tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46213296472460966332024-03-18T00:02:37.853-07:00The Cheeky BunnyMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.comBlogger523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-29670011772683414162017-11-30T12:56:00.002-08:002017-11-30T13:10:51.096-08:00It's Crockpot Season! Try this amazing Mongolian Beef!We're coming into the colder season now so I decided to break out the crockpot this past weekend and kick my husband out of the kitchen as well. Since we got married, Tom has been doing most of the cooking because he has mad cooking skills. I'm talking chef level! So, I decided to allow Tom to cook most of the meals. It was hard for me (not) to step aside from cooking. However, I started feeling guilty so I decided to scan Pinterest this past week and found this great recipe for Mongolian Beef! I found the recipe off of Pinterest and then added and tweaked a few things but you really can't go wrong with a crockpot.<br />
<br />
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Ingredients:</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 ½ pounds Flank Steak</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¼ cups cornstarch</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons Olive Oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ teaspoons mince Garlic, Cloves</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¾ cups Soy Sauce</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¾ cups Water</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¾ cups Brown Sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup carrots - chopped or grated</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 whole onion sliced</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 bell peppers sliced - any color</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 package of button mushrooms sliced</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">green onions, about half a bunch sliced (put half in the crockpot and half for garnishing)</li>
</ul>
<div class="ERSClear">
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
Instructions:<br />
<div>
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Cut flank steak into thin strips. In a ziplock bag add flank steak pieces and cornstarch. Shake to coat.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sliced onions, mushrooms, bell peppers and carrots to slow cooker. Stir ingredients. Add coated flank steak and stir again until coated in the sauce.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Cook for high 2-3 hours or on low 4-5 hours until cooked throughout and tender. Can serve over rice and garnish with green onions.</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULbPE8KxngMR2fHEgXo9rTz6IXfsZQhP0g8Mw3TNjBFG_N9ZipXVCzHmFR1u-Zp4KN86lUokcszJ3zYpiuqEHWxyvXN-ICs7rWjCPwcI9DPSmZzjuhg_6MSH9RWKIig_ibM5q9d8KrCw/s1600/IMG_3518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULbPE8KxngMR2fHEgXo9rTz6IXfsZQhP0g8Mw3TNjBFG_N9ZipXVCzHmFR1u-Zp4KN86lUokcszJ3zYpiuqEHWxyvXN-ICs7rWjCPwcI9DPSmZzjuhg_6MSH9RWKIig_ibM5q9d8KrCw/s640/IMG_3518.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP3XkvxQW8zU6Q2a_pNKyibxcYNEZUjI9Xame3k4wDJIZ0-068Kfk0doMZnkVNeUk3cw7c4nVvc8JX4fHSNVtm2hMX1kLaPBeN4ZLJq6FTaA4qTAy643cFLpw_idSdzuZINtTPFRivb0/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP3XkvxQW8zU6Q2a_pNKyibxcYNEZUjI9Xame3k4wDJIZ0-068Kfk0doMZnkVNeUk3cw7c4nVvc8JX4fHSNVtm2hMX1kLaPBeN4ZLJq6FTaA4qTAy643cFLpw_idSdzuZINtTPFRivb0/s640/IMG_3519.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXFbyt92x_ztnk9b_R7-jPMA6F22hz8tIFzTiqF5OqGquQvVtfKIqtu4Z4LNT_X65SPp1Qvf3tATtLlkLGSF2ROKlj7TrD3gm7El0caJ0hG9s5fCBdtrcBJ4_YV6pWPDlzFQIgLoeQBA/s1600/IMG_3540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXFbyt92x_ztnk9b_R7-jPMA6F22hz8tIFzTiqF5OqGquQvVtfKIqtu4Z4LNT_X65SPp1Qvf3tATtLlkLGSF2ROKlj7TrD3gm7El0caJ0hG9s5fCBdtrcBJ4_YV6pWPDlzFQIgLoeQBA/s640/IMG_3540.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
<ol>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
Happy cooking!!</div>
<ol>
</ol>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-83700895318204724932017-05-24T15:28:00.001-07:002017-05-24T15:28:22.819-07:00Meet Madame BushkaOur tenth and final cat for this household. Well, unless we build a huge mansion. Never say never. She was adopted on Sunday, May 21, 2017 (her "gotcha" day) from a private party who fell ill and could no longer care for her. She's all love and the tiniest thing ever at 6.8 ounches and 6 years old. We are acting like proud parents. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4g7ERRtO2uEEaf-IKN7Y59QLmc3s_sDLWwlv0lGvvgFfjRa6-mmSXiuXwLrpMBp6_akfo9SOkyW1pAgwARkOV0nfpZ-ddjQuX0LnXeY5DmPhWHOXrX3EqUhFbBev40xIXP1B8eUkrjw/s1600/18557475_1173407439435895_3739962348032656647_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4g7ERRtO2uEEaf-IKN7Y59QLmc3s_sDLWwlv0lGvvgFfjRa6-mmSXiuXwLrpMBp6_akfo9SOkyW1pAgwARkOV0nfpZ-ddjQuX0LnXeY5DmPhWHOXrX3EqUhFbBev40xIXP1B8eUkrjw/s400/18557475_1173407439435895_3739962348032656647_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlpkhVaHiv92J3uCQhbFAcWE_opGYihfD94dpsLL2lXoBmRG8yZ96-pzkkBDvmFnQhBF7uSCs53qX1Ey1vIfWkv9pi72b_pkLMRlfAIoeRjltgjIy32ocZ4IEZXPUibPtLKzGf94sdqo/s1600/18622462_1174880719288567_5195923698036571223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlpkhVaHiv92J3uCQhbFAcWE_opGYihfD94dpsLL2lXoBmRG8yZ96-pzkkBDvmFnQhBF7uSCs53qX1Ey1vIfWkv9pi72b_pkLMRlfAIoeRjltgjIy32ocZ4IEZXPUibPtLKzGf94sdqo/s400/18622462_1174880719288567_5195923698036571223_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And we will spoil her like our nine others....unless Quincy has a say in it (lurker in the background).</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-86315683882525735992017-02-25T22:35:00.000-08:002017-02-25T22:44:12.317-08:00A Little Rustic Bread in Wine CountryFinally, there was a break in the weather! A reprieve from the rain. It was a gorgeous, sunny, billowy cloud kinda day and it happened to fall on the day my girlfriend and I had a rustic bread making class at one of my favorite farms and winery (Red Ridge Farms/Durant Winery) here in the Willamette Valley. So we wound our way through wine country on this perfect day, mouths watering for carbs and wine and the need to learn to make bread.<br />
<br />
Now, the last time I made bread was when I was in my 20's. I wanted to make something special for my mom and dad, something with a little artisan flare. I wanted to show the world that I could conquer yeast and kneading and rolling and punching. When I took it out of the oven and accidentally dropped it on the kitchen floor, I think it cracked the floor tile. Needless to say, dad passed on taking a bite for fear he'd end up at the dentist with broken teeth. That was the first and last time I made bread from scratch. I didn't want to hurt anyone with my baking.<br />
<br />
Oh but today, now today was fun. After watching Chef Kusuma Rao make a few perfect loaves, I think I can try it again. It looked so easy and if at first you don't succeed, wait 30 years and try again, right? Oh and the variations are endless! Olive bread, cheese bread, garlic bread with whole garlic cloves! The ideas are like a painter's palette waiting for an artist to come along and create beautiful art...or in this case, beautiful bread!<br />
<br />
We were also taught how to make a great Cumin Cauliflower Pate and a sort of beet hummus that was to-die-for but the chef wouldn't give us her recipe for that. I guess chefs have to keep some secrets.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLVogQrCvrRT-yCcvKVEq4HQOdRYGyZePIT8yVpSO2c7_Famb-GmYjqLmrh0QSFqpjnTcS75IfM3FQCPTR4vffWKmdLlvRx8eP9zf0VDMvfGdEr5xKnIVgKXjkj7u1tgm8VkdeSpQvzk/s1600/IMG_4943.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLVogQrCvrRT-yCcvKVEq4HQOdRYGyZePIT8yVpSO2c7_Famb-GmYjqLmrh0QSFqpjnTcS75IfM3FQCPTR4vffWKmdLlvRx8eP9zf0VDMvfGdEr5xKnIVgKXjkj7u1tgm8VkdeSpQvzk/s400/IMG_4943.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KRIr30JvUK8FFmE6A1jJYnr1j1f9TwW9SJN8dJkQLnF1TKdWiKZb2B1ORyZAggj8Itvxb2g1nm5FWaHwwrlz2dt7jywbhyphenhyphenZdnHlDJB-uhJsdGX98JAJ0SSA4Dw81ISXghqSPOaVUCmU/s1600/IMG_4956.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KRIr30JvUK8FFmE6A1jJYnr1j1f9TwW9SJN8dJkQLnF1TKdWiKZb2B1ORyZAggj8Itvxb2g1nm5FWaHwwrlz2dt7jywbhyphenhyphenZdnHlDJB-uhJsdGX98JAJ0SSA4Dw81ISXghqSPOaVUCmU/s400/IMG_4956.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbizMyAycBEWzWna-oSpzGY-FaGNKDx-iw6odzJlXhJ93SLpPlreDGOk8HOy75o6IaPVBy_cJP7JDvqWXSPFdFLVJ1EqOQW6wYsBOVjv6wt3dnl3Pq57CzLv47cbGnLRZ5Aq2ggSSLeFc/s1600/IMG_4988.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbizMyAycBEWzWna-oSpzGY-FaGNKDx-iw6odzJlXhJ93SLpPlreDGOk8HOy75o6IaPVBy_cJP7JDvqWXSPFdFLVJ1EqOQW6wYsBOVjv6wt3dnl3Pq57CzLv47cbGnLRZ5Aq2ggSSLeFc/s400/IMG_4988.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuNUoV0mW6wXq9tfFrsNXzo_9eAU2ka_ClUzm6nG01h5dlNTIS28XY59RrI3xSHnyfpRPZb6Q1XMOe4B-23wTPiv8wKL1CwXYu9Dsfa66Fgk-pGfJyMKpQWVA960Iyti1xAsIJJqkmlk/s1600/IMG_4945.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuNUoV0mW6wXq9tfFrsNXzo_9eAU2ka_ClUzm6nG01h5dlNTIS28XY59RrI3xSHnyfpRPZb6Q1XMOe4B-23wTPiv8wKL1CwXYu9Dsfa66Fgk-pGfJyMKpQWVA960Iyti1xAsIJJqkmlk/s400/IMG_4945.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQEt4QHGMm2_u9rPezhkGDZJya_RNqHUY2uKB-V4eYwxzxC-5XInBiFMQIxHHWqDc4D9NH5euREtohfGjgK6Sl7MGNhy6HuULf5XOyH10PvPVnPoSb1QZAYXKCUiwFBk7ZAR92UJhYi0/s1600/IMG_4948.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQEt4QHGMm2_u9rPezhkGDZJya_RNqHUY2uKB-V4eYwxzxC-5XInBiFMQIxHHWqDc4D9NH5euREtohfGjgK6Sl7MGNhy6HuULf5XOyH10PvPVnPoSb1QZAYXKCUiwFBk7ZAR92UJhYi0/s400/IMG_4948.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMvJ78BMoNzOf7CWybe9HiOiqOO7HmgX3YJTFTRqjI5rb7gOG2ioNFybuy6HJEeeNOHtxOffdkqOTsQ0JREwmg8CJC7452HgWonF4ZYrjZi0A8M4cnsgG7ISHPrntf4D6PFZd2shx-IA/s1600/IMG_5009.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMvJ78BMoNzOf7CWybe9HiOiqOO7HmgX3YJTFTRqjI5rb7gOG2ioNFybuy6HJEeeNOHtxOffdkqOTsQ0JREwmg8CJC7452HgWonF4ZYrjZi0A8M4cnsgG7ISHPrntf4D6PFZd2shx-IA/s400/IMG_5009.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa4jifueRFwjJgSUczgxPE8dzapbxD29FC7ZCwEr04Nj6F205lTYtMVIS2mzMfmQng9xfF_eJqqgjRWrCgK59YCTthg3IkL0j-J5yxJbacgWbXUA5pKMo8mPhXoJVUwvpqR0qEaFqm4w/s1600/IMG_4950.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa4jifueRFwjJgSUczgxPE8dzapbxD29FC7ZCwEr04Nj6F205lTYtMVIS2mzMfmQng9xfF_eJqqgjRWrCgK59YCTthg3IkL0j-J5yxJbacgWbXUA5pKMo8mPhXoJVUwvpqR0qEaFqm4w/s400/IMG_4950.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7nJmE5HPNfA5IzsyrW7tjkFkBlNENkA66wdqZmB0mUQ16Zby9027EebeRNmrPJ1lnWRRrwlG6lu71u8rJSznsjajym80-ucCFVSWjZ2qdFDNa6BaoR5_3dWVdmDmCAesMb_VTZqF64c/s1600/IMG_4975.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7nJmE5HPNfA5IzsyrW7tjkFkBlNENkA66wdqZmB0mUQ16Zby9027EebeRNmrPJ1lnWRRrwlG6lu71u8rJSznsjajym80-ucCFVSWjZ2qdFDNa6BaoR5_3dWVdmDmCAesMb_VTZqF64c/s400/IMG_4975.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rx-VZJZ4UeIVq7A5NAwjRyloiVgFLi9iWnoWAlE6CXijfx7GBR7cE8eWGgR1wJTHmy78I18LjD5tOWFA-la0yBPxg2BHnIqORYH-riDGjvqwxxD0lAsNndvvJzLssNrFi2Ikk1lfbXI/s1600/IMG_4999.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rx-VZJZ4UeIVq7A5NAwjRyloiVgFLi9iWnoWAlE6CXijfx7GBR7cE8eWGgR1wJTHmy78I18LjD5tOWFA-la0yBPxg2BHnIqORYH-riDGjvqwxxD0lAsNndvvJzLssNrFi2Ikk1lfbXI/s400/IMG_4999.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQmqcl2HSNrqowMh8bEMgntMXm10JS3lhA5jyis-eLS9OS2gBA_XvI2zhejZ2BLszx8xhN7aryGsxdbXa-lrbyVBydBwTtu6djGyJU0aMyoPuocIaV1VROv9myzHNhhKfH32YOEihcsM/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQmqcl2HSNrqowMh8bEMgntMXm10JS3lhA5jyis-eLS9OS2gBA_XvI2zhejZ2BLszx8xhN7aryGsxdbXa-lrbyVBydBwTtu6djGyJU0aMyoPuocIaV1VROv9myzHNhhKfH32YOEihcsM/s400/IMG_4998.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7DWGtr93uXbh2GnGsHya6j3gwm73bAykellvXQsnsMCuPUtJ7toriqu33mLrznBSW8Ai-9wwwSzuGaJZ5kAaQRqRhUEnyPX1KlLQ7g-wiDkLX-bmAVk2TdBl0as3m1OV8IfMvkUwDQo/s1600/IMG_4946.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7DWGtr93uXbh2GnGsHya6j3gwm73bAykellvXQsnsMCuPUtJ7toriqu33mLrznBSW8Ai-9wwwSzuGaJZ5kAaQRqRhUEnyPX1KlLQ7g-wiDkLX-bmAVk2TdBl0as3m1OV8IfMvkUwDQo/s400/IMG_4946.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCrTXZs4w3EQiSS-_X7s8Y-G1phnpIkD3HQIno2W3gojwLaZksWClL9ncQsKVYIz8yI5jkZyBhpgSO1OHjV3JZEYRlcaTw1rWcYX7rlOZQN39viY7HtRY7nZ7XA_NaWjKea_o6yv7YZ8/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCrTXZs4w3EQiSS-_X7s8Y-G1phnpIkD3HQIno2W3gojwLaZksWClL9ncQsKVYIz8yI5jkZyBhpgSO1OHjV3JZEYRlcaTw1rWcYX7rlOZQN39viY7HtRY7nZ7XA_NaWjKea_o6yv7YZ8/s400/IMG_4959.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN3ryIyWxtHLeQ4jar1UbQLbHKh-cGGbrg6eKXR6OXcFBKllTTvHXFHPo1IGfrOk9H0rm7ubhfBQw722alpf3E3OMjaaoZDgXw_f6NusviOgDz-xBljO-ShMtlygHWbO4IDaQ707Niss/s1600/IMG_4960.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN3ryIyWxtHLeQ4jar1UbQLbHKh-cGGbrg6eKXR6OXcFBKllTTvHXFHPo1IGfrOk9H0rm7ubhfBQw722alpf3E3OMjaaoZDgXw_f6NusviOgDz-xBljO-ShMtlygHWbO4IDaQ707Niss/s400/IMG_4960.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you want to find more information on Chef Kusuma Rao, her website is ruchikala.com.<br />
