tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45465007531901123242024-03-13T07:57:30.574-05:00Happiness and Living Fab!A few years ago, I started this little blog documenting all of the little happy things in life. Since then, I've become a wife and a working mom. Even though my life has drastically changed, it's still a happy and fab one!Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-5052570976767708352013-06-29T09:55:00.001-05:002013-06-29T09:55:31.852-05:00Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-72167774387729568442013-06-20T22:34:00.000-05:002013-06-21T17:04:19.402-05:00A Belated Birthday Post - Cora's Rainbow and Musical Birthday<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8fFBdKxi_UwsIpWtNf0YDXN92COZZtAUU0YN_jl7wGxnEQFr1qkmxkURX_1hCpaXVH5SRIFJggMqcMzjPFBBOzoRNazKawpw1ZWkNEjJM1QXpP1OMEchNOeh-uxUpiasiSSmrUmBsRU/s640/blogger-image--1910536517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8fFBdKxi_UwsIpWtNf0YDXN92COZZtAUU0YN_jl7wGxnEQFr1qkmxkURX_1hCpaXVH5SRIFJggMqcMzjPFBBOzoRNazKawpw1ZWkNEjJM1QXpP1OMEchNOeh-uxUpiasiSSmrUmBsRU/s640/blogger-image--1910536517.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>When Cora turned one, we started taking her to music class. Even though she could barely talk when we started, she seemed to enjoyed the class and I was pleasantly surprised when she started reciting rhythm patterns on her own. So when it came time to decide on what to do for her 2nd birthday, I knew it was a no brainer to have her party there. The facility has a party room decorated in bright colors behind the classroom. I decided to embrace the colors of the classroom and that's how I came up my theme. For three months, my life revolved around rainbows and music notes. Here are the details and decorations for the party...<div><br></div><div>Invitations:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VGzJ5JxV1SA4wO0rZcyPRovX3VTvpvYXA3wg-15iRxwgFRzZinrSE07YQXchw9L99GXBqq5lOJkqxYH3ujkFct7ilu4cNCHffwDeD3ApURk0Y0eFjGBPTcaKvs9zEORbYMW0WRyiGto/s640/blogger-image--1619073283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VGzJ5JxV1SA4wO0rZcyPRovX3VTvpvYXA3wg-15iRxwgFRzZinrSE07YQXchw9L99GXBqq5lOJkqxYH3ujkFct7ilu4cNCHffwDeD3ApURk0Y0eFjGBPTcaKvs9zEORbYMW0WRyiGto/s640/blogger-image--1619073283.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I found a ton of rainbow invitations and a ton of music themed invitations, but not one single rainbow and music invitation. So I semi-created my own. I found this cute rainbow invitation, added the music notes, and viola! It turned out super cute!</div><br></div><div>Name banner:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptVvzcQ06hfi93zrD-xyi1lFDY5wi-myCj2u9KkghiEB3RbtFO5rJCke_DfLV9VH64CFFNn7UiteAS73BpaGAOC3cu1LTuKap0tI_LYrpmvKv3GrN4GdFRoeeC4CqfF9SsTJPvgVNLQs/s640/blogger-image-1192496301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptVvzcQ06hfi93zrD-xyi1lFDY5wi-myCj2u9KkghiEB3RbtFO5rJCke_DfLV9VH64CFFNn7UiteAS73BpaGAOC3cu1LTuKap0tI_LYrpmvKv3GrN4GdFRoeeC4CqfF9SsTJPvgVNLQs/s640/blogger-image-1192496301.jpg"></a></div>
I made this cute name banner using my Cricut cutter for the letters and white circles. For the rainbow pinwheels, I used my Martha Stewart paper ornament template.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboFUWr8eerPWydZ9p_HwY6xRXMEyml8D0JiXgW3gbQuThnLltQ2KRx50VC2XORmI2tN1pu6tbWiZwhwH2wRUe-CjVTp-I_J8BOAS4d5SYv2f_LvC0WbAZqSelXr1V3lvgr4sJWfuEbZE/s640/blogger-image-1872315568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboFUWr8eerPWydZ9p_HwY6xRXMEyml8D0JiXgW3gbQuThnLltQ2KRx50VC2XORmI2tN1pu6tbWiZwhwH2wRUe-CjVTp-I_J8BOAS4d5SYv2f_LvC0WbAZqSelXr1V3lvgr4sJWfuEbZE/s640/blogger-image-1872315568.jpg"></a></div>Surprisingly, it only took a couple of hours to put together. I finished it off by stringing it together with rainbow colored yarn.</div><div><br></div><div>Water bottle labels:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxmCXO-WUnKVyzH6MNH9wkivra5yZyAT9pwfiscmuL6xEExvVFEgQrpwFBmPagBbaCuAmKjhMlqinsPknUAw9y7bcbvEDmNi1nGggAVJCnYCed9Rsgy9rziYwwcvNlXVzQT32dW_JZtU/s640/blogger-image--1350006109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxmCXO-WUnKVyzH6MNH9wkivra5yZyAT9pwfiscmuL6xEExvVFEgQrpwFBmPagBbaCuAmKjhMlqinsPknUAw9y7bcbvEDmNi1nGggAVJCnYCed9Rsgy9rziYwwcvNlXVzQT32dW_JZtU/s640/blogger-image--1350006109.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Cora's invitation had the chevron rainbows on them, so I thought I'd incorporate that into my water bottles. I created these adorable labels and just slapped them on water bottles.<br>
If you like these labels and want to use them for a rainbow birthday party, I created a free template for you to use. Just click <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1N2F0E96q1qNzRFOUd5YzJ2Z2s/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. <br>
<br></div><div>PB & Jammin' Sandwiches:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvwKrW9UOm34BaeZQ82b_bPw9MiclPqUDrGhbLv3OiEtNESQAx1uGrfFQpf2Sfa9Wa0Lvzjh3Hf4g8fIBUBZxgqCVb76dCEQk5mSIDlDa9fQ5fcFdMSLyER6opVntKtjNfUbkFPw9-Fw/s640/blogger-image--1435564667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvwKrW9UOm34BaeZQ82b_bPw9MiclPqUDrGhbLv3OiEtNESQAx1uGrfFQpf2Sfa9Wa0Lvzjh3Hf4g8fIBUBZxgqCVb76dCEQk5mSIDlDa9fQ5fcFdMSLyER6opVntKtjNfUbkFPw9-Fw/s640/blogger-image--1435564667.jpg"></a></div>Since I was 7 months pregnant at the time of this party, I knew I had to keep my party food simple and easy to assemble. I decided to use Uncrustable PB&J Sandwiches from Smuckers. To keep in theme with my party, I used a music note cookie cutter on tie-dye fruit roll-up to cut out these adorable notes. I cut these out a few days before my party.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihd31oKC2opI4pMXaM-PzAcx-7IRYizwbJjYA1wX0MzkMpXdefJMOhl5sGWB2BMqvqc02qpztf4ozfZNTz4rtf7SRSpOzt5xcTZlYF7-aSP6aigwM6xrLOVx8Ji7Y7FqFxm5R4ENiAu4k/s640/blogger-image--830514042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihd31oKC2opI4pMXaM-PzAcx-7IRYizwbJjYA1wX0MzkMpXdefJMOhl5sGWB2BMqvqc02qpztf4ozfZNTz4rtf7SRSpOzt5xcTZlYF7-aSP6aigwM6xrLOVx8Ji7Y7FqFxm5R4ENiAu4k/s640/blogger-image--830514042.jpg"></a></div>A couple of hours before the party, I took the sandwiches out of the freezer and placed them on my serving tray. Since the sandwiches are frozen and the fruit roll-ups are sticky, the music notes easily adhere to the sandwiches on their own.</div><div><br></div><div>Pepperoni Prelude Pizza:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkmie69P0wpP9YuTXZ72V5g7KuBiGmUlAmEWg3-qhVBWWNEeaWE4IyN9A_vUDBthb5wSFlnL8AS-6EGefKfb7MDyDHSIlNPnNcSra2zzp7QynPkedp4GUaKSNpsKK8L6V6JG09LPlxSI/s640/blogger-image-2053075921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkmie69P0wpP9YuTXZ72V5g7KuBiGmUlAmEWg3-qhVBWWNEeaWE4IyN9A_vUDBthb5wSFlnL8AS-6EGefKfb7MDyDHSIlNPnNcSra2zzp7QynPkedp4GUaKSNpsKK8L6V6JG09LPlxSI/s640/blogger-image-2053075921.jpg"></a></div>Trader Joe's have these wonderful bite sized cheese pizzas. I bought pepperoni slices and used my same cookie cutter to make music note shaped pepperoni.</div><div><br></div><div>Music School of Fish:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Fd7Smfxj7Cnr1O-60i4VUoBv3acFdCvr5ajCF7S6BUxLQimcdKxZmCOvHpJ52-gO0L__F4X3B_SOSz_um24073pqqD6xWcRlylFd4iy7isUqsZvzkQqC2O_1B3EJxj0YTmQ-P4u5j4Y/s640/blogger-image-1441068491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Fd7Smfxj7Cnr1O-60i4VUoBv3acFdCvr5ajCF7S6BUxLQimcdKxZmCOvHpJ52-gO0L__F4X3B_SOSz_um24073pqqD6xWcRlylFd4iy7isUqsZvzkQqC2O_1B3EJxj0YTmQ-P4u5j4Y/s640/blogger-image-1441068491.jpg"></a></div></div><div>I used a large music note cookie cutter to seperate the rainbow colors from the regular cheese color.</div><div><br></div><div>A Fruit Melody:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gxq7r3D_U0JS0cINlOzuTdumdLMbvTr7SYNdZC1F90PQFcUsSv1MOOzlFGa2tlRwAEfmEtYjdm2DJ5D429uZHDXWniUnpJCisF_X-94KvmFauYCEqLGO6_4hVd1mQqMOS-h2R3hAY8Q/s640/blogger-image-409880278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gxq7r3D_U0JS0cINlOzuTdumdLMbvTr7SYNdZC1F90PQFcUsSv1MOOzlFGa2tlRwAEfmEtYjdm2DJ5D429uZHDXWniUnpJCisF_X-94KvmFauYCEqLGO6_4hVd1mQqMOS-h2R3hAY8Q/s640/blogger-image-409880278.jpg"></a></div></div><div>I used strawberries, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, and red grapes to make this fruit tray. The music note is made from black colored candy melts.</div><div><br></div><div>Rainbow cupcakes with candy music toppers.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol9qeBYXG3jgRwg5tDVszUPENykp5FnR57o0qLTDGqkFaZPS5SdJc68VHw2FEFamPWkM0urkch3Itj-nAJDBKn8itmZkqzkEasHmsAqaLfYuQ723whqgJtwx_1soldURwQo3mVNxzejk/s640/blogger-image--301402385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol9qeBYXG3jgRwg5tDVszUPENykp5FnR57o0qLTDGqkFaZPS5SdJc68VHw2FEFamPWkM0urkch3Itj-nAJDBKn8itmZkqzkEasHmsAqaLfYuQ723whqgJtwx_1soldURwQo3mVNxzejk/s640/blogger-image--301402385.jpg"></a></div>With 18 toddlers coming to the party. I figured cupcakes were the way to go. I made a basic white cake batter, divided it by four, and colored each small batch.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlDIasGQLJnCmuss8E9M1ksgnxUpyPcCtC9kxjeQSrhwwcxS8B8VX4b_aeU9hqZqBFhe2-U78A8cHk4Ey2LgGe7dOYlW8GfLIk5_87kXm72W_C0gOkNbYxZTZASDGX3GnYbe9GUkFUXo/s640/blogger-image-719234909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlDIasGQLJnCmuss8E9M1ksgnxUpyPcCtC9kxjeQSrhwwcxS8B8VX4b_aeU9hqZqBFhe2-U78A8cHk4Ey2LgGe7dOYlW8GfLIk5_87kXm72W_C0gOkNbYxZTZASDGX3GnYbe9GUkFUXo/s640/blogger-image-719234909.jpg"></a></div>Each cupcake was topped with cream cheese icing and a music note topper. I made the music note toppers out of different colors of candy melt. </div><div><br></div><div>Rockin' Party Favor Bags:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ243BL7oU8PuiWdsLSNDzAHjOfYwFyRHbYTscgaBLvez343wlQBlXUalQjM8GgqlNqAaOuByYTZn3MWcWiUn_kXyXh1Fb8aAXuPKK-_rI-fNbjHsiLM-Np4s2oBWjcprU8_880Rl4WL0/s640/blogger-image-583681084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ243BL7oU8PuiWdsLSNDzAHjOfYwFyRHbYTscgaBLvez343wlQBlXUalQjM8GgqlNqAaOuByYTZn3MWcWiUn_kXyXh1Fb8aAXuPKK-_rI-fNbjHsiLM-Np4s2oBWjcprU8_880Rl4WL0/s640/blogger-image-583681084.jpg"></a></div>For the party favor bags, I used simple white lunch bags. I used my Cricut to cut out the guitars and the rainbow yarn to tie the bags with. The bags were filled with rainbow music note stickers, colorful birdie whistles, sparkly maracas, and colorful goldfish.</div><div><br></div><div>Photography:</div><div>
<p class="p1">Throwing a party can be hectic. You're running around trying to make sure everything is in place, talking to your guest, and sometimes you just want to enjoy the party. All of this makes picture taking impossible. I love having a photographer on hand to capture all of the details and wonderful moments of the party. It's usually my biggest splurge, but its been worth it. Thank you <a class="a1" href="http://jamieleblancphoto.com/">Jamie LeBlanc</a> for taking great pictures for us!</p><p class="p1"><br></p></div><div>I hope you enjoyed our rainbow and music party. We had a musically good time! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ90mD1PTDqkTz3ilQsMqbw2U2dVWBhjwv0n0xS94717mq2plLjNuPDZv_7WZLo-EsvqfaKX3-X_I2-SglMJVAhGhdjByEH-mD3zVfduYi_Qrng0F5AXrbHxNoWQc4TWmU89zterIq94/s640/blogger-image--275899072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ90mD1PTDqkTz3ilQsMqbw2U2dVWBhjwv0n0xS94717mq2plLjNuPDZv_7WZLo-EsvqfaKX3-X_I2-SglMJVAhGhdjByEH-mD3zVfduYi_Qrng0F5AXrbHxNoWQc4TWmU89zterIq94/s640/blogger-image--275899072.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-77941132529816054772013-06-15T09:53:00.001-05:002013-06-15T12:51:44.181-05:00No Flour Power<div><br></div><div>When I was pregnant with Julia, I had gestational diabetes. I went to a nutritionist and we discussed the importance of protein to carb ratio. Basicslly, I had to cut down my carb intake. This was very difficult for me because I love bread. Unfortunately bread doesn't love me, so I am always on the lookout for bread substitutes and new recipes to try. This week I came across two great and easy peasy, no flour recipes. </div><div><br></div><div>The first item I made is called Oopsie bread. Apparently this recipe is popular with those on The Atkins Diet. I came across this recipie via FaceBook. Yes, it was one of the million recipes that get "shared" so the recipe saves in their photo albums. </div><div><br></div><div>The first batch I made, I followed the FB recipe. The bread was very light and airy. It had a very sponge like feel to it. Here's a picture of it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2uprRgLBD-s39rkfm7Oj6pkaon38k0vyLgYF398Lm4oZuLzUZdyy5oaLw_Y0gCF6sExlSe8tRq2hC-1pdV2had7PaJssb4WNE5e7SpTtdg16rUpsdj67SfTA1kbyHS3yfYGJKyXxx8E/s640/blogger-image--829125977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2uprRgLBD-s39rkfm7Oj6pkaon38k0vyLgYF398Lm4oZuLzUZdyy5oaLw_Y0gCF6sExlSe8tRq2hC-1pdV2had7PaJssb4WNE5e7SpTtdg16rUpsdj67SfTA1kbyHS3yfYGJKyXxx8E/s640/blogger-image--829125977.jpg"></a></div>I liked it, but it was a little too spongy for me. So here is my tweaked version.