tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67020057235840065002024-03-19T03:46:47.588-05:00Blondie's JournalBlondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.comBlogger701125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-54928976617485135632022-02-01T00:43:00.003-06:002022-02-01T21:16:17.863-06:00BLONDIE MOVING ALONG<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC9uwG6J5zuI3dWNaGCpJNur9S6MRzx64Q9CEScCI0jjwbX3Z1kbXGvIrB7ySL6Qtmyqc5C2zfF6hDm5vCRF_Je4JSa9WiD1BtMEm4Hj0YMx1yPAL3qHjPE8Wle3Wz-gypxEJ57gwYSNMBQlvOd_7BBmvH6CqqM9RkUuKSUuePM4wvmKdEXSlqJHNa=s1527" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC9uwG6J5zuI3dWNaGCpJNur9S6MRzx64Q9CEScCI0jjwbX3Z1kbXGvIrB7ySL6Qtmyqc5C2zfF6hDm5vCRF_Je4JSa9WiD1BtMEm4Hj0YMx1yPAL3qHjPE8Wle3Wz-gypxEJ57gwYSNMBQlvOd_7BBmvH6CqqM9RkUuKSUuePM4wvmKdEXSlqJHNa=w325-h400" width="325" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Layla...one cold but spoiled doggie</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Well, I did it again. Promised to get better at posting and then life got the best of me. Yes, the best and the rest. Please know I'm challenging myself, it's all about me. I know we aren't supposed to beat ourselves up, but there are times I do. We all have some time on our hands with the pandemic shutting us in. At first we found that we could accomplish more, and we did. But our expectations were/are high. Now that enthusiasm is waning-at least for me. I try to find ways to keep pushing on to have purposeful days.</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-FXBfAhEj1Srm2q3uIL8vRcPNG_JsO8623-Guz6mac0ytYCJliIl9YuB-TJ_Ilh2i0cUfyVkOiupkdEm9yIbfXjP4itat6AvBYhWgUD_B4RtVsGUJGhWbs3OEPgQep2RLY-Yp6sULuguVWSR2Acf-O4Mhif-sQytZv0dNoPT_pdX354RIo_tQrkN2=s1516" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-FXBfAhEj1Srm2q3uIL8vRcPNG_JsO8623-Guz6mac0ytYCJliIl9YuB-TJ_Ilh2i0cUfyVkOiupkdEm9yIbfXjP4itat6AvBYhWgUD_B4RtVsGUJGhWbs3OEPgQep2RLY-Yp6sULuguVWSR2Acf-O4Mhif-sQytZv0dNoPT_pdX354RIo_tQrkN2=w328-h400" width="328" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">So I'll digress here since I know you are all waiting with bated breath, here is my beautiful, most perfect Christmas tree in the whole wide world. I seem to have nailed the perfect size and width in the past few years. I love the beauty of the Balsam firs. Such a nice blue-ish green. I'm not the happiest camper doing the lights, and this year I had to unwind them after I thought I was finished because I ended up with the "male" end at the bottom. I waited a day to get over the tantrum and then started over from the bottom up. It turned out better as I added another strand of lights. I went all out and used all of my ornaments which total about 200. I absolutely do not say this to brag, it's thirty-six years of collecting and inheriting treasures, and I hang them so proudly and with heart tugging emotion. Little Madelyn helped me one afternoon. I explained that we had to tuck some inside the branches. She came to me after awhile and said, "Grandma, I really camouflaged a few." Really? Out of a five year old? She amazes me. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUvs7bHqnUs_hoPjyFL4hAHJ_SXl2U5PlNXugi67zU_8OX9oscfLvwe5YOhGXh2Kgan2Gvrcw9aT_gWZX-AuYAy2RY_M3YxrYO-RrTTFrTJYXxnVLmpbuBVqFwiZxYfhRUS0ZWu4cKD-caGG6ZUmf0l2kUtXEo21HYgEwvxnjpjm6ryU96ARBn2xiN=s1442" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUvs7bHqnUs_hoPjyFL4hAHJ_SXl2U5PlNXugi67zU_8OX9oscfLvwe5YOhGXh2Kgan2Gvrcw9aT_gWZX-AuYAy2RY_M3YxrYO-RrTTFrTJYXxnVLmpbuBVqFwiZxYfhRUS0ZWu4cKD-caGG6ZUmf0l2kUtXEo21HYgEwvxnjpjm6ryU96ARBn2xiN=w345-h400" width="345" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>(Christmas treats to be boxed up for family and friends)</i></span></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">The Husband and I decided to stay home and not go to the several Christmas parties we usually go to. We have all of our vaccinations, including the booster, but I just didn't want to be one who caught the Omicron, and we knew a lot of people, some of whom were in our immediate family catch this variant after having all their vaccinations. I go shopping, to the doctor, run errands, etc., and I wear my mask. My life can't be in a bubble but I absolutely avoid social groups. I stop in to see my daughters and grands, it is the most special thing in my life. </span><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYYzT-iSaZEA_NTssfNh0XH_n-KwBytpGvqZe2o5iuY7Vh8Y3DzPWqBw55v4pqoObrdojFJQaRix_GgiGtg9_hVNrkOnM5b9njfX0t7XSx2whGGSw666QtUxCi4ucV6Cjhx1xfaHzuVdO4ImDBAt5TWDTs885RwYEg1wEHMY5oFryA846vM5HcZ7Cf=s1520" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYYzT-iSaZEA_NTssfNh0XH_n-KwBytpGvqZe2o5iuY7Vh8Y3DzPWqBw55v4pqoObrdojFJQaRix_GgiGtg9_hVNrkOnM5b9njfX0t7XSx2whGGSw666QtUxCi4ucV6Cjhx1xfaHzuVdO4ImDBAt5TWDTs885RwYEg1wEHMY5oFryA846vM5HcZ7Cf=w326-h400" width="326" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I've been so frugal since The Husband retired so I started my Christmas gift shopping in early November so I could do a bit at a time. I was on top of the shopping, wrapping, decorating and baking. Then we took cover when the omicron arrived. Ironic that I was so organized and ahead of the game for once! This month we have been giving the gifts on the chance that one of the kids stop by with the kiddos. They seem to like Christmas weeks after the real deal! </span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1ZbVIhRm56Vdh1Fd66dgo8JyeTD4-znq5V9ysZ14h8um6hBrtmcfcxmopQF3qOW2i8VowUnk13tz5HRn1qVjX_D9XQRigMuGVuxelGn7Gg5UTxir25V3tmaXH-QCc3iXfshEJX9tFY246_6uH4BQQcezLJLTyrat3Y8YyISp9nSB4wqsLNFQt-k7j=s1404" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1ZbVIhRm56Vdh1Fd66dgo8JyeTD4-znq5V9ysZ14h8um6hBrtmcfcxmopQF3qOW2i8VowUnk13tz5HRn1qVjX_D9XQRigMuGVuxelGn7Gg5UTxir25V3tmaXH-QCc3iXfshEJX9tFY246_6uH4BQQcezLJLTyrat3Y8YyISp9nSB4wqsLNFQt-k7j=w354-h400" width="354" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Abby and Tom had their much awaited baby on December 15, a girl, 6 pounds, 3 oz., and named her Colette Jane. I love that they included Abby's French ancestry on her father's side, along with Tom's Irish heritage. And the family name Jane, for Nana, Abby's middle name, and the middle names of so many others in our family. Nana was just a gem and is so, so missed. </span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyWije2wmsHqLaVtTVGZeB2gfJoDX5Jp1a3Z1CIFFWTmN3LWXdz6rzbvljcY5ZlkrRmdglQfawzv_WIYI-KqC0WpR9Wsirs4m0Dv9x41XKZ1fCYbNvUDu_Asl2iIDN922Yex-T_QolCo3i0SlDQgFdmexL2rta2wUQQjOVJ52uOJV8molKh7jHSuae=s1801" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyWije2wmsHqLaVtTVGZeB2gfJoDX5Jp1a3Z1CIFFWTmN3LWXdz6rzbvljcY5ZlkrRmdglQfawzv_WIYI-KqC0WpR9Wsirs4m0Dv9x41XKZ1fCYbNvUDu_Asl2iIDN922Yex-T_QolCo3i0SlDQgFdmexL2rta2wUQQjOVJ52uOJV8molKh7jHSuae=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>My First Dutch Baby</i></span><br /></span><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">We have been so confined to home and I have so many projects as irons in the fire. Ironically, sometimes getting out and finding a cord of wood in the city which can be delivered and stacked in the backyard is an activity of its own. So I dabble in sewing my little softies for the grandkidlets, working on some cross stitch (is anyone else my age going blind?), reading competitively with myself to top last years total books read; my own literary olympics or the </span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">2022 reading challenge on Goodreads, and finally cooking. It continues to be a love/hate thing for me but I think I've figured it all out. Most of all I have to take into consideration The Husband. He is really attached to having dinner. He mostly wants it at some point in the early evening. When I get into the mood of putting on my lab coat and going into a time warp trying out obscure recipes to our lives, country and culture, he sometimes gets a wee upset when 10:00 p.m rolls around. In my defense, sometimes I just can't calculate greatness. </span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">So, I was going to share some meals I made that I felt were progressive and made me so proud to make and come out halfway decent. Those being on my quest to make include foods from other countries and cultures. I'm keeping a journal and photos and soon I'll share what I've accomplished, or not. 😬</span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOuhccXCX05AJfxIUfyz10-GGLkuu-cGLge1DEocOqpAqDzVtmrM3w_2hnEwBVg9fOY_ujd3s1jqxa2UzcW9SCWsfSsigNl3x6bIuS_dEWFvMdqvMt4rw8udUfoJeDUp7y56Cv97LavCJmv15KyakdFPP68cOdlznG_eJU_ehbeg6tdXrAS6u09zUC=s1795" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOuhccXCX05AJfxIUfyz10-GGLkuu-cGLge1DEocOqpAqDzVtmrM3w_2hnEwBVg9fOY_ujd3s1jqxa2UzcW9SCWsfSsigNl3x6bIuS_dEWFvMdqvMt4rw8udUfoJeDUp7y56Cv97LavCJmv15KyakdFPP68cOdlznG_eJU_ehbeg6tdXrAS6u09zUC=w321-h400" width="321" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I made my first Dutch Baby or German pancake recently for breakfast. I had been sort of planning to make one or two at the lakehouse for breakfast but people really don't want someone dabbling in the kitchen for hours when they want to get out into the sun. Hello Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls. </span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Here's the recipe. It turned out lovely. Give this one a try and then do the toppings and all the goodies you love.</span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Jane's Dutch Baby</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1/2 c flour</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1 c milk</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>2 eggs</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1/4 t salt</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1 T sugar</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1 1/2 t vanilla</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>3 T butter</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and milk til smooth, then add the eggs, salt, sugar and vaniila. Whisk to combine well.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Place butter in a 10 inch cast iron pan or a 9 inch cake pan and place in hot oven til butter sizzles. Add the batter, shut the oven door and don't even think about opening it for 18 to 20 minutes. It will deflate!!!! Once it is crisp on the edges remove form the oven. slice into four quarters and serve hot. I do this with a squeeze of lemon and a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar. There are numerous and delicious toppings such as warmed jam, applesauce, butter and cinnamon, or berries. I've heard from some great people that they cook diced apples in the butter at the beginning of the recipe and pour the batter over. I really want to try this! </i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i> Serves 4, possibly 5-6 if you add bacon or sausage and some fruit to fill it out as a hearty breakfast. </i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><span></span></i></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span></i></span><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1l5XZEjdB3cTBx9WbiICdYL-fMcp0MZrvsvqvq1b27iT4z-rx78OFu-F6Q17-vaYyqI0fK2MUkA1fPpCAIqjVPc5wdARsxM8SUc-YUXycYTNWqq8rcvyYRlrGnL-8mCO0xzLFcNR2tTDloPa_7TDgeVuC8DLVklj5pHS0J2AgOjhzcslzzhH5DLz1=s1507" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1l5XZEjdB3cTBx9WbiICdYL-fMcp0MZrvsvqvq1b27iT4z-rx78OFu-F6Q17-vaYyqI0fK2MUkA1fPpCAIqjVPc5wdARsxM8SUc-YUXycYTNWqq8rcvyYRlrGnL-8mCO0xzLFcNR2tTDloPa_7TDgeVuC8DLVklj5pHS0J2AgOjhzcslzzhH5DLz1=w330-h400" width="330" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I leave you with a pic of Poppy girl. I can't believe she is going to be three this summer. She brings a lot of joy to us and mischievousness to our home and we need this liveliness.</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNHtXkGNfc5j63qgMJ4heGc7tc-xLgc_3Db5gfp8WDuBREA_uzL_vRIBgUHYsRwEqv-CcnC5SHFs84jGBrsKJi5PKDP2IBK3Tx2RXM7Vp98E3pgVZIotYIXPwIWE_PNgSS2L4srpINodRdn-z8524OipNyFPT98GbS4zNBk4PTo3Cs4kwrdgesurmX=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNHtXkGNfc5j63qgMJ4heGc7tc-xLgc_3Db5gfp8WDuBREA_uzL_vRIBgUHYsRwEqv-CcnC5SHFs84jGBrsKJi5PKDP2IBK3Tx2RXM7Vp98E3pgVZIotYIXPwIWE_PNgSS2L4srpINodRdn-z8524OipNyFPT98GbS4zNBk4PTo3Cs4kwrdgesurmX=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"> And lets not forget little Layla. She'll be eighteen mid February. I think she is Wonderdog. She is absolutely fine other than being deaf. It makes for a problem when you call her but I just jump up and down like a madwoman to catch her eye. I pray she has a lot more time with us. She's such a sweetie. Her long relationship with Milo kind of keeps his presence in our house. </span></div></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I'm off. Love you all and hope to be back soon!</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Jane x</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-34354556084565398422021-12-05T23:06:00.002-06:002021-12-06T13:52:32.753-06:00 THANKSGIVING MISHAPS & INCREDIBLY GREAT RECIPES TO MAKE UP FOR IT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8imlyBZ9t8FPScw_l6_A17RS1qlvF3-qsoi35M_NlWcNzE1xKhHraHk_mEUTiO8HPYthnscAtkGDl5Xwf5y29pCce49oo7bW4chwWcAqIuzir3iQXZQUjY8b_imV8r-SZs7fkoN6-3Hw/s1604/IMG-5660+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1604" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8imlyBZ9t8FPScw_l6_A17RS1qlvF3-qsoi35M_NlWcNzE1xKhHraHk_mEUTiO8HPYthnscAtkGDl5Xwf5y29pCce49oo7bW4chwWcAqIuzir3iQXZQUjY8b_imV8r-SZs7fkoN6-3Hw/w310-h400/IMG-5660+%25281%2529.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I think most of using us were simply grateful to be with family and friends again. But I don't doubt we still need to be careful. Someone near and dear to us came down with Covid or the Delta variant even after having both vaccines and the booster. He had spent some time with an unvaccinated person and he became very ill. I think we can't yet become comfortable. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">My kids, grands, and the whole gang have a ritual of playing football every Thanksgiving morning. This has been going on for longer than I can remember and they always take a group photo. I'm never there unfortunately (😉) as I'm busy stuffing the turkey and 10:00 is an ungodly hour for me. Also, I don't know one wit about football in spite of being a pom pom girl in high school, and that was all about shaking my bootie in a short skirt as opposed to watching the game. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I always say that cooking a turkey is a no-brainer but this year was a near disaster. This turkey did not have a pop up thingie to indicate it was done, so I used my meat thermometer. It read 160 degrees but I didn't check the easy movement of the legs and wings which also show it's perfectly done. It was just as we were carving and ready to serve when this was discovered, so my only choice was to microwave several of the parts one at a time so dinner was super late. This has never happened...I've overcooked but never undercooked. I was devastated. Since dinner was late, most of the guests had consumed a good amount of cocktails and hors d' oeuvres, and I could have had a live turkey trotting about the kitchen and they wouldn't have noticed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"> </span></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/AVvXsEiPVH5kjFZZVUWqmr1GMgxSn0eosOVMRExg-tM53g7b8mor4MK-Y4Mxar2dSPU_3ViU3GyjC8CI6Rr4jBReXt31xsRBn8tH3ptZ4CCYQx7u75vjQWRajTrkFCR5MkwA8CV_tZH1to5i-DE/s960/IMG-5705+%25281%2529.JPG" 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/AVvXsEiPVH5kjFZZVUWqmr1GMgxSn0eosOVMRExg-tM53g7b8mor4MK-Y4Mxar2dSPU_3ViU3GyjC8CI6Rr4jBReXt31xsRBn8tH3ptZ4CCYQx7u75vjQWRajTrkFCR5MkwA8CV_tZH1to5i-DE/w300-h400/IMG-5705+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">This is a true classic. Two year-old Lucy must have been terribly hungry. Look at her go!</span></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/AVvXsEgq_7pOlr103bAYg2c1aXpSfMj4lz-bcJkghjPUa9BjSl0dk5d0nQKVDuabTrmCXPBkVKTYV4-YsJojYT4m69fjIucU9edHojvsDJNxvmuq8V0vAL-hLqpU-7hzhHvF8DHRVEKxO3fF0Ps/s2048/IMG-5657+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_7pOlr103bAYg2c1aXpSfMj4lz-bcJkghjPUa9BjSl0dk5d0nQKVDuabTrmCXPBkVKTYV4-YsJojYT4m69fjIucU9edHojvsDJNxvmuq8V0vAL-hLqpU-7hzhHvF8DHRVEKxO3fF0Ps/w400-h300/IMG-5657+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I made my tried and true vanilla bark. There is nothing easier to make and is always a hit with the kids. I used Chex Party Mix for the "salty" which made it so much easier and cost effective. I also made a pie with a recipe I had never tried. It called for caramel sauce and it was my first time making it. I think I overcooked it (unlike my turkey) and it had a bitter taste. It definitely wasn't a hit. </span> </span><br /><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZNIRQhEmGDbg1vkMWjPZahyv4Y49aiPLbC0nGhB47P1Y-20Uyz45e0ENbdFtgA1K_5zC331N7II_lvC8e6lsYnHsSh9y3KemQ9v_RZxzKbrSBfpKbgfp4FDhYvVMEbLvfYKMyS6INSU/"><br /></a><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZNIRQhEmGDbg1vkMWjPZahyv4Y49aiPLbC0nGhB47P1Y-20Uyz45e0ENbdFtgA1K_5zC331N7II_lvC8e6lsYnHsSh9y3KemQ9v_RZxzKbrSBfpKbgfp4FDhYvVMEbLvfYKMyS6INSU/" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZNIRQhEmGDbg1vkMWjPZahyv4Y49aiPLbC0nGhB47P1Y-20Uyz45e0ENbdFtgA1K_5zC331N7II_lvC8e6lsYnHsSh9y3KemQ9v_RZxzKbrSBfpKbgfp4FDhYvVMEbLvfYKMyS6INSU/"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbCL0zDKlcdX0fZWGkXsIkFi9yH7O1kan1bM-4ryTBP-bR5QmkZCdb4JMnqB06yMoKNrcy8JwphGuovznLs0JzwvHcwNP11fFpTEw-a6L4K95XQd4vYnGolOcVXO7FeRMeltAh7jmb2U/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbCL0zDKlcdX0fZWGkXsIkFi9yH7O1kan1bM-4ryTBP-bR5QmkZCdb4JMnqB06yMoKNrcy8JwphGuovznLs0JzwvHcwNP11fFpTEw-a6L4K95XQd4vYnGolOcVXO7FeRMeltAh7jmb2U/w267-h400/image.png" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">(Photo credit unknown) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">I meant to make these for Thanksgiving but it was just one of my lofty ideas and I didn't. I make these candied nuts every Christmas. They are perfect in small bowls scattered here and there during cocktail hour at holiday parties and I also make gift boxes for family and friends with all sorts of sweets. Little bags of candied nuts are always appreciated. You can find all sorts of nuts at a good price at Sam's Club and Costco. I tweaked this recipe a bit so no link. As Christmas approaches I thought I'd share this recipe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>1 egg white</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>1 t vanilla extract</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>3 c nuts such as cashews, pecans, walnuts, almonds...</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>1/2 c brown sugar</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>2 t ground cinnamon</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray. In a medium size bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until frothy. Add the nuts and toss until coated.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Add to the nut mixture and toss well. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>Bake for 50-60 minutes, stirring and tossing every 15 minutes. Cool and store in an airtight container. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>Obviously I double and triple the ingredients as I gift them. Make some people happy and do the same! I never knew it was the egg white that held everything together. So with said egg whites, make your own version.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZNIRQhEmGDbg1vkMWjPZahyv4Y49aiPLbC0nGhB47P1Y-20Uyz45e0ENbdFtgA1K_5zC331N7II_lvC8e6lsYnHsSh9y3KemQ9v_RZxzKbrSBfpKbgfp4FDhYvVMEbLvfYKMyS6INSU/"><img alt="" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZNIRQhEmGDbg1vkMWjPZahyv4Y49aiPLbC0nGhB47P1Y-20Uyz45e0ENbdFtgA1K_5zC331N7II_lvC8e6lsYnHsSh9y3KemQ9v_RZxzKbrSBfpKbgfp4FDhYvVMEbLvfYKMyS6INSU/w267-h400/image.png" width="267" /></a></span></div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>(Photo courtesy Smitten Kitchen) </i></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Creamy Cheese Spread with Warm Candied Bacon & Dates</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>This is a winner of an appetizer. Doesn't it look delicious? I can't take credit for the photo and it doesn't have to look this purdy, but the flavors are insane. And dates are in season! This was a delicious appetizer and I was happy to try something different... I'm finding charcuterie boards getting a little old. This does have cheese but with a nice twist. You can serve some fruit alongside. With no further ado:</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>6-8 slices bacon, chopped</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>2 T chopped fresh rosemary*</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>1 t brown sugar</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>1/3 c plus 1 t honey</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>1/2 t cayenne pepper--more or less as your preference</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>12 plump dates, pitted and torn</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>1 10 oz. log creamy goat cheese</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>2 T olive oil</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>sea salt</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>On the baking sheet toss together the bacon, 1 T rosemary, the brown sugar, 1 t honey, and the cayenne. Arrange in an even layer. Scatter the torn dates around. Bake until the bacon is crisping, about 8-10 minutes.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Meanwhile, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. This mixture can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temp before serving.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Spoon the cheese mixture into a serving bowl and top with the warm bacon and date. Drizzle over a little of the honey and rosemary. Serve with thin toasted bread rounds or crackers. This serves 8 so you may want to double the recipe. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>*You can find fresh rosemary in the produce section of most grocery stores if you don't/can't grow it. Like me.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Off I go. I have a sweet, skinny Balsam Fir sitting in my living room and I'm waiting for the branches to drop before I string the lights. Every available surface as well as the floor is filled with bins of my Christmas decorations. My shopping is done and piled up in the guest room. I love the ritual of wrapping while a Christmas movie is on. Maybe a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of chilled wine. But first--the tree has to be finished and everything festive in its place. Call me strange but I have sixty-one years of experience of that.😊</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Sending love and good wishes for a wonderful holiday season. I'll be back soon!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Jane x </i></span></div>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-30557514017272676162021-11-07T01:15:00.009-06:002021-11-11T06:12:23.945-06:00A BABY SHOWER, NEW HOMES, & THANKSGIVING RECIPES<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG58GDy6fH1kH3K1sAlVH7gD21CqUBayg2K7Ov5gvaY3ufioTDQGpYCKcU5xCh98c4F7J0_5VzITzOJCZAmGeuuNBojjYufYokLrjzl_pI1HKJEfKp_dKRbpyEvvoP6auQzsBwpjew-0/s2048/IMG-9398-jpg.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG58GDy6fH1kH3K1sAlVH7gD21CqUBayg2K7Ov5gvaY3ufioTDQGpYCKcU5xCh98c4F7J0_5VzITzOJCZAmGeuuNBojjYufYokLrjzl_pI1HKJEfKp_dKRbpyEvvoP6auQzsBwpjew-0/w300-h400/IMG-9398-jpg.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Here I am again! Getting tired of seeing me? I want to say that I so appreciate your comments, especially in my <a href="https://blondiesjournals.blogspot.com/2021/10/renovations-at-lakehouse-simple-recipe.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, and your condolences on the passing of my brother. It is such an empty space in my heart. The realization hits me at the random hour, and I just tear up. His sweet, wonderful wife has it much harder, as well as his daughters and grandchildren. I'm feeling a little helpless that they are down near Louisville and not closer. It's just a terrible, sudden loss. Again, thank you.❤️</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswWrn1C_MipC2pFgM-qRyRyifWpHP28dk9IJZn5H2BierirgxJcdNkaMgmPDhSlcqfLAzoBhv5edy09tO6crJLM6ain9OKeH1W7lB1j-Rl6AGvFQePO6kfXnugucsIusRT2I95IVtUAw/s2048/IMG-9396.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswWrn1C_MipC2pFgM-qRyRyifWpHP28dk9IJZn5H2BierirgxJcdNkaMgmPDhSlcqfLAzoBhv5edy09tO6crJLM6ain9OKeH1W7lB1j-Rl6AGvFQePO6kfXnugucsIusRT2I95IVtUAw/w300-h400/IMG-9396.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Abigail's baby shower was last Saturday. It was at the same event room at Deja Brew as was her wedding shower. The room is gorgeous on it's own, and the owner of the restaurant/pub is so dear. Dottie was in the family restaurant business most of her life and she bought this space and turned it into a vibrant restaurant with excellent food and an exceptionally great staff. I say this because I very much so support local businesses, and businesses owned by women, who have been successful in bringing their dreams, goals, and plans into fruition. Applause!</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">My daughter, Emily, my daughter in law, Deirdre, and myself all equally pulled this off together. My humble part was making the table decor. I love flower arranging and although I'm nowhere near the creativity and expertise of a professional, I love doing it (we also saved a lot of money). So I used the same vases from the last shower and this is what I came up with; coral, cream, and white roses, with a lot of green fillers and baby's breath. It was a rainy, gloomy day so the colors and tea light candles made everything warm and sparkly. Emily created the gorgeous balloon arrangement and chose the little interactive games we played like: The Price Is Right, where we had to estimate the price of diapers, bibs, formula, etc. Can you believe I tied for winner with Abby's sister in law who has three young kiddos? My Black Belt in shopping always comes in handy! Deidre contributed the favors of natural soaps with a cute tag that said, "Shower Abby With Love".</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxWVHd80N9LMzX73nCPER15OMIufs_mgX3D10Q1XXXnvJS1w8mv65qQY2i67nx48KzmJS3eP9H0GuuZhIDMd3Khqie7qH0_uqtASjXblRIQa0wk7TBexkXR77BMwZpiAVjANvoBohv6E/s2048/IMG-9406.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxWVHd80N9LMzX73nCPER15OMIufs_mgX3D10Q1XXXnvJS1w8mv65qQY2i67nx48KzmJS3eP9H0GuuZhIDMd3Khqie7qH0_uqtASjXblRIQa0wk7TBexkXR77BMwZpiAVjANvoBohv6E/w300-h400/IMG-9406.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;">And then the baby daddy showed up to raise a toast, mingle with us ladies, and open gifts with Abigail. Aren't they the cutest? </span> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SjdG6jCCCS4PVXyC6eVRb_1ds3Kb6UbpyQoMYl4PyA21UnmOuL4V0RDlq3AMQD4GKTpTN2YKUekNa79CtWui61U9UcVLkQvNdKIvC8DwpLZ2Y-P9D7mWrxxWAliBsliIrZt06BzzGws/s1649/IMG-5590.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1649" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SjdG6jCCCS4PVXyC6eVRb_1ds3Kb6UbpyQoMYl4PyA21UnmOuL4V0RDlq3AMQD4GKTpTN2YKUekNa79CtWui61U9UcVLkQvNdKIvC8DwpLZ2Y-P9D7mWrxxWAliBsliIrZt06BzzGws/w301-h400/IMG-5590.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">In other happy news, I mentioned in my last post that my daughter, Emily, and hubby Mike, bought a house just three blocks from us. And here it is on moving day Friday. Madelyn and Lucy are loving every bit of it. It was a bittersweet time leaving their first home which they bought when first married, and to which they brought their babies home. And this particular block was home to Nana and Papa, where I first brought Emily to when she was a newborn, and many, many years as she and my other children grew. But this new house! It's large and updated and Emily is so ready to give it even more of her designer touches. I'll get her permission to post pics once they've settled in.</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"> 🏡 </span></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzJ_Ro94R8E3AWyA0nKm38JWhU124mR9FTP6expF2sfijiqS45IN_VUvOr6zmbDSd9lTmNWjUdgKfgayGHNr5_FjscDOudRi9Oz-UemZBYkfFmZR6geo1J-_Cyp2FjsQpfzK3DUk2IFk/s1242/IMG-5591.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1242" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzJ_Ro94R8E3AWyA0nKm38JWhU124mR9FTP6expF2sfijiqS45IN_VUvOr6zmbDSd9lTmNWjUdgKfgayGHNr5_FjscDOudRi9Oz-UemZBYkfFmZR6geo1J-_Cyp2FjsQpfzK3DUk2IFk/w400-h258/IMG-5591.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">My son Jeff, and his wife, Deirdre, recently sold their second home on Lake Michigan for another which is right on the shoreline. This is the road view. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG52Na411pUkW9fiSHI-xMxFcpif-Gr6mplHYUuUMoxxiBDEUqGrv497kUnVvTlVBjZQ3XJw1nYFzmLdl3T8v_4vZZ5CSaxUe3YtNERKyOWv3d6gzGd35D1tslfdjAEamOjSV5KHijhB4/s1242/IMG-5592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1242" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG52Na411pUkW9fiSHI-xMxFcpif-Gr6mplHYUuUMoxxiBDEUqGrv497kUnVvTlVBjZQ3XJw1nYFzmLdl3T8v_4vZZ5CSaxUe3YtNERKyOWv3d6gzGd35D1tslfdjAEamOjSV5KHijhB4/w400-h260/IMG-5592.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">And as you can see, the Big Lake is right there in their backyard and it has a pool as well. What a wonderful place to escape to year round! Deirdre's parent live just jog away, and they are about one hour from Chicago and thirty minutes from our cottage. Wow, I am feeling so blessed to have my kids all around us. We couldn't ask for more.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2dYprFdv5tvBHeaOuNFtCFB-YcO3XS-wmfCr3CFYGtRV5hqFy7LVmzr6NO01YJvJf2OJLXbi-X9MxDvNEK4obvYr7Kgh0UsOV6OHV1wsRqgKf1jx9Ooo9IRDUuk4F1RC2zBOM-4tDBM/s2048/IMG-5538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1893" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2dYprFdv5tvBHeaOuNFtCFB-YcO3XS-wmfCr3CFYGtRV5hqFy7LVmzr6NO01YJvJf2OJLXbi-X9MxDvNEK4obvYr7Kgh0UsOV6OHV1wsRqgKf1jx9Ooo9IRDUuk4F1RC2zBOM-4tDBM/w370-h400/IMG-5538.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #073763;">I want to share this insanely simple recipe for Pumpkin Spice muffins (if you aren't sick of pumpkin spice everything!). I used a store bought box of pumpkin shortbread and did nothing out of the ordinary with it, just a whipped egg white and half teaspoon of vanilla. But I made a cream cheese frosting that I played with for many cupcakes I've made. So here is just that topping of the muffins I made and want to share.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;">Cream Cheese Frosting:</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i>4 oz. cream cheese, softened</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i>1/2 t vanilla extract</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i>1 t flour</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i>2 T sugar</i></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1 t milk</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1/2 c slivered almonds, toasted</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Cinnamon, optional</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Combine all of the ingredients but for the almonds in a small bowl. Once the muffins are out of the oven and almost cooled (not hot or the topping will thin), add a dollop of the mixture over the top. If the cream cheese becomes runny, pop it in the fridge to firm it up. You can also pipe this on but I'm not talented in that department! Top with a small spoonful of almonds and a little dusting of cinnamon. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /> </span></span></div><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAfTRYHl24cJ9IZstH1tIyX9x-btsxdZDCmPCFtGEvfvzyyDM2ZvItfw1cL4v2EQ4hGXACHxaqVHDxMrLSSxjMfn6690WLG2MnkXcwJG3uIsYYaoR2b6fekQEjk0hfKX1CrIp0wOT0qY/s1800/cranberry-cheese-log_4-copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAfTRYHl24cJ9IZstH1tIyX9x-btsxdZDCmPCFtGEvfvzyyDM2ZvItfw1cL4v2EQ4hGXACHxaqVHDxMrLSSxjMfn6690WLG2MnkXcwJG3uIsYYaoR2b6fekQEjk0hfKX1CrIp0wOT0qY/w266-h400/cranberry-cheese-log_4-copy.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Cranberry Cheese Log</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">This is again a simple but outstanding recipe for a festive party at this time of year. Not much time to make but with all the great flavors. I was inspired by this <a href="Cranberry Cheese Log for Fall Entertaining">blogger</a>, and this is her photo credit. The original recipe made for a lot of additions I couldn't do without!</span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>8 oz. goat cheese (chevre)</i></span></p><p><span><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">1 t ground cinnamon</span></i></span></p><p><span><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">1 c chopped walnuts, finely crushed</span></i></span></p><p><span><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">1 t honey</span></i></span></p><p><span><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">1 t kosher salt</span></i></span></p><p><span><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">1 c Dried cranberries</span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Cream together the goat cheese and cinnamon. Chill for 15 minutes in the fridge.</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Stir together the honey with the walnut pieces and salt. Spread out on a sheet of parchment paper. On another sheet of parchment paper, spread out the dried cranberries.</span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Remove the cheese from the fridge and shape it into a log and roll this log in the walnut pieces, and then the cranberries. As the original recipe says, press the cranberry into spaces that didn't pick up. The parchment paper will help make this easier to roll as it mimics sushi and egg roll methods. </span></p><p><span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">After chilling for a minimum of fifteen minutes, serve on a pretty platter with a variety of crackers. Don't you just love the way it looks sliced? This can also be refrigerated for a day before serving in plastic wrap.. Enjoy 😊 </span></span></p><p><span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">And that's a wrap! I am already preparing for Thanksgiving. Like most of you, last year we had no company, no family. The husband and I made the most of it with a smaller turkey and side dishes. This year we have all been vaccinated, in fact The Husband and I had the booster vaccine a few weeks ago. And we always wear masks in public places.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I am of course, a worried planner who stresses over every detail, but I found a step by step guide from three weeks before turkey day and on. Normally I wouldn't follow something like this but my idol, Ina Garten claims a guide like this is her Go To every year. I found this <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/thanksgiving-prep-timeline-5203330">Thanksgiving countdown guide</a> on a great food blog, The Spruce Eats. I think you'd like to follow this sight, it's one of the best food blogs I subscribe to.</span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Happy November friends!</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"> ❤️</span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Jane x</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-20522950837285962172021-10-23T07:53:00.006-05:002021-10-25T16:55:23.281-05:00RENOVATIONS AT THE LAKEHOUSE + A SIMPLE RECIPE FROM ACROSS THE WORLD<p></p><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/AVvXsEg2RubDyK7ZzUPKH_FvuVsF31V_4OOkMyXRZPAEO2gUwolvEf9vpgPFlbhcAI3QuGCMwEv0FYobvrD1Mdd1r-85K-RvyolA4dY-KaATByz8m-xKvAa706QxRahIGIXeCmmVF3eR91ECIYs/s2048/IMG-5247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RubDyK7ZzUPKH_FvuVsF31V_4OOkMyXRZPAEO2gUwolvEf9vpgPFlbhcAI3QuGCMwEv0FYobvrD1Mdd1r-85K-RvyolA4dY-KaATByz8m-xKvAa706QxRahIGIXeCmmVF3eR91ECIYs/w300-h400/IMG-5247.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Lucy June, my Lulu</i></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Hello friends. I'm glad to be back so soon. If you read my post from last week, which you can find <a href="https://blondiesjournals.blogspot.com/2021/10/blondies-back.html">here</a>, you'll know that I've had a hectic year with many lows. When I finally sat down and wrote and then read your comments after, a feeling of relief came out like a long sigh. I felt again the community we have in blogging and in sharing our thoughts, feelings, recipes, photos, and all the good times and bad. It was like getting a warm hug. I began planning another post soon after and I'm looking forward to keeping it going. 😊</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Above is a picture of Lucy, or as I like to call her, Lulu. She'll be two next month. This is Madelyn's little sister. She is what a lot of people call a "Covid" baby, as in we didn't get to spend much time with her as we normally would have. Now we are best buds and I love that she is all over me when I see her with her chirpy little greeting, "Hi Gama"! My son also has a little guy going on two, Bobby, and he's the most sweetest little boy with blonde hair and blue eyes. I'll have to steal one of his pictures!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3bdtnE8Ss-F2gwSz_jWcZ606dic6clG47A-xP9TMbUGbtAxbT78QGY_k8Q628WxlsYAZmapV4yX_ACtq5B38Ems8tO8Gi5MxKWshRtA5duLDEN_r-OQLFuj-NIgShDFNn9_gV7Kui6Y/s953/IMG-5524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3bdtnE8Ss-F2gwSz_jWcZ606dic6clG47A-xP9TMbUGbtAxbT78QGY_k8Q628WxlsYAZmapV4yX_ACtq5B38Ems8tO8Gi5MxKWshRtA5duLDEN_r-OQLFuj-NIgShDFNn9_gV7Kui6Y/w309-h400/IMG-5524.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Abby, me, and Squall</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Diamond Lake 10/16/21</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">And then as I mentioned last week, My baby, Abby, and her Tom, are having their own baby and she's due December 18. So a Christmas baby rather than Covid. I really can't wait to help her out, even if it's cooking and cleaning just to get them over that bumpy, no sleep, exhausting time. And it will be so nice to get out of the house to do something more than grocery shopping, seeing doctors, and errands. I truly missed my regular activities and energy while we were going through the pandemic, and then after the awful surgery and recovery. Tom is a high school teacher, as is Abby, and his the school is basically three blocks down the street. He's home at 3:00 p.m., so that's a blessing. And then an entire summer off. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEioJ5UvaZHWERp25Nl_gmgyjttZ-N8p-jynz_d93K8LZQBngLggPKLuqgl3YASB5W6wK-pG_4Nzk1js5k4NJobVlkE18VIl4nxGfKpsdaKEacvVApJwUc3tzgSPBpfuWlCm4HBzfoUsW0Q/s1920/123-1-2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ5UvaZHWERp25Nl_gmgyjttZ-N8p-jynz_d93K8LZQBngLggPKLuqgl3YASB5W6wK-pG_4Nzk1js5k4NJobVlkE18VIl4nxGfKpsdaKEacvVApJwUc3tzgSPBpfuWlCm4HBzfoUsW0Q/w400-h300/123-1-2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">We've had ongoing exterior renovations at the lakehouse since late August. The wood front porch and balcony shown above had been slowly rotting over the past fifteen years due to the natural elements, especially harsh Michigan winters. It actually took me three summers to find the right contractor. People showed up and then never returned. Others never showed at all. And then there were companies we just didn't trust. But finally I struck gold and although the tear down and rebuild was costly, it was a structural accident waiting to happen. </span><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">If you look on my sidebar you can see that the cottage was previously painted blue. How I hated that color. One of my neighbors said she liked it, that it looked like a "Storybook Cottage", then I knew I had to jump on painting it. I dreamed of a classic white home with black trim. It suits the double A frame. This is a dreary October photo which will change in the spring with the lights changed out, the front door painted, some new shrubs and flowers, outdoor furniture, and the sidewalk weeded and power washed. Happy days coming soon! </span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span><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/AVvXsEhHIgPs_PwOruOEzd_C5baIgwIQtMQo7V9FjuPNyZdx3uybBYBuY5Ag_FYVKs9mpPmU2b_3KwfVzjzprv6O01nIpwixAzMONq25tTF_-YsW6xBP3H3bkTSUgOg2zXDZ3ehkxCxV6RJczf4/s1920/123-1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIgPs_PwOruOEzd_C5baIgwIQtMQo7V9FjuPNyZdx3uybBYBuY5Ag_FYVKs9mpPmU2b_3KwfVzjzprv6O01nIpwixAzMONq25tTF_-YsW6xBP3H3bkTSUgOg2zXDZ3ehkxCxV6RJczf4/w400-h300/123-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">This is the lakeside of the house (above is the street side). I love the sun these windows that let the shine in. At night it looks spectacular from outside with the glow of the lights. A boxwood hedge and stone wall separate a small yard and meanders down to our beach. The covered patio is to the left and I'll get to that another time. </span></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/AVvXsEjubdM3UZDaqGiztZn90wOChXj4rk8uLUO7UwdBhnkJFeMr-U5PR9QqTqrfbzYHeJPpNTUWaozXmufIs41eu0KtSDwgL77P364-WuL9Yxhk3xxAZocr7jA1YDSon4YCjgblTzYaNHd3Rcw/s967/9D487E42-85CA-4F3D-B01C-350F4CB2A44E_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="967" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubdM3UZDaqGiztZn90wOChXj4rk8uLUO7UwdBhnkJFeMr-U5PR9QqTqrfbzYHeJPpNTUWaozXmufIs41eu0KtSDwgL77P364-WuL9Yxhk3xxAZocr7jA1YDSon4YCjgblTzYaNHd3Rcw/w400-h279/9D487E42-85CA-4F3D-B01C-350F4CB2A44E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">And here we have the guest house, or as the kids always called it, The Little House. It's basically my larger than normal She Shed, with a great porch for sitting and reading quietly, and a closer view of the lake where I can watch the geese, ducks, swans, and turtles pruning and sunbathing. Inside are all the comforts of home; an old drop leaf table and chairs for my writing, some comfy wicker furniture, and a TV that gets little reception. There are two small closets that open and twin size Murphy beds pull out. With seven screened windows, it's like sitting or sleeping in a birdhouse or nest up in the trees! I've shared photos of the inside but I'm going to switch out some of the cushions and pillows this coming spring for a different color scheme inside. </span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2Cb-i26cZf3-VPoHZttH2n7z4i8KkZMpvoy9JzvA73jbgfoTRWkNxeIher2k2IOpCbSIypWx4Jp8CuEbVS_nLHHGsrBxAHqa-KbYBc8QrtQKjVGsLoTbGYYqibcXGnJZYm3Pk1hHBfc/s1448/IMG-5510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2Cb-i26cZf3-VPoHZttH2n7z4i8KkZMpvoy9JzvA73jbgfoTRWkNxeIher2k2IOpCbSIypWx4Jp8CuEbVS_nLHHGsrBxAHqa-KbYBc8QrtQKjVGsLoTbGYYqibcXGnJZYm3Pk1hHBfc/w343-h400/IMG-5510.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">On a different and sadder subject, and the most upsetting thing that rocked my world this year, was the passing of my brother about four weeks ago. He had just been diagnosed with cancer of the chest wall, and was optimistic and in good spirits when he began chemotherapy. He was in great shape as a life long athlete, baseball and football coach, in addition to his recent retirement from 47 years of high school teaching. Three weeks after the first chemo, it was found it had damaged his previously healthy heart and he died September 26 of a massive heart attack. I still feel like I'm in shock. That he's gone and how this wasn't in the game plan. The days down near Louisville for his funeral, surrounded by his family, friends, colleagues, students, young and grown men he had taught and coached over most of his lifetime, and my sisters, was so, so painful. I can't think about him without tearing up. So I'll end it here. Rest in peace Bro. </span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14c-R3THgh7ZsyGeFuiEshlVlhDEwlRfR_erUJC_ZtZTh-_w8jHfYHLjYcz8vJB8tqDuyFaJ2w5y9yqFiRRRaXGK-gQ4QYnaykAaYby4GMnvMiBR2wl5KbMBdTiAXd8rnzk8YtNbdjwc/s1800/Roasted-Tanddoori-Chicken-13.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14c-R3THgh7ZsyGeFuiEshlVlhDEwlRfR_erUJC_ZtZTh-_w8jHfYHLjYcz8vJB8tqDuyFaJ2w5y9yqFiRRRaXGK-gQ4QYnaykAaYby4GMnvMiBR2wl5KbMBdTiAXd8rnzk8YtNbdjwc/w266-h400/Roasted-Tanddoori-Chicken-13.webp" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Roasted Tandoori </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Chicken</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I mentioned in my last post that I was experimenting with some cultural recipes to get out of the same old routine and experiment with different flavors. Indian spices and the combination of them really intrigue me and if you don't have the ones called for in this recipe, fear not, your regular grocery store has them stocked and you can get the small sizes if you don't think you'll be using them much.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">In this photo (<i>credit: The Modern Proper)</i> you can see that a whole chicken was used in the recipe. It has been spatchcocked, or the spine broken and removed to spread the whole chicken flat. I did this once and although it worked, I need to brush up on my technique because it was difficult and the chicken looked pretty mangled. Have you ever done this?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I adapted the recipe from the food blog </span><a href="https://themodernproper.com/roasted-tandoori-chicken"><span style="font-size: large;">The Modern Proper</span></a> <span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">and made some personal changes. I used chicken thighs to retain that crispiness and juicy meat without all the work of spatchcocking. I also used coconut flavored yogurt and it worked well. And finally, I tasted the yogurt and spice blend and found I wanted a bit more cinnamon and cayenne pepper. What a great juxtaposition. If you make this, let me know and please share any new~to~you recipes in your comments. </span><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Roasted Tanddori Chicken</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>2 1/2 lbs. chicken thighs, skin on, trimmed of fat</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1/2 c Greek coconut flavored yogurt (or plain)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>3+ T fresh lemon juice</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1 T fresh ginger (about a 1 inch piece)*</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>4 cloves garlic, minced</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1 t ground turmeric</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1 T chili powder</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1-2 t cayenne pepper</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>2 t cinnamon</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>2 t cumin </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>1+ t sea salt</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>A handful of fresh cilantro or flat leaf parsley, chopped</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and dried spices. Add in salt to taste.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet on top of a rack if you have one. You will still get the crispiness without one. Slather the yogurt mixture on the whole pieces of chicken, I did this over the sink with a large spoon. Place on rack.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>Roast for approximately 45 minutes or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees in the thickest part. Sprinkle with additional sea salt and serve over fresh cilantro or parsley, reserving some to to lightly dust on top. Serves approximately 6.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i>* I keep my fresh ginger in the freezer for about 6 months. If using a small portion as required in this recipe, there is no need to peel it, simply grate if finely. DO NOT attempt to cut a piece of frozen garlic with a knife, it's dangerous! It's not hard, however, to break off a chunk. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Thanks so much for visiting and for leaving comments on my last post. It made me feel a lot more positive in so many ways. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Next weekend is the baby shower for Abby. I'm in charge of the floral arrangements, cake table decor, and the funding! 😂. I am very excited and I'll be sure to take an excessive amount of pics to share in my next post.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Jane x</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-21669922433637564652021-10-14T02:07:00.003-05:002021-10-18T18:39:18.291-05:00BLONDIES BACK<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcCr3Yv-nE30_U7BeW-0y-orwUNBTa88Mojb6uN2NFWruVchoe_qrn3KWxrYBqvBXf2GOOibtWhe-UT9r0CgVGKY3oVNvqmUJpcD39GtB5F6HL9U85PoJlgt1g5q8nb3q5Kw722GXbpI/s400/clematis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcCr3Yv-nE30_U7BeW-0y-orwUNBTa88Mojb6uN2NFWruVchoe_qrn3KWxrYBqvBXf2GOOibtWhe-UT9r0CgVGKY3oVNvqmUJpcD39GtB5F6HL9U85PoJlgt1g5q8nb3q5Kw722GXbpI/w300-h400/clematis.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hello friends! Just wanted to let you know I'm alive and well. I visit all of your blogs so often, but rarely leave comments as you might come back to my blog and there has been nothing written since maybe February? I have no intention to give up blogging...it has always been cathartic for me. I remember when I wrote such funny posts about great days. Even not so great days. And of course, I still have them but what a challenging year this has been.</b></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>I still have problems with loading pics, so here is a summer pic. Happy! I'm busy and not busy. I spent so much time flat on my back until I could have my back surgery. Covid vaccines and availability of hospital space dragged it on until the end of May. I was off my back for several weeks before the surgery and then after. No pity party here. I've bounced back finally in the last few weeks, walking Poppy about a mile a day and clocking an average of 8000 to 12,000 steps a day according to my Fitbit. Housework and chasing after grandkidlets will do that for you!</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Before the surgery and definitely after, I declared I hated cooking. No more. No desire. I was sore and tired and we subsisted on grilled cheese and cereal for dinner. Oh, yes, frozen dinners which The Husband thought were genius. He can't fry an egg but the microwave really chuffs him. Thank the Lord. The kids and everyone said, seriously, you hate cooking? I was adamant. I couldn't look at the stove, my wall of spices. my drawer of chef knives. The desire was gone.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>But I knew I wasn't going to be a 61 year old lady who limped along here and there, and sat on the sidelines. So I've been working my bum off to get both inner and outer drive and strength. And on a good note, I'm cooking again...delving into Middle Eastern recipes which have always challenged and interested me. So far, so good.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>On the home front, we have been blessed in that we are all vaccinated and spending time together. This has made up for all the pain and isolation of last year and the first part of this year. Since I have severe asthma, I'm eligible for the Covid Booster shot, scheduled for next week. I'm very grateful for that. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> My daughter, Abigail, and her husband, Tom, are expecting their first child in December. There is something so different about this for me. She's my baby. I've held her hand through every doctor's appointment and wisdom tooth surgery. She hasn't so much said it, but if its possible to have more than one person in the room according to Covid protocol, I may be there for the special time. I can't imagine another experience such as this.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Abby and Tom bought a house about five blocks from us about two years ago. Emily and Mike just bought a home five blocks in the other direction! How good can it get? To see them and my grandchildren so conveniently? I'm so blessed.</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Husband has had a lot of health problems. I was beating around the bush in 2012 when he had cancer, as I felt it was his journey and not something I should share. I believe in the power of prayer but please...don't leave me comments that overwhelm me, with all due respect -I need space. Tell me how you have coped, how you have faced life alone, how you've navigated these rough waters, and even email me if you want to "talk". But please, no exclusive focus on this. I'm taking it day by day. Be patient with me. </span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> I could write volumes about all that has gone on in my world since I last blogged. No use trying to backtrack. Maybe snippets in another post. Please bear with me if this sounds like a total downer. We have our ups and downs, good times and bad, and life throws us a lot of curves. And I say laughing, the color and font of this post are beyond my own workings! But who cares. Let it go.</span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">So...I'll be back soon. The holiday season is coming up fast and it consumes me as an OCD person who can never let things be. I'll never learn at this age, so let's just celebrate!!</span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Love and hugs and so grateful for your support-❤️</span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Jane</span></p><p><br /></p>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-10513403518916923432021-04-29T21:08:00.001-05:002021-04-30T11:29:40.331-05:00SPRING MARCHES ON IN A PHOTO-LESS BLONDIEVILLE<p> </p><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><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi6zWMvB0ISXD9XDm76Z6QefZOBT4IX7w73Zy1SXiovNIAYdblyp13dDLgL3-SLCgEkerVqLJdYam0Yzf-fwQPwCvo4rUokzKJ4EcXoMlXhVb3akKjiZnsZeQetYvV0oJhTNqyMBLC_Y/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi6zWMvB0ISXD9XDm76Z6QefZOBT4IX7w73Zy1SXiovNIAYdblyp13dDLgL3-SLCgEkerVqLJdYam0Yzf-fwQPwCvo4rUokzKJ4EcXoMlXhVb3akKjiZnsZeQetYvV0oJhTNqyMBLC_Y/w300-h400/IMG-4812.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I made this little cutie for my granddaughter with more requests from the rest. Isn't it precious? I was actually at Hobby Lobby with Emily and the girls and came upon the needlework section. I saw three tiny kits to make this, as well as a sloth, and an owl. I asked Madelyn if I could make this little lamb for her. She said, "Yes, Grandma, but it's a unicorn." Oh, well, I still think it looks like a lamb. I made the sloth for daughter Abby because, well...it fits.</span><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I became very interested again in needlework since I'm pretty much off my feet several hours a day. I rummaged through some of my half finished projects as well as samplers, which I'm really not interested in doing. I will say that Amalia at<a href="http://handmadebyamalia.blogspot.com"> Handmade By Amalia</a> truly inspired me to get into some of the whimsical hand stitching she does so well. I have none of her talent. She tells the most wonderful stories and poems on her blog and Instagram feed-give her a visit! I have some online projects ordered. I'm sad to say there isn't much at all to be found in Hobby Lobby or Michael's. I drove out (into the burbs) to a Jo Ann Fabric and they had zero. Nothing. A few cheap counted cross stitch kits. And they're selling clothing and jewelry now. What??? If you do any sort of this using an online shop, please let me know.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">And this is my only photo for you, </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394;">I still can't load them. I have even searched You Tube and there was a video in which a guy concurred with the dumbass picture loading issues with Blogger and illustrated how he copies and pastes his images, but it wasn't clear from where. This really doesn't bode well with bloggers who seem to be</span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">disappearing quickly. I'm determined to keep it up. I found blogging and blogging found me after my sister died. Writing gave me the chance to escape from the real and cruel world, and forced me to look at the good things in my life. I still go back in my blog which I started in 2009, and although my photos are lousy, it brings back things I had forgotten, from people, parties, vacations, everyday happenings, and then the photos. A written journal doesn't have that impact. And I keep everything here clean and fun as opposed to my written journals!</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">If anyone uses Blogger, please email me with your advice. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">So this is a photo of Poppy playing in the daffs:</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> 😡</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">We've had a lot of rain so as you can't see, they are mud spattered and drooping. I can see them from the house all along the fence and that's where they can stay. The tulips are really coming up now-I cannot wait for their show!🌷</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">And this is a picture of a new garden bed:</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> 🤬</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I'm happy I got it mostly up and running last fall so there really wasn't any hard work to be done--I did the pointing and The Husband did all the digging. I'll tell you another time what was planted, I've lost the stick markers. I still use that free phone app called Picture This. Just snap a photo of your flower, plant, bush, tree, or weed and it will identify it and give you all sorts of info. I also have some flower seeds planted; four 'o clocks, moonflowers, zinnias, and cosmos.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I don't really know when we will get back to the lake to just hang out. The kids are coming up the weekend of May 15 to help unload all of the summer furniture, beach toys, and all things outdoors. The boat will be dropped off and we have The Beach Boys replenishing sand and weeding. I didn't make a big mark in the cleaning of the house the last time I was there and that includes a ton of laundry and getting the guest rooms company ready. I'm going to pick up some drop cloth from a hardware store and cut sections it to drape over the beds whenever I leave. No one wants to sleep in a bed that has sat in a room undisturbed for weeks. I leave windows cracked but I always wash my bedding and dust my room upon arriving or else my allergies would go bonkers. So that's my lightbulb idea. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Between my back issues and The Husband having new health problems, I'm doing my best to consolidate appointments into chunks so we can get away whenever we can, whether it be the lake, Asheville, a getaway vacation somewhere warm, anywhere. I really hope so. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">My current read is<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Erietown-Connie-Schultz/dp/052547935X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=connie+schultz&qid=1619748367&sr=8-1"> Daughter's of Erietown</a> by Connie Schultz. It had good reviews and I was having a real <i style="font-weight: bold;">fiction</i> mood. It really is good so far. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Well, I'm off for now. I'll probably think of a zillion other things I could have mentioned but it's about time I was short and sweet!</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Be well 🌸</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Jane x</span></div><div><div><br /><br /></div></div>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-81750661994243566392021-04-18T21:07:00.001-05:002021-04-18T21:07:33.529-05:00A LITTLE GAME OF CATCH-UP WITH BLONDIE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xWqnamFfeO9ov603T_c23_ZYS18Nhww4XdCYjwy9Js6u1j7G3JJGwq0bKC1O-jjLO7Z6spxezMrmdN_OYDlMonpdnQUvLF1N8NMYOigePSwBwwRCXUhrBcm3f4R5tZSef5SnHMot8Rk/s2048/FullSizeRender-295.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xWqnamFfeO9ov603T_c23_ZYS18Nhww4XdCYjwy9Js6u1j7G3JJGwq0bKC1O-jjLO7Z6spxezMrmdN_OYDlMonpdnQUvLF1N8NMYOigePSwBwwRCXUhrBcm3f4R5tZSef5SnHMot8Rk/w300-h400/FullSizeRender-295.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I miss all of you!! I never thought I would seriously get anything out anytime soon. You know--it's everything and nothing going on at the same time. My biggest reason for absence has been problems loading my photos on Blogger. I thought I would throw my laptop across the room if I couldn't figure it out after another try. It's working...for now. If anyone out there is on the new Blogger, give a girl a hand! I also found out that Feedburner is making changes and if you subscribe to my blog or anyone else by email, that's going to end in July. We were advised to download our list of subscribers but what to do from there is questionable. Any idea?</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I hate to start off all techy (or <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">tech-less) but all of this just made blogging unappealing. I'm going to do my best and hop in the saddle again! </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">These tulips are from the grocery store and I actually bought them a few years ago. Are they faux? No-I just posted an old photo. 😂. I had to laugh at something I saw on Buzzfeed now that I just used that crying emoji. They shared texts from people who thought their parents were undeniably inept at emoji's and how to use them. One really made my jaw drop:</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">Hey son. Your Uncle Mark died. 💀</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">And another from someone whose mother thought the "laughing til I'm crying" emoji was really crying hysterically:</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">Judy, I know you'll be sad, but my kitty passed away. 🤣</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">Ahhhh...we all need a little laughter these days. You can subscribe to Buzzfeed on your phone apps. I love it. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTtCNe6egV8zrSAqMiVDqtY6nxCYsRGo130RORopqVgi88ueGs4zy0EoUTLGoVyexdxiVBAnHR39ZRsNYHI5lLM6Mo2IEfB8rEAW-kETb8u-Pp8M-ZJFfubaGmStcdXRG7Ej5fRZNV7o/s1600/almond+bark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTtCNe6egV8zrSAqMiVDqtY6nxCYsRGo130RORopqVgi88ueGs4zy0EoUTLGoVyexdxiVBAnHR39ZRsNYHI5lLM6Mo2IEfB8rEAW-kETb8u-Pp8M-ZJFfubaGmStcdXRG7Ej5fRZNV7o/w300-h400/almond+bark.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I make this candy as an Easter treat (which of course, has come and gone). I thought I'd share because you can use whatever little candies you like for holidays, seasons, etc. I like to make an "adult" version with good chocolate pieces, some <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">pretzels, and smashed up macadamia nuts. Out. Of. This. World. In a nutshell 🙄:</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Place almond bark or white chocolate pieces in a large bowl and microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring as you go until melted. Spread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and then adorn with your choice of edibles. Place in your fridge for about fifteen minutes. Break into pieces and store in a plastic container for a few days or until gone, whichever comes first and I can make a good guess!</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2R-9a2mbJ8ABOk4hEaY1yqxGJoLxoLPn72PtoJroQPCGn7-IoH9-nt-ZLOe0W3q3IGUXoWcOprB3qGqu97jAqlBWAawAeuR4EKq0vqCMCQJR46D92v00zEqgx_hgvZFddp0k_7MrJQ0/s1024/2n6CmMbuSaKZR73Y%252BSUYuQ_thumb_88b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2R-9a2mbJ8ABOk4hEaY1yqxGJoLxoLPn72PtoJroQPCGn7-IoH9-nt-ZLOe0W3q3IGUXoWcOprB3qGqu97jAqlBWAawAeuR4EKq0vqCMCQJR46D92v00zEqgx_hgvZFddp0k_7MrJQ0/w300-h400/2n6CmMbuSaKZR73Y%252BSUYuQ_thumb_88b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Have you tried any CBD products? There are SO many out there and a lot of mixed reviews and misinformation. I did a fair amount of research hoping to find something that would help me with my everyday anxiety and sleep issues. I settled on this brand and I'm not disappointed. I take the daily gelcap in the morning, and a dose of the daily drops in the evening before bed. I do feel a sense of calm, nothing intoxicating at all. I also use the natural oil for my face, hands and ends of my hair. The gentle scent is heavenly and that alone is relaxing. Anyway, in my humble opinion, if you are interested in CBD products at all, this is a good company. I like that it's geared toward women, not to mention attractively packaged. Check out <a href="http://myeq.com">Equalibria</a> online.</span></div> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDioa5T2o-TTuvlPaKRI3q4nuuNQrhdCkqoQ8VDlHLIbHhG5gl4kAc2g5Cf48mDM8qL-6N8ECTl69BnLh52-Ou71i79EoldkA5k71FBG1cIDWQ_vtyfyZ8F4TTYusOWBKr4j8wgj6KRo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDioa5T2o-TTuvlPaKRI3q4nuuNQrhdCkqoQ8VDlHLIbHhG5gl4kAc2g5Cf48mDM8qL-6N8ECTl69BnLh52-Ou71i79EoldkA5k71FBG1cIDWQ_vtyfyZ8F4TTYusOWBKr4j8wgj6KRo/w300-h400/IMG_4604.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Another share I have for you is my subscription for these energy bars from a company called Verb. For a tiny little bar that can fit in the palm of your hand, they pack a lot of punch energy-wise. The caffeine content is equal to a cup of espresso so it doesn't cause any jittery feelings, just a nice boost if you are having a midday slump or have evening plans when all you want to do is put on your PJ's and cuddle with your pups. I've been getting my little monthly supply for well over a year now. The flavors, like Lemon Raspberry and Salted Peanut Butter are awesome and change up quite often. Maybe this is something you might want to try. Go online to <a href="http://verbenergy.com">Verb Energy.</a> And of course you know I don't make money for endorsing anything, I'm just a very pushy person that likes to spread the word on good things.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fLr2eDzDHFtsTx87w1DatJYDJJ4nw3NJLF4m42pfwWlHPZAm7lT_esWrKQzsAWnPkmgGNXIafPnpesPSGEC2554YS7L0-gG8-_tgSp9d4AnZi8e9hYrOmxWR7iA-PF9DHUdoMG4VyBg/s2048/IMG_5168.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fLr2eDzDHFtsTx87w1DatJYDJJ4nw3NJLF4m42pfwWlHPZAm7lT_esWrKQzsAWnPkmgGNXIafPnpesPSGEC2554YS7L0-gG8-_tgSp9d4AnZi8e9hYrOmxWR7iA-PF9DHUdoMG4VyBg/w400-h300/IMG_5168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">My reliable daffodils are blooming wild and tulips are just starting to open as well. I need to make a note of bare spots. As this area dies down, I have coneflowers, phlox, sedum, and daylily that spring up for the entire summer. I'm working on edging out another border with an excess supply of cobblestones and flagstone, adding flowers and plants as I go along. Well actually, I work at telling The Husband where things go.</span><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I'm going in for surgery on my back(again). Sometimes I feel like I'm ninety years old. My back is miserably messed up. It's only been three years since I had a partial fusion, and now an area needs to be clamped and screwed nowhere near the first fusion. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">For the most part, since the end of November, I have been spending less and less time on my feet and more lying in bed, taking pain meds, drinking tea, reading, watching a little TV on my laptop, and just appreciating the company of the pups. Surgery is scheduled for May 24. What a way to start out the summer. 🤦🏼♀️</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I can do my thing for about six hours stopping to rest now and then. Sometimes it feels like there isn't a darn thing wrong and then my spine shifts and boom, it presses on a nerve and the pain goes down my leg to my heel. Anyway, I've been doing what I can to simplify things once I'm home from the hospital. I make extra large dinners so I can freeze a good potion for meals The Husband can make. I've been organizing and tossing a lot of things. It's just mundane stuff that will nag at me and wish I had gotten done before the surgery. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">In other news, I'm fully vaccinated and my family as well-it's so great being together again. Illinois has done a great job with vaccines but I'm still keeping a low profile, doing as much as I can to stay out of the grocery stores, etc. I know for the younger crowd, being stuck inside and not being able to socialize has been rough. For me and The Husband, it wasn't a huge adjustment to stay home, we just missed family and friends. Thank goodness for books! I picked up my needlework again and even gave felting a try. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I'll leave you with that. Bring me up to date on how you are, what you have been up to, and anything else I've missed!❤️</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Jane x</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-38280999246267880062021-02-28T22:39:00.010-06:002021-03-01T11:44:43.620-06:00FRESH DECOR CHANGES INSIDE & OUT, BOOKS, AND SOME DELICIOUS RECIPES<p></p><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGDHLkgB5nRs_aCFAFfNVSirJrGoa_9e302UwKyRqDqNaNafz17EbwafPY0xEWfp6Tb8buWvHK4XkrB2rgJj7iaWjJkWGd_J6tYUQ-KaVp1cgzhoA0gdtEfEfoWZCEmVHSp2oazNPCTI/s2048/FullSizeRender-146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1657" data-original-width="2048" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGDHLkgB5nRs_aCFAFfNVSirJrGoa_9e302UwKyRqDqNaNafz17EbwafPY0xEWfp6Tb8buWvHK4XkrB2rgJj7iaWjJkWGd_J6tYUQ-KaVp1cgzhoA0gdtEfEfoWZCEmVHSp2oazNPCTI/w320-h259/FullSizeRender-146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Hello friends and strangers! I'm not even going to apologize for all the time that has passed since I last posted🤦🏼♀️. I'm trying to make up for it with a pretty picture from my archives. These beautiful roses were from my grocery store if I remember right. So pretty. </span><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I stopped physically going to the stores back in November when I was worried about flu season starting on top of the Covid. I really enjoy the whole shopping experience so I can't say I like having groceries delivered. The shopper just never seems to get the produce right. The other evening I placed an order mainly for fruit and vegetables I had run low on since my last "big" shopping order. Out of twenty odd items I received only half, and none of it produce. I ended up having to place a second order with another grocery store and surprisingly, they had everything I needed. </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"> 🤷♀️</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><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;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP18CEZcWTMPskwlPu-iv4N2dIyv8DZnV_K4Y6vH3RouJM7sCLtJAolunaOSjGrOmzSDIacWKhg6l42CuPVUiQDji_WNFORewUaOakIHZEDRkcgEgjm0YnzKEFPwEZjzdauHcr9XVlksQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP18CEZcWTMPskwlPu-iv4N2dIyv8DZnV_K4Y6vH3RouJM7sCLtJAolunaOSjGrOmzSDIacWKhg6l42CuPVUiQDji_WNFORewUaOakIHZEDRkcgEgjm0YnzKEFPwEZjzdauHcr9XVlksQ/w320-h240/IMG-4440.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">After I had packed away all of my holiday decor in mid January, I left everything bare for a while. I am so tired of clutter but I have a hard time taking a minimalist approach. Perhaps its just me but balance is the key when it comes to shelves. It can all go downhill with the wrong number of pieces, their relation to each other, how they measure, how they're spaced, color family, etc. When I try something simple, the shelves or mantel look barren. If I use too many pieces it gets busy and confusing, the focus is thrown off. Do I sound too technical for someone not trained in design? Hahahaha!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I made a list of what I didn't want, sometimes that's a great place to start. I wanted to get off the "cottage" style I had for many years. I was so inspired by what I saw and read in<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gil+shaffer+book&crid=1BDRAIK6G250E&sprefix=GIL+Shaffer%2Caps%2C174&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_11"> Gil Schaffer's</a> book A Place To Call Home. I felt like I was stepping back in time to the way I decorated in my home long ago. With the creaky floors and huge fireplace, I leaned toward darker colors, florals, thrift store finds with a history, and subtle pops of freshness with plants, books, and framed artwork. I took tapestry rugs over geometrical, and drapes over curtains. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Emily came over when I was contemplating what I wanted to do in the living room after Christmas. She took all the pieces (is there a better word?) I wanted to use and arranged them in such a way that I had that balance I strive for. As you can see, there are different heights and layers, organic touches as well as<span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"> old books, and a color scheme of browns, creams, and green. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81WuNEV7-UGUvxabh-In4Sb9bolH6gT63ICbbawvtRDRYLVAql45ubs3sQA7bANuPFyd3Wja4Fpli6KqsCVfMUmSjgo6aj7Gy34OVJ7VbBewn7YCEFbgjCPTok7OgCLsh3hOZQ3YLlBk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="2048" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81WuNEV7-UGUvxabh-In4Sb9bolH6gT63ICbbawvtRDRYLVAql45ubs3sQA7bANuPFyd3Wja4Fpli6KqsCVfMUmSjgo6aj7Gy34OVJ7VbBewn7YCEFbgjCPTok7OgCLsh3hOZQ3YLlBk/w320-h228/IMG_4441.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> I was just so intrigued by how she walked around the house and picked up this and that from each room and then shuffled, arranged and rearranged everything until it was to her liking (and mine). She also took a few steps back every now and then to look at different angles...now, remember to do that if you want to look professional! Seriously, I can learn from her, free of charge of course. She has that college degree in part by the generosity of myself and The Husband!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WIJb9q3OtpgMsxMywvp1s6oT4ECc8SfzmRl4DcJYAT7Unr-owBdWcdrRlwGoT-Je9IUbHQ-oCUWhWGv4-VKX4rJKjaobAoM8suGOeFdfIey7J6Y30m9fIW7iTIDkRa4ILkvOsvNALUI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WIJb9q3OtpgMsxMywvp1s6oT4ECc8SfzmRl4DcJYAT7Unr-owBdWcdrRlwGoT-Je9IUbHQ-oCUWhWGv4-VKX4rJKjaobAoM8suGOeFdfIey7J6Y30m9fIW7iTIDkRa4ILkvOsvNALUI/w240-h320/IMG_4432.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I started to use planner a few years ago when I wanted something a little more personal than a wall hung calendar. It's nice to have something that can fit in your bag. I no longer carry around cards with appointments, or pieces of paper with scribbles. I guess I'm still a little old fashioned, I don't use my cell phone much for it's calendar or notes. Anyway, even though you might have this end covered, I wanted to share my planner with you (and yes--I know, we are going into March!) and give a shout out to this women owned business, Me And My Big Ideas. They make several types of planners and journals and they are just so cute, inside and out. Colorful illustrations, quotes and inspirational words; it's also perfect for doodling in. Grab some colored pencils or markers, maybe some stickers (I order them from Amazon), and start each month with some artwork that will unleash anticipation for the coming days and weeks. I originally found this line at Target but since I haven't ventured out recently, I scored it on Amazon where you will also find all sorts of products by these talented ladies. ⭐️⭐️⭐️</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RtDsuiSWUiMAviWQmE-xV81_IECfBR6IFlhG9KD_CwPUgEAZhHQev4xos3uqfYZGMNaFg4cJwo4Fxbm_eCrzfT_zzltyyuTrQ-nLmyq1cwiQL9rTiM52fl8eahoCgMU1rpf9c6_KUec/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="241" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RtDsuiSWUiMAviWQmE-xV81_IECfBR6IFlhG9KD_CwPUgEAZhHQev4xos3uqfYZGMNaFg4cJwo4Fxbm_eCrzfT_zzltyyuTrQ-nLmyq1cwiQL9rTiM52fl8eahoCgMU1rpf9c6_KUec/w302-h320/IMG_4362.jpeg" width="302" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">My draw dropped when I saw this on West Elm, and not just over the furniture-- that's not too shabby either, but the whole space. It looks like it can be boxed up and dropped off in my backyard where my current patio is. Even the homes in the background resemble those here on the Southside. So, very much in the same way that you might see a sofa or dining room set and say, "I love it and it's going to be perfect..." that's how I feel about this picture. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNH77kabxkWYdpJT-GwPrJW5iMOQ4UtG2PbB95bUUpgMf9c_QfkK2oSk9cs2kQ4CrOiAc-GjhUgHKQSIf3aqEI-OJd7E7Ct3XvLhg0TmmQjEp9mr-F0QpP8U0WxiK-cK3HdSajamlMYKs/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1652" data-original-width="2048" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNH77kabxkWYdpJT-GwPrJW5iMOQ4UtG2PbB95bUUpgMf9c_QfkK2oSk9cs2kQ4CrOiAc-GjhUgHKQSIf3aqEI-OJd7E7Ct3XvLhg0TmmQjEp9mr-F0QpP8U0WxiK-cK3HdSajamlMYKs/w320-h258/IMG-2696.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is the most recent picture I have of the patio, possibly summer of 2017. I have wanted something done with the cracked concrete and I think I'll do brick pavers. I have the room to extend all the way up to the brick. I'll never grow ivy again, it was strangling my house a few years ago and I had to have it professionally removed. To add greenery I think I'll bring out some of my large potted plants. In a nutshell if I move things around I just may be able to have an informal gathering space. So what do you think? I'm in love with the size and shape of that little table, and how they mixed up the furniture by adding a chair rather than a third piece from the set. That saves you a lot of money. I've seen outdoor furniture everywhere so I hope I can get something similar if West Elm is out of the budget. Any ideas or something you suggest I add to the whole patio? I find making plans for summer a little uplifting when there are 10 inches of melting (finally) snow on the ground and another two months til warm sunny days. <br /></span><br /> <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/AVvXsEg1qgnOKy6hvJJkk0Y2TXru6PIhgebIufx6umjHHwIHu6ZvVBSl88I9kl055KnQdEDQ1L2YI32pP2xggHB9GIZbj8UjnoXOfEEITp32W6bZPW7NVtORhhhVwbrkzhEriC_kpXEp3o1mg7g/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1623" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qgnOKy6hvJJkk0Y2TXru6PIhgebIufx6umjHHwIHu6ZvVBSl88I9kl055KnQdEDQ1L2YI32pP2xggHB9GIZbj8UjnoXOfEEITp32W6bZPW7NVtORhhhVwbrkzhEriC_kpXEp3o1mg7g/w254-h320/IMG_4608+2.jpeg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I talk more about my reading on Instagram, maybe because I post more often there, but I really have been hitting the books. I vowed to read a book a week and I'm doing pretty well. Some books overlap such as when I have a non fiction book going and then feel the need for something fictional and so I go back and forth for a few days. I don't do book reviews so if you see one you might be interested in, all I can do is tell you what I thought of the book after finishing it. I almost always order from Amazon and I think they have good reviews from publishers, media, authors and the average Joe. What a pile I have here. A few I've <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">read. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">As I look around my bedroom right now from where I'm typing away on my bed, its piles of books on my nightstand along with a lukewarm cup of tea (spiced turmeric), laundry to be folded in a basket on the floor, random slippers and socks, and a menagerie of dog toys. Home. And I'm almost looking forward to getting up tomorrow morning and getting things in order and doing a nice housecleaning. Still nesting and faffing (as they say in England).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I have two recipes for you. One I clearly made at Christmas and it has become my very favorite homemade cookie. I only make them for special people because I will surely eat half of them. I recently gifted our next door neighbor with a box for snowplowing our driveway a few times over the past few weeks that we've had tremendous amounts of snow. Even with my wonky back I can shovel the porch and steps but forget the driveway. Then the snow plows come by several times a day and make a wall at the end of the driveway and it's back to square one. A<span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">nyway...here's that famous recipe:</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdbjJcDWsIGeng2FvxC5uVB9-4LYcEvIldvkDfMI3-Tdu50ROVxNF94vnTGKS6gFPTOsQv0GPPQiT0TTdORtg5RPjBdGT1l7weoKtdyvdBNCtOo_1uY0qtb3nv3eB6sOeMWIAD6USMrI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdbjJcDWsIGeng2FvxC5uVB9-4LYcEvIldvkDfMI3-Tdu50ROVxNF94vnTGKS6gFPTOsQv0GPPQiT0TTdORtg5RPjBdGT1l7weoKtdyvdBNCtOo_1uY0qtb3nv3eB6sOeMWIAD6USMrI/w240-h320/IMG-4354.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies</b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">3/4 c butter, softened</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">3/4 c dark brown sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">1/4 c granulated sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">1 egg, room temperature</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">2 t vanilla</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">2 c flour</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">2 t cornstarch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">1 t baking soda</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">3/4 c white chocolate chips</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">3/4 c dried cranberries</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go. Mix in the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Finally, stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Chill dough at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Drop tablespoon size balls of dough on the lined baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart. They really don't spread much. Bake approximately 8-9 minutes until barely golden brown. They will firm up as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then remove them to a rack or platter. If you are using the same baking sheet, make sure it has cooled down completely before dropping more dough.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPZ9iHGiBUXtm-6mB5aGdExKofRmevpKqJHUQhntFKjWE5TkNjESDye9EFv5g-ccJ98lMZC7ev7pF2MA581HaQhMG2DLAig9JnAcsyE0EkYaVV7yfbW1wuPRSzwF4SuInVDKbWYlsL7k/s1080/No-Knead-Rosemary-BreadIMG_0513-copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPZ9iHGiBUXtm-6mB5aGdExKofRmevpKqJHUQhntFKjWE5TkNjESDye9EFv5g-ccJ98lMZC7ev7pF2MA581HaQhMG2DLAig9JnAcsyE0EkYaVV7yfbW1wuPRSzwF4SuInVDKbWYlsL7k/w213-h320/No-Knead-Rosemary-BreadIMG_0513-copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Easy Focaccia Bread</b></span></div></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">A lot of people have started baking bread, or have returned to baking bread during this time that we are sheltered in. I have made bread in the past but it seemed like a long process only to result in one loaf-my sons could make one sandwich with. Another reason I wasn't keen on it also ties in with baking. I detest cleaning up flour and washing dishes and utensils with clumps of flour and dough. Weird? I think it's just in my blood I should cook and not bake. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Then you find a recipe that's easy and has your mouth watering before you've finished reading it. I can't remember where I found the original recipe and I tweaked it quite a bit as it was very wordy with a lot of unnecessary tips. It's a winner in more ways than one. The recipe turns out fab results with minimal hands on time. And for people like me who don't "get" the math and science of baking, its ridiculously easy. Shall I add that there is no kneading? It may sound time consuming and a lot of steps but I wanted to break it down for those of you who haven't given bread making a try. So let's get on it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">4 c flour</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">2 t kosher salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">2 1/4 t instant yeast (or 1 packet)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">2 c warm tap water</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">1 t butter, softened ( for greasing pan)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">4 T olive oil, divided</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Italian seasoning or finely chopped herbs</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Flaky sea salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">In a medium- large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir well. Add the warm water. With a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula mix well until there are no small pockets of flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 24. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">About two hours until baking time, lightly grease two round pans with a bit of soft butter, line them with parchment paper and then give that a drizzle of olive oil. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator, divide the dough in two and place them in the pans. Now just go on about your business and come back two hours later. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. The dough will have filled the pans and be ready to bake. Top the dough with another drizzle of olive oil. Poke a few holes in the soft dough (after you washed them of course), and then sprinkle with sea salt and whatever you have chosen as far as herbs and spices. I like the combination of rosemary and oregano. If you are using fresh herbs, chop them up finely, and for presentation, maybe use a whole rosemary stem or two decoratively on the surface. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Reduce the oven heat to 425 and bake for 22-28 minutes, until the tops are golden and the undersides crisp. Remove from the oven and using a spatula, remove the rounds from the pans and transfer to a rack to cool. Cut into thin slices to serve.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">This bread is delicious with meals or to make sandwiches with. I like it as an appetizer with company cut into two inch pieces and served on a platter with a small bowl of olive oil flavored with garlic and parmesan cheese. You can also freeze the bread and when ready to use, thaw it, then heat it up in a 350 degree oven. Enjoy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i> </i></div></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I hope that this post wasn't too long. Now that we're caught up we can move on to current happenings, and there are a lot, just in my world alone! Take care. Stay healthy. Keep wearing those masks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Jane x</span></div><br /><br /><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /></div>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-21520339157053668992020-12-03T01:59:00.014-06:002020-12-03T23:52:59.643-06:00HOLIDAY DECOR, COVID FOOD CRAVINGS, RECIPES & BLONDIES RAMBLINGS<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEQUUCWF4El-670-yD-QXQ4RW2RcgqfeeZYiJdSL9JteTck1s0ZlHI9bcfdQtxtH9e0wK29gIBeekOBWAYAKTX-VBR8_w-yCM2Eu6bKA6bdPTPL3jQSxzMmX06OWkT-89NoHAaIHRcE0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEQUUCWF4El-670-yD-QXQ4RW2RcgqfeeZYiJdSL9JteTck1s0ZlHI9bcfdQtxtH9e0wK29gIBeekOBWAYAKTX-VBR8_w-yCM2Eu6bKA6bdPTPL3jQSxzMmX06OWkT-89NoHAaIHRcE0/w320-h320/3FCF1F60-0856-46AE-8773-3B345346B84A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Hello friends! I'm trying to stay on top of my blogging. I am such a procrastinator and I wholeheartedly admit it. And I do not like commitments so I wait until the eleventh hour. This got me in some hot water a few weeks ago when my December newspaper article deadline arrived and I found that the regular old way I added photos to my blog was now totally undoable. I still don't remember how I did it, but I do know my editor was frothing at the mouth over my excuses and delays in going to press on time. And I never had the time to share all I wanted to during this festive time. So---for this post I finally figured out that I could drag photos from my downloads (I use a MacBook Pro) and insert them in my blog draft. This is the only way I could make it work and I'm extremely angry that the new Blogger changed so much with zero explanations or guides. Google was even using the old guidelines which no longer work. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">What a rant! I have a picture here from last year. I love my vintage salt & pepper shakers. Many never notice that they're not Mr. and Mrs. Claus, they are actually two Santa's. Isn't that odd? Maybe the maker never saw Miracle On 34th Street...there is only one Father Christmas! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #073763;">I haven't even begun to decorate...my stuff is beautifully organized downstairs but I like to buy my live tree first. And I'm seriously going to go minimal this year and I </span><i style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;"><span>really mean it!</span></i><span style="color: #073763;"> There may be no company, no one dropping in, and who knows if I'll be able to have the kids and grands here in the morning for gift giving and mimosas. I'm playing it by ear.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUXz2CrmPOpOWF4vNlMlL-4frUAzeQ9rRz_bcn8THaovXRQ8t_cd1xO2dwtL8uEVtL59Eqj_JqdQh14PORNkHQGUcevbuLd1puvBzQL405KiqxjLW2XwDhmJfn1BW8ieNSPtAim9RIXU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUXz2CrmPOpOWF4vNlMlL-4frUAzeQ9rRz_bcn8THaovXRQ8t_cd1xO2dwtL8uEVtL59Eqj_JqdQh14PORNkHQGUcevbuLd1puvBzQL405KiqxjLW2XwDhmJfn1BW8ieNSPtAim9RIXU/w400-h300/IMG-4229.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">I read and hear a lot about people putting on the Covid pounds; working from home and indulging a bit too much on food and drink to heal our loss of family and social life, it's not uncommon. But I'm addressing cravings here. I often wonder if we have them because our bodies are telling us we are missing something. Or maybe we just get hooked on something we haven't had in awhile. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">I gave up yogurt when I really started to cut carbs well over fifteen years ago when the Atkins diet became a hit. I still have fond memories of the days when I worked in an office in my early twenties. Once in awhile the receptionist, and a great pal, would leave a carton of Dannon yogurt on my desk as a little surprise when she brought her own. Then I would return the <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">favor. Don't ask me how but we never did it on the same day. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Early this year I came across Two Good yogurt (this is not a paid promotion). I was looking for the glitch ...2 grams of sugar and fat? 80 calories? It sounded too (two) good to be true. Well, I can tell you, its as smooth and creamy as pudding, and the flavors are perfect without being overly tart. I believe it's in most grocery stores. I really love the peach and mixed berry <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">flavors. Give it a shot.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">So, was my body telling me I needed calcium? Protein? Were my taste buds telling me that salty potato chips and sweet cookies were no longer necessary? Who knows but I should own stock in the company and I would love a year of </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">free Two Good if the Yogurt Gods are reading.😂</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEgRXC_A_DhCtInoyJYT6WO906DM7nQnpFhkZrjEBGiCsk-zrvued2G5AD1AmfLC-SqjHKBdeWG1Rz0BC_MmUvrUxm5vuRV8D2VXv_DnCMp6n3XIU3aRDKJsQPV23usXTgeItPoDydx8Gj8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXC_A_DhCtInoyJYT6WO906DM7nQnpFhkZrjEBGiCsk-zrvued2G5AD1AmfLC-SqjHKBdeWG1Rz0BC_MmUvrUxm5vuRV8D2VXv_DnCMp6n3XIU3aRDKJsQPV23usXTgeItPoDydx8Gj8/w300-h400/IMG_4223.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">By summer my</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: xx-large;"> cravings </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"> turned into fruit. Fresh fruit is often a side or a snack at the cottage, especially with the little grandkidlets running around in the sun and heat. I like a little bowl of fruit when we have breakfast at restaurants, but at this point I was cutting up an abundance of fruit I would buy; pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, etc. And the best part to me is to stir and flip the fruit everyday to get that refreshing and flavorful combination of the mixed juices. So no one is surprised to see ripening pineapple with its pretty texture and festive top, or melons taking up space in the fridge. So, what is my body craving? Hydration? Natural sugars? Something crunchy and cooling? Hmmmm...</span></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><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7STYXGif-AWTeXHqE6jYdphrm6docQ7n5Xy-BguBJGq7UTnGmupM2hmLlgsG0aoGYkPCHwS1gUqbTTC9_MhxvtLSniEEPvMqGD8W3bBBiYPgGT3sol0WYArxbd6QqMgslQwlumcQJryw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7STYXGif-AWTeXHqE6jYdphrm6docQ7n5Xy-BguBJGq7UTnGmupM2hmLlgsG0aoGYkPCHwS1gUqbTTC9_MhxvtLSniEEPvMqGD8W3bBBiYPgGT3sol0WYArxbd6QqMgslQwlumcQJryw/w400-h300/IMG-2721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Spicy Ginger Beef Noodles</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">And yet another must-have food: noodles. I'll take them any way. I also wanted beef broth and saltiness. And thus ramen bowls became a hit in Blondie's household. You can find a lot of choices of ramen noodles in the Asian aisle of your grocery store, they are wheat based and originate from Japan, but come in many different forms. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Anyway, I love noodles and I've been craving salt, and what better excuse do you have for taking in a coma inducing amount of salty soy sauce? I was adding it to food much like kids add ketchup to everything. So I was making many bowls of ramen and this is one I created and is a keeper. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Jane's Spicy Ginger Beef Noodles</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>8 oz. noodles of your choice</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>1 T veggie oil</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">1 t </i><i>sesame</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> oil</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">8 oz thinly sliced sirloin beef</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>1 knob (or inch) of fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">1 c (or a handful) of fresh snow peas</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">1 c baby </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>Bok choy, thinly sliced into ribbons</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>4 c beef broth </i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>1/4 c soy sauce</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>2-3 scallions, trimmed, tops and bottoms, roughly chopped</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>Pinch of red pepper flakes</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>1/2 c fresh cilantro, roughly chopped</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">My mantra, </i><i>particularly</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> in this recipe, is to chop, slice, grate, or whatever before you begin cooking. </i><i>It's</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> </i><i>essential</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> for a </i><i>recipe</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> that involves bringing the </i><i>layers</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> of flavor together in a short amount of time. Don't get fussy, just do </i><i>all</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> of this work at the start and keep </i><i>everything</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> </i><i>separated</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> on your </i><i>cutting</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>board (mine is super large)</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Bring a medium pot of salted water to boil. Turn the </i><i>heat</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> down to low and cover. Meanwhile, add both oils to a large skillet over high heat. Add the beef and cook, using tongs to flip </i><i>about</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> 2 minutes. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Lower the heat to medium and add the ginger, snow peas, and Bok </i><i>choy, and continue to toss approximately 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and toss for another minute, then add the beef broth and soy sauce. Let simmer on low.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Up the heat on the pot of water for the noodles to a boil. Add them, stir often and check the noodles by tasting them until they are soft, then strain.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Divide the noodles into two </i><i>bowls</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">, pour over the veggie/broth mixture. Top with scallions, a bit of red pepper flakes, and the cilantro. Serve immediately. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2SnpQQhBag9qdqeitMB1ELR487UTh7qnxTMHqd5ZVlsoaZkjVlHswzH7dRnOwPJxh5LxQxi4J7Ax5qnM6BLj1YYoOctUfFTX3ND8-8jKfe-3CXVgN7maPuPhMrz-Nqow-F2E5-yDbHo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2SnpQQhBag9qdqeitMB1ELR487UTh7qnxTMHqd5ZVlsoaZkjVlHswzH7dRnOwPJxh5LxQxi4J7Ax5qnM6BLj1YYoOctUfFTX3ND8-8jKfe-3CXVgN7maPuPhMrz-Nqow-F2E5-yDbHo/w400-h300/IMG-4283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">I made a pasta dinner one night last week and while I usually use half the box, I used the whole pound...way too much for The Husband and I. I kept the remaining half cooked pound in the fridge not sure of what to do with it and not liking waste. Then I came across a recipe for baked spaghetti, actually quite a few. I got the gist of it and then put together this recipe. Feel free to make changes as far as the ingredients and cheeses. You will absolutely love this. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Jane's Pasta Casserole</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1/2 pound spaghetti noodles, cooked</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>5 bacon strips, roughly chopped</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1 T vegetable oil</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1 onion chopped</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1 sweet pepper, red, orange or yellow-your choice, finely chopped</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">3 </i><i>garlic</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> cloves, peeled and roughly chopped</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1 1/2 c frozen peas, thawed</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>5 T butter cut into small pieces</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1 1/2 c grated mozzarella cheese, divided</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>2 T dried oregano</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>2 T dried rosemary</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>2 t nutmeg</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>2 t ground cloves</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>S&P</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>5 eggs, whisked</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>2 T butter, melted</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1 c bread crumbs</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese</i></span></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;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Place</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> the bacon pieces in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">crisp. Remove to a plate lined with a </i><i>paper towel. When the skillet is somewhat cool, wipe out the remaining bacon drippings with paper towels. Add the vegetable oil and once hot, the onions and peppers. Saute over medium heat until just </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">softened. Add the </i><i>garlic</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> and stir for another </i><i>minute</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> and off the heat.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl. With two forks or your fingers (as I did, clean of course), </i><i>separate</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> the strands of </i><i>spaghetti</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> until no longer sticky and </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">clumped. Add the cooked veggies, the peas, 1 cup of the </i><i>mozzarella and </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> butter. Do another good toss. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> Mix the dried </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">spices and salt and pepper </i><i>together</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> in a small dish. Add half to the pasta mix, toss, and then the other half, tossing again until it's </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">evenly incorporated. Since the pasta is cooked, you can sample a forkful to adjust the </i><i>seasoning</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> before baking. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Pour the mixture into a </i><i>casserole</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> dish</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> of your choosing. I used a deep dish so I'd get more density and less dryness. Once in the dish, mix things together again. You want </i><i>everything</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> blended. Pour the whisked eggs evenly over the pasta and then top with the remaining </i><i>mozzarella</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes </i><i>covered with foil R</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">emove </i><i>foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Top the casserole with the bread crumb mixture and return to the oven for another 10 minutes or as I did, under the broiler until lightly browned.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Let the casserole cool slightly, then using a </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">knife, slice into squares. Use a </i><i>spatula to serve. Oh girls, you will ❤️ this recipe! Serves 6-8 with a side salad or good bread. Enjoy!</i></span></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;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jrkLSkzK4Vl9t5UP3FxFgtQKvMoCtNdOptRTYvA7a1Jl7dXcVoOJvzaYFgesx_JWckvFpTgm7B5Hk0uQH8z88M-30kaApcXzchRWCXF5qFrUdPlqa7g4KV7OezVODOwpldzegm5DgVg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="291" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jrkLSkzK4Vl9t5UP3FxFgtQKvMoCtNdOptRTYvA7a1Jl7dXcVoOJvzaYFgesx_JWckvFpTgm7B5Hk0uQH8z88M-30kaApcXzchRWCXF5qFrUdPlqa7g4KV7OezVODOwpldzegm5DgVg/w427-h640/the+edotor.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"> I found the recommendations for this book on Instagram but I can't remember where. As a writer I was drawn to it, and as a long time admirer of the First Lady, J</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99); color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>acqueline Kennedy Onassis, I knew this would suit me.</span> </span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://amazon.com">Amazon</a> description: <i>The Editor...is about a struggling writer who gets his big break, with a little help from the most famous woman in America.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">It's fictional but based on fact. In the last years of her life, Jackie was an editor at Doubleday. When she died, her son said that she passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and her precious books. I'm only a few chapters in so the verdict is not out. Stay tuned, I'm loving it so far. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEgw8YyuTZsL3mRkEf-lUQ71H093798-clDxnhtF9Wzao5zKmtSyUVVKlJ1g8580kCQ3km4SpU6-_od7MVGebMlInB6azjTqznEKtpG5R3tEpGV84LrJye0A9hsbl_EH4eegqv0S1iy81Ps/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="260" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8YyuTZsL3mRkEf-lUQ71H093798-clDxnhtF9Wzao5zKmtSyUVVKlJ1g8580kCQ3km4SpU6-_od7MVGebMlInB6azjTqznEKtpG5R3tEpGV84LrJye0A9hsbl_EH4eegqv0S1iy81Ps/w432-h640/The_Queen%2527s_Gambit.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">I wrote on Instagram that I was well into this limited series on Netflix. Wow, it seems I'm the last one on the train! I'm really liking it thus far. The Husband and I, as well as our older sons, were avid chess players, we had family tournaments quite a bit. I think I'm going to dust off the old set.</span><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjTWLcWj2AL99TXTAlTlGcFjcPgoDpEKvXmUHbdEeLxFTk06BAEGHcrgzmnGqN2362furUZ-eT1V8-pMDjlbHaRwpw3XAVCbA9AuZl-eYu3KxVxF1TXpcub-_bRiFRfxlVu-b6Kztnzk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjTWLcWj2AL99TXTAlTlGcFjcPgoDpEKvXmUHbdEeLxFTk06BAEGHcrgzmnGqN2362furUZ-eT1V8-pMDjlbHaRwpw3XAVCbA9AuZl-eYu3KxVxF1TXpcub-_bRiFRfxlVu-b6Kztnzk/w640-h480/IMG-9082.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">As I said in the beginning of my post, I haven't yet started to decorate for Christmas. This is a very sweet arrangement my daughter, Emily, made for a cabinet using faux greenery and little wood cutout homes from the dollar bins at Target. I love her creativity and design on a dime. I'm going to go very minimal, and to keep that mindset I'm only going to bring up select items from my bins and rely very much on candles and greenery. I always fail to remember whatever I bring out also has to be put away. Ugh...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Who knows how Christmas will be. Our Thanksgiving family get-together was gathering in our backyard in 40 degree weather, wearing coats and hats and holding plastic cups of mimosas while wearing masks and walking around in an effort not to spend too much time with any one person. Some of my family has had Covid, others were exposed, but this occurred well before Thanksgiving and they were all cleared. Still...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Christmas is a toss up. We've thought that maybe we can do our traditional Christmas morning brunch and gift giving, at least for the sake the grands. Even my children have gotten overly sentimental about it. I'm hoping with the right protection: ventilation, masks, staying apart from one another and limiting our time, we might manage it. No decisions yet. </span></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp55BvlMtuGQ-Vt5R48s0vIRpICq7izlMoOFUE_ZyobYoVmi5xAJQxKsdU34TCVP9LJY0xshN1cNQrYk0tR-8kRtuYaTxHbyev-2OSEB2py4KXiaNsuJMzQVBVbPUGcyJfHEgHGqIQM0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp55BvlMtuGQ-Vt5R48s0vIRpICq7izlMoOFUE_ZyobYoVmi5xAJQxKsdU34TCVP9LJY0xshN1cNQrYk0tR-8kRtuYaTxHbyev-2OSEB2py4KXiaNsuJMzQVBVbPUGcyJfHEgHGqIQM0/w480-h640/IMG-8918.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Emily found this discarded, once sad looking sleigh. She spiffed it up with a little black paint, and created a cute winter scene! The best thing is that her daughter, (and my much loved granddaughter!) Madelyn, participates in all of these projects. She's going to be as inspiring as her mama. I shared this wiz of a designer in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6702005723584006500/558973977910676274">my last post</a>.</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Okay, in winding up I'll give you a few things I'd love to hear about in your comments:</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">1). How's your holiday decorating going? Finished or in no hurry?</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">2). Has the stress of this unprecedented time in our lives caused you to make changes in your eating habits, in particular cravings? Or is it just me? What are your favorite snacks and go to foods?</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">3). Do you think I should continue to post recipes? I'm not a food blogger but like to share some newish sort of ways of cooking that come out of my scattered brain.</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">4). What are you reading and watching? How much time are you devoting to these things? And if your thing is knitting or <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">journaling, how's that going?</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">5). Do you have definitive holiday plans? What sort of precautions and protocol do you utilize right now as the pandemic is at it's all time high?</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">You don't have to answer each question. As when you took exams in school, if you don't know the answer to a question, move on and come back to it later.😂😂😂</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Love and good health to all!❤️</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Jane x</span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div></div>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-5589739779106762742020-11-20T00:40:00.014-06:002020-11-20T23:50:04.006-06:00ALL THE FALL FEELS, RECIPES, & HAPPY ESSENTIAL "ME" FINDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gj7CgDCC-zL7ZwPCdC3aUn5xD2RGUuH9w9qka64HXDJEJtJq7D9UrhrWt01neyIU6UaWwV7zjoJTVhma1v0RDAAMTCKkEUSzXzMpZ4mOMUd8X6SOK7IBR64jlNlpjU__PDONjLGZEQs/s2048/IMG-0101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1962" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gj7CgDCC-zL7ZwPCdC3aUn5xD2RGUuH9w9qka64HXDJEJtJq7D9UrhrWt01neyIU6UaWwV7zjoJTVhma1v0RDAAMTCKkEUSzXzMpZ4mOMUd8X6SOK7IBR64jlNlpjU__PDONjLGZEQs/w384-h400/IMG-0101.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">Happy fall days, friends. This is a pic of the bay from last winter. As you know my last visit was cut short due to my clumsy fall on the steps and this is the view I wanted to savor for awhile. Nevertheless, here in Chicago I have a carpet of leaves on the front lawn and in the backyard and I'm going to have a slow go at raking. I'm still in a lightweight brace but I'm able to pull a loose boot over my foot and it gives me a lot of stability. I'm having guilty feelings over Poppy not having more fun outdoors and I also really need the exercise. Today I was tempted to take a slow stroll around the block with her and then I got distracted by something else~and she would have probably dragged me down the sidewalk! But still, our weather has been ridiculously gorgeous! Yesterday I sat on the back steps just to get fifteen minutes of sunshine. Mmmmmm... </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPELQYv8tr2u2pdfMYMx95ToIDObYvoTw8eR5fsCdiIpG47JJ858hmkrcBrnh5oDecbfKH5NkX7YU268RtlQRiG8C5vYa7MB9c_mO5zh1F-WIPzud3vHgx28ROE3vPdC6M-wj6JQ-AE0/s2048/IMG-4100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPELQYv8tr2u2pdfMYMx95ToIDObYvoTw8eR5fsCdiIpG47JJ858hmkrcBrnh5oDecbfKH5NkX7YU268RtlQRiG8C5vYa7MB9c_mO5zh1F-WIPzud3vHgx28ROE3vPdC6M-wj6JQ-AE0/w480-h640/IMG-4100.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Taco Style Baked Potatoes</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span>Moving on </span><span>to recipes a little earlier than usual, I am loving these potatoes, created and photographed by moi!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>First up, the pairing of the much loved baked </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">potato with a taco style filling/topping. You can totally do whatever you want with this but I'll give you a simple recipe for mine, which very much consisted of what I had in my freezer and fridge.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>2 large baking <span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">potatoes, scrubbed and washed</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1/2 lb. ground beef</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>I/2 package taco seasoning mix</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>1 c chopped iceberg lettuce</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92); color: #073763;"><i>2 scallions, thinly sliced</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92); color: #073763;"><i>6 cherry tomatoes, halved</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">1/2 c</i><i> sharp</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);"> cheddar cheese</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">1/2 c sour cream</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Prick the potatoes several times with a sharp knife. Bake at 375 approximately 1 hour (depending on the </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">size). Insert the knife until it slides easily into potato. Turn off the oven and let the potatoes stay warm </i><i>until</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);"> assembling. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92); color: #073763;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">Meanwhile, add the ground beef to a </i><i>medium</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);"> size skillet and brown over medium heat, stirring often.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">Drain and return to </i><i>skillet. Mix in the taco seasoning packet as per the directions but halved, and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often until all of the liquid has absorbed. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);"><i>Slice the baked potatoes in half, smoosh with a fork, and then remove about a </i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92); font-style: italic;">tablespoon or so of the </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92); font-style: italic;">potato</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92); font-style: italic;"> in the center to form a well (you can save this to fry up with your eggs in the morning). </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">Prepare your toppings. I assembled the potatoes and then finished them up. First goes the seasoned </i></span><i>ground beef into the center. Then top with the lettuce, scallions and tomatoes. Follow up with the cheese and sour cream. </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">You can keep extra sour cream and cheese at the table. Fair warning: you will need a fork and knife to eat this! Serves 2. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5kj7mwIEYE1fGUOW7mIikPRN3EOV8ex94e5JUrahSJs12uuYwc8TERSg64thVFmsngyksBA29XRVBxaiqHlCEfDkUIZTIf1meVOhEdX2rEQuEwLRd7JaDVlwABOMSve_2Gb-wbEi3ys/s4032/IMG-4141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5kj7mwIEYE1fGUOW7mIikPRN3EOV8ex94e5JUrahSJs12uuYwc8TERSg64thVFmsngyksBA29XRVBxaiqHlCEfDkUIZTIf1meVOhEdX2rEQuEwLRd7JaDVlwABOMSve_2Gb-wbEi3ys/w480-h640/IMG-4141.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Buffalo Chicken Pizza</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">I think you guys know that I love making my own pizzas for a simple and quick meal after a busy day. I like to use mostly veggies, sometimes zero meat, and just a brush of olive oil on the crust rather than a tomato based pizza sauce. The toppings just shine this way. I buy thin pre-made crusts sold in the </span></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">Italian section of my grocery store, no need to refrigerate and a long shelf life to boot. A tip here for thin crust pizza, don't forego the cornmeal on your pizza pan; a thin pizza can get mushy in the middle before it's done in the oven and it also prevents sticking as the cornmeal soaks up the liquid. As always, use the topping you like in addition to the chicken.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>1 lb. chicken tenders</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>3-4 T Frank's Hot Wings Sauce</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>8 T butter, melted</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>1 1/2 T olive oil, divided</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">1 thin </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>crust</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"> fresh pizza</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">1 T cornmeal</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>2 c of assorted </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;">veggies you have on hand such as sweet </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"><i>peppers, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, etc., thinly sliced</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>2 c Mozzarella cheese, divided</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>1/2 c crumbled, feta, goat, or bleu cheese</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>1/4 c Parmesan cheese</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">Dry mix~ 1/2 t each: Italian seasoning, granulated garlic, salt, fresh ground pepper, and a </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>pinch</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"> of red chili flakes</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">Slice the chicken tenders in half. Simmer in a </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>saucepan</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"> of water </i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> </i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;">to cover until cooked through and </i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>can</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> be flaked with a fork and knife, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the sauce and melted butter. Drain the chicken in a colander </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;">and place in a medium </i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>size</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> bowl. Slowly add the hot wing sauce and melted butter. Set aside.