tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9632648909867821822024-08-30T05:42:52.473-05:00Pearls and PlattersMy life as a mama and graphic designerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-20458626827850680932016-05-11T13:38:00.000-05:002016-12-14T11:54:45.993-06:00Free 8x10 Printable <center> We took a much needed vacation last week. I used it as a time to reflect and recharge. We, as a family, decided to do things a little different from now on. I think people are creatures of habit and we get in ruts and old routines that we need to stop and review every now and then. Are we making every day count? Are we incorporating our passions into our daily or weekly schedules? We decided that we are going to start taking little mini family day trips. There are so many interesting spots so close to home that we need to explore and experience in these precious few years we have with our daughter being young. I want her to have a boat load of fun memories of growing up. I also want to make more time to make art. It's a passion of mine and I think about it all the time but never make the time for it - until now. So you see, it's almost like a set of mid year resolutions. I think New Year's is too nuts of a time to really make some change. I say Vacation resolutions!</center> <center> </center> <center> Free 8x10 printable:</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sC70G18vBi_erkTk1nBtj70AyeMgahxARZ_5kPp6A6nXiEjQF3eKwB6A6hsF1UyV1suVV_bTgA8hkVr8VYBlPeVe5YWof7-9l4HcdMzRgooGaNAKki7Le4EcjctHU7icDSxHR_W8jvQ/s640/Collect-8x10.jpg" width="512" /><a href="http://www.amandanorthcutt.com/pandp/Collect-Moments-8x10.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.amandanorthcutt.com/pandp/Collect-Moments-8x10.pdf</a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.amandanorthcutt.com/pandp/Make-Stuff-Happen-8x10.pdf" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqc8wr_ZhA8qzt84BDC7kPYVb7yeAo9Q9gx1oGfqhdcKddIu_ScN2rV9wIAdWQ2WFQF-n3u0uE0YXa72RR1bwOBF8vlj1FOj_ue1d07wfoI_-WHjVAYHWWXUMxSoNTgxQtmX75sfl7Q4/s640/Make-Stuff-Happen-8x10.jpg" width="512" /></a></div> <center> <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-15133267561324383992016-03-17T14:55:00.001-05:002016-03-17T14:55:08.608-05:00Seeing Green! 4 Things :)<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> Top of the morning to you! (or afternoon, really). St. Patrick's day always seems to sneak up on me as a gentle reminder that I need to add more green to my wardrobe. I am wearing the most drab army green t-shirt today and felt envious of all the other mom's at Target in their bright, pretty kelly green tops. Ugh. Maybe next year. To celebrate today, I've compiled a list of pretty things I am loving right now:</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-girls-woven-lawn-dress-green-genuine-kids-from-oshkosh%2F-%2FA-50238876%23prodSlot%3D_3_9&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewF_P9IQGocNvg_mcryMLfBrQfOv7hjLBo8Nb2pxSGZDIwE6pUpXGXBPA4Njj2OLBnzzOA2D5oINK_pLzk9SUByPS9bgOlEIrhCYXhZXJvQHQ-zCm2ZeScZ1EEpDbWW7__lu00TjmW7Q/s320/50238876.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I have <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Ftoddler-girls-woven-lawn-dress-green-genuine-kids-from-oshkosh%2F-%2FA-50238876%23prodSlot%3D_3_9&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">this</a> adorable little number coming in the mail for my girl. I so wish they had it in my size.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=509973437&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga_UpAyCJWKnxg2jI2kdjq0zYjBrbVcjPv-dINz-fAV2hXAhHKSpAAtr-5iCWV7Bt52ahAWbHqJf9usXl-JoY61Jdsrvi1ztlvACDSYJw5sPCQXv2HrbZ6cRqBFjyG0sOzUB-l0vs_hM/s320/50015481.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Ok, they're not green, but I couldn't resist getting this precious fringe sandals for her as well. I had seen them at Target the last time I was in, but they didn't have her size.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surlatable.com%2Fproduct%2FPRO-1478478%2FMosser%2BJadeite%2BCake%2BStand&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz0uxL95_qfCE8YXtWORQiOGK9Z9iPjThqIynryV_44j0hLjwf8zK_hgjdjiuhbH72ugOg80xvW0WadnHLv9PFQl65nKFeUnHZK9c1NHPuh7HO7BrEjJN_q-ESsMrjHOiRq6ZFvZBn5A/s320/main_variation_Default_view_2_425x425..jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I need to take a leap and order myself a Jadeite cake stand. I have wanted one forever. <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surlatable.com%2Fproduct%2FPRO-1478478%2FMosser%2BJadeite%2BCake%2BStand&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">This one</a> is just lovely.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthe-stash-plan-hardcover%2F-%2FA-50772389%23prodSlot%3Dmedium_1_1%26term%3Dstash%2Bplan&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfPsC2yZExSjWvFy2meUAgHlDD9J_0njU2jP6qYxmwC23JRotwhWVoNU3y2cwtLsE7Ocm3aYBlUwVmbZBwYBI1Odb2w89kThIsgXr4rdxq-KXWw1l5y4jxFkOErI49o2vuWxBXUlA6os/s320/61b%252BycvyOgL._SX401_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="257" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I ordered <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthe-stash-plan-hardcover%2F-%2FA-50772389%23prodSlot%3Dmedium_1_1%26term%3Dstash%2Bplan&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">The Stash Plan</a> and am hoping it comes by tomorrow. I read up on the concept quite a while ago and am looking forward to poring over the book! Who doesn't love Laura Prepon?</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-78795158220163628642016-03-04T09:50:00.000-06:002016-03-04T09:50:36.413-06:00Clean Eating + Almond Butter Fudge Recipe<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> I have been on a clean eating kick lately. Well, I hope it is more of a lifestyle change than a kick. I have been trying to pare down processed foods as much as possible, and ramp up real food - mainly plants. These are the two books that I have been basing our meals around:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv0PDlWcw2t33-bEuckEFOKceRwCPd9t0iPij2e5QSrQ9qKKoLvlZ1H2xhJbXoXGuqfh6Efc9DnrYHpefPiwOdxwy83ScjkJbThQhF48FcUq0PkoN2TPzxuVJYaOUhkq3KzTNXM3YAyg/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv0PDlWcw2t33-bEuckEFOKceRwCPd9t0iPij2e5QSrQ9qKKoLvlZ1H2xhJbXoXGuqfh6Efc9DnrYHpefPiwOdxwy83ScjkJbThQhF48FcUq0PkoN2TPzxuVJYaOUhkq3KzTNXM3YAyg/s640/IMG_4881.