tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67564653922260951442024-03-18T18:58:04.406-07:00The LemonistaA curly haired girl with a creative twirl! Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-21059827435128791482014-06-23T15:29:00.000-07:002014-10-26T16:48:57.444-07:00Lemon Zucchini-Olive Oil Cake w/ Lemon Crunch GlazeGot Zucchini?<br />
Well, all I have to say is there's zucchini bread and then there's this stuff. My goodness was this zucchini recipe ever good!<br />
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I grew up on a farm and every summer I remember hitting my saturation point with meals prepared from zucchini grown in mom's garden. It certainly is a prolific vegetable once it gets going and it seems everyone who grows their own eventually arrive at the same conundrum of what to do with all of it. <br />
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It's sort of like turkey leftovers but worse, because at least turkey has about a week shelf life post Thanksgiving, so in the midst of the Bubba Gump rambling of turkey recipes, you <i>can</i> see light at the end of the tunnel. Zucchini plants, on the other hand, are the summer garden's Energizer Bunny. The overwhelming bounty goes on and on and on...<br />
Ah, but we now have a remarkable resource our mother's didn't-- Pinterest! So when generously given the overflow of zucchini from a friend's garden, I knew just where to look for some terrific recipe ideas.<br />
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This Zucchini cake is so darn delicious, it's not only a fantastic way to use up some of that summer zucchini but it has officially made it's way into my summer recipe rotation. Let me put it this way-- I would buy zucchini from the grocery store in the middle of winter just to make this cake! It's unbelievably moist, bursting with flavor and the lemon crunch glaze is so addictive-- I licked the spatula, then licked the bowl, then resorted to running my finger around the edge of the cake plate, before strategically picking the piece of cake with the most glaze and scarfing that down :-) Shameless, I know.<br />
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Here's the like to the recipe I followed: <a href="http://www.lottieanddoof.com/2011/08/zucchini-olive-oil-cake-with-lemon-crunch-glaze/">Zucchini-Olive Oil Cake w/ Lemon Crunch Glaze</a> I made this cake in a 10 inch bunt pan, used <a href="http://www.queencreekolivemill.com/meyer-lemon-olive-oil-250-ml-1504">Meyer Lemon Olive Oil from the Olive Mill</a> in Queen Creek, Arizona (this stuff rocks by the way and I <i>highly</i> recommend giving it a try) instead of regular EVOO, and substituted pecan for walnuts, since that's what I had on hand.<br />
A~mazing.<br />
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Enjoy! </div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></i></b></div>
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-31023019442686845572014-05-17T18:41:00.000-07:002014-05-17T19:44:03.700-07:00Peach Blueberry Brown Sugar Cobbler with Butter Pecan Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I whipped this up last night. I've actually prepared five cobblers with the fresh peaches we picked last weekend and froze them to enjoy throughout the year. I had enough peaches for one more cobbler and decided to mix things up and make this one different from the rest. I recently purchased some big beautiful blueberries from Costco and figure why not throw some of them in! Peaches and blueberries go together, right? Then I loved the idea of making the flavor richer, so instead of using just plain white sugar, I decided to try using half regular sugar and half brown sugar. Oh my, was that ever good. Layer on a flaky cinnamon crust and we were almost at perfection. Almost. The final addition that took this cobbler from delicious to frickin' fantastic, was butter pecan ice cream. The way the taste of the fresh peaches blended with the fresh blueberries, brown sugar, cinnamon and cold creamy butter pecan was almost too good to be true. Almost :-) </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Peach Blueberry Brown Sugar Cobbler </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">with Butter Pecan Ice Cream</span></b><br />
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8 X 8 X 2 inch square baking pan<br />
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Pastry for 1 9-inch pie crust.<br />
4 cups sliced fresh ripe peaches<br />
1 cup fresh blueberries<br />
1 teaspoon lemon juice<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup flour<br />
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
2 Tablespoons butter.<br />
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Crust topping:<br />
2 Tablespoons sugar<br />
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
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Your favorite butter pecan ice cream<br />
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Heat oven to 425 degrees<br />
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Prepare pastry.<br />
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Toss peeled sliced peaches and blueberries in lemon juice. Stir together sugar, flour, and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon; mix lightly with fruit. Pour into square baking pan. Dot with butter. Cover with your pie crust pasty. Cut a few slits in the top to vent. Flute edges to seal around the edge of the pan. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar crust topping evenly over the top of your pasty. Cover the edges with 2 to 3 inch wide strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake for 35 min, remove foil and then bake an additional 10 minutes. <br />
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Serve warm with butter pecan ice cream.<br />
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***This cobbler can be frozen before you add the butter and pastry for up to one year. Then simply take out of the freezer, dot with butter, add a freshly made pastry, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping and bake. I use the disposable square baking pans found on the baking isle at the grocery store for freezing cobblers. You will need to place these disposable pans on a cookie sheet to bake.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></i></b>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-25002539097045351172014-05-14T10:15:00.000-07:002014-05-14T10:44:30.663-07:00Fresh Peach Margarita<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's peach season in Arizona. We went peach picking over the weekend and I've been a peach cooking fool all week.<br />
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I love fresh peaches and besides the usual pies, cobblers and jam, I love to come up with new ways to prepare these succulent gems. I got the idea of concocting a fresh peach adult beverage, and since margaritas are my favorite, started with that as my base. What I came up with was cool, sweet, tart, refreshing and utterly peachy! This fresh peach margarita evokes the laid-back feelings of summer. Now all I need is a beach and a boat ;-)<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fresh Peach Margarita</span></b><br />
serves 2<br />
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2oz Silver tequila<br />
1oz Orange liquor<br />
1oz Agave nectar<br />
1oz Freshly squeezed lime juice<br />
1 whole ripe fresh peach, peeled, pitted and sliced<br />
1 cup mounded with ice cubes<br />
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Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.<br />
Pour into a glass rimmed with salt or sugar.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></i></b>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-90102387199677711832014-05-05T10:08:00.002-07:002014-05-05T10:08:51.124-07:00Easy Slow Cooker Beef Gyros<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love my slow cooker but I'm kind of picky about slow cooker meals. Since you can never go wrong with a boneless beef chuck pot roast prepared in the good 'ol crock pot, I'm always looking for new ways to change it up.<br />
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Every now and then, I get a solid craving for Greek food and Gyros are a favorite of mine, so I figured, <i>why not? </i>These aren't lamb, so they're not a spot on flavor match for the classic Gyro, but they still have that great Greek flavor and make for a really good meal. Oh, and did I mention they're easy!<br />
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Here's the photo tutorial. The recipe and instructions to follow:<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Slow Cooker Beef Gyros</span></b><br />
Yields 8 Gyros<br />
<br />
2 lbs boneless beef chuck pot roast<br />
1/2 tsp. onion powder<br />
Light sprinkle of Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper<br />
1 Tablespoon olive oil<br />
<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice<br />
1 tsp. dried oregano<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
1/4 tsp. pepper.<br />
2 whole peperoncinis (optional)<br />
<br />
Middle Eastern Flatbread, I used Trader Joe's brand<br />
Crumbled feta cheese<br />
Tzatziki sauce (store bought or make your own)<br />
Fresh tomato, cubed<br />
Red onion, thinly sliced<br />
Shredded lettuce<br />
<br />
<b>Prepare Meat:</b><br />
Rub both sides of your roast with onion powder and lightly sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over med-high heat in a skillet and brown both sides of your roast. Put your roast in the slow cooker.<br />
<br />
<b>Prepare sauce:</b><br />
In a bowl, combine minced garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper. Whisk together and pour over roast. I like the flavor of peperoncinis, so I added two whole peperoncinis to the slow cook. If you're not a fan, you can skip this step.<br />
<br />
Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 6 hours, or until meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork.<br />
<br />
<b>Prepare your Gyros:</b><br />
On Middle Eastern flatbread, add desired amount of cooked meat, crumbled feta, Tzatziki sauce, cubed tomato, sliced red onion and shredded lettuce. Fold bread together like a taco and dig in!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></i></b><br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-11758454356727908872014-03-15T14:05:00.000-07:002014-03-16T09:29:21.154-07:00A Booze Infused Irish Coffee Milkshake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever had an Irish coffee? Well these milkshakes are the same idea only the dessert version. My dad would make these for St. Patrick's Day when I was growing up, and even though they fall solidly in the "adult beverage" category, he'd always let me have a little taste. </div>
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The combination of cold creamy coffee ice cream, Baileys Irish Cream and Jameson Irish Whiskey are the perfect blend of flavors. These milkshakes make a wonderful addition to your St. Patrick's Day celebration but they could certainly be enjoyed any time of year. </div>
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All you need is a blender and a few ingredients and you are on your way to Irish beverage bliss. </div>
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I found the festive green jars and shamrock straws at Michaels. </div>
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In a blender add one cup good coffee ice cream.</div>
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Add 3 Tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream. </div>
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Add 2 Tablespoons Jameson Irish Whiskey</div>
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Blend until smooth. Oh how I wish you could smell this! It's to die for. </div>
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Pour into glass or jar of your choice. </div>
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Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of green sugar or just drink this how it is. Either way it should be enjoyed right away! </div>
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Sooooooo good! It'll have you dancing a jig ;-)</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Mr. Flynn's Irish Coffee Milkshake</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">serves 1</span></div>
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1 cup good coffee ice cream</div>
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3 Tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream</div>
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2 Tablespoons Jameson Irish Whiskey</div>
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Whipped cream for garnish (optional)</div>
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Combine first three ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with whipped cream. Enjoy right away. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Happy St. Patrick's Day!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b><i>~The Lemonista</i></b></span></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-53898885657799510222014-03-02T01:14:00.000-07:002014-03-10T19:31:44.999-07:00A Downton Abbey Dinner Party in The Arcadia Neighborhood of Phoenix Arizona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvX_eR5T4qUrZiRJKFIq3PX2kt2-th4edOG_6eFST6pwgFgoBE-qK3dfJ6fILQS6WQHEXLETjWi3DkfnsNZ0h7ZVOU0AuY4q9D0pxHiKtX_ubOzwtq7eRvAiNWbvj25kd-pB9vuTEo1o/s1600/DowntonAbbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvX_eR5T4qUrZiRJKFIq3PX2kt2-th4edOG_6eFST6pwgFgoBE-qK3dfJ6fILQS6WQHEXLETjWi3DkfnsNZ0h7ZVOU0AuY4q9D0pxHiKtX_ubOzwtq7eRvAiNWbvj25kd-pB9vuTEo1o/s1600/DowntonAbbey.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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Downton Abbey, oh how I miss thee. It's only been a short time since season four wrapped up in the States and I'm already counting down the days until the release of season 5! What is it about this show that captivates the attention of so many? Is it the beautiful scenery, the smashing fashion, the hypnotic music, the witty script or Lady Violet's hysterically pompous quotes? Honestly, I think it's the combination of all those things. They give viewers, like myself, a glimpse into a way of life we could not have otherwise imagined.<br />
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Not to gush here, because let's face it, if you're reading this blog post, chances are you're as ardent a fan of the show as I, but Downton really is a wonderful Sunday night escape from everyday life. Don't you think? I totally enjoy it and oh my gosh, how dreamy was the late Mr. Matthew Crawley!<br />
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Dan Stevens certainly nailed this role. Besides being easy on the eyes, he brought a likability to the English privileged. I found myself relating to him and somehow felt as though I knew him, maybe he just reminded me of someone? Maybe it was the brilliance of his performance. I don't know. Regardless, I still can't get over his departure from the show. What a tear jerker. I mean couldn't the writers have worked him back into this season, like the show Dallas brought back Bobby Ewing? Seriously, I would've bought the whole car accident being Lady Mary's bad dream.<br />
Bet I'm not the only one :-)<br />
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Okay, so on to the inspiration for this party. Last summer on a trip to visit my parents in Washington state, I came across a vintage white servants apron in an antique store. The apron was only $5 and the moment I saw it, I knew it would come live with me. When I picked up the apron, I said, "this would be perfect for a Downton Abbey costume party," and that's how the idea for this dinner party popped into my head. Even though the party took me months to finally execute, my brain worked on planning the details from that day forward.<br />
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Being a nerdy creative and a foodie, I quickly had scores of ideas to incorporate into this event, so to organize my thoughts, I naturally started a Pinterest board. You can check out my board here:<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thelemonista/downton-abbey-dinner-party/">Downton Abbey Dinner Party</a><br />
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*Mike and I dressed as Mr. Carson, the butler, and Lady Mary Crawley</div>
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From menu, to decorations, to costumes, to invitations, little by little my vision of an evening "all things British" began to take shape. When I felt confident I had a handle on the plans, a wave of bravery came over me and I made the decision to email the editor of the Arcadia News, Amanda Goossen, with an invitation to the party. To my delight and complete surprise, she accepted! Gulp. Now the pressure was on. In all actuality, Amanda could not have been more gracious and kind. The night of the party she made myself and my guests feel completely at ease.<br />
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You can read the article titled <a href="http://www.arcadianewsarchives.com/app.php?RelId=6.1.7.1&BookCode=20140301&PageLabel=28&Sgt=11&lang=enu">PASSION FOR COOKING AND CRAFTS YIELDS EXQUISITE PARTY</a> which ran in the March 2014 Arcadia News by clicking on the title.<br />
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Now for the fun details! Everything I'm featuring on today's post should be sourced on my Pinterest board for this party. If you see something that I have not listed a source for, please feel free to ask me in the comments below and I will do my best to point you in the right direction.<br />
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<b>The Invitations</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The pleasure of your company <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">is requested as</span><span style="font-family: "Engravers MT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 19.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Right Honorable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 36.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lady Mary "Erin” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Countess of Phoenix<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">& her butler<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 36.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr. Carson "Mike"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">hold a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Engravers MT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Downton Abbey Dinner Party</span><span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday, The twenty-fifth of January<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">at five thirty in the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Engravers MT"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">LaVallee
Abbey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">XXXXXX Street<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Phoenix, AZ 85018<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Your finest </span><span style="font-family: "Bell MT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Downton</span><span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
