tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47513123455534098582024-03-14T02:25:20.121-05:00The Other End of the CandleMy candle burns at both ends
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -
It gives a lovely light. ~
Edna St. Vincent MillaySarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-9595481787474698622015-12-11T07:00:00.000-06:002016-04-14T12:11:08.382-05:006 Tips for Finishing Your Christmas Shopping & Wrapping Before December 1st<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>This post contains affiliate links. </i></span></div>
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It's two weeks before Christmas. Are you sitting by the fire, sipping cocoa and nibbling cookies while Eartha Kitt lilts through the air? Or are you still making lists and dreading the all night wrapping session on your bedroom floor on Christmas Eve?<br />
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I'm ready. You could call me and say "let's do Christmas gifts tonight!" and I'd say, "BRING IT! (and an appetizer.)"<br />
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Aside from the arrival of gifts ordered on Black Friday and Cyber Monday on Amazon, everything for 19 different people was wrapped and tucked under the tree before December 1st.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a Kraft Paper & Gingham Christmas this year</td></tr>
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I've been asked several times how I do it. It's shocking to the people that know me to think that I can be two weeks early for the <i>Big Show</i>, the <i>Dance</i>, the Holiday to overachieve all other holidays, when I'm generally about 10 minutes late for everything else in my life. I suppose I should apply the principles I use for Christmas wrapping to the other areas of my life. (glances to the star-topped tree and strokes chin thoughtfully).<br />
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It wasn't always this way. There was a time, not too many years ago, you would find me up all night Christmas Eve, sitting with legs splayed out on my bedroom floor, exhausted, back breaking but still bent over unwrapped gifts. But I've developed a system since then that I'm hopeful will help you be able to relax and enjoy your Christmas holiday.<br />
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1. <b>Keep a list in your phone all year with names and ideas for gift giving</b>. I use the<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.socialnmobile.dictapps.notepad.color.note" target="_blank"> Color Note app</a> and create a "locked" list. It requires a short password to open so sneaky eyes don't see your ideas. Whenever that special person mentions something they'd like or I think of the perfect something, I note it.<br />
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2. <b>Buy ribbon and wrapping paper on sale as soon as it's available</b>, sometimes right after Christmas, but more likely in the early Fall. Frequently I buy my ribbon in the springtime - this year it's a red gingham that was out for Valentine's Day. The best ribbon is at Costco or Sam's club - 50 yards of wired ribbon (the wired part is essential) for less than $8. My favorite paper comes from Hobby Lobby - "Brother Sister" brand. It's heavy and doesn't easily tear over box corners and my favorite feature is the 1-inch grid lines on the back side making it super easy to measure and cut quickly. It's usually on sale 50% off long before Thanksgiving.<br />
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3. <b>Buy and reuse a collection of sturdy, nesting, gift boxes. </b>I have at least four sets and a couple of them that are more than 20 years old and still in great shape. They speed your wrapping time, keep gifts a secret, and make a beautiful presentation. I've always gotten them at Sam's or Costco, but didn't see them either place this year. You can find some <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=nesting%20gift%20boxes&linkCode=ur2&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Anesting%20gift%20boxes&sprefix=nesting%20gift%20box%2Caps%2C361&tag=theot0c1-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=OVBL3NN4RGK25YZN%22%3Enesting%20boxes%20on%20Amazon%20here.%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theot0c1-20&l=ur2&o=1%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">nesting gift boxes on Amazon here</a>.<br />
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4.<b> Keep your Christmas wrapping supplies,</b> <b>(boxes, paper, ribbon) in sturdy plastic tote boxes</b>. I use the long rectangular type that easily hold the nested boxes and wrapping paper tubes. Store them in an accessible place so when the giving season begins you can get to wrappin'. I usually start in mid October.<br />
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5. <b>Start wrapping as soon as you start buying. </b>Keep your shopping list in your phone current so you don't forget what you've already purchased, but start wrapping and keep wrapping as more gifts enter the house. Maybe set a goal to wrap five gifts an evening. You could probably finish in a week at that pace.<br />
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6. <b>Keep the process enjoyable for yourself. </b><br />
Nobody wants to sit alone in a room with the door closed while everyone else is having fun elsewhere. Put together a cute little basket with your wrapping essentials like sharp scissors, tape, (I prefer the <a href="http://amzn.to/1QjJQgM" target="_blank">Scotch Satin Finish Gift tape</a> - less shiny tape spots to look at...) gift tags, pens, and ribbon. Do yourself a favor and get a<a href="http://amzn.to/1QjKATf" target="_blank"> heavy tape dispenser</a> - big time saver.) Box your gifts in your nesting boxes and wrap on a sturdy table, (I LOVE my <a href="http://amzn.to/1QjLajL" target="_blank">Lifetime 4 foot adjustable table</a> for this...) while watching Christmas movies with your family. They won't know what's in the the boxes and you won't have to go it alone.<br />
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That's it!<br />
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The benefits to this process are multiple. Yes, you get to enjoy the season more and stress less, but you'll likely also spend less. When you're done, you're done. Don't be tempted as I was on an all day shopping trip with <a href="http://thepenningtonpoint.com/" target="_blank">my BFF</a> this week... now I have several things to return because I just don't need them. I was right in budget and I need to STAY there.<br />
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Merry early Christmas!</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-60053799430734575752015-09-11T20:00:00.000-05:002015-09-12T09:55:57.570-05:00Does a Bear Blog in the Woods?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
***Yawn...Stretch...***<br />
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What's it like to come off a two year sabbatical from blogging? <br />
I guess we'll see. Maybe a little like a bear coming out of hibernation. Where's the tree to scratch my back on...? and the berries... <span style="font-size: xx-small;">dipped in chocolate</span>?<br />
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A lot has happened around here in the last two years...not all of it good...some of it really pretty stress inducing... like sending my first homeschooled kid off to a boarding high school (for awhile), sitting bedside for a month then eventually losing my mom-in-law, taking on the role of caregiver of my father-in-law, dealing with some pretty serious teen rebellion, getting our firstborn done with high school and off to college...then back again six weeks later... </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Academy Dorm Room After</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">54 Years of Comfort and Care</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's Celebration of Life</td></tr>
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But there's been some pretty exciting and joy inducing stuff too. There
have been lots of church activities and opportunities for service, some
major holiday and birthday celebrations with the people I love the most,
a pretty significant diy kitchen remodel for a ridiculously low price, a
few wallet friendly weddings and showers for friends, lots of budget
conscious travel, several tasty new food concoctions, some major room
makeovers on a dime, a new puppy, and even our own 25th wedding
anniversary and vow renewal just this summer.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rustic Vintage Backyard Wedding Reception</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tps6NjOSqDQ/VfOyEATDZtI/AAAAAAAAFt0/D67JoLh4cfo/s1600/IMG_20150222_122939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com DIY Kitchen Makeover on tiny budget" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tps6NjOSqDQ/VfOyEATDZtI/AAAAAAAAFt0/D67JoLh4cfo/s320/IMG_20150222_122939.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My DIY Kitchen of My Dreams on a tiny budget</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmpavVh3rIQ/VfOzfhTbnFI/AAAAAAAAFug/qoE9WnBGtU4/s1600/IMG_20150621_044328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com Surprise Funky Vintage Teen Bedroom Makeover" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmpavVh3rIQ/VfOzfhTbnFI/AAAAAAAAFug/qoE9WnBGtU4/s320/IMG_20150621_044328.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Funky Vintage Teen Bedroom Makeover</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Si0SxM0UTY/VfO0S0U0_kI/AAAAAAAAFuw/HM29pOG8rQc/s1600/20130616_150910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com Burlap & Mason Jar DIY Wedding with Paper Flower Accents" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Si0SxM0UTY/VfO0S0U0_kI/AAAAAAAAFuw/HM29pOG8rQc/s400/20130616_150910.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burlap and Mason Jar DIY Wedding with Paper Flower Accents</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbjQ_xJeNsw/VfO0vUkZhcI/AAAAAAAAFvA/0aYR8yBGpH8/s1600/20130616_171318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com Wedding Cake with Paper Flowers for 125 guests for less than $100" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbjQ_xJeNsw/VfO0vUkZhcI/AAAAAAAAFvA/0aYR8yBGpH8/s400/20130616_171318.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Cake for 125 for less than $100 with Paper Flower Accents</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25th Anniversary Backyard Vow Renewal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama Needs a Do-Over Luncheon with Author</td></tr>
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I've put off returning to blogging until I had things "just right". Trying to decide whether or not to dip into my tiny savings and hire a Pro to redesign my blog, frustration over the elimination of the offline blog editor I had been using successfully, reserving a spot with another blog host, but then not knowing how to make the leap, so it was just easier to put off the re-entry. Until now. I just can't pass up a good anniversary date. And all hibernations must come to an end.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of hibernation looking for a back scratch.</td></tr>
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So... if you don't expect it to be pretty and flashy maybe you won't be disappointed. My hope is that you'll find at least a few Pin-able ideas and how-to's in the near future. I'm just here to help.<br />
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Thanks, mom and my other reader, for sticking around and not deleting this bookmark. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Do people bookmark sites anymore???) <span style="font-size: small;"> I'll try my best not to disappoint.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sara</span></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-5224974832912618682013-09-11T23:10:00.001-05:002013-09-12T15:42:07.566-05:00Remember Me?<p>Remember me? I used to blog here.Then I got distracted. That happens sometimes. Okay… it happens a lot. I wrote that first line more than a month ago.</p> <p>Since my last post I took my family on a three week trip to New York City, came back and made bridal shower invitations, threw a bridal shower, planned and executed two different, budget-friendly weddings and receptions, had five family birthdays, (three in my own house) thrown an 8th grade graduation open house, celebrated at least four major holidays and started (and stuck to!) a new <strike>diet</strike> way of eating. You’ve missed a LOT.</p> <p>It’s always so difficult for someone like me, (afflicted with a touch of OCD) to just pick up blogging where I am now, especially when I feel like I’ve got such great stuff to share – stuff that I think could possibly even be beneficial to you. Especially if you like to throw a nice soiree on a tiny budget. So I’ll try to jump back in gently and share some of my favorites.</p> <p>To celebrate my return, and attempt to win back your affection, I will share with you my new favorite cupcake recipe – Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting. Oh yeah… they’re awesome!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5ehfoS_-o1E/UjE-tbzNPUI/AAAAAAAAET0/PziP2X8hoWs/s1600-h/Chocolate%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Cupcakes%252520with%252520Creamy%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Frosting%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ysQlAeOm-aQ/UjE-uAYvXTI/AAAAAAAAET8/buQlMmYuWVo/Chocolate%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Cupcakes%252520with%252520Creamy%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Frosting%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="600"></a></p> <p align="justify">Just try to ignore those other chocolaty chocolate, delightfully delectable cupcakes in the photo…we’ll address those another day.</p> <p align="justify">This recipe has a nice shortcut for you – it uses a box cake mix, but we’re going to dress it up so that nobody will ever guess you started with a mix.</p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcakes</strong></font></p> <ul> <li>1 Devil’s Food Cake Mix (I prefer Duncan Hines) <li>1 small (4 serving) <u>Instant</u> Chocolate Pudding Mix <li>4 large Eggs <li>1 C Sour Cream <li>1/2 C Milk <li>1/2 C Melted Butter <li>1 C Reece's Peanut Butter Baking Chips</li></ul> <p align="justify">Heat oven to 350° F.</p> <p align="justify">Beat all ingredients except for the Peanut Butter Chips at medium speed for 30 seconds and then high for 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Fold in the Peanut Butter Chips. Batter will be very stiff.</p> <p align="justify">Fill a gallon size zip-top back with your cake batter, snip off a corner so you can easily fill your paper cupcake liners and squeeze to fill each liner 3/4 full. Place in center of the oven oven (1 pan at a time). Reduce heat to 325° F and bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.</p> <p align="justify">Cool the cupcakes for about 10 minutes then cut the centers out to hold filling. You can use something like a steak knife, small and serrated, to cut out a cone shape – like you’d cut the stem out of a tomato, only deeper. OR… take the easy road! I started using the fat handle on a meat tenderizer (kitchen hammer) and just press it into the center of the warm cupcake.<br><br>I’ll admit, there’s an advantage to using the knife method…then you have all those centers you can taste test…(But the kitchen hammer takes less time).</p> <p align="justify">Now, we need to fill and frost the cupcakes and this icing is sooo good! I got this recipe from the book <em>Simply Sweet Best Cupcakes Ever! </em>And it’s easy enough that a husband with kitchen skills can whip it up for you when you’re running late. Honest.</p> <p align="justify">Be jealous ladies, be very jealous. My man has mad kitchen skills.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--xeW9-csVtI/UjE-uhF4vDI/AAAAAAAAEUE/z73m8FlHWn4/s1600-h/Chocolate%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Chip%252520Cupcakes%252520with%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Icing%252520-%252520Party%252520perfect%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Icing - Party perfect via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Icing - Party perfect via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1Mq6cay37uE/UjE-vRX_QDI/AAAAAAAAEUM/A0WbFZq_Ke0/Chocolate%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Chip%252520Cupcakes%252520with%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Icing%252520-%252520Party%252520perfect%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="617"></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="4"><strong>Peanut Butter Frosting</strong></font> </p> <p align="justify">(makes 3 cups)</p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">1/2 C Butter, softened</div> <li> <div align="justify">1 C Creamy Peanut Butter</div> <li> <div align="justify">4 C Powdered Sugar</div> <li> <div align="justify">1/4 – 1/2 C Whipping Cream</div></li></ul> <ol> <li> <div align="justify">Beat butter and peanut butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.</div> <li> <div align="justify">Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, beating at low speed until blended.</div> <li> <div align="justify">Add 1/4 cup whipping cream, beating until creamy. Add remaining powdered sugar, beating until blended.</div> <li> <div align="justify">If necessary, add more cream, beating at high speed 2 minutes or until creamy.</div></li></ol> <p align="justify">I used a large disposable decorating bag and a <em>Wilton 2A</em> tip to fill and ice these cupcakes in one smooth, but generous, motion. (The bags and tip can both be found at a craft store or even your local super center.) </p> <p align="justify">Each cupcake is topped with a mini Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup. These are the unwrapped ones you find on the baking aisle near the chocolate chips.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2e9myiYWuY4/UjE-vzcIgEI/AAAAAAAAEUU/PeQBnRCAyu4/s1600-h/Chocolate%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Chip%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Icing%252520Filling%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcake with Peanut Butter Icing Filling via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcake with Peanut Butter Icing Filling via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z_p9UkJnG_k/UjE-wd6KIWI/AAAAAAAAEUc/3dEIdv3wg2c/Chocolate%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Chip%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Icing%252520Filling%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="615"></a></p> <p>These cupcakes were a big hit. You need to refrigerate any leftovers you might (inconceivably) have, but then bring them to room temp before eating them – the icing softens up nicely that way. Don’t worry, it doesn’t take too long.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TPr_Z17F-1o/UjE-xAf145I/AAAAAAAAEUk/rexZ2o-Zgm8/s1600-h/Chocolate%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Chip%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Creamy%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Icing%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcake with Creamy Peanut Butter Icing via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcake with Creamy Peanut Butter Icing via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zLmiTtrwbjw/UjE-xy4fU_I/AAAAAAAAEUs/G300FVo_FRs/Chocolate%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Chip%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Creamy%252520Peanut%252520Butter%252520Icing%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="627"></a></p> <p align="justify">It feels good to be back after a very long break. I’m excited to share more with you again soon. We’re coming into my favorite time of the year and I just won’t be able to hold back! OCD be darned!</p><script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" data-pin-hover="true"></script> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-5307833145928499132013-02-13T07:16:00.001-06:002013-02-13T14:28:42.835-06:00Valentine Conversations<p align="justify">It’s just a couple of days now, until National Chocolate Day, uh, I mean <em>Valentine’s</em> Day… honest mistake.</p> <p align="justify">There’s still time if you need to make a treat to share. Today I wanted to feature a product I found at my local discount grocery/underwear store, (aka, Wal-Mart), <em><a href="http://www.ferrarausa.com/brachs/" target="_blank">Brach’s Create Your Own Conversation Hearts</a></em>. Up until now, if you wanted personalized hearts you had to buy a complete run of 1.7 million candies. I think this is a better deal… AND, they can say anything you want – you personalize them with the food-grade, red marker included. Use standard block letters in all caps and folks will think you bought them that way.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YVQ6JWa7SZU/URuSE-tbNVI/AAAAAAAAEQw/geMUCwgjmlo/s1600-h/Valentine%252520Cupcakes%252520with%252520Custon%252520Conversation%252520Hearts%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Valentine Cupcakes with Custon Conversation Hearts via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" border="0" alt="Valentine Cupcakes with Custon Conversation Hearts via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IiMurpskQBk/URuSFsFUI9I/AAAAAAAAEQ4/2RgpJNXM4Is/Valentine%252520Cupcakes%252520with%252520Custon%252520Conversation%252520Hearts%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="595"></a></p> <p align="justify">I have fond memories, as many of you probably do too, of covering shoe boxes or oatmeal canisters with construction paper, ribbons and paper doilies to make lovely “mailboxes” for receiving those dozens of special Valentine greetings so thoughtfully chosen. One can never be too careful about sending just the right message. Cursed was the mother that picked up a box of Valentine cards with sentiments that were too icky and mushy!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y7SlDP59rkk/URuSGEllPrI/AAAAAAAAERA/qw5grmdLxEk/s1600-h/Custom%252520Conversation%252520Hearts%252520on%252520Valentine%252520Cupcakes%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Custom Conversation Hearts on Valentine Cupcakes via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" border="0" alt="Custom Conversation Hearts on Valentine Cupcakes via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wqEoDJno3V8/URuSG56cL3I/AAAAAAAAERI/iSjxgvpMWII/Custom%252520Conversation%252520Hearts%252520on%252520Valentine%252520Cupcakes%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="599"></a></p> <p align="justify">Being homeschoolers, this is one of those scholastic traditions my kids miss out on… like cafeteria food, bullying and wearing clothes to school instead of pajamas. To make up for it, I make cupcakes for them to share with their class. The recipe I <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/05/easy-white-cake/" target="_blank">found online</a> (and tweaked ever-so-slightly) would make enough for the standard classroom… I got 24 regular sized cupcakes and 36 mini ones. That’s 12 mini and 8 regular cupcakes per student in this school. I haven’t had to make lunch for 3 days.