<br />
Happy baking!</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-57879044457403235912017-02-02T13:26:00.000-08:002017-02-02T13:28:06.521-08:00I thought I'd forever be the single crazy cat lady....I was wrong. So wrong.<div style="border-image: none;">
So this happened while I've been away. </div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3n58jo7r2cjWJNPHUeZNuYGSfgdXO3cXS0eVu55q8jTTuMyH8lvXDARcd03l1d2Vl9iwPLyASpmFoQtFZe1tHN2YAtn2DeLaUJXWB77sHKKIi1wCHQjAeppWqa7yQ_2j1cZ50YZ-j38/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3n58jo7r2cjWJNPHUeZNuYGSfgdXO3cXS0eVu55q8jTTuMyH8lvXDARcd03l1d2Vl9iwPLyASpmFoQtFZe1tHN2YAtn2DeLaUJXWB77sHKKIi1wCHQjAeppWqa7yQ_2j1cZ50YZ-j38/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2dHiPo3Ww1RCa6wwlT08jETz5nIwY18ETMBXrhvEjg-4qmhHLskVJvSOmBvqPUHrOI-z_dXfBcT-Wi6ibFDtQC1j-NH6E-SA1UpoRg8cXXZsaRIX6PSnuQTGTnRz9ct3jXOrulkKOLA/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2dHiPo3Ww1RCa6wwlT08jETz5nIwY18ETMBXrhvEjg-4qmhHLskVJvSOmBvqPUHrOI-z_dXfBcT-Wi6ibFDtQC1j-NH6E-SA1UpoRg8cXXZsaRIX6PSnuQTGTnRz9ct3jXOrulkKOLA/s400/FullSizeRender+%25287%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYNgX8gm6pIZuVwhFsqObiz89y26Ib3_YQg7gobMXbtP9V0uUdE1cv6MWjvA0ImClwByn098NASqZCasBQwtQl2nSleVIl9_lBJHE1vZk02AGnMT8xKb901B6dY2ZbmujPMtYrn0F7D4/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYNgX8gm6pIZuVwhFsqObiz89y26Ib3_YQg7gobMXbtP9V0uUdE1cv6MWjvA0ImClwByn098NASqZCasBQwtQl2nSleVIl9_lBJHE1vZk02AGnMT8xKb901B6dY2ZbmujPMtYrn0F7D4/s320/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY0emT8pn0sX_pR8jVpFnjCfZ_oaoKj5Q9NsCku7-IppixrnbC54sBKXwZlbAlHyO8yPyCMlzgf7LdBpWIb6pDVu3GW2z3Ncu-dZGpeS6a1Nyy10nu-wmsiTnvbPx-mHr8osvTGcnflQ/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY0emT8pn0sX_pR8jVpFnjCfZ_oaoKj5Q9NsCku7-IppixrnbC54sBKXwZlbAlHyO8yPyCMlzgf7LdBpWIb6pDVu3GW2z3Ncu-dZGpeS6a1Nyy10nu-wmsiTnvbPx-mHr8osvTGcnflQ/s320/FullSizeRender+%252811%2529.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Bu1LmiLHRoFrqy2dL__lOOjxUFoqBmy7zuxP8ro1FgJqXkazxVU_3MRNIWa7f8-9OszKntt5ycie4ChOboxU6a4zXP_c9e0hUPuKN4qhMCznScUa4LUpTa-FGwOWTB0UFZByOjb2E4Y/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Bu1LmiLHRoFrqy2dL__lOOjxUFoqBmy7zuxP8ro1FgJqXkazxVU_3MRNIWa7f8-9OszKntt5ycie4ChOboxU6a4zXP_c9e0hUPuKN4qhMCznScUa4LUpTa-FGwOWTB0UFZByOjb2E4Y/s320/FullSizeRender+%25286%2529.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And because that happened....this happened...and nine makes our perfect furry family.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6i-JxP-lijk6-kD5W2Umm6x6IfLf68VU4n46LFLGqQnbo6BbvtJPQ4zvd_gb-0iD80CMjr2tOOrPmbnR9E9fgj8Ym55oFt-KwfmODKk-sVfgDW63A-NAw1SaqbAXQrSs4N3fouOVTRfE/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6i-JxP-lijk6-kD5W2Umm6x6IfLf68VU4n46LFLGqQnbo6BbvtJPQ4zvd_gb-0iD80CMjr2tOOrPmbnR9E9fgj8Ym55oFt-KwfmODKk-sVfgDW63A-NAw1SaqbAXQrSs4N3fouOVTRfE/s400/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And this poem sums it all up....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THIS LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for Tom and Michelle’s wedding...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He wondered if that someday would ever come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And it did on a magical Music Monday in Tom’s backyard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It arrived with friends and rock n roll and very large serving of Hawaiian pulled pork.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, he wasn’t looking, but he found a gift of a sudden smile,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
vanishing and then returning in the house of his imagination by the minute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It began when she sent him a message—</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
first with her eyes from behind a glass of Cabernet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and he fell into the light of those jewels</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so much so that his daughter Kelsey had to poke him in the ribs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to keep from staring too hard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But that’s okay, that’s Tom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Tom brings his love strong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was there as a volunteer for PAWS, the animal shelter,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and soon this animal couldn’t keep his paws off her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But before that, there’s got to be hello.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But Tom’s a host with more than the most, with a boyish wonder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for friendship and laughs, a man with a golden heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and an impeccably green lawn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He couldn’t sit still until everyone had a healthy plate of food,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a good drink and smiles beaming like light</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through those backyard Doug firs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But he did settle into a feeling for Michelle,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her kindness, volunteering for the same animal shelter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as he did for a decade.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And yet, somehow they’d never met.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So during his daily meditations of friendships and high fives,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tom’s feelings grew stronger, a surround sound love in stereo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And he cranked it to eleven.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And her, an osprey’s glide across the river to West Linn</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would find Michelle throwing wine parties, painting parties,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making drinks and making dreams parties, hair parties--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
two separate social butterflies now unknowingly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dancing toward each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes, she wondered, would she forever be a single crazy cat lady?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And he wondered, would he forever be a single crazy cat lady?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a decade of soloing in his castle of rescued cats</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like a suburban Jimmy Page wielding barbecue tongs as his air guitar,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tom kept playing that music, that language of love he spoke daily,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if not on the phone, or in email messages,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then in his love for his garden, his daughters and, those cats,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all of it dialed in for the woman who would make his house their home,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her cats their cats—Fisher, Gizmo, Ichiro, Sylvester, Quincy,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emma, Kismet, Lily and Perseus. That’s right.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As she poured over his book, The Department of Zenitation,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he was pouring an open hearted joy to friends</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like those frozen shots of a Russian vodka no one could pronounce.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But Tom was fluent in the language of love blooming for Michelle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The more she read Tom’s book,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the more Michelle started to write her own story of their love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Tom fell hard—there was no half-baked heart from Mr. Tommy Z.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so if he did come on a little too strong,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was in those measured months when they stepped back,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they found a new rhythm, a path to a deeper love,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
true and now the stories they string together</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like those mini-Eiffel Tower lights framing their living room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so love is a music they play together—through doubt,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through the generosity of time and faith and just letting it happen,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from that 4 th of July first date to the right here, right now,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
alight with colors like that stone path framed with flowers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leading to the house of his heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That distance, this light across the river, across decades</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
—she in her cozy cottage, he in his castle of rescued cats,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now come together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It’s a patience painted with a passion that’s say, “let’s do this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let’s make this love a light that shines brighter as one.”<br />
<br /><br />
~Poem by our wonderful friend and published poet Tim Sproul~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
I never imagined love could be like this.<br />
More to come...I've missed blogging.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-3479588625335532412016-08-11T12:22:00.001-07:002016-08-11T12:22:16.329-07:00Hello! Is anyone still out there?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGahsj-BxL0PHebrMQK5tDIv0qOvBOI5lg8TURkH4Z4dH_YyX-Agrv3vyHlwt5ef9D_Oak7TGIalv2V7zTtv7kSnj9J9sxb0-ElWxqGYmEzAPMMCqxEOD1oSEcd9CBXuOPsNuTXfDH3DE/s1600/5b2da5a13a005ed2a1a4a98672f9b98e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGahsj-BxL0PHebrMQK5tDIv0qOvBOI5lg8TURkH4Z4dH_YyX-Agrv3vyHlwt5ef9D_Oak7TGIalv2V7zTtv7kSnj9J9sxb0-ElWxqGYmEzAPMMCqxEOD1oSEcd9CBXuOPsNuTXfDH3DE/s400/5b2da5a13a005ed2a1a4a98672f9b98e.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><br />
I'm back! Yea, can you believe it? Still the crazy cat lady but just a year older now. Is anyone still out there? I've missed the blogging world! <br />
<br /><br />