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607747227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1607747227&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=pearandplat07-20&amp;linkId=7N5MVJSB5NDGHICF" target="_blank">Everyday Detox</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307954595/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0307954595&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=pearandplat07-20&amp;linkId=KUGZHN5BP54FCPKF" target="_blank">Clean Slate</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607747227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1607747227&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=pearandplat07-20&amp;linkId=7N5MVJSB5NDGHICF" target="_blank">Everyday Detox</a> is my favorite, but both books are very informative and full of great recipes and tips. Here is one of my lunches recently that I made from the Clean Slate book.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbBEnGEwbQhFxdbj2ULW0vTSLsJVigGU2V_HqswFY1hpDiwebp0g9OaSydylEDB33iCA1MabhqnPRdBVpGNaP9iBdPjaXjvEVoGFE1n-Zq0Xyv5jwDxHM7Z9A65bmGuiGESVyFr9vXow/s1600/IMG_4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbBEnGEwbQhFxdbj2ULW0vTSLsJVigGU2V_HqswFY1hpDiwebp0g9OaSydylEDB33iCA1MabhqnPRdBVpGNaP9iBdPjaXjvEVoGFE1n-Zq0Xyv5jwDxHM7Z9A65bmGuiGESVyFr9vXow/s640/IMG_4878.JPG" width="516" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I did not think that I would really like it, but I ended up loving it. It's white beans and tuna with a squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. (I added arugula on top, it was not in the original recipe). Very satisfying and tasty!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> There are also plenty of snack and dessert recipes in both books, which has been a downfall of mine in the past. Now, I stock my kitchen with healthy and clean grab and go snacks and treats.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgn-BQ6OEvgZedv3_I9amEUR7E5d2yNeHGS-qcdQ8y9NUssJQJc7cR_IoKl4YohmHgDqaxxUjKpaXi9VgGXb6UbdhehMe5FLE_rPF5ghiQ4xtN-BCgbayn4RFVG2Qdn3T4XweU6OK2XA/s1600/IMG_4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgn-BQ6OEvgZedv3_I9amEUR7E5d2yNeHGS-qcdQ8y9NUssJQJc7cR_IoKl4YohmHgDqaxxUjKpaXi9VgGXb6UbdhehMe5FLE_rPF5ghiQ4xtN-BCgbayn4RFVG2Qdn3T4XweU6OK2XA/s640/IMG_4882.JPG" width="632" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This little guy is maybe my most favorite snack EVER... EVER. It's Almond Butter Freezer Fudge from the Everyday Detox book. SO easy and crazy delicious. (I add in dark chocolate chips). Here's the super simple recipe:</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> 1 1/2 Cups Almond Butter</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> 6 Tbsp Melted Coconut oil</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> 3 Tbsp Raw Honey (Or maple syrup for vegan)</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> 3/4 tsp Sea Salt</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Mix all ingredients until smooth. Pour into a parchment lined loaf pan. Pop in the freezer until solid. Cut into little bite sized squares and store in a airtight container (or ziplock) in the freezer for up to 2 months (good luck making it 2 weeks with these little pieces of heaven).&nbsp;</div> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-2998973905867676632016-02-29T14:16:00.000-06:002016-02-29T14:16:01.835-06:00Our weekend + smart rope review<center> We had a lot of fun being outdoors in the nice weather this weekend. I am so ready for spring. I'm excited to plant our veggie garden and maybe start a cut flower garden on the side of the house. We spent a lot of the weekend cleaning up the yard and reclaiming the porch from big dog since it's nice enough weather for her to be out in the yard (she sleeps inside and stays in the house if it's raining or cold). We have a screened in porch and decided to buy a bronze grill guard for the door, like the one below, to protect the screen door from reckless paws.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_15664-15369-71440_1z0yk73__?productId=3092563&amp;pl=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOARLtfnaVT-z-caGhorxX6MEdrFYhTqB8NUBZVsyoGEq47y9wd2AQbdhi6XKL0ect3T5hRaEJAkX438cX3tL2GteYW8d60d2ElAb-K7Hc6OWSKV4sbhBMN-S2vdkoUeHdMwihJ2CxIQ8/s320/grill-guard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> So far so good! A clean porch = nap time happy hour for me and the hubby. I whipped up a little app plate w/ grapes, jack cheese, goat cheese and crackers. Nothing says "I'm fancy" like some ritz and goat cheese, right?</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2i0HgI6_UPCtbkY2to31YGifbY9nxeMSjhYoEwx_MYogGLuRACVv7OOtYOgfGurmI_KhEoU-2SWY3joOy1VnKf-_4MpCenrgRH2rYrxOjiJ_vO0nRx4lXz4w7rSNb1rpd6jaVu7NON3A/s1600/pandp-cheese-plate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2i0HgI6_UPCtbkY2to31YGifbY9nxeMSjhYoEwx_MYogGLuRACVv7OOtYOgfGurmI_KhEoU-2SWY3joOy1VnKf-_4MpCenrgRH2rYrxOjiJ_vO0nRx4lXz4w7rSNb1rpd6jaVu7NON3A/s640/pandp-cheese-plate.JPG" width="596" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I have also been ramping up my exercise routine with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0171PEEJY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B0171PEEJY&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=pearandplat07-20&amp;linkId=CAYYI74IV2ZJGKH4" target="_blank">Smart Jump rope</a>. I cannot say enough good things about it. It really motivates me to beat my last count, and it is SUCH a great cardio workout that you can literally do anywhere. (Mine is the gold handled one with pink soft grips. They come in 3 handle finishes and multiple color optional grips.) You download an app and the rope connects via bluetooth. The app is Apple Watch compatible which I love.