attire is requested<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">”Upstairs or Downstairs"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">RSVP to Lady Mary "Erin"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">at </span><span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(602) 000-0000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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When working on my guest list, I thought of my creative and quirky friends, who are also fans of the show. I knew they'd be totally into the costume aspect of the party and they certainly didn't disappoint. Here are a few photos of our guests arriving for the evening. I had our front walkway lined with twelve candle lit lanterns. A British flag flying from our front porch and a custom chalkboard for a door decoration, which I made from an inexpensive IKEA frame. I applied a faux finish to the white plastic frame to look like aged metal and then painted chalkboard paint right over the glass.<br />
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Mike and Pat, dressed as Mr. Carson and Ms. Hughes<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqTDrPRK3ns1hyphenhyphentK4O0Gv-OiscX742QlIlBBsBirfUkdYuUWKOLAvZlGZEVLZ4v6eBHRCbn2D490OOdWNtazZ8VzybVqysu3IOafR96ahy_MbuKWk84goRaMgWwNZjw60JkKFWS0qqNA/s1600/IMG_2129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqTDrPRK3ns1hyphenhyphentK4O0Gv-OiscX742QlIlBBsBirfUkdYuUWKOLAvZlGZEVLZ4v6eBHRCbn2D490OOdWNtazZ8VzybVqysu3IOafR96ahy_MbuKWk84goRaMgWwNZjw60JkKFWS0qqNA/s1600/IMG_2129.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
Rob and Wendy<br />
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Matt and Dana, the talented owner of etsy shop <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1670682805"></span>APPLEWHITE HANDMADE<span id="goog_1670682806"></span></a><br />
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Todd and Laurel (love how they stayed in character for this picture!), the fabulous owner of etsy shop <a href="http://forthandmarket.etsy.com/">FORTH AND MARKET</a><br />
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<b>The Table Setting</b><br />
We've been blessed to inherit all the fine china, silver and crystal we could ever ask for. I had enough for twelve settings and felt excited to finally have a reason to use it all. I figured if something got broken--so be it. It's not doing anyone any good packed away. I needed a few extra chairs, however, so I dressed up white IKEA folding chairs with ivory tulle and silk flowers.<br />
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Here is the table set and ready for dinner.<br />
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The candelabras encircled with wreaths of fresh flowers really brought the table to life.</div>
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I wrote the menu for the evening on a 6 foot chalkboard, which hangs on my dining room wall. I made the chalkboard out of an old salvaged mirror I found on one of my junking trips in Phoenix. Seriously, the crap I drag home sometimes, you would not believe. :-)</div>
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<b>The Menu</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hor d' oeuvores varies:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="yiv9008167453Apple-style-span" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1393863677334_8086">Bacon wrapped Stilton </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cheese stuffed dates</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Endive with ricotta, pecans & golden raisins</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Goat cheese with fresh honeycomb, cranberries and pistachios </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Garlic Olives</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Assorted sweet & spicy italian meats with Cambozola Blue Vein Brie</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sliced cucumbers with organic garden ranch dip</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dark chocolate covered dried fruits</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Meal:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yeast rolls with herb butter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Strawberry almond salad with poppyseed dressing</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lobster bisque with sherry infused whipped cream & minced chives</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beef Wellington with bearnaise </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">sauce</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Zested French green beans</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beverages:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wilson Creek almond champagne</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Downton Abbey bordeaux, Claret or Blanc</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Newcastle Brown Ale</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bass Ale</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Samual Smith Lager</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Coffee or Tea</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', courier, monaco, monospace, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">
</span>Our guests seated around the table. How cute is my friend Kim with her fun hat! Oh and her husband, Jordan, texted an apology before the party that he would be traveling without valet for the evening. To which I responded, "I'm in an inappropriate relationship with my butler, so I think anything goes." Ha!<br />
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The Downton Abbey soundtrack played in the background throughout the night. Along with the music of the roaring twenties. During dinner we played a comical game, I named Bollocks, which is a British expression for bullsh*t. Guests had a secret phrase written on a piece of paper under their dinner plate they had to pass off during dinner conversation without another guest calling "bollocks". Off the wall phrases like, "kittens terrify me," or "I like the smell of bowling shoes," or "I once ate 13 hot dogs," kept laughter rolling throughout the meal.<br />
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<b>Some Decorations Around The House</b><br />
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A Downton Abbey print and character wedding photo displayed on my entry console table. This party was in January, so I kept up some of my winter themed decorations from the holidays. </div>
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Mercury glass cloche displayed with vintage spools, my grandmother's victorian jewelry, and a royal crown made by my friend Laurel.<br />
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Downton Abbey and Union Jack pillows. </div>
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A vintage looking book found at Home Goods, which was actually a box to hide remote controls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkCZLCnRaX7-zf-QSwRjn2YQIMduewj1qx67-Ld-duhuG3uTNdesV_jgCJ8PwaYQGedgX0RGO2bDjL4puq2OFV3sDL_aGl_VRd14mP4-cSs0-Qu4zT1cvQxik4s3fPw4t6jP1XoDyJlM/s1600/downton+carson+decoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkCZLCnRaX7-zf-QSwRjn2YQIMduewj1qx67-Ld-duhuG3uTNdesV_jgCJ8PwaYQGedgX0RGO2bDjL4puq2OFV3sDL_aGl_VRd14mP4-cSs0-Qu4zT1cvQxik4s3fPw4t6jP1XoDyJlM/s1600/downton+carson+decoration.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></div>
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A Carson printable decorates the dream board I made out of chicken wire and an antique picture frame. This hangs above my kitchen window.</div>
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<b>Our Costumes</b></div>
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Mike rented a period correct tux with tails and I ended up having a dress made. I loved my dress for the evening and even got one of my grandmother's 1920's jewelry sets out of storage . I've had this set since college and this is the first time I've ever had an opportunity to wear it!</div>
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Here is an old photo of my grandmother holding me as a baby. I wish she was still around to share all this with. </div>
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I'm embarrassed to say I got so busy throughout the evening, I forgot to photograph the food! Argh. Shame on me. Luckily, the Arcadia News took lots of photos and will release them to me soon. I will update this post when the photos are made available. In the meantime, I did manage to take a picture of my dessert. A classic English trifle. This one is raspberry rum. YUM! This trifle tastes as good as it looks and is truly simple to make. See the recipe at the bottom of this post. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJWcxljb7WorxZDUC6uLJluEtAYcZlK6QjNctQ79-VFS0YpfB0IQK5oJh0ZJd70hE7k02RtPZplk9XBVWouamB9olIi8IMDvR6eef9hMPBSx8-jQf70UFXr8GzchXtAqC3U2pH2Moil0/s1600/IMG_2179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJWcxljb7WorxZDUC6uLJluEtAYcZlK6QjNctQ79-VFS0YpfB0IQK5oJh0ZJd70hE7k02RtPZplk9XBVWouamB9olIi8IMDvR6eef9hMPBSx8-jQf70UFXr8GzchXtAqC3U2pH2Moil0/s1600/IMG_2179.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We wrapped up the evening retreating to a heated back porch with a nice bottle of Port.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tlGguIv_5TXVGGIiEWOLecwJJHBDB_9AbjQnmOcWhlZI6eL5hnMvef7a44bVvytDAb55A-SB8i83mJXhPFyXtIlgmyyfor6j8lidCgzPvtFBUVYU-bymjADwqBZTajD5xGXKBXTofRM/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tlGguIv_5TXVGGIiEWOLecwJJHBDB_9AbjQnmOcWhlZI6eL5hnMvef7a44bVvytDAb55A-SB8i83mJXhPFyXtIlgmyyfor6j8lidCgzPvtFBUVYU-bymjADwqBZTajD5xGXKBXTofRM/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
After throwing a party like this, with all the fancy dishes and multiple courses, I can understand why a staff was needed. It's definitely an undertaking. Here's a photo of the aftermath--just keepin' it real. Wink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYBpwIOWJbi-cwxhwmaSnhuFlSnnsce8GOlKkWXBF5c-wUqBfRhHtTk8gJy3-UzVk2u5Jd98hLg2uTzXk2ZLyqU5a36mWmyl73N2Mvvb5safbHE_SyV6yU3SEtW01MScf0ZwmDnFiAb0/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYBpwIOWJbi-cwxhwmaSnhuFlSnnsce8GOlKkWXBF5c-wUqBfRhHtTk8gJy3-UzVk2u5Jd98hLg2uTzXk2ZLyqU5a36mWmyl73N2Mvvb5safbHE_SyV6yU3SEtW01MScf0ZwmDnFiAb0/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In closing, I'd like to touch on my favorite scene from this season. Three lead characters, Isobel, Lady Mary and Tom, who have all had great loves and then heartbreakingly lost them, sit down to discuss their first feelings for their respective loved ones. Amidst the loss and sorrow, Isobel says something rather unexpected. Coming from the viewpoint of it's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, she says in an uplifting moment, "Aren't we the lucky ones?" Such a powerful statement and so true. It's statements like this that really resonate with me. I guess that's why I love the show.<br />
<br />
As Mr. Carson once said, "The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end, that's all there is." Was the party a lot of work? Absolutely. But does anything worthwhile in this life come without great effort? I think not. Yes, memories were certainly made. It was a special night, indeed. Good friends, good food and great conversation. We had fun and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. To repeat the sentiment of a <i>dear</i> friend, "I will cherish forever."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
Yep. I feel lucky, for sure. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><i>~The Lemonista</i></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Raspberry
Rum Trifle</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By Erin LaVallee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cake:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 box super
moist yellow cake mix<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Tablespoons
dark rum<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Filling:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 3.4oz boxes vanilla
instant pudding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups cold milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup heavy
cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 Tablespoons
dark rum<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Costco size
container of fresh raspberries (around 3 grocery store size ½ pints). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 quart <a href="http://www.flavorright.com/content/non_dairy_icings.html">Whip’n Ice</a> (I get this at <a href="http://www.cakearts.com/">ABC Cake</a>) <b>OR</b> 1 large container cool whip<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preheat oven to
temperature listed on cake mix box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make the cake per
the instructions on the box with the addition of 1 tablespoon dark rum. Bake in
a 9x13” pan. Allow cake to cool and cut into 1” squares. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Prepare
filling:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whip heavy cream and set
aside. Mix pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens. Mix in 2 tablespoons
dark rum. Fold in whipped cream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Prepare Whip’n
Ice per instructions on the container or use container of thawed cool whip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a trifle bowl,
add a layer of cubed cake (Tip* depending on the size of your trifle bowl you
may not use all of your cake, I had quite a bit of cake left over), then spoon
on half of your filling. Next, sprinkle half your raspberries (saving a couple
to decorate the top). Finally, add a layer of Whip’n Ice or Cool Whip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">REPEAT for a
second layer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Refrigerate
until ready to serve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can decorate
the top of your trifle however you choose. I added a royal icing flower bouquet
and a few raspberries, along with a custom cake topper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*The royal icing
flower bouquet and Downton Abbey cake topper are both sourced on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thelemonista/downton-abbey-dinner-party/">my Pinterest board</a>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><i>Linked to:</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><i><a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/03/clever-chicks-blog-hop-at-chicken-chick.html">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-59-par-tay/">My 1929 Charmer Sunday's Best</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2014/03/03/made-by-you-monday-193/">Made by you Monday</a><br />
<a href="http://saynotsweetanne.com/2014/sweet-sharing-monday-94/">Sweet Sharing Monday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pandpkitchen.com/show-me-your-plaid-mondays/">Show me your plaid Monday's</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/handmade-projects-add-yours-3-3/">Tip Junkie, Tip me Tuesday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/03/wow-us-wednesdays-159.html">Wow Us Wednesday</a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/03/feathered-nest-friday.html#more">Feathered Nest Friday</a></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-6794755372651365732013-12-23T16:14:00.000-07:002013-12-23T16:14:05.561-07:00Cityscape in Phoenix, Arizona ~ 2013 LaVallee Ice Capades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y1LCl6dqc0w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
If you've got 9 minutes to kill and want a glimpse at a holiday day in the life with my husband's family, then this video may be just the thing for you. My husband, Mike, is the oldest of five kids. When you get us all together, it's almost certain to be entertaining. Mike didn't join in the skating but worked safely as camera man (and heckler) on the sidelines.<br />
<br />
Without further adieu, here's the LaVallee crew on ice at Cityscape in Phoenix, AZ. An outdoor skating rink is quite a novelty and engineering marvel for us warm weather folk. Oh yeah, and I've been skating for years on figure skates but this is my first experience with hockey skates. I'm sore today, haha.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">The Lemonista</span></i></b>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-46530695982081317062013-12-22T11:02:00.000-07:002013-12-25T12:34:45.876-07:00Best Of Elf On The Shelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every year we all look forward to Elfie's arrival. Here are the 2013 highlights from my home. </div>
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Until next year, Elfie! We'll miss you.</div>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></b></i></div>
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-44717509622645942032013-12-18T12:12:00.000-07:002013-12-21T17:52:53.115-07:00Blue Cheese Stuffed Pepperdoo, An Easy Holiday Appetizer <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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My dear friend, Laurel, introduced me to blue cheese stuffed pepperdoos and after the first taste, I was hooked!<br />
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Sweet and spicy with the robust bite of blue cheese, these pretty little appetizers are bursting with flavor. Party guests go nuts over them and I get immediate requests for the recipe. These are simple to make, so let's get started.<br />
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There are two ways you can make these. The first is to simply use a spoon to stuff them with blue cheese crumbles. I fancy them up a bit, however, and pipe my blue cheese into the pepperdoos. To do this I buy around a 10oz wedge of good blue cheese to fill 32 pepperdoos. You can find pepperdoos in the "Olive Bar" at most high end grocery stores.<br />
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I put the crumbles in my mixer and bring them to room temperature.<br />
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Next, I add a splash of heavy whipping cream and whip until the consistency of spreadable bakery icing, adding more cream as needed while you whip. I'd say I've used around 1/4 cup total off cream for this batch.<br />
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Using a spatula, I fill the whipped blue cheese into a pastry bag with a large star tip.<br />
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Place the pastry tip into the hole of the pepperdoo and fill it with your whipped blue cheese until you get a star on the top. </div>
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When you've finished filling all your pepperdoos, arrange them on a platter.</div>
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You can stop here if you wish, but I like to add some extra color by garnishing with fresh minced chives. </div>
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I simply sprinkle the minced chives over the top and now I have an amazingly delicious & festive appetizer!</div>
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I use a few extra sprigs of fresh chive to decorate the plate, because I'm a "more is more" kinda gal and can't help myself. </div>