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R_KFGnTdeNY/URuSHoKNFAI/AAAAAAAAERQ/P3DBuH72TIk/s1600-h/Valentine%252520Cupcakes%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Valentine Cupcakes via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" border="0" alt="Valentine Cupcakes via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-79Mb6fYDvDA/URuSITE2YlI/AAAAAAAAERY/RsCfwFOlDaU/Valentine%252520Cupcakes%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="591"></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">The “art” on my silver tray chalkboard is a complete and total (bad) copy of <a href="http://rhonnadesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/chalkboard-art-valentines.html" target="_blank">the chalkboard art of Rhonna Farrer</a> that I saw on Facebook.</font></p> <p align="justify">If you’re making just the regular sized cupcakes you should easily get 36-40 cupcakes. These are more dense than just a box mix and taste more “homemade”.</p> <p align="justify"><font size="4" face="BaaBookHmkBold">Valentine Cupcakes</font></p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">1 box Duncan Hines French Vanilla cake mix</div> <li> <div align="justify">1 cup all purpose flour</div> <li> <div align="justify">1 cup granulated sugar</div> <li> <p>3/4 teaspoon salt</p> <li> <p>3 eggs</p> <li> <p>1 1/3 cups water</p> <li> <p>2 Tablespoons vegetable oil</p> <li> <p>1 cup sour cream</p> <li> <p>1 teaspoon vanilla extract </p></li></ul> <p>Filling <ul> <li> <p>1 can Duncan Hines Comstock cherry pie filling</p></li></ul> <p align="justify">Mix all of the dry ingredients then add the wet ingredients. Using an electric mixer for about 30 seconds to incorporate and then for a full two minutes. <p align="justify">I use a gallon sized Ziploc bag with the corner clipped off to fill my cupcake papers. Squeeze in enough batter to cover the bottom of each cupcake liner then carefully set the bag aside (or have an assistant hold it for you…) Spoon one or two cherries from your cherry pie filling into the center of each cupcake. (You will have pie filling leftover.) Continue filling each cup with batter to about 3/4 full, covering the cherries, and then bake at 350° F for about 20 minutes. Cool completely. <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hc9IcXSnCaE/URuSJA2zOaI/AAAAAAAAERg/H2NA8SoPwSM/s1600-h/Cutom%252520Conversation%252520Hearts%252520for%252520Valentine%252520Cupcakes%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cutom Conversation Hearts for Valentine Cupcakes via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" border="0" alt="Cutom Conversation Hearts for Valentine Cupcakes via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-exogUgVBFpc/URuSJsjM6KI/AAAAAAAAERo/v6ExSimD_wY/Cutom%252520Conversation%252520Hearts%252520for%252520Valentine%252520Cupcakes%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="455"></a> <p align="justify">Two-toned pink and white <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/07/if-george-washington-ate-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Wedding Cake Frosting</a> tops these beauties – it’s a favorite around here..I especially like it because there’s not shortening in it – just basically butter, whipping cream and sugar. I used a 1M tip to make the big swirls on top. You can find my frosting recipe and piping tips <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/07/if-george-washington-ate-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jFCYSL8Je2M/URuSKXkooNI/AAAAAAAAERw/xilzvviiJMA/s1600-h/Brach%252527s%252520Customizable%252520Conversation%252520Hearts%252520for%252520Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Brach's Customizable Conversation Hearts for Valentine's Day via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" border="0" alt="Brach's Customizable Conversation Hearts for Valentine's Day via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tiDqakW0hJU/URuSLLUAN5I/AAAAAAAAER4/gyUUuUQZMyM/Brach%252527s%252520Customizable%252520Conversation%252520Hearts%252520for%252520Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="343"></a> <p align="justify">I loved being able to personalize my conversation hearts, the possibilities are endless here. The only other tip I would give is not to place the hearts on top of your cupcakes too early…they will absorb the moisture from your frosting and the ink will tend to “swell” or bleed just slightly.after a day or two. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--lUl_ZVEXug/URuSL8aOOdI/AAAAAAAAESA/nlM6jKqBuLA/s1600-h/Custom%252520Conversations%252520Hearts%252520for%252520Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520-%252520Jesus%252520-%252520My%252520BFF%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Custom Conversations Hearts for Valentine's Day - Jesus - My BFF via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" border="0" alt="Custom Conversations Hearts for Valentine's Day - Jesus - My BFF via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-klP4RXHPuk0/URuSMSv4aGI/AAAAAAAAESI/eKfVfJ6QzDo/Custom%252520Conversations%252520Hearts%252520for%252520Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520-%252520Jesus%252520-%252520My%252520BFF%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="587"></a></p> <p align="justify">I was not compensated in any way for this product review – just found something I liked and shared my personal opinion.</p> <p align="justify">Are you planning any special treats for your students on Valentine’s Day?</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">I’m linking up to <a href="http://thepenningtonpoint.com/2013/01/valentines-day-dice-and-a-link-party/" target="_blank">this party</a> at my friend, Lisa’s blog with more than 600 Valentine crafts, recipes and décor ideas and <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2013/02/just-something-i-whipped-upvalentines.html" target="_blank">this Valentine link up</a> at Project Inspire and also the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Hip Homeschool Hop Button" src="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/HHH.png" width="130" height="130"></a></p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-25418504295427281702013-02-08T17:28:00.001-06:002013-02-08T17:31:48.449-06:00Make Your Sweetie Pucker Up<h4 align="justify"><font style="font-weight: normal">It’s upon us once again and as far as “<em>made-up-good-for-little-just-a-sneaky-way-to-get-us-to-buy-greeting-cards</em>” holidays go, this is probably my favorite. A holiday dedicated to LOVE (and chocolate) wins my vote every time.</font></h4> <p align="justify">For the first few years (in the 25 year plus adventure my babies’ daddy and I have been on) we tried to actually go “out” on Valentine’s Day. We eventually got tired of the long lines at theme parks and 2 hour waits for a table at the nearest chain restaurant and started staying home on February 14th and going out another night.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VnNhSfs42hI/URWKEdN_8FI/AAAAAAAAEO8/GwwD3_Ux5nk/s1600-h/Lemon%252520Spaghetti%252520with%252520Basil%252520from%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lemon Spaghetti with Basil from TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" border="0" alt="Lemon Spaghetti with Basil from TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zPUsjteZB2o/URWKFCkLP5I/AAAAAAAAEPE/pJR7-csFfSs/Lemon%252520Spaghetti%252520with%252520Basil%252520from%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="586"></a></p> <p align="justify">Since we had our brood we’ve tried to do a little “Love” themed dinner for the whole family on Valentine’s Day and I try to come up with something that maybe we don’t usually eat. </p> <p align="justify">This is a challenge, since, 1) my family is vegetarian, 2) I don’t really have a large repertoire of things that I make, and D) I’m really not a fan of standing around in the kitchen cooking all day (and then cleaning up). So just about everything I make is fast and easy.</p> <p align="justify">I took some inspiration from my aunt Margaret this summer (when she made us vegetarians a yummy Lemon Spaghetti – she really rocks in the kitchen…) and from Rachael Ray.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YQf_O2HtkXY/URWKF88BwZI/AAAAAAAAEPs/sb3RndYNgsE/s1600-h/Lemon%252520Spaghetti%2525202%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520Of%252520The%252520Candle.com%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lemon Spaghetti 2 via The Other End Of The Candle.com" border="0" alt="Lemon Spaghetti 2 via The Other End Of The Candle.com" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7PAvCMqFozY/URWKGmkiSmI/AAAAAAAAEPw/9TYXO1iFHp4/Lemon%252520Spaghetti%2525202%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520Of%252520The%252520Candle.com_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="335"></a></p> <h4><font size="5" face="AliceFrancesHmk">Lemon Spaghetti</font></h4> <h4>Ingredients</h4> <ul> <li>Salt <li>2 pounds spaghetti <li>6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil <li>8 cloves garlic, pressed <li>1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper <li>4 lemons, zested and juiced <li>1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or 1 1/2 cups milk & 2/3 cups melted butter) <li>2 cups finely shredded Italian Cheese blend (Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Romano, Fontina and Asiago cheeses) <li>1 cup (20 or 24 leaves) fresh basil, very thinly sliced <li>black pepper, freshly ground</li></ul> <h4>Directions</h4> <p align="justify">Boil a large pot of salted water and drop in the spaghetti.. <p align="justify">Add extra-virgin olive oil, garlic and cayenne pepper to a large skillet over medium heat. <p align="justify">When the pasta is about half done (about 5 minutes into cooking), add lemon juice, 2 cups of the starchy cooking water from the pasta and the cream (or milk/butter mixture) to the garlic and oil. Raise heat a bit to bring sauce to a bubble. <p align="justify">Cook the pasta al dente and then drain. Add lemon zest and half of the cheese to the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Add pasta to the sauce and turn off heat. Toss the pasta with sauce allowing it time to soak up the sauce. Mix in about 2/3 of the basil. <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6QURT6tXm7s/URWKHdND07I/AAAAAAAAEP0/HQ9YCeZBViA/s1600-h/Lemon%252520%252526%252520Basil%252520Spaghetti%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lemon & Basil Spaghetti via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" border="0" alt="Lemon & Basil Spaghetti via TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zCgihvuoWf8/URWKH5bgBlI/AAAAAAAAEP4/_q6xJs91chE/Lemon%252520%252526%252520Basil%252520Spaghetti%252520via%252520TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.com_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></a> <p align="justify">Garnish the plates of pasta or the serving dish with remaining cheese, and basil. </p> <p align="justify">This is an excellent side dish or even great for an interesting addition to a potluck.</p> <p align="justify">What are you making for your honey this V-day or your next “meatless Monday”?<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2OHDdmUxqF8/URWK4CQ-l-I/AAAAAAAAEP8/xrw2V2GcdpU/s1600-h/Lemon%252520Spaghetti%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520Of%252520The%252520Candle.com%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lemon Spaghetti via The Other End Of The Candle.com" border="0" alt="Lemon Spaghetti via The Other End Of The Candle.com" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oBERF2orK5k/URWK44C9ixI/AAAAAAAAEQE/TYcM6vKtNJU/Lemon%252520Spaghetti%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520Of%252520The%252520Candle.com_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="584"></a></p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-50885537514865524382012-12-12T12:02:00.000-06:002013-09-12T16:45:55.937-05:00Ho Ho Humbug<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’ll admit it, I’ve had a really rough time getting into the spirit of the season this year. Normally this isn’t an issue at all, in fact, I usually have to talk myself out of putting up my tree before Thanksgiving and it’s generally a rush to drag out the boxes before the turkey day plates are even cleared from the table.</div>
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That hasn’t been the case this year. </div>
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We’re now almost two weeks into December and the “big day” is just two weeks away and I’ve only barely just gotten my main tree put up. Yes, main. I’m skipping the other six this year.</div>
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I’m not sure why I’m so behind in my excitement this year. I’ve done all my shopping and nearly every gift is wrapped, I’m co-hosting a party this weekend and I’ve been belting out Christmas carols for six weeks, but I’m used to being much more excited by this point.</div>
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I suppose it could be because of all the gloom and doom chatter, you know, with the world ending several days before Christmas and all… but I really think it’s all because my pre-lit Christmas tree <b>wasn’t</b> this year. That’s right, I had to take a step back in time to 2007 – the last time I had to string lights on a tree myself rather than just plugging it in. It was humbling and horrible. My cuticles and forearms are still recovering.</div>
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I think the worst of it was pulling off the burnt out lights so the entire tree could be re-lit. Well, I exaggerate – not the entire tree… there was one string of lights still working.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fT5g77gAP_g/UMkIVKxKG1I/AAAAAAAAEM0/8-ZJpR1FzSg/s1600-h/So%252520Much%252520For%252520A%252520Pre-Lit%252520Tree%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="So Much For A Pre-Lit Tree via The Other End of the Candle.com" border="0" height="608" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QLqztH4Or0o/UMkIVroUlfI/AAAAAAAAEM8/XIl7h35ZZfM/So%252520Much%252520For%252520A%252520Pre-Lit%252520Tree%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="So Much For A Pre-Lit Tree via The Other End of the Candle.com" width="457" /></a><br />
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Eventually we got to this point<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Ka0gNW23dw/UMkIWOZOW1I/AAAAAAAAENE/oM1FzwR7OBs/s1600-h/Tree%252520Lights%252520Making%252520Progress%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Tree Lights Making Progress via The Other End of the Candle.com" border="0" height="610" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iDeC7lzkQ88/UMkIW96bduI/AAAAAAAAENM/07jVNQnpewU/Tree%252520Lights%252520Making%252520Progress%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Tree Lights Making Progress via The Other End of the Candle.com" width="459" /></a><br />
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And finally got the whole.thing.done.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CrrRyZaB29o/UMkIX3arVWI/AAAAAAAAENU/0cRJ0KMK8dY/s1600-h/Almost%252520Christmas%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Almost Christmas via The Other End of the Candle.com" border="0" height="607" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jdW7rvLUiW4/UMkIYj92DrI/AAAAAAAAENc/eFG6VzoDdeM/Almost%252520Christmas%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Almost Christmas via The Other End of the Candle.com" width="456" /></a><br />
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Just in the nick of time for my baby sister’s big 4-Ooh birthday celebration at our house last weekend. Somehow she doesn’t look a day over 12 to me.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EMXZDoGJRR4/UMkIZL7tyAI/AAAAAAAAENk/3DB8YCo2Vyk/s1600-h/The%252520Big%2525204-oh%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="The Big 4-oh via The Other End of the Candle.com" border="0" height="598" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mMZLPu4LXZw/UMkIZ1AgVWI/AAAAAAAAENs/dCcgRSgeQT4/The%252520Big%2525204-oh%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="The Big 4-oh via The Other End of the Candle.com" width="449" /></a><br />
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I must say, now that the featured décor item of our holiday is complete it’s much easier for me to get excited about Christmas.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WhDalJctOnw/UMkIa08hpsI/AAAAAAAAEN0/xwa133e8lv8/s1600-h/I%252527m%252520Dreaming%252520of%252520a%252520White%252520and%252520Black%252520Christmas%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="I'm Dreaming of a White and Black Christmas via The Other End of the Candle.com" border="0" height="627" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fqq0OTPevvc/UMkIb7FGvGI/AAAAAAAAEN8/VxxX5dMooZg/I%252527m%252520Dreaming%252520of%252520a%252520White%252520and%252520Black%252520Christmas%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="I'm Dreaming of a White and Black Christmas via The Other End of the Candle.com" width="451" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ndNc9hjfiFY/UMkIcsmPbgI/AAAAAAAAEOI/4aCnnzGuDgQ/s1600-h/Black%252520%252526%252520White%252520Christmas%252520Gfts%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com%252520%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Black & White Christmas Gfts via The Other End of the Candle.com " border="0" height="608" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mq7ExXcHHXg/UMkIdl6CxNI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/nL3LJpKn3yY/Black%252520%252526%252520White%252520Christmas%252520Gfts%252520via%252520The%252520Other%252520End%252520of%252520the%252520Candle.com%252520_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Black & White Christmas Gfts via The Other End of the Candle.com " width="457" /></a><br />
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But I’m REALLY not looking forward to taking it down and putting it all away in another two weeks or so. We just may keep it around until Valentine’s day…<br />
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How about you? Are you caught up on the “spirit of the Season” required to pull it off? </div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-1170152891172702072012-11-21T04:58:00.001-06:002012-11-21T11:16:00.520-06:00Pump Up the Pumpkin<p align="justify">I’ve been on a cupcake jag lately and felt I should find a flavor appropriate for the Thanksgiving season. I combined several flavors that I enjoy (and that make me think of cool, crisp temperatures) and decided the perfect opportunity to try it out was at a combination church Game Night and Bake Sale. I’m pleased to report that it was a great success of flavors and would be a sweet treat for Thanksgiving dinner that isn’t pie..</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tQ8J7RTJhkk/UKyzxbRfpaI/AAAAAAAAELM/VWUXzHnoTl0/s1600-h/Semi-Homemade%252520Pumpkin%252520Spice%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Cinnamon%252520Cream%252520Cheese%252520%252526%252520Homemade%252520Caramel%252520Drizzle%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Semi-Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cupcake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese & Homemade Caramel Drizzle" border="0" alt="Semi-Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cupcake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese & Homemade Caramel Drizzle" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1SO4LraU1m0/UKyzyFWLDCI/AAAAAAAAELU/s0CYjArijLI/Semi-Homemade%252520Pumpkin%252520Spice%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Cinnamon%252520Cream%252520Cheese%252520%252526%252520Homemade%252520Caramel%252520Drizzle_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="343"></a></p> <p align="justify">And the big bonus is… You start with a MIX! Yay! I love a good “semi-homemade” recipe. </p> <h3 align="justify">Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes</h3> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® Butter Pecan cake mix (if you can’t find Butter Pecan you can use Spice cake mix.)</div> <li> <div align="justify">1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)</div> <li> <div align="justify">1/2 cup water</div> <li> <div align="justify">1/3 cup vegetable oil</div> <li> <div align="justify">4 eggs</div> <li> <div align="justify">1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice </div></li></ul> <p align="justify">In large bowl, beat cake mix, pumpkin, water, oil, eggs and pumpkin pie spice with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Don’t overmix your batter. Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups (fill about three-quarters full). Bake at 325°F for about 22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when tested in the center.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9HTOWrDc9GY/UKyzzJrgopI/AAAAAAAAELc/nx_F5kKS3s8/s1600-h/Pumpkin%252520Spice%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Cinnamon%252520Cream%252520Cheese%252520icing%252520and%252520Homemade%252520Caramel%252520Drizzle.%252520Ready%252520for%252520transport.%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pumpkin Spice Cupcake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese icing and Homemade Caramel Drizzle. Ready for transport." border="0" alt="Pumpkin Spice Cupcake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese icing and Homemade Caramel Drizzle. Ready for transport." src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yFM4rA1vHig/UKyzz1MwOrI/AAAAAAAAELk/mnqKiJRg9f0/Pumpkin%252520Spice%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Cinnamon%252520Cream%252520Cheese%252520icing%252520and%252520Homemade%252520Caramel%252520Drizzle.%252520Ready%252520for%252520transport._thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="343"></a></p> <p align="justify">When the cupcakes are completely cool, frost with something that would go well with "pumpkin” or “spice”. The obvious choice is Cream Cheese frosting. The even better, but maybe less obvious choice is <em>CINNAMON</em> Cream Cheese Frosting. The flavor difference is subtle, but marked.