tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85472342281184237012024-03-13T11:52:18.449-04:00Cork and OliveThe Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-35583600044238775432010-11-12T16:34:00.002-05:002010-11-12T16:37:19.013-05:00Playful twist on TV dinners<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjiS-rauiZH_SvvFnpQzK5NFF_J5PQh0UJUy24XizKhHb92olW3bGFpRLLFIuL74a2MPA-Sm8HRwvrloJqKBfZQq4tYquFmdL1fXx3SVjBNW-GfpSyP88-cpMz-P2Zly1B_6ndCbf3Uvv/s1600/playkitchen.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538780124178725090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjiS-rauiZH_SvvFnpQzK5NFF_J5PQh0UJUy24XizKhHb92olW3bGFpRLLFIuL74a2MPA-Sm8HRwvrloJqKBfZQq4tYquFmdL1fXx3SVjBNW-GfpSyP88-cpMz-P2Zly1B_6ndCbf3Uvv/s320/playkitchen.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This used to be a an entertainment system. I know, I can't believe it either.</div><div>But it's true and <a href="http://giggleberrycreations.blogspot.com/2009/11/millas-kitchen-handmade-by-papa-grandma.html">here's how you do it</a>!</div><div>Consider this filed under "things-I-would-do-if-I-didn't-work".</div>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-11844131865859962962010-05-28T09:30:00.003-04:002010-05-28T11:08:59.338-04:00(St)itching to Sew Something<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeFFLTsVPynmnDzVqJ1dIyqGvuYOICSA8gEbkHergI32_QeOcR3kniVIKB4zi86xRTHaIbFvVk8ZAw43b10sng2sKzwbyT2amM-mTmu06cPKwH4HrYYaB3lLdxVK58GtadDp8xOxymIhE/s1600/2-full-hamper.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476313121108475250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeFFLTsVPynmnDzVqJ1dIyqGvuYOICSA8gEbkHergI32_QeOcR3kniVIKB4zi86xRTHaIbFvVk8ZAw43b10sng2sKzwbyT2amM-mTmu06cPKwH4HrYYaB3lLdxVK58GtadDp8xOxymIhE/s320/2-full-hamper.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>and this little hamper from <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/05/sewing-101-how-to-make-a-hamper-liner.html">Design Sponge</a> may be just the thing.</div>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-2437512467935399482010-05-27T14:31:00.003-04:002010-05-27T14:40:52.166-04:00Bold, Cute, Handmade<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSp7KSDhJDlKO-XBvrkxbde_eJxrzA-IrJLSLZ3BZhEAGWH2k1Reg44lbpVS7rWs3Mi1s1NkkrZWsD8Us-IOKK4fpiT9D60dbvTQJdPae_B4O558AMmGFs1IptMp8HIDBUQuD9DynHG_U/s1600/f-chair-009_3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476021232086703506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSp7KSDhJDlKO-XBvrkxbde_eJxrzA-IrJLSLZ3BZhEAGWH2k1Reg44lbpVS7rWs3Mi1s1NkkrZWsD8Us-IOKK4fpiT9D60dbvTQJdPae_B4O558AMmGFs1IptMp8HIDBUQuD9DynHG_U/s320/f-chair-009_3.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH0VWdKB24BdKUvEtsgqO2izudYRW6Y52g0LZbn4esjGBHMoHHlk8oJLoP-bbNvJRHJcseUg3ogkuxrIV9pvmfifxQkAeWN4aczMmp80yjC2_3_Hcun3v-HlBMHrNEMRAZGM3qMoAZ94Q/s1600/bears_2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476021228249581538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH0VWdKB24BdKUvEtsgqO2izudYRW6Y52g0LZbn4esjGBHMoHHlk8oJLoP-bbNvJRHJcseUg3ogkuxrIV9pvmfifxQkAeWN4aczMmp80yjC2_3_Hcun3v-HlBMHrNEMRAZGM3qMoAZ94Q/s320/bears_2.jpg" /></a>New favorite site: <a href="http://www.henryroad.com/">Henry Road</a>. Love the fabrics and the products.<br /><div></div></div>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-37599028499214920932010-02-05T15:06:00.004-05:002010-02-05T15:10:48.131-05:00Weekend Plans...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou0WLqHonru0L5IJ85wlywyVTp52WTl6IaX70_HoV3VL2oOHpo4qxViWyT9asvbxTKHsE9c1ITNjSjPfz1ZDtB-c_wuDwCLmex2rrHu-5ghyphenhyphen1EgxEHlyd85tgUM8aMJHwynu2tp_VJYm7/s1600-h/2880265629_807ff64c17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou0WLqHonru0L5IJ85wlywyVTp52WTl6IaX70_HoV3VL2oOHpo4qxViWyT9asvbxTKHsE9c1ITNjSjPfz1ZDtB-c_wuDwCLmex2rrHu-5ghyphenhyphen1EgxEHlyd85tgUM8aMJHwynu2tp_VJYm7/s320/2880265629_807ff64c17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434853577719091810" border="0" /></a><br />These look good, don't they? I love lime and coconut. Find the recipe <a href="http://cuisinenie.blogspot.com/2010/01/cupcakesyum.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Time with friends and more baking on tap this weekend: bread (of course), jambalaya & king cake for the Superbowl party on Sunday. Who Dat? Drew Dat! Geaux Saints!The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-85599511345356409822010-01-04T12:05:00.004-05:002010-01-04T12:11:18.070-05:00Missing Vacation & Homemade Granola<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.epicurious.com/images/recipesmenus/2009/2009_february/351258.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 380px;" src="http://www.epicurious.com/images/recipesmenus/2009/2009_february/351258.