Stay tuned...have MISSED you all! Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-51718019273458582552015-01-31T15:31:00.002-08:002015-01-31T15:45:17.399-08:00Sweet treats in sweet glass holders and sweetly cheap!I'm always on a budget, it seems. In fact, I'm sure a lot of us are on budgets. So, I'm always on the lookout for crafty items that are sweetly cheap! Much of the time I find these great ideas on Pinterest, If you haven't discovered Pinterest yet, don't. You will get addicted. Okay, DO go on Pinterest but you can't say I didn't warn you.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everything for this craft was purchased at the Dollar Store (I actually had these items for awhile but decided to finally make the project). A lot of times I will go to the Dollar Store to purchase hair ties, pens, cards, batteries (and really, the batteries aren't that bad because I found a comparison some passionate person did on YouTube and they really do compare to the ones you buy at any regular store.) I couldn't resist myself when the idea popped in my head, remembering what I saw on Pinterest. So, each of these glass holders cost two dollars (one dollar for each piece) and the items inside, another dollar. So, three dollars total for each! How can you beat that? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found the pedestal in the candle section. It's actually a candle holder itself. The glass container on top was from the kitchen section. I just glued them together and voila! A perfect container for your cotton swabs, Q-tips or candy! The front of the containers I got in the kitchen section have an indentation in front to put a label on it. I haven't gotten the labels but who knows...I may change my mind later. I like those chalkboard labels so those might look awfully cute and you can change what you write on it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7JRINgW6U0C_ShnYKv5DaHo8FEBH4N1bggRJmTABqGDvaZv54syp0PlsWpE_EGMCxup3ZV1uuBIYOtibYJ-1NdjqdzBjp68JvXHIZBd5M7udtT1FdGLgqigewv_E-Bemr1d5PW7UMp0/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7JRINgW6U0C_ShnYKv5DaHo8FEBH4N1bggRJmTABqGDvaZv54syp0PlsWpE_EGMCxup3ZV1uuBIYOtibYJ-1NdjqdzBjp68JvXHIZBd5M7udtT1FdGLgqigewv_E-Bemr1d5PW7UMp0/s1600/1.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzosZ0ZkiPogaWM2IfnxxNLiNkS3tJQy_Nc55AMvY9hxzoi1aFomiDzNGrteVfJuMNxX2ItapiC8P3rnJaeBSkyKA3nmQEW9W-u2_Uz5rL1Ar1r5jhn_h4xyMHh_c1n308tbGynvO0N9Q/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzosZ0ZkiPogaWM2IfnxxNLiNkS3tJQy_Nc55AMvY9hxzoi1aFomiDzNGrteVfJuMNxX2ItapiC8P3rnJaeBSkyKA3nmQEW9W-u2_Uz5rL1Ar1r5jhn_h4xyMHh_c1n308tbGynvO0N9Q/s1600/4.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38JHAq1DLTMjUv-Z3e3_gspBMEXyym-6q4M7Ue5ck5Ew-vhKGdEd9uRWWbu1KwwUfchx0WlyqLTiKS_rF63mViMNFMCQ2YEsk20529JKT2YsuVjhbgCypa0f9zZbK1e4n5b-VfzFjRTM/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38JHAq1DLTMjUv-Z3e3_gspBMEXyym-6q4M7Ue5ck5Ew-vhKGdEd9uRWWbu1KwwUfchx0WlyqLTiKS_rF63mViMNFMCQ2YEsk20529JKT2YsuVjhbgCypa0f9zZbK1e4n5b-VfzFjRTM/s1600/3.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for the creepy stare, Quincy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY5EkF72-6NscxjUeWuXqqP9QLOsdC8sTjmgKHVlfdQqtH2NmRp-SCzMXC6jFMwC1LIf_NwBWDjC7twUiuRrNs10_ZkReOacLvKEshm3rYuGpJIR2XMPZ2UWBpHcRdmbaNf4YxMyAyR0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY5EkF72-6NscxjUeWuXqqP9QLOsdC8sTjmgKHVlfdQqtH2NmRp-SCzMXC6jFMwC1LIf_NwBWDjC7twUiuRrNs10_ZkReOacLvKEshm3rYuGpJIR2XMPZ2UWBpHcRdmbaNf4YxMyAyR0/s1600/2.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkw-4bMK-6lVhOpB1MY9JDuWjyYPA0gEUrZPF0IdVryhX9hj9hEy5KDaRZcfmtJbGjVAoa7K8-mBbnSvgFGZJt_BBol0Ll36xxzKsSRBX6ZOuWMX4qS04hFFPAm9rMRLRc4u0AppdjDAk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkw-4bMK-6lVhOpB1MY9JDuWjyYPA0gEUrZPF0IdVryhX9hj9hEy5KDaRZcfmtJbGjVAoa7K8-mBbnSvgFGZJt_BBol0Ll36xxzKsSRBX6ZOuWMX4qS04hFFPAm9rMRLRc4u0AppdjDAk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEIbjeA6PnGGpt-zamz3lG4OoLhx2XSH7Aqpit8C2xIH-mEtfLdFt9pVFPk5biOIWUwNmk4KtqTyWrDDG1JcHMOhpdnRN78Sb3V6d0a2TQBkSHTeYFU7XjoSlx29KaudslAJDAS0DkbE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEIbjeA6PnGGpt-zamz3lG4OoLhx2XSH7Aqpit8C2xIH-mEtfLdFt9pVFPk5biOIWUwNmk4KtqTyWrDDG1JcHMOhpdnRN78Sb3V6d0a2TQBkSHTeYFU7XjoSlx29KaudslAJDAS0DkbE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXLQfXmoZ74HA9RQy4XF-5lH97jlyszVNvvCXP9hfHHUhJ9YEGZsxCNQoSIdxDhy16NgWLavHlml5oyCNAXUggyRdigWtGRgs-xVewlBttsMOvAT13XN7bpU78mjl6Ib-F_73-2wWnio/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXLQfXmoZ74HA9RQy4XF-5lH97jlyszVNvvCXP9hfHHUhJ9YEGZsxCNQoSIdxDhy16NgWLavHlml5oyCNAXUggyRdigWtGRgs-xVewlBttsMOvAT13XN7bpU78mjl6Ib-F_73-2wWnio/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2voY6cYOwFB0NxtPZN1RGzmJwZs2SLG5-m4vnR_tsbojj3p93bMElcWg8g7MgaEs5rJl-9VCiJgwvHl2nU3ZTwM3rzseFqb58PFWlEJcnAkWIUFJMhNLqSEV4gHyR4A_rdk6ra2qGlGc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2voY6cYOwFB0NxtPZN1RGzmJwZs2SLG5-m4vnR_tsbojj3p93bMElcWg8g7MgaEs5rJl-9VCiJgwvHl2nU3ZTwM3rzseFqb58PFWlEJcnAkWIUFJMhNLqSEV4gHyR4A_rdk6ra2qGlGc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
Spring seems to already be in the air. I'm loving it. We had a little scare with my Miss Emma. She came down with bronchial pneumonia and had a 105.2 temperature. After a rush to the vet for a checkout, X-rays, steroid shots, fluids and antibiotics she is back to her old self again, thank God. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XKU3Iv_9_KqshBAj04USiAGGA-WV9Pryrz4jBynFfzTWSKgPnPskdK7qOi-7_01fg5CLCSIZgUWExrudFSDlGKVTbEERAgPR2gHK-iKTirGII7073AVZXfubheMBRjRMlifOS8tko1w/s1600/10487590_651198411656803_1301346744809178167_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XKU3Iv_9_KqshBAj04USiAGGA-WV9Pryrz4jBynFfzTWSKgPnPskdK7qOi-7_01fg5CLCSIZgUWExrudFSDlGKVTbEERAgPR2gHK-iKTirGII7073AVZXfubheMBRjRMlifOS8tko1w/s1600/10487590_651198411656803_1301346744809178167_n.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Quincy, on the other hand, has no problems passing out in the sun. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjznvGCDNUIUZNfiIXitBft6SGkaLHixzUbj7AVSQhbKpbQhU1wfvYiD1b1zJsTvqSBxLALNPv7IahKugpmeDISQVvlr_M9Zt95Binsqp87pIWgQKuqel_sClx3lPGC-uGDc911X1tN4c/s1600/10469059_652507601525884_2513898512730148417_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjznvGCDNUIUZNfiIXitBft6SGkaLHixzUbj7AVSQhbKpbQhU1wfvYiD1b1zJsTvqSBxLALNPv7IahKugpmeDISQVvlr_M9Zt95Binsqp87pIWgQKuqel_sClx3lPGC-uGDc911X1tN4c/s1600/10469059_652507601525884_2513898512730148417_n.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
Until next time! Stay strong, stay positive and stay sweet...Valentine's Day is right around the corner, you know? :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-3565192906772358692015-01-18T23:58:00.004-08:002015-01-19T13:14:53.991-08:00Sweet Potato Fries!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've decided that in 2015 my only goal </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is to keep things simple. I only say this because for the last ten years I've never been able to stick to your typical get organized or get fit goals. Yep, I'm still a disorganized chunk. I mean, h</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ow hard can keeping simple be, right? Keep things simple and eat better, that is. I didn't say diet either..there will be NO DIETS in my house. I don't believe in diets...I believe in moderation and exercise, which in my case is going up and down the two flights of stairs in my condo at least a kajillion times a day because I'm always forgetting at least one or two things a day on the other floors. So, back to simplicity. I have been on a hiatus from my love of cooking since the holidays but I want to get back in the kitchen and stir things up again. However, with my busy schedule it's been hard to make a meal that takes hours and hours of prep. I'll try to save that for the weekends. So, to start things off, I recently made another batch of these beauties, sweet potato fries. These are the easiest and the tastiest things you can stir up quickly and, BONUS, they are good for you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A little background on this sweet veggie from www.webmd.com:</span><br />
<ol style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: small; line-height: 17.3333339691162px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="mod" data-md="61" style="border: 0px; clear: none; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 20px 20px 0px;"><div class="_oDd" data-hveid="29" style="overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px;">
<span class="_Tgc" style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Sweet potatoes are a Native American plant that was the main source of nourishment for early homesteaders and for soldiers during the Revolutionary War. These tuberous roots are among the most nutritious foods in the vegetable kingdom. They are packed with <b>calcium</b>,<b>potassium</b>, and vitamins A and C."</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First things first. Get yourself a fine glass of wine to get in the mood. Now slice away, thin and long slices, you know, like fries and don't cut your fingers!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8lp32jv_CgkX0kybsdnNodtZAOEk69MkvOIDuoA6wW4UryQ6JpJ-eseRVSIERAo8kG61kQlbW_UdgMzhBADnCc35gYVeZ4TAmH6QLvEFNJgDjvIoaAQx_IROpRTg3p4yUFSNEj5mzZQ/s1600/Image-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8lp32jv_CgkX0kybsdnNodtZAOEk69MkvOIDuoA6wW4UryQ6JpJ-eseRVSIERAo8kG61kQlbW_UdgMzhBADnCc35gYVeZ4TAmH6QLvEFNJgDjvIoaAQx_IROpRTg3p4yUFSNEj5mzZQ/s1600/Image-2.jpg" height="640" width="489" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Throw the slices in a bowl and toss in olive oil. I have no clue how much...just splash until coated. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sL6DPY8Cu-WEGszDz8iaekks9erGtPCkZAn7veFS7cD1LAtBfgojYSATGycBWSJ-zLBPJyPhgSmT9J3EMNGKJ0wp-NNyiVoPIwSq6MTQDKp-nU4KyeajkG0rLYgf85WDf9YvF5IbFaY/s1600/Image-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sL6DPY8Cu-WEGszDz8iaekks9erGtPCkZAn7veFS7cD1LAtBfgojYSATGycBWSJ-zLBPJyPhgSmT9J3EMNGKJ0wp-NNyiVoPIwSq6MTQDKp-nU4KyeajkG0rLYgf85WDf9YvF5IbFaY/s1600/Image-3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Line them on a baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper and throw in the oven at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Then flip over and bake another 10 minutes until they just brown on the edges.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYOUO0sT8B-zoAr-jQ577I4DOH3Q7BFakkbGXMPCiOe9zFXf7jyw1JMFKhiMRXb2oq7wHwlYDTnn2sXQWHpV8VeGXs0AefNXKdJB4VOxpo7zUKSJwgeyhVaqQ6iq0r93iRFX4yDNbV1A/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYOUO0sT8B-zoAr-jQ577I4DOH3Q7BFakkbGXMPCiOe9zFXf7jyw1JMFKhiMRXb2oq7wHwlYDTnn2sXQWHpV8VeGXs0AefNXKdJB4VOxpo7zUKSJwgeyhVaqQ6iq0r93iRFX4yDNbV1A/s1600/Image-1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">Make an awesome dipping sauce by combining 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 cloves garlic minced, a squeeze of lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste! Eh voila! </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1vbUfUlhIsrUv0v5WNHAxefwIuzHmSGUwcupJ3j_eDP0BrhMLcJMMz3ruhQS0hLcLFyVoZ2KL6hYIqoZsLFgVbGPWkIFJhlIDJVaViHXjtRTp-C3Qy-WcQ9YAisnyUlYqpLcg2etVME/s1600/Image-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1vbUfUlhIsrUv0v5WNHAxefwIuzHmSGUwcupJ3j_eDP0BrhMLcJMMz3ruhQS0hLcLFyVoZ2KL6hYIqoZsLFgVbGPWkIFJhlIDJVaViHXjtRTp-C3Qy-WcQ9YAisnyUlYqpLcg2etVME/s1600/Image-4.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">Now stuff your face full of this vitamin enriched vegetable and never feel guilty! </span></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-10469415789806682742014-12-22T10:13:00.000-08:002014-12-22T10:18:33.262-08:00Wishing you all a Wonderful Holiday Season!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Just popping on to wish you all a wonderful holiday season filled with the warmth of love, family and friends...including your furry family!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>You know Quincy's enjoying it. ;)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>See you next year!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYdloAOiiGc6Bz_aMkMdN3PsG8wKzNop8AuvwMYtctEwciq3LBTDc589FdUeC85iERaDHf-KQ6PSmEOrsihhyphenhyphenZmobYuHWWV7N2ov73zdtuhcR7bks_sraAYGrU71kyphEiTVoaugxmV0/s1600/10336668_629537230489588_8099997215622290780_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYdloAOiiGc6Bz_aMkMdN3PsG8wKzNop8AuvwMYtctEwciq3LBTDc589FdUeC85iERaDHf-KQ6PSmEOrsihhyphenhyphenZmobYuHWWV7N2ov73zdtuhcR7bks_sraAYGrU71kyphEiTVoaugxmV0/s1600/10336668_629537230489588_8099997215622290780_n.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></b></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-49326753683963438052014-09-21T23:01:00.000-07:002014-09-22T10:15:39.678-07:00The Right Kind of EggsSo I stumbled across this brand of eggs when I was visiting my girlfriend and her husband. We had an afternoon of cooking, laughing, drinking wine (of course) and baking. Needless to say, we failed at the baking part but when she pulled out these eggs, I was amazed at the information! I mean just look at the container. Now these are the RIGHT kind of eggs to buy. Am I right? Vitale Farms is located in Texas. Click <a href="http://vitalfarms.com/">here</a> if you want to read more about them! Their website is full of information...the RIGHT kind of information we need to know about how hens should be raised and respected. Granted, the eggs are a bit more costly, but if it gives me the peace of mind I want...then I will spend the money.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacjdWrdxq-Wo-pki4tKSihmp9J1Cvw6G4HuRsn_ye5be5XlMQb_-vKDdYNUmGNWN-73yuuddkiz2LyHUiqPSojGP_FOHmkts-bjDDtYavYOSrTUOREVhcBkRdsDCVdABrIn6GA4EUWY0/s1600/photo5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacjdWrdxq-Wo-pki4tKSihmp9J1Cvw6G4HuRsn_ye5be5XlMQb_-vKDdYNUmGNWN-73yuuddkiz2LyHUiqPSojGP_FOHmkts-bjDDtYavYOSrTUOREVhcBkRdsDCVdABrIn6GA4EUWY0/s1600/photo5.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I love the colorful, fun and happy packaging.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGigPOktlTmm_ZYo0LSjyUmeOYkbnzt5oVt9M_r0fPK9ALglrUXYTjDSkfXC6WDGn5ZhakrF9ZGbaycFSE_9HB18UuOymfQEy-DahQ51lsmoB43KqDT2PQqMyr-sC6S0U3BtapQgJFybY/s1600/photo6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGigPOktlTmm_ZYo0LSjyUmeOYkbnzt5oVt9M_r0fPK9ALglrUXYTjDSkfXC6WDGn5ZhakrF9ZGbaycFSE_9HB18UuOymfQEy-DahQ51lsmoB43KqDT2PQqMyr-sC6S0U3BtapQgJFybY/s1600/photo6.