't own an actual nut cracker, just the Christmas decoration variety seen below ;-) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkVqih6uF_ah45_rEB_lI59EUbG3PcEsgPuIgI5zkaHmLdRb2ENS1aoE-Yx1kynyYbiwIl2gnMce9h5FJNL1EX7uxGZ1RBwYgrU-bqJTFqP3hDJrwroTQSwtX_3X8w-82T42co0amYRs/s1600/IMG_2804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkVqih6uF_ah45_rEB_lI59EUbG3PcEsgPuIgI5zkaHmLdRb2ENS1aoE-Yx1kynyYbiwIl2gnMce9h5FJNL1EX7uxGZ1RBwYgrU-bqJTFqP3hDJrwroTQSwtX_3X8w-82T42co0amYRs/s1600/IMG_2804.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="167" /></a></div>
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So...I made due with what I had and got out the hammer. It is tedious work crackin nuts ;-) I spent about a half hour getting just a cup of pecans. The work was definitely worth it because these pecans were so maple-y in flavor!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuSdE9kJKZ5XUbw7NLN3k0tn1KafSV9n76vwo97fK09BFurwrDYiRGdhubXuZX0SXJ_k3v6G8gagYFM_32rUPOgUWLgCBeQxQiV_di8BGjwCz8tp1bUo4vKEuZ-Fph01X9ic8JVX3Q_s/s1600/IMG_2799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuSdE9kJKZ5XUbw7NLN3k0tn1KafSV9n76vwo97fK09BFurwrDYiRGdhubXuZX0SXJ_k3v6G8gagYFM_32rUPOgUWLgCBeQxQiV_di8BGjwCz8tp1bUo4vKEuZ-Fph01X9ic8JVX3Q_s/s1600/IMG_2799.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>What you'll need:</b></div>
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4 oz. of cream cheese, softened</div>
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1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, softened</div>
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1 cup of flour</div>
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1 egg</div>
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3/4 cup finely chopped pecans</div>
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3 squares of Bakers semi-sweet chocolate, melted</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbpEii1dov9vdDEj8obfqxT_VJr16t6APW4OvxsovzMwgPnKL2XuXQzFP31VwpvEsxhjd3Lnr32Rzz6ikykq6q1oG9Aq4IJfuepJesWpUzEr2ESBLFI7EQXyg_ASAdzbQoBvePo4waLA/s1600/IMG_2798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbpEii1dov9vdDEj8obfqxT_VJr16t6APW4OvxsovzMwgPnKL2XuXQzFP31VwpvEsxhjd3Lnr32Rzz6ikykq6q1oG9Aq4IJfuepJesWpUzEr2ESBLFI7EQXyg_ASAdzbQoBvePo4waLA/s1600/IMG_2798.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Beat</b> the cream cheese and butter together on medium until well mixed. Then add in the flour. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled. </div>
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<b>Preheat</b> the oven to 350. Spray two 12 cup mini muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray. Then divide the dough into 24 balls. Press the balls into the base of each cup and up the sides. Set aside. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSKWC_Lz0pTyx4wKhg9Cz06SSzHqDXeuRj5ViBC1kUUehvvisw1LfEEsq2b2qZ2oDjkHhpIPwDohZy6a7zuBmzC7beRiCkFrIXSRHpXwklDcDKAECN8W10arppy-c1HAn81tcQ6HS9iE/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSKWC_Lz0pTyx4wKhg9Cz06SSzHqDXeuRj5ViBC1kUUehvvisw1LfEEsq2b2qZ2oDjkHhpIPwDohZy6a7zuBmzC7beRiCkFrIXSRHpXwklDcDKAECN8W10arppy-c1HAn81tcQ6HS9iE/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzo91vYAFfRpmNAyvkGS84si4Rpmgok9QwYNc04LgW4w-lim7DAkXyU584bc4jrPxXWf7Ra4aZ5nbhTr8FJSrLrQWTAeos_03UOzlXbZdU6bDSxBubMK8nOQhyphenhyphenZeffqVzt4Wrrq3docs/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzo91vYAFfRpmNAyvkGS84si4Rpmgok9QwYNc04LgW4w-lim7DAkXyU584bc4jrPxXWf7Ra4aZ5nbhTr8FJSrLrQWTAeos_03UOzlXbZdU6bDSxBubMK8nOQhyphenhyphenZeffqVzt4Wrrq3docs/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Beat</b> the egg in a small bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla and mix. Stir in the pecans. Fill each cup with the mixture until 3/4 full. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjkUMvafJxUQYRZfzYRIOOUla-3HsVibc6kkSkruOqGe-Ud8CMUgs7bZTBfQEvO73amRf8b50oCjh4rqo-jGBR11Vfi6PwQpLv90KtN03MunOhUqvgRZf93LLL49jYyGnkbNk4E2VAJA/s1600/IMG_2801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjkUMvafJxUQYRZfzYRIOOUla-3HsVibc6kkSkruOqGe-Ud8CMUgs7bZTBfQEvO73amRf8b50oCjh4rqo-jGBR11Vfi6PwQpLv90KtN03MunOhUqvgRZf93LLL49jYyGnkbNk4E2VAJA/s1600/IMG_2801.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Bake</b> for 25 min. or until lightly browned. Let stand for 5 min. in the pan and remove to a wire rack. Cool completely and then drizzle with melted chocolate. (Recipe courtesy of Kraft Foods)</div>
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Before I got to crackin nuts, I should have made the pastry dough because there's some down time in chilling the dough. Silly me for not reading the recipe ahead of time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9lIZWJBKoOhfNJjxkgfD0K9ftkqSFJIE2msVzK85rRVnzYfUHkb3GGKIoNZll68O69p34KSPv-jBfU9sPqkBU5YECXwRP89gE_KcqtvmpPLR_5dnzwYy3wr_aDEcRJoXzTVyDpLP_gc/s1600/IMG_2802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9lIZWJBKoOhfNJjxkgfD0K9ftkqSFJIE2msVzK85rRVnzYfUHkb3GGKIoNZll68O69p34KSPv-jBfU9sPqkBU5YECXwRP89gE_KcqtvmpPLR_5dnzwYy3wr_aDEcRJoXzTVyDpLP_gc/s1600/IMG_2802.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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And...the recipe is correct when it says to wait 5 minutes before removing from the pan. I'm a little impatient and they aren't very pretty when you have to rip them out of their pan. So do the waiting and it'll be much easier to remove. </div>
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The little morsels are a perfect texture...the crumbly buttery and creamy pastry and the crunchy and gooey goodness of the brown sugar and pecans. </div>
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Of course, chocolate always adds a nice touch!</div>
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And like I always say...they'd be fabulous for breakfast with coffee!!</div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-51329869517660199232012-11-17T20:48:00.001-08:002012-11-17T20:50:07.030-08:00Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats<div style="text-align: center;">
I found this absolutely adorable dog photo via pinterest and at first glance I thought it was just that...an adorable dog picture. </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792617940252/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/88875792617940252_rNdciBTG_c.jpg" height="576" width="386" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://userealbutter.com/2012/04/18/pumpkin-peanut-butter-dog-treats-recipe/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">userealbutter.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Then I clicked on the pic thinking it might take me to more adorable dog photos but it was even better...a super easy dog treat recipe! </div>
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Half of a recipe being easy for me is that I don't have to travel to the grocery store to buy any of the ingredients. However, I had just run out of all my pumpkin puree so I did in fact need to run to the store, but it was worth it in the end because let me tell you...my pup is one piccccky eater and she LOVED her homemade treats. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1l_8925RceBCvcU7VZ6TVXK3H0irnMtVTxECK3eflp4vaNF_w8JpO8fthriCXrLoIvL4e_yxpe0PxG6YnRhoT0RMbQoR9JYxmhX742bxK5N0dAkCoZ_RI2BMwL1HoGxaYtQyBe1B8GE/s1600/IMG_2764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1l_8925RceBCvcU7VZ6TVXK3H0irnMtVTxECK3eflp4vaNF_w8JpO8fthriCXrLoIvL4e_yxpe0PxG6YnRhoT0RMbQoR9JYxmhX742bxK5N0dAkCoZ_RI2BMwL1HoGxaYtQyBe1B8GE/s1600/IMG_2764.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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"I'm a picky eater"</div>
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As a puppy (which I like to think she still is) we went through 5-6 different kinds of dog food till we found the one she actually liked, Science Diet it is! She's never been food motivated so it's kinda difficult when you go out and buy treats thinking, <i>Oh yea, she'll definitely like these</i>...just to get the reaction of an ungrateful child ;-) She'll literally spit them out before you! We have a whole Costco sized bag of Beggin' Strips just waiting to be devoured because apparently Sophie's refined palate prefers Milo's sausages instead. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnEhrVpGwt5Q3i3VugGRkxXlRUyOsvnj4rRUwZUueHfpPrwrcYQwvxbENKo8vUZr3IDu_EwxjhSuup5mfE2oTBLtADtV3kkiuN2WObwSz8WaYXJHoHHTDkTUZgSu9G4EoXz9Fo063aaI/s1600/IMG_2755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnEhrVpGwt5Q3i3VugGRkxXlRUyOsvnj4rRUwZUueHfpPrwrcYQwvxbENKo8vUZr3IDu_EwxjhSuup5mfE2oTBLtADtV3kkiuN2WObwSz8WaYXJHoHHTDkTUZgSu9G4EoXz9Fo063aaI/s1600/IMG_2755.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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Anyhoo, knowing Sophie does actually enjoy herself some pumpkin and peanut butter I was all over this recipe by <a href="http://userealbutter.com/2012/04/18/pumpkin-peanut-butter-dog-treats-recipe/" target="_blank">Use Real Butter</a>. </div>
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The ingredients are so simple: 2.5 cups whole wheat flour (I chose whole grain), 2 eggs, 2/3 cup pumpkin puree, and 3 tbsp. peanut butter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO5qvF1fstrfpmoIEZQSAV4mIo33Jwu4G6v0lW2aizCAkLC1LuF72-cv_GoOyP8o-_sPPuLS0iNbQ6mi-gobzwFKRqq1ep5hVyVR4N6CREQr2RQZaKxtkq5sOxLNFieHuclGEWgNtJX0/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO5qvF1fstrfpmoIEZQSAV4mIo33Jwu4G6v0lW2aizCAkLC1LuF72-cv_GoOyP8o-_sPPuLS0iNbQ6mi-gobzwFKRqq1ep5hVyVR4N6CREQr2RQZaKxtkq5sOxLNFieHuclGEWgNtJX0/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mix it all up in a stand-up mixer with paddle attachment on medium for a minute.</div>
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Ball up dough on a floured surface. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeA2SM0f6PSPtDnLsbLCfgfyEx2c9mxYQn5du3tY4-ZliSnwUQVhQgeQ68ovPHozyqP-fpFFcya13V3taGqGlmkecQA9vBV3hfAjJCfkTB1Yw92beHfGlGlXdmeH179ibgLV8NEXUwpI/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeA2SM0f6PSPtDnLsbLCfgfyEx2c9mxYQn5du3tY4-ZliSnwUQVhQgeQ68ovPHozyqP-fpFFcya13V3taGqGlmkecQA9vBV3hfAjJCfkTB1Yw92beHfGlGlXdmeH179ibgLV8NEXUwpI/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Use a roller to flatten it out to 1/4 inch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQy5V89DVaEYP6cEviuFiX2OWTlqHZhhyphenhyphenFhtbe61zVzeLizUJeC4rNdQHv_gmkTVCrCUxUQxR3V0hmOIxA_xjQazwMEKVtf31_YnA6vd4v28TbnQVB7czgkAqe5iKF4S8L8V1BO7Icoc/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQy5V89DVaEYP6cEviuFiX2OWTlqHZhhyphenhyphenFhtbe61zVzeLizUJeC4rNdQHv_gmkTVCrCUxUQxR3V0hmOIxA_xjQazwMEKVtf31_YnA6vd4v28TbnQVB7czgkAqe5iKF4S8L8V1BO7Icoc/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I chose a dog bone cookie cutter but whatever suits your fancy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEyhcekzuzzY3ug6izYK1VvXAdOJHbKgYEM25Aupl3xDlHV7ntLdtTMIwuMP7YDIAcY81khENw6MswhGwCuG_s3RPFsYjmLMKd8ZpPi2rCZGEzQT7iAaeadsJVPyniDbQCug9PiiW0g0/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEyhcekzuzzY3ug6izYK1VvXAdOJHbKgYEM25Aupl3xDlHV7ntLdtTMIwuMP7YDIAcY81khENw6MswhGwCuG_s3RPFsYjmLMKd8ZpPi2rCZGEzQT7iAaeadsJVPyniDbQCug9PiiW0g0/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. I baked for 30 for a crunchier cookie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9cy-LvyiRcFrYmnL13_Knn6KCKd_EqDLRjmzTsQQEIQkvVOyDPcT-olxZVy9jsGHX56rI3-CrCsjJoKDo_ICt2CU4oTMZN7tvy2oaVzXOLYNNzuzXgPGcL7KsxYxPH20GWqct1bpgUU/s1600/IMG_2753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9cy-LvyiRcFrYmnL13_Knn6KCKd_EqDLRjmzTsQQEIQkvVOyDPcT-olxZVy9jsGHX56rI3-CrCsjJoKDo_ICt2CU4oTMZN7tvy2oaVzXOLYNNzuzXgPGcL7KsxYxPH20GWqct1bpgUU/s1600/IMG_2753.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let them cool for a bit and then onward to the taste test...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd6hUiVvfXGMocfszk6DembkIFl9g89ZbG7YiO2onZjtiZYGWHzcHgC0gk1Qbxzh8K6TpcA1rsUD98K1LNcZm5KsNeh0b3225GFTC5lVNuPkgWKjLQodditaYRjT6J8-xo-VMymDpw4I/s1600/IMG_2754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd6hUiVvfXGMocfszk6DembkIFl9g89ZbG7YiO2onZjtiZYGWHzcHgC0gk1Qbxzh8K6TpcA1rsUD98K1LNcZm5KsNeh0b3225GFTC5lVNuPkgWKjLQodditaYRjT6J8-xo-VMymDpw4I/s1600/IMG_2754.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was as if Sophie knew I was baking something for her, she usually just does her own thing while I'm in the kitchen. This time...she kept coming in to check on things ;-) </div>
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"Mama, are they ready yet?" </div>
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"I'm being a good girl and waiting" </div>
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The first bite...not a gentle one at all ;-) </div>
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She loved every bit of it!</div>
