tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74130825491349895112024-03-13T20:37:56.145-07:00A Fresh New DayEnjoying the Homemaking LifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-70342533602472077312011-12-02T07:43:00.000-08:002011-12-13T15:11:08.578-08:00Pink Ballet Cupcake Birthday Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gthK9-T47QQ/TtjnvuDouHI/AAAAAAAAAa0/DbNs74FgjrE/s1600/IMG_7394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gthK9-T47QQ/TtjnvuDouHI/AAAAAAAAAa0/DbNs74FgjrE/s640/IMG_7394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This is a cake I made awhile back for one of my daughters...I wanted to keep it simple, so I made it a pull-apart cupcake-cake, and it was definitely easier that way. The roses, swirls, and zig-zags are white chocolate, melted and poured into molds. Then some pink frosting, and a mini ballet slipper bought from the discount dance supply store to top it off! It looked pretty cute, but someone who knew how to decorate and frost cakes better could make it even cuter!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7t-eddnxmM/Ttjns-MvhbI/AAAAAAAAAas/EK6AZ3b-i20/s1600/IMG_7392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7t-eddnxmM/Ttjns-MvhbI/AAAAAAAAAas/EK6AZ3b-i20/s640/IMG_7392.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_ik6UgEz1U/Ttjno0wQX9I/AAAAAAAAAak/oedh9FJvusM/s1600/IMG_7388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_ik6UgEz1U/Ttjno0wQX9I/AAAAAAAAAak/oedh9FJvusM/s640/IMG_7388.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Linking up to Domestic Tuesdays at <a href="http://truefemininity.blogspot.com/">True Femininity; </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and <a href="http://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/">Tuesdays at the Table</a>, <a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com/tasty-tuesday-parade-of-foods-8/">Tasty Tuesday, </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://www.aboverubies.net/search/label/Domestically%20Divine%20Link-Up" target="_blank"><img src="http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv54/jasminecucuta/Jasminesdomesticallydivinebuttongood.png" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-54095940852774598202011-11-21T15:21:00.000-08:002011-11-22T12:45:44.364-08:00Autumn Paper Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngIlBlDoqBI/TsraWnhoQPI/AAAAAAAAAZc/6Uc7KOMYZWc/s1600/IMG_9201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngIlBlDoqBI/TsraWnhoQPI/AAAAAAAAAZc/6Uc7KOMYZWc/s640/IMG_9201.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a long blogging break, I find myself very much in the mood to get back into it! I think fall weather does that to me. More time indoors, more cozy crafting time. Besides that, my baby is getting to be less of a baby all the time, and things are getting easier again. We are getting into a good homeschool rhythm and looking forward to Thanksgiving! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made this fall paper quilt last year, during my last (very tiring) weeks of pregnancy. This year I just embellished it with lace trim, leaves and the home quote sticker. This idea could be used for any celebration or season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeXYk72Pt2I/TsraceeJ1GI/AAAAAAAAAZk/wD_JDsyoT7Q/s1600/IMG_9203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeXYk72Pt2I/TsraceeJ1GI/AAAAAAAAAZk/wD_JDsyoT7Q/s640/IMG_9203.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVI8FypARX0/TsraiNms6mI/AAAAAAAAAZs/QTzANmlAFiA/s1600/IMG_9204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVI8FypARX0/TsraiNms6mI/AAAAAAAAAZs/QTzANmlAFiA/s640/IMG_9204.jpg" width="473" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Linking up to <a href="http://addapinch.com/living/category/blogging/mingle-monday/">Add a Pinch's Mingle Monday</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://www.aboverubies.net/search/label/Domestically%20Divine%20Link-Up" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv54/jasminecucuta/Jasminesdomesticallydivinebuttongood.png" /></a></div><br />
<a border="0" href="http://embellishinglifeeveryday.blogspot.com/search/label/craft%20catwalk" target="_blank"><img src="http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac214/sbs10/embellishinglife/Embellishing-Life---Etsy-Button1.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-56959921585218902392011-07-19T08:37:00.000-07:002011-07-19T08:42:49.469-07:00How I Stay Organized...and Baby Bear Feet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsBxsbB4ogw/TiWakniIXyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/kUDHQ9Z_fXc/s1600/IMG_7945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsBxsbB4ogw/TiWakniIXyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/kUDHQ9Z_fXc/s640/IMG_7945.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I first found the world of blogging while I was online searching for a way to organize my days, and find out how other homeschooling mom's managed their responsibilities. What I found that benefited me the most was using a Household Management Binder. I am one of those people who works better with a list. I abandoned my binder in late pregnancy/early baby days...well, now my baby bear is starting to crawl, we finished our homeschool year, and I need to get back on track!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In my binder, I have my morning routine page, to get me off to a good start, followed by a poem entitled, No Time for God...(read poem <a href="http://prayerispowerful.blogspot.com/2007/09/no-time-for-god.html">here</a>) to remind me what's important. Then I have tabs, each with a clear pocket to tuck important papers in, and extra notebook paper to jot little thoughts onto.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My tabs are: <b>To-Do's</b> (with lists printed from <a href="http://organizedhome.com/">OrganizedHome.com</a>); <b>Meals/Recipes</b>; <b>Cleaning;</b> <b>Activities/Projects</b>; <b>Budget/Finances</b> -with pockets for incoming bills to pay, and outgoing bills to file; <b>School Info and Records; Books </b>(to request, read, write notes on); and <b>Purchases to Consider</b>. I feel so much better having a place to write things...and to remind me to do everything! Rather than being busier and more hectic with a whole list of to-do's, I am more productive and efficient. I end up getting to spend more quality time with my children and husband! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of the children, look at my baby's bear feet: Aren't they adorable?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhXw0Q5jT64/TiWfj31YGPI/AAAAAAAAAXY/Ad_0TmBaL9Q/s1600/IMG_7888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhXw0Q5jT64/TiWfj31YGPI/AAAAAAAAAXY/Ad_0TmBaL9Q/s640/IMG_7888.