</p> <h3 align="justify">Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting</h3> <ul> <li>1/2 Cup butter, softened <li>1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened <li>2 (16 oz.) packages powdered sugar <li>1/4 teaspoon salt <li>1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</li></ul> <p align="justify">Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.</p> <p align="justify">Gradually add mixture of powdered sugar, salt and cinnamon, beating at low speed until blended. Beat at high speed 2 minutes or until creamy. That’s it! No more. If you overbeat your cream cheese frosting you’ll break down the cream cheese, and it will end up grainy looking and be too soft to hold shape when you pipe it. (Makes about 5 cups)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TRnNSTin5Hk/UKyz0mkexpI/AAAAAAAAELs/MBgeN51ehHQ/s1600-h/Pumpkin%252520Spice%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Cinnamon%252520Cream%252520Cheese%252520Frosting%252520%252526%252520Caramel%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pumpkin Spice Cupcake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting & Caramel" border="0" alt="Pumpkin Spice Cupcake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting & Caramel" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fgfcqcd-nSs/UKyz1eXmGXI/AAAAAAAAEL0/Wlf-jL2BPt0/Pumpkin%252520Spice%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Cinnamon%252520Cream%252520Cheese%252520Frosting%252520%252526%252520Caramel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="342"></a></p> <p align="justify">This is the easiest cupcake to decorate – all you need is a big zip-top bag. Fill it with your luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, snip about a half inch from one corner and swirl it on top of your cupcakes.</p> <p align="justify">To add to the depth of the flavor even more, generously drizzle some homemade caramel over the top of the frosted cupcake. Oh man!! You won’t believe the flavor… this is really simple, impressive and oh so good!</p> <h3 align="justify">Homemade Caramel</h3> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">1/2 Cup butter</div> <li> <div align="justify">1 Cup sugar</div> <li> <div align="justify">1 Cup whipping cream</div></li></ul> <p align="justify">Combine butter and sugar in a 2-quart heavy saucepan and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture is caramel-colored, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and slowly add cream, stirring constantly until blended. </p> <p align="justify">Seriously. That’s it.</p> <p align="justify">Be sure it’s cooled sufficiently before you drizzle. I like a little candy decorating bottle for this, but you could do your drizzling with a spoon or out of the snipped off corner of a bag.</p> <p align="justify">You could add the little Wilton leaf sprinkles if you want, but it’s even pretty without them.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4C46rCv8O_w/UKyz2R5-uEI/AAAAAAAAEL8/1cPD9LSo3f0/s1600-h/Pumpkin%252520Spice%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Cinnamon%252520Cream%252520Cheese%252520icing%252520and%252520Homemade%252520Caramel%252520Drizzle%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pumpkin Spice Cupcake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese icing and Homemade Caramel Drizzle" border="0" alt="Pumpkin Spice Cupcake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese icing and Homemade Caramel Drizzle" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p_I3qCAeAzQ/UKyz2xCxdDI/AAAAAAAAEME/IQtkzhFEzqo/Pumpkin%252520Spice%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Cinnamon%252520Cream%252520Cheese%252520icing%252520and%252520Homemade%252520Caramel%252520Drizzle_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="602"></a></p> <p align="justify">Now you might notice a little hint of something orange there are the top of my cupcake in the photo above. That’s an upside down <em>Pumpkin Spice Hershey’s Kiss</em>. I pushed it into the cupcake while it was still very warm.</p> <p align="justify">Don’t do this. </p> <p align="justify">There are a couple of reasons. First, it’s overkill – you don’t need it – it’s actually too much.</p> <p align="justify">Second, this cupcake will need to be refrigerated because of the cream cheese in the frosting. (Assuming you don’t eat them all at once…) That will just make this Kiss get hard and cold. It’s not quite as tasty that way. So just leave it out.</p> <p align="justify">So, mix it up on your dessert table on Thursday, pass on the pumpkin pie and try a pumpkin-y cupcake instead.</p>I’m linking up with <br><a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Hip Homeschool Hop Button" src="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/HHH.png" width="130" height="130"></a> <br> <center><a href="http://younglivingoillady.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l525/adventurezinchildrearing/february057.jpg"></a></center> <center> </center><a href="http://thegirlcreative.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/thegirlcreative/PI_JSIWU.png"></a> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-47149089224154798432012-11-12T06:56:00.001-06:002013-09-12T16:13:05.709-05:00Relish the Thought<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Long ago (like about 30 years) and far away (in the Inland Empire of southern California) when I was but a wee child (in seventh grade) I had my first taste of THE most amazing dipping sauce ever. It happened on a “movie night”, a traditional fundraiser for our little parochial school, there in the foothills of the San Bernardino mountains.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6Z0SjlyhkTE/UKDyAGxWONI/AAAAAAAAEJU/hKARKJ0_VIw/s1600-h/Pinnable%252520Loma%252520Linda%252520Sandwich%252520Relish%252520Dip%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pinnable Loma Linda Sandwich Relish Dip" border="0" height="553" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OxUJMmIhnmM/UKDyBLTo5-I/AAAAAAAAEJc/3zh7Bpa5psk/Pinnable%252520Loma%252520Linda%252520Sandwich%252520Relish%252520Dip_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pinnable Loma Linda Sandwich Relish Dip" width="416" /></a></div>
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Movie night back then was a pretty big deal. Yes, children, this was long before we were able to watch movies on our phones or in the back of the minivan, long before the DVD vending machine and even before the VCR (or trendy Betamax) was common in every household. The movies were actually rented for several hundred dollars and were reels of film delivered in a can (or two) played back on a temperamental dinosaur sort of contraption.</div>
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On fall and winter nights we watched such film greats as <i>The Snowball Express</i>, <i>Apple Dumpling Gang, </i>and<i> My Fair Lady</i> (with the volume obviously turned down during the swearing parts…I feel sorry for the poor sap that had to memorize each spot.) </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9HZk3EFE0DQ/UKDyBr515oI/AAAAAAAAEJk/YFO8IwtLU-k/s1600-h/Loma%252520Linda%252520Foods%252520Sandwich%252520Relish%252520%252526%252520Morning%252520Star%252520Farms%252520Vegetarian%252520Corndogs%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Loma Linda Foods Sandwich Relish & Morning Star Farms Vegetarian Corndogs" border="0" height="330" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HondEUTqSAY/UKDyCR9LA7I/AAAAAAAAEJs/tjT08lhFlt0/Loma%252520Linda%252520Foods%252520Sandwich%252520Relish%252520%252526%252520Morning%252520Star%252520Farms%252520Vegetarian%252520Corndogs_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Loma Linda Foods Sandwich Relish & Morning Star Farms Vegetarian Corndogs" width="439" /></a></div>
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But the movies were never the main event. What you really came for, (besides sneaking outside with your friends) were the hand dipped (vegetarian) corndogs and the incredible dipping sauce served with them. You’ve never had anything like it. (Unless, of course, you’ve actually had it…)</div>
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After decades of yearning for this sauce my mom finally dug up the recipe for me. I haven’t been the same since. Once you try it you won’t be able to thoroughly enjoy a corndog again without it. Our current plan is to have the children make it regularly, bottle and sell it and put themselves through college.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PWpwqCgYtHQ/UKDyDKeEGII/AAAAAAAAEJ0/aYqV-E7CIaM/s1600-h/Morning%252520Star%252520Farms%252520Vegetarian%252520Corndogs%252520%252526%252520Loma%252520Linda%252520Sandwich%252520Relish%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Morning Star Farms Vegetarian Corndogs & Loma Linda Sandwich Relish" border="0" height="571" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZFXwLN1r4QE/UKDyEBQ4i3I/AAAAAAAAEJ8/u7MJj-zdGlM/Morning%252520Star%252520Farms%252520Vegetarian%252520Corndogs%252520%252526%252520Loma%252520Linda%252520Sandwich%252520Relish_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Morning Star Farms Vegetarian Corndogs & Loma Linda Sandwich Relish" width="430" /></a></div>
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Loma Linda Foods Sandwich Relish</h3>
Circa 1983<br />
Mix together and keep refrigerated:<br />
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<li>1 quart mayonnaise </li>
<li>1 cup dill pickle relish </li>
<li>1 cup celery, chopped super fine </li>
<li>4 Tablespoons pimento, chopped fine </li>
<li>4 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped fine – measure after chopping. </li>
<li>3 or 4 green onions, chopped fine </li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning </li>
<li>1 teaspoon sweet basil, dried or fresh </li>
<li>Turmeric for color</li>
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These measurements yield about 2 quarts of the relish, if you need to make a huge amount let me know in the comments and I’ll send you the proper measurements.<br />
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This is also an excellent sandwich spread or vegetable dip. But the real memories flood in when you serve it with a <a href="http://www.morningstarfarms.com/morningstar-farms-veggie-corn-dogs.html" target="_blank">Morning Star Farms “classic” vegetarian corndog.</a><br />
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I’d tell you how long it keeps, but we usually don’t have any hanging around… Yes, it’s that good.<br />
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I’m linking up with <br />
<a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Hip Homeschool Hop Button" height="130" src="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/HHH.png" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="130" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://younglivingoillady.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l525/adventurezinchildrearing/february057.jpg" /></a></center>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-41024584224419126752012-11-02T17:51:00.001-05:002012-11-02T17:54:10.241-05:00To The Rescue<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I first created the post tag for <a href="http://www.adra.org/site/PageServer" target="_blank">ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency)</a> I didn’t think I would use it <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2011/12/goats-of-christmas-presents.html" target="_blank">much</a>. Unfortunately, their services are needed for disaster relief once again in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.</div>
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You can donate by <a href="https://secure2.convio.net/ccadra/site/Donation2?idb=900246368&df_id=3160&3160.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=sgazjpp5k1.app214b" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</div>
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Please pray for those affected by this storm in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, and the United States. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wouMRfoOVek/UJROXFiN1SI/AAAAAAAAEIg/1jNzeCxJjDI/s1600-h/Lady%252520Liberty%252520May%2525202012%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Lady Liberty May 2012" border="0" height="309" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g26hW1eDQk0/UJROX4CgIAI/AAAAAAAAEIo/tJJycz0-yJI/Lady%252520Liberty%252520May%2525202012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" title="Lady Liberty May 2012" width="411" /></a> </div>
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ADRA Responds to Hurricane Sandy</h3>
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In the event that donations exceed what is needed for Hurricane Sandy Relief and Rehabilitation, ADRA will redirect funds to other like activities worldwide to help children, women, and men in need. </div>
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Hurricane Sandy brought 3 days of devastating rains and winds throughout the Caribbean and the United States. ADRA is providing clean water, food parcels, and blankets to families in some of the worst affected communities in the Dominican Republic where more than 1,200 homes were completely submerged in mud. In Jamaica, ADRA has already distributed blankets and is currently assessing the damages to homes to assist in the rehabilitation efforts. </div>
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In the United States, ADRA is working through local partners, to provide household cleaning kits to help deal with the residual effects of flooding, hot meals, warm blankets, and personal care kits. Hurricane Sandy's aftermath is likely to be severe and the scope of it's impact will continue to unfold in the coming days and weeks. </div>
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Your support, pooled with other resources, will help us meet the basic needs of those suffering from this disaster. </div>
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Please <a href="https://secure2.convio.net/ccadra/site/Donation2?df_id=3489&3489.donation=form1">send your gift today.</a> <br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-16029826115817679492012-11-01T11:51:00.001-05:002012-11-01T11:51:40.110-05:00Back From My Apparent NapIt's been far too long since I've posted anything here. Let's kick off November with this little graphic nugget of information.<br />
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P.S. If you have any questions about homeschooling or how to get started just holler and I'll see if I can't point you in the right direction. We're in the throws of our 9th year at it here, and some days I still feel like a beginner, but I'd say it's going pretty well and I don't regret it for a minute. <br />
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<a href="http://www.collegeathome.com/homeschool-domination/"><img alt="Homeschool Domination" border="0" src="http://images.collegeathome.com.s3.amazonaws.com/homeschool-domination.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Created by: <a href="http://www.collegeathome.com/">CollegeAtHome.com</a>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-78440347986896152752012-10-05T18:44:00.001-05:002012-10-05T18:44:02.107-05:00Instagram Ketchup<p>If you’re a blogger at all, perhaps you understand how difficult it is to come back after a long time away. And by “away” I mean, so busy living life that you’re too exhausted at the end of the day to write about it.</p> <p>If you follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sara.k.kendrick" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SaraKKendrick" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or, better yet, <a href="http://followgram.me/sarakkendrick/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you will have seen some of what’s been going on. When it takes too much time to make a proper blog post, a quick photo with the cell phone and and upload to the Web will suffice.</p> <p>In “Instagram style”, here’s what’s been going on for the last eight or so weeks around these parts.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">This is our oldest son’s purity ring. The first one… Turned out he was allergic to pewter and we had to get a stainless steel ring for him. Both had the Scripture verse, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%204:3-4&version=NIV" target="_blank">I Thessalonians 4:3-4</a> on them.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MtlLJ62Al-c/UG9waXfd7wI/AAAAAAAAEEk/4NwFX0uIX7c/s1600-h/IMG_20120809_1315212.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120809_131521" border="0" alt="IMG_20120809_131521" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jjmqMZZy4KA/UG9wbVCzUDI/AAAAAAAAEEs/cTNF4xtmZYo/IMG_20120809_131521_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Here is our adorable mutt, (with one good eye) lounging on a cast-off piece of foam while we were doing a major deep-clean of our office/school/scrapbook room. He’s the best dog ever.<img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120815_201314" border="0" alt="IMG_20120815_201314" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HVm51Rindd0/UG9wcZAjvTI/AAAAAAAAEE0/3wGQ1T49GHI/IMG_20120815_201314_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">This is my youngest son, Jacob, sporting his new mustache. I found some temporary tattoo pens when cleaning out my desk drawers in our office/school/scrapbook room. This was on a Friday. As it happened the pen marks weren’t temporary enough to be gone completely by church time…<img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120816_224643" border="0" alt="IMG_20120816_224643" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cD729SZsPBc/UG9wdAGMpnI/AAAAAAAAEE8/-e6NiFwfX_Q/IMG_20120816_224643_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">These are the parts to the clever cubbies my kids put together for our office/school/scrapbook room. They did an excellent job assembling them <img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120818_224129" border="0" alt="IMG_20120818_224129" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0mh1BDVutxw/UG9weUL9ghI/AAAAAAAAEFE/SvQb-eDoPyM/IMG_20120818_224129_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AMPZgizTijw/UG9wfA4UY_I/AAAAAAAAEFM/RBX7KmX9a8E/s1600-h/IMG_20120819_0152542.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120819_015254" border="0" alt="IMG_20120819_015254" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PJFc2WwVLUU/UG9wgA3TXFI/AAAAAAAAEFU/rVA4hG0Iykc/IMG_20120819_015254_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></a></p> <p align="center">They worked hard, as good minions should, until the wee hours. But I did pay them… <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-abbl0YXzhEc/UG9wg9WY9FI/AAAAAAAAEFc/qp8boh9us2I/s1600-h/IMG_20120819_0251192.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120819_025119" border="0" alt="IMG_20120819_025119" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oERqDpWh0Cs/UG9whiG2QtI/AAAAAAAAEFk/DBTLaP7SuvQ/IMG_20120819_025119_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></a> We’ve since rearranged them and have tons of new storage.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I helped <a href="http://www.ThePenningtonPoint.com" target="_blank">my friend, Lisa</a>, through a dessert emergency, (yes – that’s a real thing) by baking up a batch of my <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/07/if-george-washington-ate-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Cherry Filled Cupcakes with Wedding Cake Icing</a> and a batch of my <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/06/lemony-snippetsa-series-of-fortunate.html" target="_blank">Lemon Curd Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Icing</a>,<img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120821_131438" border="0" alt="IMG_20120821_131438" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mS6Og4G6Ks4/UG9wiCfuClI/AAAAAAAAEFs/mZllha2gngY/IMG_20120821_131438_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></p> <p align="center">In the tiny size they were super adorable topped with Lemon Heads and <em>Cherry Sours </em>candies.<img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120821_130701" border="0" alt="IMG_20120821_130701" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jLQmbG5KBrA/UG9wi61EGCI/AAAAAAAAEF0/4rYKKL1NARc/IMG_20120821_130701_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></p> <p align="center">Have you seen anything cuter than this watermelon land shark? Lisa made this and it was a perfect centerpiece for her Summer Fun themed event.<img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120821_131125" border="0" alt="IMG_20120821_131125" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H5AKHUg2HNo/UG9wjgbqmDI/AAAAAAAAEF8/fUyhLe4lTDA/IMG_20120821_131125_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></p> <p align="center">My church hosted a <a href="http://www.laughyourway.com/" target="_blank">Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage DVD seminar by Mark Gungor</a>. I was on deck for hospitality and snacks/meals for the guests and members. I think I’ve just about got these things down to a science. We served about 75 folks and didn’t have any leftovers from the two days and nobody went away hungry. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GjGI2cufwog/UG9wkr_4bXI/AAAAAAAAEGE/klAFlRbadhs/s1600-h/20120825_1720115.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20120825_172011" border="0" alt="20120825_172011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QJUaW6JC_KI/UG9wlegFqQI/AAAAAAAAEGM/Fms2KYCRJyI/20120825_172011_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="309"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EIsVPjyrjd0/UG9wmLuk5BI/AAAAAAAAEGU/cIXqqOhY7Yc/s1600-h/20120825_1719574.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20120825_171957" border="0" alt="20120825_171957" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gmZme6rAzq8/UG9wmrdYhMI/AAAAAAAAEGc/jLbYETjl0DE/20120825_171957_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="315"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">The day after the marriage seminar, I hosted a Back to Homeschool Tea. It was a sweet and relaxing afternoon with about 16 of the best homeschool moms around.