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Back at work and terribly missing our staycation with the kids. We got lots of baking, cooking and playing done. My plan of action: plan our weekend as early in the week as possible so that I can look forward to it all week long. On the agenda this weekend: a <a href="http://www.albanywinefest.com/eventdetails.html">wine festival</a> (YAY!) and some <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Quick-Omega-3-Granola-351258?mbid=rss_epinr&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newrecipes+%28Epicurious+-+New+Recipes%29">homemade granola</a>.<br /><br />Happy 2010 people!The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-46554556583921593112009-12-28T11:24:00.004-05:002009-12-28T11:35:42.260-05:00New Year's PartyWe will be ringing in the New Year at a very casual party with friends. We've decided it will be a family affair with seven kids five and under. These looked like the perfect party fare for our little party people:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/pizza-on-a-stick10.jpg" /> <em>Another great recipe from my <a href="http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/?p=1339">favorite bakers</a>.</em>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-3820834628651147932009-12-28T11:13:00.010-05:002009-12-28T11:54:39.913-05:00Christmas Card 2009<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4221821859_f3e0042269.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4222584164_6ecf1c1560.jpg" />Every year I design our Christmas card {usually last minute} and, true to form, I only had about an hour to get this one designed and off to my printer. We had so many great pictures that we wanted to use this year that I decided to do a collage of the some of our favs. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, considering the time crunch.The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-5528990863906105282009-12-28T11:05:00.006-05:002009-12-28T11:22:18.431-05:00Christmas Eve Dinner<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4221874419_d3464f65a0.jpg" />Our annual Christmas Eve dinner was a huge success this year. The Wild Mushroom Soup, a last minute addition, was a crowd favorite. We ended up with the following artisan breads:<br />Roasted Garlic<br />Kalamata Olive<br />Whole Wheat<br />Limpa (my version of a traditional Swedish bread made with honey, cardamom & orange zest)<br /><br />All of the bread was made using recipes from my favorite cook book, <a href="http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/">Artisan Bread in Five Minutes</a>. (Yesterday, I bought the next installment of the book, Healthy Bread in Five Minutes).<br /><br />We're already thinking about how we can top this next year...</p>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-23785543819164368492009-12-22T07:00:00.001-05:002009-12-22T07:00:04.317-05:00Pretty Packages<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4203910802_4025551355.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4203910802_4025551355.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Are one of my favorite parts of the holidays. And I can't get enough of baker's twine these days. I use it on EVERYTHING. You can get <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37011579">here</a> {or in lots of other places}. I'm also in love with this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10983365">Italian cotton ribbon</a>... which I also use everywhere.The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-66182748925390800992009-12-21T16:58:00.003-05:002009-12-28T11:23:19.437-05:00Annual Christmas Eve Dinner {Planning}<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpubr8_1vsy7k7LefN5P5YYPQodz261gHtUENtQEUhUKA3qobAFpV1_ggXX3BQGiq2clPynB71DfRJpaZlwLB7oYnTHOUK2D9qEVi1jgooarCoNHC9UbRbEXYuPYPn6EEwFyI23XSjxiz/s1600-h/PC250009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpubr8_1vsy7k7LefN5P5YYPQodz261gHtUENtQEUhUKA3qobAFpV1_ggXX3BQGiq2clPynB71DfRJpaZlwLB7oYnTHOUK2D9qEVi1jgooarCoNHC9UbRbEXYuPYPn6EEwFyI23XSjxiz/s320/PC250009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417813469734382994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Menu</span><br />~Cocktails ~<br />ChristmaPAMApolitan {Pomegranate Cosmos}<br />“Twas the Nog before Christmas” {Egg Nog with Burbon}<br /><br />~Appetizer~<br />Wild Mushroom Soup<br /><br />~Salad~<br />Frisee and Fennel Salad with Dried Apricots & Roquefort<br /><br />~Entrée~<br />Braised Short Ribs<br />Whipped Carrots & Sweet Potatos with Goat Cheese<br />Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts<br /><br />~Dessert~<br />Fruits of the Forest Pie<br />Assorted Homemade Christmas Cookies<br /><br />Homemade Artisan Bread<br /></div><br />Short post. Gotta run. We've got some cooking {and baking} to do!