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;">Place the pizza crust on a baling sheet, preferably round and </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"><i>sprinkled</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> with cornmeal. In a large bowl toss your veggies with the </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"><i>remainder</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> of </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"><i>olive</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> oil. Begin to layer the </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;">ingredients. Start with half the </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"><i>Mozzarella</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> to </i><span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;">form the 'glue' to hold the veggies. Next add the chicken evenly </i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>around the pie</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> and sprinkle the mix of dry spices over that</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;">. The grand finale is the remaining </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"><i>Mozzarella, your choice of cheese crumbles and the</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> Parmesan. Add a pinch of salt </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;">and </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;">pepper at the end. Bake in a 400 degree oven to ensure the crispiness, for about 10 to 15 minutes. We like our pizza well done so we leave it in longer or turn on the broiler for a few minutes. Let the cooked pizza sit for about five minutes and then slice by pressing down with a large carving knife as opposed to a rolling pizza cutter or </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"><i>serrated </i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> knife, a perfect way to keep the toppings from sliding willy </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"><i>nilly. </i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153); color: #0b5394;"> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">If you have any questions, and especially if I made any mistakes in proportions, gulp, </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">send me an email or </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>mention</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"> in your comments.</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">~~~~~~~~~~~~~</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Don't you just love when you find something new and you want to tell everyone about it? I came across these <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=hydracy+water+bottle&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8">water bottles </a>and I was quickly drawn in by the various features that come together in making me reach for it every morning. It's just that fantastic.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5K0IeZCckQef7ab5wnKNlbdzlQJYW39eT7cmt0Rceqv82VRlnrXvbtkImEOXVIglfADnLhq1V5rAyYSsXyXh5xL0cVsqh1YWIAVW7oUjlVC2jrUlbs9MczQScn55yh3Pw2KSVPqElTw/s1500/hydracy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5K0IeZCckQef7ab5wnKNlbdzlQJYW39eT7cmt0Rceqv82VRlnrXvbtkImEOXVIglfADnLhq1V5rAyYSsXyXh5xL0cVsqh1YWIAVW7oUjlVC2jrUlbs9MczQScn55yh3Pw2KSVPqElTw/w399-h400/hydracy.jpg" width="399" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://Hydracy.com">Hydracy.com</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought one each for The Husband an myself. First off, this is a 32 ounce container made <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">of</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">strong plastic with sides grips that help when regular bottles sweat. Or you and your hand sweat~like after a workout. The bottle is marked in increments of time and ounces consumed. Starting at 8:00 a.m. with a full bottle, you can see that you will need to consume 8 ounces in an hour, and so on and so forth. By noon you will have had 32 ounces of water. Now it's time to refill the bottle and continue to drink eight ounces per hours until 5:00 p.m. And voila, you have had 64 ounces of hydration which is recommended by most health providers. And finally... the bottle has an insert infuser in which you can add fruit or whatever you like to favor your water. I love citrus fruit but but I once added a knob of ginger and that was really good. My favorite is pineapple. </span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I probably wore you out with this but I swear, there are a lot peeps on my Christmas gift who will be getting one of these! Check out the website.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></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;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_UcenmgVvQLgjrfLaxHEiHYgxq-tL-QYrpfqH18G0RFPPMPZ8qazJVlCy7jKUGjlRP-hthK6qVTMTP9UjeSSpsADohMS91W7ndFh4AGg0M3gJyqEj7lpo3TLVTGbcsDNCVGczPuQpls/s142/candle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="142" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_UcenmgVvQLgjrfLaxHEiHYgxq-tL-QYrpfqH18G0RFPPMPZ8qazJVlCy7jKUGjlRP-hthK6qVTMTP9UjeSSpsADohMS91W7ndFh4AGg0M3gJyqEj7lpo3TLVTGbcsDNCVGczPuQpls/w400-h400/candle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i>Yankee Candle: A Calm and</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i> Quiet Place</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I found this candle while sniffing around a floral and gift shop in the lake's downtown area. It was smell at first sight! When you've had enough of sweet summer scents, fall's pumpkin and spice wafting through the house, and evergreen everywhere, this candle is a nice respite. It's a wonderful mix of jasmine, patchouli, and warm amber musk, I have had a large candle burning in my kitchen right now, and usually a smaller version in my bedroom where I spend sone time reading and relaxing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I know that Yankee Candles are very pricey, most candles have seemed to up their prices. I get my candles on<a href="http://amazon.com"> Amazon</a> now that I can't/won't venture into TJMaxx. Give it a shot.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LaE7zm0T5emVesO50jVgNMHoZns_KS2OaeyxleE2GoI7GIqCETEyJH7Xh5AD8TlcrBB8VC1XmFpifK35rhBr5afKDOKkvKPWO2hg1UGPQHpo-IYZpuBJXmFcaa_gnNky8AYgAqB3cvY/s320/shopping.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LaE7zm0T5emVesO50jVgNMHoZns_KS2OaeyxleE2GoI7GIqCETEyJH7Xh5AD8TlcrBB8VC1XmFpifK35rhBr5afKDOKkvKPWO2hg1UGPQHpo-IYZpuBJXmFcaa_gnNky8AYgAqB3cvY/w400-h400/shopping.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i>Clean Classic Reserve, Sephora</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">This perfume has been on the glass tray on my dresser for the past four years (not the same bottle of course). It's very crisp and clean. You feel like you just stepped out of the shower and the scent of pure cleanliness stays with you all day. I wear this as my everyday perfume and get a lot of comments. You can find it at <a href="http://sephora.com">Sephora</a>. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"> I'm someone who has worn perfume since I was a teen. I was fascinated by my mother's bottles on her own glass tray and I would sneak into her room quite a bit and spritz on a little White Shoulders or Youth Dew. I felt so sophisticated! And it became a lasting love and ritual. Before I leave to go out of the house, I give myself a little mist of whatever fragrance is my fancy.</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"> My <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">daughters</span> have followed in their grandmother and mother's footsteps, they have their own favorite scents and I often gift them with a bottle on birthdays and at Christmas.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiScDLQf5TzNr3IVKxi2yRY3mfi0wMptr1q8OQr4z9A6BKYTZCQW0WZsMjWn-i4iuAmbGUjhYL6iAMs6NDrcCiIwyY_wjIXuZCtMroinlfQ13w5mjRVCWkZO6O05mJhYjxIL27XPdC_4/s2048/IMG-4126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiScDLQf5TzNr3IVKxi2yRY3mfi0wMptr1q8OQr4z9A6BKYTZCQW0WZsMjWn-i4iuAmbGUjhYL6iAMs6NDrcCiIwyY_wjIXuZCtMroinlfQ13w5mjRVCWkZO6O05mJhYjxIL27XPdC_4/w480-h640/IMG-4126.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>Made for Living by Amber Moore</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I have way too many decorating books (much like my overflow of cookbooks). My interest ebbs and flows but lately I'm tiring of decorating websites which feature homes and apartments that all look alike with current trends. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"> Finding an author who compiles decorating ideas and knowledge and creativeness along with gorgeous photos and generous descriptions and tips is something you want to pore through. This book had me at Hello! Thus, it's on my bedside table, a little worn for being new, pages earmarked. It's quite diverse, a little something for everyone. I find the placement of furniture quite interesting, and ways to keep a room from feeling cluttered yet displaying your treasures in a seamless way. Does everyone wonder if they will ever balance that frustration. This is a great book and since again, I found it at Amazon.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfh68ouA3AYlfScDTBrVlH5C8zV8RfF5j6RDhPAd_b5nSXU_68CnsofiSc02aivznVp6jkZi8bNvo1cGegKGpMbcQ8iIA-1w5mXdJDYuJKBk56UM0TD1sVWEHQ1VviQVNaGWyO2kBBnA/s2048/IMG-4142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfh68ouA3AYlfScDTBrVlH5C8zV8RfF5j6RDhPAd_b5nSXU_68CnsofiSc02aivznVp6jkZi8bNvo1cGegKGpMbcQ8iIA-1w5mXdJDYuJKBk56UM0TD1sVWEHQ1VviQVNaGWyO2kBBnA/w480-h640/IMG-4142.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i>A Place To Call Home by Gil Schafer</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">This designer comes right out of the pages of Traditional Home and Town and Country. His style is a mix of classic and cottage. And I love a mix as I can't define my style other than that. What I lack, and hope to achieve as I update and decorate the last bit of our home, is to add some antique pieces. My family room is freshly painted and the original hardwood floor will be refinished next month. The only furniture is a white slipcovered sofa, loveseat, and chair, and one side table which I need to share to describe, it's so beautiful. So I clearly have some space and I'm thinking along the lines of a few antique pieces of furniture and perhaps a vintage mirror and a painting. I may do a Turkish or Oriental rug on another side of the room where we used to have a round table and chairs for the kids to do homework. Not sure what to use that space for. Maybe a desk and a traditional chair to do my writing? <br /></span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NNpFQ0wNIO4qmzoQhmm0en6wIkapvzJSbw8hDUBL97En3eJcmm7dRxO4iUmivozDdu9hYxGHQ1bW3nvmP4zJSkoQENKmY0-Q6Nap8HMz7hrtD23KaeR1ID87n91SlZJN_L8ijCVPfxg/s2048/IMG-4118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1446" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NNpFQ0wNIO4qmzoQhmm0en6wIkapvzJSbw8hDUBL97En3eJcmm7dRxO4iUmivozDdu9hYxGHQ1bW3nvmP4zJSkoQENKmY0-Q6Nap8HMz7hrtD23KaeR1ID87n91SlZJN_L8ijCVPfxg/w452-h640/IMG-4118.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">There is so much sadness and tragedy all around us and the Covid is shattering records. I have many family members, immediate and extended who have had the virus and luckily pulled through without a lot of medical issues. The Husband and I have completely isolated ourselves other than our doctor visits. The kids want to get together outdoors on Thanksgiving morning in our backyard, dressed warmly with the fire pit burning logs. And of course our traditional mimosas. I think it's a lovely and thoughtful idea but it really goes against the guidelines and the current spike. Patience. I heard somewhere that we can celebrate Thanksgiving in July, when the very hopeful vaccines have been approved and put to use. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I decided to go with the flow of hunkering down in my house, somedays not changing out of the p.j's. Who's going to drop in? And I decided to stop damaging my hair with heat appliances, like my handy flat iron to straighten out my natural curls. So I took a picture. It looks pretty here but once I sleep on it or get caught in the wind, I have to mist it with water to spring the curls back up, and after three days I have horrific knots from not being able to brush it. What's a girl to do?</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I also started to take better care of my nails, skin, and diet. Boredom can make you do that. I'm not a "self care person". I get bored very quickly while taking a bath and the water gets cold I'm out! I'm trying to listen to soothing podcasts but always feel I need to be doing something productive~ definitely not what they are used to achieve. I've been doing yoga via streamed classes on the T.V, but I spend the first two minutes fighting off Poppy who thinks I'm on the floor to play with her. Sometimes I think I'm more content cleaning the stove. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I pray all of you are healthy as well as your family and friends. Hang tight. Know family love is in the heart as well as in person. FaceTime, Zoom. I started Christmas cards early so I could add a little note to each, something I've hadn't had time to do in years. We need that expression of love and kindness and who doesn't like something beautiful in the mail?❤️❤️❤️ </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Sending love and prayers 🙏</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Jane</span></div><div><br /></div></div>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-70911788654620444992020-10-28T02:09:00.006-05:002020-10-28T20:05:35.258-05:00ALL THE BEST OF FALL IN CHICAGO & MICHIGAN<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_HH4amkT1WbDTpx9TUENS5jpKkLB8-sLzRtEnSO2Y23W1_uRdKp5yD3UyIC1FwOmH_BR5e9q0OVwc_3C1KQNOQeGWkYo9u6TYnecNuv35-G5VoLPzEDQtt8jeXUbqV-I_0V2qMjj5Iw/s2048/IMG-4034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="2048" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_HH4amkT1WbDTpx9TUENS5jpKkLB8-sLzRtEnSO2Y23W1_uRdKp5yD3UyIC1FwOmH_BR5e9q0OVwc_3C1KQNOQeGWkYo9u6TYnecNuv35-G5VoLPzEDQtt8jeXUbqV-I_0V2qMjj5Iw/w400-h284/IMG-4034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>A-mazing Acres, Edwardsburg, MI</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well,</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">hello! Where have you been? Last time we met up it was August! Let's forget about that, summer has ended, I had a last hurrah at the lake for five straight weeks. Total solitude and visits from The Husband most weekends. I think it made up for getting up there and rolling so late in the season due to our quarantine and then hesitation to venture out. Everything outdoors is now stored away, the house is spiffed up and there is no sign of crumbs or sand. I'm not sure if our January sledding weekend will take place, we aren't going to take any chances of catching a cold, the flu, or the virus. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">We celebrated fall and all things fall not only in the city, but at the lake. Emily, our designer daughter, had a "Special" in her business for fall porch styling. She had a good number of requests and jobs. Each and every one of the porches, of all size and shape turned out fun, festive, and reflective of the homeowner's taste. She worked her bum off! You can visit her website, <a href="https://www.curatedesignstudio.com">Curate Design Studio</a> to get a peek at what they do. She does virtual design consultations for those who are outside Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. She's also on Instagram at Curate.Studio.Chicsgo. I may be partial but I love her Stories! Informative, fun, and full of hands on advice and tips anywhere from styling a shelf to creating a gallery wall. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvW5LQ8SsEfOktUZ2e6TWXTRJ7V1HblYbx_ISP-6QUVZJra57OVj2y6FOlMECGwuLDrVUhu35af8TlKsP99g76CtdaF5Tdl8InTaKvGFvH-9b077-4tfPv5mwqtL9PiaX0PMHfLzd1oQ/s2048/IMG-4053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvW5LQ8SsEfOktUZ2e6TWXTRJ7V1HblYbx_ISP-6QUVZJra57OVj2y6FOlMECGwuLDrVUhu35af8TlKsP99g76CtdaF5Tdl8InTaKvGFvH-9b077-4tfPv5mwqtL9PiaX0PMHfLzd1oQ/w400-h300/IMG-4053.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Diamond Lake, MI</i></span></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I have never grown zinnias myself but I have memories of being very young and my grandfather leading my sisters and I around the backyard where he grew them all along a picket fence as a tall border. </span><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">One day in early September I was taking Poppy for a walk at the lake. I was admiring the zinnias growing around a mailbox near the road. It may have been serendipity, but the lady who lived there happened to pull in her driveway and walked over for a meet and greet (and have Poppy maul her with sloppy kisses and tail wags!). We chatted about the zinnias. She told me that she let the seeds fall and they came up again the following spring. She also kept a few seed heads to scratch into the soil and then lets nature take its cue. This is going to be one of my many new projects in the garden next spring- growing tall, blowzy zinnias. And I'm going to do a raised bed for tomatoes. We were gifted with so many tomatoes this summer that we were eating them every way possible and there was not one tomato forgotten, they were that good! Any new ideas for your gardens next spring?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzghNyrQIqsexqz7QH2dFmoPbqzn6Tm2cot0gH904CnmdvCFhB1TnEcs0TqMDGlgUUHqvMDHzUF5RnyPmBWr8z-Rt8RTVHVeDGQPjJMo8MB5DwDGElnjIlRs1ll3oN_8yYn7UetwlGxv8/s960/IMG-3961.JPG" 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/AVvXsEgzghNyrQIqsexqz7QH2dFmoPbqzn6Tm2cot0gH904CnmdvCFhB1TnEcs0TqMDGlgUUHqvMDHzUF5RnyPmBWr8z-Rt8RTVHVeDGQPjJMo8MB5DwDGElnjIlRs1ll3oN_8yYn7UetwlGxv8/w300-h400/IMG-3961.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Our little Madelyn is quite the little dancer and loves to pose for the camera. She really has a gift. She's been modeling for a children's clothing line, <a href="https://sproutandberry.com">Sprout and Berry</a>. If you have kids or <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">grandkids, have a peek. Such cute clothing!</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM93Q8oP8Q5qA4tPCxXzzSjIVAbOw2wU31aOjlavndbRVdeO-bd9seoujF9WtzGdmYeKb6e6MDVLv7hgMkePRUN3aSohi5z_Pg1-FY6V4XHRBb4uODrtE2_USzpnRQakt4tf3nARh_BA/s1953/IMG-3871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1953" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM93Q8oP8Q5qA4tPCxXzzSjIVAbOw2wU31aOjlavndbRVdeO-bd9seoujF9WtzGdmYeKb6e6MDVLv7hgMkePRUN3aSohi5z_Pg1-FY6V4XHRBb4uODrtE2_USzpnRQakt4tf3nARh_BA/w400-h300/IMG-3871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Sprout and Berry</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">This dress is so, so cute. Mad has the modeling moves down, although this could be her reaction to being told to sit still! 😒</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><i>Fall Decorating</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5ThUEOuY4DvoOvp5irvHuM35q6060fNoMgwvBffPX7xFlXlxQFNi2cMrqueD-EFbNpvV61c4yMTQ97RJ64YMxhyWdsxNiUJFKCkaRpmH_yjZDoTWkOv12kPFhh1BxScyX6lgFYr33s0/s2048/IMG-4074.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5ThUEOuY4DvoOvp5irvHuM35q6060fNoMgwvBffPX7xFlXlxQFNi2cMrqueD-EFbNpvV61c4yMTQ97RJ64YMxhyWdsxNiUJFKCkaRpmH_yjZDoTWkOv12kPFhh1BxScyX6lgFYr33s0/w300-h400/IMG-4074.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>City House Porch, Chicago, IL</i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVFxHB0F6vixwU-dcRTb3G8h5DvgqTYuhZOwLLu94oGcWpJ8RugQnOM47f6IE7NhUzXpzEq-oxM-AtVnO54W7ujo7p5V_tF0LYBOczVCqDbEt610yh_MrUvBUmQA50wppyRz09qjHeao/s4032/IMG-4012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVFxHB0F6vixwU-dcRTb3G8h5DvgqTYuhZOwLLu94oGcWpJ8RugQnOM47f6IE7NhUzXpzEq-oxM-AtVnO54W7ujo7p5V_tF0LYBOczVCqDbEt610yh_MrUvBUmQA50wppyRz09qjHeao/w300-h400/IMG-4012.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>My porch, courtesy Curate </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>Design Studio</i></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><i>Fall Fun!</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6y4mgqbBI41OUbp8LCpMi5zfnBj7nitBeOOicgl23g2qqYrKyjCU1MoopC2KxWlmxU6eirOtOLfa-oeoAeBNXSYcC2iczvzQbgCho8am64wl-35Ho-wlNvFSnM39Pdgcy0oQr-qe6YPw/s2048/IMG-4024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6y4mgqbBI41OUbp8LCpMi5zfnBj7nitBeOOicgl23g2qqYrKyjCU1MoopC2KxWlmxU6eirOtOLfa-oeoAeBNXSYcC2iczvzQbgCho8am64wl-35Ho-wlNvFSnM39Pdgcy0oQr-qe6YPw/w300-h400/IMG-4024.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Diamond Lake, MI</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">So many pumpkins, so many choices. Pansies are my choice of flowers in the fall, they can make it past a frost or two. I've heard they are actually called pansies because they can't stand the heat of summer! Mums are spectacular but need a good watering every few days, if not everyday. As rainy as it might be in October, the flowers are so dense they don't get the hydration down to the roots, hence the watering. In the Midwest we simply can't grow anything until the spring bulbs pop up so there's none of those relaxing days in the garden. Living here all my life, I'm envious of those of you in warm weather areas, but I'm very much emotionally attached to Chicago and appreciate the evergreens and the haven they provide for those bright red birds, the cardinals!</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk4IguD-NIoXXcizzQ1qCmaT9l4Tggo7j6MDLglE0842v9-nnfo-MWWZtXnMctKh3nxincGEWXXOykIvxRk44Z4dZVR9kitbGEmj2mJgc09HTPNpgdanGSlwtsappD_3rmRi6qmfl6Rg/s2048/IMG-6822.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk4IguD-NIoXXcizzQ1qCmaT9l4Tggo7j6MDLglE0842v9-nnfo-MWWZtXnMctKh3nxincGEWXXOykIvxRk44Z4dZVR9kitbGEmj2mJgc09HTPNpgdanGSlwtsappD_3rmRi6qmfl6Rg/w300-h400/IMG-6822.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>Cousins: Madelyn, Elsie & Patsy</i></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">The grand girls were up for our "Fallin" weekend. Little Lucy didn't make the cut for some of the action pics. My daughters dressed the girls in these matching outfits and the colors really made it easy to watch them when we went to the pumpkin patch, which was pretty much like a small county fair. They also had cute little silk pajamas and after their bath in our big free standing tub (they used a green bath bomb and claimed they were bathing in a swamp!), Emily and Abby brushed and braided their hair and they fell into bed exhausted. Such a memorable weekend.</span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Recipes</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimk1AcgTS4Spv8fBkHjqddL9_LuuNdRXaFfLchRNVGLCNajVzXArWmiaoKX3Zf6rJFWpaZuwofSRCDKHClaVDLBFTLaQOqv9SmnpWOZqOgf1qNcTxBsNhvSsCaU-Y4Ts74idibFN8iIY/s4032/IMG-3998.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimk1AcgTS4Spv8fBkHjqddL9_LuuNdRXaFfLchRNVGLCNajVzXArWmiaoKX3Zf6rJFWpaZuwofSRCDKHClaVDLBFTLaQOqv9SmnpWOZqOgf1qNcTxBsNhvSsCaU-Y4Ts74idibFN8iIY/w300-h400/IMG-3998.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Individual Chicken Pot Pies</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> I usually make these after Thanksgiving with leftover meat and there's always leftover meat! But I recently made a whole chicken and thought I'd used the light and dark meat for these. Puff pastry makes it super easy and fast. Ramekins can be too small, so these crocks worked well. Just use any type of oven </span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">proof bowl or crock you have.</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>2 c cooked shredded chicken</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>2 T butter</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>1 yellow onion, chopped</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>2 cloves garlic, chopped</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>2 medium red or yellow potatoes, peeled and cubed small</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>1 1/2 c frozen peas and carrots</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>1/3 c flour</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>1 c chicken broth</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>3/4 c milk or cream</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>1 T dried thyme</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>1 T dried tarragon</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>S & P</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>1 sheet of puff pastry*</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>1 egg, beaten</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>In a large saucepan, melt the butter and add the onion. Cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, stirring often. Add the chopped garlic and continue to cook an additional 2 minutes. Turn up the heat and add the flour, whisking until you have a thick roux. Slowly add the broth and milk, stirring until bubbly. Add the chicken, potatoes, peas and carrots, and dried herbs, and let simmer about 5 minutes. Taste a spoonful of the mixture and add salt and pepper if needed. While this is going on, lay out your sheet of puff pastry on a floured surface and gently roll out about an inch or so on all sides. Using a knife or pastry wheel, cut the pastry so you have four even squares. Ladle the chicken mixture evenly in your oven proof bowls and gently press a piece of pastry on each one, pressing down along the edges with a fork to secure in place. Brush each one with the beaten egg and make an X with a knife in the center fo the steam to escape. Place the bowls on a sheet pan and place in a 375 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the pastry is a pretty golden brown. Enjoy!</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>*Please note that you need to take the puff pastry out of your freezer about 30 minutes before using. If it's too soft it will be sticky and difficult to work with. </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6koQ_AOV88AnyUOsPBNgFbi-l69mYcikgkhKlH-E0FIAzUm9sz7-nuTyb0BzYwq8bvEcvT6U16IJxjgoMjIV3duJbDgPDNoBlEWAug7rB107Vq6Al1Q_wPWgnyCgQD8GHfNVfa7fndgU/s1050/best-christmas-cookie-recipes-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6koQ_AOV88AnyUOsPBNgFbi-l69mYcikgkhKlH-E0FIAzUm9sz7-nuTyb0BzYwq8bvEcvT6U16IJxjgoMjIV3duJbDgPDNoBlEWAug7rB107Vq6Al1Q_wPWgnyCgQD8GHfNVfa7fndgU/w266-h400/best-christmas-cookie-recipes-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> With my thoughts leaping ahead to cooler days with all the cozy scents of fall in the air, I'm dreaming of pies, muffins, <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">chunky</span> cookies, and quick breads, I decided I had to give you one of my favorite cookie recipes that is definitely for grownups. I love these in the afternoon with a cup of Joe or tea, or maybe a few after dinner just for that last sweet bite for the day. Of course you can keep them in your cookie jar for the kiddos, but if you know they're there, they might not be around long! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">This recipe comes from longtime favorite blogger, <a href="https://julieblanner.com">Julie Blanner</a>, and credit for this photo goes to her as well. I did write it out myself rather than provide a link.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Caramel Cheesecake Cookies</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">8 oz. cream cheese, softened</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">1/2 c. butter, softened</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">1 1/2 c sugar</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">1 t vanilla</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">2 c flour</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">1/2 c graham cracker crumbs</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">1 bag of caramels</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Preheat over to 350 degrees</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Combine cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla. Beat in mixer until fluffy.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Gradually add the flour and graham cracker crumbs.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Roll a somewhat large ball of dough, about the size of two cookie scoops. Make a hole into the center with your thumb and insert a caramel. Gently roll back into a ball. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and continue with the rest of the dough.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and press each cookie with the bottom of a glass that has been buttered. Press gently and give it a bit of a turn. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 3 minutes. </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">You can serve these warm but if you can't, 10 seconds in the microwave will work. Yields 24 cookies. </span> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>Happenings... </i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">So other than running around pumpkin patches with the kiddo's and enjoying fall and some cozy time in the kitchen, much more goes on behind the blog. Lots of ups and downs, but I really don't do a lot of, </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">"Why me?" Not because I'm a Martyr or comparing myself constantly to others who are much more worse off, its more because I'm used to the barest of normalcy in my life--I say this with a little giggle but if we had a timeline going for the past few years, and my blog is proof positive, I'm always an accident not ready to happen--but happening!😂</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WeVC2y7EcXfJ8H3DYEt9j4dxcpmAOfPeteq-va4qL6_04M29yojK51RDDjx7Nu7NVtf8yZV1V7OtaGJGBU4HQtwQnXcbk3gZQ4vJ5rjmR8QRMsrMGP7TKrBNhsu-V7Cys0jEc_xxepQ/s2048/IMG-3921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WeVC2y7EcXfJ8H3DYEt9j4dxcpmAOfPeteq-va4qL6_04M29yojK51RDDjx7Nu7NVtf8yZV1V7OtaGJGBU4HQtwQnXcbk3gZQ4vJ5rjmR8QRMsrMGP7TKrBNhsu-V7Cys0jEc_xxepQ/w300-h400/IMG-3921.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">In mid September I was happily plugging along, giving the lakehouse a good end-of-year cleaning, doing some additional planting and mulching in the yard, and just soaking in this pause in time, a sort of yawn if you will. Most people leave the lake for the winter just after Labor Day, even those with year round homes so everything seems to slow down and become mellow. I felt so much more content in enjoying my morning coffee on the front porch with Poppy and Layla. We took long slow walks down the quiet roads and I started making fires inside in the evenings. The three of us just sat on the couch hypnotized and peaceful.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">And then one afternoon (drumroll) I walked out the service door to the garage, arms full with a dozen things, and missed the bottom step. Down I went, it felt like slow motion. I felt like a pretzel when I landed on the garage floor, my legs all twisted under me. I could feel the pain in my right leg and instinct told me to get it out from under my bum and it was excruciating as I maneuvered this. Whew! I sat and thought for awhile, Layla was scurrying around under the boat and trailer (she was one of the things I was carrying as I was on the way to a last minute appointment getting her into a vet). I knew I had to get back in the house and I also knew my right leg was messed up and the pain was getting worse. Well, I won't make this any longer...I hope. I bumped my way up the steps on my rear end, was able to open the door, and then crawled into the kitchen. Oh, and my good ten minutes of thinking was crucial, I dragged my purse, with my phone in with me. I mean, </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">I </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"><i>actually</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);"> had a plan. </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">But there was no one to call, the lake people had gone home. It was just me and the dogs. This is beginning to sound like a screenplay for a movie. Okay, I crawled to the fridge to get an icepack, then realized I could pull myself up by using the drawer of the freezer and the countertop just across from it. No small feat as I </span></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">couldn't put weight on my right leg. And then I thought another five minutes or so--these things need to be multi-tasked. I needed to get into the great room and then I would not be able to get anywhere else. I grabbed the icepack, my phone, a water bottle, and a bottle of wine, and then did a hop until I could reach a dining room chair and then used that to get to the couch and collapse. The ice pack numbed my lower leg which was like a balloon, and the wine went down really well, too. The dogs and I were able to get through the night other than me and the chair making a run to the powder room. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOvn8bck23l659MwyvNuL8xVHyx353xsPhNQPfYQ57aBHxYpF9ax_RS-qe2i9AFBdBYhV8wApzvHBhhFw_cvVFxS14pluMQJ8Rm1179ejAqy7ILwO91mo7rGx5Hv-nSCwnhcs8ISAeYc/s2048/E7606A92-E1A2-4F80-8C8B-2EE0FAD6C14E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOvn8bck23l659MwyvNuL8xVHyx353xsPhNQPfYQ57aBHxYpF9ax_RS-qe2i9AFBdBYhV8wApzvHBhhFw_cvVFxS14pluMQJ8Rm1179ejAqy7ILwO91mo7rGx5Hv-nSCwnhcs8ISAeYc/w320-h400/E7606A92-E1A2-4F80-8C8B-2EE0FAD6C14E.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">The Husband was up the next morning. This man has saved my butt more times than I can count. He once had to rescue me when I was down in Key West and had a little trouble with...er, the law. He drove form Michigan to Chicago, caught a flight to Miami, and drove two hours to Key West to bring me back home. But that's a story for another blog post. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">So, I have a fractured tibia. I'm growing new bone as we speak. I am following doctor's orders to the letter, I want to dance again. And I mean that. And run. And play hopscotch with my grandkids. This party ain't over yet! 🥳🥳🥳. Oh, Layla finally made it to the vet, she had to have nine teeth pulled (and not from being flung across the garage), and to the tune of what would amount to a down payment on a new car. <br /></span><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">In other news, we are getting new wood floors in part of our house, this will be a fine mess. The Husband has <i>one more </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">case </i>yet to bring to a closure and he will really and truly be retired. I consider him <i>reeeeeeeally </i>retired because he is underfoot every single day. He spends most of his time researching the Civil War, just when you think there was nothing left he didn't know, his coin collection, which takes up a lot of room and seems useless to me since I can't use it as actual currency, and new properties to invest in, preferably in Tennessee where you don't have to pay property taxes and we would most likely have to take up full residency. But he's still underfoot.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I actually deleted the last part of this post which makes for a whole new post coming soon. I promise it won't be "all about me." </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I hope all of you are well, physically and mentally. It's going to be a long winter, hard on those of us who want to be near family and friends but risk too much health wise. I have been managing to get out to do my grocery shopping, the pharmacy, doctor appointments 🙄, but I sure would love a trip to Target or TJ Maxx! That's a thing of the past with this new wave of the virus on top of flu season. I feel my life with The Husband hasn't changed too drastically In this pandemic. Other than family parties, get-togethers, and holidays, we have always pretty much stayed at home and chilled doing our familiar comfortable things. We actually make popcorn and watch a movie once in awhile on a Saturday night. I love to cook so we sit down for dinner every evening, we may order out once or twice a month. I like to do my online shopping, in fact I'm working on Christmas already and that's a rarity! But we have a tight budget with him retiring. we both enjoy reading and watching the news together. He does his thing on his iPad and I do blogging, Instagram, shopping, and Googling all my medical issues on my laptop. We play with the dogs a lot. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">This has been a lot to read, my friends, I know. If you made it this far you deserve a medal! I promise to catch up on your blogs. I reached a point after being non existent here for two months, that it would be odd to pop in on you and then you'd come back here to something you read way back when. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">I leave you with this...</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(234, 153, 153);">Our Lucy June and her dog Rusty~~</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YNU0wGAwcv-Z5K3Od8Ll75BvPFpmYXKxlLTOnZCukzCgcngWzd4u00549Ei7-5XtlaYoLNUrWnK0_PRjjFOxoUseuOXYTf3hyPB4hSjc2BJiT3T_PiE_ub3LWH30pvGrUFru3_r-Di8/s960/IMG-4093.JPG" 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/AVvXsEh6YNU0wGAwcv-Z5K3Od8Ll75BvPFpmYXKxlLTOnZCukzCgcngWzd4u00549Ei7-5XtlaYoLNUrWnK0_PRjjFOxoUseuOXYTf3hyPB4hSjc2BJiT3T_PiE_ub3LWH30pvGrUFru3_r-Di8/w300-h400/IMG-4093.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9eNjUEbJ32YfYSfePhw5qYERqB5WBmfchwa6bl6Jwviz9nXygmC7YvfxyBMhqvQ1nrDkQMSU1VycyKQkIToJgcfUu60UQtTlVSUozoYDauvt7yIEcE3ulEhVFABw4-lPkbwW4qCTdJE/s960/IMG-4094.JPG" 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/AVvXsEhO9eNjUEbJ32YfYSfePhw5qYERqB5WBmfchwa6bl6Jwviz9nXygmC7YvfxyBMhqvQ1nrDkQMSU1VycyKQkIToJgcfUu60UQtTlVSUozoYDauvt7yIEcE3ulEhVFABw4-lPkbwW4qCTdJE/w300-h400/IMG-4094.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Yuck!!!!!</span></div><div><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Jane xxx</span></div>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-32203983316795638362020-08-24T00:47:00.006-05:002020-08-31T19:31:03.140-05:00DECOR AT THE LAKE & RECIPES GALORE AS SUMMER WINDS DOWN<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IK7vDV9a5-v_9hnuGCZFoeVV0Bm_WCXy2T2FX7qereCroAkiKLLFSwFidtnZvE7NSeqiq10a5yA19LVlWqntSmcsJKrVTnRovesAjqj0swzr40jzh_0zPLmpgR0F4F2G9QKkAeWdJ-g/s2048/IMG-3767.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IK7vDV9a5-v_9hnuGCZFoeVV0Bm_WCXy2T2FX7qereCroAkiKLLFSwFidtnZvE7NSeqiq10a5yA19LVlWqntSmcsJKrVTnRovesAjqj0swzr40jzh_0zPLmpgR0F4F2G9QKkAeWdJ-g/w512-h384/IMG-3767.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394;">It's good to be back, friends. I'm trying to navigate the new Legacy blogger. It's hard to find answers, but if you <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">fiddle around with it long enough, sometimes you find that the whole blogger thing has indeed improved. My most latest problem is with changing the size of photos once loaded. Any answers out there?