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What you don't see here is that later we heard something in the kitchen and Sophie...no where to be found. I go into the kitchen and I see a half eaten cookie on the ground as she's devouring the other half!</div>
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She had stolen 2 cookies off the cooling rack!! Thought she'd help herself to a couple more. I couldn't believe it. </div>
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Well, we now know she has a new favorite treat :-)</div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-17948303966463114042012-11-09T21:52:00.003-08:002012-11-09T21:52:35.386-08:00Friday's Favorite Finds<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The weeks just seem to be flying by lately! I mean, November really??...and almost half way through at that! Normally at this time of year I'm well on my way to gift wrapping or wrapping up my gift buying in general. I know...I like to get my holiday shopping out of the way early. I feel like time has been whizzing by so fast lately that my favorite time of year just creeped up on me! Goodness...well, to slow things down a bit I thought I'd recap some of my favorite finds from the week. All these are pinned via my Pinterest...which you can follow <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" target="_blank">here</a>! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Butternut Squash Soup:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It seemed the perfect time of year for something like this, and it did not disappoint! The recipe makes a whole lot which was fine by me. I kept devouring leftovers all week long!</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792617957393/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/88875792617957393_wRrvZ0px_c.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/butternut-squash-soup/detail.aspx" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">allrecipes.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Look on the bright side" - Kate Spade Bangle:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure looking down at this would easily brighten any girls day! Might have to be an early Christmas present to myself ;-) </span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792617945803/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="552" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/88875792617945803_17RopsU0_c.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.katespade.com/the-glass-is-half-full-idiom-bangle/WBRU5212,default,pd.html?dwvar_WBRU5212_color=778&start=93&cgid=new-arrivals" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">katespade.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pumpkin Peanut Butter Puppy Treats:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am so excited to make these treats for the Sops. She loves pumpkin and peanut butter, so I know she's going to go crazy for these! Oh and...I'll take the puppy too...what a sweet face!</span><br />
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Source: <a href="http://userealbutter.com/2012/04/18/pumpkin-peanut-butter-dog-treats-recipe/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">userealbutter.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Elf:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If this doesn't get you in the holiday spirit, I don't know what will. Love this movie and pretty much want to conquer everything on that list :-)</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792617947648/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/214484000974903967_OsFzuWeA_c.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.summersnowart.com/products_new.php?osCsid=e58241c95b32ccfb598465cbd67ec38f" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">summersnowart.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Glitter:</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792617935347/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/221309769159203520_Xs1zK7dr_c.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMS1kYjQwNjIwNDgzZGNkNzU0" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">someecards.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Which reminds me...I am going to be searching for this glittery (Wizard of Oz Ruby Red Slipper) looking case this weekend to go with my new iphone5! Can't wait to have that sucker in my hand. I've been living in vintage phone land far too long now!</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88875792617973587/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="537" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/88875792617973587_YU7dLaHq_c.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mirabling-new-diamond-iphone-5-case/3408057" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">shop.nordstrom.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/meredith4est/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Meredith</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy Friday All! Enjoy your weekend :-)</span><br />
<br />diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-35845210730301895352012-11-07T21:44:00.001-08:002012-11-07T21:59:22.656-08:00Apple Hill and Apple Sauce<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This past weekend Mike and I took another trip up to Apple Hill. I'm telling ya, I can't get enough of that place! Well...actually, we went for the <a href="http://www.applehillrun.org/" target="_blank">Apple Hill Harvest Run </a>this time around, but don't think for a minute I was leaving without getting my apple goodies on! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mike actually ran a race with me!! I was so proud of him! This guys hates to run, but he's been doing so well lately going on runs consistently and taking Sophie out for runs. I'm starting to rub off on him...yeeeea probably not. The course wasn't too bad if you're used to altitude and inclines ;-) Starts out with 1/8 mile initial incline and for about 2.5 miles it's literally flat or all downhill. And when there's a downhill...you know the uphill is coming. For the last mile it was a slight incline until the last 1/4 mile with a steady increasing slope....ughhh what a way to have to finish. Not gonna lie...had to pee so bad at the end, I HAD to book it bc it was about to be an emergency!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sorry for the terrible iphone3 photo :-/</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I completed the 3.5 mile race 6th in my class (ages 19-29) with a time of 26:48, that's a 7:39/mile pace. I was pretty stoked about that!! I was so proud of Mike, he finished the race 34th in his class!! He ran the whole way on his bum knee. He was hurtin the next day for it, but I'm so glad he ran it with me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Our friends Lisa and Jenna came out to the run as well! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We were all pretty much there for the free stuff. Several orchards gave out free pastries, juice, and one of the wineries a free reserve wine tasting! Woop! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We had priorities though and made our way to <a href="http://www.applehill.com/site/archive/highhill.html" target="_blank">High Hill Ranch</a>. My fave!! I got a Caramel Apple Shake at the Cider Shake and the girls got Sparkling Moonshine (Apple Cider Wine and Champagne). It was unreal...I would've been dancing on the tables after one of those!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I couldn't leave without my fritter! Mike was so darn good...usually he can't leave without a caramel apple, but he actually passed it up. He has been doing so well on his "plan to eat better" (not calling it a diet ;-) I also stocked up on apples with the plans of making this <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/11/bourbon-baked-apples/" target="_blank">baked apples</a> recipe from How Sweet It Is. I will be trying that next, but first...I went for the easier recipe! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://mommymakesitbetter.blogspot.com/2012/04/crock-pot-applesauce.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Apple Sauce</a> by Mommy Makes it Better. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYojf5eW1m6IvmNHtVHJIoNmw10eVNzOlwJGbOqRqQS14FGQ8XkDdAS6DaAw-bYm544FOrwvc680bU9mdaatA_hAwPPmNXQPOxO4rdlHqElHeHlk8jD_DgxcISP9POtL8049TPoSIiZ-E/s1600/IMG_2720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYojf5eW1m6IvmNHtVHJIoNmw10eVNzOlwJGbOqRqQS14FGQ8XkDdAS6DaAw-bYm544FOrwvc680bU9mdaatA_hAwPPmNXQPOxO4rdlHqElHeHlk8jD_DgxcISP9POtL8049TPoSIiZ-E/s1600/IMG_2720.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Of course, I pinned this one a while ago and have been meaning to make it. It was sooo super easy. Besides the initial work of peeling and coring the apples, you throw all the ingredients in and wait 6 hours for your crockpot to do all the work. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc34IMxs3srT8CcMf1mUc99Ztq5gjje76kiO7ODpNg4FYapXSEwVevFT-DFv0_iHRG4Gcv5vWn9Bj8Ek3rzzeO58yg5r6AeAFRwoIWbsL01hSar_f2KZa7NrIdP4do8iBZfli8EAI21UI/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc34IMxs3srT8CcMf1mUc99Ztq5gjje76kiO7ODpNg4FYapXSEwVevFT-DFv0_iHRG4Gcv5vWn9Bj8Ek3rzzeO58yg5r6AeAFRwoIWbsL01hSar_f2KZa7NrIdP4do8iBZfli8EAI21UI/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">All the apples will break down in the crockpot...then when it looks like this, you can either use a blender or just whisk it up a bit and WA-LA! You've got warm apple sauce. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDeEJjBJaJib9T89hcKDMxyvWXoWgRfSte7UMkZj4o1gjtzSqtEPUPcaiegVKyzMtsWdNpRJide9FeuG7tRTeQMCcaaH1p8LZ2I1uWoPg7W8QaGqDo1XiIA0JU28fY9Wkx_8QKMHmx-I/s1600/IMG_2730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDeEJjBJaJib9T89hcKDMxyvWXoWgRfSte7UMkZj4o1gjtzSqtEPUPcaiegVKyzMtsWdNpRJide9FeuG7tRTeQMCcaaH1p8LZ2I1uWoPg7W8QaGqDo1XiIA0JU28fY9Wkx_8QKMHmx-I/s1600/IMG_2730.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">See, warm...condensation happening.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I had just a smidgin and it tasted like Fall!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I decided to put my creative touch on it with the mason jar...I placed a cupcake wrapper in between the lid and tied some cinnamon sticks with twine. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekYTpZ6ykXLElXBC5q8miXrWzEoNKVy2oTk_gGj1eeoennoGhoN0VsGH2w57JKCojoBODgoHorThw2fwA3vPbiHKBztb3zZhztrB3VX9KelSY40AEdgbIYoVczJAN_DRt6f_PSMw9wHI/s1600/IMG_2728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekYTpZ6ykXLElXBC5q8miXrWzEoNKVy2oTk_gGj1eeoennoGhoN0VsGH2w57JKCojoBODgoHorThw2fwA3vPbiHKBztb3zZhztrB3VX9KelSY40AEdgbIYoVczJAN_DRt6f_PSMw9wHI/s1600/IMG_2728.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO2bJpffI8HrCUDTmYOJb_VRUgmyIOJawFIXa6VrJtDpQvwXl1fHhWoHyzahVW6GMjP1gYvL0NWiN8HJbS5EhcktzTLptq8nOBuME5fjBiHUK2997v_iqVmjq_sbMuGzGclAzIyWnkMc/s1600/IMG_2729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO2bJpffI8HrCUDTmYOJb_VRUgmyIOJawFIXa6VrJtDpQvwXl1fHhWoHyzahVW6GMjP1gYvL0NWiN8HJbS5EhcktzTLptq8nOBuME5fjBiHUK2997v_iqVmjq_sbMuGzGclAzIyWnkMc/s1600/IMG_2729.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Would make a cute holiday gift for friends and family! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This one's going to my dad...he loves all things apple!</span></div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-78013447836545797522012-10-13T00:07:00.001-07:002012-10-13T00:07:15.245-07:00Caramel Apple Cheesecake BarsI've been in somewhat of a baking mood this week. I feel like with the so-sudden change of whether to something that <i>actually</i> resembles fall...it has brought with it my baking mood! Mike was <i>just</i> talking about one of his favorite fall desserts that I make which also sparked the idea in me...so I went to town earlier this week and made a <a href="http://diffwgn.blogspot.com/2011/11/cream-cheese-pumpkin-roll.html" target="_blank">Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll</a>. And Mike always says, "if you put cream cheese on a shoe, I'd eat it". Not gonna lie, I could just gnaw on the block of cream cheese itself and be totally happy. I think it's safe to say there is a cream cheese addiction in this household. <br />