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Oopsie Bread </b></div><div>(Makes aprox 10 slices)</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>4 eggs (separated)</div><div>1 tsp baking powder</div><div>4 oz cream cheese</div><div>Pinch of salt</div><div>1 tbsp ground flax seeds</div><div>1/2 tbsp chia seeds (optional)</div><div>2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional)</div><div><br></div><div>Preheat your oven at 350.</div><div>Separate your eggs. In a large bowl, beat your egg whites and baking powder until you have stiff peaks (about 5 minutes or so). Once that's done set aside.</div><div><br></div><div>In a blender (we used a hand blender), blend the remaining ingredients. The first time I made this, I used the mixer, but the blender really breaks down the cream cheese and makes nice smooth batter. Here's my little helper blending the yolks and cream cheese while the egg whites whirl.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EAoOlzXNMHH17xuvqg4AF4Aa3fLzTF-ZS-Lenf6UhnvpM3m4_yv80JpoVITAfGHZ-zglikxdnrcn6dDnGKuZXbLsY9i60whnzo8H4Jf6CwFoULYwGFNsfk1K423xMbsC-2BDaTFHozk/s640/blogger-image--1183583712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EAoOlzXNMHH17xuvqg4AF4Aa3fLzTF-ZS-Lenf6UhnvpM3m4_yv80JpoVITAfGHZ-zglikxdnrcn6dDnGKuZXbLsY9i60whnzo8H4Jf6CwFoULYwGFNsfk1K423xMbsC-2BDaTFHozk/s640/blogger-image--1183583712.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Now that it's blended, fold your yolks and cream cheese mixture into the egg whites. Folding can be time consuming, but its important to because if you over mix, you lose the nice air pockets and your bread will be flatter. Don't mix or stir, just fold.</div><div><br></div><div>Line your baking sheet with parchment. Even though I have my silpat pictured, I recommend parchment paper. It basically slides off the parchment paper when baked. Ladle about a 1/4 c batter on to the parchment. It should be the size of a hamburger bun. I was able to get 6 on my cookie sheet. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5LQfsaNeDDtva2k-davMlqmmDe9lhq-1qZgqyS6qY2t_bFFKu3XEvZGxsKmnRatnGIgiff1ZN_9tA3BbUvVwY3UC5f9H0zM_Rj5UhtOw43qc8m9WElgYE3RAtgi7hh6tRl8xHw-0OZQ/s640/blogger-image-1602157143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5LQfsaNeDDtva2k-davMlqmmDe9lhq-1qZgqyS6qY2t_bFFKu3XEvZGxsKmnRatnGIgiff1ZN_9tA3BbUvVwY3UC5f9H0zM_Rj5UhtOw43qc8m9WElgYE3RAtgi7hh6tRl8xHw-0OZQ/s640/blogger-image-1602157143.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Bake for 8 minutes at 350. They will turn a nice golden color and have cracks on top.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRz_tAEL2jIN56AEQTlD6_Stu0Jx7CY1XFdj7h8KEOfdZAHFvdwVN9HNEiqyjJPlyVH8k3QKqbWSsgR1JSK0f5WLfj51TFA3PWmJVwixJh4SIOWk0iBUFZAQS-K3S-2AlZ5A9GfLreetk/s640/blogger-image-22938785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRz_tAEL2jIN56AEQTlD6_Stu0Jx7CY1XFdj7h8KEOfdZAHFvdwVN9HNEiqyjJPlyVH8k3QKqbWSsgR1JSK0f5WLfj51TFA3PWmJVwixJh4SIOWk0iBUFZAQS-K3S-2AlZ5A9GfLreetk/s640/blogger-image-22938785.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This version is still light and airy, but because I added the ground flax, it was less spongy and gave it more of a bread-like texture. Here is a close up so you can see the texture.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MCEp7mktDss9cWvQWzBeV_OqfmDtwgPnmZFQXhfSYFTVpzZ8hG23p5i0vAZl83n79O4rH_FoCdwfqaRp2xXsGaGbdTlxWzglDasvTX_s0knC76eW8eJdWcLICxgMFAw7L79UmoXiQDI/s640/blogger-image--1575756305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MCEp7mktDss9cWvQWzBeV_OqfmDtwgPnmZFQXhfSYFTVpzZ8hG23p5i0vAZl83n79O4rH_FoCdwfqaRp2xXsGaGbdTlxWzglDasvTX_s0knC76eW8eJdWcLICxgMFAw7L79UmoXiQDI/s640/blogger-image--1575756305.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a great bread substitute for sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs. Or you can just eat them plain. This week I used them for breakfast sandwiches and a BLT (using oven baked turkey bacon and spinach). Give it a try!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGJBGQOho8MP7NcxOMSRDQoXc08s1838cGP4x4N3cIeSQ-UaC_0qxZE_e9J8acL726ebewUzjrx370M9AkfPKrYU5cYWdGOd72JAGsBZYieOOYrWfxfZY4QJwSLIXHVvWg_ePw524Dj8/s640/blogger-image--1343401697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGJBGQOho8MP7NcxOMSRDQoXc08s1838cGP4x4N3cIeSQ-UaC_0qxZE_e9J8acL726ebewUzjrx370M9AkfPKrYU5cYWdGOd72JAGsBZYieOOYrWfxfZY4QJwSLIXHVvWg_ePw524Dj8/s640/blogger-image--1343401697.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>My second wonderful, easy peasy, no flour recipe is for banana pancakes. My aunt sent me this recipe after she saw my Oopsie bread pictues posted on FB. Originally this was suppose to be a 2 ingredient recipe, but of course I tweaked it. Here is my version...</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><b>No Flour Banana Pancakes</b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">(Makes aprox 6-8 small pancakes)</span></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>2 eggs</div><div>1 banana</div><div>1/2 tspn ground flax seeds</div><div>1/4 tsp vanilla</div><div>Dash of cinnamon</div><div>Pinch of salt</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaphPftGYGCe52ljgMRhIltiGMZ6ysHUgRjUFmtJskn1kv07gtPR3Bvv3X4vYR4WsJrAv0qbTKcneKGnysVzeimuTvSm3CrJTAltg9hKqg0Hh0jOcdnYXB4b7-Ya19-6aw2K3ss-w0dQ/s640/blogger-image-2104187665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaphPftGYGCe52ljgMRhIltiGMZ6ysHUgRjUFmtJskn1kv07gtPR3Bvv3X4vYR4WsJrAv0qbTKcneKGnysVzeimuTvSm3CrJTAltg9hKqg0Hh0jOcdnYXB4b7-Ya19-6aw2K3ss-w0dQ/s640/blogger-image-2104187665.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Throw all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Set your pan or griddle to med/low and lightly spray with oil. Pour a small amount of batter for each pancake. This is a thin batter, so they will be thinner pancakes. Since they're thin, it's best to make small pancakes (easier to flip). I can make 3 pancakes on my small pan, probably 5 on my large pan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3N4LkZhNsbCU0sfrmEu3ETX3DEz0kLkswu5Z3A_6N_yPKCV3_LoahphWk6aSkTECc13xZ4MGivnre1oQCjaA7wTqGdLs_xeD3Jdb-6PvWcYByFWM2IBDTMQ8hrRafBFqsEHfu0nxt3pU/s640/blogger-image--311810268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3N4LkZhNsbCU0sfrmEu3ETX3DEz0kLkswu5Z3A_6N_yPKCV3_LoahphWk6aSkTECc13xZ4MGivnre1oQCjaA7wTqGdLs_xeD3Jdb-6PvWcYByFWM2IBDTMQ8hrRafBFqsEHfu0nxt3pU/s640/blogger-image--311810268.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Make sure the batter is mostly cooked before flipping over.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghKDSu1mjdQuQtMHDerRybJjIvKNa1jij0cueljzHGBMwhUBUDj1Ecdm4yXxOu7e3F01wlXeMp30KnmfYRA_iU3RlkODYEBfZ6N8J1_uOX3mlUxUUrs_QOX3_RiWoX7MPsh9QaGkP-W0/s640/blogger-image-1707886573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghKDSu1mjdQuQtMHDerRybJjIvKNa1jij0cueljzHGBMwhUBUDj1Ecdm4yXxOu7e3F01wlXeMp30KnmfYRA_iU3RlkODYEBfZ6N8J1_uOX3mlUxUUrs_QOX3_RiWoX7MPsh9QaGkP-W0/s640/blogger-image-1707886573.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is how thin you can expect them to be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZKBwnELbrN5MNlLSn9S7etC46gntAMG8rYw1K-Jr0snbqPxqF93rivUpr83GYy4lnshggnQ8mdu-4HfHEmTZ965LNYiLnmVrknk898GKjXN5NHtb_B99puPLUS0kvmap1yG3QcW36PU/s640/blogger-image--519661739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZKBwnELbrN5MNlLSn9S7etC46gntAMG8rYw1K-Jr0snbqPxqF93rivUpr83GYy4lnshggnQ8mdu-4HfHEmTZ965LNYiLnmVrknk898GKjXN5NHtb_B99puPLUS0kvmap1yG3QcW36PU/s640/blogger-image--519661739.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In just a few minutes, you're done and you can enjoy these wonderful pancakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eMwwV0v-AUFSh0mz9cRFvKRGyraS1ohDd1lMBoQy3-Xg1CnJ4s5_DIxjcgJeE-ErqzvWNGwS5pwW5scXoLoW5T1rbRPwuFP63fesIUKCx1JBOThTxOfWyMdjbphfh_L9rPPQmS2jAkQ/s640/blogger-image-140911144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eMwwV0v-AUFSh0mz9cRFvKRGyraS1ohDd1lMBoQy3-Xg1CnJ4s5_DIxjcgJeE-ErqzvWNGwS5pwW5scXoLoW5T1rbRPwuFP63fesIUKCx1JBOThTxOfWyMdjbphfh_L9rPPQmS2jAkQ/s640/blogger-image-140911144.jpg"></a></div>The sweetness of the banana makes this even great without syrup. And because they're small and packed with protein and potassium, they're great for an afternoon or after workout snack. Enjoy!</div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-85955670611942371702013-06-08T13:49:00.001-05:002013-06-08T14:40:38.039-05:00Kale Chips! Betcha You Can't Just Have One<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L_Dz8yp76A2_amzgIlLJnYrK4OaU1ygiPA2oTIVTqIDitOFMa1xXdHGAYbd34svWOhELdMLHCYpFJNfRNtOEUGAfQHLQrpOxeoKPJeRO4U_Jjz95OlseWpnrefDiVqXwFcwpFtprh7U/s640/blogger-image--95942608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L_Dz8yp76A2_amzgIlLJnYrK4OaU1ygiPA2oTIVTqIDitOFMa1xXdHGAYbd34svWOhELdMLHCYpFJNfRNtOEUGAfQHLQrpOxeoKPJeRO4U_Jjz95OlseWpnrefDiVqXwFcwpFtprh7U/s640/blogger-image--95942608.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I stopped by my aunt's house for a quick visit. Just as I arrived, a fresh batch of kale chips were coming out of the oven. I grabbed a couple and they were oh so good! I've had kale chips before, but these had a nice nutty and spicy taste to them. So I got her recipe and headed to the store for some kale. Here's her recipe...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1/2 tbsp chia seeds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1/2 tbsp ground flax seeds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1/4 tsp sea salt (I had Himalayan sea salt on hand, but regular sea salt is fine)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 tbsp salt free seasoning of your choice. (I used Mrs Dash extra spicy for the adults and the garlic and herb for Cora's batch)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 bunch of Dino Lacinato kale (the flat kind)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Spray olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh-mm9sKd73Ryg_CNj3tGRmpiYTZZQGm7vDuTWKj7lhvpaBJ54RTweKxtNg4daocBa6EEFjyKM9xx_zaTs4ST8qoTmmUB7HnB-1dQ0wyEEva3LCbDNmFF9oglS5YqNXZfAGU5DfJMyc8/s640/blogger-image-520006436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh-mm9sKd73Ryg_CNj3tGRmpiYTZZQGm7vDuTWKj7lhvpaBJ54RTweKxtNg4daocBa6EEFjyKM9xx_zaTs4ST8qoTmmUB7HnB-1dQ0wyEEva3LCbDNmFF9oglS5YqNXZfAGU5DfJMyc8/s640/blogger-image-520006436.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Preheat your oven at 350.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mix your dry spices together and set aside.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2skb0QXAkFTwW7jY41QTAsXczAHbutMerS2PwAo77JQ_lbM6qGq1bKMZMov64h-N7SiwFHfhLmV67N9wMBN1r0yxs5Ix3y78qdv5r1pGD24PDoaI3_c909wFIpdRu3P145iHmsgyyyJs/s640/blogger-image-1630339675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2skb0QXAkFTwW7jY41QTAsXczAHbutMerS2PwAo77JQ_lbM6qGq1bKMZMov64h-N7SiwFHfhLmV67N9wMBN1r0yxs5Ix3y78qdv5r1pGD24PDoaI3_c909wFIpdRu3P145iHmsgyyyJs/s640/blogger-image-1630339675.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7-T2-pK1TdfwuSQXdF9Lhks_UyQpfOz_gXTZmvuZkTwaZkkQgFp0pcKP162UxMcrlBHcLFQM07KhYpnSKG3ZvjMb2zmiljoYdJ7ntV174S6cHIzKgAVrGbsrvqm9pfbe43Ph7_fLBok/s640/blogger-image--338472626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7-T2-pK1TdfwuSQXdF9Lhks_UyQpfOz_gXTZmvuZkTwaZkkQgFp0pcKP162UxMcrlBHcLFQM07KhYpnSKG3ZvjMb2zmiljoYdJ7ntV174S6cHIzKgAVrGbsrvqm9pfbe43Ph7_fLBok/s640/blogger-image--338472626.jpg"></a></div>Make sure you wash your leaves well. Especially with organic kale, you may little bugs on the leaves and near the ribs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGV7j9UZ40nQw_C5vnPEGmKC_t1i5YvwlsgyAL-EQlMPFJ8EbpIF6WRUmDncO4PRQlAN45c59C9rg4TYfTM4VvgnqlUN9DsmxAqicgxCr_4YA3rbxNm_ztpTAop1h5s0a6SIqMWPLvIA/s640/blogger-image-2116579335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGV7j9UZ40nQw_C5vnPEGmKC_t1i5YvwlsgyAL-EQlMPFJ8EbpIF6WRUmDncO4PRQlAN45c59C9rg4TYfTM4VvgnqlUN9DsmxAqicgxCr_4YA3rbxNm_ztpTAop1h5s0a6SIqMWPLvIA/s640/blogger-image-2116579335.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next dry your leaves the best you can. I find that a salad spinner works best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next few steps are done on small batches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Toss a handful of leaves in a bowl and lightly spray with olive oil. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once your leaves are evenly coated, sprinkle your seasoning. Just a light sprinkle should do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Place leaves on parchment paper. Don't overcrowd your baking sheet or your chips won't crisp easily.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKllkl3z0tskAcUmFdbyK_X_9SAh5NDYMk0fYpsAwIpHk-U1PWbyyFJ0aefr-rf_Ub68APqPtdfcEEHoTAJd2w3sQ9JvMIqIfZ7YXQhjkViLEqMFIwbFEWYE834wDmGN3708fO4yf5ag/s640/blogger-image--1164041555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKllkl3z0tskAcUmFdbyK_X_9SAh5NDYMk0fYpsAwIpHk-U1PWbyyFJ0aefr-rf_Ub68APqPtdfcEEHoTAJd2w3sQ9JvMIqIfZ7YXQhjkViLEqMFIwbFEWYE834wDmGN3708fO4yf5ag/s640/blogger-image--1164041555.