</span></span><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">Jumping in here, this is my new baby(not the cabinet), an elephant bush, or known as Portulacaria afra. I love that I'm finding so many "new to me" plants at the nursery in Michigan. I need to find the right pot, but it looks pretty on my Hoosier cabinet. All of my plants will be coming home with me in late fall, they need my love...☺️, and some H20. The monster jade plant will stay. The <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">Husband</span> and I took it outdoors--and yes, it took both of us, for an overnight stay. I overflowed it with water and sprayed all the leaves. I think I heard it sigh. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-cX0obhTO-sa4zOqciZaAic8Tt48YMd9Bvr255kcDCX9n6QB7ieLF35cLcPThcomxrQIue_rN2uA2YTCsHyIPt7iDkc_Izp0UWtIDnf5C6RT_rR5M0pMv0t84ntlKf44CTNsZ0leXqI/s2048/IMG-3764.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-cX0obhTO-sa4zOqciZaAic8Tt48YMd9Bvr255kcDCX9n6QB7ieLF35cLcPThcomxrQIue_rN2uA2YTCsHyIPt7iDkc_Izp0UWtIDnf5C6RT_rR5M0pMv0t84ntlKf44CTNsZ0leXqI/s640/IMG-3764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394;">I like this view from the great room at the harvest table where we share so many family and company meals. I also fold the clothes here, use it as a desk and major clutter center, a flat and safe surface to change baby diapers, and a spot to keep Layla's basket where she can sleep peacefully away from Poppy. Getting back to the plants, I have a topiary olive plant on the left, and a foxtail fern in the center. I'm missing my babies. I have a neighbor giving them love...and water, while I'm away.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pCNymNhv0ZuQhbc9x4WiQsKTFQotWSFY-NdZGmwcN7HGzPx4ZYt-CJ4YvFj7L8ar5D6LfdVQJoOu2xgJyu6r39WXw3Jf8nV47rt0lD_bBVLKxf1YV3V6sjkLaDKc3gBqAM4HDKopMQ4/s2048/IMG-3716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pCNymNhv0ZuQhbc9x4WiQsKTFQotWSFY-NdZGmwcN7HGzPx4ZYt-CJ4YvFj7L8ar5D6LfdVQJoOu2xgJyu6r39WXw3Jf8nV47rt0lD_bBVLKxf1YV3V6sjkLaDKc3gBqAM4HDKopMQ4/s640/IMG-3716.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">The kids were up two weeks ago. I should say kids and kidlets. Always a good time. My daughter Emily loves to fuss with everyone's decor, but seriously, she grew up in this house on the lake so as I watched TV in the loft one night, I could hear her moving things around. And--she takes such beautiful photos, these and the following picture are hers. Above<span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">, the foyer. More about my favorite designer follows later. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujP3LN_52UeHE1F6TmWJJL1Ve350n9HPkP3m_AdsKVgY-xcJ0vXwqjfxO_UwKXFkcSkSgrU2SXcHC68OJs8V8Lod7GYQ4Xtt31FuyUvVxdoCE1HhX8qdkEhoUrcr3YS4Fi5vKNYe2d9A/s2048/IMG-3713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujP3LN_52UeHE1F6TmWJJL1Ve350n9HPkP3m_AdsKVgY-xcJ0vXwqjfxO_UwKXFkcSkSgrU2SXcHC68OJs8V8Lod7GYQ4Xtt31FuyUvVxdoCE1HhX8qdkEhoUrcr3YS4Fi5vKNYe2d9A/s640/IMG-3713.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">My shelving in the kitchen, which she rearranged gave a more minimalist feel. I've often said that my shelves are not there to display pieces (except for perhaps that top shelf I can't reach). They take up space where cabinets could be so I have our everyday dishes and such here. A nice thing about this is that everything gets washed frequently and I really only have to do a good cleaning a few times a year. </span></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYuRQ-Je67d2FqXJZ7a4Uk5Hnar8D28WBQFIfkcWXs_rzLPmEXiLmjL_S3zYe-e69TObUlUaqtYz7fQmcNYRILGRUVu7uCtklZnX3_R4cf5yh5Yo0rhqqlSIwSBCKI_r0kJVl_7gOaD8/s640/IMG-3714.JPG" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">The main floor powder room may not be anything I've shared before. In a room so small it's hard to get a good shot. But this is it! I keep it simple, I don't like to clean bathrooms and this gets the major amount of use in a given day.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2brZuLYaurmFsU7rnicGZQhqQHjI6MHmPTg7XzVnq5iZE2tROZSyER6YBryPnckSY4V6gKCRnSNRd062gRmp4bRhEIYlqmr4h275I_svuu5jhBzqfHE4cUgZD2yu9xemqBCEylBmnm8/s2048/IMG-3648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1611" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2brZuLYaurmFsU7rnicGZQhqQHjI6MHmPTg7XzVnq5iZE2tROZSyER6YBryPnckSY4V6gKCRnSNRd062gRmp4bRhEIYlqmr4h275I_svuu5jhBzqfHE4cUgZD2yu9xemqBCEylBmnm8/s640/IMG-3648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394;">I tried to get more photos of our little guest house. The sun wasn't cooperating. 🙄. So I have a peek of one corner. This is the way I used to style so many spaces, sort of rustic and <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">simple, letting the pieces speak for themselves. I'll get more shots soon. You have to love the screened windows, seven in all!</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1HfDjpA_n4PJjGeFEmpw58aIP8uUKtncb5QviqMIbcksDgwcGxh7JQWdXGgu1qbtZAXfJc3Ns67mQFjpfRf0RRhwmuS_UPXIj6tWD9d4p8vxZWpnx5pts9weuCHahklU2T-l4KHr8zk/s1498/IMG-3808.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1HfDjpA_n4PJjGeFEmpw58aIP8uUKtncb5QviqMIbcksDgwcGxh7JQWdXGgu1qbtZAXfJc3Ns67mQFjpfRf0RRhwmuS_UPXIj6tWD9d4p8vxZWpnx5pts9weuCHahklU2T-l4KHr8zk/s640/IMG-3808.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">When we had company at the lake a few weeks ago, I really tried to stay on top of my game. That means having delicious, easy, and casual food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. No--I never pull all of this off. Nev-ahh!! The best I can do is make what I can ahead of time, and keep everything fresh and ready to assemble (as in chop up those onions or the lettuce. Do Not think it's simple and you can do it later). Take the shortcuts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">So this is my pulled <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">pork for sandwiches. I make it in the slow cooker in about 4 hours. I refrigerate it and remove it to come to room temp about a half hour before serving. Then it just needs to be heated up in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Iq1vgFXMXNtHXTPf1DtXOO-GHRAnnj9peEH32QzlWn0jdVoMmEcMBJDQh-So6T4bRRsPDVJd_6h1Lkyos_0WDwYAGOWX-6jHrg1wQ6f7-N0jI1lVbwjHI21aSYN0_T1u0gNdqOXiwc8/s2048/IMG-3679.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Iq1vgFXMXNtHXTPf1DtXOO-GHRAnnj9peEH32QzlWn0jdVoMmEcMBJDQh-So6T4bRRsPDVJd_6h1Lkyos_0WDwYAGOWX-6jHrg1wQ6f7-N0jI1lVbwjHI21aSYN0_T1u0gNdqOXiwc8/s640/IMG-3679.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">So this is how simple it is to make. You probably have your own recipe but this has won rave reviews. I also make extra so I can save it in a jelly jar in the fridge for other uses. Please note my measurements are approximate. Add or subtract and keep rating. I find these ingredients perfect for making a sweet and spicy compliment to your pork.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Jane's Pulled Pork</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>2 lb. pork <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">shoulder, trimmed of fat</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>1 bottle barbecue sauce of your choice</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="color: #0b5394;">1 T Worcestershire</i><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394;"><i> sauce</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394;"><i>2 T soy sauce</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394;"><i>3 T brown sugar</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>1 T garlic powder</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">1 T </i><i>onion</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"> powder</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">Place pork shoulder in slow cooker and set for 4-8 hours. An hour before it's done, </i><i>mix</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"> all of the sauce </i><i>ingredients</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"> together and pour over the meat. Begin to </i><i>spread</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"> the pork with 2 large forks. Mix the sauce in as you go along. Let cook until all of the flavors </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">meld. Adjust seasonings. I like to load the meat on </i><i>Italian rolls, preferably toasted in the oven. </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">Serves 8</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOOWhxJ6pr6nfIAmVOcnZ3MSdNm0YigZOUwkXzFn9ztnpACHZ0mLMCJhTV1dsoqO8NTcr35uIxFcy7YTb2ltNUXXt6Z6y7kXqWgb7XcrVabyJnhj2NsuXT_nF4LmYCP03rEdzVRcy23E/s2048/IMG-4245.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOOWhxJ6pr6nfIAmVOcnZ3MSdNm0YigZOUwkXzFn9ztnpACHZ0mLMCJhTV1dsoqO8NTcr35uIxFcy7YTb2ltNUXXt6Z6y7kXqWgb7XcrVabyJnhj2NsuXT_nF4LmYCP03rEdzVRcy23E/s640/IMG-4245.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I wanted something different this summer as a side dish other than the usual potato salad. But it's a classic and the family wouldn't hear of it. I came up with this after tasting the great combo of sour cream and dried ranch dressing mix. The beauty of my recipe is that you don't have to peel the potatoes, which is half the work of making potato salad. Feel free to use fingerling potatoes, super creamy and colorful. Also, you may want to double the recipe for a larger group.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Creamy Ranch Potato Salad</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>3 lbs. red potatoes </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148); color: #0b5394;">8 oz. sour cream</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>2 T ranch dressing mix*</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">1 medium red </i><i>onion</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">, halved and thinly sliced</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">3 stalks </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">celery, </i><i>trimmed and diced</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>1 red pepper, diced</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Fill and large pot with water and add a good tablespoon of salt. Add the </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">potatoes, whole and unpeeled. Boil until just tender and you can insert a sharp knife </i><i>through</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"> to the center. Strain and let cool.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">In a medium bowl stir the ranch dressing mix together with the sour cream. Fold in the onions and celery, and peppers. </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">Cut the cooled</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"> potatoes into 1 1/2 inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Gently mix in the sour cream mixture to coat. Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate at minimum 1 hour, but this salad deserves to have the flavors meld together for a few hours or overnight. Serves 4-6</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">*You can use the reaming packet of ranch dressing mix to jazz up salads and soups, use in place of garlic on toasted bread, so, so many ways. Seal the packet and keep it in your fridge. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></i></span></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/AVvXsEhD52droTHZCdeUg-RLLEvjfhfrKix8JFq1lwZoZoKoWmpSkUUmmorTwMTkUAedJ_ZcpF4l5aPXKlGVFRQ2VbHkEVZkZtPk6AyDSNaxOhnR6YvpIeiz3Cj-PTTX1Dkvvzf5AG4CYQIO3Mo/s2048/IMG-3748.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD52droTHZCdeUg-RLLEvjfhfrKix8JFq1lwZoZoKoWmpSkUUmmorTwMTkUAedJ_ZcpF4l5aPXKlGVFRQ2VbHkEVZkZtPk6AyDSNaxOhnR6YvpIeiz3Cj-PTTX1Dkvvzf5AG4CYQIO3Mo/s640/IMG-3748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">This is probably a little ridiculous to even share, but I love to invent my own pizzas. Doesn't this look great? It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake. I have learned to simplify by taking the hard work out of making dough, stretching it and flipping out over holes. It takes a lot of experience to toss that dough and stretch it out to perfection. Maybe one day I'll check out a few You Tube videos. So--I buy pizzas on sale from the grocery store, thin crust with just cheese. Contrary to popular belief, Chicagoan's love the thin crust and although deep dish is great, not so much <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">traditional, at least on the Southside. 🥳. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">So get yourself a thin crust frozen pizza. Take out every veggie you have leftover in your fridge, or an over abundance of, and start chopping. If you have any fresh herbs, chop those up. In a small bowl mix up some delicious dried spices like garlic, onion, cayenne pepper and Italian herbs (and mix all dried ingredients together before topping the pizza so it's all an even deal). Next, choose some meats if you like, I don't always find it necessary, but you can add leftovers, luncheon meats like ham, salami, turkey, pepperoni, prosciutto, pancetta, or bacon crumbles. Then add cheeses, whatever you have on hand. I like to use up the remainder of the shredded cheeses I have in my fridge drawers. Or grate your own. Fun and unlikely additions are feta, fresh <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">mozzarella, and cream cheese just to name a few. You need to only plop down tablespoon sizes of these cheeses on the pizza as they really don't melt and spread. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Finally, </i>bake at 425 degrees until the crust is super crispy, I actually like to see the edges a little burnt!!!</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oh, jeez, this was longer than a regular ol recipe! Do try and let me know how everything turns out. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l1aD9pPlVJ_9_ZsytYUSydEd9ji_LFS8LTzc23SuIeCenBqVCrQb-W1ldSpNpQtxxCWWMhx2lNfFuF-N18L2JxLvoWEuoHIdmnAqs0u_kbVXT8DaoekXIej40WtsnjVk1g2G1aCJ1SM/s1362/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l1aD9pPlVJ_9_ZsytYUSydEd9ji_LFS8LTzc23SuIeCenBqVCrQb-W1ldSpNpQtxxCWWMhx2lNfFuF-N18L2JxLvoWEuoHIdmnAqs0u_kbVXT8DaoekXIej40WtsnjVk1g2G1aCJ1SM/s640/FullSizeRender.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I'm always trying to keep you up to par with my little grandkids. I hope you don't get tired of this! Daughter Emily is such the picture taker and she also has family albums done quite a bit by a professional photographer friend. So here is Madelyn, as you all know very well, and little Lucy, now 9 months old. They are so adorably good together. They really bring me such <span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">joy!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdS6DbgnELD8NCQfeSve0lG8NUk50aELSMqejsn6nSrMRyOnyjjQJ0nCnJWzg8z1hl4j0kN4zXtNOhYyccKxJLr7X2UT_xEOR1GVeoPMzhmB7tBqVtYkVBPtd-g8ETidd4yZbEEeHXKc/s960/IMG-3813.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="786" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdS6DbgnELD8NCQfeSve0lG8NUk50aELSMqejsn6nSrMRyOnyjjQJ0nCnJWzg8z1hl4j0kN4zXtNOhYyccKxJLr7X2UT_xEOR1GVeoPMzhmB7tBqVtYkVBPtd-g8ETidd4yZbEEeHXKc/s640/IMG-3813.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">And in ending, I wanted to share this one of Madelyn, just doing her own thing and being captured by the camera. Please believe that one day we will all feel this way once again. Looking out on the horizon I really feel changes are coming. Dancing in the leaves as the sun goes down has to be God given. Let's trust.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">As a very last side note, Emily is full force back into Interior Design which makes me a happy Mama. Those 4 years of college amounted to a lot of talent and drive. She has started her own business and although it's Chicago based. a good part of her work is visual and online. If you need evidence of her creative and hard work, just take a look at my home! She has been a huge part of what I've done. Her website is<a href="https://www.curatedesignstudio.com/?fbclid=IwAR0q4uCO6aBFkxDYbM6f5sZRuPiibY0edDnC5997HwHAQADGquuUdxsJcMU"> Curate Design Studio</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"> She's also on Instagram and Facebook. Please stop by! She's been having some giveaways for new followers. Tell her that her mother sent you!!❤️</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Stay safe and healthy. Wash your hands and pray a lot. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);">Jane x</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-65483105033174326802020-07-22T00:17:00.003-05:002020-07-23T01:40:38.906-05:00LIFE IN COVID DOES GO ON. LIVE!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVBJEo6b75nzRkmlMwzIIH9IaGTTvT5sQFmDjTvf1waPRTLBmK2nj9D8Ua_wkRnmgqGR6AOB5PWpIaOjZ_a0F-AxyUbojf1kkP83RE-kOmeGR3MEbwSVXDwalNQCgctafANMunCBQ-U4/s1600/IMG-3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVBJEo6b75nzRkmlMwzIIH9IaGTTvT5sQFmDjTvf1waPRTLBmK2nj9D8Ua_wkRnmgqGR6AOB5PWpIaOjZ_a0F-AxyUbojf1kkP83RE-kOmeGR3MEbwSVXDwalNQCgctafANMunCBQ-U4/s400/IMG-3566.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Hello friends! Just dropping in to share some pretty garden pics, and some of my cute little granddaughters. They were up for the 4th of July, and sometimes I'm a little slow on getting my act together, editing photos and such.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">First, I have this glorious bloom. This climbing rose has been temperamental for the last few years. But it's a tough little gal. I think our lawn people have weed-whacked it down to the ground several times. I finally started tying it up the arbor and since then, I'm getting flowers. I did a little checking on the species (more on that later), and it turns out it's not a climber at all. Just a rose bush. So I think I'll move it when the time is correct. And I'll probably get that wrong. 🙄</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I love the nursery/farm market at the lake. I didn't have time to plant as much as I had bought over the 4th, so I brought it back to Chicago, where I have a lot of backyard and garden projects going on. I love this trailing annual that you can see in this photo. It's called Blue Mustard, despite its color. And it's edible, supposedly tasting like mushrooms. I'll pass. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Our 4th of July holiday was an absolutely fun and carefree bunch of days. The Husband's birthday is on July 2, so we always have a festive time celebrating that. I was able to purchase a small cake at the Farm Market I mentioned. My eldest granddaughter, Elsie and I snuck into the mudroom to put the candles on and light them. Elsie carried the cake out to the Great room as we all sang. I don't think The Husband even knew it was for him! His eyes just glaze over when he looks at our grandchildren.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">He did a smash up job getting the beach and toys ready for company. Again, it was just two of my kids and their families. Son Kevin is a single parent now and Emily takes full control of the caring and feeding of four little girls. I'm there for the fun and games!🥳. It makes me smile when I hear the door slam and they come in calling, "Grandma!" They know to find me in the kitchen, always cooking and chopping and washing dishes. Sounds like a chore but you know, sometimes I like getting out of the heat and sun, and I'm in my element in my "lab". So---good times all around. I know it sounds like the distant past, but please share how your holiday went. my American friends. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I wanted to share some pottery pieces I recently purchased from an Instagram friend and her Etsy shop. This handmade plate had me at Hello, and the mug is totally me and my love of birds. Every morning at the lake I awake to the cooing of the mourning doves on a power line outside the balcony doors. Love this. I wouldn't dream of pouring a drop of anything in it. You can visit Cindy at <a href="http://fatcowstudio.com/">Fat Cow Studio. </a>Such great pottery pieces and her life and times on the ranch are so worth reading to get a smile. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I was in the process of decluttering and taking photos at the same time. Emily was here, and I'm happy to announce she is back to designing first and foremost after working as a legal assistant with The Husband for three years. She's working on a webpage and I'll share that with you when it's completed. She styled some of my sad areas at the lakehouse one evening. I was upstairs reading when everyone else had gone to bed. I could hear her rattling and banging around below me. She's amazing, she sorted through things I never realized were just taking up space. She tucked a lot of good odds and ends away so I could pull them out if and when I wanted to. All in all, everything was more streamlined and pleasing to the eye. She did a bang up job on my Hoosier cabinet, which had become a catchall for everything under the sun. God, I love her! And that's another piece from Fat Cow Studio there, a long platter with a leaf etched in before the glaze. I can't wait to do a meat and cheese selection on it for guests. And we have some special guests coming---more on that further down.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">This is another prized piece. This cabinet or whatever you want to call it, was found at the shop of a gal who fixes up, stains and/or paints old furniture. She's just a town over and I swear her shop just beckons me every time I pass it. The weight of this is unbelievable and it's solid. What it was made for and when...I don't know. I definitely got my money's worth. It fits so perfectly in front of the windows of the Great room without blocking the view of the lake. And that's Monster Jade, over thirty years old. It's been spawning baby Jade's that I pot for my daughters and friends. Sometimes the stems just fall off with age. Sometimes I have to hold my breath and prune. Overall, I think it likes me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I love this pic. My oldest and youngest grandgirls. Elsie is like a little mama at just five years old. That was a huge help for Emily. Little Lucy is sitting in the very same highchair that we had for Abby when we bought the house on the lake 30 years ago. And we bought it <i>already used</i> at a church sale. Abby was six months old, just like Lucy. It's had a few coats of paint. ;-D</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Patsy is Elsie's little sister, my fourth grand, and she's 3 years old now. This is an older picture, she was in the water 99% of her time here. Just like her daddy, my son Kevin, she's a little fish. She definitely won her fins this summer!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Emily made the most delicious pasta salad that took us far and beyond the regular old regular summer pasta salad. She couldn't remember where she found the recipe so we just put it together on paper to share.</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Pesto</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">1 lb. rigatoni pasta (or whatever you prefer)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">1/4 c olive oil</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">1/4 c basil pesto (available in most grocery stores)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">1 T dried Italian herbs</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">3 garlic cloves, minced</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">1 c red cherry tomatoes, sliced in half</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">1 c yellow cherry tomatoes, sliced in half</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">1/4 c. sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">1 1/2 c fresh or buffalo mozzarella cheese, roughly chopped</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">1/2 c grated parmesan cheese</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">S & P to taste</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i><br /></i><i>Boil pasta according to box directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the olive oil with the pesto, herbs, and garlic. Drain the pasta and toss with the olive oil mixture. Gently mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with S & P to taste. Serves 8-12 as a side dish. </i></span><br />
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This. Is. A. Keeper!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i>I wish I could say we ate more fish. My husband loves salmon but I'm a little so-so about it. I prefer sweet whitefish like cod and tilapia. When you factor in that I've never found a creative bone in my body when it comes to preparing and cooking fish, it just doesn't happen much around here. I did however, come upon a sale at my grocer on cod and tuna. So I really had to put my thinking cap on and do this fish right.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">So you have a little over a pound of cod. Let's bring out the flavor (butter), and add to the flavor (a veggie, in this case spinach). To give it that extra kick, some herbs and spices, and the final touch to make it all come together, it can be anything from a sprinkle of cheese to toasted breadcrumbs to a splash of cream. I used the juice of a lemon.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">These flavors are those we find in Mediterranean cooking and it's one of my passions. Very fresh, vibrant, and heart healthy. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I did putting it together.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"> <i>Mediterranean Baked Cod</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>1.5 lbs fresh cod fillets, cut into 4-6 pieces</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">5 garlic cloves, peeled and minced</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">5 T fresh lemon juice</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">5 T olive oil</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">2 T melted butter</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/3 c flour</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 t ground coriander</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">3/4 t sweet paprika</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">3/4 t ground cumin</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1+ T salt and pepper</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl mix together the flour, spices, salt and pepper.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Pat all sides of the cod pieces dry (very important). Dip the pieces (both sides) in the olive oil/butter mixture first followed by the flour mix. Set aside on a plate.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Heat 2 T olive oil in a cast iron or heavy oven proof skillet over medium high heat. Add the fish and sear on both sides until you have a golden color but not cooked through. Off the heat and spoon the spinach over and between the cod pieces. To the remaining lemon mixture, add the chopped garlic and swirl to mix. Pour this over the entire dish. </i></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;">Bake the fish in the same skillet for about 10 minutes or until it flakes easily. Finish with a good squeeze of lemon and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serves 4 </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;">Asian Style Oven Roasted Veggies</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I don't really have a recipe as such for this dish. I was in the mood for a stir fry, a great way to use up the veggies in my fridge and have a meatless dinner. But instead of doing them in a wok or what have you on the stove, I roasted the vegetables in the oven until they had a nice crisp and blistering. Then I gently tossed them with an Asian sauce I make a lot. It's just a mix of olive oil, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and whatever spices you might want to add (please email me if you want quantities). Add this while the veggies are just out of the oven and hot. I also highly recommend white rice of the longer cooking <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">variety. It is moist and clumps together so perfectly...no flaky or hard pieces at all. I add a touch of olive oil and some chopped green onion. Chinese food minus the take-out trouble. :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">So I mentioned I had a few things to add at the end of my post. I won't spend a lot of time, I've already droned on long enough.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">First I want to share an app I use on my iPhone. It's called Picture This. It's free. This app can identify flowers, weeds, bushes, trees...all growing things that you might not be able to identify or forgot the name of, or want to know more about. You take a photo of said plant (or weed--love this), and your phone will show a photo of the real deal with everything you want to know about it. Also, it will tell you how to care for the plant, or how to eradicate the weed. It's fascinating. I use it at the Farm Market to identify and get the facts on plants and flowers rather than look at that flimsy stick. I've been known to walk around my yard snapping pictures of trees, bushes and weeds, like Inspector Closeau. And it keeps your photos in a library to refer back to. If you do use the app, let me know how you like it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">And second, we are getting together with my longtime blogger friend, Cindy, and her husband Dan. Doesn't sound huge but if you've followed me since the Stone Age, you'll know that I met Cindy in our blogging days 11 years ago. I wrote to her, "Hey, you live in Wisconsin, just above Illinois. Let's get together." Little did I know that she lived in <i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">Western Wisconsin, </i>4 hours from Chicago. This has been a yearly tradition since...we meet up in every place or town we come up with that is between our homes. How do you maintain a long distance friendship when you have no history, see each other once a year, and have 2-3 days to catch up? It's incredible but it works. So this year we are getting together here at the lake. With the pandemic, it's perfect, and they are staying 5 days. But oh, I don't envy their drive; from Wisconsin, through Illinois, then Indiana, and finally Michigan. I'm so ready to see them tomorrow. I'll take lots of photos!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I hope all of you are happy and healthy. Keep up the good work of avoiding crowds, wearing your mask, washing your hands, and keeping hand sanitizer in your glove compartment of your car (but out of the heat and sun on your dash), your purse, your pocket, anywhere you can grab it and apply. Sometimes I hit it several times in the grocery store just worrying about what I touch. But it's pretty clear, just stay far back from others. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Love and Lysol,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Jane</span></div>
<br />Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-49891340172614156852020-06-30T00:35:00.002-05:002020-06-30T00:38:10.914-05:00HAPPY SUMMER! GARDENING,THE LITTLE ONES, & A QUICK RECIPE<br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Hello, friends! So glad to be back (again, so soon!). A little odd that when we were really sheltered in place for several months, I just never felt inclined to post. Maybe I'm just feeling a little more energy now. I'm not doing a whole lot more other than seeing family and grocery shopping, a few trips to the garden nurseries. Going back and forth to the lake gives me a nice change of scenery. Illinois is now open with a lot of restrictions and our numbers have gone down. I pray everyone continues to practice the social distancing, masks, and hand washing. How is everything in your area?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Anyway, you know I like to start with a pretty photo. I'm working very hard on my garden beds here in the city because I've been here longer than usual. We have a huge backyard as far as city norms; great for badminton, corn in the hole, kids running through the sprinkler, a little soccer, space for the dogs to play. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">This is the north side and that's crazy Poppy chewing on a stick or something. The afternoon shadows make it hard to see the border left of my little woodland garden. I have sedum, phlox, lilies, spiderwort, speedwell, milkweed, and tons of tulips and daffodils, Once those spring bulbs are spent, I pull off the brown leaves and fold the rest over, securing loosely with a rubber band. Never cut them to make room for the rest of your flowers, they need them for nutrient. Doing what I do makes room for your summer plants. The south side has a bed which is undergoing a lot of changes. Whew, I'm worn out and sore every evening. A long hot shower and scrubbing the dirt off is the best remedy. Sometimes I wonder how I do all the bending, squatting, and lifting with all the metal and screws in my back. Maybe it's a good surgeon or maybe it's just good stretching. 😏</span></span><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">I bought a lot of plants at the nursery at the lake. They have a super selection of perennials and the prices are very reasonable. This was my haul. I have this fancy dandy plastic wagon thing. I place all my plants (and also groceries) in this and roll it wherever needed. What a time saver and easy on the 'ol back. With my plants, I can add some water from the hose into it so that they can bottom water until I get them planted. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">The other day Poppy was making a fuss near my day lilies.<span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"> The Husband went over and then called me to come quick. Here was this magnificent moth. I don't know how I knew it was a moth, perhaps the huge, fuzzy body. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">He carefully picked it up with this magazine cover and brought it around to our patio table. It wasn't moving much at all. Then we took pics and let it go in some greenery outside the backyard, safe from our dogs. I managed to find it on Google, it's called a Polyphemus moth. The photos I saw were incredible. Our guy was actually a lot smaller than some. We learned they only live about five</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">days so maybe it was near the end as it was so chill with us. 😥. T</span><span style="color: #20124d;">hey have no mouths, so they don't eat, and they are only here to mate and leave something behind. How it landed here, I'm not sure. We had several trees trimmed in April so maybe there were </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77); color: #20124d;">cocoons. What an amazing experience!</span><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77); color: #20124d;"><i>Sausage, Vegetables & Kalamata Olives over Orzo.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I'm going to break things up here with a recipe. This is actually my own picture- Ta-Da! You all know how bad I feel about the poor quality of my photos of food. I probably share 1/4 of the dishes I make because of the hideous pictures I take which I think turned out delicious. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I keep my grocery list and cost to a minimum mostly because of my feelings about being in public places during this pandemic. I also go back and forth to the lake so much that I either cart food to and fro in cooling bags, or I spend more money shopping there. The verdict is: I often wind down to what I have in cabinets, and the freezer and fridge. <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"> I love the challenge of cooking with just a few items, such inventiveness! Without further ado, this meal worked really well one night and I've vowed to make it many more times. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">2 Italian </i><i>sausage links, casings removed, chopped</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>4 plum </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"><i>tomatoes, sliced </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">2 c fresh spinach, </i><i>loosely</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"> chopped, or 5 oz of frozen, thawed and water squeezed out</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"><i>1/4 c red onion, thinly sliced</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"><i>2 large cloves garlic (or more), minced</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"><i>6-8 oz uncooked orzo</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"><i>1 c whole Kalamata olives</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>I</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"> T olive oil + more as needed</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">Pinch of red pepper </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"><i>flakes </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"><i>S & P to taste</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">Start the orzo in a pot of boiling water according to package directions. Once done, drain, reserving 1 cup of the starchy water. Return the pasta to the pot with a splash</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"> of olive oil and keep covered. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"> Meanwhile, s</i><i>auté the sausage over medium heat until almost cooked through. Add the tomatoes, spinach, onion, an d red pepper flakes. Cook over low heat about 3 minutes until just </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">softened. Stir in the garlic for the </i><i>last minute, adding a bit of the pasta water as needed to keep everything saucy. Divide the orzo over 4 plates. Top with the sausage mixture. Scatter the Kalamato olives all around. Adjust seasonings to your taste. Serves 4.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>We had a few slices of Italian bread with this dish. Absolutely wonderful for using just a little bits and pieces from the fridge just waiting to be used up.</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"> Let me know if you give this recipe a try. :)</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i>Lucy June</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I came home from the lake to celebrate Emily's 33rd birthday. The memories of her birth always come back so vividly. She was my firstborn, I was twenty-seven years old and so naive. We hadn't even considered names, and never thought to ask whether it was a boy or girl. I'm so grateful for the experience. Many haven't gone through this but I hope for many, that just being there for young family members, the children of friends, fostering or adopting fills your heart...and for those who continue to try, all my prayers.🙏 </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">We had Emily, Mike, and the two littles ones over for a steak dinner with crab cakes--surf and turf. I need to brush up on the crab cakes, I made them earlier and refrigerated them not wanting the kitchen to smell like grease and fish. I reheated them in the oven before serving and they were limp and flavorless. Bad mistake. The chocolate cake made up for it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">And Lucy June was christened last Sunday. Just grandparents, the godmother and father. The church was empty, and the lunch celebration was limited to six people as mandated at the time, so The Husband I couldn't attend. But the church was the best part. I love the whole celebration, as in the past with all of our grands and our own children. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Lucy wore the same gown as Madelyn. It was custom made from Emily's wedding dress, all satin and tulle ruffles along the bottom. It's a beautiful keepsake.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I can't get enough of Madelyn. She was a little out of sorts and confused by the celebration although she attends Sunday mass. Look at that dress! I gifted Emily with some dresses and outfits from <a href="http://bodenusa.com/">Boden USA</a>, If you are familiar with the British company, it's just the most precious patterns and fabric, and the best quality you can get for your money. and she's hooked. Em washes all the baby clothes on gentle with a mild soap and hangs each and every piece to dry. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Madelyn & Lucy</span></i></div>