<br /><em>Photo from Christmas Eve 2008</em>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-33515210622194007952009-12-18T16:28:00.004-05:002009-12-18T16:42:23.832-05:00Our first snow day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4196066090_841729ab1c_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 216px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4196066090_841729ab1c_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4196071462_58fc8dbb28_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4196071462_58fc8dbb28_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Last week we had our first official snow day. The first of the season, as well as the first ever... at least technically - since JB just started school this year. I started out with the intention of trying to make it into the office, but it became clear quickly that I wasn't going to really get anywhere, anytime soon. So we spent the morning playing in the snow and clearing the walks and then went inside for bagel sandwiches and hot chocolate. I got to spend the rest of the day working in my pajamas.<br />I love how snow days make us slow down. Life should be more like snow days.The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-37514369762258492962009-12-16T13:28:00.002-05:002009-12-16T14:02:51.142-05:00LightshowThe other night we grabbed an extra box of glow sticks {leftover from Halloween} and our digital camera and had some fun in the dark {while playing with shutter speeds}.<br />Here are the results:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/4190936358_5f1cfd87a8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 313px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/4190936358_5f1cfd87a8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4190161677_bf525143d6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 325px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4190161677_bf525143d6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4190170825_aed136c144.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 208px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4190170825_aed136c144.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Pretty, huh?<br />Here is what it looked like behind the scenes:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4190911714_8d0590046c_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4190911714_8d0590046c_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-31731676926500070632009-12-10T07:45:00.001-05:002009-12-09T20:08:29.765-05:00Chicken Coconut Orzo Soup {better known as "dinner"}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJEIhXy_RmM3IwLZH8h42QLy0AsdKZNIdp8Rlih50SFdNWwoEv2KOV7IoHZJgZJswnhv6JyveX3NeS4HE38fhSGFA2SVqFAs_lFJA9ZEhFJtZYGB4c7e08WOODbivimVQJ-OG7ztgFM2q/s1600-h/IMG_1505.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413407548599495090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJEIhXy_RmM3IwLZH8h42QLy0AsdKZNIdp8Rlih50SFdNWwoEv2KOV7IoHZJgZJswnhv6JyveX3NeS4HE38fhSGFA2SVqFAs_lFJA9ZEhFJtZYGB4c7e08WOODbivimVQJ-OG7ztgFM2q/s320/IMG_1505.JPG" /></a> 4 tbs butter<br />1 whole chicken quartered<br />10 cups water<br />1 large onion, chopped<br />3 celery stalks, chopped<br />3 carrots, chopped<br />1 tbs ground thyme<br />2 bay leaves<br />2 tsp sea salt<br />1 tsp ground ginger<br />1 tsp ground black pepper<br />1/2 cup white wine {I used chardonnay}<br />1 cup unsweetened coconut milk<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley<br />1 cup orzo (or other small pasta)<br /><br />In soup pot, add water and chicken bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from pot and set aside to cool, reserving poaching liquid. When chicken is cool, separate meat from the bone and set aside.<br />Heat butter in the pot over medium heat and add celery, onions and carrots. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender. Add thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper.<br />Add chicken and 8-9 cups of the reserved poaching liquid. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes partically covered.<br />Stir in parsley, ginger, wine, garlic, coconut milk and orzo.<br />Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.<br />Serve with warm, buttered rolls.<br /><br />P.S. This is the first time JB ever called something I made "awesome".The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-90645306789071192072009-12-09T18:56:00.003-05:002009-12-09T19:05:00.401-05:00Writing letters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqfDu2bCM2PYxHGPjgLd4gPpxQ3CLUD1HI20mtcNL_erE3HpEbQmKtZqE1N9q7dtvrff7MnBTzQ4nI15bqgRrnFGG8PRvmjlwXOs3SBbv0f7KV_AGeniihdSGsiOdnv4nMnTdacEbbojJ/s1600-h/guernsey.