<img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_20120826_124756" border="0" alt="IMG_20120826_124756" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-soKyZFPRWZE/UG9wnXRxeII/AAAAAAAAEGk/QcyiWHjaHXk/IMG_20120826_124756_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1WUKk8-LCZM/UG9wodz2Z9I/AAAAAAAAEGs/_bzMU4OaUiE/s1600-h/BacktoHomeschoolTeaTable2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Back to Homeschool Tea Table" border="0" alt="Back to Homeschool Tea Table" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y31o45wRWdM/UG9wo_w3DsI/AAAAAAAAEG0/YYwNgVtdBxA/BacktoHomeschoolTeaTable_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="313"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uYf4zbxux7g/UG9wpj5_8fI/AAAAAAAAEG8/Prh8P5ijpvw/s1600-h/BacktoHomeschoolTeaTable22.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Back to Homeschool Tea Table 2" border="0" alt="Back to Homeschool Tea Table 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t9CneJnBihQ/UG9wqWzZZqI/AAAAAAAAEHE/TY_K8JVTvSE/BacktoHomeschoolTeaTable2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="313"></a> Lisa captured a few <em>Instagrams</em> of her own – I’ve borrowed them here – she’s got a great eye.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m-5s6UOseHs/UG9wrE3X7mI/AAAAAAAAEHM/LT829FpBkBc/s1600-h/LisasInstagramofHSTeadecor22.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Lisas Instagram of HS Tea decor 2" border="0" alt="Lisas Instagram of HS Tea decor 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FK0Nw5aaPLI/UG9ws77V7dI/AAAAAAAAEHU/JWPLdmh6xuQ/LisasInstagramofHSTeadecor2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ap-DecrPQ3k/UG9wtkB140I/AAAAAAAAEHc/2rNHX8ci3as/s1600-h/LisasInstagramofHSTeaDecor5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Lisas Instagram of HS Tea Decor" border="0" alt="Lisas Instagram of HS Tea Decor" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V41BDjr9148/UG9wuSgHEmI/AAAAAAAAEHk/2eWlQFsZc0k/LisasInstagramofHSTeaDecor_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></a></p> <p align="center">Those “taffy” candies (above) are erasers in waxed paper.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wBqs8exhkZA/UG9wvGCy9kI/AAAAAAAAEHs/EtFkxeN9-Iw/s1600-h/LisasInstagramofHSTeadecor32.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Lisas Instagram of HS Tea decor 3" border="0" alt="Lisas Instagram of HS Tea decor 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nhvFwW0k5UI/UG9wwAQv0KI/AAAAAAAAEH0/g7zG52Kc7lA/LisasInstagramofHSTeadecor3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="313"></a></p> <p>That gets me through August. Stay tuned for a September ketchup and I’ve got lots of recipes to share – FALL is here and I LOVE to cook in the fall.</p> <p>You can <a href="http://followgram.me/sarakkendrick/" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram here</a>.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b3ab1cd0-df25-473b-ae00-7d2b884544b8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">LiveJournal Tags: <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Before+and+After" rel="tag">Before and After</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Cousins" rel="tag">Cousins</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Cupcakes" rel="tag">Cupcakes</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Friends" rel="tag">Friends</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Homeschook" rel="tag">Homeschook</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Jacob" rel="tag">Jacob</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Kids" rel="tag">Kids</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Michaela" rel="tag">Michaela</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Oscar" rel="tag">Oscar</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Party" rel="tag">Party</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Table-Scape" rel="tag">Table-Scape</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Tea" rel="tag">Tea</a>,<a href="http://www.livejournal.com/interests.bml?int=Zachary" rel="tag">Zachary</a></div> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-48268198731774087822012-08-10T17:04:00.001-05:002012-08-10T17:04:14.840-05:0025 Random Thoughts<p>There was an open invitation to do a “random things” blog post on my <a href="http://thepenningtonpoint.com/2012/08/random-things/" target="_blank">bestie’s blog</a> and I’m taking it!</p> <ol> <li>I’m a terrible blogger if you use normal blogger standards, but I see my blog as mostly a place to “journal” my memories (and sometimes be a platform for what I’m passionate about…) So – not such a bad blogger after all.</li> <li>I tend to be wordy but I find that endearing about myself. Don’t you? What?</li> <li>Few things set my teeth on edge more than bad grammar and misspellings. It drives me up the wall.</li> <li>I’m horrible at grammar, punctuation and spelling. I even have spell check on Facebook.</li> <li>I have particular trouble with apostrophe’s…</li> <li>And I use ellipses too much…</li> <li>I spend too much time on Facebook and hate it at the same time.</li> <li>(There’s a lot of bad grammar on Facebook…)</li> <li>I use parentheses too often as well.</li> <li>I frequently cause my own inner conflict. Or, maybe I don’t.</li> <li>I like to travel, even road trips, and I could be ready to go on a trip in a matter of minutes – I’m nearly packed all the time. I’m waiting for my husband to whisk me away at a moments notice.</li> <li>My trip with my husband to New York City in April/May was the best trip ever! I frequently think of it fondly and can hardly wait to go again.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WnPnty5wkWc/UCWFQyLd8DI/AAAAAAAAECs/3A5m1tGb_Ds/s1600-h/IMG_20120503_103842%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20120503_103842" border="0" alt="IMG_20120503_103842" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eHBWkVFFVuI/UCWFRks6bCI/AAAAAAAAEC0/jUtEu1gaSWw/IMG_20120503_103842_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="379"></a> </li> <li>My computer crashed/fried early this summer and I lost several blog post drafts about my NYC trip. I’m so obsessive/compulsive that I have a hard time going back and writing posts out of order. Thus, the lack of <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/05/recovery-mode.html" target="_blank">posts about NYC</a>. Then I figure, nobody else really cares anyway.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pfCy0x6vkLA/UCWFSOQR4mI/AAAAAAAAEC8/3PiBp8wz4hc/s1600-h/Brooklyn%252520Bridge%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Brooklyn Bridge" border="0" alt="Brooklyn Bridge" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nBXb7vF8vSI/UCWFS_0OqhI/AAAAAAAAEDE/W0kP1Eazbx8/Brooklyn%252520Bridge_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="529"></a> </li> <li>Our recent trip for two weeks in Missouri at the family spot on the lake was great too. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cyCYKNs5i4Q/UCWFTvdy77I/AAAAAAAAEDM/k3gqkxZQYvM/s1600-h/On%252520the%252520Lake%252520Summer%2525202012%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="On the Lake Summer 2012" border="0" alt="On the Lake Summer 2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5zCwSeLUuFQ/UCWFUDfgOvI/AAAAAAAAEDU/fIsu1IScqlE/On%252520the%252520Lake%252520Summer%2525202012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="309"></a> </li> <li>I brought home a couple of boxes of teacups and saucers that used to be my great grandmother’s. </li> <li>Washing china and rearranging my china cabinet makes me want to have a tea party.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mqYSrklaVbI/UCWFVwUS3vI/AAAAAAAAEDc/p8IQrucwZJc/s1600-h/Favorite%252520Teacups%252520and%252520Saucers%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Favorite Teacups and Saucers" border="0" alt="Favorite Teacups and Saucers" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fOao9SzgZqc/UCWFWSoIf_I/AAAAAAAAEDk/XIfGVjfxGck/Favorite%252520Teacups%252520and%252520Saucers_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="538"></a> </li> <li>I’m planning a <em>Back to (Home) School</em> tea party for my fellow homeschooling moms later this month. (Any excuse for a party…)</li> <li>Sometimes I have parties so that I will be forced to clean my house.</li> <li>I don’t really “like” tea. Just the ritual of tea. Tea is pretty much just dirty water in my book.</li> <li>Ice water is my go-to drink. If I run out of ice I don’t drink water. That’s bad.</li> <li>I don’t like lemon or lime in my ice water either. Again – just dirty water.</li> <li>Pop (or soda) gives me hiccups and makes my teeth squeak. I avoid it (unless the water tastes bad.)</li> <li>Sometimes, when I’m out to eat, if a soda comes with my meal, I just get water anyway. Unless I get tea. </li> <li>If I get tea, it’s got a lot of sweetener and some other fruity flavor. Which really makes it more of a watered down juice.</li> <li>I guess I prefer iced tea over hot tea. I just need to serve my iced tea in pretty teacups. With scones. And little sandwiches. And dessert…<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t2j4dFHz5Vc/UCWFW3SNhLI/AAAAAAAAEDs/9LfK2q-hbOw/s1600-h/DSCN5135%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCN5135" border="0" alt="DSCN5135" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CsshBRfvsbI/UCWFXf5PkII/AAAAAAAAED0/a8Xj750RlYE/DSCN5135_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="521"></a> </li> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:5a78c8d4-b4ef-4048-a7b1-94b88e0e5ce6" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Summer" rel="tag">Summer</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Tea" rel="tag">Tea</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/New+York" rel="tag">New York</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Rambling" rel="tag">Rambling</a></div></ol> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-34568357231690362882012-07-13T16:36:00.000-05:002013-09-12T16:44:22.518-05:00Orange Julius–Oh Joy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Step into my time machine, (which looks nothing like a stainless steel sports car…) and head back to 1974 with me.</div>
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My memories are scant at that point – my earliest memory is of my third birthday party, after that I have a recollection of my first visit to Disney World early in 1972. After that, it’s a misty blur up until kindergarten EXCEPT for trips to the mall to visit my Aunt, working at the Orange Julius stand. This is probably what catapulted her to most-favored-aunt status at the time.<img alt="Orange Julius yumm" border="0" height="313" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tVF7-5OFQm8/UACVBBCxeBI/AAAAAAAAEBc/Pp-fM59wdSw/Orange%252520Julius%252520yumm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" title="Orange Julius yumm" width="411" /> If you’ve never had an Orange Julius you need to make the effort. I haven’t seen an Orange Julius stand around since I don’t know when, but I’ve discovered that they were purchased by Dairy Queen back in 1987. Now you’ll find combo stores or “Treat Centers”. Further investigation at <a href="http://www.orangejulius.com/" target="_blank">their website</a> has shown me that there is one within about an hour’s drive from me. Next time we’re in the Big City I think we’ll track them down and compare the original with my made-up recipe from home. I don’t have access to the “magic powder” that they use at Julius, that’s what the vanilla pudding mix is for…<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DhVCxxFE7Uo/UACVB3WaL4I/AAAAAAAAEBk/QNf4swNu1Nw/s1600-h/Orange%252520Julius%252520Knock%252520Off%252520Pinable%25255B24%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Orange Julius Knock Off Pinable" border="0" height="544" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jw5iF8SYKBE/UACVCTWAJHI/AAAAAAAAEBs/ZczRif0c2hs/Orange%252520Julius%252520Knock%252520Off%252520Pinable_thumb%25255B22%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" title="Orange Julius Knock Off Pinable" width="409" /></a> </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: French Script MT; font-size: large;">Orange Julius Knock-Off</span></b></div>
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6 oz. Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate</div>
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6 oz. Milk</div>
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3 oz. Simple Syrup*</div>
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1 teaspoon dry Vanilla Pudding Mix</div>
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2 Cups crushed ice</div>
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Whiz the juice concentrate, milk, simple syrup and pudding mix in the blender. Add the crushed ice and blend until smooth. This yields 3 good sized servings.</div>
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Grab a straw and brace yourself for a brain freeze because it’s so yummy you’ll drink it too fast.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MOMgHF68BNs/UACVDBXaI6I/AAAAAAAAEB0/QHtCyMnfFQo/s1600-h/Orange%252520Julius%252520smoothie%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Orange Julius smoothie" border="0" height="540" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q61cBND0Zbk/UACVDzwyUxI/AAAAAAAAEB8/2nnJqgelz3c/Orange%252520Julius%252520smoothie_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" title="Orange Julius smoothie" width="406" /></a> *<b>Simple syrup</b> is easy, if you haven’t made it before. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 2 cups granulated sugar. Bring to a boil, stir constantly and dissolve the sugar. Remove it from the heat and cool completely. Pour into a jar and store in the fridge.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i8VUBAsl3iw/UACVEQGss5I/AAAAAAAAECE/R1yW9OyAuxk/s1600-h/Orange%252520Julius%252520knock%252520off%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Orange Julius knock off" border="0" height="310" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jMeu0Ao4YYQ/UACVFJCed5I/AAAAAAAAECM/IQ8LIi4A-pw/Orange%252520Julius%252520knock%252520off_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" title="Orange Julius knock off" width="412" /></a> This isn’t quite as frothy and delish as I remember the original to be, but it’s a nice knock-off. Let me know what you think.</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-12541831000936329942012-07-04T11:22:00.001-05:002012-07-05T09:45:39.295-05:00An American Celebration<p align="justify">It’s the Fourth of July in America, normally the time we celebrate our independence, freedom and the birthday of our young nation. But convenience has stepped in and our big “Fourth” celebration is already over here. In fact, it wasn’t even in July! Our city fireworks were Saturday night, June 30. That kind of rubbed some people the wrong way.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Happy 236th Birthday Liberty" border="0" alt="Happy 236th Birthday Liberty" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vSJgDaaW-k8/T_RtmwSuB8I/AAAAAAAAD-s/pKsIE9t7Yys/Happy%252520236th%252520Birthday%252520Liberty%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="561"></p> <p align="justify">The holiday sneaked up on me this year, but we threw a little tailgate celebration together and headed up to the top of the parking garage downtown. We met up with another homeschooling family and ended up parking next to yet another homeschooling family and in front of a third homeschooling family. Yes, folks, we are taking over the world…</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picnic on the parking garage" border="0" alt="Picnic on the parking garage" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s-budjaXj0c/T_RtnsKovYI/AAAAAAAAD-0/qWZae_AjGsM/Picnic%252520on%252520the%252520parking%252520garage%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="576"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Tailgate party on the parking garage" border="0" alt="Tailgate party on the parking garage" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a664YJtGkfM/T_RtoEK0kDI/AAAAAAAAD-8/BaTYQVG4oCA/Tailgate%252520party%252520on%252520the%252520parking%252520garage%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="685"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">There was a pretty impressive fireworks display that lasted a good 20 minutes, paid for by the local Iranian businessman that owns several Mexican restaurants around here. That’s America.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fireworks Collage 2012" border="0" alt="Fireworks Collage 2012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RC0QkwYHlgE/T_RtoxGNaEI/AAAAAAAAD_E/QGWmjOCQV-I/Fireworks%252520Collage%2525202012%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="430"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">It’s a little bit anticlimactic, but we’re having an indoor picnic today with grandparents. It’s still too hot to be outside, but those vegetarian hot dogs and burgers never do very well on a grill, (as if we owned one) anyway. <img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fourth of July indoor picnic" border="0" alt="Fourth of July indoor picnic" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x-waHX2IWl0/T_WohOUODgI/AAAAAAAAEAU/OgWpiHbcUaQ/Fourth%252520of%252520July%252520indoor%252520picnic.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="589">We’ll still have all the fixins of a great picnic, hot dogs, burgers, coleslaw, baked beans, chips and dip, root beer and cherry limeade, apple pie and more of those <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/07/if-george-washington-ate-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">cherry filled cupcakes</a>.<img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fourth of July Cupcakes" border="0" alt="Fourth of July Cupcakes" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-efPyuC9eGOM/T_WoiJwS0gI/AAAAAAAAEAc/4DOkwP5HC14/Fourth%252520of%252520July%252520Cupcakes%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="298"> <img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="American Flag Centerpiece for Church Fellowship Lunch" border="0" alt="American Flag Centerpiece for Church Fellowship Lunch" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uoRHvaTxxew/T_Rtpp1Bs7I/AAAAAAAAEAk/1FSOW-nGHDo/American%252520Flag%252520Centerpiece%252520for%252520Church%252520Fellowship%252520Lunch.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="507"></p> <p align="justify">I collected some buckets from Target’s Dollar Spot and made up some centerpieces to use at our church fellowship luncheon last Sabbath. I decided that I’d keep them for myself rather than making them part of the church stock, so I’ll be using them at home sometimes too. If you think about it, there are really a lot of holidays that could use a red bucket for something.<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cheap Patriotic Centerpiece" border="0" alt="Cheap Patriotic Centerpiece" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nf9k_ab98Is/T_RtqAmGSZI/AAAAAAAAD_U/5L0UNMHB4tc/Cheap%252520Patriotic%252520Centerpiece%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="583"></p> <p>I hope your celebration is filled with family and friends and that you don’t all expire from heat stroke. <img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Patriotic Front Porch 2012" border="0" alt="Patriotic Front Porch 2012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_BgkKbsJJwk/T_Woj62WMmI/AAAAAAAAEAo/1alJ9l5fIRs/Patriotic%252520Front%252520Porch%2525202012%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="588">Be safe out there today, drink plenty of water and enjoy your independence! (While you still have it…)<img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Patriotic Porch Pinwheels 2012" border="0" alt="Patriotic Porch Pinwheels 2012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HH55GhSZMMU/T_Wokl1nl3I/AAAAAAAAEAw/PWhQQ7vzOHc/Patriotic%252520Porch%252520Pinwheels%2525202012%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="584"></p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-68427874942452831342012-07-02T09:04:00.000-05:002013-09-12T16:15:43.160-05:00If George Washington Ate Cupcakes…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If Martha Washington made cupcakes for her backyard Fourth of July celebration, I bet they looked like these<img alt="Cherry Filled Patriotic Cupcake" border="0" height="603" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ioXTrcE4ezE/T_GqgjBqKZI/AAAAAAAAD9g/769ktnyE4UY/Cherry-Filled-Patriotic-Cupcake8.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cherry Filled Patriotic Cupcake" width="452" /><br />
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Well, maybe not. Martha Washington probably had the cute patriotic cupcake papers too. But I’m sure her cupcakes had a cherry filling like these do.<br />
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<img alt="Vanilla Cupcake with Cherry Filling & Patriotic Frosting" border="0" height="603" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5p-amIH8T5E/T_Gqhqqwu7I/AAAAAAAAD9o/E7MN5IxOjdI/Vanilla-Cupcake-with-Cherry-Filling-.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Vanilla Cupcake with Cherry Filling & Patriotic Frosting" width="453" /><br />
<img alt="Cherry Filled Vanilla Cupcakes with Fourth of July Picks" border="0" height="608" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vQx2fwJbRlg/T_GqiJ96MhI/AAAAAAAAD9w/Nq8krCHijGE/Cherry-Filled-Vanilla-Cupcakes-with-.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cherry Filled Vanilla Cupcakes with Fourth of July Picks" width="457" /><br />
These are SO easy to make. So easy that I didn’t do any step-by-step photos for you.<br />
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<li>Get yourself a white cake mix (or a recipe for vanilla cake) and a can of cherry pie filling (or a jar of your homemade cherry pie filling…) </li>
<li>Make the cake according to the directions on the box, put all the batter in a gallon-size zip-top bag, and snip off a small corner of the bag. </li>
<li>Squeeze enough batter into the bottom of your cupcake liners to just cover the bottom. </li>
<li>Using a teaspoon from your silverware drawer, spoon a bit of cherry pie filling (I use Lucky Leaf brand) onto the batter – try to keep it in the middle. </li>
<li>Squeeze more batter to cover the pie filling until the cupcake liners are about 2/3 full. </li>
<li>Bake according to the regular directions on the box. <img alt="Patriotic Cupcakes & Apothecary Jars" border="0" height="349" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gvlp4FgRnRg/T_GqiiqqP_I/AAAAAAAAD94/ORG8ZyQMFi8/Patriotic-Cupcakes--Apothecary-Jars5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Patriotic Cupcakes & Apothecary Jars" width="465" /><br />
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The frosting is also very easy. I used a recipe found in the book <i>Simply Sweet Best Cupcakes Ever!</i> (I purchased my copy on the magazine rack at Costco.)<br />