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So...I knew this new recipe would be right up his alley with the cream cheese and all. I saw it on <a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tracey's Culinary Adventures </a>and knew I had to make it...<a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2012/10/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-with.html" target="_blank">Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars</a>!! Caramel apples and cheesecake...two of Mike's favorite things all in one item! I couldn't go wrong!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFFRr_9XUO5-3eSWFd9gufl3XyNghbl3N0cdXDYnw3zUqQhSkVKNAB95BG0UMLP0-9ZrXZ12ITfb_A9HtT-RfjAI6d6lsviWB7RQ17hd0WM9jm1tf05o3I3fQWIjw0xUz15oxxWMdLkM/s1600/Caramel+Apple+Cheesecake+Bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFFRr_9XUO5-3eSWFd9gufl3XyNghbl3N0cdXDYnw3zUqQhSkVKNAB95BG0UMLP0-9ZrXZ12ITfb_A9HtT-RfjAI6d6lsviWB7RQ17hd0WM9jm1tf05o3I3fQWIjw0xUz15oxxWMdLkM/s320/Caramel+Apple+Cheesecake+Bars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And we all know how I <i>love</i> to bake when I have <i>ALL</i> the ingredients just sitting right there in the pantry. We are really down to the nitty gritty when it comes to actual fresh food. We cleaned out the pantry before our recent trip to Hawaii and haven't stocked up yet...and we got back last Wednesday :-/ Yeeaa...the grocery and I aren't really best friends. BUT, I had everything to make these delicious looking bars and a couple apples left from our trip to Apple Hill!<br />
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I made everything according to the recipe and did not substitute a thing. I love how Tracey explains how the textures of the batters, crust, etc. should look once you're done mixing in everything. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz7NinhsVGiNO3BRa0c1Ei_KzA65kkxWxCsXJ6ipb65or2l5PovDGvOJ4TQmSTYSeyAyWqCwhOof-S3-sfScAGAV-ygW2B81Nd97hQKhmd9pQ16LOGCM7__2K_snLVB7YvHS-ZUuub_4/s1600/Streusel+Topping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz7NinhsVGiNO3BRa0c1Ei_KzA65kkxWxCsXJ6ipb65or2l5PovDGvOJ4TQmSTYSeyAyWqCwhOof-S3-sfScAGAV-ygW2B81Nd97hQKhmd9pQ16LOGCM7__2K_snLVB7YvHS-ZUuub_4/s320/Streusel+Topping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think some bloggers tend to leave out the details for the beginners (like me)...and although pictures help, if the pictures aren't there I need added description. Tracey does a nice job at this! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjf8HPICthfBUd76l249uF29S5U1aZjrqYcBXCvd1mkfHyZoFMCGhJYktrQPm76D4Ghxmf1fY71GGDDEQCXnKn6Sh13AZX7tZ0-MrkjOMbnzKYNBjvD8IXcVXKZAVtrnh-kzktloy4Qz0/s1600/The+Crust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjf8HPICthfBUd76l249uF29S5U1aZjrqYcBXCvd1mkfHyZoFMCGhJYktrQPm76D4Ghxmf1fY71GGDDEQCXnKn6Sh13AZX7tZ0-MrkjOMbnzKYNBjvD8IXcVXKZAVtrnh-kzktloy4Qz0/s320/The+Crust.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Despite the fact that his recipe has several layers you make separately, it was very simple and easy to follow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2CayMRsFmX2yRvQAPygtGqb5Dkl70G0JIXi2VjjYdKHDkxhxUpH1-Nkaaz6sy_NwSYPsJLAdnpOWB_pxQZ9fWuS_C2kxmwoGNIzl6lun5HNK8kKKcHA2dqoNx0X0VjZJe6eMbNcdR48/s1600/_DSC5793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2CayMRsFmX2yRvQAPygtGqb5Dkl70G0JIXi2VjjYdKHDkxhxUpH1-Nkaaz6sy_NwSYPsJLAdnpOWB_pxQZ9fWuS_C2kxmwoGNIzl6lun5HNK8kKKcHA2dqoNx0X0VjZJe6eMbNcdR48/s320/_DSC5793.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tracey has a <a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2012/09/baked-apple-dumplings-with-gooey.html" target="_blank">caramel recipe</a> on her blog, but I decided to use a caramel sauce that we had bought from <a href="http://www.applehill.com/site/archive/highhill.html" target="_blank">High Hill Ranch</a> at Apple Hill (my favorite of all the farms up there).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMu9ihw1HOcqyWsTEiVSNHST3eg1bOhLAotoXubEUnzQaWM-OrCTLC3sy2AcH_pWmD4pIKEeljGtW1tmZNSzm5Bi1coXWqyBW6geGrCOKU6-zp4msDXdf5iJtp8q3BU3SRKjDkSWbnz0/s1600/_DSC5806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMu9ihw1HOcqyWsTEiVSNHST3eg1bOhLAotoXubEUnzQaWM-OrCTLC3sy2AcH_pWmD4pIKEeljGtW1tmZNSzm5Bi1coXWqyBW6geGrCOKU6-zp4msDXdf5iJtp8q3BU3SRKjDkSWbnz0/s320/_DSC5806.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mmmm...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaTkZkdVILwLj_k7n2_mSCTgxqQtGgnsG2-kbiwjr-U5PJ484WEiRRgVKj-rLltouIMPIl-MAsUlFAml8WnqJgaH05zFJmG_peR5WNDpMFxBJwUBYamDFmcaM2UT0VAbT7hpIaa6u3Dw/s1600/_DSC5788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaTkZkdVILwLj_k7n2_mSCTgxqQtGgnsG2-kbiwjr-U5PJ484WEiRRgVKj-rLltouIMPIl-MAsUlFAml8WnqJgaH05zFJmG_peR5WNDpMFxBJwUBYamDFmcaM2UT0VAbT7hpIaa6u3Dw/s320/_DSC5788.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Baking the crust</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Adding the Cheesecake and Apple Layers</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ta-Dah! Now we wait...</span></div>
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The one thing that I just can't stand about cheesecakes...you've gotta wait so gosh darn long for them to set! Can't they just be done out of the oven!?...a little impatient when it comes to my desserts. ;-)<br />
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Anyhoo, it was well worth the wait as you can see...the buttery crust, the sugary goodness of the streusel and the tangy apples and cheesecake in the center. Oh yea, not to mention the gooeyness of the caramel drizzled on top. It's quite a mouthful of textures and flavors but such a great combination. I think this might be a new fall favorite for Mikey!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXSilE3-Vj3lgc-HcAXH0nP5yF0gYXX4hHtEaYCZRfT80QkRSercyxbrRoue3rToUsK8YHSGE0n5FtZm45Nbp5SNoxld8jC_5tlVxc5hZMKpixEslOfJQOD079e4DpYt7f0KIN8jyBNs/s1600/_DSC5815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXSilE3-Vj3lgc-HcAXH0nP5yF0gYXX4hHtEaYCZRfT80QkRSercyxbrRoue3rToUsK8YHSGE0n5FtZm45Nbp5SNoxld8jC_5tlVxc5hZMKpixEslOfJQOD079e4DpYt7f0KIN8jyBNs/s320/_DSC5815.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-61167902295379344782012-08-24T22:33:00.003-07:002012-08-24T22:36:42.897-07:00~Fall~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even though I love the change that comes with every season, I seem to hold a special place in my heart for Fall. There's a million things to love about each season but every time I think of Fall, I get the warm fuzzies inside. </div>
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See, in California you really don't start to notice a seasonal change until late November, it seems. And with each passing year the summer heat seems to come in later and linger till October. Now, in Indiana the air already starts changing by the time it's "back to school" season...so right about now! Another reason to love Fall (yes, I know it's technically still summer). I used to love going school supply shopping and picking up new highlighters, erasers, rubber cement...gotta love the rubber cement. I think I enjoyed the supplies I used the least, like the protractor and the highlighter with the purple grip on it (what kid needs a highlighter!). I remember some of my "first day of school" outfits that seriously deserve a few laughs, but they were so IN at the time. </div>
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Like I was saying, the air starts to get a little crisper..especially in the early mornings. There's a smell to the air too, it's fresher it seems. Who doesn't love when the leaves start to change?!</div>
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This was definitely one of those crisp air type mornings. </div>
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Even though the weather here in California doesn't really remind me of fall until later in the year, I luckily have <a href="http://www.applehill.com/" target="_blank">Apply Hill</a> close by to remind me that it's still here! </div>
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Apple Hill is everything FALL! Apples, cider, pumpkins, nature, orchards, wine tasting, the country, pies, arts and crafts, candles, etc. </div>
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Loads and loads of apples...</div>
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These bad boys were getting ready to be processed into cider! </div>
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Best breakfast on Earth..."An apple a day"...or 5 ;-) </div>
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Every time we go to Apple Hill I HAVE to get the apple fritter from <a href="http://www.applehill.com/site/archive/highhill.html" target="_blank">High Hill Ranch</a>...there is no substitute!</div>
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Of course, Mikey's favorites are always the caramel apples!</div>
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You've gotta bring some apples home to make apple pies!</div>
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Fall definitely comes with pumpkin picking. </div>
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Each year I seem to want something different and unique when choosing the perfect pumpkin...</div>
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Like this Cinderella's carriage looking pumkin here :-) </div>
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And then comes the carving!!!</div>
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Yea, Tinkerbell's a little off...</div>
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The warm drinks start becoming necessary, and I find myself at Starbucks more often. And when those happy red cups come out...I'm there even more so! But to save a few bucks, I try my hand at barista as well...</div>
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And did I mention boots...a fall STAPLE! Must have boots! Multiple pairs are necessary...yes, necessary! I call them my fall investment...I seem to get a pair every year :-/</div>
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And I think candy corn is the honorary candy of the season! Can't wait to get my dish out and put it to good use :-) </div>
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And this little bumble bee came as my fall gift! We found this little munchkin on a stroll through downtown Livermore on a Saturday my family. A rescue company had a set up of puppies and she won over our heart. I always tell Mike that I found her, because let's face it, I practically took her and didn't let her go till the papers were signed! I will never in my life forget the day this little girl came home with us...the first puppy I myself and my boyfriend ever owned.</div>
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I love taking rainy day strolls with her...both of us in our rain gear, she doesn't mind a few drops :-)</div>
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Aren't you excited for Fall!?</div>
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What makes you excited for the season?</div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-33042391770767296272012-08-22T23:12:00.001-07:002012-08-22T23:12:37.641-07:00"If I was going somewhere, I was running"<div style="text-align: center;">
It's that time of year again! I'm starting to train for my 5th Half Marathon. I was starting to get the itch to sign up for my second Half of the year after I ran the <a href="http://thecolorrun.com/" target="_blank">Color Run</a> 5k..."The Happiest 5k On the Planet... and boy was it!!! </div>
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My friends and I had so much fun just preparing for the event...figuring out our team name... "Color Me Bad" of course, and then deciding what our outfits would be months in advance. We finally made the trek to Joann's to purchase tutu making necessities. </div>