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOTub63IYsDUSdmB-b_ahR6-4sYMc3TCpdY_o-scxjqcRrx8vjtDQI4an4JZtxo2cqEvIJxG6_cnjb2_fGpf16QDxBpibELPYPjB76CASPvwbwCbK38PkJFXC91zff9JFPFG6hRtTe7o/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOTub63IYsDUSdmB-b_ahR6-4sYMc3TCpdY_o-scxjqcRrx8vjtDQI4an4JZtxo2cqEvIJxG6_cnjb2_fGpf16QDxBpibELPYPjB76CASPvwbwCbK38PkJFXC91zff9JFPFG6hRtTe7o/s1600/photo3.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They even had a profile of the Bird of the Month! I love it! I mean come on...gotta give credit to these beautiful birds that are providing us sustenance, right? Also a profile of one of the farmers. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gVXulStpACAHiXt2YOYxBsc2_RC7IkYlb99gBvkayT4PHv28vqLQGFjSibf3hqTao_bqREN9jWvctSswdiUD9FmVjTg18Fa4_WHPyJGuMbtCGM_4WOmL1sAquTXNZgl6196zF6TJ1a8/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gVXulStpACAHiXt2YOYxBsc2_RC7IkYlb99gBvkayT4PHv28vqLQGFjSibf3hqTao_bqREN9jWvctSswdiUD9FmVjTg18Fa4_WHPyJGuMbtCGM_4WOmL1sAquTXNZgl6196zF6TJ1a8/s1600/photo1.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPssmk5RX_GoMeCNUHhyphenhyphenowtEyIcOeR9u66t-sgfYsG1b89eS93aDQ8cCnRYF-hiS7uclSvYw9HJSn2K7fAl1pibYXzqiTydrrYbCfma_WNT1exsCppUtsu0lWC_prMJsmuzWg7UG2PTQ/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPssmk5RX_GoMeCNUHhyphenhyphenowtEyIcOeR9u66t-sgfYsG1b89eS93aDQ8cCnRYF-hiS7uclSvYw9HJSn2K7fAl1pibYXzqiTydrrYbCfma_WNT1exsCppUtsu0lWC_prMJsmuzWg7UG2PTQ/s1600/photo4.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now this is the kind of pasture they deserve. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGHo0c6uyO6V395FX-93XfhadgLRSpX_gHb67X5RHorI09zhnbsVAa__THp4KQ1Ad9Dg9BAafCOavtcPyrOQ39RU3mUMuV-SxDohhX-2bah_WjZv4i0jZXPOL7St3rdpuTgMX2lbJLa8/s1600/18077_251315860546_251279500546_3353813_194058_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGHo0c6uyO6V395FX-93XfhadgLRSpX_gHb67X5RHorI09zhnbsVAa__THp4KQ1Ad9Dg9BAafCOavtcPyrOQ39RU3mUMuV-SxDohhX-2bah_WjZv4i0jZXPOL7St3rdpuTgMX2lbJLa8/s1600/18077_251315860546_251279500546_3353813_194058_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk7IXBlRBIn_hTfIa9Q1P3CBZazXgdBV8moQZTt8RDVcDW9vQWWzooerymLbNjyilFFyVm3dHzeXQWLMjm4DnlruccjzDqFm6IhwYQFXsW1DKutRn05X23vv7meSkeQhwjG6P4tJlkc0/s1600/IMG_7564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk7IXBlRBIn_hTfIa9Q1P3CBZazXgdBV8moQZTt8RDVcDW9vQWWzooerymLbNjyilFFyVm3dHzeXQWLMjm4DnlruccjzDqFm6IhwYQFXsW1DKutRn05X23vv7meSkeQhwjG6P4tJlkc0/s1600/IMG_7564.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Check them out, especially their website. It was worth it for me. If the human race can learn a little respect, love and kindness to each other and animals, this would be a much happier and much different world to live in. :)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-66953735040004455752014-09-09T13:20:00.001-07:002014-09-10T17:26:33.400-07:00Cooking Egg Rolls with my Sis!I recently flew to California to visit my family, mainly to watch my niece compete in an equitation event, to which she ended up being the grand champion. I was so proud of her and so happy it happened while I was there. It was a two day event that included lots of hard work, a lot of driving, practice and mom and dad focusing on her the entire weekend. She deserved it. She worked hard and she won. I also love spending time with my sister....so we can do girly things together, shop, eat, cook. :)<br />
<br />
Soooo...while I was there sis and I cooked some of these delicious egg rolls! It's actually fairly simple. Sometimes you see some recipes that have TONS of ingredients and steps that it really just turns you off to even trying it. You really can have something as simple as this that tastes just as amazing. I'm all into simple and easy these days. <br />
<br />
<b>Chicken Egg Rolls</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1 lb. ground chicken (or beef/turkey)</b><br />
<b>1 can water chestnuts (cut in small bite-size pieces)</b><br />
<b>1 bunch of green onions (chopped)</b><br />
<b>1 package of shitake mushrooms (already sauteed)</b><br />
<b>1/2 onion chopped (already sauteed - can saute with mushrooms)</b><br />
<b>About 1/2-3/4 soy sauce</b><br />
<b>About 4-5 Tbsp. sugar</b><br />
<b>Egg Roll wrappers</b><br />
<b>Water</b><br />
<b>Olive or Vegetable Oil for Frying</b><br />
<br />
Saute the onion and mushrooms together until cooked. Drain if need be and set aside. Cook ground chicken over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked, tossing in mushrooms and onion with it. Slowly pour in soy sauce and sugar. At this point I'll typically just keep adding both until I get the taste I like. It should be both salty and sweet, oh and savory. When you think you've reached your desired taste, set aside to cool. To speed up cooling process I'll just put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, throw in the green onions and water chestnut and mix together.<br />
<br />
Now comes the rolling. Place about a 2 Tablespoons of the mix at one corner of the egg roll wrapper and start wrapping. If you've never wrapped before, this is a great demonstration <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJTdKyDg_2Y">here</a>. It's good to have a small glass of water set aside. You'll want to wet the opposite corner of the egg roll from where you're wrapping to seal it shut at the end. <br />
<br />
Now you're ready to fry! You can also bake these at 450 for 20 minutes after you've brushed them with oil. I'll admit, though, I prefer frying. Sometimes you just have to be bad. :) I will usually have the oil heated at about a medium heat to avoid oil splashing onto you. Remember, the meat is already cooked on the inside so frying is basically to brown the outside. Once brown, you're done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUWTWrwvt9gMBljjvsf8q4qtUfsiiC6Vi3BcEzC2gsz1NB6EnSkJuidDq5yvLNx_-LeWCoSDOE7QzJEh631f5uI2BkH0b63TVHs7PoJHkp6WGDBh71fimNCIih8vUcuA_D8QR8CDbxLs/s1600/rollsdish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUWTWrwvt9gMBljjvsf8q4qtUfsiiC6Vi3BcEzC2gsz1NB6EnSkJuidDq5yvLNx_-LeWCoSDOE7QzJEh631f5uI2BkH0b63TVHs7PoJHkp6WGDBh71fimNCIih8vUcuA_D8QR8CDbxLs/s1600/rollsdish.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9qvWyOwx6I2JvFFcHo_eZFkwpyZyXMn19Tb3CaTwkKw3LBnJs2nuQIg_Hj5R6s3l6IsslXM2bb2JK1jKBfiPsHOWSS0lHNamzVf0LaGXamHle64zPc-5Yfayz9QL5FEfXV4wBfhd5MA/s1600/rollsdroppedinoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9qvWyOwx6I2JvFFcHo_eZFkwpyZyXMn19Tb3CaTwkKw3LBnJs2nuQIg_Hj5R6s3l6IsslXM2bb2JK1jKBfiPsHOWSS0lHNamzVf0LaGXamHle64zPc-5Yfayz9QL5FEfXV4wBfhd5MA/s1600/rollsdroppedinoil.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJHZVob50i8rEfzm8APL-N_ea12T7N9me_xzXBtREz5eTzQZSG5Z_879nebRUdYAmAtiURVtUGVGlJgSmo4uGKELqXors190zRxZHab3tPtTBkf4j7BJh6dmIgFnW46HBwcdH0L45yxE/s1600/rollsfried.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJHZVob50i8rEfzm8APL-N_ea12T7N9me_xzXBtREz5eTzQZSG5Z_879nebRUdYAmAtiURVtUGVGlJgSmo4uGKELqXors190zRxZHab3tPtTBkf4j7BJh6dmIgFnW46HBwcdH0L45yxE/s1600/rollsfried.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdsf_GJ3Z3OJqHxX5z1j3PxNHGWIFJ9aJaRoKL8da2CtBPMAXZiOZ4OyzfqM4NWR16q_kit-UNNT2jteYriR8kY2r5Lmejpc839A9Y3pz6KSDAsZiIBvPIlkDT5hNOVVeQMpTBTF-nS0/s1600/rolsplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdsf_GJ3Z3OJqHxX5z1j3PxNHGWIFJ9aJaRoKL8da2CtBPMAXZiOZ4OyzfqM4NWR16q_kit-UNNT2jteYriR8kY2r5Lmejpc839A9Y3pz6KSDAsZiIBvPIlkDT5hNOVVeQMpTBTF-nS0/s1600/rolsplate.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7gWGXOENAX751wWNHE3kb0r7D2486nZGngxDFfI2zAjEM0ZAP-TH5tP4YECdRz5zoMNkiLKlNojDD70JDm-L2EBX_mrOCHn-uZYQ20E3pcJIT5PgwKk0gd6clPxieUurTufbZVnhAe4/s1600/rollsplategarnish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7gWGXOENAX751wWNHE3kb0r7D2486nZGngxDFfI2zAjEM0ZAP-TH5tP4YECdRz5zoMNkiLKlNojDD70JDm-L2EBX_mrOCHn-uZYQ20E3pcJIT5PgwKk0gd6clPxieUurTufbZVnhAe4/s1600/rollsplategarnish.jpg" height="640" width="572" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a few leftover egg roll wrappers and my sis had a great idea...we filled them with string cheese as an appetizer for everyone! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdVlmIirQKZpjlY4Onip-VHII0K57LtilzS2-aSSNbyQfCzi8UkUE2kRUlZv21f5oKPHboq54Q1oz1HKSz5TCZV4QDjElnmZiVYoV1xIocA-todqmcRgknIjeWyQ5Uijj0gx7-RvtUYk/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdVlmIirQKZpjlY4Onip-VHII0K57LtilzS2-aSSNbyQfCzi8UkUE2kRUlZv21f5oKPHboq54Q1oz1HKSz5TCZV4QDjElnmZiVYoV1xIocA-todqmcRgknIjeWyQ5Uijj0gx7-RvtUYk/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Autumn is in the air, I can feel it. I think autumn has become my favorite time of year. I used to be a summer girl but now I look forward to bundling up in my favorite sweaters and scarves and donning my favorite tall boots (okay, I have about six pair, really.) The leaves haven't quite changed yet but they will turn an iridescent red, orange and yellow and line the streets I drive down. I think it might be time to start baking and crocheting. :)<br />
<br />
Hope you're all enjoying the end of summer! xoxo<!--3-->Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-46251002150085424542014-08-25T14:06:00.002-07:002014-08-25T14:52:23.286-07:00Wine Tasting! Making My Way Through Washington State One Wine Taste at a Time.This past weekend I finally had a chance to go wine tasting. Yea, I've been here in the Northwest over sixteen years and still have not gone wine tasting. Bad me! Anyway, a friend had her 40th birthday and decided to hire one of those tour buses to take about 20 of us on a wine tour! We toured three wineries in Washington State (Ridgefield and Battleground to be exact.) It was so much fun! On top of visiting wineries I had never heard of, the drive through the countryside of Washington was beautiful. <br />
<br />
Gouger Cellars was the first stop. I'll be honest, I didn't care for too many of their white wines but their reds were amazing! He even had a red wine with chocolate in it. I didn't care for that though. The classics....Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel....all were very smooth. Oh wait! I take that back..he had a Voignier that was lovely so there was one white I liked. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq5MBuWZj4YQTwNaD0l9bnLGKtMahC1Xn18T-_5rILVybZE73B0bwZr1-vx6Zp0wRfkJSVjb84uJlmYtmEA_U4tl50y8sRHyzBQr-ax-C6GcI_kCnz-FcplduPH9NG_Q_1kBIbDmcV5w/s1600/gougers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq5MBuWZj4YQTwNaD0l9bnLGKtMahC1Xn18T-_5rILVybZE73B0bwZr1-vx6Zp0wRfkJSVjb84uJlmYtmEA_U4tl50y8sRHyzBQr-ax-C6GcI_kCnz-FcplduPH9NG_Q_1kBIbDmcV5w/s1600/gougers.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The owner himself served the wine. He was full of great information on how the wines were made and combined. He even had his own ice cream made with wine. Dangerous territory for me, right there. Picture it....me having a glass of wine with a bowl of wine ice cream add a few more servings and then me, collapsed in bed. Yea, that's exactly what would happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PFY3U-8YPRz4pXZv6DyI_5dGFLL0r_V5Uv3ultvvnAILrMwftm140DAAGBtrwjF4I5JS13Atq_ruDFFbjJGbszaKnjYi6OeMYQTlRoyTH_Tuz6BUaZ5fJqSc8jkY_iS_HnXY3Q67BT0/s1600/gouters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PFY3U-8YPRz4pXZv6DyI_5dGFLL0r_V5Uv3ultvvnAILrMwftm140DAAGBtrwjF4I5JS13Atq_ruDFFbjJGbszaKnjYi6OeMYQTlRoyTH_Tuz6BUaZ5fJqSc8jkY_iS_HnXY3Q67BT0/s1600/gouters.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now the next vinyard was Three Brothers. For this one I chose to taste all white. There were only two white wines I liked and I was pleasantly surprised with them. A Riesling and a Dry Riesling were the two I tasted. I'm not much of a Riesling fan but these were amazing. I see I'm going to have to reconsider my opinion. Also goes to show that it's not so much the kind of wine but the vinyard that makes them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dFJtgZbjuSuLddP8fmVLX2Z0J7idrAV383xr6aG3r43qBekYXcI8NNflscf-xl0bkvgob2TJg5unkg5hmNp8NXIeJsGz4UwFi-ZgISWWAPTYNpgxVOAuF_ZvBTFELWbc1TSq6sYnkiI/s1600/threebrothers+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dFJtgZbjuSuLddP8fmVLX2Z0J7idrAV383xr6aG3r43qBekYXcI8NNflscf-xl0bkvgob2TJg5unkg5hmNp8NXIeJsGz4UwFi-ZgISWWAPTYNpgxVOAuF_ZvBTFELWbc1TSq6sYnkiI/s1600/threebrothers+(2).JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5m6LAbHW8PmFfHkR6ZBpdM__IXb9IuhLbqh2unV58sj4F6uCDTnHuwasUiZmMvmvhEz_-aJUn2uIegpEiACSn6UipEyV6I7Tni4H8kllIZo9qgU-G3vJBE9YyQENolRb-qB0znoOkqc/s1600/glasses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5m6LAbHW8PmFfHkR6ZBpdM__IXb9IuhLbqh2unV58sj4F6uCDTnHuwasUiZmMvmvhEz_-aJUn2uIegpEiACSn6UipEyV6I7Tni4H8kllIZo9qgU-G3vJBE9YyQENolRb-qB0znoOkqc/s1600/glasses.