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S<span style="color: #073763;">o--my little Poppy girl made it through the spaying and had her stitches removed at a veterinarian clinic near the cottage. Then she came down with painful infections in both ears. The vet asked if she had been in the water and she hadn't yet, but she rolls in everything, including the marshy grass near the shore. The doctor treated her with a med that lasts 30 days and in the meantime, she can't get wet. So we haven't been able to get her used to swimming, although I doubt she has any qualms. While hanging out along the water before the infection, she gifted me with a bunch of weeds, lily pads, and a dead snail. And I can't bathe her!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">A snap from the front of the veterinarian hospital. I talk a lot about the lake but there is so much more to love and be grateful for in just being surrounded by fields, farms, barns, and a wide open green paradise with fresh air. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">I'm off again tomorrow, the last day of June. In past years I've settled in around May. Everything is off due to the Covid, and sometimes I feel I've missed the summer. But we haven't, it's only June. I'll be back the week after the 4th of July for an appointment and (finally) a hair appointment! I'm back to being brown, and just a bit of gray strands (thank you good genes!), and I haven't had a cut since January. I like my hair long but this is looking scraggly.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">1) How are you coping with the pandemic right now?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">2). Anything good happening in your garden? How's your weather? Super humid and hot here in the Midwest.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">3) Cooking or trying new recipes?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Again,</span></div>
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Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-30188282450579086652020-06-19T23:48:00.003-05:002020-06-20T00:02:41.880-05:00LOVING SUMMER, SOME GARDEN TIPS & A REFRESHING SALAD RECIPE<br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I'm currently <i>not</i> at the lake as I came back to Chicago for my daughter Emily's birthday and the christening of her baby girl, Lucy. Big events that I wouldn't think of missing. I had Emily, Mike, Madelyn, and Lucy over for dinner to celebrate. We had a little plate of apps...cheese, crackers, almonds, some veggies, and a simple cheese spread. For dinner I made a salad, steaks, my first try at crab cakes (which were so-so, I think), and prosciutto wrapped asparagus. I did most of the prep work early in the afternoon so everything went smoothly and I could have a cocktail with everyone. But in making the crab cakes earlier, refrigerating them, and reheating in the oven, made them a little soggy. Next time I'll do everything but the frying them up which only took about 3 minutes per side. All in all it was the perfect celebration of my firstborn just 33 years ago. What a day back then of emotion, fear, pain, and then pure joy! I'd do it over again in a heartbeat. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">So this is a serene little photo from the patio at the lakehouse I took before I left, the much used hanging swing and the old shed in the background. So much more work to be done there and now I'm focused on the way I left things here in the city back in mid-May. You know...the mindset is: It always gets done in the end. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I love the nursery and small grocery near my house on the lake. I find plants I've never seen before, some of which I brought back to Chicago this week. The grocery shop is all local produce and so darn fresh. The people are friendly and helpful. One of these days I'll take a few snaps. This particular hanging basket of petunias had me floored. The throats are a deep, deep purple that look almost black. And they look almost like a pen and ink drawing. I hope it doesn't die before I get back, we've been very hot and dry here in the Midwest for days.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I have birdbaths at both of my homes. I have to admit I don't relish cleaning them but it really is important to do that once in a while instead of just adding water. I always worry about gnats and mosquitos and those are really a danger for people and pets. So I did some research and it really boils down to emptying the stagnant water in a bucket or whatever and disposing of it away from your yard or garden. Then use the jet spray of your hose nozzle inside the basin and out. Mix up 1 part white vinegar to 9 parts hot water, pour it in and let if soak for a bit. Use a hard bristle brush to scour it clean and then rinse well. Don't forget the pedestal. To keep this work down to a minimum, remember to empty out the old water before refilling...something I'm really guilty of, and don't have the birdbath in the hot sun which causes algae to grow and evaporation of the water. Finally, keep it away from your feeders ,nothing like soggy seeds and squirrels hopping in and out! I love to watch the birds flock around these baths, its always a treat to see them splashing <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">around!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>photo credit: Cooking For Keeps</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">This is such a refreshing salad and I'm always looking for something out of the ordinary for summer when we really get into our salads. You can double or triple this if you are having guests for lunch or dinner. It's easy to assemble and super fresh. I love the sweetness of the melon with the saltiness of the prosciutto. I found this on Pinterest and changed it up quite a bit. As usual, I forgot to take a photo. Enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Melon, Prosciutto, </i><i>and Arugula salad</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1 small cantaloupe melon</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">2 T lemon juice</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 t honey</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/4 t Dijon mustard</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 T olive oil</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">4 c arugula</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">4 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or pieces</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">3 oz prosciutto, roughly torn (I actually use about 6 oz as it is sooooo good!)</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Use a melon baller to portion out melon or simply slice and cut out 1 inch pieces. (Perfect for lazy and un-fancy people like me).</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>In a small bowl whisk together lemon juice, honey and mustard. Gently whisk in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix with arugula. Add melon, cheese, and prosciutto, toss and serve. Serves 4-6</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I hope all of you are doing well. Illinois has not opened up completely and we continue to go down in Covid cases and deaths. Hallelujah! We continue to wear masks, keep the social distancing of six feet, and use one way directions in aisles of stores and other essential places. I don't feel this virus is going to go away and I'm going to be vigilant for a long time to come. Just my feelings. So all the best to you, my friends. Be healthy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Love and Lysol,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Jane❤️</span>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-82912289059215832882020-06-11T00:45:00.002-05:002020-06-12T00:46:16.967-05:00THESE ARE THE DAYS (WE WILL REMEMBER)<br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Well, hello my blog, and all of you great friends! I'm here to get some relief from all the world events, as important as they be. I keep well aware of all the happenings, clearly spending way too much on TV, social media, newspapers, and alerts I get on my cell phone regarding anything and everything in my area. I see protests which make me afraid and other times relieved. I hope we all continue to be diligent in staying safe during this time of contracting or spreading Covid19. Many of us have the okay to go ahead into the world, and I can't say much more than make it safer now than we did before we were sheltered in place. It matters a lot and will help us stay in a more normal way of <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">living. My thoughts anyway.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">And the death of George Floyd. I was sick to my stomach to watch the footage. I am 100% for major change. We had peaceful protests and violent. I don't think the people who were looting and destroying property were actually there to be part of the message. This happened recently a few blocks from my home in Chicago. Stores and shops were evacuated and closed, some boarded up. Businesses and gas stations were shut down. I've been in Michigan but I was worried sick about my family. The violence is uncalled for. Peaceful protesting sends a better message. I'm not here to preach-just my personal feelings and what I've experienced. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Above is a picture of my little Poppy who was recently spayed. She did really well but was absolutely miserable and frozen with the cone on. My niece saw this pic and thought we posed her with little chef's cap on! She survived and is a happy camper now. She always delights us. Now 8 months old, she's maturing but some of her puppy antics have us laughing, and some--not so much.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I was really happy to zoom in on this little family of three. Swans are majestic and I like that they spend time on our little bay. I've always had a little info on my blog, based on personal experience that they can be very aggressive and people on the water need to steer clear. Never mess with nature. They guard their little babes like all get out. With a wing span of 6 feet, you never want to get close to them on the water. I have been able to touch their beaks---okay, I've offered them little bits of our meals or snacks when they swim close to our guest cottage near to the water. Surprisingly, they are quite gentle in taking a bit of food. But I'm sincerely not a fan of interfering with the ways of nature. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">French Yogurt Cake</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I'm jumping in sooner than normal with a recipe. I'm still cooking up a storm and I find it super comforting right now. I'm also working on gardening here at the lake and getting some herbs and veggies going, albeit somewhat later than usual. I've been here since mid-May and and I'm chipping away everyday at the indoors and out. But--I keep telling myself, it always gets done. And I carve out time to sit outside, read some of my current book, and just enjoy the beauty of the <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">lake.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">So this is a recipe I found on the blog, Rosie The Londoner. I found it unique because it not only calls for yogurt, but all of the ingredients are measured in a yogurt container. But beware, the ounces of said yogurt container was not included in the recipe, and I found our American size was a bit smaller, so reduce the ingredients a bit in our American yogurt cups. But it was a wonderful cake and we all loved it. Doesn't it look good? I used blueberries but you can always do the berry of your choice. I was so proud as I'm not much of a baker and my pics never really look this delicious! The cake was very dense and moist, and not very sweet...the powdered sugar made it a bit more so but I would have loved it without. <a href="https://www.thelondoner.me/2016/03/french-yogurt-cake-easiest-cake-world.html">This is the link</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">In the city house, I recently bought a new set of stainless steel pots and pans by Calphalon. My cookware was all mismatched and pretty beat up. Some of the cheaper pots caused my food to stick and burn so I knew I needed to make the investment. As much as I cook, I wonder why I waited. I do have a few heavy duty ceramic pieces of Le Creuset and I treasure them. When I arrived at the lakehouse a few weeks ago, I took a good look at what I have here and it was dismal. I didn't want a whole lot, just essentials that I use most of the time. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Above is the dutch oven from Target in the Chrissy Teigan brand. I have one of her pieces and <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">love it. This dutch oven is ceramic and goes from stove to oven. I love the color and pretty copper handle. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I have two Calphalon skillets that can go from stove to oven, but I wanted non-stick skillets as well. These are also from Chrissy Tiegan's line. They are so easy to clean up. Just a note: always let your cookware cool before you add any water to soak or wash. I also pay attention to the handle and the screws as they can get a buildup which is hard to remove. These areas are often overlooked. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I have been longing for a piece from Staub. It's very high end and I really couldn't find a a need---until I came to the lakehouse. I actually only have one casserole dish and I used foil to cover food in the oven. Then one of the handles chipped and it was dangerous to use. I was beyond happy to find this piece at Target. Who would have thought? I had spent so much time pricing everything from this brand at Williams-Sonoma and Sur-la-table, and it was always way above my budget. It's a thing of beauty and it still sits on my counter: I hate to put it away! Does anybody out there get excited about <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">cookware? Would you like to share what you have and would recommend?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">And finally, we pretty much knew we needed more for than just the kitchen refrigerator, especially when we have company who usually brings a lot of food which we later have to refrigerate the leftovers, and because I love fresh food and veggies that take up so much room. I found this refrigerator/freezer at Home Depot. It's from the Unique line and a retro style which comes in several classic colors, mine is a light minty green. It's smaller than your conventional fridge and takes up very little space. It fits just perfectly in our laundry/mud room. Some of my neighbors and friends who stop by go gaga over it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">So...this is it for now. If you read this before I go back over it tomorrow, forgive any typos. I'm too tired to edit! But I will.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Take care all,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Jane ❤️</span></div>
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Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-33137702094215904242020-05-29T23:40:00.005-05:002020-06-01T21:21:38.576-05:00BRIGHTER DAYS (A PRAYER FOR)<br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Here I am like a sea blown wind</span></i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #7f6000;">Under my thunder and rain</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #7f6000;">I'll ride the waves til a sunny day</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #7f6000;">Comes to me again</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #7f6000;">For I've seen brighter days</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #7f6000;">Seen lighter places to stay</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #7f6000;">Along my way</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #7f6000;">Oh, I've seen brighter days</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Loggins and Messina</span></i></b></span>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-26975730057394100292020-05-19T00:07:00.003-05:002020-05-20T01:21:16.132-05:00SPRING HAPPENINGS, GARDEN NEWS, & A GREAT ROUNDUP OF MY RECIPES<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1B6dU47rd3qnOqRCIy2hV3RdNGCqvLn2-3AweUb-tGdaz9Czjxg5m4hyCtY2Ktfq6TNZQeJPw9zDLlyUGtbKB_3C-Cbb4v0BKWImDif2SWrtSug-2ZHO5XKfvEY3LKKIgxtrrJa6Iwc/s1600/herb+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1B6dU47rd3qnOqRCIy2hV3RdNGCqvLn2-3AweUb-tGdaz9Czjxg5m4hyCtY2Ktfq6TNZQeJPw9zDLlyUGtbKB_3C-Cbb4v0BKWImDif2SWrtSug-2ZHO5XKfvEY3LKKIgxtrrJa6Iwc/s400/herb+garden.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Hello friends! Just me. I can't believe it's almost June. I've been waiting for months for summer to roll around, literally. This has been a very hard time for all of us and I have no doubt that we will continue to struggle with this pandemic and all it involves for a very long time. Be strong and hang in there. My family, friends and I have been very fortunate in not catching the virus. We've all hunkered down in our respective homes. I'm right up there with everyone else feeling sorry for myself being stuck at home day after day, but it makes me also feel a little guilty that there are people who are suffering from COVID-19, or lost someone special due to it, or perhaps out of work and living on their savings. It's a lot of mixed emotions and I think that can make tensions high. So maybe we can focus on the good things for a bit. I recently read this: Worrying makes you suffer twice. It rings pretty true for me but I worry and stress probably more than the average person. But it's something to think about.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">So, this is my herb garden last summer just off the back porch. The chives and oregano come back every year in abundance, and sometimes I dig a little up and mix it into flower beds just for the fragrance. I love fresh basil, isn't it insane what you have to pay for a just a few stems at the grocery store? I get a few small plants in the spring and I have enough for all my recipe needs throughout the summer. I tried mint one year, I loved the smell but I'm not a fan of it in foods, or even tea. But it's super easy to grow, smells delicious, and can really take off. If I'm ever inclined to do it again I'd plant it in a pot. I like a medium size rosemary plant, usually in a pot. I've never been able to keep it going indoors after summer. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Besides all the pretty things I have popping up outside, I have a ton of invasive weeds and plants. Creeping Charlie decided to wreak havoc in my back yard a few years ago. I was told the only way to get rid of it was to dig it up. Really? It's everywhere!! I know someone who had it and they used a spade to make a little trench around it. They mixed grass seed with topsoil and sand, and over-seeded the area and the new grass crowded it out. Anyone have any other suggestions?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">A few years ago I had a problem with Chinese lanterns crowding out everything in a large border of flowers along a fence. Everything I read said, "Too bad. Nothing you can do, it will always come back." And then one spring, it was gone. It has never come back. That very same area is now lily of the valley, which I absolutely did not plant. It's pretty but you have to be a tiny little fairy and hover over it to see the teeny tiny flowers. And then I read how poisonous it is, that you shouldn't even touch it without gloves. Who knew? Maybe I should stop researching my plants. And finally, I saw all this unfamiliar stuff popping up in my spring bulb bed in between the tulips, daffs, and crocus. What the heck? Well it's fleabane, a sort of herb that has tiny little daisy-like flowers. I had seen it in my yard here and there, I thought it was a cute weed. But— it can take off and it sure did. I will be on my hands an knees plucking these little babies out for a loooooong time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I’ve missed filling bird feeders at the lake. I can only do that from spring to fall when I commit to keeping them filled. While I’m whining about how bad nature has been to me, does anyone else have a problem with chipmunks, squirrels, or mice wreaking havoc near your feeders? They are scavengers and they burrow tunnels, many of them under our patio. There are a lot of dirty little secrets behind these lovely pictures. :-D</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"> One of the best gardening experiences I ever had in my years working in my garden was discovering this big, fat, striped caterpillar climbing on a dill plant and nibbling away. I watched this guy, and then a few more, and although my plants were stripped of their feathery dill, it was awesome. Whenever I see a monarch, I wave and nod proudly. So anyway- plant some dill and feed a critter!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"> I have rambled on about food storage and expiration dates in past posts. During these past few months of staying home as much as possible, when I do suit up and go to the grocery store, I buy an alarming amount of fresh foods. And no- I'm not hoarding any one item, I just like fresh foods. So I have been looking for was to stretch and extend the life of fresh fruits and veggies. My refrigerator can get so packed that it becomes inefficient in maintaining the right temp. Item are stacked precariously and bordering an avalanche when I'm reaching near the back of the shelf. Well fear not, you don't have to refrigerate everything, and some foods actually do better being left out. But don't think that if it's not in the refrigerator section at the grocery store, that you can leave it out as well--some fresh foods need to be kept cool to last longer. So I've have some prep and storage tips broken down according to in-season fruits and veggies we are now buying. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Strawberries---The best thing you can do to keep strawberries fresh is soak them whole in a bowl of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts cold water. 10 minutes will do it. This destroys the bacteria, or that fuzzy gray stuff on them. Rinse the berries and let drain in a colander. Place them on paper towels and let them dry a bit, then store in a tightly sealed container in your frige. This works with other berries also.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Lemons---I've always stored my lemons in a bowl on my counter. Not good, they don't make it much more than a week. I buy quite a few of them at a time as I use them, the juice, and the peel quite a lot. So, here's what the experts say: Wash your lemons really well, dry them and then store whole in your refrigerator in a tightly sealed plastic bag. They will last almost 4 weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Herbs---Hardy herbs like chives, rosemary, basil and oregano can be washed, trimmed, and placed on a damp paper towel. Roll it up jelly roll style and store in a sealed plastic bag in your refrigerator. Tender herbs like parsley, cilantro, and thyme can be trimmed and placed upright in a mason jar filled with water. Cover the top with a damp paper towel securing with a rubber band around the jar. Refresh the water every few days.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Tomatoes/Avocados---Tomatoes do not like cool temps so it's best to store them on your counter. If they start to soften or the skin bruises, it's time to transfer them to the fridge and use them up quickly. Avocados are quite the same. Keep on your counter but once they start to over-ripen, move to the refrigerator and use them as soon as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Onions---I've always kept my onions and shallots on the counter. it is however recommended to keep them in a cool, dry, dark space, in the mesh bag they came in, or you can use regular old nylons. And of course, a bowl works fine as well. I'm not one to run all over the house to gather up what I need to prepare meals, so the solution for me was to hang a hook in the stairwell going to my basement, just off the kitchen. I leave them in their netted bag and so far, so good. I think a pantry or closet can work as well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Now, on to recipes!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I love a light and fresh seafood dish in the summer. This works for both lunch and dinner. I was curious about the shrimp and marinade and I just happened to have a pound of nice sized shrimp in the freezer. I served it over thin Thai noodles (my new love) but it would be great along side rice or pasta tossed with your favorite sauce. Keep it light to compliment the tanginess and spice of the shrimp. I took the liberty of giving it my own name.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Spicy Marinated Shrimp</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1/2 to 1 lb jumbo shrimp</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1/3 c packed cilantro, roughly chopped</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1/4 c fresh lime juice (2-3 limes)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1/4 c olive oil</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1 T honey</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1/2 t chili powder</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>canola oil for cooking</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>S & P</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Blend all of the ingredients except the shrimp in a food processor. Place the shrimp in a large zip lock bag and pour the marinade over. Place in refrigerator for <b>no longer</b> than 10 minutes or the shrimp will actually 'cook' in the acidic ingredients. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Heat 1 T canola oil in a skillet or grill pan. You can also do this on an outdoor grill. Place each piece on and grill 1 minute on each side until lightly charred. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>As I've said, you can serve this in so many ways. I am looking forward to having this as an appetizer for company over a bed of lettuce, it's great at room temp. Something cool to counteract the spiciness would be a yogurt dip with cucumber slices or tortillas and a salsa verde.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>This comes together very fast if you peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time. I do this unpleasant task because I save big $$$. In any case~~~you will love it and get great rave reviews if you serve it to company. :-D</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Stacked Iceberg Lettuce Salad</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I was scratching my head the other day thinking that I couldn’t remember the last time I had a salad with crisp iceberg lettuce and tomatoes along with some goopy dressing at least since we stopped going to restaurants awhile ago. And I always go for the salad rather than soup at restaurants as an exchange for the greasy, calorie loaded entree I plan to order. So anyway, I was pawing through the veggie bin in my fridge and all I had was baby arugula, baby spinach, and baby wilted something or other. The next time I did a shopping I grabbed a nice head of iceberg and then I tried to recreate the salad of my youth before all the “super greens “ came along with their fancy balsamic vinaigrette’s. Is anyone else sick and tired of balsamic vinegar? So here you have my latest and greatest summer salad. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1 head of iceberg lettuce</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>4 stalks of celery, washed and chopped in 1/2 pieces</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>8 radishes, thinly sliced</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>6 oz feta cheese crumbles</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>3 oz chopped pancetta (or bacon)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1/2 c mayonnaise</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1/2 c sour cream</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1 t Worcestershire sauce </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1 garlic clove, finely chopped</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>2 T fresh lemon juice</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i>Prepare salad dressing, cover and refrigerate. In a small skillet, sauté pancetta</i></span><i style="color: #073763;">. Drain and set aside. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Assemble salad. Remove and loose outer leaves of lettuce. Slice the lettuce widthwise in 1/2 in pieces. Do this until you have 8 slices. You don’t have to be perfect, just try to keep the pieces together. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>To assemble, place one slice of lettuce on each of four plates. Top with a small amount of the radishes, celery, and pancetta. Drizzle a bit of the dressing over and a squeeze lemon. Top with the last 4 slices and </i></span></span><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">repeat </i><i>with</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> the veggies, meat and dressing. Servers 4</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i style="color: #073763;">*You may want to double the dressing. It will stay fresh in your </i><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>fridge</i></span></span><i style="color: #073763;"> for about 5 days and is </i><span style="color: #073763;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or </i><i>another</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> salad if you are still craving that crisp, watery good stuff!</i></span><i style="color: #073763;"> And a final note, I was inspired by a recipe in <a href="http://thesmittenkitchen.com/">The Smitten Kitchen</a> cookbook. I love everything Deb created but I made several modifications. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I know, this looks like one full plate and it is, but trust me, this is just one simple recipe that I wanted to pass on and it is for the Parsley Glazed Carrots. Serve it along with a big juicy steak off the grill and some rice flecked with carrots and peas--another favorite from my childhood. I came across this recipe last year around Easter, we all loved it and then tonight I wanted to make it again and had to pull the ingredients out of my head. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I cook fresh veggies every single night. It sounds time consuming but you can easily do it while you are at the stove working on the other parts of your meal. The only veggies I don't buy fresh are peas (I get them frozen) and canned tomatoes and paste. I don't have the patience to mess with peas. I think that jazzing up your veggies makes them more tasty and you tend to add more to your plate, a great trick to get those nutrients. So, very simply:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Parsley Glazed Carrots</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>4 cups carrots (sliced in half and then cut lengthwise very thinly into long spears)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1/2 t sugar</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>1/4 cup water</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>2 T fresh lemon juice</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>2 T butter</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>2 T fresh parsley, chopped</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Add all ingredients except the butter and parsley to a sauce pan or skillet with a tightly fitted lid and cook over moderately high heat for approximately 7-10 minutes. Toss frequently in the last 3 minutest prevent burning. Remove from heat when they are lightly charred and tender. Toss with the butter and sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4-6.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">The beauty of this recipe is that the small amount of sugar caramelizes the carrots, and the bit of charring makes for a crispness and earthiness that is softened by the butter. I hope you try this as a side dish. It really is delicious.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"> I've also learned to love frozen peas and carrots. I throw them in everything. I made egg salad last week and thawed some to add to the mix. It was a really nice difference and added some crunch. I served it over a bed of iceberg lettuce. For the record, my salad includes chopped, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, a small amount of chopped shallot, celery, garlic and onion powder to taste. NO salt, you'd be surprised how much mayo has. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">It took me a long time to try a fish taco but once I did I was sold. I order them at restaurants whenever I see them, and if it's an outdoor dining place, it doesn't get any better than that. I am also loving making them, and I usually serve them buffet style, which takes away a lot of extra work. I had something similar these in San Diego a few years ago and I hope you give my recipe a shot. I took the best ingredients and methods from a few good experiences. Don't let the list of ingredients daunt you, nor the procedures. At the end I give some tips on how to prepare part of it ahead of time. As always, I stress that you line up all of your ingredients before you start <i>anything!</i> If anything needs to be chopped up, get that done next. Then get creating!!!</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Blackened Fish Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><i> This is a somewhat spicy dish, but the heat is mellowed out by the slaw and creamy avocado dressing.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #073763;"><i><br /></i><i>1.5 lbs. tilapia or cod fillets</i></span></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 1/2 t smoked paprika</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 t garlic powder</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 t dried oregano</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 t onion powder</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/2 t cumin</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/2 t salt</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/2 t brown sugar</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/4 t cayenne pepper</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">2 T veggie oil</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">12 corn tortillas</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>***For the slaw:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>1/2 red cabbage, sliced thin</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/4 green cabbage, sliced thin</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/2 medium sweet onion</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/2 c chopped cilantro</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">Juice of 1 lime</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>1/2 c sour cream</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/4 c cilantro</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">Salt to taste</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>In a small bowl mix together all of the spices and gently pat into both sides of the fish</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Combine all of the avocado-cilantro sauce in a food processor or blender until well combined.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Prepare the cabbage slaw.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Use the veggie oil to lightly coat your grill or grill pan. Cook the fillets over high but not direct heat, 4 minute per side. This can also be done in a heavy skillet on your stove. Remove the fish from the heat and if desired, warm the tortillas for 30 minutes on each side.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Gently break up the fish into large chunks. Stack the tortillas in twos. Distribute the fish evenly between the 6 sets of tortillas and top with the slaw and sauce. Serves 4-6</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i>This recipe is not as busy as it sounds. I make my sauce and slaw the day before and keep it refrigerated. The spice mix can be made ahead, in fact, you might want to double or triple the ingredients as it makes a tasty seasoning for all types of fish and meats.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I'm leaving for the lake in a few days. Not sure when I'll be back. We took a little hike with Poppy around a college campus a few blocks away. There's a big pond with a waterfall and a good amount of geese and very social turtles. They are used to people and absolutely unafraid, even around dogs. Anyway, Poppy waded in the water (first time ever) to get closer to said geese, and Yay!!! She's a water lover!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I'll be back later when I'm more alone at the lake after this holiday weekend. Lot's of time for sure!! And I want to share some family pics...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Be safe. Wash your hands. Sending ❤️ & 🙏 </span><br />