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIViNLNUo8jEGFQArxfVPp2TYaVrIwGGpKtfhTSxlvKdse1At268SdWcTXElA2Mx6ubu6VT4uTWGUX8x0sWaEJPDFXJ0upbutAnGv0L6iL1g9UbR7Lo6dXnk-jSfS08UMKex1o8dBusI/s1600/pandp-smart-rope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIViNLNUo8jEGFQArxfVPp2TYaVrIwGGpKtfhTSxlvKdse1At268SdWcTXElA2Mx6ubu6VT4uTWGUX8x0sWaEJPDFXJ0upbutAnGv0L6iL1g9UbR7Lo6dXnk-jSfS08UMKex1o8dBusI/s640/pandp-smart-rope.JPG" width="492" /></a></div> <center> <br /></center> <center> Hope you all had a fun weekend!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-85130222533502563982016-02-16T15:09:00.000-06:002016-02-16T15:09:33.317-06:00Valentine dinner and 4 things this Rainy Tuesday<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> I am beyond being over this weather. I could not be more ready for spring and to be able to be outside again. So would big dog. She doesn't understand this being cooped up in the house jam.&nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6w_jMGZwhYrIOUerojY9DdC5lHm2PUO1VTqvVTtd27Hfw_oE0UNeOaJYZLSoc8-6-X0dWiuvYkkTIrUVZqWudHvLuLT4g3FTnCZLPb3Dy_qtD2i902wa9lnLskB3NLg8m8aqWq_MOi0/s1600/2016-01-18+17.48.18-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6w_jMGZwhYrIOUerojY9DdC5lHm2PUO1VTqvVTtd27Hfw_oE0UNeOaJYZLSoc8-6-X0dWiuvYkkTIrUVZqWudHvLuLT4g3FTnCZLPb3Dy_qtD2i902wa9lnLskB3NLg8m8aqWq_MOi0/s320/2016-01-18+17.48.18-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We had a delicious Valentine's day over here. We decided to be old and stay home. The hubs went to the butcher and purchased some AMAZING filets. My favorite way to cook huge filets is to sear them in a hot pan, then finish them off in a 400ยบ oven for about 5-7 minutes depending on preferred doneness.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5T8SfbY4pUux8bQNJKPZjXI3_ttNQ-vgMBbdkWNvpMv0NjdBQ-vLS1m1Ksl78PANDC7G7USE1stFcHwWWVdSrQokbhcFzxFjDWPlmOwk_AWyCZhw-gr-uV1H9HCMtxpHBicqewsveRQ/s1600/DSCN3860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5T8SfbY4pUux8bQNJKPZjXI3_ttNQ-vgMBbdkWNvpMv0NjdBQ-vLS1m1Ksl78PANDC7G7USE1stFcHwWWVdSrQokbhcFzxFjDWPlmOwk_AWyCZhw-gr-uV1H9HCMtxpHBicqewsveRQ/s640/DSCN3860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We had them with twice baked potatoes (I bake the potatoes in the crockpot, wrapped in tinfoil), and steamed broccoli. I wish we were having this dinner again tonight...</div> </center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorbeJNkITNOOjlavATR_Y4KAiOestvC4w5h40Jb2HagaqidRYRQ4FoNgmD67TB2eEvBJjBdxRV3-43FAGhQLG52XH5Mqb6x8Ud0KQ2DsFI3IuHx2KU4HIKZhskpR_mS9mt342X9xVYbY/s1600/DSCN3861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorbeJNkITNOOjlavATR_Y4KAiOestvC4w5h40Jb2HagaqidRYRQ4FoNgmD67TB2eEvBJjBdxRV3-43FAGhQLG52XH5Mqb6x8Ud0KQ2DsFI3IuHx2KU4HIKZhskpR_mS9mt342X9xVYbY/s640/DSCN3861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Now on to my ramblings.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 1. <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/robertbroadfoot/these-eggs-benedict-cups-are-perfect-for-breakfast-anytime" target="_blank">THIS Eggs Benedict recipe</a> is about to change my life forever. As in Eggs Benedict for everyone! Eggs Benedict on Tuesday! You get an Eggs Benedict, You get an Eggs Benedict!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 2. &nbsp;I just ordered some <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fnew-balance-l555-flipduo-white&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">New Balance 555's</a> and they are insane. The soles are reversible and have massaging nubs on the one side. Rain Rain Go Away! Mama needs to go for a nice long walk!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 3. Me and the Mr have a special anniversary coming up. 10 glorious years together. We had started planning a romantic mountain getaway until yesterday I realized it is falling on Easter weekend. (wah waaahhh). So now we are looking for recommendations for a nice dinner out in Nashville. Oh well! (our anniversary has not fell over Eater weekend in the whole 10 years either. Nuts..)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 4. I am super jonesing for a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0171PEEJY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B0171PEEJY&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=pearandplat07-20&amp;linkId=CAYYI74IV2ZJGKH4" rel="nofollow">Smart Jump Rope</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=pearandplat07-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0171PEEJY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It counts your jumps and hooks up to your phone to track your progress. I have always loved jumping rope and they come in gold!</div> <center> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-79674819771929624652016-02-04T15:39:00.000-06:002016-02-04T15:39:50.088-06:00Be Mine Valentine<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> My little love bug has a tot Valentine's party this weekend! She is growing up so much and is at the point where she really plays with the other kids and has conversations. I remember when we joined the playgroup. They were just little lumps on the ground pulling pacifiers out of each other's mouths. She actually fell asleep at most of our playdates.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I've been cruising the web looking for cute Valentine ideas and I really liked the ones that have a non-candy treat. Since 3 year olds are obsessed with anything squishy and messy, I decided on Play-Doh! (You're welcome other moms). I worked up a quick little design that I wanted to share for free in case anyone else is looking for a cute Valentine for their little ones. Enjoy!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNRYQkZsDVqw4dHqBGrZsp7_iKbDZfZrqbPyWTrRhFJV-2vQYqHuDrukdy0KrfhpmEiTh3Vb0TNKu_KN4l1My1yz_0haehJbMX3yr3rliQtpPtgMjHkqxqOdYlHng07s9suIKMo6Jjd8/s1600/pandp-doh-valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNRYQkZsDVqw4dHqBGrZsp7_iKbDZfZrqbPyWTrRhFJV-2vQYqHuDrukdy0KrfhpmEiTh3Vb0TNKu_KN4l1My1yz_0haehJbMX3yr3rliQtpPtgMjHkqxqOdYlHng07s9suIKMo6Jjd8/s640/pandp-doh-valentine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.amandanorthcutt.com/pandp/Valentines-2016.pdf" target="_blank"><span id="goog_2057868071"></span><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W4xb-XiSHvasgK3cTg6IcUCb7GE9jYvgdKZKgyqT0tLEM0e0ArSo9csibtuNWXuanngQdILN28zW3q0BGNpLaRpz6n2tignHtwfZfpBHYOMPYZYrSef1euy_nvti7Tr7YuYmq1pQ3tA/s640/Valentines-2016.jpg" width="486" /></a><span id="goog_2057868072"></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <a href="http://www.amandanorthcutt.com/pandp/Valentines-2016.pdf" target="_blank">Download PDF here.