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413390102053689490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqfDu2bCM2PYxHGPjgLd4gPpxQ3CLUD1HI20mtcNL_erE3HpEbQmKtZqE1N9q7dtvrff7MnBTzQ4nI15bqgRrnFGG8PRvmjlwXOs3SBbv0f7KV_AGeniihdSGsiOdnv4nMnTdacEbbojJ/s320/guernsey.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I just finished this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Guernsey-Literary-Potato-Society-Readers/dp/0385341008/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1260402897&sr=8-1-spell#noop">book</a>. It reminds me of a friend of mine who writes letters {and everything else for that matter} just like Sylvia did during WWII. It also made me realize two things: 1. We don't know how to write letters anymore. And 2. we are so protected from the realities of war. I hope we never have to experience them, but if we do, I hope I have the character to deal with them the way the characters in this novel did. <br /></div><div></div>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-27541610166395771212009-12-09T18:44:00.003-05:002009-12-09T20:10:32.200-05:00Bars and ballsHere is the outcome of our cookie baking this past weekend:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413387104527416226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3Dll3kXI2PK1kUhIXWXr5eHbNqpQ47ZwELRKY0stWxY7nSPjFdDP1C8804C31EfT4jRSArRIJwCDoG_GWDwT-lNingzzRAJDhswKEE1Cbr7y-4RDNAX0cWui1xJKJC2jkaxP6NKr3HmJ/s320/IMG_1448.JPG" /><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Buckeyes-I/Detail.aspx">Buckeyes</a> and Chewy <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Oatmeal-Chocolate-Coconut-Chewy/Detail.aspx">Oatmeal Chocolate Coconut</a> bars. YUM! The Buckeyes are a blast from my past {I used to live in the Buckeye State where Christmas wasn't Christmas without them}.<br /><div></div>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-46582218433778120922009-12-05T07:00:00.002-05:002009-12-09T19:44:25.709-05:00Christmas 2009: #12 Victorian StrollThursday night on a little street called Broadway:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413401662654993810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJpYQTHY8hi3vhYH1ixKDRejgUS_dsHmpBrTRi3SBL6m3npGfbZvk56O48svz4xsn_L2xaAhQSNcCnX8KCXXoKcf_0XzgL6w6E6AiXPv7Uis0QTLh_q9I7N2gfLfreRvWrhXgYyg2S5a8/s320/IMG_1405+(639x1024).jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413398314454618162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol_AMLRKRXoToRtXLDNl0dy5ivFGhaBZnVCeAu9x2gv9YsdvwfcnsMEcZLSrF6bdswkGLelniktZl3Ul_yE2u_2VdcnYWjDfTvTCGcainsbKPYiIynCCot5lB-JRe0xCwmRcOgE8dBYT0/s320/IMG_1352+(1024x683).jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413398321770487554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3lHK7cyHVy2G3EmIFPIdCnVQAq65ylnCmKYBYFZBKVqyMSa837hwr5ciovZ0QZT6avMShHf54im5jpW5m04Ao4U9FOe6M8MdVS_CVAr2dTz47Gh3CkRgVM3juPP9Z_I89zkwaUg0-0jN/s320/IMG_1387+(683x1024).jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413398322619660770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1H_JbCiZE0aTLb4bOMki8jIi2KrUotQ9Q7-sFWZwliWpqwMVmWj2A4YcuFzWRgR5e7KiEYHGFQHS6B19_Y3ZzrrsX88_46nD05CF2UB5Bf-CZGB1uGbfTid450dXQ_59xm890-jZw3pNc/s320/IMG_1384+(683x1024).jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXrLZHP1RGixnxZJ7WEJKleR6LiAI-OC9n_4ZPe2DaHOWu7RwwZfi78v1JDDkgRG2vCiXW-BcXMzai0lBZOprHyttSVgIgU2RCIJjnSMqt1qtxRPaL5gwcPG2nJk9TfLO05JYUlBFspSX/s1600-h/IMG_1389+(683x1024).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413398329010066034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXrLZHP1RGixnxZJ7WEJKleR6LiAI-OC9n_4ZPe2DaHOWu7RwwZfi78v1JDDkgRG2vCiXW-BcXMzai0lBZOprHyttSVgIgU2RCIJjnSMqt1qtxRPaL5gwcPG2nJk9TfLO05JYUlBFspSX/s320/IMG_1389+(683x1024).jpg" /></a> We've decided that we're going to pull out all the stops this Christmas. No short cuts. No fake trees {fake to us means pre-cut}. No missed opportunities for holiday cheer. On our list of "to-dos":<br />1. Cut our own tree<br />2. Visit Santa<br />3. Watch all the classic Christmas movies {Elf down, 455 left to go}<br />4. See the "big tree" in NYC, skate at Rockafeller Center, visit FAO<br />5. Donate to a family in need<br />6. Pull out all the decorations<br />7. Host Christmas Eve dinner<br />8. Sing carols {often and, as far as I'm concerned, badly}<br />9. Make a snowman {check}<br />10. Go sledding<br />11. Send Christmas cards<br />12. Go to the Victorian Stroll {check}<br />13. Attend Midnight Mass<br />14. Get Advent calendars for the kids {check}<br />15. Make Christmas cookies {check}<br /><br />Phew!