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For a decadent amount of frosting, I made a double batch of the Wedding Cake Frosting recipe.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Wedding Cake Frosting</span></b><br />
Makes 3 cups<br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 Cup butter, softened </li>
<li>1/4 Cup whipping cream </li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon almond extract </li>
<li>1/4 salt </li>
<li>1 (16-oz.) package powdered sugar</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed wit an electric mixer until creamy. </li>
<li>Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until blended. Beat at high speed 2 minutes or until creamy</li>
</ol>
.<img alt="Cherry Filled Vanilla Cupcakes with Wedding Cake Frosting" border="0" height="605" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YhJFbPAh9PM/T_GqjUMNTHI/AAAAAAAAD-A/l17XeIZ92kg/Cherry-Filled-Vanilla-Cupcakes-with-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cherry Filled Vanilla Cupcakes with Wedding Cake Frosting" width="454" /><br />
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To get the multicolored frosting look, save 2 cups of frosting aside and leave it white. Tint 2 cups red and 2 cups blue using gel color. <i>Wilton</i> brand is great and you can pick it up at <i>Hobby Lobby, Michael’s</i> or another store with a cake decorating section.</div>
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Grab a gallon-sized zip-top bag – cut about a quarter inch off the corner and drop a 1M decorating tip (with a large star-like opening) into the open corner of the bag.</div>
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Fill the bag about halfway with about 1/4 cup each of red, white and blue frosting. </div>
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Pipe a generous peak onto each cupcake and decorate with edible glitter, candies or picks. I made my picks using a star punch and some scrapbook papers. Each pick takes 3 stars – 2 of red paper and 1 of blue paper. Trim the blue star into two pieces and adhere the pieces over the two red stars. Stick your stars back to back with a toothpick between them – be sure they’re both right side up – and adhere with liquid glue . When they’re completely dry stick them in your cupcakes.</div>
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I took about a dozen and a half of these to fellowship lunch at church and I was surprised that they didn’t go as fast as some of the other obviously “store bought” cookies and such. I was later told that they looked like they’d come from the store also and so they were passed over – our local China-Mart makes HORRIBLE cakes and cupcakes. But the word got out and there were none left over!</div>
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<img alt="Patriotic Cherry Filled Cupcake & Jacob" border="0" height="598" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hcJt0qkfcrE/T_GqkNMKQnI/AAAAAAAAD-I/Q9P2i0nPBYc/Patriotic%252520Cherry%252520Filled%252520Cupcake%252520%252526%252520Jacob%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Patriotic Cherry Filled Cupcake & Jacob" width="450" /></div>
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These are really yummy and moist, and the cherry inside is a nice surprise (if you like cherry…) Your kids will LOVE them and they’re easy enough for the kids to help make without stressing out momma too much.</div>
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Party like the Washingtons and whip up a batch for yourself. They’re so simple you could even make them at the last minute. <img alt="Fourth of July Cupcakes" border="0" height="464" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sHOakDqFQsk/T_Gqkw844bI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/oh42-AN0kWk/Fourth-of-July-Cupcakes3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fourth of July Cupcakes" width="464" /></div>
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<span style="color: #c0253d; font-family: SandyTextHmkBold; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Fourth of July!</b></span></div>
I’m linking to:<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-89733104047168203612012-07-01T06:48:00.000-05:002012-07-08T10:37:35.895-05:00How to Straighten Out Your Teenager (& Maybe Even Your Husband)<div align="justify">
If you hang around here enough you’ll find out way more than you want to know about me and my family. Today’s secret reveal is that in my past life I was a dental hygienist. Yes – the dreaded “cleaning lady” in your dentist’s office.<br />
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When we moved to Texas, nearly eight years ago now, I went on a bit of a sabbatical -- the dental hygiene took a back-seat to the child rearing and homeschooling. However, I still have some very strong opinions and I’m perfectly willing to share them.<br />
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Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an <i>Invisalign Straight Talk Luncheon</i>. <a href="http://www.bracelandusa.com/" target="_blank">Dr. “Bud” Luecke</a> is an orthodontist from San Antonio who <a href="http://www.braceland.com/" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="Dr Luecke at Invisalign Straight Talk" border="0" height="299" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qSOErR0iilE/T_A-5-PPa7I/AAAAAAAAD9I/qcTNeBlpsak/Dr%252520Luecke%252520at%252520Invisalign%252520Straight%252520Talk%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 10px 10px 10px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Dr Luecke at Invisalign Straight Talk" width="257" /></a>spoke about <i><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/" target="_blank">Invisalign</a></i> to a room full of moms and bloggers. He uses <i><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/" target="_blank">Invisalign</a></i> and <a href="http://www.invisalignteen.com/" target="_blank"><i>Invisalign Teen</i></a> in his practice, <i><a href="http://www.bracelandusa.com/" target="_blank">Braceland</a>.</i> Don’t you love that name? If you look closely, you can see Elvis in all of his white-pant-suited glory on Dr. Bud’s shirt. His practice sounds like a fun place to me. I caught this photo of him and a current patient, Nick, with my camera/phone. He’s demonstrating the “nose whistle”. I even “won” a nose whistle myself during the question and answer portion of the presentation. (Don’t tell anyone… I put it away for a Christmas stocking stuffer…)<br />
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<a href="http://www.bracelandusa.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Luecke</a> gave us a great deal of information about <i><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/" target="_blank">Invisalign</a></i>. Being out of the daily grind of dentistry for the last seven years, I appreciated the reminder of some of the real-life benefits of straight teeth.<br />
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Awhile back I heard the opinion of a conservative father I know. He basically said that braces or orthodontic treatment weren’t necessary – <i>God gave his kids their smiles and they’d do just fine thankyouverymuch.</i><br />
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Well…. okay… but orthodontic treatment isn’t about cosmetic or superficial reasons -- there are a lot of lousy side effects to a messed up bite or “smile”. Number one, in my book as a hygienist is the increased incidence of poor oral hygiene. Which leads to gingivitis. Which leads to gum disease. Which leads to possible complications with low birth weight babies, heart disease, stroke, and a host of other problems. Research has shown that there is an association between periodontal (gum) diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. So, treating inflammation in the mouth may not only help manage periodontal (gum) diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions. <b>This often time starts by simply aligning the teeth so they can be kept clean.</b><br />
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Here’s one tidbit I found fascinating enough to make a topic of research when I was in college; 50-70% of women will have gum inflammation or disease while they are pregnant. Also, you are at greater risk for having a baby prematurely with a low birth weight if you have gum disease while you are pregnant. Seven times greater! That same risk is 1.6 times higher if you smoke cigarettes while pregnant! You KNOW we give smokers a much harder time about smoking while pregnant than we do expectant mothers that aren’t brushing and flossing well enough… And what can make keeping your teeth in top shape easier??? Yup. Straight teeth.<br />
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It’s really NOT all about cosmetics and appearance, but appearance does play a part in how you are perceived. <a href="http://goldprsocialmedia.com/invisalign/smile-survey/infographic_1.1.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> for another interesting study about how others see you and your smile.<script charset="utf-8" src="//www.thinglink.com/jse/embed.js#261256359238959104">
</script><script charset="utf-8" src="//www.thinglink.com/jse/embed.js#239134670468415490">
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<i><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/" target="_blank">Invisalign</a></i> orthodontics uses a series of precision molded, plastic trays to gradually straighten the teeth. The system used to only be used on adults, but recent changes and additions to the system make it a very plausible treatment plan for teens as well. Using <i><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/Invisalign-For-Adults-And-Teens/Pages/Teens.aspx" target="_blank">Invisalign Teen</a></i> they can now accommodate the rapidly changing mouth of a teen. AND you’ll only be visiting the ortho doc about once every 6 weeks!<br />
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Of course, the greatest appeal of the<i> </i><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/" target="_blank"><i>Invisalign</i></a> system is the fact that it’s nearly invisible and you don’t have a mouth full of metal brackets and wires. I love the fact that you can actually remove your<i> <a href="http://www.invisalign.com/" target="_blank">Invisalign</a></i> trays to eat, play musical instruments and sports, and brush and floss! An added bonus: as a hygienist I don’t have all those appliances to work around during your six-month cleaning and check-up!<br />
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The folks at Invisalign are having a sweepstakes right now – they’re giving away $1,500 American Express gift card to put towards an <i><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/" target="_blank">Invisalign</a></i> or<i> </i><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/Invisalign-For-Adults-And-Teens/Pages/Teens.aspx" target="_blank"><i>Invisalign Teen</i></a> treatment. Two runner-up prizes will also be awarded as $150 American Express Gift Cards.Click this link to enter: <a href="http://momitforward.com/invisalign-giveaway-win-invisalign-prize-pack" target="_blank">Invisalign New Smile Sweepstakes</a><br />
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<a href="http://momitforward.com/invisalign-giveaway-win-invisalign-prize-pack" target="_blank"><img alt="Print" border="0" height="204" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fb83Bi_2cis/T_A5cU0jpFI/AAAAAAAAD8w/CqbeGJrffng/IT_300x250_newsletter_graphic_final%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Print" width="244" /></a> </div>
And even if you don’t win the sweepstakes, there’s a nice <a href="http://goldprsocialmedia.com/invisalign/IT_StraightTalk_SATX_coupon_071212.pdf" target="_blank">Coupon for $500 off Invisalign treatment</a> too.<br />
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I hope you’ll look into <i><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/" target="_blank">Invisalign</a></i> as a possible treatment to “straighten out” your kids or even yourself (or your husband…) I need to tell you that this is a sponsored post, but all of the opinions are my own. This is definitely the route we plan to go with our kids orthodontic treatments.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-35068618323191207062012-06-28T01:42:00.002-05:002012-07-02T09:23:17.463-05:00It's Too Darn Hot - A Giveaway<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm in a land of misery. And misery loves company so I'm dragging you along for the ride.</div>
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First of all, I'm very frustrated with myself for not backing up my computer more often. (Read: at all. Ever.). My go-to machine has died - I'm pretty sure it was heat stroke that killed it. There have been a couple of times that I've fallen asleep with it in my lap (not on a hard surface) and even on a board or table it gets pretty hot. And I KNOW better. Thus the frustration. It's looking pretty much like I've lost most of my photos from the last two-plus years and some of my favorite "original" recipes that I've not yet shared via the ol' blog-a-roo. (This is however a plus for publishing some of my favorite recipes here...) We've tried "enclosures" and "expensive recovery software" and the toasted hard-drive just won't give up the goods. (I understand very little of that last part I just typed...)</div>
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Second, my husband has been out of town ALL.week.long. I'm not cut out for single parenting. You might think that as a homeschool mom I can't get enough of my kids and I'd rather be with them than anywhere else. Nope. I need some time away. Daily. Don't get me wrong, I like them well enough, but they want to touch me and lay on me and ask me questions. I need to pass them off to their dad now and then.On the up-side, everyone is going to bed on time if not a little early -- so that I can lay awake in my room in peace all night long, filling the hours with <i>Downton Abbey </i>on Netflix....</div>
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Third, it's hotter than a burnt boot here. We've had at least three consecutive days of temperatures of 112° F and higher.I don't take the heat well, people. Just ask my friends - they'll tell you I get about 60% more cranky and whiny when I'm hot.And my brain stops working. And I want to eat fudgecicles and sit around in my underwear in front of the fan with a wet cloth on my forehead. It's not a good combination, nor is it pretty.</div>
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And finally, I'm in the mood to bake. Isn't that ridiculous? You step outside and your face tightens up like a snare drum and the air turns to dust in your lungs, but I want to light the oven and bake something. Well, that's clearly a bad idea. So instead, I stay up late until it cools to the high 80's outside and then I bake something. Then when it's done (around midnight) I want to eat it! It's a horrible cycle to be stuck in.</div>
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To make myself feel better I've decided to have a little give-away. It makes me feel good to give other people presents. I know you know what I mean. Humor me while I take my mind off the heat for a minute.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ig7rXGV71o/T-v3m_yfSYI/AAAAAAAAD8U/pPl7Yx-AEd8/s1600/3-D+Fireworks+Viewing+Glasses+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ig7rXGV71o/T-v3m_yfSYI/AAAAAAAAD8U/pPl7Yx-AEd8/s320/3-D+Fireworks+Viewing+Glasses+Giveaway.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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I finally went out and got some patriotic fillers for my apothecary jars (AKA over-sized candy dishes...) and while I was hunting around for blue candies (those are pretty hard to find, just so you know) I came across these nifty <i>fireworks 3-D viewing "glasses"</i>. They make little prismatic rainbows out of all kinds of light sources. I bet they'll even be fun for viewing Christmas lights when it finally cools off around here in another six months!</div>
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I picked some up for our family and yours. </div>
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I will send 4 pairs (<i>why are they pairs of glasses when you only put one on your face?</i>) of these clever <i>3-D fireworks viewing glasses</i> to one lucky winner.Look how much fun Jacob is having just wearing them without any fireworks around! Your kids will love these.</div>
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<li>To be entered, just leave a comment on this post telling me what you plan to do for Independence Day next week.</li>
<li>I'll give you a second entry for sharing the giveaway someplace else - leave a second comment telling where you shared (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, at the drive-thru at Dairy Queen...)</li>
<li>Be sure there's a way for me to contact you! If you haven't completed your profile you might need to leave your email address in your comment - but make it all words -- you know... You <i>AT</i> someplace <i>DOT COM</i> so the spammers and scammers can't find you as easily. </li>
<li>This giveaway is open to addresses in the USA only -- besides, I'm sure they don't have fireworks anywhere else in the worlds. They're uniquely American, right? Only <i>made </i>in China.</li>
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I'll draw for one winner at <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>8 PM, Friday, June 29</b></u></span>. That just gives you two days... hurry up now!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Edited to add:</b></span></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>The winner, according to www.randomnumbergenerator.com (sorry... I can't figure out how to cut and paste with their new format...) is comment number 3 - Lisa! We'll be sure you have your 3-D Fireworks glasses in time for the Fourth of July!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Giveaway Day" height="320" src="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Giveaway-Day-Button-copy.png" width="320" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-1819781687119566942012-06-22T12:14:00.000-05:002013-09-12T16:08:49.564-05:00Lemony Snippets–A Series of Fortunate Cupcakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’m not sure why, but I’ve had a real hankering for lemon lately. It probably has something to do with the official start of summer, but then again, it might just be the influence of the recipe books I’ve been perusing lately.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3G18_t_om1c/T-SobFYZ5ZI/AAAAAAAAD6A/kTRSNwqRoN4/s1600-h/Lemon%252520Curd%252520Cupcakes%252520with%252520Lemon%252520Buttercream%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Lemon Curd Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream" border="0" height="610" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hWjROMlkZn4/T-Sob8vM1xI/AAAAAAAAD6I/KT4B1OQtehg/Lemon%252520Curd%252520Cupcakes%252520with%252520Lemon%252520Buttercream_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lemon Curd Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream" width="450" /></a></div>
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We needed a portable cake for <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/06/birthday-party-to-go.html" target="_blank">my daughter’s 10th birthday</a>, so the obvious go-to was cupcakes. The hiccup was in the fact that she wanted lemon meringue pie. The solution was lemon meringue cupcakes.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q-4_N__Jbdk/T-SocuaqwCI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/5HPA2jHzDek/s1600-h/DSCN5089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5089" border="0" height="609" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8MlvY2Y5TSs/T-SodQatgSI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/-Im-C-uuhHQ/DSCN5089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5089" width="458" /></a></div>
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My twelve-year-old son actually baked these and I topped them with the meringue. We decided to cut the calories a bit and use vanilla yogurt rather than oil in the cupcakes. The flavor was good, the texture was heavy and moist, but they didn’t rise quite as high and did stick to the papers a bit. I’ve read than you can spray the papers with oil, but I haven’t tried it.<br />
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The meringue was piped on while the completely cooled little cakes were still in the pan and then set and browned in the oven for about 10 minutes. I gave them a little extra browning with my kitchen torch. It’s a little harder to get them into the plastic cup without messing them up so I called “do-over”<br />
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The ingredients were basically the same for our second batch of lemon cupcakes.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gdbhY22OQ-U/T-SoeOy_cmI/AAAAAAAAD6g/0rNDYGlV0Ok/s1600-h/Lemon%252520Cupcakes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Lemon Cupcakes" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fyxAbsHseuw/T-SoezeGsRI/AAAAAAAAD6o/IB9qQXX10EY/Lemon%252520Cupcakes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lemon Cupcakes" width="458" /></a></div>
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For extra tang and zip, my helper and I replaced half of the water with lemon juice – that’s 2/3 cup on this standard mix from Duncan Hines (my preferred cake mix). This time we used vegetable oil in the cakes rather than the yogurt, got a fluffier cupcake and a clean peel from the papers.</div>
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Try to keep yourself from being distracted by my hip and stylish faux butcher block countertops. I know you’re jealous – try to rein it in.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JsE3st-_6D8/T-SofjtASWI/AAAAAAAAD6w/QUYsNn7ZjS8/s1600-h/Kitchen%252520Helper%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Kitchen Helper" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jDYqiz__7_A/T-SogP5ssZI/AAAAAAAAD64/-XgTJ2NHRcg/Kitchen%252520Helper_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Kitchen Helper" width="458" /></a></div>