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv-Y1wpkpZY/TiWatP8B5SI/AAAAAAAAAXU/NzPrni5r-fM/s1600/IMG_7892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv-Y1wpkpZY/TiWatP8B5SI/AAAAAAAAAXU/NzPrni5r-fM/s640/IMG_7892.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> <center><a href="http://jasmine-aboverubies.blogspot.com/search/label/Domestically%20Divine%20Link-Up"><img src="http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv54/jasminecucuta/HealthyMoms-1-1.jpg"/></a></center><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-75705527204122252272011-07-15T09:03:00.001-07:002011-07-15T15:35:26.880-07:00Happy Birthday, Mom!<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="height: 500px; position: relative; width: 500px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Happy Birthday, Mom!" border="0" force="1" height="500" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/34062823/id/0B0T-vuu4BGDMeRCq2kGnw/size/x.jpg" title="Happy Birthday, Mom!" width="500" /></div></div><div style="padding-top: 16px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 8px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Happy Birthday to my sweet and special Mom! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Wish I could spend the day in person with you, but I am thinking of you! Have a lovely day!</i></span></div><small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-26615162965346732272011-07-11T07:36:00.000-07:002011-07-14T08:57:12.509-07:00Paper Medallions - A Cute Craft With Many Uses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYaWiT4ST8Y/ThsDCaQWtbI/AAAAAAAAAVs/P1vMUH5RiII/s1600/IMG_7671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYaWiT4ST8Y/ThsDCaQWtbI/AAAAAAAAAVs/P1vMUH5RiII/s640/IMG_7671.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made these medallions for the Fourth of July, after seeing some for sale at Michael's. They were selling them for $5 each, and I knew I could make them myself! So I found some instructions, <a href="http://www.spottedcanary.com/Paper_Crafting/Making_Accordion_Fold_Paper_Medallions.htm">Spotted Canary blog, with video</a>, <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/04/diy-paper-medallions.html">How About Orange blog,</a> <a href="http://www.nobiggie.net/2009/01/its-true.html">No Biggie blog</a>; some people call them paper lollies, some call them pinwheels, and some medallions. I saw them on <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/05/romantic-yellow-gray-dessert-table/">this blog (see picture below)</a>, made large and used as a backdrop for party decorations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/05/romantic-yellow-gray-dessert-table/">Hostess with the Mostess Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> You could make these for kids to wear for birthdays, give them as awards for school or good behavior, put them as a ribbon on gifts, and even use them in home decor!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91-lF-mb5PY/ThsC8Hr7F9I/AAAAAAAAAVo/AxdJqcK5lEQ/s1600/IMG_7669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91-lF-mb5PY/ThsC8Hr7F9I/AAAAAAAAAVo/AxdJqcK5lEQ/s640/IMG_7669.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4MU_6lvp5c/ThsCfZz3SjI/AAAAAAAAAVg/092WMHO33wg/s1600/IMG_7670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="403" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4MU_6lvp5c/ThsCfZz3SjI/AAAAAAAAAVg/092WMHO33wg/s640/IMG_7670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="53" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pollywantacrafter.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab229/remodelaholic/PartyButtonSmallSize.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="139" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f136/butterflygirlms/Request/CraftomaniacMondayButton.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/2007/08/thanks-so-much-for-stopping-by-welcome.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="163" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329167191824135522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lI-7QbqsoGQ/SfUBU2lX9WI/AAAAAAAADmk/u9EoEXlLOCY/s200/Eleventh+Heaven_Page_803.jpg" style="height: 163px; width: 200px;" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMmBwQZ2N54/Th2Z1qYabVI/AAAAAAAAAW0/A1SqaqACViE/s1600/freshflowers+%25284%2529-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMmBwQZ2N54/Th2Z1qYabVI/AAAAAAAAAW0/A1SqaqACViE/s200/freshflowers+%25284%2529-1.JPG" width="176" /></a></div><a href="http://savedbylovecreations.com/"><img alt="ThriftyThurs Thrifty Thursday Week 32" height="125" src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q304/johnnie231/ThriftyThurs.png" title="Thrifty Thursday Week 32" width="125" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-16757888935009577482011-07-08T12:36:00.000-07:002011-07-12T21:42:42.690-07:00This Year's Garden<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNp9O2APnsE/ThdNv197LOI/AAAAAAAAAVY/D9twWnk78MU/s1600/IMG_7808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNp9O2APnsE/ThdNv197LOI/AAAAAAAAAVY/D9twWnk78MU/s640/IMG_7808.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pumpkin patch in foreground</i></td></tr>
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Our garden is flourishing this year! And I am very happy to have a drip system set up this year- last year I had to water with the bubbler, and spend half an hour to an hour every day out there. The weather was fairly cool this year until mid June, so between that and being busy with three children, we got a later start than usual this year. We have lots of pumpkins, carrots, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, one tomatillo plant, cucumbers (my favorite!!) and beans. We had zucchini, but it fizzled out already. <br />
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All the credit for this garden goes to my husband - I didn't do a bit of it! He is a sweetheart. <br />