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bake for only 8 minutes at 350 and they're done! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c7ObfpXe5-hWWMrU6yb6tjHPYMwPsDvaXZ6s6fWTmuPecZh54JeGVK4raygwfDeyoPrDJxWKurPqcN8WnHYo4wBPEl7icYv3ZoqXXCfyAhj6A-GdDLf_oHd1oC59QPGsH1JKhnRrhIY/s640/blogger-image-326988316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c7ObfpXe5-hWWMrU6yb6tjHPYMwPsDvaXZ6s6fWTmuPecZh54JeGVK4raygwfDeyoPrDJxWKurPqcN8WnHYo4wBPEl7icYv3ZoqXXCfyAhj6A-GdDLf_oHd1oC59QPGsH1JKhnRrhIY/s640/blogger-image-326988316.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was hard to get a picture of the full batch because we were munching on these right as they were coming out of the oven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hope you enjoy. Betcha can't eat just one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CcFJ1aOta2VVpBnP6rSdev-SQTT3vxG3IKO2Y1aCzTmCVO7JcWLUQTvfCu1XDBIpKxm-uLj41WbElR5X9MjcTMfY1gaA-K6Q5iF51VZpA24rWg8rYZqAovC77omEtQ_PUL4QUr6JpoE/s640/blogger-image--144212019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CcFJ1aOta2VVpBnP6rSdev-SQTT3vxG3IKO2Y1aCzTmCVO7JcWLUQTvfCu1XDBIpKxm-uLj41WbElR5X9MjcTMfY1gaA-K6Q5iF51VZpA24rWg8rYZqAovC77omEtQ_PUL4QUr6JpoE/s640/blogger-image--144212019.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-83886499004865278042013-06-04T18:34:00.001-05:002013-06-04T18:34:47.896-05:00Surprise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61x8463Ufl62-mTvSowEdmjRr2m6s9V5n1KL9pBGPcX2mergmwJirqR7Ug1j3as3XiEjq6ozgO4789POwAhXyjbSXANpRPmsJm5OFaSw-edi4iHZlwA6M-nqI_w0N4jVgj9O_Vbn6S0o/s640/blogger-image-1875367091.jpg"></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What I thought was going to be another run-of-the-mill office meeting, turned out to be a surprise belated baby shower/ welcome back party for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtarbEvS9gvHHrEk-GuHTaIgvdWDyjHIT5PeefeAMSmNXF_lZh7aiOaJAP6NpNDiOzVY8NIgytswk9KFnoEid4fBfe6Bh2wA0A92h1P3T2ENQ4eq9TcQMoxDPhNOtji9JlxKwdGwENFxU/s640/blogger-image-649904434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtarbEvS9gvHHrEk-GuHTaIgvdWDyjHIT5PeefeAMSmNXF_lZh7aiOaJAP6NpNDiOzVY8NIgytswk9KFnoEid4fBfe6Bh2wA0A92h1P3T2ENQ4eq9TcQMoxDPhNOtji9JlxKwdGwENFxU/s640/blogger-image-649904434.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dCgC4U1r7iASiAMU6HCZBFIcP2-KxmgWjJ3a9bkOgIvG1gLVawRHQXYOoXXURWUnom8bS-W0WQE0EVFGe15wyLsmazTVsbUkdP_KANwnT05fvTRd-WTHW8jB9xt6MWX-NvnQ2I-mgao/s640/blogger-image--1308219669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dCgC4U1r7iASiAMU6HCZBFIcP2-KxmgWjJ3a9bkOgIvG1gLVawRHQXYOoXXURWUnom8bS-W0WQE0EVFGe15wyLsmazTVsbUkdP_KANwnT05fvTRd-WTHW8jB9xt6MWX-NvnQ2I-mgao/s640/blogger-image--1308219669.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp0SVzZP5O7lKFLfCaDg9LlqsDVzwPu2EIQgH1m7LBTpnVrWRvDJ47o3TeIOedFbS-OjOe6y1wk4wxnalJwebVOKVszdQCsgBoPA-I2T31LW8TjnLXUzjDRNStb8l9RvF4Hky1wv9pBM/s640/blogger-image-687807970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp0SVzZP5O7lKFLfCaDg9LlqsDVzwPu2EIQgH1m7LBTpnVrWRvDJ47o3TeIOedFbS-OjOe6y1wk4wxnalJwebVOKVszdQCsgBoPA-I2T31LW8TjnLXUzjDRNStb8l9RvF4Hky1wv9pBM/s640/blogger-image-687807970.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Look at these amazing diaper/baby blanket creations my co-worker did for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aRVxvZiiVKtlak6D4j0C9Tv0j6ijkMdLX_OdrMumYTF-FuELDBaNPYBGW4D1rAfe9MP2EHd-aU2Fqz8JpLhw6BpxzH8X2a8kbd2TKd8TPGm-gFb7fp_gm13cbFCtCMhI0Dj-fL1DNRM/s640/blogger-image-2029124451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aRVxvZiiVKtlak6D4j0C9Tv0j6ijkMdLX_OdrMumYTF-FuELDBaNPYBGW4D1rAfe9MP2EHd-aU2Fqz8JpLhw6BpxzH8X2a8kbd2TKd8TPGm-gFb7fp_gm13cbFCtCMhI0Dj-fL1DNRM/s640/blogger-image-2029124451.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLwJhhm4Ih5uorIpdCSkZsSiioHS5FpuWF0KQ1fOPwfY6472kmL1fSPUn7pGvmlC2uWa4oTbrOboI9OSVjpUIgbNXIIX3mEF7Vb076TKP82m6WHMqC1hcd_vmdfoL7wWD9nZyUg0vUx0/s640/blogger-image-1224127092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLwJhhm4Ih5uorIpdCSkZsSiioHS5FpuWF0KQ1fOPwfY6472kmL1fSPUn7pGvmlC2uWa4oTbrOboI9OSVjpUIgbNXIIX3mEF7Vb076TKP82m6WHMqC1hcd_vmdfoL7wWD9nZyUg0vUx0/s640/blogger-image-1224127092.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was such a sweet gesture. I am lucky to be working with such a great group of people!</div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-46154771155473505622013-05-31T01:23:00.001-05:002013-05-31T01:25:25.828-05:00The Maternity Party is Over<br><br><center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/30/2578.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/30/s_2578.jpg" border="0" width="281" height="210" style="margin:5px"></a></center><br>Well, the party's over and back to work I go. For me, it marks an end of an era. You see, Julia is my last baby,which makes this my very last maternity leave. I know they won't remember this time in their lives, but I will always cherish these memories. <br><br>I recorded this little video of Julia the night before I went back to work. I just wanted to remember how she was right at this moment.<br><p align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/rxhhaREGBXc" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rxhhaREGBXc"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxhhaREGBXc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/rxhhaREGBXc/0.jpg" width="400" height="300">YouTube Video</a></object></p>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-30495809473250017662013-05-28T02:28:00.001-05:002013-05-28T14:22:19.852-05:00"Mommy, I Do It"Lately my 2 year old daughter's favorite phrase is, "Mommy, I do it." And boy, does she want to do everything. For Memorial Day, I offered to bring dessert to a barbecue. So since I happened to have all of the ingredients for Dump Cake and the instructions are so easy, a two year old could do it, I decided to let Cora make her first dessert. Here's how she made it...<div><br></div><div>You need:</div><div><ul style="margin: 15px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; "><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: square; "><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span itemprop="amount" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">1 can</span><span itemprop="name" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "> (21 Oz.) Cherry Pie Filling</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: square; "><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span itemprop="amount" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">1 can</span><span itemprop="name" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "> (15 Oz.) Crushed Pineapple</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: square; "><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span itemprop="amount" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">1 box</span><span itemprop="name" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "> (about 18 Oz.) Yellow Cake Mix</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: square; "><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span itemprop="name" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">1/2 cup Chopped Pecans (optional)</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: square; "><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span itemprop="amount" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">1 stick</span><span itemprop="name" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "> Margarine</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: square; "><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span itemprop="amount" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">1/2 stick</span><span itemprop="name" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "> Butter</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Preheat the oven at 350. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">While that's heating up, dump your can of cherries in a 9 x 13 pan.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEk8CrglDbg_AJtnh88ql4fhzgu-7-pQVu6gG74lJl4syT0XZCHulRRzAakC_ErjFsfV2yNf0taI0f9-PujKifGuCc8QF1iFgi6EWgo4Mk6wdJUxIU48KH4Fvn7A4zsz-NhLQx1nbtfw/s640/blogger-image-6209743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEk8CrglDbg_AJtnh88ql4fhzgu-7-pQVu6gG74lJl4syT0XZCHulRRzAakC_ErjFsfV2yNf0taI0f9-PujKifGuCc8QF1iFgi6EWgo4Mk6wdJUxIU48KH4Fvn7A4zsz-NhLQx1nbtfw/s640/blogger-image-6209743.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Next, dump your can of crushed pineapple in the pan. You don't need to drain it. Just dump the whole thing in.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkWTe0trMy3VRhmmTqUG7pZNw7F4itkpMTnQFO8pAhsGz9RglzL8O3GvX5oRFEht2n42LkjkufP5ZnQywIwoImiD33PO3EH2wlwtZrNrwBofzYl608S4uQTYmqUP2pFNYGtSRbwhFoRE/s640/blogger-image-275489426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkWTe0trMy3VRhmmTqUG7pZNw7F4itkpMTnQFO8pAhsGz9RglzL8O3GvX5oRFEht2n42LkjkufP5ZnQywIwoImiD33PO3EH2wlwtZrNrwBofzYl608S4uQTYmqUP2pFNYGtSRbwhFoRE/s640/blogger-image-275489426.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Now mix until all of the fruit and juices are combined in fruit harmony. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGLMobYSWkgG69eU5LBLNG6MNnA2VwelxXQLV6636rwQOoQtpzFwBjMgda-MhlBOcIerSrLKDqgYH3hHXSR2ce_lAleTrMv3IqtaGMJ8HXcUWVWStmJV86R0uaohCICYXB1Q1SufeggY/s640/blogger-image-389915201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGLMobYSWkgG69eU5LBLNG6MNnA2VwelxXQLV6636rwQOoQtpzFwBjMgda-MhlBOcIerSrLKDqgYH3hHXSR2ce_lAleTrMv3IqtaGMJ8HXcUWVWStmJV86R0uaohCICYXB1Q1SufeggY/s640/blogger-image-389915201.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now it's time for the cake mix. If you opted to add the pecans, dump the pecans in your cake mix. Then dump the cake mix on top of the fruit. Spread it evenly throughout your pan. Do not mix it in with the fruit. You should have a layer of fruit and a layer of cake mix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb_AOF_b5OeU9-wc9ChgNM7T7hBtwSfZaXkSs2iaUqvk9WsIni8L62e0J4eVLUt15a12wIWjHH3VnbPLZSla4ZJQamrAAcKx3xtIOCM_Jcs53NYFLOhGrsB6mV_cWKBeO3lEAPmrgkRs/s640/blogger-image-457580278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb_AOF_b5OeU9-wc9ChgNM7T7hBtwSfZaXkSs2iaUqvk9WsIni8L62e0J4eVLUt15a12wIWjHH3VnbPLZSla4ZJQamrAAcKx3xtIOCM_Jcs53NYFLOhGrsB6mV_cWKBeO3lEAPmrgkRs/s640/blogger-image-457580278.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cut up the margarine and butter into slices. Then distribute the pats of butter and margarine on top of the cake mix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-NdK0n9kIvQltLsojjkjCj5Q5BJWh99fKUGl-AVJ0v9U6jUr7_rhXyok4qDliwbZqdQEF79TWRNihHKui_ANiXRb0i64FYAUkJFc0EdoYoeohHAVnhae37nFyKPi-iPhUod8LVWjTTw/s640/blogger-image--1821100360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-NdK0n9kIvQltLsojjkjCj5Q5BJWh99fKUGl-AVJ0v9U6jUr7_rhXyok4qDliwbZqdQEF79TWRNihHKui_ANiXRb0i64FYAUkJFc0EdoYoeohHAVnhae37nFyKPi-iPhUod8LVWjTTw/s640/blogger-image--1821100360.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course, after Cora added the butter, I went in rearranged the butter, so it was more evenly distributed. And of course every time I had to assist her, she said, "No mommy. I do it!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now your Dump Cale is ready for the oven. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnDGVMwpLgxr4l3bCSpuCE7c7-m_hbGNaegXxVwGXkdTTEl8M6O9ttY6zBfCL-CXIUSkT6vPjE0FT-IIt96a5ZRdBh8iTMptGZ7lDd6blrC994LhWjDIJjGz0fVaEFMnH5E4oRxg2xGc/s640/blogger-image--1422823043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnDGVMwpLgxr4l3bCSpuCE7c7-m_hbGNaegXxVwGXkdTTEl8M6O9ttY6zBfCL-CXIUSkT6vPjE0FT-IIt96a5ZRdBh8iTMptGZ7lDd6blrC994LhWjDIJjGz0fVaEFMnH5E4oRxg2xGc/s640/blogger-image--1422823043.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Don't worry, I didn't really let her put the pan in the oven. She was happy just to have oven mitts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While ours baked, we cleaned up, had tummy time with Julia, checked in on our cake's progress, and sang songs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe_lMQGgC1x7VYmnOrwMaj8fDPmvaPD0o5WvfLBXSGA2yHSrB-dX6TtFFye2dZIYrx70754lN_extu8Gcop9ysWx7xQ2dI-3PMW0uhxw7ctAa-FeuiVLAljvMCFlpO77JDH0_H5oKl9A/s640/blogger-image--1083725118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe_lMQGgC1x7VYmnOrwMaj8fDPmvaPD0o5WvfLBXSGA2yHSrB-dX6TtFFye2dZIYrx70754lN_extu8Gcop9ysWx7xQ2dI-3PMW0uhxw7ctAa-FeuiVLAljvMCFlpO77JDH0_H5oKl9A/s640/blogger-image--1083725118.