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We were like a bunch of kids on Christmas at that starting line. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1fsvkDKcO4NQ_g8JuUvqlebNzUGY5fy-wL2HixgCWHVxHmfjQXI_VE6xOG0PzrcdqXAHLhaYd52vjrLB85NwE_RCaBPWSjtpXt4pLtJ23i2BE8lWZf1u-e92LF7PfBUiYUNzkXXI7no/s1600/IMG_2239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1fsvkDKcO4NQ_g8JuUvqlebNzUGY5fy-wL2HixgCWHVxHmfjQXI_VE6xOG0PzrcdqXAHLhaYd52vjrLB85NwE_RCaBPWSjtpXt4pLtJ23i2BE8lWZf1u-e92LF7PfBUiYUNzkXXI7no/s320/IMG_2239.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj6HoobB3DAu1jAdehydIS6PsO-tX63S9mPj9mEFt-B31cuzvi5oy062TpukXQwJe_LDIOVYGaTe3WcvYcB8EQdHo1oJPOx0EL2fikRfVePhU0xSdrutOhwzOM-O_OSCYTta5ZhYE0kQ/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj6HoobB3DAu1jAdehydIS6PsO-tX63S9mPj9mEFt-B31cuzvi5oy062TpukXQwJe_LDIOVYGaTe3WcvYcB8EQdHo1oJPOx0EL2fikRfVePhU0xSdrutOhwzOM-O_OSCYTta5ZhYE0kQ/s320/IMG_2040.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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We couldn't wait to get splattered with paint...or I should say ketchup bottled with paint powder. Every kilometer we ran through a gauntlet of people spraying a different "color of honor" on us. The anticipation of each color was so much fun as we ran through downtown Sacramento. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreFuQ2tumL6N8WHAlAHyuHbuEXoZMn_tWiZAZznFHZpCc9mlMU1MQ8Ixuiw4g1jgaFx6aIGssLTr_1fGJzhTPrfyf8CN5iPNh8dLQyDmwXogG9szilJJ8r2CWwg-6xWfGyhXJclN0_CE/s1600/IMG_2241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreFuQ2tumL6N8WHAlAHyuHbuEXoZMn_tWiZAZznFHZpCc9mlMU1MQ8Ixuiw4g1jgaFx6aIGssLTr_1fGJzhTPrfyf8CN5iPNh8dLQyDmwXogG9szilJJ8r2CWwg-6xWfGyhXJclN0_CE/s320/IMG_2241.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnYwHUjC4F7ui1FHUteq68IoOWEv17NJIwH0Qp4UJRoIvR03SlcS4pZpcUHWlULzVf90VeX10aeoYUt5DEmjVWrUBA7Y-_Q3mTaOpb8qAt-BHGSMgvgA6nnbk0PRGQZkpmPpf8e68hWw/s1600/IMG_2243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnYwHUjC4F7ui1FHUteq68IoOWEv17NJIwH0Qp4UJRoIvR03SlcS4pZpcUHWlULzVf90VeX10aeoYUt5DEmjVWrUBA7Y-_Q3mTaOpb8qAt-BHGSMgvgA6nnbk0PRGQZkpmPpf8e68hWw/s320/IMG_2243.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qcbBtKqDBEDziNdhhqqKP7AlwFY2y-eNy_0hzeCPdqYwsJTFRLHXdW4hY8nBD3BiEHN6lKVKofIraZBBOZXSUeBy4hfwBs5e1geehmI1ihl7dcz9fBohlLjzV_iaM2PbUrcDG9vmhnc/s1600/IMG_2244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qcbBtKqDBEDziNdhhqqKP7AlwFY2y-eNy_0hzeCPdqYwsJTFRLHXdW4hY8nBD3BiEHN6lKVKofIraZBBOZXSUeBy4hfwBs5e1geehmI1ihl7dcz9fBohlLjzV_iaM2PbUrcDG9vmhnc/s320/IMG_2244.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TdwUhHA_lZ6B7yLb3htXlCsnMGAk9RAVNuRpcBh5IKuDZyqH-cA5bQWvaL_tCVeXQKVwwrrJ8wkbyaFiikAc2c9OZlTNICdpXicb1YkC9REmcHsTuuErGrJPz8p_NKb5UP79I9rCUw4/s1600/IMG_2246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TdwUhHA_lZ6B7yLb3htXlCsnMGAk9RAVNuRpcBh5IKuDZyqH-cA5bQWvaL_tCVeXQKVwwrrJ8wkbyaFiikAc2c9OZlTNICdpXicb1YkC9REmcHsTuuErGrJPz8p_NKb5UP79I9rCUw4/s320/IMG_2246.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMkBd40mIcznoQ-PsmTVhWbK0W0AIsG_pezAhUGzC8DsPVzTecZV0rikFZ0jYZQx6IBdvzxXmvjvmPHZjZTbpN5N_eq8T8FDdoFPs5govRBdPaU5089u4N8Ga_0tmK4jmvB9L54Iv1CU/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMkBd40mIcznoQ-PsmTVhWbK0W0AIsG_pezAhUGzC8DsPVzTecZV0rikFZ0jYZQx6IBdvzxXmvjvmPHZjZTbpN5N_eq8T8FDdoFPs5govRBdPaU5089u4N8Ga_0tmK4jmvB9L54Iv1CU/s320/IMG_2248.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mrjY6HTZU9vcvg3zkFA-qzR_2otCv06fOcFaWGjVKSb7TxTHhwq-245kpamGS6RoeIkK1J60XebEJ7IwGsoab1KcM8jsPAsmdGBPi6CZFU404n_uFtpHnBVCmRGtIH3UZWgatLNWvvc/s1600/IMG_2249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mrjY6HTZU9vcvg3zkFA-qzR_2otCv06fOcFaWGjVKSb7TxTHhwq-245kpamGS6RoeIkK1J60XebEJ7IwGsoab1KcM8jsPAsmdGBPi6CZFU404n_uFtpHnBVCmRGtIH3UZWgatLNWvvc/s320/IMG_2249.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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The color ceremony at the end was super fun. Everybody got a packet of paint with registration and every 15 minutes at the finish line there was a count down to throw the packet into the air. It was a rainbow of color haze. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23v_x0UOgDRUPiY-3RVXSJI0UqaHUue6TVrsPgE5RxzzSWkGT7rAek0cgMsW9xTouqRNS0xLd-yh-fhjGSEzItvUPXcpjd6a_GcTmjykL73cEN4VK3X0dgAIMO-56sDbLiwv7F7Zm3dA/s1600/IMG_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23v_x0UOgDRUPiY-3RVXSJI0UqaHUue6TVrsPgE5RxzzSWkGT7rAek0cgMsW9xTouqRNS0xLd-yh-fhjGSEzItvUPXcpjd6a_GcTmjykL73cEN4VK3X0dgAIMO-56sDbLiwv7F7Zm3dA/s320/IMG_2061.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOK8_QUFP622VbETfEUZL79PeEKDYboIjW_gf55Sy0jvQLLgmYHW1Wsc_fcSHRSsDc-Y2BMxEV_QScVAbPgSko-kUCO3GvW8MGm1o-n4dl_ypZ5OocQN7MZINJPgu8_0j8RKUsT5kJVo/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOK8_QUFP622VbETfEUZL79PeEKDYboIjW_gf55Sy0jvQLLgmYHW1Wsc_fcSHRSsDc-Y2BMxEV_QScVAbPgSko-kUCO3GvW8MGm1o-n4dl_ypZ5OocQN7MZINJPgu8_0j8RKUsT5kJVo/s320/IMG_2065.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pretty cool to see...</div>
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and then it was an all out paint war with the remnants. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF2qqO157DJkkg5cMcH-US6qO-C0_G6W2N4yGY-MFnE88U9InnwQAxPwC4CybZK0Lhj206MuFoVoOsueOot2248azbWWy4ws4xFPVO-X5awn-pmH-zVkAAl2q46JR1f0DYc4wY3B7eI0/s1600/IMG_2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF2qqO157DJkkg5cMcH-US6qO-C0_G6W2N4yGY-MFnE88U9InnwQAxPwC4CybZK0Lhj206MuFoVoOsueOot2248azbWWy4ws4xFPVO-X5awn-pmH-zVkAAl2q46JR1f0DYc4wY3B7eI0/s320/IMG_2063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Poor Mike, our fearless cheerleader was in the midst of all the paint, capturing the moments on camera. What a guy!! I told him to not wear any good clothes and to stand back from the crowds but he didn't stray far from our sides and unfortunately got in on the action ;-) </div>
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That hat was washed in the dishwasher (yes, the dishwasher) in a special baseball hat contraption 4 times (I think) before the purple paint washed out :-/ They said purple was the worst. I'd argue green was pretty gnarly too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0QjeUbDInlvFMzwbM4my4y8lnz7F_YrLW6WXMX8a7CoLln3mpnTcyYRLIQ1eKpa_GTb4hFeXlezt4dt8QDulhFLuRhYxzXYb2S-icWAkcDbeHdjkzTWcaAUGlBn_13IGdWfLgs-KELg/s1600/IMG_2072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0QjeUbDInlvFMzwbM4my4y8lnz7F_YrLW6WXMX8a7CoLln3mpnTcyYRLIQ1eKpa_GTb4hFeXlezt4dt8QDulhFLuRhYxzXYb2S-icWAkcDbeHdjkzTWcaAUGlBn_13IGdWfLgs-KELg/s320/IMG_2072.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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Anyhoo, I was pretty pumped following this 5k to sign up for another Half. I knew I was going to complete another one by the year end, it was figuring out which one to do. I could have done the <a href="http://urbancowhalfmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Urban Cow</a> like last year, but I wanted to expand my half marathon horizons so I decided on a new one that's even closer to home...I'm sure Mr. Cheerleader will be thankful for the few minutes of extra sleep come race morning ;-) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IgKCi3ZruruzVoNmS2KNOOKr7gCUNtYCQObaxE7tCgyehd6uHqUNe2iYFI0SohnzPxR5DHiloclFH6D89kHBMkwBQiar80lWSiSBwsi9I7woF80Yyrc5QuHRnL65HV36sYbKBDVHIkY/s1600/IMG_2091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IgKCi3ZruruzVoNmS2KNOOKr7gCUNtYCQObaxE7tCgyehd6uHqUNe2iYFI0SohnzPxR5DHiloclFH6D89kHBMkwBQiar80lWSiSBwsi9I7woF80Yyrc5QuHRnL65HV36sYbKBDVHIkY/s320/IMG_2091.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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So...here's what my training schedule usually looks like from here on out. I typically run 3 times during the weekdays with a day of rest in between and a long run in on the weekend. I start my training easy with 2 to 3 miles on the weekdays with my long run set at 4 miles. Then, I gradually work up my weekday runs to 3-4 and my long runs adding a mile each week until I hit the 10 mile mark. I've never done over 10 miles before a half marathon and this seems to work for me. My goal is to finish under 2 hours like I have in my previous Halfs but closer to the 1:50 mark. </div>
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Tomorrow starts the beginning of my training with a 2.5 mile loop with a pretty good incline. The one thing about this half...the finish is a pretty steep hill, so I'll have to build in some incline training.</div>
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To bed I go, for the early morning is when I can escape this crazy heat in order to get that run in. Wish me luck! </div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-53018521900396970552012-08-19T21:59:00.000-07:002012-08-19T22:08:24.632-07:00A Beer Tasting 30th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkm_raw7F-SwScuxUF_LWOsBWArh3lin8-yC-cY2vLEsYcoNMKuLwG4TBakUGUhl4xRweWhnPBSYWt0li6_TF-lecNWeQ4cQuGAPz551NtbvZikCMOMuHp5htRAxovJbWPkRiRWC60d8/s1600/IMG_2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkm_raw7F-SwScuxUF_LWOsBWArh3lin8-yC-cY2vLEsYcoNMKuLwG4TBakUGUhl4xRweWhnPBSYWt0li6_TF-lecNWeQ4cQuGAPz551NtbvZikCMOMuHp5htRAxovJbWPkRiRWC60d8/s320/IMG_2100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I must preface and say, my boyfriend is NOT easy to surprise and I can not keep a surprise to save my life. Did I mention, Mike hates surprises? I mean, hates, and I know that's a harsh word. He likes to know what's going on at every turn and every second that passes. Let's just say, he likes to be prepared. Soo, about 6 months prior to his birthday I started thinking what the heck am I going to do!?? It's his 30th and it must be done right! </div>
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I wanted in the worst of ways to surprise him, but I knew this was a sure-fire fail, so what did I do? One night as it was coming down to the 1-month-prior mark, I straight-up asked him what his ideal celebration would be. And before this, he'd said he didn't want anything, but I think I kept dropping the message that this isn't just <i>any</i> birthday...sure, it only comes once just like all the others, but it's important, it's special, YOU are special, and YOU are important, your friends want to celebrate this day with you, and it's the big 3-O! You can't escape it! I think he got the message of how important it was to <i>me </i>to do something for him, and deep down I knew I could throw him something that he'd truly enjoy.</div>
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So, he actually told me what he'd like to do...now <i>that's</i> surprising! He said a get-together at home with friends would be perfect and then we can head out to a bar downtown for drinks later in the night. Everybody would then enjoy eachothers' company and it would be the easiest scenario for all involved (he's always thinking of others). No traveling to far off places, no throwing in tons of cash-ola for the people attending...just show up and have a good time! And having a good time is exactly what Mike's all about. </div>
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Here is how it went down... </div>
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Once I knew the logistics of what he wanted, I went to town on being creative, my forte! I decided on a manly-man theme and something that he would love...a "Beer Tasting" party...what guy wouldn't like that? I kept the theme a surprise to everyone and just gave out the minimum details to the party goers so there would at least be a few elements of surprise throughout the night. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qQukH-5_gDgCMPhN4PdkHbijgyAdMlBm2mtx8v_mWTE630TOk5xycXuL0rhyphenhyphenvoaMfH2ce-KEzyV8l5vmGESJZTcFX5TOkYMiVR9aPkUf_7OEZmStuZWpVbRmKW6fifn8Mx4wVha6sMY/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qQukH-5_gDgCMPhN4PdkHbijgyAdMlBm2mtx8v_mWTE630TOk5xycXuL0rhyphenhyphenvoaMfH2ce-KEzyV8l5vmGESJZTcFX5TOkYMiVR9aPkUf_7OEZmStuZWpVbRmKW6fifn8Mx4wVha6sMY/s320/IMG_2109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I researched some trusty party sites and came up with a culmination of good ideas: </div>
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I liked the decor of the pinwheels in this "Pots and Pigs" themed party on the <a href="http://blog.hwtm.com/2011/12/pots-pig-beer-tasting-30th-birthday-party/" target="_blank">Hostess Blog</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpPhuDPWvhyphenhyphenzk5pJuZOpgP-ulIie3BJS5dL5MZmknUQS6zgv1wSiVojmBgF-hjfs4tYtTZNBFntjAiKPioja-f_FLzBTK3mY5T4reD5u8EY6z6_jBH_qj6FCl1kmTb6Wb59DjkO6ywQ0/s1600/pig_and_pots_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpPhuDPWvhyphenhyphenzk5pJuZOpgP-ulIie3BJS5dL5MZmknUQS6zgv1wSiVojmBgF-hjfs4tYtTZNBFntjAiKPioja-f_FLzBTK3mY5T4reD5u8EY6z6_jBH_qj6FCl1kmTb6Wb59DjkO6ywQ0/s320/pig_and_pots_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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This bottle cap cake was most definitely being made from a "Modern Beer Tasting Party" also from the <a href="http://blog.hwtm.com/2011/05/jw-beer-tasting-party/" target="_blank">Hostess Blog</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2YTFUrN2UHnAZBbpwzDdQ3Llwp12RsFIS5PWan6yzJTep-wQDAGlvc4ymkXG5WIMEDhYqTQgQgZwPcER_JqtHWqjfNPiQWn9F4EnJtY-6RPxzQwfZpleBUfz08TgmyhbB9dgiQ4Szus/s1600/beer_tasting_1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2YTFUrN2UHnAZBbpwzDdQ3Llwp12RsFIS5PWan6yzJTep-wQDAGlvc4ymkXG5WIMEDhYqTQgQgZwPcER_JqtHWqjfNPiQWn9F4EnJtY-6RPxzQwfZpleBUfz08TgmyhbB9dgiQ4Szus/s320/beer_tasting_1b.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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I got the idea to make the Blue Moon and Guinness cupcakes and adorable bottle cap coasters from a "Plaid Flannel Beer Tasting Party" once again from the <a href="http://blog.hwtm.com/2012/05/plaid-flannel-beer-tasting-party-beards-on-sticks/" target="_blank">Hostess Blog </a></div>
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I enjoyed the idea of galvanized pails as beer coolers and chalkboard signs for more decor which I found on <a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/2012/04/beer-tasting-party.html" target="_blank">A Thoughtful Place</a> blog.</div>
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The "Gourmet Grill-Out" Party on <a href="http://pizzazzerie.com/parties/a-gourmet-grill-out-recipes/" target="_blank">Pizzazzerie</a> really confirmed my want of chalkboards, pails, bunting signs and the color scheme of teals and oranges. </div>
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And of course, every party needs a game...the Beer Tasting Game from the <a href="http://couldbeinteresting.com/?s=beer+tasting" target="_blank">Could Be Interesting</a> blog</div>