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To take the lemoniness (<i>not sure if that was a word before, but it is now…</i>) over the top, we filled our cupcakes with lemon curd. You can make your own or use a store bought variety. Remove the lid and microwave the jar about 15-20 seconds. Stir well and fill a quart size zip top bag with the lemon curd. I like a freezer bag since they’re more sturdy. Snip off about a quarter inch from the corner of the bag so you can easily fill your cupcakes. (I made the hole in my cooled cupcakes with the handle of a big wooden spoon.)<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F51DoQfzqCs/T-SogxSbPSI/AAAAAAAAD7A/PBEMya9ATW8/s1600-h/Lemon%252520Curd%252520filled%252520Cupcakes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Lemon Curd filled Cupcakes" border="0" height="609" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z135ug7Zdgw/T-SohfIkg9I/AAAAAAAAD7I/InDDaI_rzfo/Lemon%252520Curd%252520filled%252520Cupcakes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lemon Curd filled Cupcakes" width="458" /></a></div>
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Overfill them just slightly and then spread the lemon curd over the top of the cupcake before you ice it.</div>
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This batch got iced with a Lemon Buttercream.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BhSFscTijkw/T-SoighQ82I/AAAAAAAAD7Q/k5yX3woLuuU/s1600-h/Lemon%252520Buttercream%252520Icing%252520Recipe%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Lemon Buttercream Icing Recipe" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TQeiXp7ft0M/T-SojZrzS2I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/npfbexjM8is/Lemon%252520Buttercream%252520Icing%252520Recipe_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lemon Buttercream Icing Recipe" width="458" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Lemon Buttercream Icing</span></b></div>
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1 Cup butter, softened</div>
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1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
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3 Tablespoons lemon juice</div>
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1 teaspoon lemon oil or lemon extract</div>
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2-4 drops yellow food color</div>
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32 ounces powdered sugar</div>
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1/4 Cup whipping cream</div>
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Beat first 5 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternately with cream, beating at low speed until blended after each addition. Beat at high speed 2 minutes or until creamy.</div>
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If you’re going to be hauling these around and want to wrap them in a 9 ounce cup in a treat bag put them IN the cup before you pipe the icing on top. This will assure you don’t smear up the icing.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cI9CbHRcLks/T-SokHH9sqI/AAAAAAAAD7g/B3n-TfzEHho/s1600-h/Monopoly%252520Themed%252520Cupcakes%252520To%252520Go%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Monopoly Themed Cupcakes To Go" border="0" height="609" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lYtn6H7USoo/T-SokkrVqsI/AAAAAAAAD7o/ihQjLyMQlg4/Monopoly%252520Themed%252520Cupcakes%252520To%252520Go_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Monopoly Themed Cupcakes To Go" width="458" /></a></div>
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In case you’re wondering, these cupcakes are topped with Monopoly game pieces. We took the opportunity to share them with <a href="http://thepenningtonpoint.com/2012/06/tuesday-catch-up/" target="_blank">a friend’s family</a> that was having a “Monopoly themed day” at their house. I was therefore able to prevent them from becoming my breakfast and eventual chair padding.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4BHqNBm0akE/T-Solp_DuTI/AAAAAAAAD7w/cEAtbHkhgNE/s1600-h/Lemon%252520Curd%252520Filled%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Lemon%252520Buttercream%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Lemon Curd Filled Cupcake with Lemon Buttercream" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FS9Ovz7mRjk/T-Sol4EfSkI/AAAAAAAAD74/EPDBDz5O12s/Lemon%252520Curd%252520Filled%252520Cupcake%252520with%252520Lemon%252520Buttercream_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Lemon Curd Filled Cupcake with Lemon Buttercream" width="458" /></a></div>
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Overall, I think I liked the meringue topping better. The lemon buttercream is very sweet bordering on too sweet, but it did look prettier. And, sadly, sometimes that is what matters.<br />
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Brace yourselves -- I’ve been baking a lot lately. I’ve got at least three more summer recipes in the line-up for you. Start your exercise programs now…</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-32181435252881887052012-06-15T10:16:00.000-05:002012-07-02T09:24:07.703-05:00Birthday Party to Go<div align="justify">
Long ago, when we added a second child to our quiver, we set some ground rules for upcoming birthday parties. You know, the parties with all the hoopla – invitations, friends, goody bags, piñatas, games etc. Every birthday would be celebrated with immediate family and grandparents when possible (thankfully, we all live within five miles of each other), but there would be precious few hoopla birthdays. Specifically, they would be birthdays number 1, 5, 10, 13, and the rest were up for discussion. </div>
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I’m proud to say we’ve nearly stuck right with that schedule, except for Jacob that didn’t know anyone when we moved right before his 5th birthday so we saved the hoopla for birthday number 6. That was an awesome birthday party, by the way, but it happened months before I started blogging… sorry. He’s been a year off kilter since. Remember his <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2011/01/half-score-one-lego-my-birthday-part-1.html" target="_blank">Lego party for his 11th?</a></div>
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So my baby girl turned 10 this month. I could spend the next three paragraphs lamenting the fact that my baby is 10, but I’ll spare you. You’re welcome.</div>
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Anyhow, age 10, the first of the “oh” birthdays, as in “the Big one-oh“, entry into the double digits, is one of those special years. It was time for a hoopla party.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YZhtGbHaN6c/T9v8-7sCnjI/AAAAAAAAD1s/A1E6hucGUpE/s1600-h/Double%252520Digit%252520Birthday%252520Girl%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Double Digit Birthday Girl" border="0" height="345" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S07cx5p8ADA/T9v8_jZHYxI/AAAAAAAAD10/lTSHDTeiqZw/Double%252520Digit%252520Birthday%252520Girl_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Double Digit Birthday Girl" width="458" /></a></div>
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But I just couldn’t gear myself up for it. I wanted to, really I did, but I didn’t have the energy or even desire to pull off a hoopla party. Not to mention the money. </div>
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So we came up with a new plan. We would become “those” parents and host the party in a party room at a pizza place. Not just ANY pizza place, mind you, but the <a href="http://www.incrediblepizza.com/" target="_blank">Incredible Pizza Company</a>. It’s an experience in and of itself. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JBmSMqrV3uU/T9v9A1TgxfI/AAAAAAAAD18/RWEq4TnQ3oA/s1600-h/BFF%252527s%252520for%252520a%252520birthday%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BFF's for a birthday" border="0" height="277" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0EcjYoVCuPE/T9v9BWN9mCI/AAAAAAAAD2E/TLwrL-96Ydo/BFF%252527s%252520for%252520a%252520birthday_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BFF's for a birthday" width="458" /></a></div>
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We added just two friends to the guest list (as a surprise) and the formula for a perfect party was nearly complete. All that was left were goody bags and cake – the pizza place was taking care of all the other entertainment and food. Shoot, I wasn’t even breaking a sweat yet!</div>
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The goody bags were simple, pink, paper lunch sacks, folded over, punched and tied with contrasting ribbon. Inside were a few inexpensive girly items. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5b9q2aPakUw/T9wN18ikqSI/AAAAAAAAD4s/iM694e5oMgA/s1600-h/Simple%252520Birthday%252520Goody%252520Bag%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Simple Birthday Goody Bag" border="0" height="609" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xyKgvRGMrnw/T9wN2cCrd7I/AAAAAAAAD40/MROkn3GLSpo/Simple%252520Birthday%252520Goody%252520Bag_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Simple Birthday Goody Bag" width="458" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-goRT_iOLvwU/T9v9Cd8dGPI/AAAAAAAAD2M/4OEJoumTQRM/s1600-h/Ready%252520to%252520Party%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Ready to Party" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B2ZPulaLZnI/T9v9C1wj69I/AAAAAAAAD2U/fSBgLQdgXp8/Ready%252520to%252520Party_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Ready to Party" width="458" /></a></div>
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The cupcakes were probably my favorite part of the party – easily portable, delicious and cute as can be! The packaging was inspired by a <a href="http://lisastorms.typepad.com/lisa-storms/2011/11/packaging-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Pinterest find</a>. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IyXF-DwtfEQ/T9v9DpoM3vI/AAAAAAAAD2c/wcYELNyKIBM/s1600-h/Portable%252520Cupcakes%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Portable Cupcakes 2" border="0" height="277" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M2N1RBXyEfs/T9v9EGO0V9I/AAAAAAAAD2k/FOK_4y7XQkQ/Portable%252520Cupcakes%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Portable Cupcakes 2" width="458" /></a>Just a 9 ounce punch cup dropped in a “treat” bag (<i>near the cake decorating supplies at China-Mart</i>) and tied with ribbon and a spoon. The tag is from my QuicKutz stamped with a birthday message. I’ll share my recipe for Lemon Meringue Cupcakes in a day or two. They were pretty good and easier than pie.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YqAlTkIKhZc/T9v9E4zMlEI/AAAAAAAAD2s/spvsR3cpHGg/s1600-h/Portable%252520Cupcakes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Portable Cupcakes" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Af2ZNuW1f_s/T9v9FpLKI8I/AAAAAAAAD20/R2W32_ubmcA/Portable%252520Cupcakes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Portable Cupcakes" width="458" /></a></div>
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In my overachieving, party planner’s mind I wasn’t doing enough. I was lacking that spark that would knock this one out of the park and qualify it for hoopla status. I achieved it with just $5.50 more. $1 for the car window paint pen and $4.50 for the bag of balloons. (Plus what it cost me to have my boys pre-wash my van…) I don’t count the cost of 6 feet of curling ribbon hanging from the antennae. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w_mLTkGX7u4/T9v9GyGZqmI/AAAAAAAAD28/gqZWGy8GW48/s1600-h/Traveling%252520Party%252520Van%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Traveling Party Van" border="0" height="257" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LtEyQ84QeWU/T9v9HrbYDCI/AAAAAAAAD3E/o2RPX82gx7E/Traveling%252520Party%252520Van_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Traveling Party Van" width="458" /></a></div>
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Balloons falling out of the car when she opened the door and that almost-a-limo-ride feeling of a painted up party wagon made this portable birthday a winner.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WFD10Hy3hEg/T9v9ISVMSmI/AAAAAAAAD3M/k4Q-9DY3fts/s1600-h/Van%252520Load%252520of%252520Balloons%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Van Load of Balloons" border="0" height="738" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C-vNGOoSHSY/T9v9JKPIAyI/AAAAAAAAD3U/ei29pO2YpjY/Van%252520Load%252520of%252520Balloons_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Van Load of Balloons" width="446" /></a></div>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S2CirC212tQ/T9v9JsMpFHI/AAAAAAAAD3c/cXdiQysJleU/s1600-h/Portable%252520Party%252520Wagon%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Portable Party Wagon" border="0" height="743" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KHlMifP6MAk/T9v9KX7_9gI/AAAAAAAAD3k/fUZUhpQyZnk/Portable%252520Party%252520Wagon_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Portable Party Wagon" width="449" /></a><br />
There was no question about it – all over town and on the highway – we were having a party!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VWrGcjCWQUw/T9v9L1ikr5I/AAAAAAAAD3s/AUKv3eMHFLk/s1600-h/Surprise%252520Guests%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Surprise Guests" border="0" height="310" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VU9mawVEq3I/T9v9MmM_MoI/AAAAAAAAD30/AP9HS47BiSc/Surprise%252520Guests_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Surprise Guests" width="458" /></a><br />
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I will confess to you now that this wasn’t one of my budget-friendly parties, but it could have been. What took it over the top was meeting the minimum number of guests at the pizza place, even with the bare bones party package. If I did it over, I’d just take the three girls to the pizza place, leave the brothers and grandparents at home and forego the party room. But they did have a great time and couldn’t stop smiling and talking about it.</div>
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And that gets the hoopla stamp of approval.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9rTXDB8KOQs/T9v9N8o4LiI/AAAAAAAAD38/WZChIWZQaG0/s1600-h/Bumper%252520Cars%252520at%252520Incredible%252520Pizza%252520Company%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Bumper Cars at Incredible Pizza Company" border="0" height="277" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--iPrslfbs_o/T9v9Ou4_XgI/AAAAAAAAD4E/lViVwip6-B8/Bumper%252520Cars%252520at%252520Incredible%252520Pizza%252520Company_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bumper Cars at Incredible Pizza Company" width="458" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IST3eEd3Y3E/T9v9PaXdvJI/AAAAAAAAD4M/SvOD_NWnCmE/s1600-h/Incredible%252520Pizza%252520Company%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Incredible Pizza Company" border="0" height="718" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p7hAlzhOQws/T9v9QD8t5AI/AAAAAAAAD4U/Pa46w0WY1kk/Incredible%252520Pizza%252520Company_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Incredible Pizza Company" width="455" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-23981087000402615562012-06-11T08:59:00.001-05:002012-06-11T09:34:14.605-05:00Party in Heaven!<p align="justify">I’m having a hard time setting aside time for blogging lately, but I couldn’t let this occasion pass without throwing some cyber confetti and releasing some balloons.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YTM07PTdOR8/T9X5lPY4w8I/AAAAAAAAD0g/tmVUqP_98sE/s1600-h/2012-06-09%25252019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2012-06-09 19" border="0" alt="2012-06-09 19" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-levRzsJhtz0/T9X5lw3uUOI/AAAAAAAAD0o/a4TE8LWPlxU/2012-06-09%25252019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a></p> <p align="justify">Our daughter made a commitment to follow Jesus over the weekend.</p> <p align="justify">She’s been studying and looking forward to this step for a little more than a year now and she finally got to step into the water for baptism.</p> <p align="justify">Some of our church family members were able to join us in the Texas heat to celebrate at the end of the sabbath as the sun was sinking in the west.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j355xwTdedY/T9X5mvX3xCI/AAAAAAAAD0w/d8GcYl-7Pok/s1600-h/In%252520the%252520water%252520rays%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="In the water rays" border="0" alt="In the water rays" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TyZMCEKLo3k/T9X5nVmsFoI/AAAAAAAAD04/ePtoIlb8M44/In%252520the%252520water%252520rays_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="458"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Ywe518_ehg/T9X5nx6jYcI/AAAAAAAAD1A/kkh_3LQ7AE0/s1600-h/Sin%252520buried%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sin buried" border="0" alt="Sin buried" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y88PQ8qTc7s/T9X5orU5suI/AAAAAAAAD1I/Y91jej9AQdg/Sin%252520buried_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a></p> <p align="justify">We’re rejoicing with Heaven over her decision! </p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"> “Happy are they who come to Christ in their youth and commit their entire life to Christ rather than offer the remnants of the wasted years.” <font size="1">SDA Bible Commentary Vol 6, pg 1001</font></p></blockquote> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nxPa7R8Ytis/T9X5pWSVmDI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/lgtvSsOimU8/s1600-h/20120609_193608%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20120609_193608" border="0" alt="20120609_193608" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kIzcanvtWfg/T9X5qMqZWPI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/EWolUlsUenY/20120609_193608_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="610"></a></p> <p align="justify">She’s not perfect and has a lot more growing to do, as do her parents, but we’re proud of her and her desire to be her best for the Lord.</p> <p align="justify">Thank you, <a href="http://www.pshelovesyou.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dawn</a>, for some of these great photos.</p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-90253314168227062832012-05-24T22:28:00.000-05:002012-06-02T02:55:50.635-05:00Recovery Mode<p>Just how long does it take to bounce back after spending a week in a foreign environment? </p> <p>A day or two?</p> <p>What if you have 30 fresh flower Mother’s Day corsages to have ready a week later?<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UtMTq7a5CRM/T8nGwz2yb8I/AAAAAAAADxE/ZQlkqdBYpuM/s1600-h/Corsages-for-Mothers-Day3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Corsages for Mother's Day" border="0" alt="Corsages for Mother's Day" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g0zhgtpqy-U/T8nGxaSnz-I/AAAAAAAADxM/OXzcyHiykEY/Corsages-for-Mothers-Day_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a></p> <p align="justify">Two weeks? Three? </p> <p align="justify">Seems about sufficient to me. I’d say I’m almost there. Almost.</p> <p align="justify">I did finally empty the last bits from my suitcase a few days ago – the hotel shampoo, the leftover brochures and the bags of airline peanuts.</p> <p align="justify">It’s difficult to know where to begin telling you about this most amazing trip. I can say that the little airplane job my babies’ daddy did (which presented the opportunity to make the trip) was called an “Annual Inspection”. Well, boys and girls, that right there tells me I could be going again! I’m still formulating the plan to convince him that he can afford to take me again.</p> <p align="justify">It is an expensive trip for sure, but we did find several ways to save some bucks. You just have to know when to book your flight, where to book your hotel, and where to buy your Band-Aids. </p> <p align="justify">Yes, my friends, I fell in New York City. No less than four times in the first three days.</p> <p align="justify">First I fell here:<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZVSQpvwcB2g/T8nGyL3ZQqI/AAAAAAAADxU/fERcXSOy5kI/s1600-h/On%252520the%252520Bus%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="On the Bus" border="0" alt="On the Bus" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZnQGlcbBAxY/T8nGzJ6AuaI/AAAAAAAADxc/oJU7na3Z-lQ/On%252520the%252520Bus_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a></p> <p align="justify">On the bus. It wasn’t quite this crowded when I fell – I had a little room to lurch into a man’s lap when the bus driver pulled away from the curb. I’m convinced they do this on purpose to people they’re picking up at the airport – just to get them acclimated quickly to how a city bus works.</p> <p align="justify">Next (also the first day) I fell here:<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WuPnFQbqZtQ/T8nGzox_ggI/AAAAAAAADxk/vLazjx2AK9c/s1600-h/On%252520the%252520Subway%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="On the Subway" border="0" alt="On the Subway" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dNJCOq0ALe4/T8nG0K3fKXI/AAAAAAAADxs/uGX-7VS4v2w/On%252520the%252520Subway_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a></p> <p align="justify">On the subway. In fairness, the subway operator didn’t know when to lurch the train purposely to make me fall (unless there’s a hidden camera somewhere, which there very well may be…) Thankfully, this time I didn’t fall completely, and this time it was into my husband’s arms (or more accurately, clawing into his chest with my fingernails for balance.</p> <p align="justify">It only took once. After that I was able to keep my balance on crowded, moving, subway cars.</p> <p align="justify">The third time, (second day) was here:<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-muYVbCZCx_Y/T8nG1H0KWPI/AAAAAAAADx0/P8Jte_xNyHc/s1600-h/Atlantic%252520Beach%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Atlantic Beach" border="0" alt="Atlantic Beach" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HesYtVPhP-Y/T8nG1v3s-aI/AAAAAAAADx8/03Vr66pMOno/Atlantic%252520Beach_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p align="justify">Atlantic Beach. More precisely, on the boardwalk (marked “residents only”).</p> <p align="justify">This time I went all.the.way down… That’s a lotta woman on the ground people. Not pretty. Thankfully, it was Sabbath afternoon, cold and windy, and we were in a very Jewish part of town. It was deathly quiet – and we didn’t see anyone else, or more importantly, they didn’t see us. It’s tough to walk without your knees touching the inside of your long, denim skirt and I’m sure amusing to watch.</p> <p align="justify">Next <strike>we</strike> I hobbled off to find some Bactine and the first box of bandages. I can tell you, even the Band-Aids cost more in New York.