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once it was ready, I took it out of the oven and prepped it to take to the barbecue. Unfortunately we were having a crisis at the time (I'll explain in a minute) and I forgot to take a picture of the fresh-out-of-the-oven cake. Here it is after we got into it. Seriously delicious! It's kind of like a fruit crisp. My husband loves it with a scoop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. By the time we left, the entire cake was gone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxX38LLs8AUkG79gstaXUVqsFSf_joUOhSuZgMKJ4JJU2XqpyoqEvtiL-n4FYEmzIIPWAlb6IVKyD-_7JYuds1zn0BRaoNTL86EXIhXwtu1ZyyfAwxP0xNn1FAvWebnWX9dfwKdse7lU/s640/blogger-image--1285256763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxX38LLs8AUkG79gstaXUVqsFSf_joUOhSuZgMKJ4JJU2XqpyoqEvtiL-n4FYEmzIIPWAlb6IVKyD-_7JYuds1zn0BRaoNTL86EXIhXwtu1ZyyfAwxP0xNn1FAvWebnWX9dfwKdse7lU/s640/blogger-image--1285256763.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Okay back to my crisis.. Right as we were getting to leave, Cora decided to grab a smoky eyeshadow compact when I wasn't looking. She plopped herself right in the middle of my bed pillows (a favorite spot of hers), and decided to apply it herself. I can just hear her saying, "Mommy, i do it!" I have a white comforter and 2 white pillows. She and my bed were a mess when I found her!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcXpYwF4ilLh6_7rY7ZvC5xi4MdW15CwmmyfbDL-loL-9ERSIgu6-YsXprzTKZq4FfZTOdOT_oytKLdrIveOQPFlQi32kZ571PtMKU5f-0dVSYPD15LpkIIBZcqqv6J9Dqx2lWs2PMvQ/s640/blogger-image-193001929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcXpYwF4ilLh6_7rY7ZvC5xi4MdW15CwmmyfbDL-loL-9ERSIgu6-YsXprzTKZq4FfZTOdOT_oytKLdrIveOQPFlQi32kZ571PtMKU5f-0dVSYPD15LpkIIBZcqqv6J9Dqx2lWs2PMvQ/s640/blogger-image-193001929.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyGzX8ZPdwGb29Wj-Bm64gg78MAt1MFExNiKStc_jbyAZTmt3qNcJmURyBHMQGJ-ekxDhw6SA3J8NIKeKqTS-ideUerDD2KiUrB66kdC_VA2yvxWx1A7QbNDG4nQvPD5y_QuyZv-dHbg/s640/blogger-image-1719948766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyGzX8ZPdwGb29Wj-Bm64gg78MAt1MFExNiKStc_jbyAZTmt3qNcJmURyBHMQGJ-ekxDhw6SA3J8NIKeKqTS-ideUerDD2KiUrB66kdC_VA2yvxWx1A7QbNDG4nQvPD5y_QuyZv-dHbg/s640/blogger-image-1719948766.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were so late, but at least her dessert was a hit!</div></span></div><ul style="margin: 15px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; "><li style="color: rgb(95, 97, 97); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, san-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></li></ul></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-29209446388147776792013-05-27T01:46:00.001-05:002013-05-27T03:55:46.474-05:00Sunday Funday: Exploring Houston<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXiQ0aGLI0HPGI5uIHa6cdCtqGMrYs7vSlATg9RDdSB8Gl5eJOc0znrj9qM3_AMtsA6NkZw9FNPazWfmY0cjUcN7hXiMX3shINdntuXg8vC2OdkcFtB4xqzuDXhVLwEqn0w2z98-149w/s640/blogger-image-947779849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXiQ0aGLI0HPGI5uIHa6cdCtqGMrYs7vSlATg9RDdSB8Gl5eJOc0znrj9qM3_AMtsA6NkZw9FNPazWfmY0cjUcN7hXiMX3shINdntuXg8vC2OdkcFtB4xqzuDXhVLwEqn0w2z98-149w/s640/blogger-image-947779849.jpg"></a></div><br></div>From time to time, Will and I jump in the car and explore our large city. We try to find attractions that cost little to no money because... 1) It's a challenge. 2) It fits the budget. 3) You can really find strange and unusual places off the beaten path. So after being cooped up for a few days, due to a cold, it was a good time to stretch our legs and explore. <div><br></div><div>On this trip, we hit 3 spots. Our first stop was The Beer Can House. Admission is $2. $5 for a guided tour. Since we got there 10 minutes before closing, we just walked up and snapped a few pictures.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XNA9k9T1RD4o_kKl1ij1b1mRKV-4mcgX8srZhQodhvw-xes2AaLbPGNx2G4cmXKMTYdIHqvJoLsySc2FzRa0eSkHOnudzR9mSJBVq85iH_eFc7-GyU7Su8QL8CHIoYp2P6ozW7rXT80/s640/blogger-image--1718094830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XNA9k9T1RD4o_kKl1ij1b1mRKV-4mcgX8srZhQodhvw-xes2AaLbPGNx2G4cmXKMTYdIHqvJoLsySc2FzRa0eSkHOnudzR9mSJBVq85iH_eFc7-GyU7Su8QL8CHIoYp2P6ozW7rXT80/s640/blogger-image--1718094830.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This house was 18 years in the making and is covered with approximately 50,000 beer cans and bottles. The owner is a retired upholster from Southern Pacific Railroad and one day he just decided to cover his house with aluminum cans. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyr4HgFW28DP7uCfg6xqRB79mmC4LK5lrzkA_CeJ2ZbNWULDEchyUXueGsszqr2jwoorMtcbpLJPfmYKnnslSrQFIM0mlMxFZSKzSWKSDAGvdNJx5w9sN9htrjX_Ybeb4ctCzl3wZDNU/s640/blogger-image--1704386798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyr4HgFW28DP7uCfg6xqRB79mmC4LK5lrzkA_CeJ2ZbNWULDEchyUXueGsszqr2jwoorMtcbpLJPfmYKnnslSrQFIM0mlMxFZSKzSWKSDAGvdNJx5w9sN9htrjX_Ybeb4ctCzl3wZDNU/s640/blogger-image--1704386798.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our second stop was The Art Car Museum. Every year, Houston has an Art Car parade and since I miss it every year, I figured this was the next best thing. Admission is free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvTJNE1k4Ji5qu2UYVrMdGL99jK5ZyVFmhm4L0ig9yAV6wVUAPSNrRoA13nys7ho-tuvcBflhI-qBHKKL4SpfOiKj4S7Oh2ZLqx2UhAWX3H5EE6kuoL72h-OjCzm62Z9QgoPu7G5c8Fw/s640/blogger-image--1344075674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvTJNE1k4Ji5qu2UYVrMdGL99jK5ZyVFmhm4L0ig9yAV6wVUAPSNrRoA13nys7ho-tuvcBflhI-qBHKKL4SpfOiKj4S7Oh2ZLqx2UhAWX3H5EE6kuoL72h-OjCzm62Z9QgoPu7G5c8Fw/s640/blogger-image--1344075674.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here are the cars we saw. We weren't able to stay long because Cora was a little scared of these strange and eclectic cars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht00YLETp1U2ehtPEZVbNSYJyIHHS2OqaP-QNkdEq02ly1Q9EkJf2fI27LrQ3vr4-54tAQd0nlNkkMzpdqPzJ5JGioVVk4UVFZhdzQtaf7JPEGxIxHw6LWGeVMFjAmjqVGJBW_0gU5XT0/s640/blogger-image-28213780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht00YLETp1U2ehtPEZVbNSYJyIHHS2OqaP-QNkdEq02ly1Q9EkJf2fI27LrQ3vr4-54tAQd0nlNkkMzpdqPzJ5JGioVVk4UVFZhdzQtaf7JPEGxIxHw6LWGeVMFjAmjqVGJBW_0gU5XT0/s640/blogger-image-28213780.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SKsEPNptU-lLuWLk5Is_55NmR3P_YgDpHuSwcum6uHBhlUYS7QwVyzrz3QV3u6kZSIbgZKhJwqoQKvxsv2ry4YgEk3CfeUoZfsq79GjvEK9L8sNB-ClGEf-IK0kx4ickR5iz-AqLDXs/s640/blogger-image--1481328464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SKsEPNptU-lLuWLk5Is_55NmR3P_YgDpHuSwcum6uHBhlUYS7QwVyzrz3QV3u6kZSIbgZKhJwqoQKvxsv2ry4YgEk3CfeUoZfsq79GjvEK9L8sNB-ClGEf-IK0kx4ickR5iz-AqLDXs/s640/blogger-image--1481328464.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQzSLW24-2LTGBnihu9a64UkIY5Q95O6zQCNhwSoDCuso5QfxU5Tp0EV47wmj6Y0_YDhXmwQQgVz5J9XBXAtBrV5ugqCWzu7q4QKrPTCxPy0S0viaQ8sOj_txFr_ffLK-SqR5gs_Ws2o/s640/blogger-image-1138032940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQzSLW24-2LTGBnihu9a64UkIY5Q95O6zQCNhwSoDCuso5QfxU5Tp0EV47wmj6Y0_YDhXmwQQgVz5J9XBXAtBrV5ugqCWzu7q4QKrPTCxPy0S0viaQ8sOj_txFr_ffLK-SqR5gs_Ws2o/s640/blogger-image-1138032940.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our last (and my favorite) stop was at The Blue Trees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmviyzSGCjRS-rJQm4TjaHF4z5m8ZfP06egk28Z8t4xJ2Pyi1b5pLLv3td6SNJxHV0Y0g6giWXZ2iW_WmWVKUcy0n5i07SqDOmYA9Ehu3WziR0L1r1S0YXAjfl6SWEJzNGdSgJbSsvX6c/s640/blogger-image-1982048127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmviyzSGCjRS-rJQm4TjaHF4z5m8ZfP06egk28Z8t4xJ2Pyi1b5pLLv3td6SNJxHV0Y0g6giWXZ2iW_WmWVKUcy0n5i07SqDOmYA9Ehu3WziR0L1r1S0YXAjfl6SWEJzNGdSgJbSsvX6c/s640/blogger-image-1982048127.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Artist, <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Konstantin Dimopoulos, was commissioned to recreate his outdoor living project to generate awareness to the many trees Houston lost to the 2011 drought and the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. The trees were painted with biologically-safe, water-based ultramarine mineral pigments. When I accidentally brushed up against the trees, the blue paint came off very easily and the texture resembled chalk. There's no telling how long these trees will stay blue, but for now, they do make a very striking statement.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHofAcsIE7KU9Yi4To0WN2jOUynu3yOOXWFC9FjWKBXyXVzu49i60sX4g3FL_QMSE90EIdqYBW1y4SKwg7RpKTXJ3Ld9oSE_Iu2pgLubIGvJnENS8o118YU3qcO6FbyNdFB6RPip9WHA/s640/blogger-image--12020297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHofAcsIE7KU9Yi4To0WN2jOUynu3yOOXWFC9FjWKBXyXVzu49i60sX4g3FL_QMSE90EIdqYBW1y4SKwg7RpKTXJ3Ld9oSE_Iu2pgLubIGvJnENS8o118YU3qcO6FbyNdFB6RPip9WHA/s640/blogger-image--12020297.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDvoXpLilHDyLQdC_yyQW1kutxlmDTU3VIKGrn_BYZTrQ3klxOgfbM4ALt1os3Ae_P2T3YjnV3cJtBTLbElecp20G-t37KlzXMJBh4Aw_0K4J35uy-tQ_dQpjdc7rJr_h1t6V3pYpPo0/s640/blogger-image-1208376358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDvoXpLilHDyLQdC_yyQW1kutxlmDTU3VIKGrn_BYZTrQ3klxOgfbM4ALt1os3Ae_P2T3YjnV3cJtBTLbElecp20G-t37KlzXMJBh4Aw_0K4J35uy-tQ_dQpjdc7rJr_h1t6V3pYpPo0/s640/blogger-image-1208376358.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cGMjx7p_8BTFBek58_7VXIqpXfHc1gYro6B9-M3jGDmXimOgUj9W2y4MzNgK5-AkIn_xgDH5hFsy7HnuVywhf3hixQJ6Y3zfqxkiQlXaPm4hoOZPASsYxXejj6q_vbcLR16TgvHkFBU/s640/blogger-image-173342549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cGMjx7p_8BTFBek58_7VXIqpXfHc1gYro6B9-M3jGDmXimOgUj9W2y4MzNgK5-AkIn_xgDH5hFsy7HnuVywhf3hixQJ6Y3zfqxkiQlXaPm4hoOZPASsYxXejj6q_vbcLR16TgvHkFBU/s640/blogger-image-173342549.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!</span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-66186194944867376792013-05-24T02:07:00.001-05:002013-05-28T14:23:05.112-05:00All About JuliaLast year I told my husband that I really wanted to do something BIG for my 40th birthday in 2013. Well low and behold, I sure did do something BIG! I had my beautiful baby girl one week shy of my 40th birthday. It was the best gift I could have received.<br /><br />The pregnancy started out a lot like my previous one... Tired the first trimester. No morning sickness, just queasiness that would pass after 15 seconds or so and serious fruit cravings. Even though I didn't want to say anything to my husband, I had a feeling this baby was another girl. At 5 months along, I found out my hunch was right.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/24/6.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/24/s_6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='231' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We immediately decide to name her after my mother-in-law. Cora is named after my mom, and it just seemed right that we honored both of our moms. <br /><br />Julia Annaliese came into this world one month earlier than planned due to extreme hypertension. I wasn't expecting to deliver that day, in fact I told my boss I was coming in late after my morning doctor's appointment. Unfortunately my blood pressure shot up to dangerous levels and my doctor decided we had to have her that day. Despite the emotional and chaotic start, I was very blessed to have an easy labor and delivery. In fact, I didn't even push. My doctor was prepping for the delivery. He didn't want me to push just yet. He had me just take deep breaths and next thing you know, Julia was born. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/24/7.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/24/s_7.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I think for Cora, it was love at first sight. She has been a wonderful big sister. I think she will always look out for her baby sister. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/24/8.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/24/s_8.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/24/9.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/24/s_9.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-73583488452790132013-05-23T03:09:00.001-05:002013-05-28T14:23:25.346-05:00Where Do I Begin...I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last blogged. I've often thought about writing a post, but being a mommy to a busy toddler and now a newborn (yes, i had another baby) takes up a lot of blogging time. Then there is Facebook. Why write a blog post when I can just update my status and attach a picture in mere seconds? <br /><br />Well I've come to realize that I miss blogging. I love having a little space on the web that journals my life. I love looking back on previous posts and remembering all of my happy little moments. And even if no one is reading this, my daughters eventually will. I'm glad they will have stories of our lives that I wrote. They will read about how their mom and dad got married twice, details and pictures of our weddings, how I felt and looked during my pregnancy, how i carefully plan their birthday parties, how much I love life and want to teach them how to love theirs. Yes, I think I'll keep blogging... <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/23/145.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/23/s_145.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-51206682567825340762012-07-03T16:58:00.001-05:002013-05-28T14:23:46.060-05:00Avocado Egg Salad<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/03/2780.