<br />I know I'm forgetting something... so this list may grow.The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-72484466302655626992009-12-04T16:42:00.002-05:002009-12-04T16:48:40.744-05:00Grocery List<p>We're making cookies tonight for an annual cookie party tomorrow {where the white chocolate hot chocolate is something we look forward to all year long}. G just sent me this grocery list of things to pick up on the way home:<br /><br />2 Large Jars of JIF Low-Fat Creamy Peanut Butter<br />4 Lbs butter<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />4 hugs<br />2 bags of powdered sugar<br />5 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />1 flat of Oreo’s<br />1 Small bottle of Crème de Menthe (Liquor Store)<br />1 oz. of forgiveness for wrecking your car<br />1 Btl of Peppermint Schnapps (Liquor Store)<br />1 Can of Oats<br />3 Kisses<br />3 Gallons of Milk (Skim) </p><p>I know I'll be able to find the hugs and kisses...and I think I can even muster up that ounce of forgiveness. </p><p>God, I love that man. </p><p>{And I love him even more for putting up with me.}</p><p> </p>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-70709774861375960212009-12-04T10:25:00.005-05:002009-12-04T10:44:29.764-05:00St. James Street, here I come...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBZZ_39w5ZWfdh_SLdEoeOWk3JR_R-utyfsWVDFgEYHH7t8fc3qGSWFyInYAK6oUzwVW6Y76u8J5TVNyYiDL4V5iWPz12kpdmqR9OPuciR4vSAje2jf5CVKWZRet2YlDioDb7x7-XjMRo/s1600-h/joulesboots1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411403694036753970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBZZ_39w5ZWfdh_SLdEoeOWk3JR_R-utyfsWVDFgEYHH7t8fc3qGSWFyInYAK6oUzwVW6Y76u8J5TVNyYiDL4V5iWPz12kpdmqR9OPuciR4vSAje2jf5CVKWZRet2YlDioDb7x7-XjMRo/s320/joulesboots1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyEgrqRP4rqfAVyiLLzyW0Br_XBx_CKK_OwfQgTtOe8FKJQGQv39UbVJTPeMEeUQWlJqCcLuys6kCgw7RcwNh1RLN6dJ3-cx3J0G5otWOwQCyf_BQ_UlSyHTnR8P-EnG9iwfYsTqp4vhC/s1600-h/joulesboots2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411403688169763858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyEgrqRP4rqfAVyiLLzyW0Br_XBx_CKK_OwfQgTtOe8FKJQGQv39UbVJTPeMEeUQWlJqCcLuys6kCgw7RcwNh1RLN6dJ3-cx3J0G5otWOwQCyf_BQ_UlSyHTnR8P-EnG9iwfYsTqp4vhC/s320/joulesboots2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OGOUtuyZFKvjh1hJfJsP024Lvpmd0zBrIdSLIqKRqNbU0m1GbqDM6NOrUCTLwsYfqs5fFlVqsxdStOAvhP884bObxD24t_HCMyJOpvvm4-IPNUMTlYZTzUpcYmi60TgZ417cu5sD1wOi/s1600-h/H_JNRCLOOTIEA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411403685029297474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OGOUtuyZFKvjh1hJfJsP024Lvpmd0zBrIdSLIqKRqNbU0m1GbqDM6NOrUCTLwsYfqs5fFlVqsxdStOAvhP884bObxD24t_HCMyJOpvvm4-IPNUMTlYZTzUpcYmi60TgZ417cu5sD1wOi/s320/H_JNRCLOOTIEA.jpg" border="0" /></a> I love wellies. Wellies are rubber boots that originated in England when the first Duke of Wellington asked his shoemaker on St. James street to fashion a pair of waterproof boots. I don't own a pair, but consistent with my modus operandi, my kids are dressed better than I am and have had several pairs over the years including one green pair that look like frogs and red ones fashioned as ladybugs. </div><div>Last night I found these {along with a matching Rugby!} from <a href="http://www.joulesclothing.com/">Joules</a>, a UK clothing company. Funny how I found them only hours after booking a trip to London in January. I think it's a sign....<br /><div></div></div></div>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-42558328098874817332009-12-03T08:51:00.005-05:002009-12-04T10:20:40.305-05:00Far, far away... or not?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa-iIkSkS-xfwtHeYrQ8ebWNJEa5CFRWB76IkrywMPPvZJS6CIffKsVEJtoH5Q9btLYE5VSJ5bra1GJLMd77OAft7h75MpcDnhL4kOcGNPDowAA7K3kWtlhe4n9mqqWZDUgsWRDLGa_qn/s1600-h/patouche_7859_large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411009059170286882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa-iIkSkS-xfwtHeYrQ8ebWNJEa5CFRWB76IkrywMPPvZJS6CIffKsVEJtoH5Q9btLYE5VSJ5bra1GJLMd77OAft7h75MpcDnhL4kOcGNPDowAA7K3kWtlhe4n9mqqWZDUgsWRDLGa_qn/s320/patouche_7859_large.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4iRvRIpwEbd_Omr7nLXcfMBslagP-mQ16Z0y-SLq-wjUTwd7Rbjmkbtr3hdhyphenhyphenbOn8M79iNHrROXb5eWCqlCeNf1zIPquNFxafC0vRGyF4xbqDr-LVLs1A90ESyqxbdUp6rFQIBU4Qskz/s1600-h/Patouche-7850_large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411009051837324690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4iRvRIpwEbd_Omr7nLXcfMBslagP-mQ16Z0y-SLq-wjUTwd7Rbjmkbtr3hdhyphenhyphenbOn8M79iNHrROXb5eWCqlCeNf1zIPquNFxafC0vRGyF4xbqDr-LVLs1A90ESyqxbdUp6rFQIBU4Qskz/s320/Patouche-7850_large.