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasMSE19FXXRJKPG5mu_7r-tlWGTnjMwt9LcjiTL5mUaff6NzpaBb2XN81A39vSUE8f6j4C5IrIXwFfwwM8R16hNhGLufQyj_Uefdba4O3feODOKz0GZHye1ZNtaXCO5_z_7jrvV3EtPQ/s1600/threebrothers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasMSE19FXXRJKPG5mu_7r-tlWGTnjMwt9LcjiTL5mUaff6NzpaBb2XN81A39vSUE8f6j4C5IrIXwFfwwM8R16hNhGLufQyj_Uefdba4O3feODOKz0GZHye1ZNtaXCO5_z_7jrvV3EtPQ/s1600/threebrothers.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dream is to have one of these. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8kDUfdH9SeNp5clXnEWBsSFNqdGyzN2VsomDcRHyHxdqJQO6RqAZC3UZNnmweaz8awBoTy6_8DxHu38aJw2XdJ76YQRHEAI9w8NWAdHJtkjp1NE8zuMk57ANJSnZvbq-OiW-Y0aoLz0/s1600/cabinet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8kDUfdH9SeNp5clXnEWBsSFNqdGyzN2VsomDcRHyHxdqJQO6RqAZC3UZNnmweaz8awBoTy6_8DxHu38aJw2XdJ76YQRHEAI9w8NWAdHJtkjp1NE8zuMk57ANJSnZvbq-OiW-Y0aoLz0/s1600/cabinet.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk3kVO-GQq7gXAoLbIWmbDXI7Mjs5XneSKp1pVdrpGYOTVvG6cEcfhapKcxVtlk6W1SMgmpTFngvkfjWzc9FKcG-9Xy-yJtaKFdQ7N8nYxJBvba334Qxt8uklNme_6ny26U1YHgwSZCc/s1600/vines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk3kVO-GQq7gXAoLbIWmbDXI7Mjs5XneSKp1pVdrpGYOTVvG6cEcfhapKcxVtlk6W1SMgmpTFngvkfjWzc9FKcG-9Xy-yJtaKFdQ7N8nYxJBvba334Qxt8uklNme_6ny26U1YHgwSZCc/s1600/vines.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such sweet grapes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavdLAwZAeNNqrgmOLHj4H5T5zzBHYkDIBuTQ-8m1_9yPp_DiLY1gCcEDpQ0FAqbrIWBdN8GtAY507q25E7FJfBOYsXhuKs-JPo7m1Fu1ctylxwvZXOjyYxpiwQIjAZgBEsXJYRnfJOAs/s1600/grapes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavdLAwZAeNNqrgmOLHj4H5T5zzBHYkDIBuTQ-8m1_9yPp_DiLY1gCcEDpQ0FAqbrIWBdN8GtAY507q25E7FJfBOYsXhuKs-JPo7m1Fu1ctylxwvZXOjyYxpiwQIjAZgBEsXJYRnfJOAs/s1600/grapes.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll take every last barrel!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjjpovIgyn2U7rbLBqrK2OlKTbqFY8hiAWodEMLrY1rW7k6V2jTGzBjnlgzGsludz09gvoyUPLiNG84Z8fmH9uCjUtWOLQ03GXvFp10Pet2Isa43rJ8tWL8Y4lPePICL4HBD4XWirjeM/s1600/barrels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjjpovIgyn2U7rbLBqrK2OlKTbqFY8hiAWodEMLrY1rW7k6V2jTGzBjnlgzGsludz09gvoyUPLiNG84Z8fmH9uCjUtWOLQ03GXvFp10Pet2Isa43rJ8tWL8Y4lPePICL4HBD4XWirjeM/s1600/barrels.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now the last vinyard was also very nice but I stopped the wine tasting at this point BUT....I hear they have great Pinot Grigio (which is my favorite of all.) Being a migraine sufferer (and combined with the heat of the day) I had to really be careful so I drank water the rest of the way. If it were a cooler day I wouldn't have stopped. I just know what sets off my migraines. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiwo-yZgakKCjUr5xix7s3NQXGMAJil9S2vgmJ1Q-medMhcMDGHBDvepQmO8KCLVX-qjDtG1oecIBC5M_xwZlBMXprgBBSjbWHxosmfNbWGVolkVPB5zhjkF2vq878eg6pwnNRIp4RVw/s1600/rustic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiwo-yZgakKCjUr5xix7s3NQXGMAJil9S2vgmJ1Q-medMhcMDGHBDvepQmO8KCLVX-qjDtG1oecIBC5M_xwZlBMXprgBBSjbWHxosmfNbWGVolkVPB5zhjkF2vq878eg6pwnNRIp4RVw/s1600/rustic.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All in all, I really, really enjoyed it! I want to try the Oregon wines (Willamette Valley). I'm thinking fall would be a great time of year to go wine tasting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGrMwvTDIo_V1e0tRxuyVmOsA2av-55cJQNPr_SGx75YC2xcrPu3Z5gYHrzPIh9Rmb26yIrwN2eqDLuis2WKM87BQElFmBdwXVkoRyITq0ud12ass-3PkmehJPeF7P114Lb2XigkLOtc/s1600/wine3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGrMwvTDIo_V1e0tRxuyVmOsA2av-55cJQNPr_SGx75YC2xcrPu3Z5gYHrzPIh9Rmb26yIrwN2eqDLuis2WKM87BQElFmBdwXVkoRyITq0ud12ass-3PkmehJPeF7P114Lb2XigkLOtc/s1600/wine3.JPG" height="640" width="475" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm headed home to California for a visit with the family this week but if I have time I will post a delicious eggroll recipe I just made recently! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Until then...enjoy every minute of your life! xoxo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-12899757595237487472014-08-21T11:58:00.000-07:002014-08-21T13:00:05.532-07:00~Swooning over Small Spaces~So I've been daydreaming lately about small houses and cottages. Seems so often I hear people dreaming of mansions and bigger homes but who wants to clean all that space? I can barely clean my 1300 sq. ft. condo! Let's get serious here, the older I'm getting the lazier I'm getting about cleaning. I really only probably use half the space in my condo anyway. I want efficiency. I want small. I want practicality but still cute. :) In fact, I'd rather have a small cottage (Eco friendly) and room for chickens and a garden to live off of. One year my girlfriend and I lived off her garden for an entire summer! The veggies were fresh, organic and they tasted like nothing I tasted that came out of a store. So, I'll continue to dream of a goal of having this all one day. <br />
<br />
Here are a few ADORABLE cottages I can see myself living in. I love, love, love the idea of a screened in porch for the cats and here in the Northwest since it rains a lot, it will be a nice way to kind of relax in the outdoors without getting wet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLWMXXLAMBz25_bn-nNoiRZufqBmlfoWt1kbyst87buSv46S4UuZ0lvt0PoD726YZ99SmEdUKHh6ohjB3C57qvje348EYmtuCSxh7R1pX9CNR97XYpn5hY3V0B1t_8ZGQxIwBoXsdvso/s1600/720aa61e775f4e84db9e02978a70dc54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLWMXXLAMBz25_bn-nNoiRZufqBmlfoWt1kbyst87buSv46S4UuZ0lvt0PoD726YZ99SmEdUKHh6ohjB3C57qvje348EYmtuCSxh7R1pX9CNR97XYpn5hY3V0B1t_8ZGQxIwBoXsdvso/s1600/720aa61e775f4e84db9e02978a70dc54.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gawain.membrane.com/decks_and_porches/porches_2.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpgCaBnuX6MDxpM_hfxnfeIweZ3VK9VHAD5bZDw4sUh0DFplcpLxdODxux-pxImgs0dVrcO2GIF2WJCdqJAvSdNOg2smuGh-86CWwKcIKOzkNCBCrd0pcjCGONtf-Z5tReRViihIyvSI/s1600/porches_8.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(click picture for source link)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/porch/porch/real-life-porch-additions/#page=1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM2u62nnB4E4PM6Tosj3sG7qDgYc_kg8KHUjKVWgESj7Nip_qDyaDtTpgFOf19XvYRZrihfcN0BC0TCtU7kjBZq3c3MZFDz8MvWVsUE4BNYkI3iZ70_KJWI3eLLLfb9rMuaFXSoum3SM/s1600/101292621.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(click picture for source link)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now this is a prefab home. I wouldn't mind purchasing a prefab home, paying it off quickly and be mortgage free. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://smallhousebliss.com/2013/11/02/texas-hill-country-cottage-by-kanga-room-systems/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikL4TtRAWZf10vMtIx3FODZr86WseA4wuqKgRvWrRaaAGp8759HYl8ZWED1rIrKwsbXnlOdIBQCVd_YN3JSnlf6aeiylf9eNkEV1cW5jIA7As-EQkqsmeFUF9Iys2vAmwxl2I_uIUL-s/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-exterior1-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" height="202" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(click picture for source link)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The inside is sweet!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZknUdKr5C5KiIaCF6zlHsnqOr-3gE5_5XUD7L_Ee1uLOvKLZY24BwHSEhVqzHb7JahZQNfN8_U2tJOgtxX2_29p5mv9_QxBrJsyH9265DwROPg5osMzKvqPSErpWdq0wshqBpnxg7zM/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-living5-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZknUdKr5C5KiIaCF6zlHsnqOr-3gE5_5XUD7L_Ee1uLOvKLZY24BwHSEhVqzHb7JahZQNfN8_U2tJOgtxX2_29p5mv9_QxBrJsyH9265DwROPg5osMzKvqPSErpWdq0wshqBpnxg7zM/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-living5-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its own screened-in porch on one side.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmxPDepyEZPFJid2A_BcGYpH9eIngqaUAXE1jMsNXQW3wpur24Uk82bl1heeuRECLeEDy5SawlJAC4CDPz2AkpeAsVYBSdpJrf9yJsNMsI601JySVNvByiM8Utrcgdxr1ELbPrJJvfYM/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-porch7-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmxPDepyEZPFJid2A_BcGYpH9eIngqaUAXE1jMsNXQW3wpur24Uk82bl1heeuRECLeEDy5SawlJAC4CDPz2AkpeAsVYBSdpJrf9yJsNMsI601JySVNvByiM8Utrcgdxr1ELbPrJJvfYM/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-porch7-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgIPQyfwQRAgQGlPHiVBGIui_cJHVwIaEgK0PDSh4pwQo7jOR2rtsBSpOMrpdQ6WGecPmhmXpBCSNqUeZrHkyBQD_XpcbjZygJEm8XvUK5SAyiEyq44o2z7U6VwXF6VWRq5Pb2y2X17M/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-kitchen2-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgIPQyfwQRAgQGlPHiVBGIui_cJHVwIaEgK0PDSh4pwQo7jOR2rtsBSpOMrpdQ6WGecPmhmXpBCSNqUeZrHkyBQD_XpcbjZygJEm8XvUK5SAyiEyq44o2z7U6VwXF6VWRq5Pb2y2X17M/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-kitchen2-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrbOUxEirfwFz-6h7zLDu_N9dYBot-G5_r5Had2rSxzKnLlBaHhyedvc1yaLtLcolp_cM5OMjx8fLWSQG0tiU2q8W4YsJFE6Pl42Tma4p4YHDLLko2SDjFTWOQrXuY6KOZGa1MfTxqO4/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-living1-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrbOUxEirfwFz-6h7zLDu_N9dYBot-G5_r5Had2rSxzKnLlBaHhyedvc1yaLtLcolp_cM5OMjx8fLWSQG0tiU2q8W4YsJFE6Pl42Tma4p4YHDLLko2SDjFTWOQrXuY6KOZGa1MfTxqO4/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-living1-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzeum3oT6MUFucMM6Vk_alR9J7tMni12VZr3_EooNc8WJ6iwsk2NPRsGKiIPQx9ErG8-Zsc74kqXuenWE8V7aHnJXLMc-sPd-sJStXMTLMlo1anjBobz-DARSZFKABYTPpN-ZXkOiwNw/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-kitchen3-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzeum3oT6MUFucMM6Vk_alR9J7tMni12VZr3_EooNc8WJ6iwsk2NPRsGKiIPQx9ErG8-Zsc74kqXuenWE8V7aHnJXLMc-sPd-sJStXMTLMlo1anjBobz-DARSZFKABYTPpN-ZXkOiwNw/s1600/kanga-room-systems-kanga-cabin-kitchen3-via-smallhousebliss.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another prefab! Only 777 sq. ft. Serious swooning here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/products/b53/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcLheikk2MXZz2IwUQezkNVoQO9lERsaQwUtyfxu3vOEWpVoOh3KmnaLAF_L-dxUUz788y6l7OtOjEw7qBnaMj53ZPwi-BN3xEFaM2Ndn68Ahpc3l3wcnxgDa0xisQvozmzbCSv8ruKo/s1600/01-B-53_grande.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(click picture for source link)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Who would have thought a prefab home could be so cute! My alternative way of thinking is dreaming of an alternative way of living. :) Conformity is overrated anyway. At least in my opinion.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mr. Fancy Pants says hi. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvDatTrSOgqJsxcVUdlW4U9RBO-upJndmMK2njb9xBmFwThZpszXgoQMibyUoZzhgFHVMpA4wv0ntUpYeRjTAsGzVZR5q2jZypnUR03R-Ie_o3ngFax2nx6w8fOzomR0a6Jwx9QBTIvk/s1600/10440987_570577679718877_3917362869248566385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvDatTrSOgqJsxcVUdlW4U9RBO-upJndmMK2njb9xBmFwThZpszXgoQMibyUoZzhgFHVMpA4wv0ntUpYeRjTAsGzVZR5q2jZypnUR03R-Ie_o3ngFax2nx6w8fOzomR0a6Jwx9QBTIvk/s1600/10440987_570577679718877_3917362869248566385_n.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope you're all having a wonderful week! xoxo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-11738584698131871112014-08-13T10:08:00.001-07:002014-08-13T10:55:46.175-07:00Lavender Everywhere!<span style="font-family: inherit;">While I haven't grown lavender myself this year on my little deck garden, I did get to harvest TONS from a friend's yard....and I mean tons! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeOwp5gKYj-7FbGZs08G-KuWydXixTPaZ88v-u614g_wBWztO1aZdU4kCPMii2PwHKXAoluhMfnQiF42eZi1V6tYtucF71kOipRfSkARNOAc9Kuo-F4pXKncl5yGEZY0_2R6Lb8kfAuI/s1600/10441168_10204289530905516_922844372741048590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeOwp5gKYj-7FbGZs08G-KuWydXixTPaZ88v-u614g_wBWztO1aZdU4kCPMii2PwHKXAoluhMfnQiF42eZi1V6tYtucF71kOipRfSkARNOAc9Kuo-F4pXKncl5yGEZY0_2R6Lb8kfAuI/s1600/10441168_10204289530905516_922844372741048590_n.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXLRJPArOxNQZFbcJt09ZGtAEDL1ifhKhZiHQfZ40aH_J60LnRD7A5uRiWsY7vczIXx9kOfa00GDR68RSd_C92bYhvdzfgokNnuaPpXrQaod9RN6WxbJvJQroZgavou8Er9rWnw24zhs/s1600/10407485_10204289521985293_5540031074881906999_n.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I found this really cute idea of using the dried buds once I get them off their stems and stored in jars. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgoJgjH120ZwCPr5FoxKAsLpJcT-THRcRuTrLeJcWnsTOjhvPuF1Tc7OvO92ThV6NhlJpWBY8TqTFRNfMY4SJX9dEpn83DyC1gZYWtczE9tX6uysZvRxsUTozt9H-4mzG4FVGwWQueJc/s1600/lavender-home-decorating-ideas-7-500x500.