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/03/s_2780.jpg' border='0' width='325' height='243' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Most work days I come home for lunch and have leftovers, but once in a while our nanny will prepare something for us. Her avocado egg salad is one of my favorites. It kind of a cross between guacamole and egg salad. It's so simple, why didn't I think of it before?<br /><br />Here's what you need. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/03/2781.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/03/s_2781.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />1 medium avocado<br />2 hard boiled eggs (chopped)<br />1/4 c chopped tomatoes<br />1/2 tbsp finely chopped red onion<br />1/2 tbsp finely chopped celery<br />Chopped cilantro (optional)<br />Juice of 1/2 of a lime<br />1/2 tsp garlic powder<br />Salt and pepper to taste<br /><br />In a mixing bowl, mash your avocado, then add your eggs, tomatoes, onion, celery, and cilantro. Mix well, then add your lime juice, garlic power, salt, and pepper.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/07/03/2782.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/07/03/s_2782.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My nanny serves it as avocado tacos on her homemade tortillas, but we've added to our burgers, sandwiches, spread on toast, and used it as dip. Even my toddler loves it! <br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-80384789772185608832012-06-22T01:28:00.001-05:002013-05-28T14:24:35.502-05:00Father's Day Daycation<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4806.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4806.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I must admit, I am so lucky to have Will as my husband. Not only is a great husband, he is a wonderful daddy to our little girl. Since he made my Mother's Day so special, I wanted to make sure he had a memorable Father's Day. <br /><br />We started the day with a little breakfast and a homemade card. <br />It's amazing what you can do with apps these days. I used Turbo Collage to piece the many pics I've taken of these two all snuggled up.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4807.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4807.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then I printed it and created this card... <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4808.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4808.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Note to self...invest in washable markers and hide the colorful Sharpie pens from Cora).<br /><br />After breakfast and a nap for Cora, we packed up for a Daycation in Galveston (which is about 45 miles outside of Houston). <br /><br />We lunched at Gaido's. Apparently this restaurant has been here since 1911. I don't know how it's survived all of those hurricanes.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4809.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4809.jpg' border='0' width='230' height='306' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Cora looking out to sea.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4810.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4810.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We decided to take the ferry over to Boliver Island. My gosh the line to get on the ferry was soooooo long. When we finally got to the loading zone. We had a chance to get out and stretch our legs. Thank goodness it was a "controlled area".<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4811.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4811.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='219' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Before we went to Galveston, I read online how the kids love feeding the birds from the back of the ferry. I brought some leftover bread from our lunch and we headed to the back of the boat. Cora loves watching the birds out the window at home and i just knew she was going to love this. I start to throw the bread and instantly a huge flock of seagulls were hovering right over us. My face went from excited to sheer panic. These birds were ready to take that bread right out of my hand and peck our eyes out! Okay, okay, a little exaggeration, but I swear they were all saying, "Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!" I ended up chucking the whole bread so we could escape. It was definitely a Finding Nemo/ The Birds moment! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4812.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4812.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='208' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Once we got away. We enjoyed the rest of our ride and a quick drive around the island<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4813.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4813.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4814.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4814.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After a lovely day (minus the bird attack), we headed back on the ferry just in time to catch this beautiful sunset.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/21/4815.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/21/s_4815.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-52817673599635293722012-06-13T18:04:00.001-05:002013-05-28T14:25:02.134-05:00Beating The Heat With A Watermelon Smoothie<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/13/3371.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/13/s_3371.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Ahhhh Texas summers... They can be brutal. I found that a good way to beat the heat is a refreshing watermelon smoothie. The cute coffee shop around the corner makes wonderful watermelon smoothies, but they can be costly if I go throughout the whole summer. So why not make my own? All it took was:<br /><br />A blender<br />2 C watermelon<br />1/2 C frozen watermelon<br />1/4 C crushed ice<br /><br />Delicious!!!!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/13/3372.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/13/s_3372.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-22045910528542835162012-06-10T16:34:00.001-05:002013-05-28T14:25:21.398-05:00Recipe: Easy Peasy Chicken Nuggets<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/10/3275.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/10/s_3275.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />You know that yummy, crunchy topping that makes your Thanksgiving green bean casserole taste so good? It also makes great chicken nuggets! Here's my recipe for Easy Peasy Chicken Nuggets.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2 chicken breast or 5-6 boneless/skinless chicken thighs<br />1- 6 oz container of french fried onions<br />1 tbsp of flour<br />1/2 tsp garlic seasoning<br />Black pepper to taste<br />1 egg (slightly beaten)<br /><br />Preheat oven at 350.<br /><br />Pour the French fried onions in a large ziplock bag. Take out the air out of the bag so it'll be flat. With a rolling pin, roll over the bag and crush up those onions into small bits and pieces. Add your flour, garlic seasoning, and pepper in the bag and shake to mix it. The coating should look like this...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/10/3276.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/10/s_3276.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Slightly beat an egg and set aside. Cut you chicken into 1 inch pieces and then coat them with egg.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/10/3277.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/10/s_3277.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then your chicken in your in the bag to coat each piece and place on a foil lined cookie sheet (it makes cleaning up a snap!)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/10/3278.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/10/s_3278.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Once all of the pieces are ready, you may notice that you have extra coating. Don't discard it. Go ahead and spoon the extra crunchy goodness on each chicken piece. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/10/3279.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/10/s_3279.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Bake for 20 minutes and they're done!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/10/3280.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/10/s_3280.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm not a big sauce fan, so I don't serve my nuggets with sauce. Honestly, I think these nuggets have so much flavor, you won't need it. They are always a hit when I've made them for guest. I hope you enjoy them too!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-19502933096774933452012-06-03T00:46:00.000-05:002012-06-03T00:49:38.027-05:00DIY: Making Felt Cupcakes (Free Pattern & Tutorial)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4VjCWDB5wUeYaZT_w4pquM4-EV7qkiL_rCeZPa4FBoGWm2jCs-d-qwVvFJNCgOgldPF-PQJaVYJ0bcAA29BnGqitaFHYK2xZk0UQhm1fwZWZI3fuHBqQgGUosU1yLqhGevVYC-DSfgo/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4VjCWDB5wUeYaZT_w4pquM4-EV7qkiL_rCeZPa4FBoGWm2jCs-d-qwVvFJNCgOgldPF-PQJaVYJ0bcAA29BnGqitaFHYK2xZk0UQhm1fwZWZI3fuHBqQgGUosU1yLqhGevVYC-DSfgo/s320/IMG_1780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Aren't these just adorable? One of the things I love about making felt food is that it's easy, inexpensive, and so cute once they're done. I made these as my daughter napped today. I also took lots of pictures and created a pattern so you can make some too. <br />
<br />
Here is the <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1N2F0E96q1qZlpncUktMy03Sk0" target="_blank">pattern</a>. Cut the pattern out and trace it on to your felt. Then cut your felt pieces. Your cupcake pieces look something like this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3rm5sSMV5H13nIjcNIyiEscLSkjorXoDFrNmQBLcLeB5tOF7E4Mdbp6PpzaseL65xun8oTlukUfIHVrOB1Q5FIiPlf19iiabEzt20-Ijvh8jkFmP6R32Rx3NZbMwKqLmrLFHxefygfY/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3rm5sSMV5H13nIjcNIyiEscLSkjorXoDFrNmQBLcLeB5tOF7E4Mdbp6PpzaseL65xun8oTlukUfIHVrOB1Q5FIiPlf19iiabEzt20-Ijvh8jkFmP6R32Rx3NZbMwKqLmrLFHxefygfY/s320/IMG_1757.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay I know it looks like a happy face. I placed it that way because it made me giggle :-) As you can see, we are making a chocolate cupcake. So you should have:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>cupcake bottom</li>
<li>cardboard bottom</li>
<li>cupcake top</li>
<li>cupcake side</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">Take your cupcake side and overlap the two ends slightly. It should look like this.. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkJV8CWb2jjSfBbADWjoMzEX7acKoK6DgYsvbHAvFHVHlY8qb09V5zG4gV8jA9WmLf_tvyyTvaWgZvMEZnk76KQp6WxzkGq3LU11CL0y4YPg2000wPgyOm9R_8U7_OP8yg-esPYKSeIw/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkJV8CWb2jjSfBbADWjoMzEX7acKoK6DgYsvbHAvFHVHlY8qb09V5zG4gV8jA9WmLf_tvyyTvaWgZvMEZnk76KQp6WxzkGq3LU11CL0y4YPg2000wPgyOm9R_8U7_OP8yg-esPYKSeIw/s320/IMG_1758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sew the piece together using a whip stitch. In case you don't know how to whip stitch by hand, here is a good <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9kGyZDWZcA" target="_blank">video</a>. It's really easy and you can do this while watching t.v. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcSySf62DeGsYmtZlZKxTi66fmEDDdZt-HCoMUN0IHkAPBaiVRRIB5INioTXRoYqkvFP86A8BSITcCNuMXFH6gVW3Zk8PvuxZOMYES-yDBBuH3a8JjO3dpauKeqe5bjfFeEbOBf_TZ_g/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcSySf62DeGsYmtZlZKxTi66fmEDDdZt-HCoMUN0IHkAPBaiVRRIB5INioTXRoYqkvFP86A8BSITcCNuMXFH6gVW3Zk8PvuxZOMYES-yDBBuH3a8JjO3dpauKeqe5bjfFeEbOBf_TZ_g/s320/IMG_1759.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once that's done, you can sew the cupcake bottom to the cupcake side using the same stitch. When you are done, it should look like this....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJ27y_MGsb9FD_Ex5VtOTSRaQa4vCCT0jI9fDlIki9kgMShNedZ037Dbm9aS_cji0NKyu2f91-oMhbzsYy4s8PmWcC16HhmBvLGmPfGp3KX2oCTBzpCdjTINa4q5Jfyw6JpU-pePCoBA/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJ27y_MGsb9FD_Ex5VtOTSRaQa4vCCT0jI9fDlIki9kgMShNedZ037Dbm9aS_cji0NKyu2f91-oMhbzsYy4s8PmWcC16HhmBvLGmPfGp3KX2oCTBzpCdjTINa4q5Jfyw6JpU-pePCoBA/s320/IMG_1762.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, sew the cupcake top on. About half way through, place your cardboard bottom on the inside of your cupcake. This will help your cupcake stand. No need to glue it on. You will add the stuffing next and that will keep the cardboard in place. Once you stuffed your cupcake, sew it shut.