</a><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-2165985824456513472016-01-28T10:57:00.000-06:002016-01-28T10:57:26.415-06:003 years old<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> My BABY turned THREE yesterday. I just can't even believe it. She is so big and smart and sweet. We couldn't be more proud of who she is becoming. She is my tiny best friend and God could not have given me a better gift.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjKqgwlfCkfpFz9C5BZX5j4EIO980D_g3mggvPvjUj5Pbluj4087PDO8eX-3c3iJYHWMwZyq2n7r8O-N8PUqrf6dtJTjAYNicDG8YQn6p-zzd3YcntmQ58CnToXqJUwq0F0AMgvGPuqE/s1600/2016-01-23+17.42.58-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjKqgwlfCkfpFz9C5BZX5j4EIO980D_g3mggvPvjUj5Pbluj4087PDO8eX-3c3iJYHWMwZyq2n7r8O-N8PUqrf6dtJTjAYNicDG8YQn6p-zzd3YcntmQ58CnToXqJUwq0F0AMgvGPuqE/s640/2016-01-23+17.42.58-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> We started off the weekend with a trip to Rainforest Cafe and Build-A-Bear. She had never been anywhere like Rainforest Cafe before and was amazed at all the animatronic animals.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx0fqVe10Ed5RJ2c1NarHbu2AD6Ht6BgjoK8oMdLS7gZe9i3EdqkVXNsGfZrrsjgFY0ahlKNQicNbM_Da-NA7Y-VdO5s8QiR1viqrIa6-QxA7cd9RBU6yPG3j-O9_f5q3Yx_VlJDqoT8/s1600/2016-01-21+17.51.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx0fqVe10Ed5RJ2c1NarHbu2AD6Ht6BgjoK8oMdLS7gZe9i3EdqkVXNsGfZrrsjgFY0ahlKNQicNbM_Da-NA7Y-VdO5s8QiR1viqrIa6-QxA7cd9RBU6yPG3j-O9_f5q3Yx_VlJDqoT8/s640/2016-01-21+17.51.23.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZO1UqKyZv39VqL7ECJADnrrxcw-AA6WTeTv-TiZY94Eb8CO8TnB_VJhedxpT5Z5va7mspzrFVoGrFSeyMQKXxVgDi7TE9YhEEDT3Rj7lhyphenhyphenSt6KHgP4dqi-78j-9RKA7omxYbAfE0XQI/s1600/2016-01-21+18.51.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZO1UqKyZv39VqL7ECJADnrrxcw-AA6WTeTv-TiZY94Eb8CO8TnB_VJhedxpT5Z5va7mspzrFVoGrFSeyMQKXxVgDi7TE9YhEEDT3Rj7lhyphenhyphenSt6KHgP4dqi-78j-9RKA7omxYbAfE0XQI/s640/2016-01-21+18.51.22.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> She was super excited to go to Build-A-Bear and build her own stuffed animal. She's not very in to baby dolls, but she is obsessed with her growing collection of animals. She had made up her mind before we even arrived that she wanted to build a "kitty cat", and when I found it and handed it to her she said "mama, this one is too flat". Evidently the concept at Build-A-Bear evaded her... But she caught on quick!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZENC3_zslzWqcL6fx1dBl3HsW-pGlhlKvkxhQsaVZO08LBs5hwvshEmhVrPdORRovllOUuBg8qPQaQmcypak7_PtfWyZTE5eR8ONsdqxGpXDGCbKEoxxaFmbeb72NhFU-I7yo_FXi4w/s1600/2016-01-21+19.11.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZENC3_zslzWqcL6fx1dBl3HsW-pGlhlKvkxhQsaVZO08LBs5hwvshEmhVrPdORRovllOUuBg8qPQaQmcypak7_PtfWyZTE5eR8ONsdqxGpXDGCbKEoxxaFmbeb72NhFU-I7yo_FXi4w/s640/2016-01-21+19.11.46.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> We had a few little get togethers with friends and family. I managed to not totally "pinterest fail" at baking her an owl cake. She requested strawberry cake so I improvised with chocolate cake and strawberry icing. Tasty combo!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNFnzqw3s7x4iiCui0uvtgz7Z1elHCvww6CRt51rNbm2WUCdUGMBxDDg7A_0tx_aBz3-YptchtNOVp1dL4LF70-2l5YXFah3ifG61T42Ik6ZH98rbEsgGQTCY0SD0YM77Iau7ejdlpB8/s1600/DSCN3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNFnzqw3s7x4iiCui0uvtgz7Z1elHCvww6CRt51rNbm2WUCdUGMBxDDg7A_0tx_aBz3-YptchtNOVp1dL4LF70-2l5YXFah3ifG61T42Ik6ZH98rbEsgGQTCY0SD0YM77Iau7ejdlpB8/s640/DSCN3845.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Happiest of birthdays to my little bug. Mama loves you so much.</div> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-83998424843187407152016-01-13T08:00:00.000-06:002016-01-13T08:00:05.266-06:00Sloppy Joe Taters<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> It's no secret I love (almost) anything stuffed into a potato. I enjoy taking my favorite sandwiches and turning them into instant, filling meals that my little family will enjoy. So Hello Joe!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33OsutR__7YehiSXIlCddewSaQiHTf5lQqaa0H6Alx3PubAnbamcmOneE4SwmhPGpa2afrh8fbjIKyyJnTObI32hQi6nbWVzbZHmcbgrrMcXBZATpIyOVJmzNawfKhZhKChyphenhyphen3J1KmO-k/s1600/pandp-sloppy-joe-taters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33OsutR__7YehiSXIlCddewSaQiHTf5lQqaa0H6Alx3PubAnbamcmOneE4SwmhPGpa2afrh8fbjIKyyJnTObI32hQi6nbWVzbZHmcbgrrMcXBZATpIyOVJmzNawfKhZhKChyphenhyphen3J1KmO-k/s640/pandp-sloppy-joe-taters.png" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I just bake a few potatoes (either in the oven or crockpot), brown ground beef or turkey with a chopped half of an onion, then simmer in the sloppy joe sauce. Top the potato with the sloppy joe mix and cheddar cheese. Yum! You can also simmer the meat and onion with barbecue sauce instead of the sloppy joe sauce, or a mix of ketchup and mustard with makes is really sweet and tangy. Quick, easy and a pleaser.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg9_sbVlkT8W8Xpci_dnaOeYFCK5HqD7M5uVy2xMfoW9cirBrcUBOT4tB7KK8MGtKTDFIfIVxITX2A9RCPQuRwQAsR8mQX4TTvf_4PXD_tnhjBu9jFGl-8f-VnYRRI33LUnsS2igxfOU/s1600/pandp-sloppy-joe-taters2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg9_sbVlkT8W8Xpci_dnaOeYFCK5HqD7M5uVy2xMfoW9cirBrcUBOT4tB7KK8MGtKTDFIfIVxITX2A9RCPQuRwQAsR8mQX4TTvf_4PXD_tnhjBu9jFGl-8f-VnYRRI33LUnsS2igxfOU/s640/pandp-sloppy-joe-taters2.png" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-7091291183847893062016-01-11T13:50:00.001-06:002016-01-11T13:50:13.347-06:00Home renovations update<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> It has been a busy few weeks since the Christmas. In old married couple fashion, we spent NYE demoing and laying down new hardwood floors. It was quite the task, especially considering I decided to get a bad cold part way through - rendering me completely useless for almost a week.