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shelterness.com/25-lavender-home-decorating-ideas/">http://www.shelterness.com/25-lavender-home-decorating-ideas/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or I could do this....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_QS1guU15l0ZrqyfgxWq9edqav-z4LK_EIBxW8GnGHtU8MfbsImDcxn98g0f1BKwlx_Rz1tLOzmi-4XCuPjlwuGIGEzMbkT_1B2qCxy-zoama1y6TvCxK5jz5CRHpd4xvr1c84wIaxo/s1600/Meyer-Lemon-Lavender-Mojito-BoulderLocavore.com-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_QS1guU15l0ZrqyfgxWq9edqav-z4LK_EIBxW8GnGHtU8MfbsImDcxn98g0f1BKwlx_Rz1tLOzmi-4XCuPjlwuGIGEzMbkT_1B2qCxy-zoama1y6TvCxK5jz5CRHpd4xvr1c84wIaxo/s1600/Meyer-Lemon-Lavender-Mojito-BoulderLocavore.com-.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://boulderlocavore.com/2014/05/meyer-lemon-lavender-mojitos.html">http://boulderlocavore.com/2014/05/meyer-lemon-lavender-mojitos.html</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know...I will go for the drink first, make the candles, light them and put them on my deck, kick back and enjoy a nice summer evening.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope you're all enjoying the wonderful summer weather! Perseus is. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghBU8p7zD9IBiVrG5dTOa1KXivdaLKEa6KUAG3rlOYuDsu0v0IeG8E7dbyDCgMfOVFIT3tInW-HI1l05-YYaqMoKL53IMnEzJHn3tDeFmez9BlCsK6bFCsa-o_AqOf_qXzvzjLiiqwOI/s1600/10384471_544375042339141_6382132539976159857_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghBU8p7zD9IBiVrG5dTOa1KXivdaLKEa6KUAG3rlOYuDsu0v0IeG8E7dbyDCgMfOVFIT3tInW-HI1l05-YYaqMoKL53IMnEzJHn3tDeFmez9BlCsK6bFCsa-o_AqOf_qXzvzjLiiqwOI/s1600/10384471_544375042339141_6382132539976159857_n.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xoxo</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-76391537202655590442014-08-11T14:20:00.003-07:002014-08-11T14:42:02.820-07:00Quick Samosas!So my relationship with cooking (and food) has moved to the next level. We've blossomed into a new stage. I no longer fear it. I no longer run from it. I no longer believe it tries to tie me down. I dare say that I may have committed to this relationship. Probably the only relationship (besides my crazy cats) I've been able to commit to in a long time BUT that's another story. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've made it my goal to try to make something new at least once a week aside from my usual dishes and yes, I'm one of those Pinterest fanatics who has to post to the Pinterest-Success board all the time. In fact, I get most of my recipes from Pinterest and I kinda go from there by either adding some of my own ingredients or taking out the ones I don't like. I was always so afraid to veer from any recipe, thinking I needed to stick exactly to what it says, but I have broken free of that and I'm so proud of myself! Baby steps. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I made these Indian goodies the other night. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wonton Samosas</span></b><br />
<br />
I got the base recipe <a href="http://elrascooking.blogspot.com/2009/09/quick-easy-and-simple-samosa-using.html">here</a>. <br />
<br />
However....when I was making the filling, I did add about a tablespoon of curry powder and a little more salt and pepper to taste. I also upped the cumin another tablespoon. :) It was more of a pinch and dash until the taste was just the way I wanted it and it was so worth taking my chances on my ability to pinch and dash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThhIAa1Jvt8ISSpbVFH0BvSCy5HHspq6qCn9rk2TBs3Q6qXVlmweYyVrR-SIR_57LH8W6MfGmf4atPK6dZoLD2VNMSpcShxvgrbD2snaJhBnTDKqg6mIw_j0c0ZdJDhy7ft1PYYl7ca4/s1600/10352381_10204519582696667_8711997267277662580_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThhIAa1Jvt8ISSpbVFH0BvSCy5HHspq6qCn9rk2TBs3Q6qXVlmweYyVrR-SIR_57LH8W6MfGmf4atPK6dZoLD2VNMSpcShxvgrbD2snaJhBnTDKqg6mIw_j0c0ZdJDhy7ft1PYYl7ca4/s1600/10352381_10204519582696667_8711997267277662580_n.jpg" height="640" width="467" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIhB3A1Jsk1SD5Q6Hs6dgHvczwh29XWBmEXkyXYtt1-mbWk4SRJk0vzUnKdArTWYcpa1hzX8Xij6QA_spjQOvo-OXAreahgi9Ca98FS0jbo7EA9OCIvOd2sYImlsx76wf-XvEAUyZstE/s1600/1234611_10204519660778619_747140062400894829_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIhB3A1Jsk1SD5Q6Hs6dgHvczwh29XWBmEXkyXYtt1-mbWk4SRJk0vzUnKdArTWYcpa1hzX8Xij6QA_spjQOvo-OXAreahgi9Ca98FS0jbo7EA9OCIvOd2sYImlsx76wf-XvEAUyZstE/s1600/1234611_10204519660778619_747140062400894829_n.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDJ_Bnl4JzExuj5HwaEud9L-4Wt2AQG60UsOTcuMksYxs2SWIkkEbDQ5kUr-AC0SDsRmqiTiPogrAXTMCxFE9BWDGqdJCwfzbL2K3WxtAKtPWuS8DIue4rMYzlPSqjvGUAicsxuIitGs/s1600/10245403_10204519680579114_2861153985848123393_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDJ_Bnl4JzExuj5HwaEud9L-4Wt2AQG60UsOTcuMksYxs2SWIkkEbDQ5kUr-AC0SDsRmqiTiPogrAXTMCxFE9BWDGqdJCwfzbL2K3WxtAKtPWuS8DIue4rMYzlPSqjvGUAicsxuIitGs/s1600/10245403_10204519680579114_2861153985848123393_n.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBBbY4U5bhu6brqEVMTy5dVagOreTm6JSgvccdlsbuiCc4sCG00kwHlrgExghsYFcYB0AmEUOBnhyKz31FRzj4q1GdUdWS91kTTPNo5Xyy3YN2CM7c35DcFsdonwF9Ru38C2WvPf2Rcg/s1600/995029_10204519688459311_8102538872060020140_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBBbY4U5bhu6brqEVMTy5dVagOreTm6JSgvccdlsbuiCc4sCG00kwHlrgExghsYFcYB0AmEUOBnhyKz31FRzj4q1GdUdWS91kTTPNo5Xyy3YN2CM7c35DcFsdonwF9Ru38C2WvPf2Rcg/s1600/995029_10204519688459311_8102538872060020140_n.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHiY9llOFFUa53-gYhbt3gUIALam8-Q4kNq5gUvaI58CG1vh9_x3BBWOv13X_GDXoyq5xNKM3wU6y_BbWvS4VBxXAnhd8fcr3GFr4ji537B-uDZUrnrxdldcZSutPG4bZ1PjaskRIvHQ/s1600/10525832_10204519706299757_8250585024927800628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHiY9llOFFUa53-gYhbt3gUIALam8-Q4kNq5gUvaI58CG1vh9_x3BBWOv13X_GDXoyq5xNKM3wU6y_BbWvS4VBxXAnhd8fcr3GFr4ji537B-uDZUrnrxdldcZSutPG4bZ1PjaskRIvHQ/s1600/10525832_10204519706299757_8250585024927800628_n.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course I had to have it with rice...and a dollop of cilantro on top! I set some leftover aside and made another batch of appetizers for a hair party with the girls. It was even amazing as leftovers!<br />
<br />
Quincy and Perseus wanted to drop in and say hi. Quincy is still a pill as usual but a LOVER as always and Perseus has become a mama's boy. :) Hope you're all doing wonderful and well. Apologies for the long break. Trying to get back into the swing of things on blogging is harder than I thought with a busy life! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAYOHhQhnHkK7ECR8mz7YVavyYc_teUs7J1Pkm2pgFqI8kIy3Tic7YoK0Db9DkGAQJ-uFlF8hMQAjX5tDgxFajtp_dtVDwf48xhPr49rOiJrVTakp0BmREZ-62mTadezm4IlTiYgDMl4/s1600/10527335_566969680079677_5664897220494933325_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAYOHhQhnHkK7ECR8mz7YVavyYc_teUs7J1Pkm2pgFqI8kIy3Tic7YoK0Db9DkGAQJ-uFlF8hMQAjX5tDgxFajtp_dtVDwf48xhPr49rOiJrVTakp0BmREZ-62mTadezm4IlTiYgDMl4/s1600/10527335_566969680079677_5664897220494933325_n.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
xoxo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-91024387367810654792014-02-24T13:20:00.001-08:002014-02-24T13:48:08.973-08:00Stuffed French Bread!I thought I'd bless you all with the most delectable, most gooey and the most savory yummy goodness I know of. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. When my friends get together, this recipe comes up quite often. The preparation is easy and it's a great quick appetizer to throw together. If you don't like artichokes, garlic or cheese, first of all you are strange, second...then this recipe isn't for you because it's chock full of these!<br />
<br />
STUFFED FRENCH BREAD<br />
<br />
1 long loaf of French bread, unsliced<br />
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted<br />
6 cloves garlic, crushed<br />
2 tbsp. sesame<br />
1 1/2 cups sour cream<br />
2 cups jack cheese, cubed<br />
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated<br />
2 tbsp. parsley<br />
1 tsp. lemon pepper<br />
1 can (4 oz.) artichoke hearts<br />
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (topping)<br />
<br />
Slice bread loaf in half horizontally. Hollow out each half and tear insides into small pieces. Combine butter, garlic, and sesame seeds in a small saucepan until butter is melted. In a bowl, combine all other ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Add bread pieces. When the butter is melted, pour over bread mixture and mix well. Place mixture back into the hollow bead halves. Place bread on baking sheet and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Slice and serve! How much easier can a recipe get?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMHLiXN_2OPxo1xmBMCn_1AUNEvo8YqE2xaPdZMu83Lyg_t0C2wHS1NJHP-J-GbAmBZrYJljwcInQD3t6dr-CM0YY-2NSdUjuG9QF0mb_HkS3A_T2PT4XuKdzHL7-bNzU6tcqI_qkjr4/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMHLiXN_2OPxo1xmBMCn_1AUNEvo8YqE2xaPdZMu83Lyg_t0C2wHS1NJHP-J-GbAmBZrYJljwcInQD3t6dr-CM0YY-2NSdUjuG9QF0mb_HkS3A_T2PT4XuKdzHL7-bNzU6tcqI_qkjr4/s1600/1.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xYhj8Duqq8P5nB3m9655fLc8B0BUquP9ovu2nbWVIpcah9T5JP1TfN8rCK8GMTKG9PS9dBJYay3EFBuF1Jqeb9oQ3orHmHu5GjJwY0Sz04Np2lJwqyTQtyRs_d8jVa0f-zD8IGvV2uo/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xYhj8Duqq8P5nB3m9655fLc8B0BUquP9ovu2nbWVIpcah9T5JP1TfN8rCK8GMTKG9PS9dBJYay3EFBuF1Jqeb9oQ3orHmHu5GjJwY0Sz04Np2lJwqyTQtyRs_d8jVa0f-zD8IGvV2uo/s1600/2.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMpV12-QDhCkFkj-he9HCn4kG4P82agfFnkwMul10yKJTZSrslAIEgUcmB9gICLENfuyZXDSm3sWTc_N9C7JWab8icIaUW27ZUO8AOsSYmXaKK4Ez93obp78yj9-GOPJZ77RLHTQwj5E/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMpV12-QDhCkFkj-he9HCn4kG4P82agfFnkwMul10yKJTZSrslAIEgUcmB9gICLENfuyZXDSm3sWTc_N9C7JWab8icIaUW27ZUO8AOsSYmXaKK4Ez93obp78yj9-GOPJZ77RLHTQwj5E/s1600/3.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbcaAvovhrd4jMNEx2BGJL_vm0ZeMccqmY7wHlUGMF2ulgC2dVh1XC_INhvA85MysuZAtUzGQ0bGovds1b4-laZLHCvXAyHITAJqtsYUUNR084Y3MMav7jku3o7xJ0wq05FldjLmZddY/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbcaAvovhrd4jMNEx2BGJL_vm0ZeMccqmY7wHlUGMF2ulgC2dVh1XC_INhvA85MysuZAtUzGQ0bGovds1b4-laZLHCvXAyHITAJqtsYUUNR084Y3MMav7jku3o7xJ0wq05FldjLmZddY/s1600/5.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcoK157s_3H6ALEw3qZVYP15UnXA6tj0Q4aTzSYOGW9APAXkyndc7AJHQlQWdFMEf1AJUEWDhX9G2b_py0dOaZDpQaQXPMpRgEFzvINxso_vy3rhFGxfWXzjfKKogIuiHUo1y7oIJk1Y/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcoK157s_3H6ALEw3qZVYP15UnXA6tj0Q4aTzSYOGW9APAXkyndc7AJHQlQWdFMEf1AJUEWDhX9G2b_py0dOaZDpQaQXPMpRgEFzvINxso_vy3rhFGxfWXzjfKKogIuiHUo1y7oIJk1Y/s1600/6.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAvyjsFVbzl1GZMPgEVZGD9CvP6mS8p-CoVVSZ5TlE7GEWzXe0ARnVl9mlIXid1Sx_OlfYBV405ccxBCt__Y-1GfMamCWpEUG0xsgqZg6dD0dSgwnUQ4L4mR8jH-k1OaftRWaW10uNvs/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAvyjsFVbzl1GZMPgEVZGD9CvP6mS8p-CoVVSZ5TlE7GEWzXe0ARnVl9mlIXid1Sx_OlfYBV405ccxBCt__Y-1GfMamCWpEUG0xsgqZg6dD0dSgwnUQ4L4mR8jH-k1OaftRWaW10uNvs/s1600/7.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZailE2msNc2Ob_57niT6G7jwiP69eANhhV7BYjLJgJKjVSHF7wywf_DDz9IkGJdkGumwhYd5bHrLbwNk5qbhU_yR6EybS52VPXtxE_jJlVUdijUr7izdV5LgUeKaAAjMfWT5N7q3OCg/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZailE2msNc2Ob_57niT6G7jwiP69eANhhV7BYjLJgJKjVSHF7wywf_DDz9IkGJdkGumwhYd5bHrLbwNk5qbhU_yR6EybS52VPXtxE_jJlVUdijUr7izdV5LgUeKaAAjMfWT5N7q3OCg/s1600/9.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
On that last picture, I meant to take a picture of it before tearing through it like a starving beast...but oh well. Who says life is perfect? ;) Enjoy!<br />
<br />
A cute little side note. I had to interview for new cat sitters. Quincy was relentless with the questions but he loved her in the end. Yay for a new cat/house sitter! Lol!<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukvFrgOQwFwThkIuvMIuYO3xG335QNhAlYOgbA6jBKuwh4dl5kd8B5smS5pP9uC_D1ZYJwLR7MjQajXXR2Lrd7KtYYsa89Y7Zm1EoZSw2UI1WMdr2N0lDawAB2-BlccQb_5XaJmdAyuA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukvFrgOQwFwThkIuvMIuYO3xG335QNhAlYOgbA6jBKuwh4dl5kd8B5smS5pP9uC_D1ZYJwLR7MjQajXXR2Lrd7KtYYsa89Y7Zm1EoZSw2UI1WMdr2N0lDawAB2-BlccQb_5XaJmdAyuA/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">So where are your references? What are your hobbies? What kind of car do you drive? Do you like cat hair? Do you understand the word fish flakes?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-37731021790597048022014-02-14T11:04:00.000-08:002014-02-14T11:07:15.950-08:00Happy Valentines Day from our House to Yours!Happy Valentines Day! Although we try to celebrate this day every day of the year.<br />
<br />