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZFmQQtLPWZwT-VJNCcnydF-4Pzs9BaxMnFHRM4kcmkjap2DImJ6m264iG1Af0lPmxslmCxDC7VXTZ788ehNZg5v0z0JwWsJkLWJvbbBxSGALIAolM5NH_3-n1fSBR9ucNDjUYs5_2S4/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZFmQQtLPWZwT-VJNCcnydF-4Pzs9BaxMnFHRM4kcmkjap2DImJ6m264iG1Af0lPmxslmCxDC7VXTZ788ehNZg5v0z0JwWsJkLWJvbbBxSGALIAolM5NH_3-n1fSBR9ucNDjUYs5_2S4/s320/IMG_1786.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ice, Ice Baby! Time to cut out some icing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWEbxvOn5IoBP8-8YM0UdZNFEj1G6MNA8wB8T20Xwh0AW3v3ca3LsgkqkqxRFbzwmarzv4r9Fovp3JdBY_9F9WQ8O70R7Agv4MSWpwdOK_7k0Vgm7k0z2-OQVjK8TArFmU6xhF2RERkk/s1600/IMG_1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWEbxvOn5IoBP8-8YM0UdZNFEj1G6MNA8wB8T20Xwh0AW3v3ca3LsgkqkqxRFbzwmarzv4r9Fovp3JdBY_9F9WQ8O70R7Agv4MSWpwdOK_7k0Vgm7k0z2-OQVjK8TArFmU6xhF2RERkk/s320/IMG_1772.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once my icing pieces were cut, I went ahead and used fabric glue to place the icing. You can sew this if you prefer. First glue Icing A, B, C, D, and the topping of choice all together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmo0_i0ZN_e94_AdOwP3ZHAHZrES-uVXNoIUCRVVaLtZ75m4gTZYzMKUviBv-5xAKKxWSNA2MSM34r5CffVFeUYXxahpzpj2Oa9WlmEVKp2mQTrdJU3YKrzE4xKOiufOObqx_7ph2BUCw/s1600/IMG_1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmo0_i0ZN_e94_AdOwP3ZHAHZrES-uVXNoIUCRVVaLtZ75m4gTZYzMKUviBv-5xAKKxWSNA2MSM34r5CffVFeUYXxahpzpj2Oa9WlmEVKp2mQTrdJU3YKrzE4xKOiufOObqx_7ph2BUCw/s320/IMG_1773.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once the icing has been assembled, glue the entire top to the cupcake. Allow to dry according to your fabric glue instructions (mine says 24 hours). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4ijVJOYZJFG1rlsRtM1y7q4ZYNcQd6iUNp3Ezmc4cwfFIXokPZnei31tE5Awscp8ygBoL-CqVFzVLwJS4tzZYrLf_bBUQ2LTEIGrdW6exYLs3ztE1ErqB5p2l2eVJBd20KbXDSQCS3I/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4ijVJOYZJFG1rlsRtM1y7q4ZYNcQd6iUNp3Ezmc4cwfFIXokPZnei31tE5Awscp8ygBoL-CqVFzVLwJS4tzZYrLf_bBUQ2LTEIGrdW6exYLs3ztE1ErqB5p2l2eVJBd20KbXDSQCS3I/s320/IMG_1774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Viola! Your cupcake is ready to be served at your child's next tea party.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiDIyfX-YKjwLkrg8dCyY3wd1mE4URP0zlu8Uj6NSYOdkGOqoPllFYxoBmXuZwxt1mygWM6qh5n30NGMJPRJJgRRU3CGhJAXQj8bNPd_gHQrMa5RTdT371dmmJ1JR7LO6XFnY3LMRLV0/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiDIyfX-YKjwLkrg8dCyY3wd1mE4URP0zlu8Uj6NSYOdkGOqoPllFYxoBmXuZwxt1mygWM6qh5n30NGMJPRJJgRRU3CGhJAXQj8bNPd_gHQrMa5RTdT371dmmJ1JR7LO6XFnY3LMRLV0/s320/IMG_1775.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I designed these cupcakes to be the same size as actual cupcakes, so you can put them in muffin tins or in cupcake liners.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORneg2hNn4mNIDHh4mVUfkCUr9jibbWxwwbvMAWAhET9ie-oxL9r4fxcm2xN6wSNAOvciQf5_RE2jJs9zgdQVcCWNKAKMrsdiS-ySq_Mx_qDBbIHleFdUyCOZzba-O9R6SV5bKvNybSo/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORneg2hNn4mNIDHh4mVUfkCUr9jibbWxwwbvMAWAhET9ie-oxL9r4fxcm2xN6wSNAOvciQf5_RE2jJs9zgdQVcCWNKAKMrsdiS-ySq_Mx_qDBbIHleFdUyCOZzba-O9R6SV5bKvNybSo/s320/IMG_1783.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxVuLeE3CoZ0YeCZ0stR5KIy2FUQsqjVSHPERLSPlks-L4WYEaDAHQTppAIyQ51Bz5jjcmy8eoQmY-vIlYyYbhdBzDWtfjoM8g8OxMOd1ESfMl2mF0fDkmCeHiVH_1b5GdvwpBPBBzxk/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxVuLeE3CoZ0YeCZ0stR5KIy2FUQsqjVSHPERLSPlks-L4WYEaDAHQTppAIyQ51Bz5jjcmy8eoQmY-vIlYyYbhdBzDWtfjoM8g8OxMOd1ESfMl2mF0fDkmCeHiVH_1b5GdvwpBPBBzxk/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxVuLeE3CoZ0YeCZ0stR5KIy2FUQsqjVSHPERLSPlks-L4WYEaDAHQTppAIyQ51Bz5jjcmy8eoQmY-vIlYyYbhdBzDWtfjoM8g8OxMOd1ESfMl2mF0fDkmCeHiVH_1b5GdvwpBPBBzxk/s320/IMG_1784.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
Enjoy!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1ys2oyma2JgJLRunaYpLXt_JLBktEykkmnFw4FMj_fmvdKtTjStZmOfJBD7jAnmvdajaZ3HKgFxNOQjXAiR0UTyBMFZFSnepCbbRTbBN-xQ5TfZf1uSjZyv4bAktmgU_lXWUth6J_eA/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1ys2oyma2JgJLRunaYpLXt_JLBktEykkmnFw4FMj_fmvdKtTjStZmOfJBD7jAnmvdajaZ3HKgFxNOQjXAiR0UTyBMFZFSnepCbbRTbBN-xQ5TfZf1uSjZyv4bAktmgU_lXWUth6J_eA/s320/IMG_1782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-45089211733751281882012-05-24T12:52:00.001-05:002012-06-02T23:21:11.178-05:00Take Me Out To The Ballgame<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/24/1795.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/24/s_1795.jpg' border='0' width='191' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We took Cora to her first baseball game the other night. I think she was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. We didn't get to stay for the entire game, but we had a great time. Here are a few pics from the night... <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/24/1799.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/24/s_1799.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='197' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/24/1800.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/24/s_1800.jpg' border='0' width='220' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/24/1803.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/24/s_1803.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/24/1807.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/24/s_1807.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-42898539062443037792012-05-20T17:11:00.001-05:002012-05-20T17:23:49.092-05:00Organizing A Hairy Situation<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/20/3133.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/20/s_3133.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Cora's hair accessories were out of control. When she first started getting hair clips and barretts I'd put them in a little bowl on her dresser and it was fine. A year later, there were just too many for the little bowl, so I decided to organize it.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/20/3134.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/20/s_3134.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />For my supplies, I used a plain 16 x 20 artist canvas, ribbon, and staples. I chose brown and golden yellow to coordinate with Cora's room.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/20/3135.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/20/s_3135.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I cut 6 stands of ribbon, each at 25 inches long. I then measured and stapled the ribbons 2 inches apart to the back of the canvas.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/20/3136.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/20/s_3136.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Staple the top and bottom and cut off any excess ribbon (if any) and the back should look like this...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/20/3137.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/20/s_3137.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Flip over and you're ready to add your hair accessories.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/20/3138.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/20/s_3138.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Have a great day!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-66312764079197432542012-05-19T12:08:00.001-05:002012-05-20T17:23:49.095-05:00Yum Yum Dim Sum!Back in December, we took Cora to The Children's Museum and stumbled across this little Asian play area. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/19/1868.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/19/s_1868.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was the first time I had seen Chinese play food. I really wanted to buy a set for Cora, but they didn't sell it in the gift shop and I couldn't find a dim sum set online. I guess if I wanted her to have one, I'm going to have to make it. Here's how it turned out...<br /><br />Siu Mai<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/19/1869.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/19/s_1869.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Dumplings, Mini Egg Rolls, and Bao<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/19/1870.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/19/s_1870.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Banana Leaf Sticky Rice<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/19/1871.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/19/s_1871.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/19/1872.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/19/s_1872.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I really love how these turned out. I may have to make sets for my nieces and nephews.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-18641262076899285882012-05-14T00:12:00.001-05:002012-05-20T17:23:49.090-05:00Happy Mother's Day<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/13/4685.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/13/s_4685.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This was my 2nd Mother's Day and my husband did a wonderful job of making it a special day. He had a delicious breakfast waiting for me and he planned a surprise lunch with my best mommy friends. <br /><br />Wishing all the mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-87708231649891000512012-05-09T00:41:00.001-05:002012-05-20T17:23:49.098-05:00Playing With FoodSince we built Cora a new kitchen, it was only right that she had some food to make and serve. I did a little research and found a great <a target="_blank" href="http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Crafting/Project-Gallery/Sewing-and-Quilting/Fun-Felt-Food">tutorial</a> on making easy foods out of felt.<br /><br />Here's how mine turned out...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/08/3788.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/08/s_3788.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />For my egg, I sewed a topstitch around the yellow, but left a small opening so I could stuff it with batting. Then I sewed it closed.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/08/3789.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/08/s_3789.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />For the pancakes. I sewed the butter to the syrup, then the syrup to just the top layer of the pancake. Then I top stitched the pancake to a plain pancake. I like having 2 layers because it makes it more durable.<br /><br />Making the pasta.... I didn't have the fancy scissors like in the tutorial, so I just cut my jagged edges with my regular scissors. It made a mess, but gosh these turned out cute. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/08/3790.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/08/s_3790.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Doesn't it look like we're really cooking pasta?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/08/3791.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/08/s_3791.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Breakfast is served!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/08/3792.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/08/s_3792.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mangia!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/08/3793.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/08/s_3793.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-65141800092572219852012-04-22T16:24:00.000-05:002012-04-22T16:24:22.787-05:00Earth Day: Upcycling - Making A Play Kitchen From Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Pse2rCmgwEVvD0gVNrKjIMM4PpzyDT4YVQHewwIGPl-s2c1DwI1l9DgbPDXUTMCqrhv0jPaCv_YDOlLSFjpr0_RMbLjVuLsMrub6LpS50EUFieMJcqm8PT8I2Av85jNP5jp9m_clKug/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Pse2rCmgwEVvD0gVNrKjIMM4PpzyDT4YVQHewwIGPl-s2c1DwI1l9DgbPDXUTMCqrhv0jPaCv_YDOlLSFjpr0_RMbLjVuLsMrub6LpS50EUFieMJcqm8PT8I2Av85jNP5jp9m_clKug/s640/IMG_1197.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A few months ago, my daughter recived some hand me down kitchen playset full of dighes, pots, and pans. She loved playing with them and sometimes we'd set up a box in the kitchen so she can "cook" with me. I started thinking about making her a little kitchen out of the cardboard boxes we had. So with a free weekend, and a plan, and some imagination, we created one for her. Here's how we did it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We colllected boxes and moved them around to see which would be the best stove, sink, and refrigerator.<span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1dNzG8a2FnuGE8rnedh5YitzYgZO4f9HPmFJBEVBvIej5kBUTEd61l8A7y4H8l-W90fPyiKEp6tUqDD6jE6AQ5CuL4kT4aVzAUn7alBL1wt9pZpozCFl3A5eeAOEqkHIcmagHgcwz8Q/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1dNzG8a2FnuGE8rnedh5YitzYgZO4f9HPmFJBEVBvIej5kBUTEd61l8A7y4H8l-W90fPyiKEp6tUqDD6jE6AQ5CuL4kT4aVzAUn7alBL1wt9pZpozCFl3A5eeAOEqkHIcmagHgcwz8Q/s320/IMG_1168.