I am posting lots of pictures, at my mother's request! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnn6hfZUYt8/ThdCV4aEZ1I/AAAAAAAAAUo/pxeGuw60g5Q/s1600/IMG_7499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnn6hfZUYt8/ThdCV4aEZ1I/AAAAAAAAAUo/pxeGuw60g5Q/s640/IMG_7499.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fresh tomatoes</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cool, crisp, juicy cucumbers</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo7uVy7hqio/ThdCfGbB_3I/AAAAAAAAAUw/LgyDObwNpPU/s1600/IMG_7515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="483" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo7uVy7hqio/ThdCfGbB_3I/AAAAAAAAAUw/LgyDObwNpPU/s640/IMG_7515.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rattlesnake beans - so sweet right off the vine!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pumpkin vines twirling and swirling</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2QPPt2orY0/ThdCnB7i3HI/AAAAAAAAAU4/HKSHdXd-5U0/s1600/IMG_7792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2QPPt2orY0/ThdCnB7i3HI/AAAAAAAAAU4/HKSHdXd-5U0/s640/IMG_7792.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We planted way too many radishes!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlhRCYP5s1o/ThdCsT4_iWI/AAAAAAAAAU8/UhZv7gRtljU/s1600/IMG_7797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlhRCYP5s1o/ThdCsT4_iWI/AAAAAAAAAU8/UhZv7gRtljU/s640/IMG_7797.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lettuce and peppers</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8_VURcHS0w/ThdKQhYmpHI/AAAAAAAAAVM/VOKLe8mV_k0/s1600/IMG_7802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8_VURcHS0w/ThdKQhYmpHI/AAAAAAAAAVM/VOKLe8mV_k0/s640/IMG_7802.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tomatillos - first time growing these</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiNvUdfiJDY/ThdKTvF7fqI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/zEL1mprB7ws/s1600/IMG_7820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiNvUdfiJDY/ThdKTvF7fqI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/zEL1mprB7ws/s640/IMG_7820.jpg" width="467" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A summertime rainbow!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvs5KOnO0Ek/ThdCD2mgaXI/AAAAAAAAAUU/EPF0_YkC-WE/s1600/IMG_7483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvs5KOnO0Ek/ThdCD2mgaXI/AAAAAAAAAUU/EPF0_YkC-WE/s640/IMG_7483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WABvGCb3b8g/ThdCJRlxmfI/AAAAAAAAAUY/moeR6DZDFJE/s1600/IMG_7484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="531" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WABvGCb3b8g/ThdCJRlxmfI/AAAAAAAAAUY/moeR6DZDFJE/s640/IMG_7484.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbRRFrZR1Iw/ThdCP2SEqMI/AAAAAAAAAUg/1UF_hRlnTDs/s1600/IMG_7492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbRRFrZR1Iw/ThdCP2SEqMI/AAAAAAAAAUg/1UF_hRlnTDs/s640/IMG_7492.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp6DN7s84P8/ThdCTMZfzBI/AAAAAAAAAUk/zpwDCVM9zmU/s1600/IMG_7495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="489" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp6DN7s84P8/ThdCTMZfzBI/AAAAAAAAAUk/zpwDCVM9zmU/s640/IMG_7495.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span id="goog_50210607"></span><span id="goog_50210608"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb366/AnOregonCottage/tuesday-garden-party-button-125x.gif" /><br />
</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-81608172362425526242011-06-28T08:35:00.000-07:002011-07-12T21:43:54.816-07:00Pretty, Pretty Peonies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aokItJDD668/Tgnz9XHlRzI/AAAAAAAAAS0/ihhTgWiRSE0/s1600/IMG_7583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aokItJDD668/Tgnz9XHlRzI/AAAAAAAAAS0/ihhTgWiRSE0/s640/IMG_7583.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Peonies are my new favorite flower -They are so romantic and old fashioned!</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bS0uSkuHTHk/TgnzW2wDDMI/AAAAAAAAASg/nxoAuMS1rKA/s1600/IMG_7520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bS0uSkuHTHk/TgnzW2wDDMI/AAAAAAAAASg/nxoAuMS1rKA/s640/IMG_7520.jpg" width="523" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I hardly ever buy cut flowers, since I have plenty in my yard, </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>but I couldn't resist buying my first peony bouquet ever!</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz4VLoVjpmI/TgnzZaQJv3I/AAAAAAAAASk/XKBBisVYtMY/s1600/IMG_7524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz4VLoVjpmI/TgnzZaQJv3I/AAAAAAAAASk/XKBBisVYtMY/s640/IMG_7524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>I would love to grow these, but I don't know if they grow where I live...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I'll have to look it up when I have a minute.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FFLkpfHusjA/TgnzeDB3q-I/AAAAAAAAASo/0Fi9J1-mSm4/s1600/IMG_7554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FFLkpfHusjA/TgnzeDB3q-I/AAAAAAAAASo/0Fi9J1-mSm4/s640/IMG_7554.jpg" width="569" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Do you love peonies, too?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-76607177567977606142011-05-31T02:44:00.000-07:002011-07-12T21:45:09.165-07:00Peaches on a Cloud Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fVpPMLY_wg/TeS3EtLyvwI/AAAAAAAAASM/DdRXnzlEXSk/s1600/Fair4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fVpPMLY_wg/TeS3EtLyvwI/AAAAAAAAASM/DdRXnzlEXSk/s640/Fair4b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>A few years ago, I entered these fresh peach and cream cheese muffins into a cupcakes and muffins contest at my local fair. They were inspired by these <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Berry-Cheesecake-Muffins">berry cheesecake muffins</a> from Taste of Home. I experimented several times to get just the right moisture and flavor for some winning muffins, then took them warm to the fair. My hard work paid off, and I won first place in the muffin category, and best overall in four cupcake and muffin categories!<br />
<i>This is an original recipe of mine, so if you re-post this, please credit me!</i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients: </b><br />
1/3 cup butter, softened <br />
3/4 cup sugar <br />
2 eggs <br />
¼ tsp. almond extract<br />
½ tsp. vanilla extract<br />
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour <br />
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder <br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon <br />
1 tablespoon peach gelatin powder<br />
1/3 cup milk <br />
¾ cup peeled, chopped fresh peaches<br />
<br />
FILLING: <br />
1 package cream cheese, softened <br />
1/3 cup sugar <br />
1 egg <br />
¼ teaspoon almond extract<br />
¾ cup peeled, chopped fresh peaches<br />
<br />
STREUSEL TOPPING: <br />
1/4 cup all-purpose flour <br />
2 tablespoons sugar <br />
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon <br />
1 tablespoon butter <br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b><br />
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add almond and vanilla extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and peach gelatin powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Gently fold in the chopped peaches. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups one-third full. <br />