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Time to sample my work. </div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">linked to:</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/12/feathered-nest-friday-merry-christmas.html">French Country Cottage</a></span></b></i></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-80048552846272870992013-12-10T17:23:00.000-07:002013-12-15T15:58:20.876-07:00Winter Scene Cupcake In A Jar ~ Think Vintage Snow Globes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMA6uBDs8ohjDsuiW0t4svm_DGF_ZWGnPSfEOXoYgYjjV8l5hj7qKv7A4uyaEpfPjYszgivwT3IV68vZHajbs8it-nUS4hPNl7Hu6C3sQPDSPGHU-GW_UUPsz8dUctFUmGCiGkJAH2h8/s1600/IMG_2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMA6uBDs8ohjDsuiW0t4svm_DGF_ZWGnPSfEOXoYgYjjV8l5hj7qKv7A4uyaEpfPjYszgivwT3IV68vZHajbs8it-nUS4hPNl7Hu6C3sQPDSPGHU-GW_UUPsz8dUctFUmGCiGkJAH2h8/s640/IMG_2020.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Given the task of creating a handmade gift for a holiday mug swap with a $15 limit, I came up with this idea that tastes as good as it looks!<br />
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I found these darling clear glass mugs that look like a vintage canning jars at the Dollar Tree for only $1. Standard canning jar lids fit these mugs, so that made them even more perfect. I filled the jar with layers of white almond cake and whipped white frosting and then topped them with fondant trees and edible glitter to create a darling winter scene reminiscent of vintage snow globes.<br />
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Here's how I did it:<br />
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I started by baking a white cake mix in a 9 x 13" pan. I added 1/2 tsp almond extract to the batter but other than that, followed the directions on the box. I allowed the cake to cool completely.<br />
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I cut a piece of cake about the same circumference of my jar and then trimmed off all the browned edges so only white cake was showing.<br />
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I pressed the cake into the bottom of my jar, using a spoon to reach.<br />
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Clean up any smudges on the inside of your glass jar with a slightly damp paper towel. Now you are ready to pipe a layer of frosting. I am using a whipped frosting here because it is easy to spread and looks most like snow. If you do not have a pastry bag, put your frosting into a large Zip-lock bag and cut off the corner.<br />
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Now add another layer of cake.<br />
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Add another layer of frosting.<br />
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The cake portion of this project is finished. Time to make the trees. I used store bought light green fondant icing. This is very much like working with Play-Doh. I formed some fondant into a cone shape.<br />
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Then rolled a long "snake" out of more fondant.<br />
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Using a rolling pin, flatten the snake and roll it out thin.<br />
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Moisten the cone by rubbing it with a small amount of water with your finger tip. This will help the fondant strip to stick. Next, start wrapping your long flattened piece around the cone. Start at the bottom and work your way up, making little pleats as you go.<br />
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I give the top a little pinch to form it into a point.<br />
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You can find edible luster dust on the cake decorating isle in craft stores. Use a dry paint brush to dust it on your trees.<br />
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Carefully place your trees into the jar, arranging them like a winter forest.<br />
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Sprinkle with white edible glitter found <a href="http://www.fancyflours.com/category/white-edilble-glitter">here</a>, to make your snowy scene sparkle like new fallen snow.<br />
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To add a touch of color, sprinkle just a few edible pastel color dragees found <a href="http://www.fancyflours.com/product/4mm-Dragees-Multicolor-2-oz-jar/s">here</a> around your scene.<br />
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Time to put on the lid. I found this darling jar lid topper on Etsy.<br />
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In keeping with the white theme, I tied a white silk ribbon around the lid and attached a vintage spoon. You can find vintage spoons at the Goodwill or antique stores. I paid $1 for this one.<br />
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You can use any flavor and color of cake and frosting you wish with this project. So many possibilities here. If you don't want to make the trees, I think the Peeps snowmen would also be very cute in these jars/mugs.<br />
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Hope this inspired you to make your own creation!<br />
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Enjoy,<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>The Lemonista</i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><i>Linked to:</i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><i><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-extravaganza-link-blog-hop.html">French Country Cottage</a></i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/12/clever-chicks-blog-hop-65.html">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a></span></b>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-90761142466006763582013-11-18T14:57:00.000-07:002013-11-21T20:36:05.859-07:00Thanksgiving French Country Home TourHere's what I've got for Thanksgiving decorations this year. I always feel like Thanksgiving is sort of a tricky holiday to find cute home décor items. I ended up making most of mine or picking up handmade items on Etsy. Keeping that in mind, here we go...<br />
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<strong>The front door.</strong><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915184672&k=pqkGJXt"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-pqkGJXt/1/L/IMG_1814-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I made the chalkboard door decoration from a $25 plastic <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60232813/">IKEA frame</a>. The frame is spray painted with metallic bronze paint and then antiqued with AS chalk paint. I rolled chalkboard paint right over the glass and then wove a pretty silk ribbon through the frame to dress it up a little more. <br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915233033&k=nSLMbGs"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-nSLMbGs/0/L/IMG_1861-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong>The entry.</strong> <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915179458&k=NphQfFH"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-NphQfFH/1/L/IMG_1808-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Can you believe these gorgeous coral roses purchased at Costco! <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915257435&k=wXXqsL6"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-wXXqsL6/1/S/IMG_1812-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong>Hearth room off the kitchen</strong>.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915189424&k=BHxjnKt"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-BHxjnKt/0/S/IMG_1820-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915190953&k=crJkcv8"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-crJkcv8/1/S/IMG_1821-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Love this antique farm bell, found on one of my junking trips. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915192163&k=mH9rtDh"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-mH9rtDh/0/L/IMG_1825-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Some wheat and dried corn, bought at the grocery store. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915193210&k=bkBr7jB"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-bkBr7jB/0/L/IMG_1827-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Turkey feed pillow found on Etsy. (Those are my Christmas amaryllis bulbs already in the works!)<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915185811&k=57ZSLkx"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-57ZSLkx/0/L/IMG_1818-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong>The kitchen.</strong><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915195570&k=fp3VbMg"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-fp3VbMg/2/L/IMG_1834-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
My favorite turkey :-) He came from Pottery Barn.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915194384&k=RcTntmZ"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-RcTntmZ/1/L/IMG_1833-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
How cute are these little pilgrims hanging from the kitchen light! Also an Etsy find. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915196723&k=gkvsMJz"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-gkvsMJz/0/L/IMG_1835-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915197837&k=p6fB23w"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-p6fB23w/0/L/IMG_1836-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I took an antique frame, refinished it and then backed it with chicken wire for a dream board above the kitchen sink. The vintage Thanksgiving postcards are trimmed with German tinsel glitter and attached to the dream board with wooden clothes pins. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915201756&k=ZMMtS3W"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-ZMMtS3W/0/S/IMG_1839-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong>The dining room.</strong><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915225040&k=kf4jDd4"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-kf4jDd4/0/L/IMG_1854-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915207911&k=6qQPJGv"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-6qQPJGv/0/L/IMG_1844-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
This chalkboard was another junk find. An old mirror from the 1960s that I refinished. It's 6 feet long! I love it! And more Costco flowers make the arrangement on the dining room table.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915205439&k=qKBnzxd"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-qKBnzxd/0/L/IMG_1840-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2917605492&k=Mw4QKLb"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-Mw4QKLb/0/L/dining%20room%20flowers-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 450px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915206770&k=5HGqQdN"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-5HGqQdN/0/S/IMG_1841-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
You can see the powder room in the hall on the right, which is coming up soon on the tour. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915252562&k=W25q5pQ"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-W25q5pQ/0/S/IMG_1804-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Drapes are a French ticking stripe made from Kate Forman fabric from London. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915254690&k=nrsPgdB"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-nrsPgdB/3/L/IMG_1806-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915262133&k=pjS3bGV"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-pjS3bGV/0/L/IMG_1855-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong>The living room.</strong><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915231566&k=4JPrN4z"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-4JPrN4z/0/S/IMG_1859-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Love this statue found at Home Goods. I made the velvet pumpkins and have a tutorial on my blog <a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2011/10/velvet-pumkins-101.html">here</a>. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915221218&k=cnGvkXm"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-cnGvkXm/0/L/IMG_1853-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong>The powder room.</strong><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915209079&k=LXhZ3TZ"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-LXhZ3TZ/0/L/IMG_1846-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I have a bunch of these vintage spice jars so I'm using them as little flower vases around the house. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915259582&k=kb8XCQ7"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-kb8XCQ7/1/L/IMG_1848-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
The entry hall off my garage. <br />
The kids decorate this chalkboard for me. You can see the tutorial on how to make this chalkboard <a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2012/09/shades-of-grey-french-farmhouse.html">here</a><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915242374&k=TngJZRv"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-TngJZRv/1/L/IMG_1803-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed the tour! I'm already working on Christmas. Whoot! <br />
Feel free to ask any questions for sources or whatever. I'll do my best to answer. <br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving one and all! <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/33545520_hCLJMD#!i=2915217501&k=Kjhw3nb"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/November-2013/i-Kjhw3nb/0/L/IMG_1852-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><br /></span></em></strong>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;">Linked to:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/11/feathered-nest-friday_21.html">French Country Cottage</a></span><br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-23185471717001879492013-09-22T19:39:00.000-07:002013-09-22T19:39:17.230-07:00Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Peppers<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782312088&k=x2Rz9Hv"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-x2Rz9Hv/0/O/fall%20colors%20.jpg" style="height: 351px; width: 450px;" /></a><br />
Hi all! I'm back from a long break. Life has been busy! This time of year, I often think of my Midwestern roots. Even though I live in the Southwest now, I grew up in Michigan. Experiencing the change of season in the Midwest is simply beautiful. I miss it. Thankfully, I get to relive it vicariously through social media and my friends who still live there. There is an unspoken sisterhood with the Michigan mamas I keep in contact with, a connection that only comes from sharing the same point of origin. I think it's amazing so many of my Michigan girls share my creative flair. <br />
<br />
Today you are in for an extra special treat. Every time my friend Kelly Kowalczyk posts a photograph of one of her fabulous meals, I find myself salivating. Seriously, when can the computer wizards of this universe come up with a scratch-n-sniff screen! This girl clearly has skills and you're about to get a taste of her amazing talent. Kelly has so kindly agreed to guest blog for me. Today we are kicking off a mini-series of Kelly's favorite recipes. This first one, <strong>Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Peppers</strong>, is already on my grocery list! Please take the time to read her amazing bio below. She's a peach :-)<br />
<br />
Without further adieu, here's Kelly :-)<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Bacon wrapped stuffed peppers</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You
know how the saying goes… anything is better with bacon. We are pretty big fans
of bacon in our household. My daughter is a self-proclaimed “meatatarian”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here
is an easy, low carb recipe that is sure to please. This recipe pairs well with
beer and a football game. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782304131&k=WPL4Ghb"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-WPL4Ghb/0/O/Kelly%20ingredients.png" style="height: 250px; width: 333px;" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">6-7
Anaheim peppers, tops removed, cut in half, seeded<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1
lb ground pork sausage or chorizo<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1
pkg cream cheese (8 oz)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sliced
bacon (1 slice per half pepper) uncooked<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rinse, and cut the
tops off the peppers. Slice them lengthwise to create 2 halves. Then hollow
out the inside of each half, removing the seeds and any extra connective
membrane that gets in the way.</span><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782304136&k=jHdj3cB"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-jHdj3cB/0/O/Kelly%20step%201.png" style="height: 256px; width: 342px;" /></span></a></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In a fry pan, brown
the sausage breaking it into fine pieces as it cooks. You can add some red
pepper flakes or cayenne pepper at this point to spice it up if you would
like.<o:p></o:p></span>
</span><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782304222&k=gSG5vrm"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-gSG5vrm/0/O/Kelly%20step%202.png" style="height: 236px; width: 315px;" /></span></a></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Turn heat down to
low. You can drain the sausage at this point and return it to the pan. If
the sausage is lean it may not need to be drained. Then melt the cream
cheese combining it with the sausage. Once combined thoroughly, turn off
heat and let the mixture cool slightly, about 5 minutes. <a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782304241&k=b8Rf7mm"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-b8Rf7mm/0/O/Kelly%20step%203a.png" style="height: 250px; width: 333px;" /></span></a></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pre-heat your grill
to medium high heat.<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fill each half pepper
with the sausage/cream cheese mixture. </span><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782304460&k=j3SzF3S"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-j3SzF3S/0/O/Kelly%20step%203b.png" style="height: 256px; width: 342px;" /></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Take a slice of
bacon, and wrap it around each filled pepper half making sure there is a
little overlap of the edges as you go, using a little bit of tension to
stretch the raw bacon. </span><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782304334&k=qmN9K8G"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-qmN9K8G/0/O/Kelly%20step%205.png" style="height: 250px; width: 333px;" /></span></a><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782304422&k=BsC9bV3"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-BsC9bV3/0/O/Kelly%20step%206.png" style="height: 276px; width: 369px;" /></span></a></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Turn grill heat back
to medium heat, and place wrapped pepper halves onto the grill diagonally.