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rcsl-EOpks82GP6rH1mArVhiON7OcyUIPXcUJ2KOu5NhPw2BpyTyXulIBiH13XY8GtmpEb5eAS5S6ce33NTs55nojc19J9bLUgBh4sKKslsSgWXEpouqfLPt9lDM3dBliLfREWeWO3DR/s1600-h/Patouche-7799_large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411009049405188146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rcsl-EOpks82GP6rH1mArVhiON7OcyUIPXcUJ2KOu5NhPw2BpyTyXulIBiH13XY8GtmpEb5eAS5S6ce33NTs55nojc19J9bLUgBh4sKKslsSgWXEpouqfLPt9lDM3dBliLfREWeWO3DR/s320/Patouche-7799_large.jpg" border="0" /></a>Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away there were children who preferred playing make-believe instead of Playstation. Who traveled to distant lands and far-away places and didn't need a TV to entertain them. These play/real clothes from <a href="http://www.patouche.ca/collections/all">Patouche</a> help us to remember how to bring far, far away just a little bit closer.The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-3320300333770792942009-12-01T14:28:00.004-05:002009-12-01T14:45:24.416-05:00Chalk it upHow much to do you love these???<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0DBGIfVJoyYkdvBKHv9q3e07TX904o4Ql6kjYT1Rg7uanEJnrsRkFZNR8CRHdQENLcdl41XIWxxi6FxhjQ5h04DDjBKzykXQ6ZlTR6mi6LuW47-EyHYXVD4vmD-3AD-k5_ezqG8jZ4rr/s1600/chalk1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0DBGIfVJoyYkdvBKHv9q3e07TX904o4Ql6kjYT1Rg7uanEJnrsRkFZNR8CRHdQENLcdl41XIWxxi6FxhjQ5h04DDjBKzykXQ6ZlTR6mi6LuW47-EyHYXVD4vmD-3AD-k5_ezqG8jZ4rr/s320/chalk1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410355612768949794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk52jwQRr6k6cv8pvipy40ByxgL6RWlHsgLhvidqcdOBC88yL4u6LX1JAxxsjuCDw5kaWjxTSOW1GdhV9iXshVaFK9GjayMzdVcOfYbLZIH76ui8Zq3s6p3d3y6qFJbEMWAT-lQ5t32450/s1600/chalk2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk52jwQRr6k6cv8pvipy40ByxgL6RWlHsgLhvidqcdOBC88yL4u6LX1JAxxsjuCDw5kaWjxTSOW1GdhV9iXshVaFK9GjayMzdVcOfYbLZIH76ui8Zq3s6p3d3y6qFJbEMWAT-lQ5t32450/s320/chalk2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410355607440230274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8ZOrHBnIT6WSLMlOhq5mZvm_mTYAHUw1t77JKVAqt2Cb0ZZle3ABqTsvXthPwKAbXw2sC_D22TCfKS1HU4114gnYR3JNQRCRCbh8rHb-NpsOfDcPDxYGxrzPCPF1RzGaQmq2FK3OZf57/s1600/chalk3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8ZOrHBnIT6WSLMlOhq5mZvm_mTYAHUw1t77JKVAqt2Cb0ZZle3ABqTsvXthPwKAbXw2sC_D22TCfKS1HU4114gnYR3JNQRCRCbh8rHb-NpsOfDcPDxYGxrzPCPF1RzGaQmq2FK3OZf57/s320/chalk3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410355598662821730" border="0" /></a>Not more than me! I must have one {or two??} of them from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryKateMcDevitt">MaryKate McDeVitt</a> for my kitchen....<br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:78%;" >{via <a href="http://www.designcrushblog.com/">Design Crush</a>}</span>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-32974583935564010712009-11-26T12:37:00.005-05:002009-12-01T14:46:54.466-05:00Preparations<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 214px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408468998215052418" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYEjRBlm5WsEZH3MXVqo4okdQtalTR2wbnElalIKLnVGUncmYH_q3hokruSD-OfmtGc2AU2tJYxdQIoHUJz-YY5HJbGxGCD0jyzOHGJOni-bHInAQYUolHuhycjYUeFZzLKwSUrB9-xH6/s320/IMG_1160.JPG" border="0" /> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLnN04YgN-55l1SGKfgl8ld3uFFCtTcmZSGQjakTsOWwASA-CWatIVbzUYkVJjASnBUe75Y0-HkbbYBI8_-IUOtw6JFrSShpOEXUMEnOXhZ2UJdCZuNr7QTcQL5G7u9RJDROjh_59mFg2/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 214px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408468996970107426" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLnN04YgN-55l1SGKfgl8ld3uFFCtTcmZSGQjakTsOWwASA-CWatIVbzUYkVJjASnBUe75Y0-HkbbYBI8_-IUOtw6JFrSShpOEXUMEnOXhZ2UJdCZuNr7QTcQL5G7u9RJDROjh_59mFg2/s320/IMG_1163.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 214px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408468984974809010" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_bXwxvLDq2XvhelyTxpFngy8JTpK_DZ2cJ8cqq9QdgD0RO0Y62GZ3rENN8gTRMw58i7u47IteGiIVWu-3h62LQW0NvM_a_f7fMUdyf30m_eLoBGY0HSgwmpKKz8utnPvW-RwPvhCmS-d/s320/IMG_1151.