For filling, in a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg and almond extract until smooth. Fold in the chopped peaches. Place a tablespoonful on top of each muffin. For topping, combine the flour, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over muffin batter.<br />
Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Best served warm.<br />
Yield: 18 muffins<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to <a href="http://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/">All the Small Stuff-</a></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/2011/05/tuesdays-at-table-skinny-key-lime-pie.html">Tuesdays at the Table</a></span>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://sugarbananas.blogspot.com/2011/05/sweets-this-week-link-party_26.html">Sugar Bananas! Sweets This Week</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://asouthernfairytale.com/2011/05/30/summer-breeze/">A Southern Fairytale- Mouthwatering Mondays</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/2011/05/tea-party-tuesday-first-offical-link-up.html">Sweetology Tea Party Tuesday</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com/storing-spices-organizing-spices/">Balancing Beauty & Bedlam-Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/2011/05/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday-summer-recipes/">Blessed with Grace-Tempt My Tummy Tuesday</a> </span><br />
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<center><a href="http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="150" img="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Yzmw3PB1YGw/Tdu6iEx37EI/AAAAAAAAAus/oAbn2AY3rI8/theyheartme.jpg" width="150" /></a></center><br />
<a href="http://www.everydaytastes.com/%20" target="_blank"><img alt="It's a Keeper" height="125" src="http://www.everydaytastes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IAK-Thursdays-Button.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
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<a border="0" href="http://thesweetdetail.blogspot.com/search/label/Savory%20Sunday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz355/amandandouglas/Screenshot2011-04-22at14942PM-1.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-29139591368080456762011-05-23T15:32:00.000-07:002011-05-24T03:42:50.906-07:00Make it in a Minute! Floral Hair Pin Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98OjbntXKgk/TdrSvvGY0NI/AAAAAAAAASA/6KbSy9i0uHM/s1600/IMG_7293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98OjbntXKgk/TdrSvvGY0NI/AAAAAAAAASA/6KbSy9i0uHM/s400/IMG_7293.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Wearing flowers in your hair, or on your shirt, or even on your shoes seems to be very popular these days. I'm not one to keep up on the latest trends, but flowers will always be pretty and feminine, and I'm all for that!<br />
I made these little simple flower hair pins in just a few minutes, with just a few supplies.<br />
If you would like to make these, you will need Good Hair Days Magic Hair Pins, which by the way, are fabulous for holding up-dos on long hair. Also you will need a button for each pin; a hot glue gun; and whatever type of flowers you wish to use. I just pulled mine off some artificial flower bouquets that I had in the house!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTvhO_qEK0k/TdrSpgOexTI/AAAAAAAAAR4/t6SiZR8S8CY/s1600/IMG_7286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTvhO_qEK0k/TdrSpgOexTI/AAAAAAAAAR4/t6SiZR8S8CY/s400/IMG_7286.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies are ready...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Cg7QXj8DOw/TdrSsjNFQ9I/AAAAAAAAAR8/Q9wW_8O7dYE/s1600/IMG_7287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Cg7QXj8DOw/TdrSsjNFQ9I/AAAAAAAAAR8/Q9wW_8O7dYE/s400/IMG_7287.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glue a button to the back of the hair pin...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKvVhxd1G00/TdrSmrhG0nI/AAAAAAAAAR0/fuA58oo483o/s1600/IMG_7284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKvVhxd1G00/TdrSmrhG0nI/AAAAAAAAAR0/fuA58oo483o/s400/IMG_7284.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glue a flower on the front; the button provides a place for the flower to adhere to...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cAMVDYglz8/TdrfnlYvVOI/AAAAAAAAASE/VZMPrOMWWdc/s1600/IMG_7295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cAMVDYglz8/TdrfnlYvVOI/AAAAAAAAASE/VZMPrOMWWdc/s400/IMG_7295.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila! Beautiful, simple hair pins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Linked up to <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/">Today's Creative Blog, Get Your Craft On!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-4626639463910742792011-05-10T01:20:00.000-07:002011-07-12T21:48:43.674-07:00Light and Fluffy - Lemon Cream Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3Eww2SCJpo/Tcjw_IY-elI/AAAAAAAAARM/res2iR3S4H8/s1600/IMG_7091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3Eww2SCJpo/Tcjw_IY-elI/AAAAAAAAARM/res2iR3S4H8/s640/IMG_7091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This was a creative concoction that I came up with for the sole purpose of using up a jar of lemon curd I bought at Trader Joe's.I don't have an actual recipe, so I'll just tell you how I put this creamy pie (it was declared heavenly by a neighbor I shared it with) together.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 graham cracker crust<br />
1 pint whipping cream<br />
8 oz. cream cheese, softened <br />
1 cup powdered sugar<br />
2 3 oz. boxes lemon pudding<br />
1 1/2 cup cold milk<br />
1 jar lemon curd<br />
<br />
Whip the whipping cream until stiff, set aside. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped cream. Pour into pie shell. Beat milk and 1 box of lemon pudding together on medium for two minutes. Pour over cream cheese filling. Beat lemon curd and 1 box of lemon pudding together for three minutes, until smooth. Fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of whipped cream. Pour over pudding mixture on pie. Top with remaining whipped cream. Chill for four hours, or until firm. Note: The whipped cream can be changed out for Cool Whip.<br />