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*All photos courtesy of their respective blogs. </div>
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So after compiling all my ideas, I made a plan of action. I started with Michael's for any random supplies they might have. I did find awesome beer cozies and all my chalkboard needs! Party city came in handy for all the food serving necessities and they have a plethora of colors to suit your party theme, for sure. Thanks to World Market and Bevmo for the never ending supply of alcoholic beverages. And to my favorite grocery store ever...Winco for all my gourmet needs. </div>
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I was able to prep and prepare everything in a day and a half after a month of good hard planning and decoration creation. I think he was pleasantly surprised with all my hard work and preparation...yes, actually surprised despite the fact that he knew the shindig was happening. </div>
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I used a Martha Stewart punch to personalize each cozie</div>
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I bought these cute wooden crates at Michael's to hold the non-alcoholic beverages and found the huge blue totes at Party City for a surprising $4 bucks!</div>
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I bought a block of thin Styrofoam and painted it black for a concrete look and glue gunned the bottle caps on. Cheap coasters!</div>
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Got these cute little chalkboard pails for snacks in the dollar bins at Target! What a find!!</div>
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The Beer Tasting/Guessing game...don't worry, the bottles were covered and the caps off once people started arriving :-) </div>
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And you can't forget the food... </div>
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Mini wedge salads with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing on the side</div>
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Cheese tortellini skewers with pesto dipping sauce</div>
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You can't have a beer party without <a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/2012/02/03/homemade-soft-pretzels/" target="_blank">soft pretzels</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/10/crockpot-bbq-beer-chicken/" target="_blank">Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken Sliders</a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.ericasweettooth.com/2012/01/blue-moon-and-corona-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Blue Moon</a> and <a href="http://pinchmysalt.com/chocolate-stout-cupcakes-with-vanilla-cream-cheese-frosting/" target="_blank">Guinness Cupcakes</a>, recipes linked</div>
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And even though we had cupcakes...</div>
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You've gotta have an actual cake on your birthday! My own red velvet and cream cheese concoction in the shape of a Stella Artois bottle cap :-) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cRvSpMXNHYxTNn9oaZAVcAYOL9DUVlxtC4uWN20XP21RcW87IRclQp80JjR93qcNMe9Rv8OuNxtBAz-GyOE6Zl7Vtbf9u7KU-S9t3CeGBErtz44rhWCRSbjCQ-u5aZ8bQ2VhOi-bjt0/s1600/_DSC5077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cRvSpMXNHYxTNn9oaZAVcAYOL9DUVlxtC4uWN20XP21RcW87IRclQp80JjR93qcNMe9Rv8OuNxtBAz-GyOE6Zl7Vtbf9u7KU-S9t3CeGBErtz44rhWCRSbjCQ-u5aZ8bQ2VhOi-bjt0/s320/_DSC5077.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I think the birthday boy was definitely a happy camper and it'll be a night he remembers. </div>
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My mission: accomplished! </div>
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~Cheers~</div>
diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-30146936252541720502012-06-25T20:09:00.000-07:002012-06-25T20:11:20.487-07:00Breaking In the New Oven...<div style="text-align: center;">
With some blondies! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4YpCEaPIHeZgC1fvYH-6GNx0mrwLthk-vodDu1vhPt_8Cw-ygnI6NF4YQ8r27V0wMRWy24jQTRYQGHn_zROr3IFALbEueXvt4u1UgzqXWp2BVh3sDKFm0PJECYwpQpMdByroeicDTW0/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4YpCEaPIHeZgC1fvYH-6GNx0mrwLthk-vodDu1vhPt_8Cw-ygnI6NF4YQ8r27V0wMRWy24jQTRYQGHn_zROr3IFALbEueXvt4u1UgzqXWp2BVh3sDKFm0PJECYwpQpMdByroeicDTW0/s320/IMG_2148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've never made blondies let alone heard of blondies until recently. Of course, if you think hard enough I'm sure you can guess what they are exactly. Opposite of a brownie...you get a blondie! Made with white chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate. </div>
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I have fallen in love with the blondie...a peanut butter chocolate chip kind!</div>
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Head on over to Tracey's Culinary Adventure for the recipe, <a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/black-and-white-peanut-butter-brownies.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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I feel like this recipe (it may be true of other blondie recipes, I'm just not too familiar yet) as it has the texture and consistency of a cookie in a bar form...which I <3!!</div>
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I followed her directions step by step and they turned out amazing. I used mini chocolate chips, so if you really want that chocolate chunk I'd go with a regular size chip. </div>
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Along with breaking in the oven...we are really starting to settle into the new place. Pictures are on the walls, all boxes are unpacked, and it's all of a sudden looking like a home. </div>
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Work is going well in my new office space...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRSglD7Erd8_m6gLDYwm6BwacCXW8oEh8iPCTp9aqw9yU8FcbIjAIQUbEpq2U1RA7MBFcplkQ-90-4lKmmIOmHE99cM-Dp9JQHERbvb_fdl_ZNLxYlf7CJ6bhUtOnQoFvT9oarFBvAUk/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRSglD7Erd8_m6gLDYwm6BwacCXW8oEh8iPCTp9aqw9yU8FcbIjAIQUbEpq2U1RA7MBFcplkQ-90-4lKmmIOmHE99cM-Dp9JQHERbvb_fdl_ZNLxYlf7CJ6bhUtOnQoFvT9oarFBvAUk/s320/IMG_1864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sophie is finding her favorite places around the house</div>
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Here...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAA2-d7ENL1EQiWaefORl0fxIWxg8ycuY9UYj_xyX8ZE8-NGCzhi1ufItbYimqr8wFE05YeDND7p3aiPgAc2Yu43RGEFnWTn0l_Ua35YZZXURyNukXdYi22w49vqWSfK-OTpyCL5Qy6g/s1600/IMG_1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAA2-d7ENL1EQiWaefORl0fxIWxg8ycuY9UYj_xyX8ZE8-NGCzhi1ufItbYimqr8wFE05YeDND7p3aiPgAc2Yu43RGEFnWTn0l_Ua35YZZXURyNukXdYi22w49vqWSfK-OTpyCL5Qy6g/s320/IMG_1874.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d9t56TRmjZ6odXBnZdMzCxoxkpZIIW475nWVCzdeIdNT08zF6PH-QKBPdRgvjbn_SAesJon6BzBRNEFj6KQihGR7GggyW_WP_oiXn7mxMILJBo9Ql1UuCesJzBytOxDmQCuKZwn7bMo/s1600/IMG_2132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d9t56TRmjZ6odXBnZdMzCxoxkpZIIW475nWVCzdeIdNT08zF6PH-QKBPdRgvjbn_SAesJon6BzBRNEFj6KQihGR7GggyW_WP_oiXn7mxMILJBo9Ql1UuCesJzBytOxDmQCuKZwn7bMo/s320/IMG_2132.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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And here :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKepAT9A9bZ2Hx5u-UgDRDQCmrgoy8-ZZlrvn5v0n9_68UK1YYy-kwNrI806kKnhG9eR-Kr5Hp_3dZmEleQV57c5p_cqY7N47uCHJqrz-V43B6pusC7jC5wrYpMd8Fcjulv8u7KEbgkIk/s1600/IMG_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKepAT9A9bZ2Hx5u-UgDRDQCmrgoy8-ZZlrvn5v0n9_68UK1YYy-kwNrI806kKnhG9eR-Kr5Hp_3dZmEleQV57c5p_cqY7N47uCHJqrz-V43B6pusC7jC5wrYpMd8Fcjulv8u7KEbgkIk/s320/IMG_2146.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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And she loves that we're so close to the lake on hot summer days...she's a swimmin' dog now!</div>
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More baking to come...</div>diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-73476707182745998382012-05-22T14:54:00.001-07:002012-05-22T14:54:29.712-07:00Subtle Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHphNJh3DNCiJvz49NAPZPDDBM3mo3k7Reg1pjGajUDddBPdP47OoaqiaqcGwieg7-eCWQ9gS_bmNQZLgJv0MNYuY4IgofG71UqOV-a0ekCGA2Md1kqPpP-tPncA4_rocVJ5HHIj06Ps/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHphNJh3DNCiJvz49NAPZPDDBM3mo3k7Reg1pjGajUDddBPdP47OoaqiaqcGwieg7-eCWQ9gS_bmNQZLgJv0MNYuY4IgofG71UqOV-a0ekCGA2Md1kqPpP-tPncA4_rocVJ5HHIj06Ps/s320/IMG_1794.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Okay, I've been pretty bad again with the frequency of posts...or rather, the non-frequency. The bf and I have been busy packing up our apartment and moving into our first HOUSE together! It's been non-stop packing and making nightly trips to the house and bringing Sophie with us so she can get acclimated to the new place. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As you can see, we've still got many more trips to go...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And we've been rug shopping since we have hard-wood floors now!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last night, we Pledged the wine hutch and organized it in our new dining room</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One of the things we've been trying to be good about is eating ALL the food we have left in the apartment so we don't have to end up moving it. It's been working out thus far. I've devoured the bread stash with PBJ sandwiches and stack of tortillas making cheese quesadillas...and I'm slowly diminishing my baking items. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last night I had a craving for cookies and Mike started fumbling through the pantry...and out pops a giant Oatmeal container. Needless to say, he wanted oatmeal cookies. Well, since I wanted some chocolate chip cookies...I brought back these bad boys...<a href="http://kelseysappleaday.blogspot.com/2011/08/best-ever-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">The Best Ever Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>, but I had to incorporate the oatmeal somehow.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In order to add the oatmeal without really changing the cookie consistency, I figured I'd just need to substitute some of the flour for the oats. Kelsey's recipe calls for 2 cups of flour...I used 1 1/2 cups of flour and then added 1/2 a cup of oatmeal. Well, once it was all mixed in, there just wasn't enough oats. Sooo, I added another 1/2 cup of oats. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSZp-HuEEwZ5DayRbO4nNIpbSuiB__P19HMEPoFap05ljv-LUPAp-5vEh-q74KfQg1imOUUyAYMi_66z497VB8h9pFO2U51KX4SLt2lvfB3hesC6Hvt4bthq4aU_6PV7b9vNVNQoJJ2g/s1600/IMG_1795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSZp-HuEEwZ5DayRbO4nNIpbSuiB__P19HMEPoFap05ljv-LUPAp-5vEh-q74KfQg1imOUUyAYMi_66z497VB8h9pFO2U51KX4SLt2lvfB3hesC6Hvt4bthq4aU_6PV7b9vNVNQoJJ2g/s320/IMG_1795.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now it all just depends on your oat preference, Mike would've had the bulk of the cookie be oats but I really enjoyed the subtle hint of oat with a true cookie foundation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think you could probably make these cookies with just 1 cup of flour and 2 cups of oats for a solid oatmeal cookie. I'm going to have to try that next since "Picky Eater Mikey" wants a <i>real</i> oatmeal cookie. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So here goes my recipe:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Adapted from the "Apple A Day" Blog: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="value">3/4</span> <span class="type">c.</span> <span class="name">unsalted butter, softened</span><span class="type"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="type">3/4 c.</span> <span class="name">brown sugar</span><span class="value"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="value">1/4</span> <span class="type">c.</span> <span class="name">granulated sugar</span><span class="value"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="value">1</span> <span class="name">egg</span><span class="value"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="value">2</span> <span class="type">tsp.</span> <span class="name">vanilla extract</span><span class="value"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/2 <span class="type">c.</span> <span class="name">all purpose flour</span><span class="value"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="value" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 cup rolled oats</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="value">2</span> <span class="type">tsp. xanthum gum</span><span class="value"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="value">1</span> <span class="type">tsp.</span> <span class="name">baking soda</span><span class="value"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="value">1/2</span> <span class="type">tsp.</span> <span class="name">salt</span><span class="value"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="value"></span><span class="type"></span><span class="name">1 c. bittersweet chocolate chips</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Follow Kelsey's recipe and add the oats in when you add the flour. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. These cookies require a bit more baking time than the plain choc chip. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let cool (just a bit), and devour!</span></div>