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4Ht1J9mAvUcpP3q-5sI3kjuaS3lihGx2lfqvZR0ULq-dRG9_X-kke5nTH5b6MjTPekfq2t4jmbGPJIFTKiMEjCH0f4dCtrvMDvfUlyTcuGYVruFQGg5QBaKq3KX1Ur5xbI9U7CKjjEY/s1600/pandp-floor-renovations.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4Ht1J9mAvUcpP3q-5sI3kjuaS3lihGx2lfqvZR0ULq-dRG9_X-kke5nTH5b6MjTPekfq2t4jmbGPJIFTKiMEjCH0f4dCtrvMDvfUlyTcuGYVruFQGg5QBaKq3KX1Ur5xbI9U7CKjjEY/s640/pandp-floor-renovations.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> But we are finally finished and they look amazing.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhf_gyreUUHwkjTGcAWnb6kE6dR0gPpsm1nRhsrkviDaWVJdWa40EpRzGAMI9a4CMkz_ZrB2PxtAS5yvX2h7sH2tsc1GCEeiqdW-4k9XyL_xT6G7VfPjH7JLLPrYf0OoL_Whs_SPDmGA/s1600/pandp-floor-finished.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhf_gyreUUHwkjTGcAWnb6kE6dR0gPpsm1nRhsrkviDaWVJdWa40EpRzGAMI9a4CMkz_ZrB2PxtAS5yvX2h7sH2tsc1GCEeiqdW-4k9XyL_xT6G7VfPjH7JLLPrYf0OoL_Whs_SPDmGA/s640/pandp-floor-finished.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Next up, new baseboards. We had plain-jane 1994 builder grade baseboards that were a little beat up, plus we never loved them. We figured it was the perfect time to upgrade those downstairs since we were ripping off the old ones. We are looking at getting taller ones, maybe around 4". This is the look we are going for:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_gZmB_9S0kZ7edy2zF3vxDpFdkMswCrcxNW_XHfwwRQO3dOm0N29Gwg60wXLJouOT77ytWmCJdnyGJfApIdeRAiGriwd8LElAFb-g2mByF5Ud3xThlyxwhLSnxNCC5oERjobhq6a12U/s1600/6389bb957f92daeae28b542f878a88db.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_gZmB_9S0kZ7edy2zF3vxDpFdkMswCrcxNW_XHfwwRQO3dOm0N29Gwg60wXLJouOT77ytWmCJdnyGJfApIdeRAiGriwd8LElAFb-g2mByF5Ud3xThlyxwhLSnxNCC5oERjobhq6a12U/s1600/6389bb957f92daeae28b542f878a88db.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> More photos to come as we keep on trucking with our DIY!</div> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-14384217859721582962015-12-29T15:45:00.000-06:002015-12-29T15:46:08.761-06:00Christmas Recap and Renovations<center> I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I know that we really enjoyed ours.</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> We baked cookies</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKY7aFb5_vCMZoX5m5MeTOv2P6ImQv_WA1F0YKwEHOlcWFKpzv55-A145gRK-EC6JitnpT3yCDpKbqYYJOhIDB7gyisabf8T1fueBO9WrJiivJ-EyIISzloa04sM9GsDcDENMZhojlQA/s1600/pandp-baking-cookies-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKY7aFb5_vCMZoX5m5MeTOv2P6ImQv_WA1F0YKwEHOlcWFKpzv55-A145gRK-EC6JitnpT3yCDpKbqYYJOhIDB7gyisabf8T1fueBO9WrJiivJ-EyIISzloa04sM9GsDcDENMZhojlQA/s640/pandp-baking-cookies-2015.jpg" width="528" /></a></div> <center> <br />We looked at lights</center> <center> </center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMmUm7fcQ7zgXJ_f6BEz2-IjTiRbrXoSaLZTcbKzdnPoFxqKm4OFgxk8m8I2SuTqktfSk6Imhzgt2h9aREuyh_2CI0uHObJLBnkzpnGcXYZxtkuHzSxhOLJNLRxMcV9vtdnl2w9-qqYw/s1600/pandp-christmas-lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMmUm7fcQ7zgXJ_f6BEz2-IjTiRbrXoSaLZTcbKzdnPoFxqKm4OFgxk8m8I2SuTqktfSk6Imhzgt2h9aREuyh_2CI0uHObJLBnkzpnGcXYZxtkuHzSxhOLJNLRxMcV9vtdnl2w9-qqYw/s640/pandp-christmas-lights.jpg" width="548" /></a></div> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center> <br />We decorated cookies at home and with friends</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpjf-ygWmkozQVvI9FMWt4GAFyg02fLxvhbLkpk6aUIlsI_kFsOnNRfwKicFEjaW7JygDTY9ldO9bMNO8Yl2qkKQRSmk7CIRdrqbU4zW8UzrOyy1OyR4xRBKMkcY6-eKPU9OoldryICw/s1600/pandp-cookie-decorating-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpjf-ygWmkozQVvI9FMWt4GAFyg02fLxvhbLkpk6aUIlsI_kFsOnNRfwKicFEjaW7JygDTY9ldO9bMNO8Yl2qkKQRSmk7CIRdrqbU4zW8UzrOyy1OyR4xRBKMkcY6-eKPU9OoldryICw/s640/pandp-cookie-decorating-2015.jpg" width="553" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwojSlvnEP3fCQ8isyT1FyDjKii6ptIiYSYvMD68EEUg2T_3Qliybn5bVrhODW1EF2euvDZewYqmeO5_IPqKHaEroc1PYgC5iXld-bJ0U2MktZrKsCvJhx_4Mgdfo_6K4lTKgPqfj8ZU/s1600/pandp-cookies-with-friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwojSlvnEP3fCQ8isyT1FyDjKii6ptIiYSYvMD68EEUg2T_3Qliybn5bVrhODW1EF2euvDZewYqmeO5_IPqKHaEroc1PYgC5iXld-bJ0U2MktZrKsCvJhx_4Mgdfo_6K4lTKgPqfj8ZU/s640/pandp-cookies-with-friends.jpg" width="510" /></a></div> <center> <br />I maintained my sanity</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFceWoTtZurvZNB1DSaZNxtz1Olthxy80yUT_kyJlhB7V32PAo3fFr5IFXCZtrbt7g016NsBieDSyQ2ZksO6sD3pxy5tFsg7zFHm4qv85On1SWeeSLMyIQaLK3cSgM8NgApgynSvWjnqo/s1600/pandp-cocktail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFceWoTtZurvZNB1DSaZNxtz1Olthxy80yUT_kyJlhB7V32PAo3fFr5IFXCZtrbt7g016NsBieDSyQ2ZksO6sD3pxy5tFsg7zFHm4qv85On1SWeeSLMyIQaLK3cSgM8NgApgynSvWjnqo/s640/pandp-cocktail.jpg" width="480" />&nbsp;</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We remembered the birds </div> <center> </center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA49qdMLNyvNFnrmdlYjztfoerybJ6khKwG7YMWG7AhX1w9HzHSV9KmxGX42s1I_4-WY7LfuN62pg_iI8qinNMzJMnTzxQgWOyFyvJF0I-z0-P9MTEYqfmCnKXCBRIAQBin88I5sYDDc/s1600/pandp-birdfeeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA49qdMLNyvNFnrmdlYjztfoerybJ6khKwG7YMWG7AhX1w9HzHSV9KmxGX42s1I_4-WY7LfuN62pg_iI8qinNMzJMnTzxQgWOyFyvJF0I-z0-P9MTEYqfmCnKXCBRIAQBin88I5sYDDc/s640/pandp-birdfeeder.jpg" width="480" />&nbsp;</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Santa came </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUbsxRD1QSKI3u0JWeYbvBBSYCnlrKDff3zjZ3q4LMPJ01ZASpd-WShx3K_iickj6wK7Ws9IgcwURDqw4BMoT4RMWB-5S6Nu7soeSVN4F6ZspC4mee5EIn4KNbMcibepMm_l9TvuvbDk/s1600/pandp-santa-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUbsxRD1QSKI3u0JWeYbvBBSYCnlrKDff3zjZ3q4LMPJ01ZASpd-WShx3K_iickj6wK7Ws9IgcwURDqw4BMoT4RMWB-5S6Nu7soeSVN4F6ZspC4mee5EIn4KNbMcibepMm_l9TvuvbDk/s640/pandp-santa-2015.jpg" width="640" /></a>&nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> ...and then, when the tree came down we started ripping up our floors! Yes, we are insane. I've been wanting wood floors since we bought this house 6 years ago and we are finally getting around to doing it. It's a TON of work but I know it will be worth it in the end.