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Linking up to <a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com/breakfast-ideas-no-food-waste-week/">Tasty Tuesdays @ Beauty & Bedlam</a> and <a href="http://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/2011/05/tuesdays-at-table-blt-dip.html">Tuesdays at the Table @ All the Small Stuff</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-90533526789211232052011-05-09T11:16:00.000-07:002011-07-12T21:48:06.580-07:00A Little Bit of Lovely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0oiCQ-vGVU/TcgpJ2CNrYI/AAAAAAAAARE/wE1EKXfOD0k/s1600/IMG_7102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0oiCQ-vGVU/TcgpJ2CNrYI/AAAAAAAAARE/wE1EKXfOD0k/s640/IMG_7102.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k18fxwgfVBo/TcgnPom3ldI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/V-5f7HrD5eA/s1600/IMG_7141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k18fxwgfVBo/TcgnPom3ldI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/V-5f7HrD5eA/s640/IMG_7141.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTo3S3Beu4g/TcgpF9hHNII/AAAAAAAAARA/I-hSARBWk84/s1600/IMG_7094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTo3S3Beu4g/TcgpF9hHNII/AAAAAAAAARA/I-hSARBWk84/s640/IMG_7094.jpg" width="513" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="body">Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.</span></i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="bodybold"> -Hans Christian Andersen </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aFXlogphhc/TcgnQN7LDyI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/UU95Fn2viSw/s1600/Jen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aFXlogphhc/TcgnQN7LDyI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/UU95Fn2viSw/s1600/Jen.png" /></a></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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ESVBh3NrqY/TdPl_C_gsYI/AAAAAAAAARs/GNDSDdAaBRs/s1600/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ESVBh3NrqY/TdPl_C_gsYI/AAAAAAAAARs/GNDSDdAaBRs/s1600/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/">http://www.iheartfaces.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/flower_3.html#ixzz1LsdrHbZ0" style="color: #003399;"></a></i></span></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-21928614389321489152011-05-08T02:21:00.000-07:002011-05-08T02:21:44.418-07:00Happy Mother's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rND9k2Uabnc/TcZgcVfd8mI/AAAAAAAAAQs/emYlIx9XT80/s1600/IMG_7127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rND9k2Uabnc/TcZgcVfd8mI/AAAAAAAAAQs/emYlIx9XT80/s640/IMG_7127.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-64578529492425922512011-05-04T08:40:00.000-07:002011-05-04T08:52:54.035-07:00Honey Scones for Tea Time or Anytime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe7UrVBM45U/TcFw2UyNdeI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/GUuPaTNMPVY/s1600/IMG_7051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe7UrVBM45U/TcFw2UyNdeI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/GUuPaTNMPVY/s400/IMG_7051.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My mom brought her Tea Time magazine with her on our recent family get-together, and in it I found a recipe for honey scones. They are a little bit like biscuits, but a little crispier, sweeter, and more buttery. Delicious! They are not lasting long, as we are all gobbling them up quickly! Put a dab of butter or jam on them, mmmmmm......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiyBjCDFGSg/TcFxATI-CmI/AAAAAAAAAQU/QPPoE6IKiVM/s1600/IMG_7052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiyBjCDFGSg/TcFxATI-CmI/AAAAAAAAAQU/QPPoE6IKiVM/s400/IMG_7052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>They are also very quick to make. Mine probably would be taller, but with three little ones always needing something, these didn't make it into the oven right away.<br />
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Here's the recipe:<br />
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2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced<br />
1/4 cup cold cream cheese, diced<br />
3 tablespoons honey<br />
1 cup whipped cream, plus another spoonful or two to glaze the top of the scones<br />
Sugar to sprinkle the top of scones<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.<br />
Mix dry ingredients; cut in butter and cream cheese, until mixture is in course crumbs.<br />
In a separate bowl, whisk honey and cream together.<br />
Add cream mixture to dry ingredients; stir until it is a moist dough.<br />
Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll dough to 1/2 inch or 3/4 thickness.<br />
Place scones 2 inches apart on baking sheet; glaze with cream, sprinkle with sugar.<br />
Bake about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-55127141660829578042011-05-02T10:41:00.000-07:002011-05-08T02:27:50.984-07:00I'd Rather Have Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtxLyg0WZjE/Tb7sKVxQ_GI/AAAAAAAAAQI/y5FRHMUA11o/s1600/IMG_6557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtxLyg0WZjE/Tb7sKVxQ_GI/AAAAAAAAAQI/y5FRHMUA11o/s640/IMG_6557.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaLbKNt3EDc/Tb7siIDbfJI/AAAAAAAAAQM/v73joQWN-mk/s1600/Jen.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaLbKNt3EDc/Tb7siIDbfJI/AAAAAAAAAQM/v73joQWN-mk/s1600/Jen.png" /></a></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://blueberrycraftandhobbytime.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac254/crafthobbytime/flowersonSaturday.jpg" /></a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-19530159008809125202011-04-12T08:31:00.000-07:002011-04-12T08:31:58.738-07:00More Springtime Flowers<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been in a photography mood lately, everything is so beautiful outside!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> These are all flowers from our yard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDsQsAwjAqU/TaRupOMylUI/AAAAAAAAAPs/1nOgp_YhaJw/s1600/IMG_6506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDsQsAwjAqU/TaRupOMylUI/AAAAAAAAAPs/1nOgp_YhaJw/s400/IMG_6506.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trumpet Vine</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBI1kCSEugY/TaRujho5h1I/AAAAAAAAAPk/M2SM4zu8d-E/s1600/IMG_6498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBI1kCSEugY/TaRujho5h1I/AAAAAAAAAPk/M2SM4zu8d-E/s400/IMG_6498.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4oFKED7V48/TaRuhs62oMI/AAAAAAAAAPg/KDoV3tpQX3w/s1600/IMG_6497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4oFKED7V48/TaRuhs62oMI/AAAAAAAAAPg/KDoV3tpQX3w/s400/IMG_6497.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejwUGNJO868/TaRufmYppmI/AAAAAAAAAPc/KxSp8EsXtt0/s1600/IMG_6486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejwUGNJO868/TaRufmYppmI/AAAAAAAAAPc/KxSp8EsXtt0/s400/IMG_6486.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobelia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3I2k7uqHlw/TaRumW98uTI/AAAAAAAAAPo/m71a3ky2pUU/s1600/IMG_6504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3I2k7uqHlw/TaRumW98uTI/AAAAAAAAAPo/m71a3ky2pUU/s400/IMG_6504.