Valentines Day is made for drying sweet smelling rose petals.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEbR1RpblnfSCoSVNi95LnsLZZ4fBfvTIBSJbtiDQIrhClNarFNRVDxpxquxdwcWoNmWNbYQv8GFk0qNNkmndO41AGWZinXhP8i6FJvo4ZPs7jAwP_ctx3GYRVZG1pe4z0rMdEnzo6nw/s1600/rose+petals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEbR1RpblnfSCoSVNi95LnsLZZ4fBfvTIBSJbtiDQIrhClNarFNRVDxpxquxdwcWoNmWNbYQv8GFk0qNNkmndO41AGWZinXhP8i6FJvo4ZPs7jAwP_ctx3GYRVZG1pe4z0rMdEnzo6nw/s1600/rose+petals.JPG" height="640" width="475" /></a></div>
<br />
And chocolate dipped strawberries...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDZWYrtnNNxbYfJ20zofcRQvx0hAIgeUwiRcjQwICpc3gQMsRzyRwt23VVKtYXmm4Hl9IK899B-qUKL36stXLNKH4LLCoT__pphx7d3vjqe8yOJBfA7gE-WLZ68LWmnuPYsQOlOoruKc/s1600/chocolate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDZWYrtnNNxbYfJ20zofcRQvx0hAIgeUwiRcjQwICpc3gQMsRzyRwt23VVKtYXmm4Hl9IK899B-qUKL36stXLNKH4LLCoT__pphx7d3vjqe8yOJBfA7gE-WLZ68LWmnuPYsQOlOoruKc/s1600/chocolate.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
And a house full of happy furbabies<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViTaFjPPmElfR_c24FByX8-l5dYvCKsnj1NjvuzpACdGsQg5YKgp-50_68WIQIRLX4nlLdORQRH2jfKfGuP2ebQdgxR0hgY6XmmUrGVUaTL3yLU9kyKsYHzkDWKhGWUNf6TlgwzvtGww/s1600/1621700_488671031242876_1004729218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViTaFjPPmElfR_c24FByX8-l5dYvCKsnj1NjvuzpACdGsQg5YKgp-50_68WIQIRLX4nlLdORQRH2jfKfGuP2ebQdgxR0hgY6XmmUrGVUaTL3yLU9kyKsYHzkDWKhGWUNf6TlgwzvtGww/s1600/1621700_488671031242876_1004729218_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Need we say more?<br />
<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-31603970000361805932014-02-08T21:32:00.002-08:002014-02-08T23:03:26.748-08:00Egg and Bacon Maple Toast Cups - OMGSo my best friend and I went to Seattle a few weekends ago to visit our other best friend and made the most DELICIOUS breakfast I have ever laid my mouth on! These are very easy and it's like having an entire breakfast in one little cup. I will guarantee you will not be disappointed. You can find the recipe <a href="http://www.tableanddish.com/breakfast-egg-and-bacon-maple-toast-cups/">here</a> and there are several variations going around the web and Pinterest. This is a MUST try in my book. We used duck eggs instead of regular eggs though. If you've never had duck eggs before, you will LOVE them. A little richer and bigger. There's nothing wrong with those two adjectives going together, right? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe0sjxuucODJhaA6wT8ulRe0_DBpFfYQ5ARQoWhkXhlW2VtND8NiT_MnjuXxg38TJskQyoOMZvhdaWsU0AnuKDT-bRp0rm3b2ZBZXFkvYANWSHcd73QEFFNzAX0NYWFKHdmfi6Ydut9s/s1600/bacon1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe0sjxuucODJhaA6wT8ulRe0_DBpFfYQ5ARQoWhkXhlW2VtND8NiT_MnjuXxg38TJskQyoOMZvhdaWsU0AnuKDT-bRp0rm3b2ZBZXFkvYANWSHcd73QEFFNzAX0NYWFKHdmfi6Ydut9s/s1600/bacon1.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFBBW_4GashUhxD7pysR3BT8tAUP5JDhwtma6_DB0MWX5r2GiRQNSnpvyZH2puSmOSCUzEQ89qmXHfBs7KuyA2PiaNkyOUoHtc5wTVSREs_chZP8wmB6JaNZ1vpWAsfjBevNywgfsryQ/s1600/bacon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFBBW_4GashUhxD7pysR3BT8tAUP5JDhwtma6_DB0MWX5r2GiRQNSnpvyZH2puSmOSCUzEQ89qmXHfBs7KuyA2PiaNkyOUoHtc5wTVSREs_chZP8wmB6JaNZ1vpWAsfjBevNywgfsryQ/s1600/bacon2.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brush each side with maple syrup.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHqeEnee8KTuspywehBEueM9ZzJSGtmzTHTsqBz1KNe2sLmfnrQxAsIu1gzNwxvfodr_xbz-5voFd6DwBDP0DgPTZjxhMP9mS3Up4Km1sWanfdP2eNetkNayPpYYrM5qX18AWqXN7ibY/s1600/bacon3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHqeEnee8KTuspywehBEueM9ZzJSGtmzTHTsqBz1KNe2sLmfnrQxAsIu1gzNwxvfodr_xbz-5voFd6DwBDP0DgPTZjxhMP9mS3Up4Km1sWanfdP2eNetkNayPpYYrM5qX18AWqXN7ibY/s1600/bacon3.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This part may require a tad of patience. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB5iKwp_b3qJvvCkrzc8VzLjoeuUWOCvmLI1HA-WWmyfKUESb7ZjPcMy4UFc1dRyM44YTuXJ3Lx7O0T8mMwlmzYc3ROOcE-DDZDOBQr747aGyBWbzWIdhDwA0eRT-uAGuGFWNVf6V-z0/s1600/bacon4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB5iKwp_b3qJvvCkrzc8VzLjoeuUWOCvmLI1HA-WWmyfKUESb7ZjPcMy4UFc1dRyM44YTuXJ3Lx7O0T8mMwlmzYc3ROOcE-DDZDOBQr747aGyBWbzWIdhDwA0eRT-uAGuGFWNVf6V-z0/s1600/bacon4.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p9kfRikM-tNcTkPzKmEn2y0cuZ3Yw6u2JFFnJGISjj-4ncJqJmZjzyczl_Vt2AFSahqD-oLwf83cHwxAQrPaAhlbXtuKv62dvD7NDa35EY86f7cyPMi1hc9IDOHTHOaobzmL-mwFML8/s1600/bacon5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p9kfRikM-tNcTkPzKmEn2y0cuZ3Yw6u2JFFnJGISjj-4ncJqJmZjzyczl_Vt2AFSahqD-oLwf83cHwxAQrPaAhlbXtuKv62dvD7NDa35EY86f7cyPMi1hc9IDOHTHOaobzmL-mwFML8/s1600/bacon5.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drizzle a little more maple syrup. Such sweet goodness!</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyNCwvdXFQ1Rdg0dpaKrhQWwYc-P5oCOi_UVvCiTbG9gkMPRS0Ih6bGEV7dnt8WZi6jbyHFWtEqyKYfYSxGfQk_KdZ_bssRy8K7Xa0szDv18hsrSoeUN5JzCJNRRyo7Pyty9FsM8jYTY/s1600/bacon6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyNCwvdXFQ1Rdg0dpaKrhQWwYc-P5oCOi_UVvCiTbG9gkMPRS0Ih6bGEV7dnt8WZi6jbyHFWtEqyKYfYSxGfQk_KdZ_bssRy8K7Xa0szDv18hsrSoeUN5JzCJNRRyo7Pyty9FsM8jYTY/s1600/bacon6.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are duck eggs. Worth trying if you can get a hold of some fresh local duck eggs!</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYX_-IOroWE_GekY68e8fqoUrbH1RqwzIt9H1kXYf-YI37DyFH_QVTForqxZdhPLi7ruY56ICkgzq2mBHrV_U2Dy7JXQE-zMwR7HV1oZWvGEEriw8kxCZkXdDeoKDy05QNNuHMkjAvQY/s1600/bacon7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYX_-IOroWE_GekY68e8fqoUrbH1RqwzIt9H1kXYf-YI37DyFH_QVTForqxZdhPLi7ruY56ICkgzq2mBHrV_U2Dy7JXQE-zMwR7HV1oZWvGEEriw8kxCZkXdDeoKDy05QNNuHMkjAvQY/s1600/bacon7.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't like cheese?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLRj6P1iRdSpA0rqGccBDbXbj55V4QHh8TnfvcjzfFvtXJ5cMHRU9YLqaJgQQ1AItuNFsZg6gKS0_3AIXPwOmU2tODN7wtfwGO-aZKpxudeHM3LJrN3G_Ptjffi4EJ9IGXBjzjKu0HCw/s1600/bacon8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLRj6P1iRdSpA0rqGccBDbXbj55V4QHh8TnfvcjzfFvtXJ5cMHRU9YLqaJgQQ1AItuNFsZg6gKS0_3AIXPwOmU2tODN7wtfwGO-aZKpxudeHM3LJrN3G_Ptjffi4EJ9IGXBjzjKu0HCw/s1600/bacon8.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKfaYBiWYc3-9yuHZ4OtO_BeQ3P1CVq_y6m5KLm1PLEj-mYjgkgxz-zB2vhMgwahs8PTd49m16sR72NpdAg3bS_Zh_CE3KcLTIXNX8KbY1Z0OaPhj7qjdSkbStflvjX5EcPYi3xJsf4g/s1600/bacon9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKfaYBiWYc3-9yuHZ4OtO_BeQ3P1CVq_y6m5KLm1PLEj-mYjgkgxz-zB2vhMgwahs8PTd49m16sR72NpdAg3bS_Zh_CE3KcLTIXNX8KbY1Z0OaPhj7qjdSkbStflvjX5EcPYi3xJsf4g/s1600/bacon9.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Enjoy! I've been snowed in for about 3 days now. That's another post though. ;)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-28636443031858918102014-01-18T12:33:00.000-08:002014-01-18T12:47:15.543-08:00Waiting for you Spring...I think I'm done with winter. It wasn't a bad one but it was still cold and dreary. I love the coziness of it all but around January or February, I'm ready for Spring.<br />
<br />
I did manage to grow a random sprig of leaf off of my sweet potato that I had forgotten about in the corner of the kitchen. Don't ask me what I'm going to do with it. I just love that SOMETHING is growing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUlkax_9xhImkLX7eonUP9g8KwjixzRkeAVDwxcco_PQ0cnyyePoWy4jb0lj4I7pjUi8J3MxzuyqHJfSdzJu21guqMSp6syltGTlxEJcHF1CA2Zam_BVY2_4TSAq8pA9OFHtRCcEF5aI/s1600/plant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUlkax_9xhImkLX7eonUP9g8KwjixzRkeAVDwxcco_PQ0cnyyePoWy4jb0lj4I7pjUi8J3MxzuyqHJfSdzJu21guqMSp6syltGTlxEJcHF1CA2Zam_BVY2_4TSAq8pA9OFHtRCcEF5aI/s1600/plant.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
I wrote a little message for Spring. I hope it gets the message. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pOHad6awy7kug8AqmLOWRiI8shVyfQeS9KPvvJYZ-0QTXntgwwlNZU4k8UKxAD1DLFqbiPQILDLGV_n9JDfKl6Q496kUjyXAfqqliP0XRDHcg0XZAyDfdfDJCMxxkt4YB_rJArvE4ws/s1600/board.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pOHad6awy7kug8AqmLOWRiI8shVyfQeS9KPvvJYZ-0QTXntgwwlNZU4k8UKxAD1DLFqbiPQILDLGV_n9JDfKl6Q496kUjyXAfqqliP0XRDHcg0XZAyDfdfDJCMxxkt4YB_rJArvE4ws/s1600/board.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Time to let this bird out of the cage. I'm so ready for Spring!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0TZOuhy08ebrCYbxZ7V8KbQys1C43YU6SpVUn7oI-7E9gwugU1w1QnOpPS8WHif7PukpQjxkNCPAica8B84kcyudrieuJRbVS8UD37xKv8yFMTtZw2X2jbo1c9XXC74b0HrR8gllRac/s1600/cage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0TZOuhy08ebrCYbxZ7V8KbQys1C43YU6SpVUn7oI-7E9gwugU1w1QnOpPS8WHif7PukpQjxkNCPAica8B84kcyudrieuJRbVS8UD37xKv8yFMTtZw2X2jbo1c9XXC74b0HrR8gllRac/s1600/cage.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Habib is even gazing out the window wondering what it would be like on the deck. He's gone on the deck a few times since I adopted him. Still don't trust him completely...but when he does get out there, I watch him like a hawk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt0c_sX5Haax-A417kbn9YxatAY3jY9JrefWaQg_hpMKvsonTLi07gsR4vXE2F9zfouPDJc7mwcGkHzkniURb_djLfPFv1hvKUUYLskLISEQ0KOjQIhO-Q5b_4OL5B6VWGWJcOZC-A-4/s1600/habib.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt0c_sX5Haax-A417kbn9YxatAY3jY9JrefWaQg_hpMKvsonTLi07gsR4vXE2F9zfouPDJc7mwcGkHzkniURb_djLfPFv1hvKUUYLskLISEQ0KOjQIhO-Q5b_4OL5B6VWGWJcOZC-A-4/s1600/habib.JPG" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
Perseus had a dose of sun today. Nearly killed him. He'll get used to it, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NutIKvZRkcYsboarNig4ncjvw3hUVIS1mxsh_1J9SqoDNrv-kxgUPjXdzHw7hviuRSRCFVSpJ6v0MbjErd5e8qmR-_1dUUI0CjmdFqwdXXGPIMIm-SkrAdGDvOVwM4bxjCXxPFE3GzY/s1600/14909_10200703803824580_477691984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NutIKvZRkcYsboarNig4ncjvw3hUVIS1mxsh_1J9SqoDNrv-kxgUPjXdzHw7hviuRSRCFVSpJ6v0MbjErd5e8qmR-_1dUUI0CjmdFqwdXXGPIMIm-SkrAdGDvOVwM4bxjCXxPFE3GzY/s1600/14909_10200703803824580_477691984_n.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Hope you're all having a great weekend!<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-56229312908469560782014-01-13T14:21:00.001-08:002014-01-13T16:35:20.171-08:00And life goes on....So hi. How's life been the last 12 months? I feel so bad that I dropped off the face of the earth back then. It's strange, though, coming back and typing a post and updating my blog seems like it was only yesterday. That's good, right? My old bones don't feel the same way. Ha. Well, I'm going to do a quick update in pictures. I'm sure you'll get it. Easier than writing a thousand words and boring you. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, Sergio and I didn't work out. Wonderful person, wonderful man but there were a few non-negotiables that I couldn't overlook. It's not that he didn't do anything horrible or terrible, just that THAT non-negotiable wasn't there for me. I'm allowed to be picky at my age, right? But you know what? I'm OKAY. I've been on my own for awhile before and after and I am comfortable enough to be alone (with my cats). :) I don't mind the crazy cat lady bit either. I proudly wear that hat! To be honest, if I had my time in relationships or being married, like I once was, and this is my time to be alone, I'm totally fine with that. I am enjoying life to the fullest with all my wonderful friends and family and really count my blessings! So, for now, it's just me and the cats and we are all happy campers. :)<br />
<br />
Still cooking and enjoying my wine! This was at mom's house over the holidays. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4bCxhb0BI54oOw71LtNVaErPk-p46NxT3bOZT-2JzR7VRAemQ3C23WrnGLS1Q0fFY5JjV3665W6Xgug4L3vJhPCGejcddeB3OxMSMCcB_HPwHaf0al0Q6DKsuUluG2xWhvHuGg_y1Y0/s1600/1525391_10202912720446115_2106367957_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4bCxhb0BI54oOw71LtNVaErPk-p46NxT3bOZT-2JzR7VRAemQ3C23WrnGLS1Q0fFY5JjV3665W6Xgug4L3vJhPCGejcddeB3OxMSMCcB_HPwHaf0al0Q6DKsuUluG2xWhvHuGg_y1Y0/s400/1525391_10202912720446115_2106367957_n.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
Always enjoy family time. Me and mom here over the holidays. Isn't my mom beautiful? :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsgUhU5eMn7gxkd-hsXQ2UB3AuyfJV2a6xum6dI8sT8VnjcB8WYfQCk_NN_xvBZfNslGtCsCkGuU9s8imEMVrTziW9S1H8i-9MwjO6N6EXugbvlLa_nvA8jIwWOCwP2f_rqBdNPYxP7w/s1600/1545759_10202954117361012_1837667427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsgUhU5eMn7gxkd-hsXQ2UB3AuyfJV2a6xum6dI8sT8VnjcB8WYfQCk_NN_xvBZfNslGtCsCkGuU9s8imEMVrTziW9S1H8i-9MwjO6N6EXugbvlLa_nvA8jIwWOCwP2f_rqBdNPYxP7w/s400/1545759_10202954117361012_1837667427_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Still crafting fun projects!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAichqooCwivI3WSagDJ3p1kzxlW6LrYEeO8itesncAV2JrTe1cDwbdLeTlvmIFymklOxQy6QVT3-2VH2cqMMxl_9o5k52YWdo2jNOBo2G_E2V4h099sbyhRspybUztV0Vmhjn6_oPMs/s1600/1512692_10202864210993409_1434481085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAichqooCwivI3WSagDJ3p1kzxlW6LrYEeO8itesncAV2JrTe1cDwbdLeTlvmIFymklOxQy6QVT3-2VH2cqMMxl_9o5k52YWdo2jNOBo2G_E2V4h099sbyhRspybUztV0Vmhjn6_oPMs/s400/1512692_10202864210993409_1434481085_n.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