Take care to avoid flare ups.</span><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782304451&k=mhR4mcv"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-mhR4mcv/0/O/Kelly%20step%207.png" style="height: 256px; width: 342px;" /></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once bacon is cooked,
remove peppers from grill. Approximate grill time is 15 – 20 minutes. </span><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2782304122&k=NCrkrgN"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-NCrkrgN/0/O/Kelly%20finished%20plate.png" style="height: 263px; width: 351px;" /></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yields
12-14 servings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Variations
on this recipe:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">a. BBQ: Add a little more flavor by brushing a
little BBQ sauce on top of the peppers while the peppers are grilling. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">b. Jalapenos: You can use jalapenos in this recipe
rather than Anaheim peppers. You will need 16-20 jalapeno peppers, and about ½
slice of bacon per pepper half. If you do this, you may want to use a toothpick
to secure the bacon before grilling. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">c. Cheese: If you don’t want the meat, you can
include cheddar cheese shreds instead. You would need about 12 oz of shredded
cheese.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">d. Loaded: You can combine bacon bits, shredded
cheese and scallions in your cream cheese filling for a loaded stuffed pepper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are lots more creative things you can do. Have
fun making your own variation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope you love it!</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Kelly</em></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/32040751_jxd38q#!i=2783466484&k=5JdHMFs"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/Kelly-K-Cooking/i-5JdHMFs/1/M/Kelly%20bio-M.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 258px;" /></a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My
name is Kelly Kowalczyk. I’m a wife, mother, and career woman. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just
like most busy moms, I have to confront the daily demands of having a school
age child and a full time job. I grew up through my own childhood with two sets
of grandparents and one awesome set of parents who made almost everything from
scratch. I was blessed to have role models who loved to cook and were pretty
good at it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I
adopted a passion for cooking when I was in college, but back then it was ramen
noodles, canned soup, and whatever you could spread on white bread to make it
taste good enough to choke down. Since then, I have found joy and the
opportunity to be much more creative using raw ingredients and cooking from
scratch (with a little cheating I must admit, you know, that busy mom thing). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Philosophically,
I believe that everything in moderation is good. I don’t get carried away
trying to make a science project out our weekly meal plans. I just try to make
sure there is a balance to obtain a diversity of nutritional input from the
food we eat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">For
me, it’s all about flavor. I’m willing to put a lot of time and effort into
cooking because I want to enjoy the experience it offers. Flavor is an
adventure that can carry you away to another place while you are planted in
your own home. It is also a social experience. We enjoy entertaining friends
and family. There is nothing like the memories created when you have friends
gather, and enjoy some tantalizing treats together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My
hope is that you will enjoy the recipes, and take them one step further to add
your own creative flair.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><img class="thumbnail" src="http://shabbyblogs.com/storage/headers/ShabbyBlogsDividerK.jpg" /><br />
Thank you so much, Kelly! <br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong>~The Lemonista</strong></span></em>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-23127913910681612082013-03-28T10:52:00.001-07:002013-03-29T21:57:01.148-07:00Gorgeous DIY French Beaded Chandelier for $20After shopping for a vintage looking beaded French Country chandelier, and seeing the astronomical cost of these beauties, I quickly decided to make my own.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428428476&k=nJ9p6TP"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-nJ9p6TP/0/S/IMG_1543-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I wanted something for outdoor entertaining, so weather tolerance would be important.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428429682&k=6kcNfDL"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-6kcNfDL/0/S/IMG_1545-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I came across a couple tutorials online for chandeliers constructed from hanging plant baskets and dollar store beads. These had the look I wanted but involved lots of wire work and seemed like they would consume more time than I was willing to invest.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428424601&k=Mn7rP2m&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1538" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-Mn7rP2m/0/L/IMG_1538-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1538" /></a><br />
I thought and thought about a simple way to go about this. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428427401&k=M5GjNcZ&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1542" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-M5GjNcZ/0/L/IMG_1542-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1542" /></a><br />
Then one day I walked into Hobby Lobby and spotted the perfect hanging basket with the most wonderful patina and it all just clicked. If I was using light weight, spray painted beads, then why couldn't I simply use a high temp hot glue gun? Certainly that would bond beads to metal and that would withstand the warmth of the sun. Hot glue would also be simple and speed the process.<br />
Yes. It was on.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428499586&k=jxsd8p2&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1563" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-jxsd8p2/0/L/IMG_1563-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1563" /></a><br />
What a lovely setting to enjoy a glass of white sangria with a great friend!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428494892&k=vqhrDJQ&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1560" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-vqhrDJQ/0/L/IMG_1560-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1560" /></a><br />
From spay painting the beads to constructing the chandelier, the whole process took me 3 hours! Not bad for under $20.<br />
<br />
<strong>Here's how it breaks down:</strong><br />
Hobby Lobby hanging plant basket (50% off)<strong> $9</strong><br />
5 packs of gold/silver beads from Dollar Tree<strong> $5</strong><br />
1 can Ivory matte spray paint<strong> $6</strong><br />
Other miscellaneous supplies (hot glue, jute twine, Ball canning jar lid) I had left over from other projects Free.<br />
<strong>Total cost $20</strong><br />
<br />
Wanna know how I did it?<em> Grin</em><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428518060&k=KQDww5Q&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" Metallic Party Beads" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-KQDww5Q/0/S/Metallic%20Party%20Beads-S.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 300px; width: 300px;" title=" Metallic Party Beads" /></a><br />
I started by separating the 5 packs of beaded necklaces (40 total), laying them all out on a big piece of cardboard in the back yard and spray painting both sides with matte ivory all weather paint. The beads will bleed a little bit and this adds to the finished vintage look. <br />
<br />
Once dry, I cut each necklace so that it was one long strand of beads. <br />
<br />
Next, I got my hanging plant basket and started gluing one strand of beads in each slat, placing a small amount of glue in the inside center and then a small amount on the outside rim. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428412148&k=b9kLDfd&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1524" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-b9kLDfd/0/L/IMG_1524-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1524" /></a><br />
<br />
I kept working my way around, allowing the extra length of beads to hang down the outside until I had glued a strand of beads in every slat. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428412624&k=Cm2WpWt"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-Cm2WpWt/0/S/IMG_1525-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428415687&k=knjmhVS"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-knjmhVS/0/S/IMG_1526-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
At this stage I decided it would be easier to continue with the hanging basket actually hanging. I have a rolling wardrobe, so I used that. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428414706&k=9zgMXJ3&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1527" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-9zgMXJ3/0/L/IMG_1527-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1527" /></a><br />
<br />
I needed at top rim for my chandelier to connect my beads to. I wrapped a wide mouth Ball canning jar lid with jute twine. Then I took a wooden kabob skewer and ran it through the top chain links, trimmed it to fit under the canning lid and hot glued it in place. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428418625&k=bn5G5B3"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-bn5G5B3/0/S/IMG_1531-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428417702&k=M9vDN3J"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-M9vDN3J/0/S/IMG_1530-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428415904&k=DxRS8QC"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-DxRS8QC/0/S/IMG_1528-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Taking one stand of beads at a time, I glued them to the inside of the canning lid, trimming the extra beads off the top. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428419603&k=JQFVdqm&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1533" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-JQFVdqm/0/L/IMG_1533-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1533" /></a><br />
<br />
To keep the chandelier sides even and balanced, I glued one stand directly across from the other until I had worked my way around.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428420399&k=NB3PZbt&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1532" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-NB3PZbt/0/L/IMG_1532-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1532" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428420910&k=WbmZT84&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1534" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-WbmZT84/0/L/IMG_1534-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1534" /></a><br />
<br />
Since I decorate cakes (and I had extra beads), I decided to add a wedding cake looking swag detail around the middle and top, gluing each swag in place. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428422433&k=2JzL3xt"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-2JzL3xt/0/S/IMG_1535-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428425079&k=GgGSN4z&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1540" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-GgGSN4z/0/L/IMG_1540-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1540" /></a><br />
<br />
I ran a line of beads along the top of my canning jar rim to hide trimmed beads. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428425950&k=8q7F8HX"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-8q7F8HX/0/S/IMG_1539-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
When it was finished, I sprayed the entire chandelier with an all weather matte clear coat paint to help protect it from the elements. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2428429540&k=ZMZgsh7&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1544" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-ZMZgsh7/0/L/IMG_1544-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1544" /></a><br />
You could add a simple pendant light kit, found at Cost Plus or IKEA, to light this beauty up. I plan to string my trees with white twinkle lights and leave the chandelier unlit. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I think the way the gold and silver bleed through the paint, almost make this look like a chandelier made with wooden beads. I love the look so much I'm making another one so I can hang them as a pair over my outdoor table. Whoot! <br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed this one!<br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><br /></span></em></strong>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Linked up to:</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/03/wow-us-wednesdays-111.html">Savvy Southern Style - Wow us Wednesdays</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.semihomemademom.com/2013/03/show-share-wednesday-30.html">Semi Homemade - Show & Share Wednesday</a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/03/feathered-nest-friday_28.html">French Country Cottage - Feathered Nest Friday</a><br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.ca/2013/03/easter-decor-show-and-tell-friday.html">My Romantic Home- Show and Tell Friday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.timewashed.com/2013/03/blissful-whites-wednesday_26.html">Timewashed - Blissful Whites Wednesday</a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-31605347443260483322013-03-05T12:04:00.003-07:002013-03-05T13:07:57.959-07:00A Spring Leprechaun TouchSt. Patrick's Day has been a celebration favorite of mine since childhood. So much fun to be had with this holiday. Here are a few spring Irish embellishments around my home.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394425805&k=XpJtfPt"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-XpJtfPt/0/S/irish%20postcard-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">The Shamrock Tree</span></b><br />
This is my hearth room mantel. The metal pitcher was purchased from IKEA, the tree branches from my back yard and an etsy seller made the darling felt shamrock ornaments for me.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394398519&k=55RRT3m"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-55RRT3m/0/S/IMG_1427-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394398557&k=pGvsXBz"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-pGvsXBz/0/S/IMG_1430-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">A Leprechaun Cloche </span></b><br />
Here we have the little magical fellow himself, dancing an Irish jig. I picked up the cloche at Cost Plus and the leprechaun was another etsy find.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394400748&k=GQ4CQzk"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-GQ4CQzk/0/L/IMG_1434-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394400815&k=6Sd5px4"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-6Sd5px4/0/L/IMG_1440-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394401596&k=zRJx8Zw"></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Spring Bulbs In A Vintage Metal Bin</span></b><br />
Found this bin at a junk market, threw in some bulbs and dirt and a couple weeks later I have the most lovely coffee table decoration.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394344816&k=JMN8gVS&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1487" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-JMN8gVS/0/L/IMG_1487-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1487" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394344995&k=5fDfsKB"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-5fDfsKB/0/S/IMG_1493-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Fresh Cut Flowers In A Glass Canning Jar</span></b><br />
<span style="color: black;">Sometimes it's the simple things that take your breath away, and anything that brings a smile to my face while washing the dishes is worth its weight in gold. </span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2377296069&k=3tC3L5Q&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1418" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-3tC3L5Q/0/L/IMG_1418-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1418" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">An Antique French Table</span></b><br />
This table is "as found." I love the touch of green it adds to my decor--especially in the spring!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394344140&k=F9gt8w6&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1495" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-F9gt8w6/0/L/IMG_1495-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1495" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394346618&k=4Nx8g2s"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-4Nx8g2s/0/S/IMG_1498-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Erin Go Braugh Front Door Flair</span></b><br />
<span style="color: black;">An inexpensive craft store sign jazzed up with a handmade burlap wreath.</span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394346380&k=rKz9xfT&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1500" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-rKz9xfT/0/L/IMG_1500-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 381px;" title=" IMG_1500" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">The Smell of Guinness Chocolate Cake In The House</span></b><br />
These are some<a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2012/03/ultimate-irish-cupcake-think-guinness.html"> knock-your-socks off cupcakes</a>, but if you don't want to go through the trouble of making them, DO go out of your way to try the Guinness chocolate cake recipe. Best chocolate cake I've ever tasted!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1747387037&k=KrZLLHs"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-KrZLLHs/0/L/IMG0406-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Spring Floral Arrangement In An old Mossy Stone Planter</span></b><br />
<span style="color: black;"><em>*Sighs*</em> I could have sat at my dining room table and smelled this all day.</span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2377274213&k=cJKTs8G&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1372" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-cJKTs8G/0/L/IMG_1372-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1372" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Green Deviled Eggs!</span></b><br />
<span style="color: black;">What if deviled eggs and guacamole had a baby?</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-happens-when-deviled-eggs-meet.html">My favorite recipe for deviled eggs.</a></span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_qobjK#1259200198_Q5p7TjZ"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/green-deviled-eggs/1259200198_Q5p7TjZ-O.jpg" style="height: 258px; width: 258px;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Even my hens got a touch of Irish luck...</b></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">An Irish Coleen like her mama. </span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2394357503&k=zst6g7J&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" Rissy" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-zst6g7J/1/M/Rissy-M.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 450px; width: 337px;" title=" Rissy" /></a><br />
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Happy Spring!<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></i></b><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/03/six-days-of-spring-party.html#more">French Country Cottage 6 days of spring party</a></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawhSV8TKMQgsyyha0zhlVmuzt0MVrHywZ6D4SW-CdfjUIJEG2cA7jo1NoqyHYBPHwyvgoEgBt2RkFFtTVQe6sUaxXsp24y0Pz5N-GXZWofc_hL6vw7Wz36lJXCSlSBbB6916djyIwmCfC/s1600/Microsoft+Word+-+Document6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawhSV8TKMQgsyyha0zhlVmuzt0MVrHywZ6D4SW-CdfjUIJEG2cA7jo1NoqyHYBPHwyvgoEgBt2RkFFtTVQe6sUaxXsp24y0Pz5N-GXZWofc_hL6vw7Wz36lJXCSlSBbB6916djyIwmCfC/s320/Microsoft+Word+-+Document6.jpeg" width="182" /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-47093605985856335242013-01-28T10:13:00.003-07:002014-05-01T16:04:10.312-07:00The Shrimp Tacos To End All Shrimp Tacos<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339508093&k=B3pjLFQ"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-B3pjLFQ/0/S/IMG_1362-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
All I can say is sometimes...you make something special. Something beyond, "Hey, that was good." Something that screams, <i>delicious,</i> the moment it touches your lips. Something that warrants a happy-dance and congratulatory back patting.<br />