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottlebrush Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIwrXdRqfmY/TaRudEWJSqI/AAAAAAAAAPY/3Mj51X2uNSw/s1600/IMG_6482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIwrXdRqfmY/TaRudEWJSqI/AAAAAAAAAPY/3Mj51X2uNSw/s400/IMG_6482.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Pea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-2319070620124284722011-04-11T08:10:00.000-07:002011-04-11T08:10:09.971-07:00This is the day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lj1HG15PX7Q/TaMVwX_YRaI/AAAAAAAAAPM/wLpgW2_Be2s/s1600/IMG_6470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lj1HG15PX7Q/TaMVwX_YRaI/AAAAAAAAAPM/wLpgW2_Be2s/s400/IMG_6470.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the day the Lord has made;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> we will rejoice and be glad in it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Psalm 118:24 </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My motto for this week is "to really, really live", </div><div style="text-align: center;">to make the most of each minute, and redeem the time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was very inspired by reading this <a href="http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-letter-to-myself.html">letter by Rachel at Finding Joy.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Read it yourself, and see how beautiful it is! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-50492495393301139652011-04-08T10:38:00.000-07:002011-04-11T12:52:49.194-07:00Finding JoyFinding joy in everyday things....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lcj8wDa585E/TZ9Djbe0w-I/AAAAAAAAAPA/144Ehda8eRU/s1600/IMG_6407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lcj8wDa585E/TZ9Djbe0w-I/AAAAAAAAAPA/144Ehda8eRU/s400/IMG_6407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like sunny days for swinging on swings... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1PbhfytcAU/TZ843NAmOkI/AAAAAAAAAOk/K6GwfT9eBKA/s1600/IMG_6396a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1PbhfytcAU/TZ843NAmOkI/AAAAAAAAAOk/K6GwfT9eBKA/s400/IMG_6396a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">blowing bubbles and baby smiles....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h2eeqSJ7cl0/TZ85BJCs7dI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ga7evGbECYg/s1600/IMG_6421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h2eeqSJ7cl0/TZ85BJCs7dI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ga7evGbECYg/s400/IMG_6421.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">early planting and the hope of future garden treats...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smpUimgLO9c/TZ85I9SLdGI/AAAAAAAAAOw/ClHMKOZw_Bc/s1600/IMG_6442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smpUimgLO9c/TZ85I9SLdGI/AAAAAAAAAOw/ClHMKOZw_Bc/s400/IMG_6442.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3gNMoJdeNA/TZ85MCsTzGI/AAAAAAAAAO0/dhIFTlBBaQk/s1600/IMG_6443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3gNMoJdeNA/TZ85MCsTzGI/AAAAAAAAAO0/dhIFTlBBaQk/s400/IMG_6443.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">great books for my children to read.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7WfAreOcG0/TZ8-ZusS1fI/AAAAAAAAAO4/gvxCWFgofkk/s1600/IMG_6283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7WfAreOcG0/TZ8-ZusS1fI/AAAAAAAAAO4/gvxCWFgofkk/s400/IMG_6283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> time for crafts, beautiful paper...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbrDuOdnUjQ/TZ9F8789dBI/AAAAAAAAAPI/HIIY_VKZ6Ek/s1600/IMG_6450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbrDuOdnUjQ/TZ9F8789dBI/AAAAAAAAAPI/HIIY_VKZ6Ek/s400/IMG_6450.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a beautiful bedside table my husband made...</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRa95OHweOY/TZ82s8dAYkI/AAAAAAAAAOc/twLTenUySVI/s1600/IMG_6271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRa95OHweOY/TZ82s8dAYkI/AAAAAAAAAOc/twLTenUySVI/s400/IMG_6271.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and doll birthday parties...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Little things that make my heart sing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Linking up to Finding Joy, <a href="http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/2011/04/finding-joy-in-everyday-friday-favorite.html">Finding Joy Friday</a><br />
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<a href="http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Finding Joy" hspace="none" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt255/ElvishAuthoress/findingjoyblogbutton2.png" vspace="none" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-4950031819592992312011-04-06T07:36:00.000-07:002011-04-06T07:36:49.079-07:00Springtime Flowers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqCfUpiV6qk/TZueWXYIjvI/AAAAAAAAAOE/aLQ28JJDWF4/s1600/IMG_6429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqCfUpiV6qk/TZueWXYIjvI/AAAAAAAAAOE/aLQ28JJDWF4/s400/IMG_6429.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM9ALypmOeg/TZueexMcxxI/AAAAAAAAAOM/JEqUuBRbOhM/s1600/IMG_6434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM9ALypmOeg/TZueexMcxxI/AAAAAAAAAOM/JEqUuBRbOhM/s400/IMG_6434.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmwO-NXkfGE/TZuehseO79I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/T4I30HQ2lVw/s1600/IMG_6436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmwO-NXkfGE/TZuehseO79I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/T4I30HQ2lVw/s400/IMG_6436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VO4fcmY-LQM/TZueaCbczQI/AAAAAAAAAOI/C1MVzSIwuPk/s1600/IMG_6431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VO4fcmY-LQM/TZueaCbczQI/AAAAAAAAAOI/C1MVzSIwuPk/s320/IMG_6431.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ygRXkSFCyc/TZuejww0dHI/AAAAAAAAAOU/fPWitm6lwfU/s1600/IMG_6439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ygRXkSFCyc/TZuejww0dHI/AAAAAAAAAOU/fPWitm6lwfU/s400/IMG_6439.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-74044970389647845122011-01-27T13:42:00.000-08:002011-01-27T13:57:11.567-08:00Life's Simple Pleasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TUHmbakU25I/AAAAAAAAANo/hqfpESfXpSk/s1600/IMG_6231b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TUHmbakU25I/AAAAAAAAANo/hqfpESfXpSk/s400/IMG_6231b.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br />
Today I am enjoying the simple pleasure of delicious sweet iced tea on a warm sunny day, the spontaneous smiles of an adorable baby, and the creative chatter of my two other children.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span id="ctl00_cp_lblContent" style="display: block;">"Simple things</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cp_lblContent" style="display: block;">Is what life's made of</span></i><i><br />