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbeRriNfwCcJKt1Lu1cGlniaP8NHy7d-URMAY9TTDeOl3wPa-Q_jYhUHizH1jfZtR1p_l9gjKWdP8AsbehzbMeKjslXDRmKBNS90ZadzunuRuiuM4lkkc6rDM11G_exc4GJkeshmxmIM/s1600/pandp-demolition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbeRriNfwCcJKt1Lu1cGlniaP8NHy7d-URMAY9TTDeOl3wPa-Q_jYhUHizH1jfZtR1p_l9gjKWdP8AsbehzbMeKjslXDRmKBNS90ZadzunuRuiuM4lkkc6rDM11G_exc4GJkeshmxmIM/s640/pandp-demolition.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;I wonder if this beautiful linoleum is original to our 1994 house? </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKKVpnhiQqjpte4eFumtZPi4sr4ldTZ07oVqhhg3H9OpC-CDKotRVMdYkLsrUaaL7xYbYaisISxtjHJDHeEQ1tkTHs4HPKdDWhyphenhyphenKgPKUkg7G4W8lXyMOzMdd8KoBJN5eTeBKZX9kc2Xc/s1600/pandp-kitchen-floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKKVpnhiQqjpte4eFumtZPi4sr4ldTZ07oVqhhg3H9OpC-CDKotRVMdYkLsrUaaL7xYbYaisISxtjHJDHeEQ1tkTHs4HPKdDWhyphenhyphenKgPKUkg7G4W8lXyMOzMdd8KoBJN5eTeBKZX9kc2Xc/s640/pandp-kitchen-floor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> <br />We are doing the whole downstairs, which includes the foyer, kitchen, dining room, living room and a half bath. We chose a darker pecan wood in varying widths. I'm totally ready to not be living in a construction site with 2 dogs and a 2 year old. More pics to come as we keep rolling on!<br /><br />Happy New <strike>Floors</strike> Year!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-62751711872840267962015-12-17T10:42:00.000-06:002015-12-17T10:42:57.198-06:008 More Days till Christmas!<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> Slow down December! I still have 8,000 things on my holiday bucket list!! Per what is becoming a yearly tradition, we went to Opryland hotel in Nashville to visit with Santa. Let me tell you, middle of the week is the time to go. There were not crowds of people, and no line for Santa. Let me repeat, NO LINE FOR SANTA.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqV8PSVtWFuXdTzXq3dUfCn3xUZwNcgy1qeISSnZoZEYj69ib5x9-PsP44DcIl-LM0zgIbIzAGmITlMk3wq9i6WLyk5MTX_NuDIIbAcjTUr__ndFfavkjP9jWPxnvHyHZ5TL38cWnneg/s400/pandp-santa-2015.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> He was a really good Santa. They took another good photo of her looking up at him, telling him what she wants for Christmas but I couldn't pass up choosing this sweet smile.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5ux-siR0DnfJNqelMSWkbcjq5Qw5RA4aXlxQSXvlAerqWN7ZQwU7qhR1-fZSNDakbj3FrnlpYCiDNgqLsE832-FQqbol1duG2fD7XfSSklJMZ_TQxsRcDSfWSX62qqRS-WL6GsO7T14/s1600/pandp-opryland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5ux-siR0DnfJNqelMSWkbcjq5Qw5RA4aXlxQSXvlAerqWN7ZQwU7qhR1-fZSNDakbj3FrnlpYCiDNgqLsE832-FQqbol1duG2fD7XfSSklJMZ_TQxsRcDSfWSX62qqRS-WL6GsO7T14/s640/pandp-opryland.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkyO6uz2q0nu1bzZp_WBDeqmfUE23jxLvuF1kUu1ll4V9VAH3ExbXFkzOAaXXzOLv3YtWdCQJX-rkfaaQuH9Opj_5_dJct62uKjlk1NoQeQnd_sbPCuJiVvkqXApnV1u44Xu_QyJT9KI/s1600/pandp-gelato.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkyO6uz2q0nu1bzZp_WBDeqmfUE23jxLvuF1kUu1ll4V9VAH3ExbXFkzOAaXXzOLv3YtWdCQJX-rkfaaQuH9Opj_5_dJct62uKjlk1NoQeQnd_sbPCuJiVvkqXApnV1u44Xu_QyJT9KI/s640/pandp-gelato.jpg" width="480" /></a>&nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> &nbsp;There was no way we were leaving without getting some delicious gelato. She chose peppermint and was a sweetie to share it with mama. Daddy got peppermint mocha and it was insane as well.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rS5s1kDNTPA3xwJnNlAjOWflfB7s3QEx1cozs_LYEtXmfCkRjdd_iPOo8O_dRmvkg01L0nilxg5gIVob-ZcgD47Wx7mYMayVNwDYW1UN4iVFIZy5LRvXFM_sGMlhE6aFmXHsR47yTeY/s1600/pandp-snowmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rS5s1kDNTPA3xwJnNlAjOWflfB7s3QEx1cozs_LYEtXmfCkRjdd_iPOo8O_dRmvkg01L0nilxg5gIVob-ZcgD47Wx7mYMayVNwDYW1UN4iVFIZy5LRvXFM_sGMlhE6aFmXHsR47yTeY/s640/pandp-snowmen.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> There were tons of little scenes set up all over. Lots of different snowmen figures. This set was see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Love that they let the kids touch and interact with the set ups.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wjK4oLTFGaPHopjuOEmwkZms1dQsbx7tFfXFqZuGSfzTO86UZR4HiWmmS7Ci18fxE36f4WJrUASg5__CtUk_72PS6-R0QdQeobfWVPnKMEip6emFVq1D9FIoWAmEnSE1duZuDGdzGN0/s1600/pandp-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wjK4oLTFGaPHopjuOEmwkZms1dQsbx7tFfXFqZuGSfzTO86UZR4HiWmmS7Ci18fxE36f4WJrUASg5__CtUk_72PS6-R0QdQeobfWVPnKMEip6emFVq1D9FIoWAmEnSE1duZuDGdzGN0/s640/pandp-tree.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> And of course we had to take our mommy / daughter photo in front of the magnificent poinsettia "tree". I have always been amazed by these huge displays since I was a child and my parents brought me to Opryland for the holidays.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Here's last years:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKoP54iE3DG7_S5HvgtLFmLqpZKnM6dYrjrNGTxr_Fn5OY3dVcG4i1H60PO1JQ2NyYqeltfNDrbMwCd7N-ik-JTmHp2sL1orr-mrbLcg5qm_1MBKUHvicRtjXaQ9mqGDy5NKJyOBDkvs/s1600/DSCN3227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKoP54iE3DG7_S5HvgtLFmLqpZKnM6dYrjrNGTxr_Fn5OY3dVcG4i1H60PO1JQ2NyYqeltfNDrbMwCd7N-ik-JTmHp2sL1orr-mrbLcg5qm_1MBKUHvicRtjXaQ9mqGDy5NKJyOBDkvs/s640/DSCN3227.JPG" width="506" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Please slow down growing little one... Merry Christmas!</div> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-36306536718443990872015-12-09T14:32:00.000-06:002015-12-09T14:32:48.211-06:00Christmas Traditions<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> Growing up (and let's face it, now), if it's a Christmas activity I want in on the fun. I have always crammed as much baking and yuletide crafts as one possibly can in a short month. (The shortest month of the year if you ask me).