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got some supplies... contact paper, duct tape, foam sheets, mixing bowl, and hooks. Not seen are the glue gun, packing tape, pump from a liquid soap dispenser, foil. I think for this project we spent approx $13 for everything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xfJZIiMiphAzECGVq5wUydsyNalFqA34yD5u_e1FspDFtdBfxMrRUfDAYP4lNiAw1OWLbjSnBzN9UGgZRqZy89LVNWQhOLzZf4goO380cr5dEYqNfQW9kgHJZTziC3ikPsGVavhSCHg/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xfJZIiMiphAzECGVq5wUydsyNalFqA34yD5u_e1FspDFtdBfxMrRUfDAYP4lNiAw1OWLbjSnBzN9UGgZRqZy89LVNWQhOLzZf4goO380cr5dEYqNfQW9kgHJZTziC3ikPsGVavhSCHg/s320/IMG_1169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before covering your boxes with the contact paper, try to figure out which side will be the front and back, where you door opening will be. Draw them on with a black marker so that when you cover them box with contact paper, you can see lines. For the hinges of the door openings, score the inside of the box, where these will be, then cover your boxes with contact paper. We used the clear packing tape to keep things in place. Once covered, start cutting you door openings. If you scored the hinge side of the door from the inside, your door should open easily. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We then measured and cut holes for the mixing bowl and the "faucet". To secure the faucet, my husband drilled a hole in the bottom of the pump dispenser and then put a screw in horizontally so it would stay put once installed. I used the hot glue gun to secure the rim of the bowl to the box. Remember to put the glue on the rim and then press down onto the box. If you use the gun on the box, the heat from the gun could possible burn a hole in your contact paper. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj3my2E8Xg_AMuTTIxVdziNqOBXTu1zpPeGyFl2z1ncG2pRbDd1vl1T9WwFwAuc9PRNuOvtZ4E25z_wzqmfmw6-XQB_jeVdq2KxwrnxuSTzRi9stvXvCLmf5KIglFRxBtsdkyb74JKn0/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh11ej9YQTgsNnKwfbp4s4v3laQtNavibhoo2i0yIDVBIMIP2Uy2DVvXDYyEJWtwWv5fGzssX2Zmph6YUahQbYmFQQNXE4DQYVmC4aSMr6G8lobOHSglhmoBowPIaCBSHYQh0aGpTHKpg/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh11ej9YQTgsNnKwfbp4s4v3laQtNavibhoo2i0yIDVBIMIP2Uy2DVvXDYyEJWtwWv5fGzssX2Zmph6YUahQbYmFQQNXE4DQYVmC4aSMr6G8lobOHSglhmoBowPIaCBSHYQh0aGpTHKpg/s320/IMG_1170.JPG" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj3my2E8Xg_AMuTTIxVdziNqOBXTu1zpPeGyFl2z1ncG2pRbDd1vl1T9WwFwAuc9PRNuOvtZ4E25z_wzqmfmw6-XQB_jeVdq2KxwrnxuSTzRi9stvXvCLmf5KIglFRxBtsdkyb74JKn0/s320/IMG_1171.JPG" width="240" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I added the colored duct tape to the sides of our appliances so it would help reinforce the contact paper. I cut the foam sheets for the burners (mine are the size of a CD). I also used foam sheets for the handles and hot glued them on. For the oven, I made brackets out of bent cardboard and hot glued them to the sides of the oven walls. I then covered a sheet of cardboard with foil and then hot glued the piece to the brackets.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also secured 2 hooks on the side to hold her grocery bag, dish towel, or purse.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBaCFOUxkAVlyLmSQ8TOJVFMfX-l4HEd2cpzDOfMJeKpTamPe49kGP7nnyARorhARagOjRPGtst5owI6hQ3B9x4muVsg1ViluefpWdfSfRNrMiqEkeYth7ihtvHE6rlyUMC9oddDHbFA/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBaCFOUxkAVlyLmSQ8TOJVFMfX-l4HEd2cpzDOfMJeKpTamPe49kGP7nnyARorhARagOjRPGtst5owI6hQ3B9x4muVsg1ViluefpWdfSfRNrMiqEkeYth7ihtvHE6rlyUMC9oddDHbFA/s320/IMG_1175.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The box we used for the refrigerator still had the Styrofoam packing pieces still in them, so I used them to create the shelves in the fridge. I did the same thing here as the oven...made brackets out of extra cardboard, then glued the Styrofoam shelves on the brackets. I had an extra box that fit perfectly as a crisper drawer, so I covered it in contact paper and loaded it up with her Ikea play veggies and fruit. I also glued a velcro circle to the door and shelf so that the door can remain close. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttF9qgI9tX1-5jn6fnRCFiMS22iac_R54-DnBXSyW5BOQlScP8PwiRHLL1JisCxxjleFeTsBCA9Ky5b5Ia72OrdEsRqFlt3WBgW9jJwijH6MsoK70yOso-EMZP6Xp_YojQy4-wELDrDc/s1600/open+fridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttF9qgI9tX1-5jn6fnRCFiMS22iac_R54-DnBXSyW5BOQlScP8PwiRHLL1JisCxxjleFeTsBCA9Ky5b5Ia72OrdEsRqFlt3WBgW9jJwijH6MsoK70yOso-EMZP6Xp_YojQy4-wELDrDc/s320/open+fridge.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJGS1DZ6_3r8-rKVz9VPMn-xRvrWRRH6_vJK5ivBIGAH8s7DUNdiLG24HcCswzKdfp4C77gi4x6ojW7gJplFJ9fuLiA1_N9ALg9OOPFEtoKY-jIqoNHk6BWyiZ8d9ooXGaspZHBiUeNg/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJGS1DZ6_3r8-rKVz9VPMn-xRvrWRRH6_vJK5ivBIGAH8s7DUNdiLG24HcCswzKdfp4C77gi4x6ojW7gJplFJ9fuLiA1_N9ALg9OOPFEtoKY-jIqoNHk6BWyiZ8d9ooXGaspZHBiUeNg/s320/IMG_1190.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My daughter had a ton of kitchen stuff passed down to her so we just stocked up the kitchen cupboard with her extra dishes and cooking equipment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQMNyH6ECBvgPQjVAqCGjMQAlkYjEQodzfSnN6aizfIGebBeVaobqabKF4jfjcw5JeDd-AogE6L8bioapN2avjIOwdAgOKt9lQ3oXg_hr8EowuuiX84ydQK0YF3LDtK3CKzJOjMv0sFw/s1600/under+sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQMNyH6ECBvgPQjVAqCGjMQAlkYjEQodzfSnN6aizfIGebBeVaobqabKF4jfjcw5JeDd-AogE6L8bioapN2avjIOwdAgOKt9lQ3oXg_hr8EowuuiX84ydQK0YF3LDtK3CKzJOjMv0sFw/s320/under+sink.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Voila!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKyhk4mwKXEAifrO5-Yo-XjeRe8YoqZdkJhnFdI8Y7tTR2-b8QOyyOQSl3AwI3XRY-F4Hmt3dJiHaT3RdPcIO_XGVwOO_HoK70zyIB99Dm1mAigjF_iPjzYggf6h3olMvVbBJDACaXXY/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKyhk4mwKXEAifrO5-Yo-XjeRe8YoqZdkJhnFdI8Y7tTR2-b8QOyyOQSl3AwI3XRY-F4Hmt3dJiHaT3RdPcIO_XGVwOO_HoK70zyIB99Dm1mAigjF_iPjzYggf6h3olMvVbBJDACaXXY/s640/IMG_1199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is Cora enjoying her new kitchen with her Daddy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVUvOX-2ZnbhEaGCU2WRK8_LJ2DXRtfSC9kJx-7n9v0emeKsEFrrH8v-52U90g6zO3oRaK-JRLQ3qFMc9F0yb1hMi0nMRyUeNU4TKJF-6D79uTyo6ILBYO075r7b10Ut94q6_oplbWHA/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVUvOX-2ZnbhEaGCU2WRK8_LJ2DXRtfSC9kJx-7n9v0emeKsEFrrH8v-52U90g6zO3oRaK-JRLQ3qFMc9F0yb1hMi0nMRyUeNU4TKJF-6D79uTyo6ILBYO075r7b10Ut94q6_oplbWHA/s400/IMG_1203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihugDro3eMrYWIbkHmhGnetdxeUSyDLEJ2ptoIwntzq5pUuk3hnABwoeXaBma6FvpEY14_gnuNDva5Q3iWzfLULiUxi9G4iQYhaWiz1l4kAOUqVgtvV5cc1ywY1CqWM24HBKNvq4eQiHc/s1600/IMG_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihugDro3eMrYWIbkHmhGnetdxeUSyDLEJ2ptoIwntzq5pUuk3hnABwoeXaBma6FvpEY14_gnuNDva5Q3iWzfLULiUxi9G4iQYhaWiz1l4kAOUqVgtvV5cc1ywY1CqWM24HBKNvq4eQiHc/s400/IMG_1206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-91623458435494481072012-02-16T15:27:00.015-06:002012-02-16T18:38:28.644-06:00A Year In A Flash - Celebrating Cora's Birthday<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2yFYeQLGERSqKinCCepDzJoG_aQFJameSkMHghAAwAFoyzCyDbbKTFG3OErAkbJXxjviXAYzIkds4qFEErfATAIqtoPfdr_C5mz0FgyExRYiYw_pD4ROyn689qBQSMPd-nKGWMQ9JIY/s400/birthday+invite+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709855141574816162" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; ">A few months ago, I was hunting for cute birthday party themes for Cora's First Birthday. I came across </span><a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2010/08/real-parties-one-year-old-in-a-flash-birthday-party/" style="text-align: left; ">Stacey's party</a><span style="text-align: left; "> and thought it was the perfect theme for us. Here's what we did...</span></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>I created a photo collage (above) on my fav photo site <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">picnik</a> (so sad this site will be shut down in April). The collage was used for the invitation and for the cake.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span ><i>The Invitation</i></span></b></div><div>The invitation was created on <a href="http://www.paperlesspost.com/">Paperless Post</a>. I'm not the biggest fan of paper invitations</div><div> because of all of the paper waste, but I understand that some people don't have e-mail (like my mom). Paperless Post allows you to create beautiful e-invitations/e-cards, but you also have the option to print them out. Here is what the invitation looked like. I just printed this on nice card stock.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOsibW5uxQdcrFMkfl_TnnP4UXfn3oJWgT8btjZLZCQ8mkd3ZkP-JESLkla4J986cBWNKZ4l7o04_sQeqAndPO2c7gnM26mJs7fMqGfjWcyt2lSARZCPHHVVcpQ9zgOIWU2BaB9oEAZo/s400/invitation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709864987725239266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; "></div><div><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span >Timeline Banner</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since the venue for the party was already beautifully decorated, I kept my party decorations fairly simple. I knew the colors of the room had a lot of earth tones, so I chose pink and green for the party colors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I created a timeline banner of Cora's first year. I painted clothes pins in glued on the number medallions with a hot glue gun. The medallions were just a punch of paper and the numbers were cut from my Cricut machine.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; "></div></a><div><div style="text-align: center;color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N9p4_K3a3EAkDpox1UnXm6TqTdeuXIwDXnqXzd6lGVP6_Ox3mCQY2tm-yOq2dMeCePvL5urho7TU9FFBH7_gBocoeUUcr_CKupt6J6YKCRF2Ii8dHTwJjgFxp4hmbg5CAckZXiEmGjk/s400/month+clips.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709849370351877858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The timeline banner held pictures of Cora from each month of the past year.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1ioxi2Qu88fiNJdC-_oZBgs_eHBBVXh9UofSPTUAcQ6qTa2n03A6IbxaxH306fqoAAUYlgICq0msPQazcEmGuE1FYsZ77UpUJj46HkHaJwZHmO13_-9CIwNTj1meLbqovEW5Yb2NbVQ/s400/-5913.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709850541809975938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span >Treats</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had two tables of food. One table was a snack table and the other was a yummy treat table. Here are the details...</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqMnpSdosTKxmShaztukfO1hLQPtL0jcjrC4t9tuQds-nHw8B1Q37rsnF8dqwb1eywVP7BOdNX6h9fBtFdPOLMwZbF_xSuCg093QYrMvCCIM92ePib12p16bd6QtD6DBVYdErjt4OAKA/s400/party+treats2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709848464933317138" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; ">My uncle and I made the wonderful cake pops. I find that traditional cake balls are too sweet, so instead of balling up cake and icing and dipping them in chocolate, we just just cut out pieces of pound cake, inserted the pop sticks, froze, then dipped in colored chocolate. The decoration on the pops are from chocolate transfer sheets. the flower pot was $0.79 at Ikea. I just cut out a large flower and a C on the Cricut and glued it on.</span></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; "></div><div><br /></div></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div></div></div><div>The cookies are done just like my <a href="http://willary.blogspot.com/2010/12/easy-no-bake-thin-mints.html">easy no bake thin mints</a>. Except that I used colored chocolate instead of Andes mints and used the chocolate transfer sheets again.</div><div><br /></div><div>The popcorn bags were made from small treat bags. I used the Cricut to cut out C's and 1's and glued them on the bag. The popcorn was a salty/sweet mixture of cheese and caramel popcorn. </div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">More Goodies! </div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl493CSZUbP1TYeJO-cRo1NqzU6XxYvar0iDAg1BXlw4cQdfvgzLEYrNT1HVPDWuqiFJkD07epR5ws1yDrV8Shd8JheNObm046hZ1a7cOCcz63meZjNz2NfVj4-0LjhtMiMvQ375AQVOM/s400/party+food_picnik.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709848695758195762" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " />I knew I'd be crunch for time to do a cake so I purchased a 1/2 sheet cake from Costco and asked them to only ice it in white. I took a jpeg of the collage picture from Picnik and had an edible sugar sheet made at a local cake supply store. I also purchased the colored Sixlet chocolate balls to border the cake. I found the CORA letter candles at Party City.