</div>diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-36297124466278399002012-03-14T20:47:00.001-07:002012-03-14T20:47:28.315-07:00It's Been A Long Time...<div style="text-align: center;">
So I feel like a double whammy post is in order! I haven't forgotten my blog nor have I forgotten to bake since I've been back to work full time. I'm finally back home from training (and I should say, I have been for awhile now :-/) and I'm all settled into my daily routine.</div>
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Sophie has been a wonderful work partner...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg1bW9kwBJaYZURlQACtgo8ZyCoxYz_-8IYjnjRQmaa2H3NFCOV48Aidc_5doLP7hmDyq4Rx1kI_crXmhqNDlMYjjBrs3HZ7Y1ryHU9ZpSDiQRUESzdTEQkYFh7YHm1zJMt2TLkyb1sY/s1600/IMG_1777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg1bW9kwBJaYZURlQACtgo8ZyCoxYz_-8IYjnjRQmaa2H3NFCOV48Aidc_5doLP7hmDyq4Rx1kI_crXmhqNDlMYjjBrs3HZ7Y1ryHU9ZpSDiQRUESzdTEQkYFh7YHm1zJMt2TLkyb1sY/s320/IMG_1777.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRwtfKx7m8_5Yypwjiily3DpE2P09sACi4F9Q0dSvl9eYK3J9bSGbyP_G4QOrmULFQfFquUfFtcwT541sY8EYw3pZAv28Na-w0SrqxL4kydX_djR2RGrcRGEfxW1ULlMW4fVTpS40tOM/s1600/IMG_1776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRwtfKx7m8_5Yypwjiily3DpE2P09sACi4F9Q0dSvl9eYK3J9bSGbyP_G4QOrmULFQfFquUfFtcwT541sY8EYw3pZAv28Na-w0SrqxL4kydX_djR2RGrcRGEfxW1ULlMW4fVTpS40tOM/s320/IMG_1776.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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She mainly just sits by me all day and plays with her toys or takes a nap. It's been awesome! I'll take her for a run in the morning and then another in the afternoon and she is good to go. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UoBaYMWY3iYSUXYGXHBTqHT7IdWldnabQ51xksWdSU3g4SHcoKVXZfgraZOxnDTYJ6bFp6fMaZtX-I99GtcFrk0WgCTzFAybCh3mOiof6njiGbf_Rt4ExUXvlEsivGx3DQdXM0_ncus/s1600/IMG_1749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UoBaYMWY3iYSUXYGXHBTqHT7IdWldnabQ51xksWdSU3g4SHcoKVXZfgraZOxnDTYJ6bFp6fMaZtX-I99GtcFrk0WgCTzFAybCh3mOiof6njiGbf_Rt4ExUXvlEsivGx3DQdXM0_ncus/s320/IMG_1749.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ94zRCzs_qWJkobZaSmsz1hY66DUE89XU117bqpHGuRk13Z1agJWEsVN8XwefZiX8yufdlz43b1mXVMw64FxpmDjkRLiKpu_aLIHX6vSpqojwjSUmdKMowA7vWYTmmr_kpZ3niHPxZM/s1600/IMG_1821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ94zRCzs_qWJkobZaSmsz1hY66DUE89XU117bqpHGuRk13Z1agJWEsVN8XwefZiX8yufdlz43b1mXVMw64FxpmDjkRLiKpu_aLIHX6vSpqojwjSUmdKMowA7vWYTmmr_kpZ3niHPxZM/s320/IMG_1821.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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I've gotta confess, part of my daily routine at night is reading blogs... </div>
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I am a blog-a-holic...I feel like it's <i>my</i> kind of news. I swear, reading blogs is totally like reading the newspaper...only SO MUCH BETTER! It's reading the news you actually want to hear. Crafts, weddings, fashion, recipes, DIY projects! I love my me time when I sit down...Mike plays his video games and I go to town on devouring my blogs. And then of course there is the subsequent pinning to Pinterest of all the cool ideas I've collected.</div>
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So like I said earlier I have definitely made time for my baking.</div>
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I came across these around Valentine's Day (on one of the blogs I read) and of course immediately pinned them so I could make some for myself. I really thought they'd be more of a hit than they were with Mike, but hey...you win some, you lose some. I wish they hadn't have been such a big hit with me...I freakin LOVED them! But I had him take the batch to work so they didn't stay around long. </div>
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So...you're probably like...get to the point by now...what the heck are these amazing things? <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2011/02/butterscotch-peanut-butter-marshmallow-hearts/">Butterscotch Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars</a> from <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/">Sweetopolita</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIYNkbgLDbSiKKwPn65Pb5vqNjnPCH1G1uUV-hAj5OkRKINa9gHYr00YrM-iwLYQel1v21wq39i82hLudue0xk67iQJRruv8INxxxGA0O7YkoZt-6OF0Gs95pg_nxQX5BAbGQ8wwC__M/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIYNkbgLDbSiKKwPn65Pb5vqNjnPCH1G1uUV-hAj5OkRKINa9gHYr00YrM-iwLYQel1v21wq39i82hLudue0xk67iQJRruv8INxxxGA0O7YkoZt-6OF0Gs95pg_nxQX5BAbGQ8wwC__M/s320/IMG_1246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a big fan of anything with peanut butter in it. You can't go wrong with it! And the added butterscotch was perfect...it was salty, and creamy, and gooey, and crunchy all together. I'm a big fan of texture too and this was a good mix.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGw6zurzwdU_xlw2ENyvvGYfo5aA9GaMVyqGjcyncR2mc7sMJIIxQzmMf1uz8xzlc4ypNp56EY0pOHQPcaL3LRAJN7pq4_DtMJHffhd4fh2BaoLwgpErzbmIHH7Ebel-iPdsm9wSAIEk/s1600/IMG_1247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGw6zurzwdU_xlw2ENyvvGYfo5aA9GaMVyqGjcyncR2mc7sMJIIxQzmMf1uz8xzlc4ypNp56EY0pOHQPcaL3LRAJN7pq4_DtMJHffhd4fh2BaoLwgpErzbmIHH7Ebel-iPdsm9wSAIEk/s320/IMG_1247.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sweetopolita went one step further for Valentine's day and cut her bars into hearts...mine were just boring bars...but just as good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkClQRiOYclZB1edCDkiDimX9jq2Dy1LuM3rrkrCCz9WlrVGeRLCaGqsoIOwmblUJ69jGgoBlgIIlWNkONLYVsGDxAGB0KtZ30uGiPWnKKRaA9r615rBReg80Zqfei5DeClmi0B-DaeM/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkClQRiOYclZB1edCDkiDimX9jq2Dy1LuM3rrkrCCz9WlrVGeRLCaGqsoIOwmblUJ69jGgoBlgIIlWNkONLYVsGDxAGB0KtZ30uGiPWnKKRaA9r615rBReg80Zqfei5DeClmi0B-DaeM/s320/IMG_1248.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today, I whipped up another interesting concoction...something I truly surprised my OWN self with. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSezlH9LVv7NAIes4N9UzScIlAuKzH7Y9-2rrwoABNdTeu7mQ0ArY6gyWQ9okVH2Gn7bNA22fqjbtONvPT0mJJG58wBDCE-viEZ_KQ2m4ojg-sQpCgrUOiNeSdRp6USEUD_lyAzbtvZg/s1600/IMG_1389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSezlH9LVv7NAIes4N9UzScIlAuKzH7Y9-2rrwoABNdTeu7mQ0ArY6gyWQ9okVH2Gn7bNA22fqjbtONvPT0mJJG58wBDCE-viEZ_KQ2m4ojg-sQpCgrUOiNeSdRp6USEUD_lyAzbtvZg/s320/IMG_1389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I really tend to stay away from citrusy desserts. They never seem appealing to me...<i>UNTIL</i> I had a Girl Scout Lemonade Cookie. It was a dreamy shortbread cookie with the smallest hint of lemon frosting on top. Fabulous! Perfect for a little morning snack (turned breakfast...5 cookies later).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ca6mQYO3lsX-egO6uu4p2sBHF_4wLufedFXRpkezbxcekudrPCvTHjW_sZz-raax_xymNvoDcSbnVSxZhO7x91R56fcADZVIl_z4EA_m1gOgmScsMv7ue8ctwu5isrFm3kQXA450RTs/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ca6mQYO3lsX-egO6uu4p2sBHF_4wLufedFXRpkezbxcekudrPCvTHjW_sZz-raax_xymNvoDcSbnVSxZhO7x91R56fcADZVIl_z4EA_m1gOgmScsMv7ue8ctwu5isrFm3kQXA450RTs/s320/IMG_1390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So when I came across this cake recipe...I wasn't totally opposed, and I had a million grapefruits in the kitchen. It was calling my name and I stepped out of my baking comfort zone a bit and made <a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2012/03/glazed-grapefruit-cake.html">Glazed Grapefruit Cake</a> via <a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/">Tracey's Culinary Adventures</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd8yWIAMaaUI89447YgH8tMDqkRLLyy5LRXTXWTjceKmFsuLLMeuxu_vcJpIcqwVw-ECzzYdqv6Dcc8hxe8FJ6ha_QXaQ-5tm5y2vDFyPp1a9_Q-c1dZX51XLcNOd8JtJYi-s-6AvEQ4/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd8yWIAMaaUI89447YgH8tMDqkRLLyy5LRXTXWTjceKmFsuLLMeuxu_vcJpIcqwVw-ECzzYdqv6Dcc8hxe8FJ6ha_QXaQ-5tm5y2vDFyPp1a9_Q-c1dZX51XLcNOd8JtJYi-s-6AvEQ4/s320/IMG_1392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And when I say you win some, you lose some...this one was a total win in Mike's book! And when he likes something...the majority of people will like it. Yay!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDy6gfCcB76lirHIogjChsumzee4zUQ2WfdG9vaZ1FlrDJbI2hd7wv4PXMpouzfOI38VSH1DBOZxJ10viL9Hk0TMGgttDDaQBBqJ8ypEIwqd5X9fKbIPv0XR8eK9QCizbFar_w_f934uI/s1600/IMG_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDy6gfCcB76lirHIogjChsumzee4zUQ2WfdG9vaZ1FlrDJbI2hd7wv4PXMpouzfOI38VSH1DBOZxJ10viL9Hk0TMGgttDDaQBBqJ8ypEIwqd5X9fKbIPv0XR8eK9QCizbFar_w_f934uI/s320/IMG_1393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, I'll try my best to make the time between my next post shorter. Sorry for the wait everyone :-) Be back shortly!</div>
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<br /></div>diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-43060623208664728982012-02-12T19:30:00.000-08:002012-02-12T19:31:00.899-08:00There's No Place Like HomeTime away from home really makes you appreciate some things you may take for granted about your every day routine. <br />
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Let me preface...I was recently rehired into my old position at Genentech. I started last Tuesday and I'm currently training on site and will be for this next week. I'm not usually away from home this long, and if I am...it's usually because I'm on a vacation with the bf and the pooch. This time...not so much.<br />
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Now I should say, I love seeing my friends at work and having lunch and dinner outings to catch up after all this time. It's a great feeling when you see each other after several months and it's as if nothing's changed :-) The trainings have been so helpful and thorough that I'm glad to be onsite learning it all and really getting the hands on experience that I will need to take back home. We are extremely spoiled at Genentech and pretty much have been catered every meal...and snacks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-ZqB5_EYg1g6N0nQciv9EWDBykbsZz5GV7VpeAI3yqJfkadLLwJVblMeqnufT7_sunV8VuY3myS_JOZ_pxSzuawh4zNw5OFmKtc7eg0wKtESGsFYp7zU9SxZ8c3wW1y5KoWoUjovCFo/s1600/IMG_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-ZqB5_EYg1g6N0nQciv9EWDBykbsZz5GV7VpeAI3yqJfkadLLwJVblMeqnufT7_sunV8VuY3myS_JOZ_pxSzuawh4zNw5OFmKtc7eg0wKtESGsFYp7zU9SxZ8c3wW1y5KoWoUjovCFo/s320/IMG_1615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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(The best popcorn EVER..complete with Red Vines and M&Ms. This was after the Pizza, Salad, and Sodas a couple hours before :-/) </div>
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It was a big week not just for me...but for Mike and Sophie as well. I've been home with Sophie since we got her in Oct. of 2011. I've never been away from her for more than a couple of hours. I knew she wasn't going to know what happened the morning I left for work. I guess she kept trying to "find" me around the house...going to the stairs or coming around to my side of the bed with a toy. She always does this when Mike's at work but I felt so bad that<i> I </i>was gone for sooo long.<br />
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Mike was a single parent for the first time ;-) He had to carve out time from his work schedule to come home and take her on a walk or go to the park so Sophie was able to get some midday exercise. He was also getting up at the butt crack of dawn so she had her usual morning walk. On top of all that...he had two classes at night for himself and Sophie's puppy class. And throw in a vet appointment to take out her stitches! I don't even know if I could've done all that.<br />
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Sophie had a big week...lots of firsts for her as well. She's never been left home alone for long periods of time throughout the day and she was such a trooper! She also went to Doggy Day Camp at Petsmart for the first time and received a stellar "Pawgress Report". It was also her first time going to class without her mom (boy did I feel like an awful parent). <br />