<span id="ctl00_cp_lblContent" style="display: block;">Happiness</span></i><i><br />
<span id="ctl00_cp_lblContent" style="display: block;">Is not that hard to find..."</span><span id="ctl00_cp_lblContent" style="display: block;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span id="ctl00_cp_lblContent" style="display: block;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lyrics from Brand New Day, Tim Myers</span></span><span id="ctl00_cp_lblContent" style="display: block;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
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<center><a target=_"blank" href="http://www.eph2810.com/?page_id=459" ><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/eph2810/TTButton.jpg" /></a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-78653806796362107352011-01-11T11:59:00.000-08:002011-01-11T12:29:09.774-08:0010 Beautiful Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TSy9iTRWhRI/AAAAAAAAANc/v8ewuTiQvn8/s1600/IMG_6167b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TSy9iTRWhRI/AAAAAAAAANc/v8ewuTiQvn8/s200/IMG_6167b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>I am so thankful for celebrating my tenth anniversary with my dear husband! </i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-51594448764876950072010-11-17T08:18:00.000-08:002010-11-18T07:19:44.381-08:00A Burst of Creativity- Embellished Headbands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TOP8QtwLu_I/AAAAAAAAAM8/iSjsI2JdeUQ/s1600/IMG_5450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TOP8QtwLu_I/AAAAAAAAAM8/iSjsI2JdeUQ/s400/IMG_5450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Since my baby has decided to take it's time in making his or her arrival, I go from no energy to bursts of energy. On one of my high energy days, I made these embellished headbands. Some of the supplies I already had: the headbands were just plain bands that I probably got from Walmart or Target. I got the gold ribbon, the turquoise circles, and the gold scroll on the big brown headband from JoAnn's. Some of the jewels I pulled off hairbands or haircombs that I never made use of. The gold and turquoise earring is from Pier One, and the gold and pearl earring is from Macy's. I had a lot of fun making these, and made all four in an hour with just a hot glue gun! I'd guess that the four of these cost me $20, because of the earrings I bought. I'll have to post a picture of my sister wearing one...I gave her two for her birthday, and she is always doing pretty braids in her hair. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TOP8W0zFakI/AAAAAAAAANE/8pBV6qU9iis/s1600/IMG_5462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TOP8W0zFakI/AAAAAAAAANE/8pBV6qU9iis/s400/IMG_5462.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sillylittlesparrow.com/">Toot Your Horn Tuesday at A Silly Little Sparrow</a>;Show and Tell @ <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/">Blue Cricket Design</a>; <a href="http://nightowlcrafting.blogspot.com/">Hoo's Got Talent at Night Owl Crafting</a>; <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/">Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog</a>; <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/">Under $100 at Beyond the Picket Fence</a>; <a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/">Transformation Thursdays at The Shabby Chic Cottage</a>; <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Strut Your Stuff Thursdays at Somewhat Simple</a>; <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/">Show Off Your Stuff at Fireflies and Jellybeans</a>; Show and Tell at ABC & 123;<a href="http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/">Pinkapotamus Party</a>; <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/">Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts; </a></span></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-73961301590856143252010-11-14T21:47:00.000-08:002010-11-17T07:59:11.883-08:00A Fruitful Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TODGB7oiOUI/AAAAAAAAAM4/xFKoKTW8Hmc/s1600/mustard-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TODGB7oiOUI/AAAAAAAAAM4/xFKoKTW8Hmc/s320/mustard-tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<i> I just finished reading another chapter from Alexander Whyte's <u>Bible Characters from the Old and New Testament</u>, which I previously mentioned <a href="http://freshandnewday.blogspot.com/2010/08/recommended-reading.html">here.</a></i><br />
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<i>This time I was reading a chapter titled, The Man Who Sowed a Mustard Seed. I had to share this except below with the parents and grandparents who might be taking a moment to stop by my page. It is such an encouragement!</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">"...</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b></span>mong ourselves that small mustard seed is eminently a parable for all parents. For every little word that a parent speaks to his child : every little action of a parent in the sight of his child: every little attitude even, and movement of his: every glance of his eye, and every accent of his voice—are all so many mustard seeds sown in the little garden of his child's mind and heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Every little Scripture lesson learned together: every little prayer offered together: and, especially, alone together: every little occasional word to explain, and to make interesting, his child's little lesson and little prayer every wise little word spoken to his child about his own and his child's Saviour—every such small seed dropped by a parent's hand will yet spring up to his everlasting surprise, and to his everlasting harvest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Let all parents... lay this little parable well home to their imagination and to their heart. Let them not despise the day of small things. Let them have a great faith, and a great assurance of faith, in such small things as these. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Let them have a great faith in Him, and in His wisdom, and His love, and in His faithfulness, who is continually, both in nature and in grace, folding up the greatest trees in the smallest seeds. And never more so than in the way He folds up your child's whole future in your little acts of faith, and prayer, and love, and wisdom, and patience, and hopefulness, done at home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Despise it not, for a great tree is in it. A great, a fragrant, and a fruitful tree, under which you will one day sit rejoicing in the shelter of it, and in the sweet fruitfulness of it."