Still baking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJX4iJQ5f_KpcApevjSs-o0Tq5Cf9jsItAmZvvbG3w9RYlPk5EfHhUlnPCpMkiV0xSjFEBDWERPptI8nckJ9coYPopE8t3uwEW4LN9jEMDMbYiDcpW4ppzDQP3LZROhMVVZ8hnLxb06Y/s1600/601171_10202751295330588_871769565_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJX4iJQ5f_KpcApevjSs-o0Tq5Cf9jsItAmZvvbG3w9RYlPk5EfHhUlnPCpMkiV0xSjFEBDWERPptI8nckJ9coYPopE8t3uwEW4LN9jEMDMbYiDcpW4ppzDQP3LZROhMVVZ8hnLxb06Y/s400/601171_10202751295330588_871769565_n.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
Still loving animals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLMoBD83gJhDOnqpVNCvRlGNgCNHFYIvS8sMmydMEiCSaRN575KnIhyLq09ugRoK04lgLWCCIpF1Pm3XQiFckLxrfEtKfTdWCnmzE6ZRfBq1Pcuc3w3zThj3TbHZS4lWCw5GNjM5GoLQ/s1600/1536426_10203027882885104_527483651_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLMoBD83gJhDOnqpVNCvRlGNgCNHFYIvS8sMmydMEiCSaRN575KnIhyLq09ugRoK04lgLWCCIpF1Pm3XQiFckLxrfEtKfTdWCnmzE6ZRfBq1Pcuc3w3zThj3TbHZS4lWCw5GNjM5GoLQ/s400/1536426_10203027882885104_527483651_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Added one more boy to my group. This is Habib (means beloved one in Arabic). If you followed my blog for several years, you'll remember Sachi, my girlfriend who passed away from cancer. I had to place all her cats into the shelter where I volunteer. Broke my heart but at least they had a place to go that was warm. One has not yet found a home. :( Habib here was the most feral out of them all and I worked with him for two years before caving...and bringing him home to love. Yea, that whole working with the feral ones then falling in love with them thing isn't working well for me. BUT...I'm sure Sachi is thanking me from above. Still working on finding Gabby a home though. By the way, that is IT for bringing anymore home. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfunvlFQuVkn9rsR99LNGyz2vi-xZB5F6GNEq6-xJ8D43_XU9tHYXmNX3ILh-QEX63-vvXr4rxSrk4kWoqcbLP3ZH-vQMiiQgkExSSY9hCizs-BEr2eSZooovV5EhRchnTuxwfJ6DpTE/s1600/1426153_10202535146206995_1064516347_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfunvlFQuVkn9rsR99LNGyz2vi-xZB5F6GNEq6-xJ8D43_XU9tHYXmNX3ILh-QEX63-vvXr4rxSrk4kWoqcbLP3ZH-vQMiiQgkExSSY9hCizs-BEr2eSZooovV5EhRchnTuxwfJ6DpTE/s400/1426153_10202535146206995_1064516347_n.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
<br />
And this year, I have hosted some fun girly get togethers and craft parties. I plan on having more this year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDPBjZWiWdf9-dQoL-Vcg7PVYlv4sMRTZuIVKBc48fJC9v42YQXqUm8HQc_x6dt9t1vl8tm3pxRaCiXEEajFm6VBdi1rxijEtM4ar0usd3ByP0txRaiqrR0FcVQ1m6YM02ITMkqHi7r8/s1600/1461009_10202614389668032_316114848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDPBjZWiWdf9-dQoL-Vcg7PVYlv4sMRTZuIVKBc48fJC9v42YQXqUm8HQc_x6dt9t1vl8tm3pxRaCiXEEajFm6VBdi1rxijEtM4ar0usd3ByP0txRaiqrR0FcVQ1m6YM02ITMkqHi7r8/s400/1461009_10202614389668032_316114848_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
I still have all my other activities going strong like my paranormal research group, have added some tarot card readings to my resume (I've somehow opened up psychically...my girlfriend says it's because I don't have a man in my life as a distraction, lol). I still faithfully volunteer every other weekend at the shelter and two of my girlfriends come with me now! We make it our Sunday girl time and we stop off at our favorite Scottish pub afterwards. I love having a "regular" thing. Do you have any?<br />
<br />
Quincy has his own Facebook page now. Well, Quincy and the gang. ;) Feel free to stop by and say hi. I've met so many other fellow animal lovers, it's been wonderful! I've forced him to do some dress-up to celebrate the seasons. I think he still loves me. ;) Click on his picture and it will take you to his Facebook page. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Life-as-Quincy/346616238781690"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ly9SQzxFWbze3dmhG7ND8xPZTNwTriBzp35SEQfBn7ZLS_IxzmqGi2bCL0wOjuDE1CKt7DwyQ7CqHwKdR-M0K8XoiKHaDVBGC6ZDCtxrYZZLN-o3qmm9cNrsswwmdPNmRtVAP-ZATjE/s400/1379435_439237452852901_1559863663_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh! Oh! I cannot forget this last detail. A fellow blogger, Lindsey (and her hubby and fur kids), who is the owner of <a href="http://wicketsmomsblog.blogspot.com/">Wicket's Mom's</a> blog moved to town and we hit it OFF! She has been one of the girlfriends who has started helping me at the shelter every other weekend. It's kinda like meeting a star, ya know? You follow someones blog for so many years and finally meeting them...well...you almost want to ask for an autograph. We opted for the Cheesecake Factory over a nice dinner and drinks (girl date). We share so many things in common like animals, shopping, food, shopping, the paranormal, and shopping. Did I mention shopping? I feel like I've known her all my life. So thankful for our new found friendship! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Miss you all and I am slowly making my rounds!</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-54276847526963330882014-01-09T13:04:00.003-08:002014-01-09T13:13:17.797-08:00Excuse me for awhile while I redesign my blog...So if you see crazy templates or things that make you dizzy, forgive me...I promise I will make it quick.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-20050678262569594642014-01-07T23:43:00.003-08:002014-01-07T23:55:03.171-08:00Need to Revamp This Blog Design Badly!So I want to revamp this blog completely but I have no clue where to start. I've been away for so long, I'm sure all of you are experts at creating blog headers, designing your blogs, making your own badges, etc. I've been stuck in never, never land with two jobs (no longer two, now just one) that have nothing to do with creativity. I feel so out of the loop! <br />
<br />
I promised an update but before I do that, I need a facelift! Any suggestions on where to start? <br />
<br />
Hope you're all having a wonderful week!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Life-as-Quincy/346616238781690?ref=tn_tnmn"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lcCYyNE5BhmGsZKEvp35GDbXzIg1wmPKL05n1lFPAhcr5keFqrXaeM6BiwYqmx-61dwsMEm2S0vLefDayaqEFnBU9as2pkhZIDgh_-4bdwxlGw-4fRvCAoAp3aP0LlJ-g7-4ztGCxwA/s1600/945791_10201191559858176_2120127194_n.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One quick update! Quincy now has his own Facebook page and he's goin' strong with his four siblings. Yes, you heard me right, four. *sigh* I'm stopping there! I've met so many wonderful people from his page. Fellow animal lovers, cat collectors like me and I don't feel as crazy as I thought I was doting on my cats obsessively. I am in good company. :) Swing by if you get a chance. Updates are daily on his page! He's still the king of the household. Click on his picture above to follow the link to his page!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-54079483828821914742014-01-02T20:49:00.002-08:002014-01-02T20:51:23.721-08:00Is Anyone Still Around?Testing, testing....anyone out there? It's me. Remember me? Yea, the one that dropped off the face of the earth back in February of 2013? Well, I'm back. Give me a few days and let me surprise you. :) Oh yes...Quincy is still around. He says hello. He's still grumpy. xo<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTu8w5hbUi_hOZtehyNRxEhMTt4_QrdmI4VLFJF9cOfOagk_thU2A7fbXFx1z4tSAF2kCy66FU3AQ-iQT4UKMLbferdJ056rVoR7xFyvlmZ5b11rf-smmujf5Zp_yIqixq4nfCeUEzvI/s1600/1458428_460622877381025_29703809_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTu8w5hbUi_hOZtehyNRxEhMTt4_QrdmI4VLFJF9cOfOagk_thU2A7fbXFx1z4tSAF2kCy66FU3AQ-iQT4UKMLbferdJ056rVoR7xFyvlmZ5b11rf-smmujf5Zp_yIqixq4nfCeUEzvI/s320/1458428_460622877381025_29703809_n.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-33717122927482282762013-02-05T15:48:00.001-08:002013-02-05T16:22:42.947-08:00Beautiful days and beautiful objectsYou know, I despise getting up early in the morning. I grumble and yawn and curse under my breath sometimes, but when I see views like this on my morning drives, I completely forget about getting up early. We've had really mild weather here in the Pacific Northwest these days. I've heard a lot of places across the U.S. have had some wild and crazy weather. Well, I'm the last to complain because I'd rather have the sun and warmer weather than snow. :)<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5piklFndqk-aLSniY7tqPg-60ZXewrXGarCJGnlPt0ZYtnPNZ3Imje51mIwtDsJYuhNM3031R7Ee4lZu6b2fdOWNDKjSCZ8wC8hDXuuPao1RGvtwmJ8tFyvCJfF34WaX7zCdWHzssTkY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5piklFndqk-aLSniY7tqPg-60ZXewrXGarCJGnlPt0ZYtnPNZ3Imje51mIwtDsJYuhNM3031R7Ee4lZu6b2fdOWNDKjSCZ8wC8hDXuuPao1RGvtwmJ8tFyvCJfF34WaX7zCdWHzssTkY/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you believe this is my drive to work?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This past weekend my girlfriend and I had a great afternoon of vintage shopping at the Funky Junk Sister's Vintage Market. Of course, I took out a set amount of money and ended up using my debit card in the end. Always going over my budget, lol. A couple of some adorable finds. <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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-C3wI0bolHH15lW_IIXIFyRwaNubpbhzdftSQ6Z-Pa_v5qd0GduK_Sxt2DWu2T4SAy6kFSPj4I9GvKpcIqvvFTb-6PUVKGHVyRZQUT8QYCCJxlnbgUayGfI_bFovpeGVhZLkub09OW94/s1600/Amore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-C3wI0bolHH15lW_IIXIFyRwaNubpbhzdftSQ6Z-Pa_v5qd0GduK_Sxt2DWu2T4SAy6kFSPj4I9GvKpcIqvvFTb-6PUVKGHVyRZQUT8QYCCJxlnbgUayGfI_bFovpeGVhZLkub09OW94/s400/Amore.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the guest bedroom that I am redoing.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57h2r3xEZBY1UoxrGyMmB3l4O0vqJQctRY35tQEvHQ3EJhyphenhyphendMD7kw7JOr1cR-GserTfAy2N3CITebuPxh9VOFjl9N39JHTMLaGT6HIX_lIcClyr3iR4ZClJ6px-I430lMYMyUGyyDo3I/s1600/bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57h2r3xEZBY1UoxrGyMmB3l4O0vqJQctRY35tQEvHQ3EJhyphenhyphendMD7kw7JOr1cR-GserTfAy2N3CITebuPxh9VOFjl9N39JHTMLaGT6HIX_lIcClyr3iR4ZClJ6px-I430lMYMyUGyyDo3I/s400/bag.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hope you're all surviving the crazy weather! Whether cold or hot, enjoy every minute of your beautiful life! xoxoMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-55726495479498831602013-01-14T16:56:00.003-08:002013-01-14T16:56:49.890-08:00Brighter New Year!Love, love, loving this coat I got from Target a couple of weeks ago. Yea, it's bright, yea, it's a little obnoxious but this year I am going to start wearing brighter clothes! It's sort of vintage, too so I had to buy it. Bright = happiness, right? :) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavWg4VioPXAYlqAtpDAZh6NRyncQeINLvByoTa-IBTgS2WrzxUkoy9Pll9LTKjLyxS4AGLoYEvpCiCy_ik_CV1pfip3imJC6lX8MbSjPfhuajvwKzBchhhhInHO2_ly6iedCBfrxQFG8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavWg4VioPXAYlqAtpDAZh6NRyncQeINLvByoTa-IBTgS2WrzxUkoy9Pll9LTKjLyxS4AGLoYEvpCiCy_ik_CV1pfip3imJC6lX8MbSjPfhuajvwKzBchhhhInHO2_ly6iedCBfrxQFG8/s400/photo.JPG" width="338" /></a></div>
<br />
Are you like me? I go to Target to get necessities and end up with about a thousand other things in my cart that were not on my list. *sigh* I am guessing that will be my New Year's resolution. A little self-control with the spending! ;)<br />
<br />
Happy belated New Year! May 2013 be positive and fruitful for you all!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4621329647246096633.post-91027629853617533632012-12-14T13:18:00.001-08:002012-12-14T13:18:16.391-08:00I found the Grinch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFYhigiKIhVkTaSdkkicvv_ipr34yKg9Q6AEUbVML2hQ9xQ3lBP98Wc9fzasusBR0KDPot6PMV3s4LcLpDfOm2TZIRY87kc7w9ss8agcsNGNDRImB5MpAKH0RvwgO7lVWFbWuoB-IOw8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFYhigiKIhVkTaSdkkicvv_ipr34yKg9Q6AEUbVML2hQ9xQ3lBP98Wc9fzasusBR0KDPot6PMV3s4LcLpDfOm2TZIRY87kc7w9ss8agcsNGNDRImB5MpAKH0RvwgO7lVWFbWuoB-IOw8/s400/photo.JPG" /></a></div>
No but seriously, he was the only one that would stay still when I put the hat on. He's the only one that FREEZES whenever something odd has been slipped on him. :) Thanks for being a good sport, Quincy!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12072573764510139884noreply@blogger.com5