</p> <p>And the final time I fell was here:<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LDKGHsQWypc/T8nG2UXZE7I/AAAAAAAADyE/uO6BZjaepL8/s1600-h/Trippin%252527%252520in%252520Times%252520Square%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Trippin' in Times Square" border="0" alt="Trippin' in Times Square" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NwgcaMvxX2U/T8nG223isTI/AAAAAAAADyM/xvAmaiaJxac/Trippin%252527%252520in%252520Times%252520Square_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a></p> <p align="justify">Time’s Square. Not this exact spot, but in a crosswalk in Time's Square. I would have been beyond mortified to trip in front of fanny-pack-wearing Spider Man. Instead I went stumbling, both hands in front of me, pressing down hard on the rolling carry-on suitcase of the fabulous flight attendant that was our temporary guide. His suitcase was the only thing that kept me from kissing asphalt! He had seen our confused faces studying the map in the subway (currently experiencing renovation and construction updates) and offered to help us navigate our way from our stop to the Port Authority. He even apologized for tripping me which saved me from having to admit that it was a faulty step on a manhole cover that sent me flailing.</p> <p align="justify">I was willing to bet that I was going to fall here:<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YmC9IQY2ioQ/T8nG3ge4dXI/AAAAAAAADyU/O4xRZNorlSs/s1600-h/Subway%252520Stairs%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Subway Stairs" border="0" alt="Subway Stairs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DF-AZmyYCyk/T8nG4rEP3yI/AAAAAAAADyc/rIHSAsGmmTM/Subway%252520Stairs_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a></p> <p align="justify">Every day. Several times a day. In fact, the stairs we’re the biggest surprise for me. I hadn’t thought about the fact that I would have to hike up and down three stories worth of stairs each time I entered or exited a subway station. </p> <p align="justify">Must we talk about the handrails? I don’t want to think about it… because with the failing knees of an ample woman not holding the handrails in the subway wasn’t an option. I had my hand sanitizer and I used it often.</p> <p align="justify">I could go on and on about our trip, it was really wonderful and I can’t wait to do it again, but instead I’ll just share some anecdotes and a very small portion of the photos I took – some I played with on <a href="http://www.ipiccy.com">www.ipiccy.com</a> or <a href="http://www.instagram.com">www.instagram.com</a>, especially those that are more familiar and have been taken so many times by so many others.</p> <p align="justify">To share all my favorites, it will probably take a several days, so if this idea bores you wait to check back until later next week.</p> <p align="justify">Here are a few more that don’t need a lot of explanation…<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--hbjmxk-t0o/T8nG5NfIebI/AAAAAAAADyk/G9tzdxL2VZM/s1600-h/Liberty%252520BW%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Liberty BW" border="0" alt="Liberty BW" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sDjHNT1lNUs/T8nG5rMFHNI/AAAAAAAADys/l9DrcHX09uY/Liberty%252520BW_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="458"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_DZLFQRD2io/T8nG6NNKQFI/AAAAAAAADy0/LbYWUAqzKck/s1600-h/IMG_20120429_121212%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_20120429_121212" border="0" alt="IMG_20120429_121212" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RiHCzMCKFnI/T8nG68OuOEI/AAAAAAAADy8/tCrtBzndIo0/IMG_20120429_121212_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="458"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LIjvR0NWKyY/T8nG7Xbw01I/AAAAAAAADzE/3IDoqAgh01E/s1600-h/20120429_120556%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20120429_120556" border="0" alt="20120429_120556" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rkIaC97VgSw/T8nG8PYmXII/AAAAAAAADzM/7VaMXLQBwkg/20120429_120556_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a></p> <p align="justify">Seeing Liberty was probably the highlight of the trip for me. Unfortunately, she’s closed for renovation right now, so we were only able to walk around the outside. Next trip I plan to go inside and maybe even climb the hundred and fifty-some steps to the top of her crown.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rjpk3zT47YE/T8nG81-wTtI/AAAAAAAADzU/KSjL2rP4o5I/s1600-h/Liberty%252520Gold%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Liberty Gold" border="0" alt="Liberty Gold" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EKnIQvtN6kY/T8nG9pnVbqI/AAAAAAAADzc/iiBtXBpj3lw/Liberty%252520Gold_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="606"></a></p> <p align="justify">The first day we planned to go out to Liberty Island it was very sunny and beautiful, but the security line to board the ferry was at least 2 hours long. So instead we took a sightseeing cruise around midtown Manhattan from the Hudson to the East River and back and got a few (dozen) photos then. </p> <p align="justify">On the day we finally went out, it was quite gloomy, chilly and just a little rainy – but there was nobody waiting in line and we sailed through security and right onto the boat to the island.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SPdDCt7WkGY/T8nG-AKpJ8I/AAAAAAAADzk/abX8Gwn_fbA/s1600-h/The%252520Back%252520of%252520Liberty%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="The Back of Liberty" border="0" alt="The Back of Liberty" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gvhCqQQzEIU/T8nG-pgscEI/AAAAAAAADzs/ATxM-IPfevQ/The%252520Back%252520of%252520Liberty_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="610"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IfXXa9uQ2TI/T8nG_aOpSzI/AAAAAAAADz0/KL-cNfY-7uA/s1600-h/DSCN4842%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN4842" border="0" alt="DSCN4842" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qUqwD2beoUQ/T8nHAH_WuBI/AAAAAAAADz8/_tGqswxxr9M/DSCN4842_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4E1oKAKqCRA/T8nHA-p-0RI/AAAAAAAAD0E/fLSDtQ3myqs/s1600-h/DSCN4846%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN4846" border="0" alt="DSCN4846" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EDJIu4Ppv_E/T8nHBWXhUOI/AAAAAAAAD0M/Mhlnr1PH6lM/DSCN4846_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p align="justify">Hope you brought popcorn… I’ve got a lot more photos to share in the next few days. </p> <p align="justify">And in case you’re wondering, I’m still walking around saying, <em>“wow…that was such a great trip” </em>and making my list of “to do’s” for the next one.</p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-71799240519685869232012-04-22T09:51:00.001-05:002012-04-22T09:57:59.267-05:00New York State of Mind<p align="justify">In a mere five days I’ll be on my first trip ever to New York City. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4-MOIGRUY3U/T5Qaxn7L9lI/AAAAAAAADvg/bHhV0Ok8CDk/s1600-h/evening-view-of-manhattan-bridge%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="evening-view-of-manhattan-bridge" border="0" alt="evening-view-of-manhattan-bridge" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yfLA7sikQ_c/T5QayZROr6I/AAAAAAAADvo/jdBPoznpIl4/evening-view-of-manhattan-bridge_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="284"></a></p> <p align="justify">I’ve wanted to visit New York for as long as I can remember,at least since 1982 when I belted out that the <em>“sun’ll come out tomorrow”</em> with every other girl my age. But I doubted that I’d ever get the opportunity. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E1ot50VuOB4/T5QazGW-zNI/AAAAAAAADvw/-A0DreLxfFU/s1600-h/Annie%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Annie" border="0" alt="Annie" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r0Y8yAoV99A/T5Qaz0PGm6I/AAAAAAAADv4/p0Hczj_ZOUo/Annie_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="329"></a></p> <p align="justify">Well, the opportunity presented itself when my babies’ daddy took on a “little” job on Long Island for next week. And it was <em>his</em> brilliant idea for me to join him at the end of the week and for us to spend the following week together in the City. A second honeymoon of sorts.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4rg0GV-YPgk/T5Qa1O1sqYI/AAAAAAAADwA/J-9fFVnwUus/s1600-h/broadway-at-times-square%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="broadway-at-times-square" border="0" alt="broadway-at-times-square" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_aNfTVL4SfE/T5Qa1xwbeXI/AAAAAAAADwI/4JTkLhJZ_rk/broadway-at-times-square_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p align="justify">Yup. I’m going to New York in the springtime. </p> <p align="justify">I’m beyond excited and I’ve been planning the trip for about six weeks now. I’ve got no less than three guide books including <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=New+York+City+for+Dummies" target="_blank">New York City for Dummies</a></em>. I’m doing my film research as well – watching every <em>Ken Burn’s Documentary</em> I can find on Netflix (<em>I could lead the tour group at the Brooklyn Bridge and inside Lady Liberty</em>) and other landmark films about the City including such classics as <em>Home Alone 2 – Lost in New York</em>, <em>The Muppets Take Manhattan, Enchanted</em> and <em>You’ve Got Mail</em>, (which features a wonderful interactive map of the Upper West Side in the special features).<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eHOIap5gxVo/T5Qa2mP2PMI/AAAAAAAADwQ/svZIIoBMYjM/s1600-h/You%252527ve%252520Got%252520Mail%25255B40%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="You've Got Mail" border="0" alt="You've Got Mail" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ULCTKw6d1zQ/T5Qa3kTxlPI/AAAAAAAADwY/rb2RA4hLTN4/You%252527ve%252520Got%252520Mail_thumb%25255B38%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="305"></a></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">I’m preparing my wardrobe, trying to pick pieces that pack well, are versatile and won’t make my conservative self stand out too much. I’ve even considered spray painting the soles of my shoes <a href="http://us.christianlouboutin.com/shoes-1/pumps.html" target="_blank">Louboutin</a> red to blend in with the fashion forward citizens. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8oTOE9ahc4g/T5Qa4YAsqvI/AAAAAAAADwg/OTpe_Ozdoe0/s1600-h/NY%252520Fashion%252520Week%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="NY Fashion Week" border="0" alt="NY Fashion Week" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--_pWzaa-5D8/T5Qa5e1gzSI/AAAAAAAADwo/cCkPrXI4O10/NY%252520Fashion%252520Week_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="345"></a></p> <p align="justify">I’m memorizing the boroughs and bus lines (“<em>the Bronx is up and the Battery’s down…”</em>) pouring over the subway maps, <em>(“the people ride in a hole in the ground…”</em>) and rules for cab fares. I’m learning the language, <em>(“fuh-get-abou-did”, “gid-ow-duh-he-uh”), </em>finding out where <em>Saks Fifth Avenue</em> and <em>Barneys</em> are located, (where I could pick up a cute little pair of <em>Manolo Blahnik</em> sandals for just a couple hundred dollars more than our hotel room cost for a week,) locating the City’s best bagel, pizza and kosher deli, and generally annoying everyone within ear shot.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4OlTE6Lbbag/T5Qa6oaUhWI/AAAAAAAADww/EAFXllgEOuE/s1600-h/Statue_of_Liberty2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Statue_of_Liberty2" border="0" alt="Statue_of_Liberty2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XNwMclJKzj4/T5Qa7Bo7zgI/AAAAAAAADw4/ce08J3izosA/Statue_of_Liberty2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="306"></a></p> <p align="justify">So you may not hear much from me this week as I pack and practice hailing a cab and what to do in case I’m mugged. But I’ll check in when I can – maybe even from the bustling streets of the city that never sleeps…</p> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-40897810813440410832012-04-12T18:06:00.001-05:002013-09-12T16:18:24.621-05:00Keys to Quiche<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As promised, I’m sharing one of my quiche recipes. The best part about this recipe, aside from the tastiness, is the fact that you end up with two DIFFERENT quiches, (or quiche… I still haven’t looked that up…) and with very little effort.</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XzA4vLkFWgc/T4dfXPwMmqI/AAAAAAAADrc/t0sPaJoOp-k/s1600-h/Broccoli%252520Cheese%252520%252526%252520Mushroom%252520Quiche%252520Pin%252520Photo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Broccoli Cheese & Mushroom Quiche Pin Photo" border="0" height="458" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wamLI5vJyo4/T4dfXx1YKeI/AAAAAAAADrk/tyISzJTO3sY/Broccoli%252520Cheese%252520%252526%252520Mushroom%252520Quiche%252520Pin%252520Photo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Broccoli Cheese & Mushroom Quiche Pin Photo" width="458" /></a></div>
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You can make just one flavor – just halve the recipe to make only one pie and use only spinach and swiss cheese or broccoli and jack cheese OR go ahead and make two and double up on either the broccoli and jack or spinach and swiss. (It will make more sense as you keep reading…)<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oPcOY9rcPIk/T4dfY4Y0zPI/AAAAAAAADrs/ZBfDbJH74Uw/s1600-h/Quiche%252520Ingredients%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Quiche Ingredients" border="0" height="345" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e7QedthyhR4/T4dfZkmpbgI/AAAAAAAADr0/Xl9JKDgv2P8/Quiche%252520Ingredients_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Quiche Ingredients" width="459" /></a><br />
For 16 servings (in 2 quiches) you’ll need:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 pound sliced mushrooms </li>
<li>1/4 C chopped onion </li>
<li>1 10 oz package frozen chopped broccoli (thaw and drain) </li>
<li>1 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach (thaw and drain) </li>
<li>6 eggs </li>
<li>1 1/2 C heavy cream </li>
<li>1 C milk </li>
<li>1/8 t black pepper (freshly ground if possible) </li>
<li>1/8 t nutmeg (freshly grated if possible) </li>
<li>1 t kosher salt </li>
<li>1 C Swiss cheese (shredded) </li>
<li>1 C jack cheese (shredded) </li>
<li>1/4 C + 2 T butter</li>
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In a large skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms and onion in the 2 tablespoons of butter. Be sure you clean the mushrooms first – some say to just wipe them but I like to fully wash them right before I use them. (That’s not just dirt on them, you know….)</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kGwLaTeiuZ8/T4dfa0Qe1fI/AAAAAAAADr8/uVbNvOjwJyU/s1600-h/1%252520lb%252520sliced%252520mushrooms%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="1 lb sliced mushrooms" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ffAyZ8MvmTM/T4dfbtPk9JI/AAAAAAAADsE/3rmLY9GdL3Y/1%252520lb%252520sliced%252520mushrooms_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="1 lb sliced mushrooms" width="458" /></a></div>
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When they’re good and sautéed, remove half of the mix to another bowl.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r2oKFHO8X2I/T4dfcoSpSYI/AAAAAAAADsM/ZlKn0xwjfUQ/s1600-h/Divide%252520mushrooms%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Divide mushrooms" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vEiH_DlyJz8/T4dfdMuH6FI/AAAAAAAADsU/zB6ZoPj3LOY/Divide%252520mushrooms_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Divide mushrooms" width="458" /></a></div>
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Then add your thawed and drained spinach to the skillet and stir for a few minutes to heat. (You could do the broccoli first, but we’ll just go in the order of my photos… )</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rm5JbPNoqQQ/T4dfejDGduI/AAAAAAAADsc/IJmT27-rPbw/s1600-h/Add%252520spinach%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Add spinach" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KJka418fBrc/T4dfffRlV9I/AAAAAAAADsk/5VjpyDOTlAI/Add%252520spinach_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Add spinach" width="458" /></a></div>
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After a few minutes, remove the spinach, mushrooms and onions and place directly in your <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/04/brunch-that-wasnt.html" target="_blank">prepared pie crust</a>. Yes, you can make it yourself… It doesn’t take that long and it’s way more delicious if you do it yourself. <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/04/brunch-that-wasnt.html" target="_blank">I showed you how yesterday</a>…<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0bK6hKATlqg/T4dfgMxctHI/AAAAAAAADss/DoRZAXOSlHE/s1600-h/Fill%252520crust%252520%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Fill crust " border="0" height="333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zwEiwNGXPgo/T4dfg2k8b6I/AAAAAAAADs0/f8t7Yy3uKRM/Fill%252520crust%252520_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fill crust " width="458" /></a></div>
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Next, put the mushrooms and onions you set aside back into your skillet and add the thawed and drained chopped broccoli. Heat it as you did the spinach mix.</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QBBhxJm5R8k/T4dfiMtgBZI/AAAAAAAADs8/y8L6JvVuml8/s1600-h/Add%252520the%252520broccoli%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Add the broccoli" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9BvJ4BhfOgg/T4dfiwf2EFI/AAAAAAAADtE/6IkHoLOP53M/Add%252520the%252520broccoli_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Add the broccoli" width="458" /></a></div>
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When the broccoli mixture is heated, put it into the other pie crust. Sprinkle the top of the spinach mix with Swiss cheese and the top of the broccoli mix with the jack cheese.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b8U7S9CTRrg/T4dfjrcEGeI/AAAAAAAADtM/CQGi-c8A-7M/s1600-h/Add%252520Swiss%252520cheese%252520to%252520spinach%252520mix%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Add Swiss cheese to spinach mix" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xM-Zk7MyIf4/T4dfkUgbgDI/AAAAAAAADtU/IAUhdDdKGCE/Add%252520Swiss%252520cheese%252520to%252520spinach%252520mix_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Add Swiss cheese to spinach mix" width="458" /></a></div>
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In an 8 cup Pyrex (or other glass measuring cup – because it has a spout…) melt your 1/4 C butter. Add your 6 eggs and beat with a whisk. Next add the heavy cream, milk, flour, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Freshly cracked pepper and grated nutmeg are the best when you can do it. Grated nutmeg is night and day different from the little bottle of stuff from the grocery store.</div>
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Whisk it all together and then pour evenly over each quiche. DON’T overfill your crust – you don’t want that mess spilling over in your oven. You might have a little bit of the egg mix left over – you can pour it in a ramekin or just scramble it up if you want. (Be careful – the spices will settle to the bottom of your mixing bowl – you don’t want to leave them behind – stir it just before you pour.)</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UhfroyYMU04/T4dflccrs1I/AAAAAAAADtc/BXX9YLYYwBY/s1600-h/Pour%252520egg%252520mixture%252520%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pour egg mixture " border="0" height="344" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kM2KFlLAnE8/T4dfl-Df2LI/AAAAAAAADtk/f-K0jO-Gerg/Pour%252520egg%252520mixture%252520_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pour egg mixture " width="458" /></a></div>
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They’re now ready for the oven or the freezer. (I froze mine to bake right before serving two days later.)</div>
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To bake now, put in a 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce heat to 325°and bake an additional 40 minutes. (Cover the edges of the crust with foil if you want to protect it from getting too brown.)</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_ACSmG9OyPU/T4dfnMPNaxI/AAAAAAAADts/fshY7keKcKw/s1600-h/Ready%252520to%252520bake%252520or%252520freeze%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Ready to bake or freeze" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wISr-UpshQQ/T4dfnsVt6dI/AAAAAAAADt0/s7Ij6AoNql4/Ready%252520to%252520bake%252520or%252520freeze_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Ready to bake or freeze" width="458" /></a></div>
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If you decide to freeze and bake later, (for up to 1 month) lay a piece of foil over the top to keep them from getting too browned. Thaw for a couple of hours on the counter top then place them (staggered on the oven racks) in a cold oven (unless your pie plates are metal – you don’t want to crack a cold pie plate in a hot oven…)</div>
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Set the timer for 20 minutes and the oven at 425° F. Then drop the temp to 325° for an additional 90 minutes. Because my oven is so small, I set the timer and switched them around every 30 minutes.</div>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-is8U5Jg0r6M/T4dfopq5oFI/AAAAAAAADt8/bW7sUmcrpFA/s1600-h/Spinach%252520Mushroom%252520Quiche%252520Pin%252520Pix%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Spinach Mushroom Quiche Pin Pix" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-92Kh8WVBjlg/T4dfxXrfrrI/AAAAAAAADuE/A1dLHCv76Ak/Spinach%252520Mushroom%252520Quiche%252520Pin%252520Pix_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Spinach Mushroom Quiche Pin Pix" width="458" /></a><br />
Quiche is great with a side salad and maybe a small sandwich or in our case,<br />
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Honey Glazed Carrots </div>
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--eLnOWHE2ZY/T4dfyHOgb4I/AAAAAAAADuM/voKFGP77Jns/s1600-h/Honey%252520Glazed%252520Carrots%252520Pin%252520Pix%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Honey Glazed Carrots Pin Pix" border="0" height="457" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oTUSFDG4q3A/T4dfy4p-44I/AAAAAAAADuU/XIA6WPPFldE/Honey%252520Glazed%252520Carrots%252520Pin%252520Pix_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Honey Glazed Carrots Pin Pix" width="458" /></a><br />