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(Apparently she was the life of the party...she must get that from her Dad ;-) </div>
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I was so thankful for all Mike's help with her while I was gone. I know it was a huge undertaking for him and his busy work schedule alone but I know he wouldn't do anything less for his Honey Bear.<br />
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It was such an excitement to see Mike and Sophie after being away for a week. I was so happy to see both of them Friday night when they came down to my parents to stay for the weekend. It was definitely too short of a visit as they had to leave Sunday morning.<br />
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You take for granted just the togetherness that makes you so happy to be with the people you love. Seeing them day in and day out, telling them about your day, even just running simple errands together. Every single thing was such a special moment this weekend that I really should treat every single day as if it's the last bc they are ALL special moments. <br />
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We went to get my sister an ice cream cake at Dairy Queen for her birthday. </div>
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And took an impromptu trip to the winery across the street and had some amazing wine paired with delicious cheesecake cupcakes. </div>
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And I watched Sophie play with my parents dogs all weekend long...and already she has grown within a week! </div>
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Her daddy bought her a big bone since she was such a good girl all week!</div>
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I'm hoping this next week flies by and I can get back home. But in the mean time I'm trying to stay busy...</div>
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Today, I had a lovely day going with my mom to her card workshop. We got to make and take 4 different cards. So much fun and super cute cards!</div>
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Of course, I'm going to miss these faces...but I'll be home soon :-) </div>
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<br />diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-88462258021537188412012-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:002012-01-22T14:04:16.923-08:00BananasI've always wanted to make a cupcake with a filling, but I never really come across any fillings and cupcake combinations that I would like. So, I had to take it upon myself to create something I would enjoy. <br />
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I had such compliments from the <a href="http://diffwgn.blogspot.com/2011/12/brown-sugar-banana-cupcakes.html">Brown Sugar Banana Cupcakes</a> that I made from the <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/">How Sweet It Is</a> recipe, but I decided tweak it a bit this time. Instead of using sour cream, I simply used milk instead. I really like how milk creates a denser more moist cupcake. I've used milk in all the recipes I've come up with on my own thus far.<br />
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I read on <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2011/01/whole-milk-vs-low-fat-or-skim-milk-in-baking/">Baking Bites</a> that the higher fat content of the milk the more moist the cake will be! Good to know :-) And she describes adding milk to baking as creating a "richer mouth feel"...I like that. <br />
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Back to my filling....I thought a Banana Cream Pie filling would be a wonderful addition to the already loved Brown Sugar Banana Cupcakes. I used <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/banana-cream-pie-i/">this recipe</a> from Allrecipes.com but on a much smaller scale. I pretty much fourthed the recipe...yes, I fourthed it. I know, fourthed is probably not a word, but that's okay.<br />
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Here's What You'll Need:<br />
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1/4 cup white sugar<br />
1.5 tbsp of all-purpose flour<br />
A pinch of salt<br />
1/2 cup of milk<br />
1 egg yolk beaten<br />
1 tbsp butter<br />
1/4 tsp vanilla extract <br />
1 banana - mashed<br />
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1) Add sugar, flour, and salt to a medium saucepan. Stir in the milk gradually. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture is bubbly. Keep stirring for 2 more minutes and then remove from burner. <br />
2) Add small amount of heated mixture to beaten egg yolk and stir. Place heated mixture back on burner and add egg yolk mixture. Stir constantly for another 2 minutes.<br />
3) Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla, and mashed banana. Place in fridge for 30 minutes to cool and thicken. <br />
4) Core middle of banana cupcakes once cooled and add cream filling. Top with frosting!<br />
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Basically the cream filling on its own is a wonderful Banana Pudding! And the size of my recipe would be perfect for two pudding desserts...top with whipped cream and maybe some chopped almonds or toasted coconut....yum!<br />
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Let me know of any filling suggestions you might have. I'm thinking peanut butter and chocolate for the next one....like a Reese's cup! Oh yeeeeaa :-) </div>
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Happy Sunday!!</div>diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-5050216207625361382012-01-18T18:47:00.000-08:002012-01-18T18:47:18.268-08:00A Feat of FondantI think I've been to Michaels probably too many times in January alone and I'm <i>always</i> going down the baking aisles and <i>always</i> seeing the fondant and the fondant tools and the cake stands and...each time I leave without any of these daunting items.<br />
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Fondant is something new to me. I've only seen it being worked with on Cake Boss and Food Network Challenges and The Next Great Baker, but never have I seen, let alone touched the stuff in person. <br />
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Today was the day! </div>
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I've been thinking about this venture into fondant-land for some time now and it's about time I took the leap...especially after my boyfriend tells me I should. If he knows a thing or two about fondant, I need to step up my game!</div>
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So I bought a few boxes of fondant: two by the lovely Wilton (one in white and one in pastel yellow) and another box by Duff in bright pink buttercream.</div>
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I've been eyeing this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/davids-yellow-cake/">yellow cake recipe</a> paired with a <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Creamy-Vanilla-Frosting-241564">creamy vanilla buttercream frosting</a> seen originally on <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/">Cupcakes and Cashmere</a>. This was the perfect time to put these recipes to use :-)</div>
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So I broke in my new Calphalon 9" rounds with this delightful yellow cake and learned a new frosting technique from this vanilla buttercream.</div>
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Yup, I decided a little pink would be fun for the frosting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOOpBmruJXrPQ9D-S8_evefXzWnz9IO0n94xul4T2XWMGeZ_yxOKctYN15PSHT2DwQra6LsrJaTbcU35ujiD7Hk5qFgBw4_q9sjZiBH8gKKLmUGxb2Jcz-Kp4XhoZAKibPwmrGsIAxf8/s1600/IMG_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOOpBmruJXrPQ9D-S8_evefXzWnz9IO0n94xul4T2XWMGeZ_yxOKctYN15PSHT2DwQra6LsrJaTbcU35ujiD7Hk5qFgBw4_q9sjZiBH8gKKLmUGxb2Jcz-Kp4XhoZAKibPwmrGsIAxf8/s320/IMG_1070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then, it was onto the fondant....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfcrSE9LmblbR3Kn_48nrzxyWhCLt5oTcGuJ6nV2mWatWrWSYk8htNGFPmExc15MqPO1R8eGlAB_Z7QOHowa3cYK6r2CbdmrIIY94HTtvMV3EevRlgrC8YwZdCh0Wk2ZWDIWSBEPuTzU/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfcrSE9LmblbR3Kn_48nrzxyWhCLt5oTcGuJ6nV2mWatWrWSYk8htNGFPmExc15MqPO1R8eGlAB_Z7QOHowa3cYK6r2CbdmrIIY94HTtvMV3EevRlgrC8YwZdCh0Wk2ZWDIWSBEPuTzU/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got this great tool to not only cut the fondant but make this cute pillowed design! I'm </div>
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telling you...my mom was right when she said kindergartners make master pieces because they are given all the fun crafty tools. If you're gonna do it right, you need the crafty tools!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qwFR2w1nwzg1HsPyKlPukQs3k4K40fNbAZUDNcwJ_0ELcQzGQPXhghSgds6FE6gD07f3rDk4546CEFrR6caFvRlBWxcsmv-hgExZDEro0RdBZCdmirY_EO6a_44u1PDWG93VmAuNelE/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qwFR2w1nwzg1HsPyKlPukQs3k4K40fNbAZUDNcwJ_0ELcQzGQPXhghSgds6FE6gD07f3rDk4546CEFrR6caFvRlBWxcsmv-hgExZDEro0RdBZCdmirY_EO6a_44u1PDWG93VmAuNelE/s320/IMG_1075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you can see, I even delved into making some fondant roses and used my new silver dusting powder on the flowers... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfNtdZ3n00jcEgu9oxGErDKJ7-X5UZLzfzFW1PAmWaMYqXRFNrdeRYWlyavZ_lsNHfpI1u6Z0wBb_k7QdVrWT_Ok0agcSCyu1tzEwjORezF8DRGrJrhSTFweJzNLHU0jlNSuYv6T5OvA/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfNtdZ3n00jcEgu9oxGErDKJ7-X5UZLzfzFW1PAmWaMYqXRFNrdeRYWlyavZ_lsNHfpI1u6Z0wBb_k7QdVrWT_Ok0agcSCyu1tzEwjORezF8DRGrJrhSTFweJzNLHU0jlNSuYv6T5OvA/s320/IMG_1078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>and</i> the yellow dots.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6grTEkEnGSyyRv2OqbFW0WCPKIe7uO9uuloak64oLwjjyxHjXGytaUQnh_c061fX2VxzfC37JQO10i-15nzZbH5NtpiIXV0ByptwT45Lr8SxSou5FetYIuGlu4HwPBxMX6Uvh6k9nvEw/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6grTEkEnGSyyRv2OqbFW0WCPKIe7uO9uuloak64oLwjjyxHjXGytaUQnh_c061fX2VxzfC37JQO10i-15nzZbH5NtpiIXV0ByptwT45Lr8SxSou5FetYIuGlu4HwPBxMX6Uvh6k9nvEw/s320/IMG_1083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So...I think I'll let the pictures speak for itself. I'm pretty proud of my first attempt at fondant. Of course, I could've done things better and I definitely made my notes on what I would change...(ahem-more kitchen space!) but the next cake will be even better and more creative.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCHH7YQ_pYEb602X_Lo5bbJ5W256c9i5gFrZxNhjJolV7jsjtH8jKoOn37nOH4oDiY45D2Ya9oMmtja9ZsRRk04nDu7AVgZwkZKaFNB0-VgqWMce2T_q7kixFzmoR0OP4iIYnO256Bmg/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCHH7YQ_pYEb602X_Lo5bbJ5W256c9i5gFrZxNhjJolV7jsjtH8jKoOn37nOH4oDiY45D2Ya9oMmtja9ZsRRk04nDu7AVgZwkZKaFNB0-VgqWMce2T_q7kixFzmoR0OP4iIYnO256Bmg/s320/IMG_1085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And now what to do with it, you ask?? EAT it!!!</div>diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-89028333884871935242012-01-13T22:21:00.000-08:002012-01-13T22:24:10.397-08:00Bringing Back My O-chem Skills<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I've been putting the good ol' o-chem skills to use this week. I know...I shouldn't do that often. It might induce huge amounts of stress and hair pulling. But one thing I do remember from my o-chem lectures at Berkeley was...making molecules is just like following a recipe. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">YEA RIGHT!!! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqik1lY1wJu9oLxeNNP8Y1WpMk-9dHSjsnezW6tH7WzdxHgHHgZmng0GkuEIWL4hs_WDxp60ePwJkcTTbAwPY0CPYxyqpqxHq18nVEoWjla4NBZICgUsPzlhBgdcWbOhClAY41B-Krts/s1600/photo-51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqik1lY1wJu9oLxeNNP8Y1WpMk-9dHSjsnezW6tH7WzdxHgHHgZmng0GkuEIWL4hs_WDxp60ePwJkcTTbAwPY0CPYxyqpqxHq18nVEoWjla4NBZICgUsPzlhBgdcWbOhClAY41B-Krts/s320/photo-51.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm a pro at following recipes...however, I NEVER understood an o-chem recipe...other than they all seemed to be recipes for disaster. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>AND</i>, I could care less about what the outcome was whereas, my baking outcomes are so much more delightful. So far anyway (knock on wood). I have yet to burn the place down ;-) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonhT4jjbOlTKbcRrBZh7kET9huocy-yHVcDZkBC_KqXYQK8s1t8AGI92WrjGxfWw9GLq_MI-ZkboB_0IIcLowUn3PwxPkmB8hNwMX1QzeZXGdv19py-4qJB7_vA3lsnvyMVE1-oTnwe0/s1600/photo-55.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/AVvXsEhonhT4jjbOlTKbcRrBZh7kET9huocy-yHVcDZkBC_KqXYQK8s1t8AGI92WrjGxfWw9GLq_MI-ZkboB_0IIcLowUn3PwxPkmB8hNwMX1QzeZXGdv19py-4qJB7_vA3lsnvyMVE1-oTnwe0/s320/photo-55.