&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> When I was little, I always made a gingerbread house. But back in the day, you couldn't find all these perfect little gingerbread house kits that include everything you need. My mom, bless her, isn't so crafty. She never baked me up walls and a roof for my little houses. So, I used what we had around the kitchen. Usually graham crackers, sometimes saltines and squeeze cheese. My parents always told me how beautiful they were, but now that I'm a parent I know they were tossing back eggnog and laughing till they cried.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUbHxQlHwAUVUu9xIqo2A9H92ilRUSq6iDVPVj5R0Tqgn-XQ5dkSnZxOKUkkZ5892frqpiRaJE7yDteIp-lHFJP_7SRWCWWV4L2Wz59oz6rmAuuRsshfZtFGYty_HUD1zmiQKOQJVy9s/s1600/IMG_4538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUbHxQlHwAUVUu9xIqo2A9H92ilRUSq6iDVPVj5R0Tqgn-XQ5dkSnZxOKUkkZ5892frqpiRaJE7yDteIp-lHFJP_7SRWCWWV4L2Wz59oz6rmAuuRsshfZtFGYty_HUD1zmiQKOQJVy9s/s640/IMG_4538.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I'm pretty sure those windows are made out of cheese...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> This year was Mally's first time to do a gingerbread house with me. Needless to say, she love it as much as I do.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf-25dY_h3ZWQpCxFuWgysu7lMX6Xkc60PwrjdZaDE0eWtmG-EPePxmIHrQcMpj-8gBE7M8p6kqk2zUhaj8DPxe8M7qH_5fQU22-xl9jfoDitwfDHmPDb7l7LHlybIh243fOKJk59RJE/s1600/DSCN3761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf-25dY_h3ZWQpCxFuWgysu7lMX6Xkc60PwrjdZaDE0eWtmG-EPePxmIHrQcMpj-8gBE7M8p6kqk2zUhaj8DPxe8M7qH_5fQU22-xl9jfoDitwfDHmPDb7l7LHlybIh243fOKJk59RJE/s640/DSCN3761.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We got this tiny house kit at Target for like $2.50. It came with the house pieces, some small candies and the frosting! I added in some extra candy and sprinkles from our stash. (Yes, we have a massive stash of sprinkles for every occasion.)</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgekFR1AznZzYzjwa7xzaePPzIk_94PmyGOCaMbEApBr9cx2bnwbd1qQZrlmGT6AB1lIqXTx_sNEQkILI3ZyNHPoSGFcTLeSyHWvNpF6lHRuSSeBYFa1RODt36vHAWDJf3se2sfEftoQ/s1600/DSCN3769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgekFR1AznZzYzjwa7xzaePPzIk_94PmyGOCaMbEApBr9cx2bnwbd1qQZrlmGT6AB1lIqXTx_sNEQkILI3ZyNHPoSGFcTLeSyHWvNpF6lHRuSSeBYFa1RODt36vHAWDJf3se2sfEftoQ/s640/DSCN3769.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Turned out adorable! I am so excited to start this tradition with my little one and hope she looks forward to doing it each year as I do!</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Happy Holidays!</div> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-29866377654478239732015-11-30T19:31:00.000-06:002015-11-30T19:41:11.604-06:00Our Family Advent Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We had such a nice holiday weekend. Full of too much turkey, a trip to the movies to see The Good Dinosaur (bring tissues...), and some Christmas decorating.</div> <center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3g5qe0KfMJa3OcHkPZbEb3AxaShQGNUMeDiv1jV_r12dhhtCs6ZTvaB9iSKqNSlYDjBVoJSnXa7VIToe6B1Rkf_PArD2sX87yV_GBLdG7VA3Z7LE58Eo0qjmJwMkBJRtULisP3iuxWRY/s1600/pearls-platters-decorate-christmas-tree-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3g5qe0KfMJa3OcHkPZbEb3AxaShQGNUMeDiv1jV_r12dhhtCs6ZTvaB9iSKqNSlYDjBVoJSnXa7VIToe6B1Rkf_PArD2sX87yV_GBLdG7VA3Z7LE58Eo0qjmJwMkBJRtULisP3iuxWRY/s640/pearls-platters-decorate-christmas-tree-2015.jpg" width="462" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> She loved, loved, LOVED adding ornaments to the tree. She brought in her little stool from the bathroom and hung every ornament I would give her on the same branch. I had to keep coming behind her and moving them. She also wants every tree and ornament to all be in HER room. She already has a nice little artificial tree but she needs MORE CHRISTMAS! I hear you little one, me too...</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> We also have started a new tradition in the house. The advent calendar! I never did these growing up. My husband's mom would get the little cardboard ones where there is a chocolate behind each door. Downside? Had to share with his 2 sisters. So that's only like 8 pieces of candy! I purchased an advent calendar from Pottery Barn Kids. For some reason, in my head, it was like poster sized.. Nope, it's enormous. And I love it.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjGCG_hPGJnZKnY_-odFy5pMB_aPAGKsDkGNdmc7uobtd9Aj10337wcQw9qC2lW1DGCCLAyYxvIoiNt2AIiYknUgQO_JpIXvapADLl_0Mt-CNCdlDhH-Iin1-p-PzZ9Zvh5gAHYrwdGQ/s1600/pearls-platters-advent-calendar-2015-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjGCG_hPGJnZKnY_-odFy5pMB_aPAGKsDkGNdmc7uobtd9Aj10337wcQw9qC2lW1DGCCLAyYxvIoiNt2AIiYknUgQO_JpIXvapADLl_0Mt-CNCdlDhH-Iin1-p-PzZ9Zvh5gAHYrwdGQ/s640/pearls-platters-advent-calendar-2015-4.jpg" width="448" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I've filled it with little goodies like socks, gloves, candy, small ornaments for her tree and some fun activities for us to do together or as a family. Like making and delivering goodies or dropping off little secret gifts to friends. Of course we are going to also incorporate the true meaning of Christmas along with the fun.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YFYjQ_LnV2p3MiTL3PZk79ibLSmLH7IhHrmrLLV2GQRYRQ5ehI5hLB0_WoHvQrFRH03cnGCDYCsgaynSCH-vWodiWAPBYl9HO9pWGx4rwX2MnoFOjCDKkAPvFwO-mYS_4jIBGtNyCCg/s1600/pearls-platters-advent-calendar-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YFYjQ_LnV2p3MiTL3PZk79ibLSmLH7IhHrmrLLV2GQRYRQ5ehI5hLB0_WoHvQrFRH03cnGCDYCsgaynSCH-vWodiWAPBYl9HO9pWGx4rwX2MnoFOjCDKkAPvFwO-mYS_4jIBGtNyCCg/s640/pearls-platters-advent-calendar-2015.