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqCdgNOnlhCH5RlzGRb5iY473hujF5HwapxP9bxv_xIlKqsrR1dMQxA20bjUTRK1NvveY_cRDmdST051Mci-UCQ7MjQLyxXlh4BxBC_EjmhrZtKWuRlO9hkqOUim5CHVz1C82eMIa11gB/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 214px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408468985671817170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqCdgNOnlhCH5RlzGRb5iY473hujF5HwapxP9bxv_xIlKqsrR1dMQxA20bjUTRK1NvveY_cRDmdST051Mci-UCQ7MjQLyxXlh4BxBC_EjmhrZtKWuRlO9hkqOUim5CHVz1C82eMIa11gB/s320/IMG_1167.JPG" border="0" /></a> We're elbow-deep in preparations for our Thanksgiving feast and celebration over at Aunt L & Uncle J's. There's rumor of a backyard football game after dinner that I'm really looking forward to. That and my run this morning should help burn off some of the extra calories. </div><div>Here's an overview of our calorie contributions for the day: southern smashed potatoes, homemade artisan bread {<a href="http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/">from this book</a>}, honey butter made with Big Bear's pure honey from our family in GA, and a little take-home treat for all of our guests; <a href="http://www.foodinjars.com/2009/11/24/gift-in-a-jar-apple-cranberry-jam/">cranberry-apple jam</a> {recipe courtesy of my favorite canning blog, <a href="http://www.foodinjars.com/">Food In Jars</a>}. <div></div><div><em>A little eco-note on the cran-apple jam jars; cloth is recovered from a Goodwill shirt find and the tags are cut from leftover letterpress scraps from the invitations for my brother's wedding last month. Our little way to thank mother earth today.</em></div><div></div><div>Also on my "I'm thankful for" list this year:</div><div>Cars that work in crashes</div><div>Jobs that survive the economy</div><div>Families that love & laugh together</div><div>Friends through sun, rain and sometimes pain</div><div>Baby butts and sloppy kid kisses {can't get enough}</div><div>Tickle fights</div><div>After-dinner dance fever to Cotton-eyed Joe & Can't Get Next to You</div><div>Having everything we need<br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-73505574284689662412009-11-17T13:10:00.002-05:002009-11-17T13:16:18.506-05:00Turkey Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2001Q4/a98917_1101_turkeynap_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2001Q4/a98917_1101_turkeynap_l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We're looking forward to Turkey Day over at the Smith household. I was thinking about coming up with a few fun decorating ideas to add to the festivities when, lo and behold, Martha popped into my in-box in a serendipitous moment of crafty-esp. Get the tutorial <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/napkin-folding-turkey?xsc=eml_crd_2009_11_17">here</a>.The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-10903950004082884952009-11-10T21:45:00.010-05:002009-11-17T12:58:29.278-05:00Birthday Celebration x 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQMBMR1Ot4v0cPowxqVPPNNlqajqkk-WQtZsWBTpwAMjNQEriGQkMnK2wOO_dnze6leyyZP3G8MozsUYmPLJm_zvrPjfjUGn-QBBK71CiDErpCTYkKQqA-Z61CqFGtVa_5cUi-UBXHSMg/s1600/snowwhiteM3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQMBMR1Ot4v0cPowxqVPPNNlqajqkk-WQtZsWBTpwAMjNQEriGQkMnK2wOO_dnze6leyyZP3G8MozsUYmPLJm_zvrPjfjUGn-QBBK71CiDErpCTYkKQqA-Z61CqFGtVa_5cUi-UBXHSMg/s320/snowwhiteM3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405120118361690594" border="0" /></a><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 214px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402675832263592818" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0ubw_TSHQJlbxlCW9L0iOIF2gugp0smmJ5eN0gHT39-lAJHyJD8JTzkKdwJ6dNt4HiMvlDZjYt_V4TJH2qW05D3bp7Hc89d5UbsnDMYv8qgq05LHIRLs6A-KPgXBolfkU334OiSMGwrR/s320/IMG_0797.JPG" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402679457295636722" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzucfqLpJDCH-C7bqNA8QYtoVJ1Gl0d6itVbwSnl5b5ISUX5PB8iVzsDq0Bx_eDTpMLkBa6mhKl6M7FiqQsFwWQKGQa-MLtglZuA_NswCE5fKVC_fRZxc9VX51aV8ya-uGMtt_SIAiCms/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" border="0" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU5BYXeu16HRRJkXxXkZYWRsVhg0Uy5yt46ivI7nOP7y9n6AyJYwVfibdaNLMaYl35lSuEAQPhVOyZR0YygM3hG9XL6PTJQZ7rV6_AYNXAPJv2X7Yo3-CT-DMyb-kkkpwxBR8EDFAbseJ/s1600/jackson05.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU5BYXeu16HRRJkXxXkZYWRsVhg0Uy5yt46ivI7nOP7y9n6AyJYwVfibdaNLMaYl35lSuEAQPhVOyZR0YygM3hG9XL6PTJQZ7rV6_AYNXAPJv2X7Yo3-CT-DMyb-kkkpwxBR8EDFAbseJ/s320/jackson05.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405133345505328034" border="0" /></a><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 214px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402675820026696562" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01JzzrXNoy06Gg53HmQCOnaFBeiobc-szUA79PjExl14P0-lv_F1aeB6xy4RwtCnmPPYXk3aiSwnLHVBHj58pRmkFM9lXeKpcjtbiN7t1H5FCg4JcrtgoXxjSWEKdS74O9wQ-OHUaOXr5/s320/IMG_0332.JPG" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 214px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402675822767120082" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhpcKuxKTmIypj0hXq3TmnziB2qTIEUo03aMn7JVtzVzh7DR9XvP7n2Uk0RVgGdfjyqwAJR4q7pKyQccPRcHMXTK4IICpUpSyNweV3K2Kd9h2-OnMOm3lmhoHFsv06PUxa-Yn-_JD2ckx/s320/IMG_0379.