</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.seedsoffaithwomen.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="iFellowship" border="0" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/es2kah.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I was unable to locate a credit to give for the photo of the mustard tree, which I found on a Google Image Search.</span></span></i> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-13230640939730711762010-11-04T20:31:00.000-07:002011-12-08T15:54:02.730-08:00A Butterfly Birthday CakeWe recently had a small birthday party for my youngest, and my children's favorite thing is to pick the kind of cake that they want me to make. A butterfly cake was the choice for my little one, and after searching butterfly cake pictures on Google, here is what I came up with...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TNN1OQ8F_DI/AAAAAAAAAMw/f3wnwmHl4Os/s1600/IMG_5406.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TNN1OQ8F_DI/AAAAAAAAAMw/f3wnwmHl4Os/s400/IMG_5406.JPG.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><br />
That is made from one 9" round cake, cut in half, with a little notch taken out of each half. M&M's are the candy decorating the top and sides, along with large gumdrops, and decorating crystal sprinkles. Some inspiration was found at <a href="http://www.brightideas.com/bright_idea.aspx?ID=481">the M& M ideas page</a>, and <a href="http://www.bakedecoratecelebrate.com/projects/happylandingbutterflycake.cfm">Bake, Decorate, Celebrate.</a> I had to get ready after I made that one, so I asked my husband to decorate the other however he wanted. Here is his decorated cake....<br />
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Isn't that neat? The kids liked his as much as mine, but both were greatly enjoyed!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-46984983702557402872010-10-21T08:11:00.000-07:002010-10-21T08:22:51.604-07:00Delicious & Easy Peanut Butter Cup Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TMBMilD_jFI/AAAAAAAAAMs/4lJ5ub65wkk/s1600/IMG_5382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TMBMilD_jFI/AAAAAAAAAMs/4lJ5ub65wkk/s400/IMG_5382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I have been taking advantage of much needed opportunities to rest before baby's arrival, and so have been sleeping in, rather than blogging. But, I wanted to share a delicious peanut butter cookie recipe that I made yesterday, and several times before. They are so good and so simple...the hardest part is not eating 5 at once! I found the recipe in my <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Cookies-2">Taste of Home magazine.</a><br />
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Enjoy! <b><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup butter, softened</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup creamy peanut butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2 cups all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b>Drizzle:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon shortening</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 package (13 ounces) miniature peanut butter cups </span></div><h2 style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Directions</span></h2><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Roll into 1-1/4-in. balls. Press a miniature peanut butter cup into each; reshape balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">For drizzle, in a microwave, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.<b> Yield: </b>about 3 dozen.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413082549134989511.post-31411896591699011392010-10-12T08:12:00.000-07:002010-10-12T08:12:31.551-07:00Hearts for Home This Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TLR0QPD-CkI/AAAAAAAAAMY/EgiOf9rFmF0/s1600/IMG_5338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TLR0QPD-CkI/AAAAAAAAAMY/EgiOf9rFmF0/s320/IMG_5338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://freshandnewday.blogspot.com/2010/10/hearts-for-home.html">Last week</a>, I joined in with <a href="http://cherishedheartsathome.blogspot.com/2010/10/hearts-for-home-12th-october.html">Cherished Hearts at Home</a> for the weekly Hearts for Home link up, and I'm joining in again. First of all, I was pleased to accomplish much off last weeks list. As you see above, I made my fudge--and ate it, too! It makes so much I was able to send that plateful to my husband's coworkers to enjoy.<br />
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About three out of five days, I got an early start...at the end of the week I lost motivation and energy...for those of you who don't know, I am quite far along in pregnancy.<br />
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We went to the pumpkin patch, see the pictures <a href="http://freshandnewday.blogspot.com/2010/10/wordless-wednesday-pumpkin-patch.html">here</a>. It was a gray day, nice and cool, and since people thought it might rain that day, it was much less crowded. We had a lovely time.<br />
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We read and snuggled on the cloudy days, particularly Laura Ingalls' Little House in the Big Woods...which has to be the best snuggling book ever. We were inspired to make pancake men...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TLR2diidxOI/AAAAAAAAAMc/JzdJQGRCFMg/s1600/IMG_5332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hBL79VVLRJY/TLR2diidxOI/AAAAAAAAAMc/JzdJQGRCFMg/s320/IMG_5332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And, lastly, we had our Daddy Day...emailed pictures of our pumpkin patch visit, called him several times, made him some loving cards...<br />
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This week, I want to:<br />
<ol><li>Take advantage of my "nesting" urge to organize the kitchen and kid's armoire. We have already gone through all the children's clothes, and all our books...eliminating and decluttering. It feels great.</li>
<li>Make mini-books with the children...they enjoy looking through them for months afterwards. My oldest wants to make one about owls today. She keeps saying Twoowhittoohoo!</li>
<li>Really enjoy the family dynamics as they are right now, before the new baby changes things up. I saw a comment about this by Gae (Cherished Hearts at Home), and I realized I have been wanting to hurry this pregnancy, and could make better use of it by appreciating the way things are now.</li>
<li>Spend some good time in biblestudy...again, while things are still quiet.</li>
</ol>I'm sure there is plenty more I need to do, but that is all I can think of right now...I hope you are having a great week too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6