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; "></div><div><br /></div></a><div>In keeping with the colors of the theme, I offered 2 beverages: pink strawberry punch, and cucumber water. I put them in beverage dispensers.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="text-align: left; ">Since my party started at 2:30 in the afternoon, I just had deli and veggie trays, </span><a href="http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/583509-Central-Market-Love-Dip" style="text-align: left; ">love dip</a><span style="text-align: left; "> and chips, and fruit skewers. The chocolate oat crisp cookies came from Ikea (I love those cookies!).</span></div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span ><i>Photobooth and Party Pics</i></span></b></div><div>I made fun pink and green shades and moustaches. I also made talk bubbles out of chalkboard contact paper, matting board, and wooden dowels. I hired a photographer who captured photo booth type pics and all of the other party pics. I really love how this turned out!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dwlfFa8lF58ffRzzWvDkA2RZLJPi9sD5o1ZbPBLS4PVhQOrM8taUdUDlQamozk6fka8w0akinKV8ywVUx68eVL-Q_Ql4U4BpoFFWYR-tfzfyUy0Ll9HHPj0ItfdC9Zwazy0n9V6CNxQ/s400/-5711.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709887890984733874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></div></a><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHS8IW86MAtRXA3vrbr6BijxqlE2NiBTMKMnUa3g1GoEycObK6iE3ffN1VPmI2qZCyX2ibIkLeaHQrH4Cm2W3uSnimai9oNyYHNOptGFbtIJAJlMyakLhnuK7mg62N-5ol2RDoPknaWM/s400/-5724.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709852811485884162" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg" style="text-align: left; "></a><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg" style="text-align: left; "></a><br /></div></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0ipR7W3pec29ZL0y049_AliYe1TZvjdCg2CLTCCOYFPMpHRYoUH7T6eUugbCunvU9iygU2eVemjbxBBzk6StWlKgNdKy85m8SBM7Yrzxuki0JWmiWbp9UFOgFROL7QvzKO2Tki0eK0E/s400/party+pics.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709886050194340338" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div></a><div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl493CSZUbP1TYeJO-cRo1NqzU6XxYvar0iDAg1BXlw4cQdfvgzLEYrNT1HVPDWuqiFJkD07epR5ws1yDrV8Shd8JheNObm046hZ1a7cOCcz63meZjNz2NfVj4-0LjhtMiMvQ375AQVOM/s1600/party+food_picnik.jpg" style="text-align: left; "><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LwYeDwK_53sR8uvJtv4naP7Zf35mVivRkp9opN73_S_V_JnlT6aopuLGotEz53ZK4R2qAMf12c5mMWyMt2Yyg7DxIqTmKPnPv8W0WsIvozAKtJLMlBNgQFK4Baj9jB1AEbmoC5jrUO0/s400/party+collage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709892897895558674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></div><div></div></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center; "> </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span >Party favors</span></i></b></div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl493CSZUbP1TYeJO-cRo1NqzU6XxYvar0iDAg1BXlw4cQdfvgzLEYrNT1HVPDWuqiFJkD07epR5ws1yDrV8Shd8JheNObm046hZ1a7cOCcz63meZjNz2NfVj4-0LjhtMiMvQ375AQVOM/s1600/party+food_picnik.jpg"></a><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl493CSZUbP1TYeJO-cRo1NqzU6XxYvar0iDAg1BXlw4cQdfvgzLEYrNT1HVPDWuqiFJkD07epR5ws1yDrV8Shd8JheNObm046hZ1a7cOCcz63meZjNz2NfVj4-0LjhtMiMvQ375AQVOM/s1600/party+food_picnik.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s1600/party+favor.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctkPNIlzB6ieGPFDNcw4vPY464GnqAFQL6up4xO0FCjMh0KZHZefrwo9Os-TncYr1QqZrpsgCGLfgLJPFoY0UK2ppkFp5wRyyrrvq9_wvhSgpuq2IPPumyjDOd00OF9Tt4CXGGxXRlD8/s400/party+favor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709864889595237458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 400px; " /></a>Last but not least, since I had leftover chalkboard contact paper, I decided to make mini talk bubbles to put in the party favor bags. The kids got mini talk bubbles, chalk, stickers, and other various goodies. </div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">We had a wonderful party and Cora was showered with a lot of love! I hope you enjoyed the pictures! </div><div><span style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP4fTvnfkv4H0weh2YYGvzAJoPOaiLTTredKOs32ugbF49AS8jW_Ra3uAJ_g7FrFtunH7ETItMMev1dgaJcL_78PtiDjwtuoKsTbYAx4HCXHMLzFIK6KDvqkGlE58ihr3Z2yrMD_WQI8/s400/-5830.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709854909940383666" /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span >Have a happy day!</span></i></b></div></div></div></div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-29231901093871891472012-01-19T03:21:00.003-06:002012-01-19T03:33:24.739-06:00An Amazing First YearI can't believe my little girl is a year old! Time really does go by in a flash! What a amazing year it has been! I made a little video in honor of Cora's birthday. I hope you enjoy it!<div><br /></div><div>Happy Birthday Cora!<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8pHqUlhv_to" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-12102234416523184312011-06-01T22:48:00.007-05:002011-06-01T23:25:35.852-05:00Molten Chocolate Nutella Pudding Cakes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsBNJk9kC2lFkRYzXyZAEaAhOpPQGddfoJJToPhokkCvEyBiSBINzHB8GOAmvdQNHFoRbAesJnMeC5LOeyPqPV0y-fUH2WmhU6v8cAntZuCMhXWxt0GphUBNfyb2uwucpb3G95S6HCGA/s1600/Cake.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsBNJk9kC2lFkRYzXyZAEaAhOpPQGddfoJJToPhokkCvEyBiSBINzHB8GOAmvdQNHFoRbAesJnMeC5LOeyPqPV0y-fUH2WmhU6v8cAntZuCMhXWxt0GphUBNfyb2uwucpb3G95S6HCGA/s320/Cake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613470058699482402" /></a><div>I had a few friends over for dinner tonight. For dessert I decided to try out a new recipe I spotted in <a href="http://www.allyou.com/food/treats/pudding-recipe-00411000071968/">All You</a>. This cake had rave reviews and was pretty easy to make. I posted a pic on Facebook and a lot of people asked for the recipe, so here it is...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><h1 class="x4-headline" itemprop="name" style="margin-top: -10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; clear: left; color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font: normal normal normal 2.6em/normal georgia, serif; ">Molten Chocolate-Nutella Pudding Cakes</h1></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><ul class="yield" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><li style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1em; "><span style="padding-right: 3px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold; ">YIELD:</span> <span itemprop="yield" style="padding-right: 3px; ">Serves 6</span></li><li style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1em; "><span style="padding-right: 3px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold; ">PREP TIME:</span> <time itemprop="prepTime" datetime="PT0H25M">25 MINUTES</time></li><li style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1em; "><span style="padding-right: 3px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold; ">BAKE:</span> 30 MINUTES</li><li style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1em; "><span style="padding-right: 3px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold; ">COST PER SERVING:</span>$1.12</li><li style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1em; "><span style="padding-right: 3px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold; ">COURSE:</span> <span itemprop="recipeType" style="padding-right: 3px; ">Desserts</span></li></ul><h5 style="margin-top: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; color: rgb(91, 51, 92); font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; font-weight: bold; ">Ingredients</h5><ul style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span itemprop="name">all-purpose flour</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span itemprop="name">unsweetened cocoa</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">1/2 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name">baking powder</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">4 ounces</span> <span itemprop="name">semisweet chocolate, finely chopped</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">8 tablespoons</span> <span itemprop="name">(1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">4 </span><span itemprop="name">large eggs</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">1 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name">vanilla extract</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">1 cup</span> <span itemprop="name">sugar</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">1/4 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name">salt</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.8em; "><span itemprop="amount">6 tablespoons</span> <span itemprop="name">Nutella</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><h5 style="margin-top: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; color: rgb(91, 51, 92); font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; font-weight: bold; ">Preparation</h5><ul class="prep" itemprop="instructions" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><li style="margin-top: 9px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; ">1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Mist 6 6-oz. ramekins with cooking spray. Place a roasting pan in oven; pour in 1/2 inch of hot water. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa and baking powder.</li><li style="margin-top: 9px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; ">2. Combine chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl; cook on high, stirring once or twice, until almost melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth. (I only needed to microwave for 1 minute.)</li><li style="margin-top: 9px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; ">3. In a bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat eggs, vanilla, sugar and salt until pale yellow, about 5 minutes. Beat in melted chocolate mixture. Stir in flour mixture. Spoon half of batter into ramekins. Drop 1 Tbsp. of Nutella into center of each. Cover with remaining batter.</li><li style="margin-top: 9px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; ">4. Transfer ramekins to roasting pan. Bake until cakes have risen and are cracked on top, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm.</li></ul><div class="byline" style="color: rgb(165, 165, 165); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(237, 237, 237); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">You can prepare the ramekins up to a day ahead — do not bake, just cover and refrigerate. Bake the cakes for about 5 minutes longer than the recipe states.</span></div><div class="byline" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(237, 237, 237); "><span class="Apple-style-span">Enjoy!</span></div></span></span></div></span></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4546500753190112324.post-59124154649782778612011-05-11T00:51:00.004-05:002011-05-11T01:32:02.744-05:00Cora Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktVKQju__NQ7uqrIVH9jyE6aryu5FQbbt75VXPq9UDRHVNST2nZy4S7L57fwE6Js0l_xR-19Z698ye_slvBrHS1Kd0QfyCqLaHNYyU4OJtRlEB-xKCu6xQc5RMkFuRaiFocJCbntOVA4/s1600/tummy+time.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktVKQju__NQ7uqrIVH9jyE6aryu5FQbbt75VXPq9UDRHVNST2nZy4S7L57fwE6Js0l_xR-19Z698ye_slvBrHS1Kd0QfyCqLaHNYyU4OJtRlEB-xKCu6xQc5RMkFuRaiFocJCbntOVA4/s320/tummy+time.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605342465743279250" /></a><br />I know it's been a while since my last blog post. I went back to work last month. The transition has been good. It helps that I can work a day from home once a week. Cora is a happy little girl. She will be 4 months old next week. Can you believe that? Motherhood has been absolutely wonderful. I have been blessed with such a sweet baby that is full of smiles. She sleeps through the night (10-11 hours) and she has recently discovered "talking". She has been a chatterbox for the past few days. It's pretty funny, because she seems to have some important stuff to discuss... Here is a video of my little chatterbox...<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxQd43CGYrspCW7F_eCA4rr8oFT2atcINEpXp9u8ZkuGA9M2ugU9FqHzOxfW_gQL3ZNDnKiIfy5LKGQLFHISQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div>I also decided to enter her in the Parents 2011 Cover Contest. I never thought I'd be one of those parents, but c'est la vi. Check out her album <a href="http://www.parents.com/photos/photo-contests-1/2011-parents-cover-contest/4059900013/?photoId=4056000033">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so behind on my blog reading. I hope everyone is doing well.</div><div>Have a fab day!</div><div>~Hillary</div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692834903395238430noreply@blogger.com1