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><br /><div><div>Note to self: When (if?) you have another child, have him or her in May. Or June or July. Or any other month in the year outside of October and November. JB & MK have birthdays exactly one week apart. This is only a problem for me because I have to cram all of my creative energy into two short weeks. I'd much rather have weeks and weeks to plan one party. Thankfully, I have the support of some pretty great blogs for fun ideas (see the Wedding & Entertaining blogroll at the right).</div></div></div></div>The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-55032090924304286702009-11-06T16:57:00.003-05:002009-11-06T17:14:01.297-05:00Oh, Baby...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJLMl76ENjJHauIibdC5j_Bro1zZBnSsT2DRdtn0Y1TRiziXxW3d6j5UUJOgKZs9rT8eBx9a0ZPtdLrvIZvsJByuDYvjWPOPILacVmlVqOzbFQt3ALL-HPIwlWLc-8EJXt0786w69ik7d/s1600-h/Picture-21.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJLMl76ENjJHauIibdC5j_Bro1zZBnSsT2DRdtn0Y1TRiziXxW3d6j5UUJOgKZs9rT8eBx9a0ZPtdLrvIZvsJByuDYvjWPOPILacVmlVqOzbFQt3ALL-HPIwlWLc-8EJXt0786w69ik7d/s320/Picture-21.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401113650965891938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k1FG0K9dgFFFREHc0yFzO3oixYFb1kcMioDGsXXecfnRWbG3YbKPGQrhyLxApJ1QkW5MfSgd1b9v4HfrFPB7KaK6sWo0XcXQpo6etT6h0f_WTwDKCcN_iwtBgFU9GwlXPtoI4Xr9SrhD/s1600-h/Picture-18.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k1FG0K9dgFFFREHc0yFzO3oixYFb1kcMioDGsXXecfnRWbG3YbKPGQrhyLxApJ1QkW5MfSgd1b9v4HfrFPB7KaK6sWo0XcXQpo6etT6h0f_WTwDKCcN_iwtBgFU9GwlXPtoI4Xr9SrhD/s320/Picture-18.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401113643454997378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUVZvSesR1KU5jANhruhVfz0p3D4_PjOKifD1sF4Kj03qdaEXF3-R631deLZ_tMYElj8TYlxaZfa1W86VYzvpB1_jGdLLGFBa2JTuPLuqpjcM3awGiSON_S3KIKfM74i1rdFo2Vsp-ojy/s1600-h/Picture-22.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUVZvSesR1KU5jANhruhVfz0p3D4_PjOKifD1sF4Kj03qdaEXF3-R631deLZ_tMYElj8TYlxaZfa1W86VYzvpB1_jGdLLGFBa2JTuPLuqpjcM3awGiSON_S3KIKfM74i1rdFo2Vsp-ojy/s320/Picture-22.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401113655708371410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzA-LuPT7M1dE3DwJIqBUNdNANlzTqs5WiAz5fGMpeZm9U2dy7A_cm2GQ1L2v2csXcnXMKdgF9GRC25olBPtwiYOPdy2IbU7ieYv2k_03rDRQKvXtkEwc31by9gphZxFoAsvHf1NrauCI/s1600-h/bedroom1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzA-LuPT7M1dE3DwJIqBUNdNANlzTqs5WiAz5fGMpeZm9U2dy7A_cm2GQ1L2v2csXcnXMKdgF9GRC25olBPtwiYOPdy2IbU7ieYv2k_03rDRQKvXtkEwc31by9gphZxFoAsvHf1NrauCI/s320/bedroom1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401113653886424626" border="0" /></a>I've got baby envy. And it's bad.<br />Last month at my brother's wedding the bridemaid that stood next to me was ready to give birth at any moment. MK was enthralled with her belly {"Mommy! What's IN HER BELLY?!" Why is it so big?} and I was <span style="font-style: italic;">jealous</span>....<br /><br />UGH! Jealous of what?! Jealous of feeling like you're hiding a tractor-trailer in your abdomen? Jealous of swollen feet shoved into high-heels? Jealous of waves of nauseousness every time the baby feels a need to stretch a little? Well, uh... yeah, actually.<br /><br />I've got it bad.<br /><br />And now I'm feeding this craziness {utter insanity!} by perusing the inspiration boards over at <a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/Inspiration">Serena & Lily</a>.<br /><br />To do list:<br />1. Get a baby<br />2. Get a couple extra {thousand} bucks to build nursery of dreams<br /><br />My sane self is having a heart-attack right now.The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547234228118423701.post-65360755554088549872009-11-06T15:50:00.001-05:002009-11-06T15:52:20.863-05:00Hope<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4fWLjGnKfYzbFSLtnefVK5gBdhyphenhyphen9M8yFmnjeGncrOBGs46cDU8pzMArMSaX947BLtvUIblaNWvWP8GZdG6iM1-Ix_Ls_o4yKVCklHJlEshoR6VojWNpaAjOIN_1Kp11CSHZ5agX3aqDy/s1600-h/thought_1106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4fWLjGnKfYzbFSLtnefVK5gBdhyphenhyphen9M8yFmnjeGncrOBGs46cDU8pzMArMSaX947BLtvUIblaNWvWP8GZdG6iM1-Ix_Ls_o4yKVCklHJlEshoR6VojWNpaAjOIN_1Kp11CSHZ5agX3aqDy/s320/thought_1106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401096286730596242" border="0" /></a><br />"Bonfire," painting by <a href="http://www.lisacongdon.com/" target="blank">Lisa Congdon</a>.The Blogmistresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698290877613764093noreply@blogger.com0