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Sometimes, you hit it out of the park and you think to yourself ~<i>Magic.</i><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339507409&k=MTWHQdh&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1363" class="imgBorder" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-MTWHQdh/0/L/IMG_1363-L.jpg" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1363" /></a><br />
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This is one of those times.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339505440&k=ndd4d4g"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-ndd4d4g/0/S/IMG_1360-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Simple. Flavorful. Delicious. <br />
These, my friends, are the shrimp tacos to end all shrimp tacos.<br />
And after years of trying to nail down the perfect shrimp taco recipe, tonight I go to bed with a great big smile on my face.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339507633&k=jsmKJVG"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-jsmKJVG/0/S/IMG_1361-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Yeah.<br />
They're that good. Grin.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Shrimp Taco Tutorial</span><br />
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Make slaw<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339454216&k=TFzKptc"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-TFzKptc/0/S/IMG_1312-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339454301&k=Q9MNPZF"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-Q9MNPZF/0/S/IMG_1313-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339457020&k=tWjcP87&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1315" class="imgBorder" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-tWjcP87/0/L/IMG_1315-L.jpg" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1315" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339458405&k=jFWrx6h"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-jFWrx6h/0/S/IMG_1316-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339458317&k=RpbF47H"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-RpbF47H/0/S/IMG_1317-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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After marinating 30 min. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339502024&k=DMS6rVm"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-DMS6rVm/0/S/IMG_1355-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Cut each shrimp into two or three bite size pieces. Squeeze wedge of fresh lime juice over shrimp. Toss and refrigerate.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339460487&k=5sb3ssK"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-5sb3ssK/0/S/IMG_1318-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339463578&k=22J2kkL"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-22J2kkL/0/S/IMG_1321-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Make batter.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339470819&k=XJvFLQG&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1324" class="imgBorder" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-XJvFLQG/0/L/IMG_1324-L.jpg" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1324" /></a><br />
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Prepare tortillas by heating up a large skillet. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and spread around skillet. Place 3 tortillas in hot skillet and fry 20 or 30 seconds on each side. Stack on a plate. Repeat this process adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil with each batch until all of your tortillas are warmed up and soft.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339489711&k=nv5VJhg"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-nv5VJhg/0/S/IMG_1343-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339489544&k=J3svtqZ"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-J3svtqZ/0/S/IMG_1344-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Slice one whole ripe avocado into wedges.<br />
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Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan until about 2 inches deep. Heat over med-high heat. Oil should be around 365 degrees but I can tell the oil is ready when a drop of water pops when added to the hot oil ;-)<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339489630&k=RnwfThD&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1345" class="imgBorder" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-RnwfThD/0/L/IMG_1345-L.jpg" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1345" /></a><br />
Remove your shrimp from frig and toss in beer batter. Drop each piece of battered shrimp into the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Discard extra batter. You will probably need to cook the shrimp in two batches. Fry until gold brown and then drain the shrimp on paper towels.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339493281&k=FdNhWMx"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-FdNhWMx/0/S/IMG_1348-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339495309&k=SWrWSfz"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-SWrWSfz/0/S/IMG_1350-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339496315&k=wT79nJt"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-wT79nJt/0/S/IMG_1351-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339498754&k=7CvtZ6b"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-7CvtZ6b/0/S/IMG_1354-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Place hot fried shrimp in a large bowl. Drizzle Thai Sweet Chili sauce over your shrimp and gently toss. <br />
You want enough sauce to coat but you don't want to drown the shrimp.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339498190&k=Pc6fSzm"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-Pc6fSzm/0/S/IMG_1352-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339502215&k=LGHh9cB"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-LGHh9cB/0/S/IMG_1356-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Time to assemble the tacos. Add 3 or 4 shrimp pieces on a prepared tortilla. Add desired amount of slaw and one slice of fresh avocado. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339501464&k=hm8pwMB"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-hm8pwMB/0/S/IMG_1357-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339504521&k=jNDS4qD"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-jNDS4qD/0/S/IMG_1358-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339505545&k=76sMZKF"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-76sMZKF/0/S/IMG_1359-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339508093&k=B3pjLFQ"><img src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-B3pjLFQ/0/S/IMG_1362-S.jpg" id="lightBoxImage" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Repeat until your heart's content.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2339507409&k=MTWHQdh&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1363" class="imgBorder" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-MTWHQdh/0/L/IMG_1363-L.jpg" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1363" /></a></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Lemonista's Shrimp Tacos</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Yields 12 tacos</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">*if you decide to double the recipe, you do not need to double the batter. It is enough to make 2lbs of shrimp</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>1 lbs raw jumbo shrimp, thawed (if using frozen) peeled and deveined </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wedge of fresh lime</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">12 My Nana's brand white corn tortillas, taco size. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Vegetable oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 bottle Thai Sweet Chili sauce (found in Asian section at grocery store or <a href="http://importfood.com/samp1001.html">here</a> is a link to a good one)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 recipe Jalapeno Cilantro Slaw (below)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 recipe Mexican Beer Batter (below)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make slaw. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cut each shrimp into two or three bite size pieces. Squeeze wedge of fresh lime juice over shrimp. Toss and refrigerate. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make batter.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Prepare tortillas by heating up a large skillet. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and spread around skillet. Place 3 tortillas in hot skillet and fry 20 or 30 seconds on each side. Stack on a plate. Repeat this process adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil with each batch until all of your tortillas are warmed up and soft. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Slice one whole ripe avocado into wedges. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan until about 2 inches deep. Heat over med-high heat. Oil should be around 365 degrees but I can tell the oil is ready when a drop of water pops when added to the hot oil ;-)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remove your shrimp from frig and toss in beer batter. Drop each piece of battered shrimp into the hot oil being careful not to crowd the pan. You will probably need to cook the shrimp in two batches. Fry until gold brown and then drain the shrimp on paper towels. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Place hot fried shrimp in a large bowl. Drizzle Thai Sweet Chili sauce over your shrimp and gently toss. You want enough sauce to coat but you don't want to drown the shrimp. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Time to assemble the tacos. Add 3 or 4 shrimp pieces on a prepared tortilla. Add desired amount of slaw and one slice of fresh avocado. Repeat until your heart's content. </span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Jalapeño </b></span><strong>Cilantro Slaw</strong></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/3 cup good quality Mayo (such as Best Foods)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Tablespoon white vinegar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Tablespoon white sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Tablespoon vegetable oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10oz bag angel hair shredded cabbage</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 fresh</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>jalapeño<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">pepper, seeds removed, sliced very thin</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 bunch french cilantro, chopped. (no stems)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 green onions, chopped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mix first 5 ingredients and then pour over cabbage mixture. Marinate slaw in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mexican Beer Batter</span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">*You can use this same batter for fish tacos. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3/4 cup flour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup white rice flour (found this in Gluten free section at grocery store)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3/4 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon garlic salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup cold Mexican beer, such as Corona or Tecate</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Combine all ingredients and stir until batter is smooth.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">**I live in Phoenix, Arizona and I can easily find delicious Arizona made My Nana's tortillas, but if you do not live in Arizona, and do not have access to My Nana's products, Mission brand white corn tortillas also work great in this recipe. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Peace out :-)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>linked up to:</i></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/01/clever-chicks-blog-hop-19-hog-wash_27.html"><i>Clever Chicks Blog Hop</i></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/all-crafts/handmade-projects/handmade-projects128/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Tip Junkie ~ Tip Me Tuesday</i></span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/01/wow-us-wednesdays-103.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Savvy Southern Style ~ Wow Us Wednesdays</i></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.semihomemademom.com/2013/01/show-share-wednesday-22.html"><i>Semi Homemade Mom ~ Show&Share Wednesdays</i></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.sneakyspoons.com/2013/01/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop_27.html"><i>Sneaky Spoons</i></a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/01/feathered-nest-friday_31.html"><i>French Country Cottage~ Feathered Nest Friday</i></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-53797036521657211422013-01-18T10:21:00.000-07:002013-01-19T17:04:50.838-07:00Shades of Love (knock-off) Valentine's Day Cake Tutorial<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324760725&k=6pMHt5m&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1298" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-6pMHt5m/0/L/IMG_1298-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1298" /></a><br />
I love <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/">William Sonoma</a> catalog. So many neat products and inspirations. A highlight for me this winter--a beautiful Shades of Love Valentine's Day cake! <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2325220688&k=VjswfbK"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-VjswfbK/0/M/Valentine%20Cake-M.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 450px;" /></a><br />
After bending the catalog corner and going back to stare at this six inch $100 cake, nine or ten times, I knew there was really only one thing left to do... Make the darn thing myself. <br />
So that's what I set out to do, as simply and cheaply as possible. <br />
Here's my version of the <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/platine-shades-of-love-cake/?pkey=e%7Cshades%2Bof%2Blove%7C1%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Shades of Love</a> cake. Hope you enjoy. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324733704&k=ddG5VKp&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1277" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-ddG5VKp/0/L/IMG_1277-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1277" /></a><br />
<br />
To make this cake you will need: <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324708968&k=HVt3VCX"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-HVt3VCX/0/S/IMG_1249-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li>1 box of white cake mix</li>
<li>Ingredients to make one batch of butter cream icing or 1 can of store bought white icing. </li>
<li>Pink food coloring: I used AmeriColor 114 Deep Pink</li>
<li>Red food coloring: I used AmeriColor 119 Red Red </li>
<li>1 quart container of my FAVORITE vanilla Whip'n Ice (found in refrigerated section at any bakery supply) or Wilton's<a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Buttercream-Icing"> butter cream incing</a> or store bought icing. </li>
<li>Ateco #864 decorating tip. </li>
<li>6" cake pan</li>
</ul>
I only own one 6" cake pan (A vintage pan of my grandmother's from the 1930s!). So I just used it four times to make my four layers. I greased and floured my cake pan for each layer and added a circle of parchment paper to the bottom of the cake pan each time to prevent the cake from sticking. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324708734&k=Kg26QF6"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-Kg26QF6/0/S/IMG_1250-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Make the cake mix according to the directions on the box. I made the version with egg yolks since white cake mix does give you a "no-yolk" option. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324709109&k=NmzGM9M"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-NmzGM9M/0/S/IMG_1251-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Add small amount of pink food coloring. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324711216&k=6bMZGVr"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-6bMZGVr/0/S/IMG_1252-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324711610&k=hM2SnBL"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-hM2SnBL/0/S/IMG_1254-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Measure a generous cup of batter and pour into your prepared cake pan.. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324713341&k=bjH9mDp"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-bjH9mDp/0/S/IMG_1255-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
My 6" cakes took 21-23min at 350 degrees.These cakes are small, so keep a close eye on them<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324714951&k=zKSL6tx"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-zKSL6tx/0/S/IMG_1256-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Add more pink food coloring to your batter. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324714070&k=kkD5LPp"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-kkD5LPp/0/S/IMG_1257-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324715683&k=n8g7XKc"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-n8g7XKc/0/S/IMG_1258-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Wash and prepare your pan again. Pour in a generous cup of your next layer of batter to be baked. Repeat baking instructions. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324716586&k=8gxdN6k"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-8gxdN6k/0/S/IMG_1259-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Add more pink food coloring to the batter. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324718180&k=BWCw3Hw"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-BWCw3Hw/0/S/IMG_1260-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Wash and prepare your pan again. Pour in a generous cup of the next layer of batter to be baked. Repeat baking instructions. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324718435&k=cr8SbMP"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-cr8SbMP/0/S/IMG_1261-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Now it's time to add the red food coloring. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324719499&k=MMHkdqn"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-MMHkdqn/0/S/IMG_1262-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324721146&k=rMLjvD5"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-rMLjvD5/0/S/IMG_1263-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Pour the rest of your batter into the prepared pan and follow baking instructions above. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324721754&k=DC2L8db"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-DC2L8db/0/S/IMG_1264-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Allow all layers to cool. Remove parchment paper. I placed mine in an airtight container and refrigerated them. **tip** Cold cake is easier to decorate. Prepare butter cream icing, if making your own. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Butter cream Icing</span></strong><br />
1/3 cup soft butter<br />
3 cups confectioners' sugar<br />
3 tbsp. cream<br />
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
<br />
Blend together butter and confectioners' sugar. Mix in cream and vanilla until smooth. I left the butter cream icing white. Or <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Buttercream-Icing">Wilton's recipe</a> is fine to use here too. <br />
<br />
Time to start putting our pretty cake together. Starting with the red on the bottom, stack the layers, spreading butter cream in between each layers. After stacking all four layers, run a wooden kabob skewer down the center of the cake and trim the top of the skewer so you do not see it. This anchors your cake and keeps it from sliding. You can spread any extra butter cream in a thin coat around the outside of your cake. Refrigerate your cake for 1 hour to allow the butter cream to firm up. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324722491&k=nSm3Dzf"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-nSm3Dzf/0/S/IMG_1265-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Next, make the Whipn' Ice and tint it light pink. If using store bought icing, remember you will need quite a bit. The rosettes take a lot of icing. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324723726&k=gNP47t6"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-gNP47t6/0/L/IMG_1266-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Skim coat the entire cake with the light pink <span style="background-color: yellow;">Whip'n Ice whipped icing</span>. Remember, you're going to cover the entire cake with rosettes so this doesn't have to be pretty. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324724428&k=xSG5CfC&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1267" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-xSG5CfC/0/L/IMG_1267-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1267" /></a><br />