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Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-8646890886318924802020-04-20T01:09:00.002-05:002020-04-28T01:14:53.030-05:00THOUGHTS ON LIFE IN THESE TROUBLING TIMES, PICK-ME-UP RECIPES, & A BATH REDO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Hello friends. How are we all holding up? I'll have some specific questions at the end of my post because I feel that was a very interesting way to share our experiences during this pandemic in my last blog post. I certainly don't mean to trivialize anything, my heart is breaking for those who haven't made it, or who are in the battle. And of course, the family and friends who have all of this weighing on them. It's darn serious business, but I appreciate how we uplift one another, especially on social media and through blogging. Just when I was wanting to really limit it all, I find it's a way to stay in touch with family and friends from afar, and I feel a little uplifted that I'm not alone in my feelings and <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">isolation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I've always been a news addict but I have found in the recent weeks that I can only take so much. My motto for the better part of my life has been: The more you know, the less you need. In early February I was reading about the virus in China and then it's moving to Spain. My niece was studying abroad in Milan and it drove me to follow the news incessantly. Thankfully she made it home in time before the flying suspensions from Europe to the US in mid-March. And that's when I began to stock up on canned and frozen foods. Some thought I was overreacting. I then doubled up on dog food and laundry detergent. I sincerely thought that if my health and freaking breathing problems were going to be jeopardized, I needed to be prepared. I was following what foreign countries were finding out and doing well before the US got moving.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"> After a certain point, specifically about a week ago, I really began to have a bit of a mental breakdown. I was watching the news one evening and I saw the current statistics, or deaths. And then it really flooded my mind, they were not just statistics, these were people. Human beings. Innocent people who would never imagine their lives ending this way. Their families not able to see them, comfort them in the end...I felt my breath quicken and my heart pound. My safe little bubble at home started to deflate in the reality of what is here all around us, not just in the words of a newscaster. I limited my news drastically, said tremendous more prayers, and made a true effort in letting trivial trials and tribulations go. No, I'm definitely not a wholly changed person, but I really fear panic, anxiety and depression entering my life as it has in the past, and I'm not letting that happen. And that is a story for another day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I do miss the lake. This duck and it's mate were waddling up next to my house here in Chicago. I took the pic through my window. We live a few blocks from a gorgeous college campus which has a pond. Sometimes little flocks lose their way. I really felt a tug at my heart in knowing that this is such a familiar sight at the lake.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">My oldest son called me just prior to the time we were told to stay at home as much as possible and said that he thought The Husband and I should shelter at the lake in a less populated area. The problem is that I clear out the fridge, cabinets, and pantry at the lakehouse of all food and perishables in late fall. And yes, some of you don't know, this is a year round home, we simply don't go as much in the winter---the holidays occupy our time in the city, then it just becomes a little more enjoyable to stay and have access to restaurants, theaters, events, and being with family. Come April, I'm a busy bee at the lake getting all the cleaning, organizing, food shopping, yard and patio work done, so a good rest up before is fantastic. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Of course I have tons of help. We've learned to hire out people who get our beach ready, deliver our boat from storage, and launch our wave runners after their shore stations are set up on the beach. Blah, blah...that's just how it rolls. A small price for months of fun and relaxation. But again, I had stocked up this house in the city with food and paper products, I wasn't going to venture out to do it again in Michigan. The Husband is also working at home. He's partially retired so I've gotten a bit used to having him underfoot. ;-D. Still, it's an adjustment for all of us in different ways I guess. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Easter was low key. This is a tablescape from a few years ago. I paid so much attention to detail; the little gold bunny napkins rings, the tea light candles with little eggs, my good silver. I had started to feel I was a little frivolous the past few years in how much I fussed over decor and table settings. This isolation has been a wake up call, and making a beautiful table is really a luxury and celebration, and makes for a memorable time. I miss this. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">The Husband and I spent Easter Sunday alone, the first time ever, but no complaints. As for everyday meals, we are across from each other at the kitchen bar. What I lack in a pretty table settings, I makeup for in creating new and innovative recipes. My saving grace has been cooking... more on that later. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I've been wanting to share pictures of the bathroom redo. I actually finished it about four weeks ago, but I really wasn't crazy about my photos. It's one of two full bathrooms we have. This particular one is in part of the house near the bedrooms and not used very much by <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">company. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I had been loving this type of vintage looking black and white flooring. It really does remind me of original tile in older homes. Truth be told, I hadn't expected this tile and the black and white color to make me feel 'locked' into a certain style. I wanted the original apron sink from the 1940's going back to when the house was built, as well as the white paneling. So what do your do with major black and white? To me it was go vintage or modern and I wasn't sold on either. Maybe this was a lack of imagination. I finally reached a decision with more than one route. Mix it up a bit (which I do very much so in my home decor), and just leave everything else up to luck.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">First off, I brightened up the paneling with a brighter white paint, and the area above with a darker gray than I originally had. Let me know if you want the paint colors. We have a glass block window which is pretty much standard here in older homes but not very attractive with the steel gray metal. I painted around it in matte black and then sealed it. Hard to see at night when I photographed it but during the day-- it's just lovely. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span><span style="color: #20124d;">Again, I kept the original cabinets, also custom made like the paneling. The lights above the sink (which you really can't see) have Edison bulbs that I may switch out, but darn, I look pretty good in this golden light when I look in the mirror. 😂 Speaking of the mirror, I had been eyeing a gold mirror at Target, but every time I went or looked online, it was sold out. I finally decided it might have been a little plain, I wanted something to be the star of the show. So this mirror, surrounded by a verde gras frame from Anthropologie, was my biggest expense. My faucet, shower, lighting, and cabinet fixtures are from Home Depot. The marble countertop was a remnant from a local tile shop. Various decor pieces, some in a gold finish, others sort of rustic, were found randomly at places like <a href="http://tjmaxx.com/">TJ Maxx,</a> <a href="http://target.com/">Target</a>, and <a href="http://hobbylobby.com/">Hobby Lobby</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Finally, the shower curtain is a black and white stripe from the Hand and Hearth collection at Target, UI don't know why this pic turned out so voodo-ish but believe me, its striped. I added a little rustic bench to keep it a little <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">cottage-like. And that's pretty much sums up the whole bathroom. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">As I mentioned, I'm cooking like crazy every night. I try to use the food I order weekly from our grocery store. I've always used fresh foods and I didn't want that to end with the sheltering down recommendations. Some of our stores deliver within two hours, and it's a preferred method of shopping for them as it keeps the number of shoppers down and minimizes the employee's risk of catching the virus. It's also providing jobs for more people. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">So as I said, I've been using fresh foods as always, maybe with the idea that they won't be available at some point--and I admit, it's sometimes slim pickings. I was thinking about salads that both of my sister-in-laws have shared in past summers with strawberries and almonds. I had blueberries and walnuts on hand and a bit of feta cheese. I saw this recipe on Pinterest and it looked very much like what I wanted. I changed it a lot of course, my dressing is made with what I had and to my liking as well as a few different ingredients. So finally, the bottom line is that the basic proportions and photo come from <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/553520610456092697/">this cooking blog</a>. I'm just not confident in taking food photos, so here is my recipe:</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">BLUEBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH FETA CHEESE</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i><br /></i></b>I had blueberries on hand that I wanted to use up. And I always have all sorts of fresh greens. I went through some recipes and found this picture but modified the ingredients greatly. No cucumbers here. I think you will like this.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;">5 oz. fresh baby spinach</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">3 oz. fresh blueberries</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">3 oz. feta cheese crumbles</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/2 c red onion, thinly sliced.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 c walnuts, roughly chopped</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>2 T olive oil</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 half to 1 T balsamic vinegar</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 t. honey</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 t Dijon mustard</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 clove garlic, minced</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">S&P to taste</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Make the dressing first so the flavors meld. Assemble the salad. Just before serving toss the dressing with the salad and serve.</i></span><br />
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Photo Credit: Jane</div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Finally I have this. I made it the other night for The Husband and I to munch on when we watched a movie. I found the recipe a few months ago in either Country Living or Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Again, I substituted a lot of ingredients. I added more spices, and instead of corn kernel snacks (what the heck are those?), I used pretzels. So use what you want but keep the proportions the same so your butter mixture coats the dry ingredients. </span></div>
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<b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">SMOKEY POPCORN MIX</span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/2 c butter</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">2 T Worcestershire sauce</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">2 t smoked paprika (I only had sweet but it was fine)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">2 t chili powder</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 t onion powder</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 t garlic powder</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/2 t ground cumin</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1/2 t dried thyme</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>8 c popped popcorn, lightly salted (equivalent to 1/2 c kernels in 3 T vegetable oil in a large pot)</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 1/2 c corn chips (I used Fritos)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 1/2 c cheese crackers (I used Pepperidge Farm goldfish)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 c sesame sticks</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><br /></i><i>Preheat oven to 275 degrees. In a small saucepan melt the butter and then whisk in the Worcestershire and dried spices (it's best to mix all the dried spices together first and then add to butter mix. In a roasting pan mix together the popcorn, crackers, etc. Pour the butter mixture over and stir well to coat. Bake 30 minutes being sure to stir well every 10 minutes. I found that the butter tends to settle to the bottom and can brown so you really need to flip this stiff around! Enjoy!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Finally, just some questions to find out how we are all doing, what's new, and perhaps start a little convo. Let's get it out!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">~~What sort of mandates or recommendations does your state have right now to prevent the spread of COVID-19?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">~~How are you getting groceries, meds, and staying in touch with family these days?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">~~What sort of hobbies have been your go-to during this time of sheltering?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">~~What has been the biggest change in your life in the past few weeks, good and/or bad?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">~~Have you been blogging more or less?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">~~What are the first few things you will do when it's safe to get back put into public?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Sending love...be safe and well!😘</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Jane</span><br />
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Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-7824750408005114982020-03-28T00:42:00.004-05:002020-04-19T20:24:45.556-05:00LIFE IN A PANDEMIC: STANDING TOGETHER<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKLZnbtDJr7I3MaLsgJ2LwCKeElS8gid7vTeFSmU1Y2BWEXQ-7j-RfhB3dE6oljXyru4m6kf0AVhbQdvDkvKXxfm-98vKLISP8US269HuwS6Tu5ojoMnCZ0npqBrLcAUOVKjHiahoju4/s1600/IMG-2774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WUaIaIfGcwEyEbKY2Kiy3xxDMQssqrAzDtC-RN3E1v8X478mSdQq1vbgTJK2RItDrHdpA__R5LUQtg7RKYk_-cpexkzRmpoZHgi7aZZ1D9xPL7TisE9y4R8RUZTLb1nfHH2JcgHEVwE/s1600/IMG-2729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WUaIaIfGcwEyEbKY2Kiy3xxDMQssqrAzDtC-RN3E1v8X478mSdQq1vbgTJK2RItDrHdpA__R5LUQtg7RKYk_-cpexkzRmpoZHgi7aZZ1D9xPL7TisE9y4R8RUZTLb1nfHH2JcgHEVwE/s400/IMG-2729.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">My pretty pic starter, as always. I decided to try out this trendy succulent garden thing and to be honest, in four weeks my plants have doubled in size. Home Depot is really going all out with sales on houseplants with spring and summer coming. I think I have my daughters motivated in having a few little victims of their own. One of my favorite IPhone apps is Picture This. Perfect for identifying plants, weeds, trees, what have you. Download the app, it's free unless you want add ons. Briefly, you can take a snapshot of said plant, weed, etc., and it will identify it for you along with added pics of it and some background info. I LOVE it. I thought I had poison ivy at the lake last summer. Thanks to this app I found that I had random English ivy which I pulled out pronto. I learned the names of all these little succulents as well as how to care for them. How cool is that?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Of course, there is a pandemic going on. I have all the same feelings as you. Our state is on a stay-at-home order. All non-essential businesses are closed except grocery stores, pharmacies, medical clinics, etc. Chicago is one of the 'hotspots, which means we have a huge number of cases, deaths, and the numbers are rising. The news is ominous and I've always been a news fanatic. I'm getting better in staying away but still staying informed. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Poppy is not facing anything different as I am a stay-at-home dog mom on a full time basis. Some pets are overjoyed that their humans are home all day. Layla sleeps, but Poppy is in full antics mode. She loves to snatch my clothes out of my hamper, it must be my familiar "scent"! She doesn't chew anything up, just leaves it all strewn about. Here she is color coordinating herself with one of my bras. 😂</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Our fam keeps it going through text threads. They are all funny and uplifting, lots of pics of the kids. And we FaceTime. We did selfies one day, so here was my mood. Does anyone put on makeup anymore? Or get out of pajamas? So many small changes from everyday life. Should we have the cleaning girl come? Sounds a little like an oxymoron as far as germs. Hair salons are closed, hence my disgusting roots and grown-out cut. I actually cleaned up a little and put on some makeup (lest I forget how) the other day to go out in the backyard to clean up doggie doo-doo. I try. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"> I've taken Poppy for walks and she's getting super good on a leash. It's amazing to see people out on nice days, just taking walks or walking their dogs (and staying very far apart). Last Sunday it was raining like hell but still warmish, and people were out with umbrellas, laughing and having a very obvious joyful time of it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">And I have these jarring thoughts once in awhile. We need to replace flooring in our family room--I've got to make some calls. Oops, no one coming in my house. I have blinds on order from Home Depot. Where are they? Welp, doesn't matter, they aren't coming in my house to install. Okay, we wanted to have a new backyard fence done in the spring. No prob, it's outside work. No, have to look at styles and material, fill out forms, pay...no-no, no one coming in my house. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">It's all small stuff actually. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I made a quick trip to a small grocery store last week just before our mandated shelter. Of course I have the freedom to go, yet I know better with my lung problems. I was defiant and really wanted certain things. I wore a hat, buttoned my coat to the neck, and wore fingerless gloves. I almost hyperventilated trying not to breathe. I saw one person with a mask on, just one. And there were people doing big shopping-full carts, and laughing and smiling and chatting like it was an everyday thing (and yes, Chicago is like that normally). Not sure about that logic, but it was before the order to stay home.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">My kids have been really firm about The Husband and I not leaving the house. Both Emily and Abby have picked up items we need from the grocery store. I try not to burden them with things I know I'm out of, like brown sugar or yogurt. Maybe that's a sign of what's to come when I'm really an elderly lady, not wanting to put anyone out, being dependent. It truly frightens me. I did find a few stores that deliver. Tonight I ordered online with a store I generally shop at. I was actually looking for a delivery time tomorrow afternoon. I received a text fifteen minutes later that they were on the way. I texted back that my preference had been tomorrow. The reply was that they fill and deliver orders in 1 hour. And then there it was on my porch.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Fruits and veggies that can be kept out of the fridge and actually stay fresher this way, can be so, so pretty. I'm more inclined to use them when I have the visual. I keep onions, shallots, garlic, and potatoes in bowls and baskets on another counter. Looking for what to refrigerate or keep at room temp? Have a peek at this<a href="https://www.halfyourplate.ca/fruits-and-veggies/store-fruits-veggies/"> </a><a href="https://www.halfyourplate.ca/fruits-and-veggies/store-fruits-veggies/">link</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I climb into bed most nights about 9-10:00 p.m. I read a bit, check out the news, Facebook, and Instagram. It's all probably "stimulating", but when the words get blurry and my eyes are closing, I turn off the light and I'm out. I have more books than I can read. This is the stack on my nightstand. Yes, I'm aware it's a lot of fluff, but I get caught up in books that are humorous and that's nice. Next on my list are mysteries and thrillers, self-help books have always been interesting to me, and I try bestsellers often. I usually have two books going at once, sometimes I want the drama, other times I want something light. What are you reading? I'll get back to you on that.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">So, besides reading, I'm cooking. I'm still not on board with taking and sharing hideous photos of my dishes. Perhaps I can share recipes without the pics? I'm also on a cleaning kick, I feel germy all the time. The smell of Clorox is enticing. I wash my hands after opening the mail. It's a neurotic thing for a lot of us. I read a funny, but pretty on the mark line somewhere...Another productive day: 8 hours of watching TV and 4 hours of thinking I have coronavirus. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I leave you with a few questions related to this pandemic, please feel free to weigh in:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">I'm staying sane at home by...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">The biggest change in my day to day life is...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">I'm stocking up on these foods and items<span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;">We are under these restrictions/mandates...</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">I'm reading...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">Hobbies that keep my hands busy...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">I get outdoors and do...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">If you have anything else to add or ask, feel free.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Sending love and good wishes to all of you, along with prayers that you and yours stay healthy, safe, and well. Prayers going out to our whole world🙏</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Jane x</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-6265449770970995542020-03-13T23:22:00.001-05:002020-03-14T18:09:11.967-05:00PLAYING CATCHUP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Hello friends! Just me. I'm going to have a lot of randomness in this post. If I can find the time to write, all I can manage is the usual drivel about my mundane life. So--I read a book about the late Princess Diana ages ago, written by her personal butler. When she was driven up to the gates of Buckingham Palace after the divorce (but still her home), the security would ask by microphone, "Who is this?" She would giggle and say, "Just me." I would love to have seen how her life progressed. So sad we lost her when she was so young.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">So anyway, its me, Your long lost me. I haven't been living under a rock but have been terribly busy, I just seem to do everything in bits and pieces. So FYI, I edited my photos in mid January, uploaded them in early February, and started writing my post last week, at least the title. Enough. I'm a sloth. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I love to start my posts with a purdy picture. Above is a real bona fide hedgehog, I met him at a birthday party for my grandson, Brooks, and granddaughter, Elsie, both whom share the same date. My son, Jeff, and my daughter in law, Deirdre, arranged to have The Amazon Lady visit with a myriad of wild animals. Not pictured is a chinchilla, a barn owl, an anteater, and a huge yellow snake (the species I don't remember). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I thought the hedgehog was related to the opossum, and although they look alike, they aren't. They are super cute but contact with their sharp quills, which carry a bacteria that can make you ill, gives me no idea why people have them as pets. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC52JAWh5XGVYDZUQhxbLbNRHr10FniJ1AaFcJxdINPX1MscohAT30HoI3sgqBgcT8krcRuBftAORflnXvFg8HE7ukG25F_BEErfTKizRY13cQGEBbRQtQR4k-JfHjG_T_jVaihk-Owmw/s1600/2DA84A11-5D67-415E-9F32-3A473D52935E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC52JAWh5XGVYDZUQhxbLbNRHr10FniJ1AaFcJxdINPX1MscohAT30HoI3sgqBgcT8krcRuBftAORflnXvFg8HE7ukG25F_BEErfTKizRY13cQGEBbRQtQR4k-JfHjG_T_jVaihk-Owmw/s400/2DA84A11-5D67-415E-9F32-3A473D52935E.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Here is Abby just loving a sloth. A long time ago I called her a sloth in the spirit of how she lacked all sense of housekeeping and making things tidy. She asked what a sloth was and I was at a loss for words. It was a saying, but neither of us knew anything about sloths. So we Googled it. Maybe these were unflattering pictures but they looked pretty nasty. Fast forward to this past Christmas, I was in Barnes & Noble and found a sloth calendar, some note pads, cards...seems someone thought the little grub was cute and made it popular. So I gifted her with the calendar and notecards. She didn't see the humor in these gifts once unwrapped and left them under my coffee table. Lo and behold, when we met this sloth, we both had a change of heart. They sort of look alike-seriously. She should have hung upside down. <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">Adorable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">We welcomed Lucy June in November, this is a picture of me with the little cutie on Christmas Eve. Look at that dress! She and Madelyn were dressed the same. You might remember my little fall on the back porch steps just prior to Christmas ( I'm absolutely fine), and </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">you can see I'm lacking makeup on my left eye. Through the miracle of photo editing, Emily was able to erase the wicked black eye. Actually, it was a pretty shade of purple and I did matching eyeshadow on the right eye. We had so many holiday parties, I had to adjust my makeup accordingly. 🙄</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Jumping ahead, we had our annual sledding weekend at the lake in mid January. Alas, there was zip snow at the park that we go to. We had had a ton of snow just days before, but the temps dropped, the rain came, and it was gone. I wish it had happened sooner; when I arrived my driveway was blocked in with hardened snow and ice that the plow had created. I felt like a climber in the Alps trying to get my bags, dogs, and provisions up to the house. I parked on the road for several days, pioneer that I am. These are our four eldest grandkids on our beach. From left: Patsy, Elsie, Madelyn, and Brooks. And not pictured is Baby Lucy, and another grandson, who arrived three days after Christmas, Bobby Sheahan, Brooks' little brother. He's absolutely adorable. I hope to post pics soon. Anyway, we ended up going to a little ski resort for lunch. We've aways wrapped up the sledding there. After a great time, the kiddos were able to play in the snow, making angels and running around. The snow here is machine-made, in addition to the 'real stuff'. This does not imply fake snow, it involves a process using ice crystals and a whole lot of science to create genuine snow when we are without snow (which is rare in Michigan). Lots of skiing and snowboarding. My sons took lessons here when they were quite small.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">When it comes to snow, kids need little incentive and often forego the necessities, like missing mittens on Madelyn here. No worries, we keep a good eye on the kidlets. Once dinner was over (I made BBQ chicken wings and Emily made pulled pork in the crockpot), moms and dads put all of their children in one guest room, sharing beds. Genius, except both my sons slept on <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">couches, and Abby crashed on an inflatable bed in my room. Most stayed up late playing poker...not me. I like board games, lame card games like Crazy 8's, and I'm pretty darn good at chess! No one cared for that.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">The troops packed up and left Sunday and I planned to stay awhile as I hadn't been up since November. I cleaned, washed linens, cleaned more, had visits with my next door neighbor, and pretty much just sat looking out at the semi-frozen lake. When its frozen we have watched ice skaters, ice fishermen, and snowmobiles. At one time, long ago, there were truck races! I can't remember if we froze last year, I know we had a lot of spring rain. I started coming up in late April and it felt like it would never stop. We've had a mild winter and the Almanac predicts an early spring. Anyway, I came back to Chicago a little earlier than planned!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Since coming home, everyday brings something new. I'm still working with my doctor in getting a new drug approved for my lungs which is an injectable. Insurance doesn't want to pay because it's experimental. I know we all have healthcare issues so I'm not going to make a big fuss here. I have to have a pulmonary function test Friday and maybe this will convince them my problem is for real. I've also been seeing an optometrist for recurring corneal ulcers, and recently chipped a molar, <i>in my sleep!</i> Three weeks later I had a lovely crown for about as much money as a down payment on a house. Oh my gosh, I sound like I'm ninety!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I've been going to yoga, well not so regularly. In fact I thought maybe it wasn't worth the expense as other than a few poses where I found my balance off, I was never sore or anything. Then I started to notice how much stronger I felt around my core, how I was standing and sitting straight <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">involuntarily. I go to the studio with my sister in law and after we have coffee so it really is a nice way to get out of the house early on cold mornings. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I haven't been walking Poppy much, it's cold, sometimes too cold for me (🙄). She's an eighteen pound dynamo and full of zest. She did get her certification for six weeks of puppy training-- Yaaaaaaay! The only thing she learned is that she loves all dogs. I really had a ball going and getting to know all of the other dogs and owners. It didn't go unnoticed that the trainer used Poppy a lot as an example of what you <i style="font-weight: bold;">don't </i>want your dog to do when on a leash, sitting, or lying down. When we were learning how to control our dogs on a leash, I was chosen to demonstrate the way I walk Poppy. The trainer asked, "So why are you letting your dog go all over the place rather than teaching her to stay at your side?" I was at a loss for words for a moment, "Because I want Poppy to have fun! I want her to sniff flowers and fire hydrants, spot squirrels and wag at people!' I think I may have stopped Mr. M in his tracks, "Well...you want that, too..." So for the rest of that class I tried to keep Poppy on a short leash next to my side. This involved slipping her little treats from my pocket every few steps. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Look who is growing so fast! Three months now and Lucy is looking more and more like her mama. I think she's a really calm baby. She's usually sleeping every time I see her or have her here. That's okay because Madelyn is a whirlwind-- it seems like she just turned five instead of three. She has incredible language and coordination skills. I pointed out to her one day that Layla had a new collar. She replied, "Yes, I noticed that when I came in." And by the way, she can count to twenty...in Spanish. Yup, three years old. She learned all of this from her grandma. ❤️. Ha!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://food52.com/"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Spring </i><i>Vegetable</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> Jumble with Lemon-Tarragon Butter</i></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I have been doing a whole lot of cooking as I tend to do during the long, slow winter months. I wish I had kept track of a few dishes, maybe had taken a few pictures, but I'm the first to admit that my pics do not flatter the food in any way. So instead of one of my own recipes, I'm posting one from Food52, one of my favorite websites for all things cooking and food. This recipe is on my list for a comfort style Sunday dinner that has a bit of spring feel to it. If you make it--let me know. And follow this <a href="https://food52.com/">Food52</a>...you'll love it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I'm signing off now. I've been putting this post together for about three weeks. I have a lot of irons in the fire and there are so many things I want to share. I posted on Instagram today for the first time in over two weeks, and that's a cinch compared to blogging. And my apologies for not visiting your blogs. As much as I wanted to keep up, I felt that you would see my comment and stop by here where there has been nothing for what seems like forever. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"> I hope you've enjoyed catching up. I plan to write about my bathroom redo which is a New York minute from being finished. I'm so proud of bringing all of my ideas and plans to fruition, of course using a whole list of professional plumbers, electricians, and painters. Not very DIY but my son commissioned many of his workers at no cost. My family room project is well underway and I'll save that to share later also.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Lastly, I hope and pray we make it through this pandemic around the world as quickly as possible until it is under control. Be stringent and smart. Many prayers going out to all of you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Jane </span><br />