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So this week I was determined to come up with a few of my own recipes. I didn't want to tweak something and make it my own...I wanted it <i>all my own</i>. And so I pulled nearly everything out of my baking cupboard and made a solid mess in the kitchen. It had "chemistry lab" written all over it. But holy moly was it a ton of FUN!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kGl77ooHHjLYqtIdQIdNwhyphenhyphengsRgIqhp3NqojESNeKubEP2eA6osFBucfUtaq1WZMVaUXAl6eXc4CqzHBLHaN3cAG7HSUeZOmUUgaFBT7Xc8ImOci36PwQGp3Urq23sLJFNSnH1aMo4I/s1600/photo-54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kGl77ooHHjLYqtIdQIdNwhyphenhyphengsRgIqhp3NqojESNeKubEP2eA6osFBucfUtaq1WZMVaUXAl6eXc4CqzHBLHaN3cAG7HSUeZOmUUgaFBT7Xc8ImOci36PwQGp3Urq23sLJFNSnH1aMo4I/s320/photo-54.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I don't know where my idea for a Disaronno cupcake came from....probably that we had a full bottle of it sitting in the freezer and I've been dying to make myself an Amaretto Sour but still haven't conquered that goal since my birthday (which was mid-December)...so I decided to use the Disaronno in a cupcake along with almond extract and chopped almonds. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBLaEcj2i2vIswiBNuEWIfdimlcDMA0XvVGH4XdnRguc5i6894PV78N6JOYrube1T5o5okXBUx_4rnNqKbNhhyVYPT1U81fKNxHgggSAp0DIKSt6a-yDJYmvwmIM1k1J_d_qUcJKa-FE/s1600/photo-53.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBLaEcj2i2vIswiBNuEWIfdimlcDMA0XvVGH4XdnRguc5i6894PV78N6JOYrube1T5o5okXBUx_4rnNqKbNhhyVYPT1U81fKNxHgggSAp0DIKSt6a-yDJYmvwmIM1k1J_d_qUcJKa-FE/s320/photo-53.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Have I mentioned that I love almond? No?...well, I love almond :-)) I didn't want the almond, almond, almond to be over-powering, and I think I was able to capture a nice balance with a white-chocolate almond cream cheese frosting. The cake was perfectly dense and the frosting thick and rich. And the added chopped almonds gave a great texture to the cake. I love a good texture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCndMpZNs_XnLAcGAyMRr-sP6lqXpmxR7ls-ucByxRx7gzSbpV6SM7N-_dTLH8Zp4XtTeZYEFparBdCJRMlfQ6SIySwWtFLQ0HhgP790mWrrxzP6il70rzcpehs1qOQtiQZq0JMRi9Hdg/s1600/photo-52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCndMpZNs_XnLAcGAyMRr-sP6lqXpmxR7ls-ucByxRx7gzSbpV6SM7N-_dTLH8Zp4XtTeZYEFparBdCJRMlfQ6SIySwWtFLQ0HhgP790mWrrxzP6il70rzcpehs1qOQtiQZq0JMRi9Hdg/s320/photo-52.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The second idea came to me while reading a blog on <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/01/13/granola-cookies-recipe/">granola cookies</a> of all things! Who da thought? For some reason, when I got to the coconut part of her recipe...my mind rang "7-layer bars!!!" and I had to zoom right to a simple 7-layer bar recipe to remember each layer. Then it was off to the kitchen again to get the right concoction of all those 7 layers. Tricky getting all those ingredients together in a cohesive manner. I went with a chocolate chip/sweetened condensed milk frosting (there's two of your layers), a butter, butterscotch chip, coconut, pecan cake (that makes 6)....topped with a crumbled gram cracker garnish! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLQuYLxkzjFc8CpnLaChs0iP4Z3kaLte80im3OFX3wkXN3R3lTtmQHk-puGBC3qBF6Dp_CoF32SRNVbl1ShniZzS77beT2Y4M0BFFWon7OtIucFMBnflr3_JbtzahWZVxo77yCRjuvng/s1600/photo-56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLQuYLxkzjFc8CpnLaChs0iP4Z3kaLte80im3OFX3wkXN3R3lTtmQHk-puGBC3qBF6Dp_CoF32SRNVbl1ShniZzS77beT2Y4M0BFFWon7OtIucFMBnflr3_JbtzahWZVxo77yCRjuvng/s320/photo-56.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And that my friends is my 7-layer bar cupcake magic!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9XzxRskDUQCucwzxYa7AL16GxW3hddWyccyWiezKM-i-TU6x0aJK_tJ0jSwKkYZBDj5HpYZyWHl0ocEVTwESSimivzrFUf441WhnvRU9jD5rNjA1T3YJt-89omDEFdd4tC6Dni1Zows/s1600/photo-57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9XzxRskDUQCucwzxYa7AL16GxW3hddWyccyWiezKM-i-TU6x0aJK_tJ0jSwKkYZBDj5HpYZyWHl0ocEVTwESSimivzrFUf441WhnvRU9jD5rNjA1T3YJt-89omDEFdd4tC6Dni1Zows/s320/photo-57.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And magic it was and has been indeed!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJpHH7B-1sHXaF3fMKBkZdhAOoLhsykur2VeF5UH_wG198t4bcF7m-A3jze6yxmgU4EpVPyBibDhsZZf5QiM8baPrjGllV5HVmkniIRb5mOsxHbEgtEmdz-CP9pywTfUUSj9E9xZxXlg/s1600/photo-58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJpHH7B-1sHXaF3fMKBkZdhAOoLhsykur2VeF5UH_wG198t4bcF7m-A3jze6yxmgU4EpVPyBibDhsZZf5QiM8baPrjGllV5HVmkniIRb5mOsxHbEgtEmdz-CP9pywTfUUSj9E9xZxXlg/s320/photo-58.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I can't believe how well my first two experimentations went in the kitchen. I can't imagine they should<i> all </i>go as well these the first two tries...but I'm hoping for the best! And thinking....maybe that o-chem wasn't a waste of my time after all ;-) </span></div>diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642204436374373500.post-64735701092839998112012-01-10T22:24:00.000-08:002012-01-10T22:24:47.867-08:00Patience and Sugar Cookies<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I must admit, I've never been a good froster of cookies or decorator of gingerbread houses. It takes patience...and a steady hand for sure. Now, I'm not averse to hard work but I love moments of magic to happen instantaneously. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And patience is definitely something I need to work on. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Maybe should add it to my "goals of 2012" list.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our 6th President of the United States, John Quincy Adams said, "Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWL3vpv8vXDHYu9GFxJDRu9rzEvP7HpSx3IVThPiYbdLTQYSU_HKnz78eeuaAoyZqCSWrolU4oNQd6OL2spGAy2OQpa83NarAgg0dp105e7TpY7mfd9AnHuzfCmuqw_ik3cwTJTMU3y8/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWL3vpv8vXDHYu9GFxJDRu9rzEvP7HpSx3IVThPiYbdLTQYSU_HKnz78eeuaAoyZqCSWrolU4oNQd6OL2spGAy2OQpa83NarAgg0dp105e7TpY7mfd9AnHuzfCmuqw_ik3cwTJTMU3y8/s320/IMG_1013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Such is true in all these new kitchen adventures. Patience is necessary when in the first round of sugar cookies...the dough is too sticky to cut out anything easily identifiable. And then you down right throw a fit because you can't even get a good circle on that cookie sheet. :-/ </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But... you make your notes and continue experimenting till you get it <i>JUST</i> right...right!? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZamb0uTbt1jijCoqs00ySOLb5gqVRKvzOTEbKG0GFOYRYorUt8fkrIoebLdPuyCmhDnQ-PrRiU8tH4Uwpwo4dFlaamOQQ5_j3JgmR74rpkdNQkMYkba1v4_dyx5xBvqYq9ResuHO__A/s1600/IMG_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZamb0uTbt1jijCoqs00ySOLb5gqVRKvzOTEbKG0GFOYRYorUt8fkrIoebLdPuyCmhDnQ-PrRiU8tH4Uwpwo4dFlaamOQQ5_j3JgmR74rpkdNQkMYkba1v4_dyx5xBvqYq9ResuHO__A/s320/IMG_1015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As for the icing...second times a charm and if you're using <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2010/10/decorating-sugar-cookies-from-start-to_27.html">Glorious Treats</a> Royal Icing Recipe!! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Meringue Powder was a new ingredient for me...had to go to Michael's to pick this stuff up. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://cupcakesandswirls.com/images/thumbnails/CSMeringuePowdercopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cupcakesandswirls.com/images/thumbnails/CSMeringuePowdercopy.jpg" width="199" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">According to <a href="http://www.wilton.com/">Wilton</a>, apparently meringue powder adds body to royal icing, meringue, or boiled icing; it stabilizes buttercream, and it can replace egg whites in some recipes. Will definitely have to try this with buttercream....beat too much and the results are UNREAL crazy...separation and chunkiness like no other. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Onward....so I beat together all the ingredients until stiff peaks formed. This was really the winning point in getting the right consistency to work with. I used a hand mixer rather than a stand mixer. I find that when working with frostings and icings...the hand mixer works better for me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then for the fun part, I used <a href="http://www.duff.com/">Duff</a> Food Coloring Gel. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJMWoi9e1KhX1Ho-nJH1_Jh6FQ0yHwJ4W71-ZpHKhdlBg4XtmtySa_RtkZZlrD1jrSxt8nlB7-_zxzwyPkAVmWuf4KjewR_aJI-VA53RKtpV1ZnYlvK5VkdKS4fgBKMWXiAiPfwb_UzM/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJMWoi9e1KhX1Ho-nJH1_Jh6FQ0yHwJ4W71-ZpHKhdlBg4XtmtySa_RtkZZlrD1jrSxt8nlB7-_zxzwyPkAVmWuf4KjewR_aJI-VA53RKtpV1ZnYlvK5VkdKS4fgBKMWXiAiPfwb_UzM/s320/IMG_1022.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ooooh the swirls!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5XMq8V0P2xmHqpIIGS0_Rvz7HfHAdIL6W3KYzmqyZMeH1O765gZcLp5BcfIIGelWR4hUJpdx6RrNlc8sLajaItGs378uwfPL2oecvqBUOPmDbZiYqfrp2R4JimKSufq-h_tZgtUF_Kc/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5XMq8V0P2xmHqpIIGS0_Rvz7HfHAdIL6W3KYzmqyZMeH1O765gZcLp5BcfIIGelWR4hUJpdx6RrNlc8sLajaItGs378uwfPL2oecvqBUOPmDbZiYqfrp2R4JimKSufq-h_tZgtUF_Kc/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And set up my decorating station. Parchment paper for a clean surface. I used two cookie decorating bottles with a size 3 tip (really didn't know how this would work...a size 2 might've been a little better for more detailed accuracy but size 3 worked just fine).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First, you want to outline your cookies and let dry for at least a half hour. If you can't tell, these will be balloons. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHnE7lcNseEPTp3VLOhWBpA7ZH22rumk1IJdx3HPIpcMRfiHHlOJAD1TQ0wDi6q3i_RU5qbsw2Nb_GPiZLMPQ_sWZ1-tgg0107ytPp9HFZ2lGPoLUV_MdCDR5KiYgBpdV6Fky4vQmejM/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHnE7lcNseEPTp3VLOhWBpA7ZH22rumk1IJdx3HPIpcMRfiHHlOJAD1TQ0wDi6q3i_RU5qbsw2Nb_GPiZLMPQ_sWZ1-tgg0107ytPp9HFZ2lGPoLUV_MdCDR5KiYgBpdV6Fky4vQmejM/s320/IMG_1029.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the outline is set and dried, you can work on the inside. No crazy designs for me yet, just wanted to get down the basics this time around. I added a small little dap of white for reflection ;-) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdlVzdt4UYW3YPnToLFX5O4dwbXfoj_-ZpQrYtDgO2nxRV2SGO4CSww3nagWPW32D464ivE3-0OiD087CU0fPkKraExKviRm7IwUNcxGbtivWHbhkW-CVeDJk4ybwgxVzrnRMyHLDY7o/s1600/IMG_1031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdlVzdt4UYW3YPnToLFX5O4dwbXfoj_-ZpQrYtDgO2nxRV2SGO4CSww3nagWPW32D464ivE3-0OiD087CU0fPkKraExKviRm7IwUNcxGbtivWHbhkW-CVeDJk4ybwgxVzrnRMyHLDY7o/s320/IMG_1031.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As for presentation, I wanted each cookie to be like a special gift. Each wrapped in a plastic bag with a purple tie to finish off the balloon. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kDsq4Dd6i5GIGYqqtSkFyj8XeWB7oPtAcStF62tV5KgH9WVAWNgpZwXCwud3SFQlZlRNqs8sG4VUcX0njmUJN8ZQqttKhagVOKyN3AwKf7XUfxru6hDLcubyIsL0Ufqo1WgBVhjjVBc/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kDsq4Dd6i5GIGYqqtSkFyj8XeWB7oPtAcStF62tV5KgH9WVAWNgpZwXCwud3SFQlZlRNqs8sG4VUcX0njmUJN8ZQqttKhagVOKyN3AwKf7XUfxru6hDLcubyIsL0Ufqo1WgBVhjjVBc/s320/IMG_1033.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Perfect for someone's birthday, or maybe a Disney themed "Up" party, or....a "She's ready to POP" themed baby shower?? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjLaM3gMl4Uc4opp9QNA0Sv0iH2ECD27XcX10RZ8Ppb93HwVpdfcR1UbpPIu9EiGz7b8EHONRc4mU1DxX8Zh9nJmznAyiO4XsoB4P7hsvyFEBVONG4f9-qfhKBjMNAWTo-m26Ba83YSU/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjLaM3gMl4Uc4opp9QNA0Sv0iH2ECD27XcX10RZ8Ppb93HwVpdfcR1UbpPIu9EiGz7b8EHONRc4mU1DxX8Zh9nJmznAyiO4XsoB4P7hsvyFEBVONG4f9-qfhKBjMNAWTo-m26Ba83YSU/s320/IMG_1039.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Next time, a steadier hand with the icing, and adding some more difficult details. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I saw this great tutorial on Eiffel Tower cookies ...that'll be something I need to build up to. Pretty spiffy huh? :-)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/eiffel-tower-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/eiffel-tower-cookies.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Courtesy of<a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/how-to-make-eiffel-tower-cookies-tutorial/"> The TomKat Studio</a></span></div>diffwgnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07814916767017995536noreply@blogger.com0