<br />
Put 1/4 of your icing in a pastry bag with a #864 tip and pipe rosettes on the top and sides like so. Literally just squeeze the bag while making a circle and then stop squeezing. Wink. You can do a few practice runs on a plate to get the feel for this. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324726373&k=9t5hPTB"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-9t5hPTB/0/S/IMG_1269-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324727571&k=SPJJ7pM"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-SPJJ7pM/0/S/IMG_1270-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Just like we did with the cake batter, your going to add more pink food coloring to your icing and repeat this process for the next ring of rosettes. (Making sure you wash out and dry your pastry bag between colors). <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324728194&k=HDjgvLH"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-HDjgvLH/0/S/IMG_1271-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324728617&k=wFwHGsk&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1272" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-wFwHGsk/0/L/IMG_1272-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1272" /></a><br />
<br />
Add more pink food coloring to your icing and add yet another ring of rosettes to your cake. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324730183&k=7q78rKg"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-7q78rKg/0/L/IMG_1273-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324730674&k=kBcJ3pW&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1274" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-kBcJ3pW/0/L/IMG_1274-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1274" /></a><br />
<br />
Add the red food coloring to your remaining icing and pipe your final ring of rosettes. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324732104&k=9vSmhG8"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-9vSmhG8/0/S/IMG_1275-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324733074&k=LXBNLTQ"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-LXBNLTQ/0/S/IMG_1276-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Stand back and admire your amazing creation. <br />
Okay, enough admiring. Time to slice this baby and eat it!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324739864&k=LqQvFzD"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-LqQvFzD/0/S/IMG_1282-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324737099&k=Wkh5GjK"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-Wkh5GjK/0/S/IMG_1280-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324749868&k=dBqTc5g"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-dBqTc5g/0/S/IMG_1287-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Mmmmm, mmmm! Here comes the fork! Grin. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324741726&k=GZ5W2ch"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-GZ5W2ch/0/S/IMG_1284-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
This cake is so most and smells so good, I can hardly stand it! <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324757954&k=xF8Qc53"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-xF8Qc53/0/S/IMG_1296-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324753065&k=6MTBqXS"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-6MTBqXS/0/S/IMG_1291-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Any Valentine would be delighted to partake in a bite of this cake. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2324760725&k=6pMHt5m&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1298" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-6pMHt5m/0/L/IMG_1298-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1298" /></a><br />
<br />
Enjoy! <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><em>~The Lemonista</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Linked up to:</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/01/feathered-nest-friday_17.html#more">Feathered Nest Friday</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/all-crafts/handmade-projects/handmade-projects-add-yours-1-15/">Tip Junkie, Tip Me Tuesday</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/01/wow-us-wednesdays-101.html">Savvy Southern Style</a><br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/01/paperwhites-show-and-tell-friday.html">My Romantic Home</a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-84118443446411144902013-01-11T13:17:00.001-07:002013-01-30T10:17:20.045-07:00The Perfect Cottage Counter Stools!I am so excited to share my new kitchen counter stools! <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2315127381&k=wXdZRd2&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1246" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-wXdZRd2/0/L/IMG_1246-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1246" /></a><br />
I searched high and low for these.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2315121964&k=Vtv9qvH"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-Vtv9qvH/0/S/IMG_1237-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Ordered two other sets of stools and sent them both back. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2315114906&k=rGj5Bf5&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1224" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-rGj5Bf5/0/L/IMG_1224-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1224" /></a><br />
Then, looked and looked and looked some more. Don't get me wrong, I love a good hunt. But I can honestly say, I've never searched harder or put more thought into a piece of furniture. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2315111904&k=mKg3gKX"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-mKg3gKX/0/S/IMG_1218-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
These are the <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/rutland-counter-stool/43292?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=0">Rutland Counter Stools from Ballard Designs</a>. <br />
<img alt="Rutland Counter Stool" class="gwt-pdp-main-image" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d1.scene7.com/is/image/ballarddesigns/T_WithoutZoom?$w400$&$src=ST251_main" style="cursor: pointer;" title="Rutland Counter Stool" /><br />
They are reasonably priced, they are super sturdy and they have great bones. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2315110520&k=jVc9jcf&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1216" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-jVc9jcf/0/L/IMG_1216-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1216" /></a><br />
But, with all that going for them, the custom cream linen ruffled seat covers just make the stools (in my humble opinion). Aren't they pretty? Made by the incredibly talented etsy seller, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ruffledlinens?ref=seller_info">Christiana Liddle of Ruffled Linens</a>, these ruffled seat covers are absolute perfection. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2315116844&k=XwJH75W&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1227" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-XwJH75W/0/L/IMG_1227-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1227" /></a><br />
Oh, and they wash like a dream!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2315122139&k=26CsHKz&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1238" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-26CsHKz/0/L/IMG_1238-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1238" /></a><br />
I feel at peace with my purchase and now I can allow myself to move on to the next hunt. <em>Grin</em>.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2315110520&k=jVc9jcf"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-jVc9jcf/0/L/IMG_1216-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
And for you dish lovers, I switched my Christmas dishes for something a little more romantic. I love decorating for Valentine's Day--gives me an excuse to bring out the Haviland! <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2315119247&k=3MMjMq5&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt=" IMG_1231" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-3MMjMq5/0/L/IMG_1231-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title=" IMG_1231" /></a><br />
<br />
I have a fun Valentine's Day cake tutorial coming up soon, so stay tuned. <em>Wink.</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></strong></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"></span></em>Linked up to:<br />
<em><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/01/feathered-nest-friday_10.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a></span></em><br />
<em><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/01/wow-us-wednesdays-100.html">Savvy Southern Style</a></em><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2013/01/frugal-friday_10.html">The Shabby Nest</a></span></i><br />
<i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no145miss-mustard.html">Coastal Charm</a></i>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-81765281376856359492013-01-04T08:42:00.001-07:002013-01-04T18:48:37.182-07:00A Look Back At 20122012 was an eventful year for our family, filled with change, challenges and blessings. We moved into a new home in February and said goodbye to a beloved lemon tree. Today, I'd like to take a look back at my favorite posts of 2012. <br />
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<a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2012/01/heart-pie-pops.html">HEART PIE POPS</a><br />
These little treats were fun to make and such a nice change from cake pops.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#1659443755_jVPt6NS"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-jVPt6NS/0/O/heart-pie-pops.jpg" style="height: 485px; width: 388px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2012/03/ultimate-irish-cupcake-think-guinness.html">THE ULTIMATE IRISH CUPCAKE</a><br />
A moist Guinness chocolate cake, topped with Baileys butter cream and a rich Bushmills chocolate ganache, these decadent cupcakes were just about the best thing I've ever tasted!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1747387037&k=KrZLLHs"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-KrZLLHs/0/L/IMG0406-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2012/02/our-family-heirloom-lemon-bar-recipe.html">OUR FAMILY HEIRLOOM LEMON BAR RECIPE</a><br />
Simply the finest lemon dessert, I finally let out the family secret with the sale of my former house and lemon tree.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSautBho3hFR7ULkXaVpppw4nzEWGcrVRt3HuFv_5s7r7GBDxftWQteiG5yOWy-EfRv3D1R6Qg4nqw0p69oS3Fqh_h9Jxup9QJND3bqcaqAUD4p1s7jxTGKICW3fdglqBz2qFdlnDJVhk/s1600/Lemon+Bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_7boojj="2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSautBho3hFR7ULkXaVpppw4nzEWGcrVRt3HuFv_5s7r7GBDxftWQteiG5yOWy-EfRv3D1R6Qg4nqw0p69oS3Fqh_h9Jxup9QJND3bqcaqAUD4p1s7jxTGKICW3fdglqBz2qFdlnDJVhk/s1600/Lemon+Bars.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2012/05/garden-cake-tutorial.html">GARDEN CAKE TUTORIAL</a><br />
Nothing could be prettier for a luncheon, garden party or Easter, than this lovely cake. If you can work with Play-Doh, you can make this cake!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures/9172271_9mnjh6#!i=1846681754&k=RzmBDHw"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures/i-RzmBDHw/0/S/IMG0658-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2012/06/peach-sweet-rolls.html">PEACH SWEET ROLLS</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">My amazingly gifted friend, <a href="http://dustwrites.com/"><span style="color: #336699;">Dustin Hansen</span></a>, innocently posted on Facebook,
"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">What if cinnamon rolls and peach cobbler had a
baby?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">" And these amazing sweet rolls were born. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures/9172271_9mnjh6#!i=1887674095&k=TN7zTSp"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures/i-TN7zTSp/0/S/IMG0693-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2012/09/shades-of-grey-french-farmhouse.html">FRENCH FARMHOUSE CHALKBOARD TUTORIAL</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Learn how to make this impressive chalkboard for cheap! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2100265469&k=FSgDC8b"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-FSgDC8b/1/L/IMG5406-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 458px;" /></a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2012/11/sugar-plum-fairy-tutorial.html">SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TUTORIAL</a><br />
This tutorial will teach you a crafting technique that you can use to create personalized decorations for any occasion.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220749252&k=FNBmNnS"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-FNBmNnS/0/L/IMG_1100-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Many Blessings to you and yours for a fabulous 2013.<br />
<br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></strong></em><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/01/feathered-nest-friday.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a></span></em></strong>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-77358321581465200612012-11-30T12:19:00.001-07:002012-12-04T11:14:54.300-07:00Displaying Holiday Dishes ~ The Friendly VillageWe've had these charming holiday dishes for some time. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2245690814&k=954Pp3P"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-954Pp3P/0/S/IMG_1172-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The pattern is The Friendly Village by Johnson Brothers. They belonged to my husband's Great Great Aunt Toni, who lived to the ripe old age of 102.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2245690933&k=GnKZsrH"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-GnKZsrH/0/L/IMG_1176-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Although we try to use these dishes every Christmas, they spend most of their time packed in boxes. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's dishes that are easy to access--get used. Dishes in boxes--don't.<br />
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This is our first Christmas season in our new home and I'm so excited to have room in my new kitchen to make better use of these pretty dishes and put them on display.<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2245678313&k=WMMC9c9"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-WMMC9c9/0/L/IMG_1150-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The best part--these dishes are dishwasher and microwave safe AND the pattern is still being produced--So if one of my kids breaks a plate, I just order a new one. Wink.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2245681395&k=j3pzCgC"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-j3pzCgC/0/L/IMG_1155-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Did I mention these dishes are reasonably priced? <br />
Yep. That too. <br />
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Here's the turkey platter mounted to my dining room wall. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2245876256&k=RBxQ8J7"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-RBxQ8J7/0/L/IMG_1191-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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and a nook in my kitchen.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2245878391&k=7GzMGhh"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-7GzMGhh/0/S/IMG_1195-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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and yet another platter above my sink :-)<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2245876647&k=PrvJkSz"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-PrvJkSz/0/L/IMG_1183-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I've been recovering from major surgery and unable to drive so I used fresh roses and rosemary from my garden and some silver mercury glass ornaments as accents. <br />
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Now how nice does my breakfast look on this festive plate. I look forward to using these dishes every day this Christmas season.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2245810589&k=PQK4T3h"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-PQK4T3h/0/S/eggs%20benedict-S.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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If you have special dishes that you love. I hope this posts gives you a few ideas how to enjoy them for more than just one holiday meal. <br />
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Enjoy,<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/11/feathered-nest-friday_29.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-39804901297197568852012-11-19T22:51:00.001-07:002012-12-02T15:24:37.222-07:00Sugar Plum Fairy Tutorial Be still my heart...<br />
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These Sugar Plum Fairies turned out so stinkin' cute, I actually squealed! <br />
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I put a lot of thought into this years holiday craft. My<a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2011/11/mason-jar-snow-globes-terrariums.html"> Mason Jar Snow Globes & Terrariums</a> post from last holiday season is my most popular post of all time, so I didn't want to disappoint. <br />
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The best part about these holiday decorations--they are my children whom I love and adore. In fact, I'm tempted to make our whole family. Gosh, how cute would our pets be dolled up as holiday fairies! <br />
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These take a little time but are surprisingly easy to make. I've displayed my fairies on velvet plums but you could also <b>hot glue jute twine loops on their backs and hang them as Christmas Tree ornaments</b>!<br />
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First we start by making the plum, following my <a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2011/10/velvet-pumkins-101.html">Velvet Pumpkin Tutorial</a>. I ordered the Dusty Lavender silk velvet from the Etsy seller listed in this post, but any shade of purple velvet would be pretty for this project. I made my plums about the size of an orange by starting with a 9" circle of fabric. <br />
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The only thing I did different from my Velvet Pumpkin 101 tutorial is to glitter the stems. <br />
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I painted the stems with craft glue, then sprinkled them with fine crystal glitter. Next, I added glue in just a few extra spots to look like where snow would fall, and sprinkled on a course crystal glitter. <br />
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These are real pumpkin stems. I save all of mine off Halloween pumpkins and also collect all the stems I can from my parent's garden. Any gourd stem will work. The grocery store will often have a nice supply of small pumpkins and gourds this time of year.<br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220690657&k=ms7mpbc"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-ms7mpbc/0/S/IMG_1020-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I also glittered the tiny candy cane ornaments found at Michaels in the miniature ornament section. I got a whole assorted box of them for $2.99!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2226808773&k=L377H3r"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-L377H3r/1/L/IMG_1134-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220691830&k=gsQhvRL"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-gsQhvRL/0/S/IMG_1021-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Once the stems were dry, I glued them to my velvet plums sprinkling some more course glitter around the base of the stems before the glue set. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220693442&k=3rk8ZG5"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-3rk8ZG5/0/S/IMG_1024-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Now it was time to make the wings. I wanted a vintage feel, so I used old book paper. You can find old books at a thrift store or there are several etsy sellers that have old book pages listed. I got 10 pages of an antique French book for $1. Grin.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220694404&k=DHrxd6B"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-DHrxd6B/0/S/IMG_1026-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Start but coating the entire back of your book page with a glue stick and then stick it to card stock. I purchased the card stock at Michaels for around .30 cents per sheet. My pages had text on both sides so I just picked the prettier side to show. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220694414&k=zwgSnTc"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-zwgSnTc/0/S/IMG_1027-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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So my pages would dry perfectly flat, I laid heavy books on them until they dried. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220697432&k=Kr9VQDT"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-Kr9VQDT/0/S/IMG_1030-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I drew a template how I wanted my wings to look. Now, really anything goes here. If you google fairy wing template, a ton of ideas will come up. I wanted my wings to be a cross between Tinker Bell and a butterfly, so I did a two part wing. You can go as big or small as you like.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220699852&k=KKvsGJD"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-KKvsGJD/0/L/IMG_1032-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I traced my template onto the booked pages glued to card stock. <br />