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or Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole</div>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hGC1dVMwxxE/T4dfziXUBlI/AAAAAAAADuc/HiLgEdIQ-uM/s1600-h/Easy%252520Cheesy%252520Tater%252520Tot%252520Casserole%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-swHdTRboXaU/T4df0YxQ4kI/AAAAAAAADuk/kJqvTUpTJHY/Easy%252520Cheesy%252520Tater%252520Tot%252520Casserole_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole" width="458" /></a><br />
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and bunny peeps dipped it candy coating.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h-TKd85kX4Y/T4df1OlgYzI/AAAAAAAADus/pz37ANRkxUk/s1600-h/Candy%252520Coated%252520Bunny%252520Peeps%252520Pin%252520Pix%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Candy Coated Bunny Peeps Pin Pix" border="0" height="609" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T8Flx5GE8Rs/T4df1xCJ-ZI/AAAAAAAADu0/CXJt_obm3KQ/Candy%252520Coated%252520Bunny%252520Peeps%252520Pin%252520Pix_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Candy Coated Bunny Peeps Pin Pix" width="458" /></a></div>
I got a couple of questions about my tablescape – it’s REALLY an inexpensive setting… <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QdOZjsH9dLM/T4df3h-URqI/AAAAAAAADu8/1guMqhOnQsc/s1600-h/Easter%252520Brunch%252520-%252520Red%252520and%252520Yellow%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Easter Brunch - Red and Yellow" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZKsESLCxosQ/T4df4mvVbEI/AAAAAAAADvE/x84ZZv8eDEQ/Easter%252520Brunch%252520-%252520Red%252520and%252520Yellow_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Easter Brunch - Red and Yellow" width="458" /></a> </div>
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These are my everyday white Corning French White dishes, some champagne flutes from Ikea (for less than a dollar each), napkins from Home Goods (as are the quiche and carrot dishes and the white pitchers), the baskets were $ .50 each on sale in the bridal department at Hobby Lobby, the champagne goblets were on a deep discount years ago at a TJMaxx store. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uhzi1kOWS1c/T4df6V9R21I/AAAAAAAADvM/0QMk4uj8HSM/s1600-h/Easter%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Easter 4" border="0" height="326" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L42mOgMaD6s/T4df65VVJeI/AAAAAAAADvU/RAP1nHAbiB4/Easter%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Easter 4" width="458" /></a>The silver is actually handed down from my husband’s grandmother, the water goblets from my grandmother and the salad/dessert plates I’ve collected for a few dollars each over the years. I love a mish-mash of things on the table – it makes it more interesting!</div>
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Today I’m linking to:<br />
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<a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyo3XEAWkSc/Ti3RfkwDaNI/AAAAAAAAbsg/QHotqAr2PQs/s1600/TT+use.jpg" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/crissyren/menumeme1.gif" /></a></center>
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</center>
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<a href="http://younglivingoillady.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l525/adventurezinchildrearing/february057.jpg" /></a></center>
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</center>
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</center>
</div>
<script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" data-pin-hover="true"></script>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-30538537310595844222012-04-11T11:22:00.001-05:002012-04-11T11:22:15.709-05:00The Brunch That Wasn’t<p align="justify">The best laid plans once again go awry. </p> <p align="justify">We had planned to host eight guests for Easter brunch. But alas, felt it best to cancel when our two boys were running fevers the night before.</p> <p align="justify">Since I had made two quiche, (it’s not quiches, is it?) the Friday before I decided to go for it and just set a pretty table anyway, snotty noses and fevers aside. Besides, my kids were feeling a little left out as I set up for <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/04/not-so-steely.html" target="_blank">my last party</a>, saying I never do fancy tables for them (which I actually do every. single. holiday…whatever…) Imagine my surprise when my oldest said, “<em>why are you getting all this stuff out? It’s just us</em>.” </p> <p align="justify">Teen-aged boys. The icing on the cupcake of motherhood.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-30d3kLGWSLg/T4WvVzMdPuI/AAAAAAAADno/RP_HJdEYinY/s1600-h/Easter-Brunch---Red-and-Yellow2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Easter Brunch - Red and Yellow" border="0" alt="Easter Brunch - Red and Yellow" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-74xzWbD8D4s/T4WvWunI7wI/AAAAAAAADnw/9dkfUenzpXE/Easter-Brunch---Red-and-Yellow_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rJ7wufsM0Yc/T4WvXSFEHEI/AAAAAAAADn4/iHMIvBQeBD0/s1600-h/DSCN45163.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN4516" border="0" alt="DSCN4516" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c_4ApH4g8BY/T4WvYeg3NLI/AAAAAAAADoA/1BKJQd8RVac/DSCN4516_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a>And anyway, I promised you recipes for my quiche and crust so I had to do a photo shoot for you. Is it just me, or does it feel like this is turning into a foodie blog…? I hope not. That’s not my intention, but I do like to eat – and cook things that are easy – especially if someone else is cleaning it up. (By the way, that didn’t happen either.)</p> <p align="justify">Let’s get on to that crust recipe. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A0YCDmGwSu4/T4WvZehjpqI/AAAAAAAADoI/UzN4iPi8J98/s1600-h/Spinach-Mushroom-Quiche2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Spinach Mushroom Quiche" border="0" alt="Spinach Mushroom Quiche" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oW3PbQusSsg/T4WvaC7kpQI/AAAAAAAADoQ/BFEoVm1NfM4/Spinach-Mushroom-Quiche_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p align="justify">Now I have to tell you – This is about the third time I’ve made pie crust. I’ve been warming up to the idea for the last twenty some years. I did make a crust early in our marriage, and by early I mean probably in that first full week of wedded bliss – also the only time I’ve made a scratch lasagna (don’t judge).</p> <p align="justify">This last summer I got a private crust lesson from two of my most favorite Aunts, both of whom happen to rock a pie crust – they can’t help it – they, like my mother, got the “amazing pie crust” gene from my <a href="http://www.theotherendofthecandle.com/2012/03/until-then-gramma.html" target="_blank">Gramma</a>.</p> <p align="justify">Some of you have asked for some very specific instructions. Apparently, I’m not the only 20-something-years married woman out there that’s been buying frozen pie crusts…. NO MORE. This crust is flaky and tender and delish!</p> <p align="justify">You need just four ingredients and a little water.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SFF_B6fFxAw/T4Wva6SfPoI/AAAAAAAADoY/qO2oLeuUfus/s1600-h/Pie-Crust2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pie Crust" border="0" alt="Pie Crust" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J8Xt06KEXKw/T4WvbnRKtzI/AAAAAAAADog/Aq5GSCLY1Ec/Pie-Crust_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="609"></a></p> <p align="justify">I tripled my crust recipe since my quiche recipe makes two <strike>quiche</strike> <strike>quiches</strike> egg, cheese and vegetable pies. Plus, I don’t use a traditional pie pan for my quiche, but a straight-sided tart pan which is a little wider. (They are also glazed stoneware tart pans – not sure what kind of difference that is making with how the crusts turn out… maybe I should make a pie in my glass pie plate and compare…)</p> <p align="justify">Before you start (scoot in close now – this is the BIG secret to a fantastic crust…) put all of your ingredients in the freezer. Yes, the freezer. You want them very cold (that’s what my Aunts told me.) You could even chill your mixing bowl.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--y2B7XzIyrQ/T4Wvc5DVMzI/AAAAAAAADoo/QKjGceFbjAU/s1600-h/Pie-Crust-Shortning--Butter2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pie Crust Shortning & Butter" border="0" alt="Pie Crust Shortning & Butter" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zoI6_CJE3mM/T4Wvdg5XGJI/AAAAAAAADow/ojQ2JKke8Is/Pie-Crust-Shortning--Butter_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p align="justify">When your ingredients are good and cold, cut the shortening (I use regular Crisco) and butter (the real thing or the Smart Balance 50/50 blend) into pieces over your flour and salt.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Y3BaIMjuL4/T4Wveiw1TuI/AAAAAAAADo4/fPzXauU2to4/s1600-h/Work-Shortning-into-Flour--Salt2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Work Shortning into Flour & Salt" border="0" alt="Work Shortning into Flour & Salt" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bte1O0q73fw/T4Wvfm27XhI/AAAAAAAADo8/DJE7EXKcDA4/Work-Shortning-into-Flour--Salt_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p>Using your hands, work the “fat” into the flour mix. Work quickly – you want it to stay cool – don’t let your hands warm it up. Some people like to use a pastry blender for this – you could if you want to, but I think it takes less time and effort with your hands.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U2NgBldh6fI/T4Wvgr4de3I/AAAAAAAADpI/9q6KrqObZ6U/s1600-h/Coarse-Crumbs2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Coarse Crumbs" border="0" alt="Coarse Crumbs" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pp7w-ukXPM0/T4WvhpOgDPI/AAAAAAAADpQ/sXSr1e28cQ0/Coarse-Crumbs_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p>Work it until you have coarse crumbs. Those “chunks” are the shortening and butter – future “flakes” in your pie crust.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pu7JnflIPtY/T4WviQRfjtI/AAAAAAAADpY/zt1ZD96OvPc/s1600-h/Toss-water-into-dough2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toss water into dough" border="0" alt="Toss water into dough" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9J-W5nm8hgY/T4WvjVu1fmI/AAAAAAAADpk/RmsU7esXRwM/Toss-water-into-dough_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p>Next you’ll add just a little bit of iced water to get your ball of dough to form. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gd6AgrMNHuY/T4Wvkmz1XII/AAAAAAAADps/hfXmnCacBes/s1600-h/Start-forming-a-ball-of-dough2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Start forming a ball of dough" border="0" alt="Start forming a ball of dough" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Jqz1A2ex2Y/T4WvlIi2hgI/AAAAAAAADp0/4FW2sCxHwhU/Start-forming-a-ball-of-dough_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p>Flick your dough around, adding just a little water at a time, until it starts forming large clumps.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b9Bw2uiJYMo/T4WvmD8TNvI/AAAAAAAADp8/rivrVkZ1PEg/s1600-h/Dough-Ball2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dough Ball" border="0" alt="Dough Ball" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zPY7bSHkmsE/T4Wvm2spCzI/AAAAAAAADqE/V0XNixXgRTs/Dough-Ball_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a> Quickly press into a ball – still not overworking your dough – you’ll make it tough.</p> <p>Here’s another secret… I have a dough board. It’s a plastic board with a tight cotton cover. I also have a sock for my rolling pin, but he’s not wearing it here… I found <a href="http://www.lehmans.com/store/Kitchen___Helpers_and_Accessories___Utensils_and_Tools___No_Mess_Dough_Discs___1074705?Args=" target="_blank">a link where it’s sold online</a>, but out of stock right now. You can contact the company, Wood Enterprises, at 1-800-456-0851.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lIxX6B0WplY/T4Wvn4vGdFI/AAAAAAAADqM/DzSmhqakK7g/s1600-h/No-Mess-Dough-Board2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="No Mess Dough Board" border="0" alt="No Mess Dough Board" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5TZ9HYGpjLc/T4WvoTPQuEI/AAAAAAAADqU/mZlTCrxph88/No-Mess-Dough-Board_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p>The dough board isn’t absolutely necessary by any means. In fact, I forgot that I even had it the first two times I made crust. You can do just fine on a clean counter-top dusted with flour.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u_78Awa3kH8/T4WvpFwLLcI/AAAAAAAADqc/tTjsJlpMsB0/s1600-h/Turn-dough-out-on-floured-board-and-%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Turn dough out on floured board and roll" border="0" alt="Turn dough out on floured board and roll" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SNW6zRwxtDU/T4WvpiVjq0I/AAAAAAAADqk/FoY-VjlBjt4/Turn-dough-out-on-floured-board-and-%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p>Roll your crust to about 1/4 inch thick. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v9Bn3WXYlJA/T4WvqcqMnlI/AAAAAAAADqs/ltaNct0k4fs/s1600-h/Butter%252520flakes%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Butter flakes" border="0" alt="Butter flakes" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gJYlZa-Ky6A/T4WvrJybV7I/AAAAAAAADq0/i_UZWSRSm-g/Butter%252520flakes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="469"></a></p> <p>See the bits of butter? The butter is easy to see, but that mottled look where it’s a little white, is the Crisco. This is going to be a flaky crust!!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bn9ys0ozWKA/T4Wvr_EZ7aI/AAAAAAAADq8/c3_yB3bq38s/s1600-h/Trim-and-flute-edge2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Trim and flute edge" border="0" alt="Trim and flute edge" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V3262YZ4nj0/T4Wvsau2IYI/AAAAAAAADrE/mrMTvb00eqM/Trim-and-flute-edge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a></p> <p>Trim the excess dough from the edges, repair any tears or cracks with a water dipped finger tip, turn it under and flute the edges. There are lots of different ways to flute – I just pinch between my thumb and first two fingers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UZu7WxXtHf4/T4Wvs9TGWSI/AAAAAAAADrM/DKtyT4pNCWI/s1600-h/Flaky%252520Pie%252520Crust%252520Secrets%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Flaky Pie Crust Secrets" border="0" alt="Flaky Pie Crust Secrets" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C_Er6vGhbDA/T4WvtslTLDI/AAAAAAAADrU/6t3jwi2a8nM/Flaky%252520Pie%252520Crust%252520Secrets_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="333"></a></p> <p>This has gotten pretty long – let’s save the quiche recipe for another day this week – stay tuned – I’m told it’s worth the wait.</p> <p>Today I’m linking up to:</p> <center><a href="http://younglivingoillady.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l525/adventurezinchildrearing/february057.jpg"></a></center> <center><a href="http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><br><br><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/crissyren/menumeme1.gif"></a></center> Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4751312345553409858.post-58908880373714894262012-04-07T03:21:00.000-05:002012-04-07T03:22:24.762-05:00Even in Death He Rested<p align="justify"><em><font color="#800080" size="2" face="Bradley Hand ITC">In five and a half years I’ve never done this before, but this is a reprint from a post last year at this same time. My hope is that you are blessed.</font></em> <p align="justify"><em><font color="#800080" size="2" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Sara</font></em> <p align="justify">Many around the world are in awe of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ this weekend. It’s unfathomable that God would lay down His life for a wretched, putrid, filthy sinner like me. <p align="justify">One of my favorite quotes regarding Christ’s sacrifice is <blockquote> <p align="justify"><em><strong>He paid a debt He did not owe </strong></em><em><strong>because I owed a debt I could not pay.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify">There is something I’ve noticed in the Christian community. A lot of emphasis is given to the days leading up to and including Resurrection (or Easter) Sunday except for one day. Saturday. <p align="justify">On Thursday there are frequently Passover suppers or communion services commemorating and remembering Jesus’ last supper with His disciples. <p align="justify">Friday is, of course, referred to as “Good Friday” and some businesses close, kids are let out of school and special church services are held in the evenings. <p align="justify">Then on Saturday we take a break from “Holy week” and move to the Easter egg hunts, bunnies, chocolate eggs and more frivolous, counterfeit, even Pagan celebrations. <p align="justify">Bright and early on Sunday morning we’re back to celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord. The day that cements all Christianity. (See Mark 16:1 & 2) <p align="justify">It’s sad, but many are missing the point of that Saturday altogether. <p align="justify">Some have suggested that Saturday was a day of hopelessness. Jesus’ own friends we’re in hiding – denying they even knew Him, fearing for their own safety since they could easily be connected with this man that was executed just the day before. That Saturday is often seen as a very dark day. <p align="justify">But I see that day as a very powerful testimony from my Savior. Jesus was simply doing what He had always done – something He’d done since before He laid down His kingly crown and put on human flesh and something that scripture says will even continue in Heaven. <p align="justify">He rested. <p align="justify">His work – the hardest work ever done – was finished and He rested. <p align="justify">I challenge you this weekend, as you’re in the Scriptures reading the greatest story ever told, that you don’t skip over the powerful message of that hope filled Saturday (in your Bible it’s called “the Sabbath”). <p align="justify">Grab your dictionary and <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Saturday">look up Saturday.</a> <blockquote> <h6 align="justify">Sat·ur·day</h6> <p align="justify"><sup></sup> /ˈsæt<img border="0" alt="" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png">ərˌdeɪ, -di/ [sat-er-dey, -dee] </p> <p align="justify">noun <p align="justify">the seventh day of the week, following Friday.</p></blockquote> <p align="justify">Then <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Sunday">look up Sunday</a>. <blockquote> <h6 align="justify">Sun·day</h6> <p align="justify"><sup></sup> ˈsʌn<img border="0" alt="" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png">deɪ, -di/ [suhn-dey, -dee] </p> <p align="justify">–noun <p align="justify">1.the first day of the week, observed as the Sabbath by <em>most</em> Christian sects. (Note: just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s biblical…)</p></blockquote> <p align="justify">Then do a little Google search on translating the word Saturday to other languages besides English. In 105 different languages it translates to “Sabbath” which means “rest”. (Ever heard of a sabbatical?) <blockquote> <p align="justify">In Spanish it’s sábado <p align="justify">In Italian it’s sabato </p></blockquote> <p align="justify">Then ask yourself, “what day did <strong>Jesus Himself</strong> keep holy for worship?” <blockquote> <p align="justify"><em>“So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And <strong>as His custom was,</strong> He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read” (Luke 4:16).</em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify"><strong>Let’s make this interesting, shall we? </strong> <p align="justify">Look through your bible and find me just ONE text that changes God’s chosen day of worship from Saturday (the seventh day of the week) to Sunday (the first day of the week.) <strong>If you can find just one text that changes the day of worship that:</strong> <ol> <li> <div align="justify">God set up at the end of the Creation week (Gen 1:1, 2:2, 3) </div> <li> <div align="justify">God reiterated by blessing Israel in the desert with a double portion of manna on Friday and none on the Sabbath (Ex 16:14-30) </div> <li> <div align="justify">God established in His unchanging law written in stone with His own finger (Luke 16:17, Ex 20:8-11, Deut 9:10) </div> <li> <div align="justify">Jesus kept while He was on Earth (Luke 4:16) and said He was the Lord of (Mark 2:28) </div> <li> <div align="justify">Jesus expected His followers would still be keeping 40 years after His death and resurrection (AD 70) when Jerusalem was destroyed by Rome. (Matt 24:20) </div> <li> <div align="justify">We are told we will keep holy for worship of God even when we live in Heaven (Is 66:22 & 23)</div></li></ol> <p>Just ONE text… Then you can have this:<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VeiNEQvDTN4/T3_5Omh4nAI/AAAAAAAADnY/Z0SaaFlrGvc/s1600-h/DSCN0316%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 10px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN0316" border="0" alt="DSCN0316" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z-iG-T_jKao/T3_5PoTpZ5I/AAAAAAAADng/Uur_-AZDmak/DSCN0316_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="344"></a> <p align="justify">Yes – I’m wagering my home. No, it’s not paid off, but a good chunk of it is. It’s a lovely home with 4 huge bedrooms, beautiful oak floors throughout, a big fire place, a giant yard in a very nice part of town. <p align="justify">How can I risk my home? Because I know that there isn’t ONE command in Scripture that changes God’s law regarding keeping the seventh day Sabbath holy to now keeping the first day, Sunday. <p>So what’s the big deal? <p>Well, it’s a life and death kind of thing. <blockquote> <p align="justify"><b></b><em>If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).</em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify">For a complete study with questions and answers click on the “<a href="http://theotherendofthecandle.blogspot.com/p/sabbath-study.html">Sabbath Study</a>” tab at the top of this page. And for even MORE information check out <a href="http://www.SabbathTruth.com">www.SabbathTruth.com</a>. <p align="justify">Have a blessed Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. What a wonderful way to start a week! Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11141312275844736940noreply@blogger.com0