<br />Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-56857007390879513612019-12-29T01:24:00.004-06:002019-12-31T02:27:04.076-06:00BEAUTIFUL DECEMBER<br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I'm popping in--as they say on Instagram Stories-to give you a quick synopsis of the month. I don't have much time so you won't have to read the normal drivel from me, maybe just a teeny bit. We are leaving Monday morning for a New Years Eve wedding in downtown Chicago. I love December downtown, I have beautiful memories of The Husband and I celebrating our December 14 wedding anniversaries there: our wedding was at the Palmer house, as well as our first date. The Windy City is quite cold, but I'm used to <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">it. And I love cab rides. ;-D</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 18, 77);">This beautiful wall hanger is from the Hand and Hearth collection at <a href="http://target.com/">Target</a>. I found it last year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">These cute little salt and pepper shakers were found at an antique store years ago. Don't you love finding a cute collection when you're out hunting? They are a sign of the times. They just don't make them like this anymore, but that's the beauty in collecting.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I kept Christmas decor to a minimum this year. I am making a sincere purge to clear out and clean out every space in my home. I belong to two Facebook groups in my area, one in which you can sell items, and another to give them away free. All you have to do is post a photo and put your little goodies on your front porch. My starting date is the 1st of the New Year. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I found these cute lanterns at <a href="http://hobbylobby.com/">Hobby Lobby</a>, and the flame-less candles at<a href="http://tjmaxx.com/"> TJ Maxx</a>. I wonder why I never tried these candles before. The faux flame flickers and I can set a timer for them to turn on at dusk. I added cedar branches on the mantel and I was surprised that they dried up so fast and I had to toss them well before Christmas Day. What mattered to me overall was keeping the decor simple so we could focus on family and <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">festivities with little distraction.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">This will always be one of my top Christmas ornaments, a mini shopping bag. I actually saved a real bag and I pull it out ever once in awhile when I'm feeling nostalgic. I have so many great memories of shopping at the old Marshall Field's on State St. in Chicago. In fact, my desk in the law firm I worked in was in front of a large window that looked straight at the store. I'd often check the time on the iconic clock which is still there after Macy's acquired the store. I also wanted you to see the cute popcorn and berry garland I found at Hobby Lobby. So cute and easy to wind around compared to tucking and wiring <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">ribbon. Very realistic, too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I wish I could remember the name of this online website that features all things for dogs. I saw this little dog angel topper and it really spoke to me as it looked somewhat like Milo. So it replaced our usual angel and I am sure, will remain our Christmas tree topper for many, many years. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I really enjoyed hunting down our tree this year. My favorite nursery was chock full of every type of tree. I've always seemed to come away with a tree that is way too large for our tiny living room. Last year I found the best skinny tree ever and it looked darling in the corner. Everyone called it the Grinch Tree. This year was a runner up. My son Kevin helped me pop it into the stand and after two days of letting the branches drop, on went 900 lights (I don't skimp) and a good amount of ornaments. I wanted to keep them playful this year for the grandkids to see, so I didn't add any from vintage collection. Who knows, maybe I'll get a little tree for another room to hang them on next year. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">In my <a href="https://blondiesjournals.blogspot.com/">last post</a> I shared the arrival of little Lucy June. Emily gifted us with a canvas print of her in my arms less than twenty four hours after she was born. She is absolutely beautiful and such a good baby, I can't get enough of her.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Madelyn loves her baby sister and is so gentle with her. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">My daughter and <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">granddaughter. I look at this and feel such joy and pride in the fact that the legacy (and genes) of my mother, father, siblings, the cousins, my grandparents-it's all here. Links to treasure and remember.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I came upon a super recipe for whipped sweet potatoes. I can't imagine a holiday without them and this version was new to me and it's a winner. In a nutshell, and you really don't need to measure, boil about five peeled sweet potatoes until fork tender. Drain and add to a mixing bowl. Add 3/4 of a stick of butter, 1/2 to 3/4 cups of brown sugar, and a teaspoon or more of vanilla extract. Whip them up with your mixer until smooth. Add a bit of salt and pepper and adjust the other ingredients as desired. I made these the night before Thanksgiving and <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Christmas and I think everyone loved them. :-D</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">It's a little ironic that since I've been finding the best Grinch trees lately, that I would stumble upon a cocktail recipe called <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spicy-sweet-grinch-cocktail/">The Grinch</a>. It's sweet and spicy and fizzy. I think the fruit juice makes it acceptable for brunch. I love the blog <a href="http://halfbakedharvest.com/">Half Baked Harvest</a>, go for a visit. Tieghan shares the most insanely delicious recipes and her own photos, like the one above. Pay her a visit. The family consensus was that this drink is a keeper, even for summer. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">So this is about all I have...except for a teaser I left on Instagram. It all started with Poppy chasing a raccoon that we believed was living under our shed. This pup can see, smell, and hear for miles. And she can run. We tried to barricade the back of the shed as well as we could, but worried when we let her out at night. I talked with our neighborhood animal control and believe it or not, she dropped off a coffee can with small bags soaked in coyote urine. I know, gross, I made The Husband place it around areas we thought the raccoon was coming and going from. So the reason behind this is small animals smell the urine and are scared off. It doesn't attract other coyotes as they believe the territory is marked and taken, and believe me, coyotes, fox, and raccoons are taking up life in the city at an alarming rate. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">One evening about two weeks ago after a light snow, I let Poppy out in the yard at about 11:00 for her last run. The first thing she did was tear off to the shed which she hadn't done of late. I slipped into my rubber boots that I keep at the back door and went flying down the back steps. Boom, I slid and in order to not land on my back with all it's metal and screws, twisted around and caught myself on the wrought iron railing. The first thing to hit it was the left side of my head, I actually bounced off it a few times. I was on my hands and knees and tried to pull myself up the steps and all I did was slip and slide and bang against that railing. All in my jammies and no coat. In looking back, I really think I was very confused by the trauma. I should have sat down on a step, gotten up, turned around and up into the house. But I didn't. I tried to climb on all fours, whimpering and crying thinking I'd freeze to death out there with everyone sleeping. But I made it in with Poppy and hobbled to the bedroom where The Husband was off in dreamland. I must have scared the heck out of him. My face was covered in blood as well as my hands and the front of my top. Upon inspection I had some deep gashes on my forehead, left arm, and legs. The bruises, black eye, and aches and pains came in the following days. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I just keep thinking that Clarence or someone was looking out for me that night. If I had been knocked unconscious, it could have been hours before I was found. The head injury could have been worse, the cuts could have needed stitches, and I might have broken <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">something. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I went to all the Christmas celebrations with that gorgeous black eye. I simply matched it with purple and blue eyeshadow on the other eye. I do have pics but I just can't put them on here-they are pretty gory. But I'm very much healed, the bruises fading. I catch my breath when I think about it. The Husband found smears of blood on the back door, porch, and railing. One of my boots was at the bottom of the steps and my glasses were in the snow on the <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">patio. I don't remember losing them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Whew, this all sounds dramatic, maybe I just needed to let it out. I've escaped from a lot of minor incidents, but this one really shook me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">So we are hoping that the coyote urine will continue to keep critters away. I ordered granules from Amazon and I really want to pass this on if you have have the same sort of problems. I know a lot of gardeners use this and I'm going to share with the people in Michigan where rabbits and deer destroy veggies and flowers in a single night.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">After the visit downtown I'm hoping to drive up to the lakehouse for a week or two. Just hunker down in front of the fireplace or old wood stove with Layla and Poppy, and plow through a stack of books. Who knows, maybe I'll keep up with blogging.😘</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Jane</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">***I am linking up with Debra from http://commonground.com for her Monday party: <a href="https://www.commonground-do.com/2019/12/hello-friends-so-glad-youre-here-to.html">All About Home.</a> Also thanks to http://Yellowbrickhome.com</span>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-88651415671382509872019-11-23T00:54:00.001-06:002019-11-23T23:24:56.034-06:00WELCOMING A NEW BABY, THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS PLANS, AND A DELISH RECIPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR46TGKN2OFW7nDjMyCrkz72hCqcvC_H2RAVUVElucYG7a_tW-WgcmAgKAH4Yxgs6J8kg3SaDQ_poCvIkl1ATyAIRpl3BU0e-MCZ5bEKl0GQCbBuv5DdgRGPyFRPn5XDHx-WGi7LA9iM/s1600/IMG-2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR46TGKN2OFW7nDjMyCrkz72hCqcvC_H2RAVUVElucYG7a_tW-WgcmAgKAH4Yxgs6J8kg3SaDQ_poCvIkl1ATyAIRpl3BU0e-MCZ5bEKl0GQCbBuv5DdgRGPyFRPn5XDHx-WGi7LA9iM/s320/IMG-2220.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">I always love to start my posts with a pretty photo, usually flowers, but today I have the best ever beginning...welcome Lucy June! Emily gave birth to this little nugget November 15. She weighed 5 lbs., 13 oz., just a peanut. She's absolutely beautiful and she looks so much like her mama. And Emily was also small, 5 lb., 2 oz. Holding Lucy for the first time was like deja vu. So tiny and perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Big sister Madelyn had been anxiously awaiting this day. She was actually <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">practicing feeding and diapering her baby doll in preparation. She is so gentle and loving with Lucy, I wish I could show you so many more pictures of her with the baby. But trust me, I be sharing when I can. Isn't she beautiful? Aren't they both?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Switching gears here, I was really wanting to go to some fall festivals but it simply didn't pan out. I've joined a few Facebook neighborhood groups and it's amazing how you can find out about all the great events going on in your area. This recent holiday shopping weekend was called Christmas At The Barn. It's a genuine barn that was repaired and renovated for seasonal events like this. Abby and I went last Saturday to a nearby suburb (where my son, Jeffrey, also lives, but further west and near some beautiful forest preserves). I couldn't help but think what a perfect day it was both weather-wise and in this gorgeous wooded setting. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I loved this old bike with a basket filled with evergreen. Not something cute and flowery like we usually see, but looking like it's been suspended in time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">The shopping didn't disappoint either. It was a mix of old and authentic, as well as new and loved. Some vendors were local artisans so it was a good feeling to see handmade items. Abby, who is in the midst of decorating her new home, was pretty restrained. She is loving plaids so she picked up a few cute pillows. There was a lot I was really wanting to buy but how could I do that when I'm in the middle of tossing and giving away holiday decorations I've collected over thirty five years? All in </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99); color: #073763;">all it was a fun afternoon. I love spending time with my daughters.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Last week I was writing a holiday column for one of the newspapers and I wanted to share a recipe I came across on Pinterest. I've always use my own recipes and photos in my articles, but try as I might, I simply can't photograph food to make it look appealing. So I am using Pinterest once in awhile as well as recipes from my cookbooks. If I tweak them, I share them as my own (hideous pics and all), but some recipes are just perfect as they are. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I can't break tradition when it comes to holiday meals, The Husband and kids can be really vocal about that if you know what I mean. To satisfy my love of trying out new recipes, I serve the usual corn but then make another side dish that looks gross to my non-vegetable eating kids/guests, but a hit with others. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">So I stumbled on this recipe for Brussels sprouts done up in a wonderful way. I'm going to make them as a side dish on Thanksgiving. Here is the recipe and for your convenience a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/553520610441950636/">link</a> to the original. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Parmesan Prosciutto Brussels sprouts</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i><br /></i></b><i>I think this is such a pretty dish although maybe not for everyone. It makes me curious to dive into and discover some new tastes. I've made a few converts with this side dish! Finally--I hate starting a recipe only to find I didn't take note of the cooking time. Allow yourself an hour for these and I don't recommend reheating them.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><br /></i><i>1 lb. Brussels sprouts</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">2 T butter</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">2 cloves of minced garlic</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">Salt and Pepper</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;">2 slices of Prosciutto, chopped into small pieces * </span></i><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><br /></i><i>Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Trim ends of Brussels sprouts, remove loose or brown outer leaves. Slice each one in half lengthwise and place them in a large bowl. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><br /></i><i>Melt the butter and pour over the Brussels sprouts. Add the Parmesan, garlic, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><br /></i><i>Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts over a parchment paper lined baking sheet, trying to keep some space between them, they crisp up that way rather than steam. Place in the oven and let bake for 40 minutes until they are just starting to brown.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Turn the oven temperature up to 350. Chop the prosciutto and scatter over the veggies and gently push them around with a spatula. Shake the pan and return to the oven and roast an additional 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately or cover with foil and keep warm in oven.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Layla and Poppy are really becoming good friends. I had my doubts at the beginning as Playful Poppy has a ton of energy and was pretty much pouncing on Layla every chance she could. I was trying to keep them separated so Layla could have some peace and quiet but then I noticed that she was actually enjoying the play fighting and having Poppy nuzzle her. All that worry...and then things worked out on their own. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I wish I could say it's been cool watching Poppy grow, but she's not growing. I guess this is it, fifteen pounds of long body and legs and big 'ol floppy ears. A lot of people ask what breed she is, I mean she really has this sort of "look", like a purebred something or other. I can't figure out what she is but I know for sure she inherited all the traits of a cattle dog that is ever-present in her genes. She is insanely fast, and as a friend said<span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">, she could easily be a horse rustler. Thoughts of keeping her off-leash at the lake are feeling less and less likely.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">On the medical front, whatever cold or flu I had that was making my nose and chest insanely congested seems to have passed. The asthma isn't so great, my lungs tighten up just going up and down the stairs to do laundry. My doctor has prescribed some new meds and we are awaiting the analysis of the little germies that were scraped out of my lungs and are currently growing under a petri dish somewhere. I also have to go for more blood workup, at this point I don't even know what for. I'm just happy to say that I'm writing this from a better place than the last time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">As if being sick, having a new puppy, the huge celebration of having a new grandchild, planning for Thanksgiving dinner (for which I will host dinner for a small group and then dessert for a crowd), tossing out long ago and unwanted Christmas decor, making a list and checking it twice, finding a caterer for Christmas Eve, which will also be at our home for The Husband's side of the family and easily amounts to about thirty guests including little ones...I'm in the middle of redoing one of the baths that I touched on in my last post, as well as our family room. I'm having an anxiety attack just writing this.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">My son came to my aid in offering a "jack of all trades" that he has for work on the various properties he owns. While I thought I was going to have the tedious work of painting trim and doors, and then hiring an electrician and plumber, I now have a weight taken off me. And I will get excellence as this guy works for Jeff and he is a hawk with his employees. All I have left to be shipped are the light fixtures for the family room and to pick out hardware for this and that. I found a granite dealer way out in some far flung suburb which I never would have gotten to without my GPS, and I picked out a pretty vanity top in quartz. I look forward to sharing the finished bathroom soon. I'm so proud that I designed (if I could actually say that), and sourced out everything and everyone I needed by my own little self. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I could blabber on forever, as you know, but I'll cut off here. I have confused even myself with this hodge podge of what is going on. I actually thought Thanksgiving was the week after next. Lists. I need to make lists.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Thanks for <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">visiting. You are all such great girlfriends. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Jane❤️</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><br /></span></span>Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-39661395076431227222019-11-09T23:35:00.002-06:002019-11-23T01:24:37.416-06:00HOLIDAY STRESS, OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS IDEAS, HALLMARK MOVIE CALENDARS AND MY BATHROOM RENO <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Halloween 2019 In Chicago (no editing)</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Hello Hello Hello! It's always good to be back in a somewhat timely manner. I'm hoping we are all past Halloween and looking ahead to Thanksgiving although it makes me shudder. In all my years, whenever I host holiday dinners, I have never learned to not stress it out. I'm a huge reader and eat up books, magazines, and websites that promise ways to handle hosting a party or simply holiday stress. No matter, I fret over whether all the food will be ready at once, if everyone has a drink, a refill, a little tidbit, And those that wander into the kitchen asking for the odd beverage, extra napkins, a hand towel for the bathroom (gulp). And there never seems to be anyone around to say to, "Can you please help this person out?" I feel my holidays have become so relaxed for my company, and perhaps routine, that everyone is happily chatting away while I'm sweating away in the kitchen and acting like a traffic officer at the same time. The worse thing is...I apologize profusely. We're out of ice? Let me run out to a convenience store. You're allergic to nuts? Let me whip up some liver pate. You're gluten free? Really? <b><i>Really?????</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">I write for the Michigan newspaper and I'm a cross between Dear Abby, Martha Stewart, and Joanna Gaines. No, I'm not in their league in any way but my column is geared toward encouraging readers to be the best cook, gardener, home decorator, gift wrapping professional, and above all, organizer. No one has any idea how little I follow my own advice. I'm really not much better than the writers of those self help-don't stress it out pieces. So yeah, I'm not prepared and even if I were, something always goes wrong and maybe I ought to just ban guests from the kitchen. </span></div>
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<i style="color: #073763;">Christmas Inspiration</i></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">I'm definitely not planning for Christmas right now, but I do love to Pin ideas, and I came across an article on the <a href="http://apartmenttherapy.com/">Apartment Therapy</a> site: "Beautiful Outdoor Christmas Decorating That's Not The Least Bit Tacky". The Husband is not so keen on hanging outdoor lights or wreaths on windows. He frowns on blow-up snowmen and white wooden deer sculptures (believe me, I'm open to everything). So the outside of the house is pretty much non-Christmasy unless you count the lit up tree you can see through the living room window. Anyway I digress, I saw this lamplight idea and I knew it was for me. Simple. Classic. Beautiful. And even though I have a phobia of climbing on ladders (thinking back to 2016 when I fell off a chair and broke my arm in three places), I'm doing it. Nothing is going to stop me. I may have eight people holding on to said ladder and an inflatable snowman to block a fall, but I'm decorating the porch and garage lights. If you'd like to see some of the ideas I've Pinned, go to my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/blndy9/">page</a>. I have lots of good things on my boards--holiday cooking, baking, gift ideas, something for everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i>Lifetime Movie Calendar 2019</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Maybe it's cheesy, maybe I should be watching <i>Fleabag, Jack Ryan, </i>or <i>The Crown,</i> I just can't help but feel the allure of a sweet, sappy love story set in a big city or a little town with snow and carolers, hot cocoa, and the inevitable widow/widower with children who instantly fall in love with The Love Interest. Most times one or the other Love Interest gives up their present life to join the other Love Interest forevermore. And all those interrupted kisses, we finally get to see one in the final thirty seconds. ❤️. Sigh. Just gotta love curling up and watching these movies to get away from the world. Or your husband, kids, and needy, drooling dogs.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie Calendar </span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">You can Pin these calendars if you so wish, or download and print them. Maybe not. Perhaps you like <i>Jack Ryan</i>... John Krasinski is awfully sexy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">I had a lot of fun passing some on some info about moisturizing your skin as the really cold weather begins. A few ladies asked about foundation that didn't make them feel like they had a mask on, so I wanted to move on to what I've learned about this sort of coverage. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I had a rude awakening this past spring when I had been wearing <a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/natural-radiant-longwear-foundation-P427301?icid2=products%20grid:p427301:product">Nars Natural Radiant Long Wear Foundation</a> for a good couple of months. I love their radiant concealer for under my eyes so I thought the foundation would be a win as well. And then I happened to see myself in a mirror in bright, natural sunlight and I couldn't believe how thick and caked it looked. In spite of feeling I knew so much about makeup products and applying them, I hadn't really discovered the difference between full coverage and light. I was telling the girl who does my hair about it and she recommended<a href="https://www.bareminerals.com/makeup/face/foundation/complexion-rescue-tinted-moisturizer---hydrating-gel-cream-broad-spectrum-spf-30/USmastercomplexionrescue.html?dwvar_USmastercomplexionrescue_SkinShade=Natural%2005"> Bare Minerals Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream</a>. Back in the day I used something similar from Lancome that was a tinted moisturizer and it was prefect but I've never found anything like it since. Long story short, although I felt that the Nars foundation was making me look line free, smoother and more radiant, it was actually the opposite. So I tried the Bare Minerals gel cream and I could not be happier. When you apply, it feels like silk...I just smooth it all over my face with just my fingertips much like a moisturizer. It evens out everything such as red spots or uneven tones, and your skin glows (and not in that bright highlighted way). Best of all, I've come to love my freckles again (thank you, Megan Markle) and I feel fresh faced. It is super hydrating which I love especially in the colder months, but if your skin is on the oily side, you can most likely skip your moisturizer and just use a primer before you apply it. Good stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">And finally, I wanted to share an update we are doing on one of our bathrooms. It's almost embarrassing that we still had the 1980's linoleum flooring and outdated light fixtures. The vanity counter is pink. The first thing we did was have the linoleum removed and the floor retiled with what you see above. This is my actual bathroom with an overlay design board (courtesy of my interior designer daughter, Emily). I ordered and have received the light fixtures and faucet gadgets from <a href="http://homedepot.com/">Home Depot</a>. I want to give the wall's vertical shiplap a fresh coat of white paint. And I'm making trips to a few granite dealers to pick out a vanity top, I'm thinking something white with a little gray marbling. The gold rimmed mirror is from <a href="http://target.com/">Target</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">My question is--- I don't want a completely black and white bath, nor a complete vintage vibe that the flooring leans toward. I do have a bad way of mixing up too many elements in rooms that aren't cohesive. I'm thinking of adding rusty brown, bronze or copper colored pieces and a little bit of natural elements; plants, dried flowers, grasses, stems, or herbs, tucked in an urn, basket, something on the wall. Please weigh in with your ideas or tips. More to come...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Thank you all for your well wishes on this never ending bronchitis or whatever. I saw a specialist after a chest CT scan and had a bronchoscopy of my lungs yesterday (not for the mild or timid). A lot of bad stuff was sucked out and part of my lower right lobe has collapsed. When, how...unknown. Nothing to be done and it shouldn't present any problems. So far the consensus is I have a bacterial infection in my upper left lobe and I'm getting a heavy dose of antibiotics. My throat is a bit sore from the tube but I'm feeling much better all around. The fluid and tissue lab results come in this week. What a mess. But I'm in good hands and I'm pretty tough! So again, thanks for your thoughtful words and prayers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Off I go <span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">now. Hope you are having a great weekend!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">Jane❤️</span></span></div>
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<br />Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702005723584006500.post-76988811835314465172019-10-25T01:48:00.001-05:002019-10-25T22:36:03.795-05:00TIDBITS, A TRIP & DRY WEATHER SKIN TIPS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i>I've Fallin a Little</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Hello, hello, hello! I spent three hours last night choosing, editing and loading photos. After that I had no energy to write so here I am 24 hours later and feeling in the groove. Except...I have had the worst sort of flu/bronchitis/asthma thing going on for almost three weeks. In fact, all summer I was having allergy issues, sinus congestion, sore throats and then asthma. It hit full on a few weeks ago and I've been on antibiotics, prednisone, and several over the counter meds. I had a chest x-ray last week and it's showing some shady areas in the upper right lung lobe so I'm having a CT scan tomorrow. My doctor said it could very well be some pneumonia settled in that area. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">In spite of feeling like my head is going to burst and my lungs sound like a bubbling brook, I have to get out of the house. Don't get me wrong, I've spent a lot of lazy days napping and reading, and then I get spurts of energy, get myself showered, makeup and hair full on, and I feel like I'm back in the land of the living. Sometimes its a trip to Target for Halloween candy, A grocery store stop for fresh veggies and fruit, or Home Depot (I picked up some spring bulbs for a song and actually planted them today while I wheezed and coughed. I'll be grateful next spring). Actually, the cold air clears out my lungs a bit. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>Cousin Love</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Another fun night, I met two of my cousins for apps and drinks at a little pub near our homes. Left to right: the three J's: Judy, Jane and Joanne. Our fathers, now gone, were brothers. When we were young my parents moved west to what became a Chicago suburb, and the rest of the family stayed on the Southside. I came back when I married The Husband, as ironically, this is where he is from as well. All of my cousins live so close, and these two, my faves, live just a few blocks each from me. And it's also funny, the house that daughter Abby and Tom bought is diagonally across the street from the pub so we can park there and not use a valet (of course in the summer we can walk!) or look for street parking. One of these days as the young couple get more settled in I'll see if she lets me take some pics of their home to share. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i>Poppy Girl, 16 weeks</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Poppy has gained five pounds since I brought her home. And she has grown long; a long body and long legs--long and sleek like a greyhound. And she can not only run like the wind, but she cuts sharp corners and does flying leaps over anything in her way. Thankfully we have a really large backyard. I'll try to get a video of her one day. She's got that cattle dog gene, no doubt. She loves everyone, she plays with Layla in a way that Layla may have missed earlier in life. </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Milo was always more of a 'people' dog, and he just tolerated his cousins Tulo, Squall, and sister Layla. </span><br />
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<i>Lake Girl Maddy</i><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Madelyn, her mom and daddy, as well as The Husband, went up to the lake recently to put away the outdoor furniture and such. I was in the midst of this 'whatever-I-have sickness, and stayed home. I started feeling a little envious when they started texting me pictures of the festivals and farms they visited, picking pumpkins, playing games, hayrides, corn mazes. Wow, fall in the country is incredible. The wheels in my mind are turning fast and I think we should make a good weekend out of it next year for all the kids and grands. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i>Madelyn</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> striking a pose</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I had to share this second photo of Mad. She is a true model. I love this outfit. Emily finds the cutest clothes on Etsy and little known shops on the Internet. She's also in a buy/sell group on Facebook and gets bargains on some of her favorite brands. Lately Madelyn has been sporting these pretty braids. Em said she's been learning how to do them on You Tube. Well this little girl loves the glam life as you can see. Sister Lucy will be inheriting all these cute outfits, she's arriving in about three weeks. I am beyond excited!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"><i>The beautiful rolling hills and farmland of Western Illinois</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I kind of skipped over a trip The Husband and I made to Galena, Illinois in late September. Most of you know we meet up with former blogger, Cindy, and her hubby, Dan every year for a weekend getaway. After Cindy and I got to know each other through blogging in 2009, we just took the plunge to meet up, ironically in Galena, which is an equal three hour drive for each of us. Other places we have met are Lake Geneva, WI., Madison, WI., Cedarburg, WI., Chicago, and our lakehouse in Michigan (a seven hour drive for them). It's a unique and genuine friendship we have that has stood the test of time and miles. Cindy and I pick up where we've left off as we walk, shop and talk. We often say how we wish we lived close to each other. She is in Western Wisconsin, not far from Minneapolis. But we text and talk on the phone.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);">The Galena </i><i>Renaissance</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> Riverboat Inn</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">I don't know how The Husband and I got this suite, Cindy made the reservations and for a little bit less, she and Dan just got a regular room with a bath. This was jaw dropping. Not only did it have a spacious living room as you can see in the above photo, the bedroom was large, it had a giant whirlpool tub in its own room complete with plants and a tropical ambience, a kitchenette, and separate bathroom.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i>The Bedroom</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Fabric, rugs, paintings and just about everything depicted lions, tigers and zebras. The heavy drapes<span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> and over abundance of pillows made it cozy yet almost to the point of feeling suffocated. </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">The Spa</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">This room consisted only of a gigantic whirlpool hot tub. It was pretty opulent with the whole safari thing going on, plants and wild animals baring their fangs. We never got around to using it. It was situated off the hallway to the kitchenette and bathroom, and across from the bedroom. And it had a large window in said hall looking right in. We couldn't quite make out what it was about. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i>Peek-A-Bo</i></span><i style="color: #073763;">o</i><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">It rained the entire weekend. Even with umbrella's, it put a bit of gloom over our rare time together. But the Zebra Suite saved us. We saw a magician who also doubled as a comedian at a small, intimate theater Saturday evening. The Husband and I had made an earlier trip to a nearbyWalmart and bought cheese and crackers, various other tidbits, some craft beer and wine, and we settled in our 'living room' to chat, watch CNN, and then Saturday Night Live. We stayed out of the rain and The Zebra Room paid off!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Sooooo, now I want to head off into a different direction with the blog. I want to take some varied ideas and format. I'm feeling a little stagnant in simply sharing photos and snippets of my life. I want to talk about other aspects of my life and the things I love, the trivial info I pick up in my never ending search for living my best life, doing the best with what I have, sharing thoughts and feelings on life, love and family.<span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99);"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">A long time ago I wrote a post about makeup products I used. I realized quite quickly it was not for the audience I had. Long story short, when I asked readers what their makeup routines were like as well as what products they used, I had a small handful that identified with me and my love of makeup and products, and a large percentage who rarely wore makeup, simply owned one lipstick, and had no desire to fuss with anything. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. This time around I want to have more discussion. I hope all of you ladies open up about your lives, wants and needs. I'd like to cover subjects like self care, health issues and management, mental health, and of course, some lighter stuff...shopping habits, finding the best deals, organizing your home, thoughts on decorating and trends, what we do in our downtime to unwind...wow, I'm excited to start. Give and take. I hope you are up for it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">So firstly, I'm jut going to start with some skin care products I have been using that I'm absolutely loving and feeling the changes they have made in my skin. Please note, I am not affiliated with any of these products. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ReMqIWGMoqf8Sr5cPVXGyayiEjklGDscNymg_4fh7qtjFLZi2z6hN9BvXIDxDfDeIk-DEp6ysRFbhTmBs3NmWHenjGH_9TyMrAoYwINRw6Mh0aAkt_-faTNBjvnvnwyMzzTayCAjc_0/s1600/IMG-2129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1064" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ReMqIWGMoqf8Sr5cPVXGyayiEjklGDscNymg_4fh7qtjFLZi2z6hN9BvXIDxDfDeIk-DEp6ysRFbhTmBs3NmWHenjGH_9TyMrAoYwINRw6Mh0aAkt_-faTNBjvnvnwyMzzTayCAjc_0/s400/IMG-2129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i>REN Flash Hydro Boost</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">This product came as a sample from Sephora with a purchase. It was a generous size and lasted for a good two weeks. Please note, when you are browsing through Sephora, you can ask for samples of any of their products, free and unlimited. One day I decided to try out this little tube and I was glad I read the instructions. It's an emulsion so it needs to be mixed with water to thin out the concentrated product. Just a pea size amount dotted on your face, some water on your fingertips and then you just gently massage it into your face. The smell is fragrant but in a natural way, the gentle massaging makes you feel relaxed and your skin stimulated, and after...my skin felt like a baby's bottom. It claims to plump your skin, I'm not sure if it did but I know that as I ran my fingers over my face after it felt changed, very smooth. There is no greasy feeling, no waiting for it to settle in. This will be my go-to for a very long time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"> .</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eOeLFfhTwhIiz3sdYgu48IfQTkwZErh22hFk0QXgEWI25Y6GuZAAHA9RVmy96Uve7oRB0cq205ure86wg6myepclSrumqzEGwHpFN80tNpgX7bgS2UM28cHu_l8fXP5YkrvdGoTWx6g/s1600/IMG-2130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1029" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eOeLFfhTwhIiz3sdYgu48IfQTkwZErh22hFk0QXgEWI25Y6GuZAAHA9RVmy96Uve7oRB0cq205ure86wg6myepclSrumqzEGwHpFN80tNpgX7bgS2UM28cHu_l8fXP5YkrvdGoTWx6g/s400/IMG-2130.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Ever Calm Recovery Balm</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">When we sleep our skin cells are busy renewing, repairing and dividing. And that's the best time for your skin to receive the multiple impact from the products you put on your face. I have always felt that the heavy creams I slather on at bedtime are just rubbing off on my pillowcase, but this night balm is a whole different ballgame. It goes on easily and you just massage a little bit in, it's very spreadable and non greasy in spite of being a balm. In the dry weather, I feel like I wake up with more fresh and moistured skin. This is a keeper for me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">REN also offers cleansers, treatments and products for oily skin. The prices are on the high end so it's definitely something you have to consider. I highly suggest you check out Sephora to get samples, and then you can find the best price either from <a href="https://usa.renskincare.com/?&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0pCD5tO25QIVDJyzCh2ZkwtzEAAYASAAEgIwffD_BwE">REN</a>, <a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon</a>, or <a href="http://sephora.com/">Sephora</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJDCPWh551Uh7dCBBLXBE2dm4syvFNEU2GJoBIbiQr-HGIbQKWWmLeVOwGWWjNSgw_PIOpcgtt4DasNpwTySd4UjtffZ4Xo-HEoEZRKoCKS5IBphD5yskj7J06IBQVaklj2wnf9JfALs/s1600/Daily_Moisturizing_Lotion_12oz_FRONT_010_v3_CLNT.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJDCPWh551Uh7dCBBLXBE2dm4syvFNEU2GJoBIbiQr-HGIbQKWWmLeVOwGWWjNSgw_PIOpcgtt4DasNpwTySd4UjtffZ4Xo-HEoEZRKoCKS5IBphD5yskj7J06IBQVaklj2wnf9JfALs/s320/Daily_Moisturizing_Lotion_12oz_FRONT_010_v3_CLNT.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">CereVe Moisturizing Lotion</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">This lotion as well as the large jar of cream are long time standbys for me at good prices. Found at just about any store, you can even go online for coupons. The name stands for ceramides which maintain the skin's moisture barrier, and hyaluronic acid which plumps the skins cells and replenishes lipids. I have been on the hyaluronic acid bandwagon for quite a while. When I was having terrible eczema, which I can happily say is now in remission, I went to one of the world's top dermatologists based in Chicago. A Harvard Medical school grad, international speaker. and author of many textbooks on dermatology, he recommended CereVe products. You can't beat the price. The cream is heavy, I use it on my body after a shower. On damp skin it spreads really well if you pat it on as well as smooth it out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"> I hope this isn't too long and boring. And jeez, it's only three products. Sometimes I feel so strongly about something I want to emphasize why. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">So...comment on those cute little pics of Madelyn, or the odd weekend we had in Galena, but also share your skincare routine and thoughts on new products.. We'll see if my branching out of my box is going to be receptive.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">If you missed my last post, I featured a lot of great recipes. You can find it <a href="https://blondiesjournals.blogspot.com/2019/10/new-post-106.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">See ya soon!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Jane❤️</span></div>
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Blondie's Journalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com27