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Using a sharp pair of scissors, I cut out my wings. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220700767&k=P5WF9zD"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-P5WF9zD/0/S/IMG_1034-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I put a small amount of craft glue around the edge of my wings and dipped them in Martha Stewart sterling tinsel glitter. <br />
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When the glue was dry, I used a little bit of this Distress Ink (color Pumice Stone) by rubbing one of the kids water color brushes in a circle on the ink pad and then rubbing off most of it on another piece of paper before making soft circle stokes on the outer edge of my wings. <br />
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Now that I had my wings looking vintage fabulous, it was time to make my fairies.<br />
Using the same method I did with the wings, I mounted photos of the kids with a glue stick to card stock, making sure I covered the entire back of the photo. <br />
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I used a 4"x6" Sepia photo of the kids, cropping so they took up almost the full length of the photo. These were their Easter pictures but since I've printed them in Sepia, no one is the wiser. Wink. <br />
Once the glue dried, I used a sharp pair of scissors to cut them out. <br />
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Time to attach the wings!<br />
I used a double stick foam tape to give the upper wings some dimension, but you can using any tape or glue you like.<br />
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I used hot glue to attach the bottom wings. <br />
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Every real Sugar Plum Fairy needs, well, something sweet to hold, so I hot glued a candy cane to each of their little hands. <br />
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This next step is optional since the card stock is pretty strong, but I figured the legs would be the weakest point on these decorations, so I decided to reinforce them with wooden kabob skewers purchased at the grocery store. <br />
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I attached the stick with hot glue. <br />
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Just think of the possibilities here...<br />
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How gorgeous would it be to add these darling Sugar Plum Fairies to a holiday bouquet or a lovely Poinsettia?<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220739017&k=92CHh92"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-92CHh92/0/S/IMG_1086-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220738930&k=ZbBmHtZ"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-ZbBmHtZ/0/L/IMG_1087-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220736371&k=6hKHD7p"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-6hKHD7p/0/L/IMG_1084-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
After I had my fun, I decided to get down to business again. Grin. <br />
I trimmed the wooden stick to the bottom of the fairy feet. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220740513&k=TDgqD8C"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-TDgqD8C/0/L/IMG_1088-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Using a hot glue gun I glued the fairies to my plum stems. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220740859&k=ff7VnXs"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-ff7VnXs/0/L/IMG_1089-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220742503&k=sxvSzv8"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-sxvSzv8/0/L/IMG_1090-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I used quite a bit of glue and had to hold the fairies in place for several minutes until the glue completely hardened... <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220742693&k=SZpLsHr"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-SZpLsHr/0/S/IMG_1092-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
But the results were pure magic!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220751057&k=S5kzqbn"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-S5kzqbn/1/S/IMG_1104-S.jpg" style="height: 266px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220753139&k=dhh4GL5"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-dhh4GL5/0/S/IMG_1106-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Quite possibly my favorite Christmas decoration of all time.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2220746819&k=vzxnJKF"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-vzxnJKF/0/S/IMG_1098-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I love these so much, the dog, hamster and chickens are next! Ha. <br />
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Enjoy! <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><em>~The Lemonista</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><em><br /></em></span></strong><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/all-crafts/handmade-projects/homemade-projects-1120/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://uploads.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/11/feathered-nest-friday-on-wednesday.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a>:<br />
<a href="http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/11/whatcha-work-up-wednesday-9.html">Whatcha Work-up Wednesday #9:</a><br />
<a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-9.html">Beyond the Picket fence:</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/11/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party_23.html">Six Sisters' Stuff:</a><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2012/11/wow-us-wednesdays-94.html">Savvy Southern Style:</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/11/clever-chicks-blog-hop-10.html">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a><br />
<a href="http://twosucculentsisters.blogspot.com/2012/11/christmas-ornament-party.html">Succulent Sisters Ornament Party</a><br />
<a href="http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-features-and-par-tay-53/">My 1929 Charmer Sunday's Best</a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-62840071982197450772012-10-30T10:43:00.000-07:002012-11-02T09:47:02.159-07:00Updating A Vintage French SofaI've always loved old French Provincial sofas. My parents have had a lovely French Provincial sofa since I was born and I knew that one day, when I had a home with a beautiful living room, I'd have one too. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/October-2012/25965797_ttp8TD#!i=2184725181&k=WwQtkpm"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/October-2012/i-WwQtkpm/0/S/IMG1000-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I think when people picture French Provincial furniture, fancy and impractical comes to mind. However, with the introduction of<a href="http://shabbychic.com/"> Shabby Chic by Rachel Ashwell,</a> <a href="http://willowshomeandgarden.com/">Rustic Elegance by The Willows</a>, <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"> French Country Cottage</a> by Courtney, and the like, these vintage furniture pieces can be updated to be practical and beautifully casual. <br />
<br />
I asked the very talented ladies at <a href="http://willowshomeandgarden.com/">The Willows</a> in Phoenix, AZ to find me one of these vintage French sofas and work their magic to give it new life. Boy, did they ever deliver! <br />
Just check out this fabulousness~<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Before:</span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2184682648&k=pNnFq84"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-pNnFq84/0/S/Sofa-before-S.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After:</span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2184682663&k=KskvkPW"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-KskvkPW/0/S/sofa-after-S.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The upholstery was recovered in a taupe linen burlap fabric.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Before:</span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2184682691&k=3QTf6z2"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-3QTf6z2/0/O/Sofa-wood-before.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 338px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After:</span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2184682619&k=8sM4Tgd"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-8sM4Tgd/0/O/Sofa-wood-after.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 338px;" /></a><br />
The wood was refinished in <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/">Annie Sloan</a> chalk paint. <br />
<br />
I'm so thrilled with this sofa, I can hardly stand it! <em>And</em> the great thing about having a vintage sofa re-done verses buying a new one--the vintage sofas are built like iron! <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/October-2012/25965797_ttp8TD#!i=2184727408&k=zjNFjnF"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/October-2012/i-zjNFjnF/0/S/IMG1003-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Total LOVE. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/October-2012/25965797_ttp8TD#!i=2184728807&k=4sjJSgK"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/October-2012/i-4sjJSgK/0/S/IMG1005-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I really love this room. It makes me sigh to think of what it will look like one day when the rest of the decorating layers get completed.<em> </em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><strong>~The Lemonista</strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><strong><br /></strong></span></em>
<span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/category/all-crafts/handmade-projects/"><img alt="Tip Junkie" border="0" src="http://uploads.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a></span><br />
Linked to <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/11/feathered-nest-friday.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a><br />
Linked to <a href="http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/10/whatcha-work-up-wednesday-linky-party-6.html">Watcha Work-up Wednesday</a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-33517186109930069142012-10-15T19:13:00.000-07:002012-12-03T21:50:59.774-07:00Raising Pet Chickens ~ Phoenix Backyard BlissThose of you who know me best, know I <i>love</i> my pet chickens.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145253827&k=pZ5fzSZ&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-pZ5fzSZ/1/L/20123Spring-Chickens-3546-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 398px;" title="" /></a><br />
Chicken chow is cheap. They fertilize my grass and they eat every last bug they can find (There's no better scorpion predator). I love callin', "Here chick chick chick," in my backyard and seeing them come running. I love the fresh eggs they lay for me each day and I love how their care teaches my children responsibility and respect.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=1778701746&k=tk6vNht"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-tk6vNht/0/S/20123Spring-Chickens-3577-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*our chicks at 1 week old</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=1778699000&k=KXpLrTq"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-KXpLrTq/0/S/20123Spring-Chickens-3559-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Yes, even our hamster got in on the photo action this day.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=1778687020&k=9bMpbjK"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-9bMpbjK/1/S/20123Spring-Chickens-3527-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
In my opinion, pet chickens make great pets.<br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145278500&k=TVxWjqH"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-TVxWjqH/0/S/IMG0507-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Our chicks at 3 weeks old.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
Since I did quite a bit of research on how to raise my hens in a blazing hot sub-urban Phoenix neighborhood, I thought I'd pass along what I've learned so others can partake in the reward of raising backyard chickens.<br />
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I have two hens. They each lay one egg a day, so I get 14 eggs a week from these girls! Both of my hens started laying eggs around 20 weeks of age. The eggs were small at first, but after a few short weeks the eggs became big and beautiful. My hens lay in the morning. You could probably set your watch to the time they lay their eggs.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Chickens:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152407982&k=R9xDxJz&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-R9xDxJz/0/M/barred-rock-M.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 450px; width: 450px;" title="" /></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Oreoelle</span></b><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145271378&k=Zm6PFKv&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-Zm6PFKv/1/L/IMG0275-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 449px;" title="" /></a><br />
1<a href="http://www.efowl.com/Barred_Plymouth_Rock_Chickens_p/1032.htm"> Barred Rock Hen</a>- Said to be the most heat tolerant bird. This type of chicken is an excellent choice for the hot climate of the southwest. <br />
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AND</div>
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152423803&k=zjfW2GX&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-zjfW2GX/0/M/rhode-island-red-M.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 450px; width: 450px;" title="" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rissy:</span> </b>Short for Rhode Island Steve, named by my 5yr old son ;-)<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145271348&k=LKK7mns&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-LKK7mns/2/L/IMG0276-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 448px;" title="" /></a><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145271378&k=Zm6PFKv&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"></a><br />
1<a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=rhode+island+red+chickens+efowl&view=detail&id=057D0D0821759F256CFD941F4F41004818FB2D8F"> Rhodes Island Red Hen</a> - Also very weather tolerant and another great choice for any extreme climate. <br />
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We raised the chicks as hatchlings bought from the feed store. I kept them in the laundry room, in a cardboard box (my make-shift brooding box) with a heat light until they were 3 weeks old. Here is a link with information to <a href="http://shilala.homestead.com/brooding.html">make your own brooding box</a>. Then we moved them to the coop. I kept a heat light at night time in the nesting area of our coop until the temperatures were above 70s at night.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Oreoelle & Rissy at 22 weeks:</span></strong><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145275155&k=k63JGJJ&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-k63JGJJ/0/L/IMG0147-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 450px;" title="" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152596676&k=D54VCMh"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-D54VCMh/0/O/lawson-oreo.jpg" style="height: 309px; width: 206px;" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My eggs:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152436513&k=kzLX7hp"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-kzLX7hp/0/S/eggs-S.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Both of my chickens lay brown eggs. They are rich and delicious and my bake goods have never tasted so fabulous. I found the cute tractor-green ceramic egg holder at <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp?cm_mmc=Bing-_-General-+Tablets+-+US-_-trademark-_-anthropologie">Anthropologie</a>. They had them in at least a half a dozen fun colors!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Chicken Coop:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145266973&k=sXZpJpq"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-sXZpJpq/0/S/chicken-coop-S.jpg" style="height: 278px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I purchased this coop from<a href="http://www.hayneedle.com/sale/precisionpetproductshenhousechickencoop1.cfm"> hayneedles.com</a><br />
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*Regardless of the manufactures description, it is my humble opinion that this coop is not big enough for more than two regular sized chickens. If you plan to keep your chickens locked up all of the time and not let them out during the day, then I would look into a larger style coop.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145284622&k=QDxmv4J"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-QDxmv4J/0/S/IMG0515-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145284439&k=g9zFbCv&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-g9zFbCv/0/L/IMG0516-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title="" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Nothin' sexier than in investment baker building a chicken coop for his hick wife. Grin.</span><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145290576&k=XSFvZCn&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-XSFvZCn/0/L/IMG0520-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 400px;" title="" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*The girls checking out their new home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
*This coop was easy to assemble. We had it put together and ready to roll in under 30 min!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145293393&k=PpPh7ST"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-PpPh7ST/0/S/IMG0523-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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**Important Tip** We put our chicken coop on pavers. This prevents predators from digging underneath and makes it easy to hose out each day (no mud!)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Poultry Feeder:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145267728&k=7QXkQCG"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-7QXkQCG/0/O/chicken-feeder-2.jpg" style="height: 370px; width: 370px;" /></a><br />
This hangable feeder holds 11 pounds of laying crumble. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Chicken Chow:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152546253&k=zKn3PvN&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-zKn3PvN/0/L/IMG0281-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 450px;" title="" /></a><br />
I buy Kelly's brand laying crumble in a 25lbs bag from the feed store. The feed is inexpensive and last me a couple of months. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Poultry Water Container:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2145267989&k=gq7RXFT"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-gq7RXFT/0/O/poultry-water.jpg" style="height: 370px; width: 364px;" /></a><br />
This water bowl holds one gallon of water. I have to fill it about once a week.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Routine:</span></b><br />
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1. Let chickens out of coop to "free-range" in my backyard during the day.<br />
2. Hose out coop.<br />
3. Check food and water supple.<br />
4. Collect eggs.<br />
5. Lock the chickens back in their coop at sunset.<br />
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I live close enough to Camelback Mountain that it is necessary to lock my chickens up at night to protect them from predators, such as coyotes.<br />
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I'd love to invest in a bigger coop one day. So in case anyone is interested, here is my <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/outdoor-living/ultimate-chicken-coop-order-plans#slide-9">dream coop featured in Country Living Magazine</a>:<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152515173&k=LVbTCxR"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-LVbTCxR/0/S/country-living-chicken-coop-S.jpg" style="height: 269px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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My Sister lives on a farm in Washington state. Her husband has built what we refer to as<em> The Chicken Cathedral</em>, complete with skylight ceiling!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152541859&k=34jFRbp"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-34jFRbp/0/S/IMG0063-S.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
My sister raises French Maran chickens. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152534802&k=m2xCgZR"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-m2xCgZR/0/S/IMG0058-S.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152534841&k=3JjMvr5"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-3JjMvr5/0/S/IMG0056-S.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152542752&k=vFLRnL3"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-vFLRnL3/1/S/IMG0064-S.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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They lay lovely dark chocolate colored eggs.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152539694&k=gsBm5KB&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-gsBm5KB/0/L/IMG0060-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 450px;" title="" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/22264159_ZLqSpm#!i=2152539299&k=mp6jFj6&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink"><img alt="" class="imgBorder" galleryimg="no" id="mainImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/March-2012/i-mp6jFj6/0/L/IMG0062-L.jpg" style="background-image: none; height: 600px; width: 450px;" title="" /></a><br />
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I hope this post has inspired you to look into raising your own backyard chickens. Chickens are a rewarding pet for adults and children alike. I live smack-dab in the middle of one of the largest cities in America., but when I look out into my backyard, I feel like I'm back on the farm. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/September-2012/25965785_8wNrDf#!i=2153904265&k=tbQZ6bD"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/September-2012/i-tbQZ6bD/1/S/20129House-Sunrise-4677-S.jpg" style="height: 266px; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/September-2012/25965785_8wNrDf#!i=2153904265&k=tbQZ6bD"></a><br />
Please feel free to ask me any questions in the comments. I love to talk about my chickens. Grin.<br />
Here's a video of me calling <em>the girls </em>;-)<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tNn80oMKfUc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
Enjoy,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<img alt="Homemade Projects ~ Add Yours! {10-16}" class="post-image favoriteable not-logged-in" src="http://uploads.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/a_TipMeTuesday2.jpg" style="opacity: 0.800353;" /><br />
Linked to <a href="http://vintageonadime.blogspot.com/2012/10/welcome-home-wednesday-4.html">Vintage on a Dime</a><br />
Linked to <a href="http://www.semihomemademom.com/2012/10/show-share-wednesday-8.html">Show &</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.semihomemademom.com/2012/10/show-share-wednesday-8.html">Share Semi Homemade Mom</a><br />
Linked to <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/10/wow-me-wednesday-73.html">Ginger Snap Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/11/clever-chicks-blog-hop-10.html">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a><br />
<a href="http://fresh-eggs-daily.blogspot.com/2012/11/farm-girl-blog-fest-11.html">Farm Girl Friday Blog Fest</a><br />
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-45292526822601680352012-10-07T12:04:00.000-07:002012-10-16T14:02:35.227-07:00Halloween Mantle ~ Spooky Apothecary Mason Jars & Vintage Bottles Perhaps it's all the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/">Downton Abbey</a> I've been watching, but lately I'm hooked on vintage pretty things. With that inspiration in mind, I started working on this years Halloween mantle decoration.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2125263135&k=X6JPKmN"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-X6JPKmN/1/S/IMG0928-S.jpg" style="height: 266px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I love old bottles and jars with unique colors and shapes. I'm always trying to think of new ways to incorporated them in my crafts and decor.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2134283515&k=5Q6nr8z"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-5Q6nr8z/0/S/spooky-labels-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I stumbled across a set of $6 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104802014/spooky-halloween-vintage-apothecary">handmade spooky apothecary labels on</a> etsy and I realized what a cute addition they would be to my pretty vintage jars and bottles. </div>
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2125282375&k=9d2m57J"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-9d2m57J/0/L/IMG0958-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2125275181&k=9QFxHp3"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-9QFxHp3/0/L/IMG0947-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2125275641&k=SQxGNLM"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-SQxGNLM/0/S/IMG0944-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2125274147&k=qtL8MnQ"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-qtL8MnQ/0/L/IMG0945-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2125265673&k=WmBdFmt"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-WmBdFmt/0/S/IMG0932-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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To add some realistic flair, I filled the jars with the follow:</div>
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<b>Bat Droppings: </b>Chocolate covered raisins</div>
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<b>Toad Oil: </b>Olive oil</div>
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<b>Vampire Blood: </b>Red wine</div>
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<b>Love Potion #9:</b> Water tinted with food coloring and a dried rose hot glued to the neck of the bottle. </div>
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<b>Witches Brew:</b> Water tinted with food coloring</div>
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The bat droppings have been quite a hit around here, but I must say that mommy might prefer the vampire blood :-)</div>
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2125269488&k=dcmKCrJ"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-dcmKCrJ/0/S/IMG0934-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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I added an antique reproduction cast iron scale, found at Home Goods, one of<a href="http://thelemonista.blogspot.com/2011/10/velvet-pumkins-101.html"> my velvet pumpkins</a>, and a couple of white pumpkins from the grocery store. V<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">oilĂ --A spooky, yet vintage and pretty mantle. </span></em></span><br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2125262778&k=V2q6jMr"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-V2q6jMr/0/S/IMG0930-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The center of my display is a black & white picture of our family in an antique frame, but you could substitute any vintage looking mirror with an ornate frame and get the same look. <br />
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View of mantle from my kitchen.<br />
Love.<br />
<img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-fksj8fB/0/S/IMG0956-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy,</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>~The Lemonista</b></span></em></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times;">This project is linked to <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/10/feathered-nest-friday_11.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a></span></em><br />
<img alt="Homemade Projects ~ Add Yours! {10-16}" class="post-image favoriteable not-logged-in" src="http://uploads.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/a_TipMeTuesday2.jpg" style="opacity: 0.800353;" /></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-49167505076312609882012-09-30T08:54:00.000-07:002012-09-30T09:26:59.853-07:00October Berries ~ A Fantastic Country Raspberry Pie<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2111803491&k=c8D63sf"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-c8D63sf/0/S/raspberry-cream-pie-S.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This is my actual pie--Isn't she <i>purdy</i> :-)</span><br />
With fall underway, I find myself missing the fresh berries of summer. There is one berry, however, that is harvested into October and continues to be readily and deliciously available at the grocery store-- The Raspberry.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2119190594&k=zP7gZMs"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-zP7gZMs/0/S/raspberries-S.jpg" style="height: 266px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
My mom and I both enjoy a gem of a magazine titled <a href="http://www.country-magazine.com/">COUNTRY</a>. Not to be confused with COUNTRY LIVING and other decorator magazines, COUNTRY magazine is simply an organic look at true country living. Real people on real farms send in their stories, photography and recipes and I study each page like a kid reading a holiday toy catalog!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2119213857&k=XrXTm5P"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-XrXTm5P/0/O/raspberry-5.jpg" /></a><br />
I enjoyed some farm fresh raspberries on my parents farm in August. I also enjoyed one of the best raspberries pies I've ever tasted. I came across this Very Raspberry Pie recipe in a summer issue of COUNTRY, and the moment I saw it, I knew this pie was going to be special. Kathy Jones of West Winfield, New York submitted her Very Raspberry Pie recipe made from the raspberries she picks along a 130-year-old train track. The flavors in this easy pie are pure, fresh and delicious. <br />
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Quite frankly, this one knocked my socks off! Hope you love it to.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Very Raspberry Pie</span></strong><br />
by Kathy Jones<br />
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<strong>Raspberry Topping:</strong><br />
6 cups fresh raspberries, divided<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
3 Tbsp. cornstarch<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
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<strong>Cream Filling</strong>:<br />
1 pkg. (8oz) cream cheese, softened<br />
1 cup whipped topping<br />
1 cup confectioners' sugar<br />
1 graham cracker crust (9 in.) *I use the recipe on the graham cracker box.<br />
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<strong>1.</strong> Mash about 2 cups raspberries to measure 1 cup; place in a small saucepan. Add the sugar, cornstarch and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Strain to remove berry seeds if desired. (I skipped this step). Cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. <br />
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<strong>2.</strong> For the filling, beat the cream cheese, whipped topping and confectioners' sugar in a small bowl. Spread in bottom of crust. <br />
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<strong>3.</strong> Top with remaining raspberries. Pour cooled raspberry sauce over top. Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.<br />
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<strong>4.</strong> Store in the refrigerator. Garnish with fresh mint if desired. <br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></strong></em>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6756465392226095144.post-28737376339668664352012-09-21T12:20:00.000-07:002012-09-23T09:42:55.492-07:00Shades of Grey ~ French Farmhouse Chalkboard Tutorial<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2100265469&k=FSgDC8b"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-FSgDC8b/1/L/IMG5406-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 458px;" /></a><br />
Don'tcha just love chalkboards? There's something so vintage and nostalgic about them. Chalkboards have lovely shades of grey that fit the rustic elegant farmhouse style popping up in so many magazines and catalogs. You can reinvent your chalkboard design daily, so no worries getting tired of the look. And with the new chalkboard paints on the market, they're an inexpensive way to decorate just about any wall. . So if you have wall space that you'd like to give that vintage feel for cheap, listen up, cuz I've got the project for you!<br />
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This chalkboard is made from a slab hollow closet door bought at the Home Depot for $28. I had a large wall to fill so I bought the largest closet door available. It measures 80" x 36". Like I said--BIG. <br />
Since I used a slab door, there were no pre-drilled holes to worry about, so this door was purchased prepped and ready to paint! Yay! Here are the paints I used:<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1899541096&k=nFK7LgH"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-nFK7LgH/0/S/IMG0720-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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The paints cost $10 each. I used three coats of magnetic paint and then two coats of chalkboard paint. <br />
I found the magnetic paint difficult to work with, and honestly, I wouldn't bother with it again. The chalkboard paint, however, went on like a dream! <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1899539831&k=rHNH9dG"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-rHNH9dG/0/L/IMG0719-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Working in my art studio, aka the garage, I elevated the closet door on a couple of drink coolers (yes folks, it's pretty high tech around here). I used a foam roller to paint and I followed the directions on the cans for drying times between coats. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1899544429&k=z8M8jG5"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-z8M8jG5/1/S/IMG0724-S.jpg" style="height: 266px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Once the paint had dried I brought my new chalkboard into the entry hall. It had to cure for a couple of days (per directions on the paint can) then I needed to rub the entire chalkboard surface with white chalk . Now my chalkboard was ready to rock!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1899550510&k=cztN7hB"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-cztN7hB/0/S/IMG0733-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Using a stud finder I screwed two large wood screws (about 3" long)<br />
into studs on either side of the wall. Then I mounted D-rings on the back of the chalkboard, using plastic anchors, since the door is hollow and I didn't want the little screws pulling through from the weight. <br />
Finally, I hung the D-rings on the back of the chalkboard on the screw heads mounted into the studs. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1899562797&k=8tJBp42"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-8tJBp42/1/S/IMG0743-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1899573242&k=2gjtXSn"></a><br />
The chalkboard looked nice just like this but I couldn't resist a little more flair. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2101179224&k=ckhcjk8"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-ckhcjk8/0/L/IMG0918-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I added two antique reproduction cast iron Fleur De Lis soap dishes found on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/101076090/aqua-blue-wall-mount-fleur-de-lis-cast?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_includes%5B0%5D=tags&ga_search_query=cast+iron+soap+dish&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">etsy</a> by Alacartcreations. Aren't they the cutest chalk holders you've ever seen! Since my chalkboard is made of wood, I just screwed them right into the board. Grin. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1899573242&k=2gjtXSn"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-2gjtXSn/0/L/IMG0751-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=1899573242&k=2gjtXSn"></a><br />
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Better, but it still needed more pizazz. <br />
I thought about topping the chalkboard with some type of molding, sort of like a crown, and came across the perfect wall plaque at Ballard Designs. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/December-2011/21038905_LVfzsz#!i=2101162297&k=QK5qFFF"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/December-2011/i-QK5qFFF/0/O/pruvost-plaque.jpg" style="height: 368px; width: 368px;" /></a><br />
The <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/pruvost-plaque/42615?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=0">Pruvost Plaque</a> was exactly the shape I had in mind and it even came in an 80" width! But at $269 plus shipping, the price was a little more than I wanted to spend, so I did the only thing a girl could do--I searched the net for knock-off blog tutorials to make my own plaque. <br />
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Here is the best tutorial I found:<br />
<a href="http://www.gwennypenny.com/2011/05/ballard-wall-plaque-knock-off-tutorial.html">Ballard Wall Plaque Knock Off Tutorial</a><br />
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Then I drew a pattern on brown craft paper. Once I had the design I wanted, and my instructions in hand, I knew it was time to solicit my retired father for help. Grin.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures/9172271_9mnjh6#!i=2056794600&k=xCsvQmQ"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures/i-xCsvQmQ/0/S/IMG0753-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I printed up the knock-off tutorial above and shipped Dad my pattern. Next, I explained to my Dad that I wanted the wood to have a weathered grey look, so he stole a few of my mom's boards from the horse pasture fence, tee-hee (sorry Mom). <br />
*Weathered boards from old wood pallets would also work well to achieve this look, or you could just stain some new boards. Wink.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2100272027&k=bRVLLnX"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-bRVLLnX/0/S/IMG5412-S.jpg" style="height: 267px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
When I got my wall plaque back from Dad, I was almost speechless (almost). It turned out even more fabulous than I could have imagined and added the perfect finishing touch to my new chalkboard.<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2100265370&k=3RN4dsd"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-3RN4dsd/0/L/IMG5400-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I am in LOVE with my chalkboard wall!<br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2100268743&k=JcCBVNb"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-JcCBVNb/0/L/IMG5411-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I find myself doodling new pictures and messages all the time. <br />
<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2100278553&k=fjLc8dW"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-fjLc8dW/0/L/IMG5415-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2100276895&k=kzCNGF8"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-kzCNGF8/0/L/IMG5410-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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The best part is you can re-create this chalkboard and decorate a LARGE wall on a budget!<br />
Slab closet door: $28<br />
Chalk board paint: $10<br />
Mounting hardware: $6<br />
Cast iron soap dish: $21 each<br />
<br />
Wood plaque: Cost of materials (which was free for me since we used boards from an old fence).<br />
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<a href="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/13809361_vHWgjj#!i=2100330658&k=bkfcNhK"><img id="lightBoxImage" src="http://dreamcometrue.smugmug.com/Other/My-Pictures-1/i-bkfcNhK/0/L/IMG5413-L.jpg" style="height: 600px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Hope this post inspires you to give a chalkboard project a try. <br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">~The Lemonista</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/09/feathered-nest-friday_20.html">Linked to Feathered Nest Friday</a></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/09/its-inspiration-friday-no-83-welcome.html">Linked to At The Picket Fence</a></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://maleviksrosentradgard.blogspot.com/2012/09/saturday-show-off-102.html">Linked to Show of Saturday</a></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://projectqueen.org/welcome-to-link-party-37-turning-the-daunting-into-the-do-able">Linked to Project Queen</a></span></em></strong>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02721488159558221132noreply@blogger.com20