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxRQfkeb0yTp9eVZKwcLXRthVu0k7EXNDhwvf02y1xy1SrXzXRaoCezUN1wBx15CEP8Xhc_INGwWB26vrMrqaEgA5dZsKOa-wf10VOpfoBzh7sTZs9NU0RJRMKC4YzL0qDp2whDgLGkw/s1600/pearls-platters-advent-calendar-2015-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxRQfkeb0yTp9eVZKwcLXRthVu0k7EXNDhwvf02y1xy1SrXzXRaoCezUN1wBx15CEP8Xhc_INGwWB26vrMrqaEgA5dZsKOa-wf10VOpfoBzh7sTZs9NU0RJRMKC4YzL0qDp2whDgLGkw/s640/pearls-platters-advent-calendar-2015-3.jpg" width="498" />&nbsp;</a></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDREXQlKer2wOVcCSlG1OkELa3WSd01YmJMyNz3ne-67ePFGgJtTrOOkGMFsTXle_oqG9sqeaeLBniMWri9f2OMt_HCEY5ZYHQUxxBu7NnWqSsFjmG6A4cZEgaeHKYo4FiMg0yb-UF27U/s1600/pearls-platters-advent-calendar-2015-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDREXQlKer2wOVcCSlG1OkELa3WSd01YmJMyNz3ne-67ePFGgJtTrOOkGMFsTXle_oqG9sqeaeLBniMWri9f2OMt_HCEY5ZYHQUxxBu7NnWqSsFjmG6A4cZEgaeHKYo4FiMg0yb-UF27U/s640/pearls-platters-advent-calendar-2015-2.jpg" width="480" /></a>&nbsp; </center> <center> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-37907351484287614752015-11-24T14:40:00.003-06:002015-11-24T14:40:57.958-06:00Thanksgiving Planning<center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVTgzbBoR0gsBbcPXH4CxL44Sfdf1LfJzu4XwfxeYRLONWkvUQd4wusN89I4sPcTw3I7YTl0c1qhyhmt4iOB5Oiki6l-iGF_ffe7TpUDCgEyAzUcvRWD3fUYYRL9p33FbgDpl36Bjx1c/s1600/thanksgiving-planning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVTgzbBoR0gsBbcPXH4CxL44Sfdf1LfJzu4XwfxeYRLONWkvUQd4wusN89I4sPcTw3I7YTl0c1qhyhmt4iOB5Oiki6l-iGF_ffe7TpUDCgEyAzUcvRWD3fUYYRL9p33FbgDpl36Bjx1c/s1600/thanksgiving-planning.png" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br />We have two Thanksgivings each year. That's right, two turkeys, multiple pies, cranberry sauce you name it. The first Thanksgiving is at my mother's house each year. It takes place on actual Thanksgiving. We typically have shrimp bisque for the first course and fried turkey with dressing and sides.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Our second thanksgiving is at my in-laws. It always takes place a day or two after actual thanksgiving (which is good news for us!). They always oven roast their turkey and stuff it with stuffing and serve it with traditional sides.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> I love to cook, but I am always delegated to appetizers, small sides or dessert. I make a pretty mean apple pie, but it's SUPER time consuming. I haven't made it since I had my daughter, but I'm sure I will get it going again soon enough. This year, I am making homemade rolls for T1, and <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/pumpkin-cream-cheese-pie/c48b78f4-283f-40b7-b9d7-6e7e56fad41e" target="_blank">THIS</a> pumpkin cream cheese pie for T2. I may make some cinnamon butter to go with the rolls, or try and sneak in an appetizer to one of the gatherings.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> For those with a bread machine (one of my favorite appliances), here's my easy go-to dinner roll recipe:</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><b>Easy Dinner Rolls, makes 12</b></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Ingredients:</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul> <li>1 egg, room temp and enough hot water to equal 3/4 cup when placed together in a measuring cup</li> <li>2 Tbsp Vegetable oil</li> <li>2 Tbsp Sugar</li> <li>1/2 tsp Salt</li> <li>2 Cups All purpose flour</li> <li>1 tsp Dry Active Yeast </li> </ul> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Directions:</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ol> <li>Add ingredients to bread machine in order shown. Set machine on "dough" setting</li> <li>Place dough on a floured surface and divide into 12 pieces and shape.</li> <li>Let rise on a greased baking sheet for 30 minutes or until double in size (you can cut time in half if your oven has a proofing setting)</li> <li>Bake at 350ยบ for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.</li> </ol> &nbsp;</div> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-8690853524167820932015-11-18T16:18:00.004-06:002015-11-18T16:18:48.727-06:00Two year old wishlist<center> <div style="text-align: left;"> My two/almost three year old is SO excited for this holidays this year. This is such a magical age when everything, everyday is just so thrilling. I am relishing in it and trying to capture as much of that magic as I possibly can. Here's her wishlist this year:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoGOcWEzZP1CR6jHwHGYYBT-kinQEQIsgJ3zf8Vj0d-psAwMOv1LRtfVdVF1lkhOxbjNoMWw4TJy6zckb6CNluJ7HjH1c5_VO-4MvMj7CfOwi0l_a42suti3MBxYAJFbiou14NVH__jk/s1600/two-year-old-wish-list.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoGOcWEzZP1CR6jHwHGYYBT-kinQEQIsgJ3zf8Vj0d-psAwMOv1LRtfVdVF1lkhOxbjNoMWw4TJy6zckb6CNluJ7HjH1c5_VO-4MvMj7CfOwi0l_a42suti3MBxYAJFbiou14NVH__jk/s400/two-year-old-wish-list.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Her jam lately has been to "help" in the kitchen. She drags her step stool from the bathroom and butts it against the cabinets so she can see and reach to stir or pour. I figured it was time we get her a little kitchen of her own. I love how affordable the ones from Ikea are. I plan on sprucing it up a little, but you can't beat the cuteness for the price!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70129801/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70129801/" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePbXPnHzmQ1K5SdLRdnQGY4fdGLyXuRWf0oJ61IVh6P8Jtqn4ZV2zJTth-kTCLYp2crZdhBmtLuLP7Kjl-ceDB1_GvSbqRt_AW3xRClbRRiy19HlQJpP6oR6AOrIjAiE1Z8GH-M1PdmM/s400/duktig-play-kitchen__0086283_PE214923_S4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> You can find a million cute hacks online for this little gem. We also scored some <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00130167/" target="_blank">tiny pots and pans</a>, little <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80130168/" target="_blank">utensils</a>. Who couldn't love this $8 basket of felt fruit?</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89F113_QqdyQzEB3mM4bqD1exvluQdYFHOtDeyk1hM2URc2S_yZf-cRPehD-rKlulxZNPjoysQAIC3F9-LO6MDHuE3eimt9khPxAlaGdI6WcXMzhaKYcuK754NaUnAn0o5YfiKXYDEW4/s1600/duktig-piece-vegetables-set__0109389_PE259027_S4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89F113_QqdyQzEB3mM4bqD1exvluQdYFHOtDeyk1hM2URc2S_yZf-cRPehD-rKlulxZNPjoysQAIC3F9-LO6MDHuE3eimt9khPxAlaGdI6WcXMzhaKYcuK754NaUnAn0o5YfiKXYDEW4/s320/duktig-piece-vegetables-set__0109389_PE259027_S4.JPG" width="320" />&nbsp;</a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Keeping with the home maker them, we got her this little <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB007AF4XYC%2Fref%3Dsr_ph%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1447883649%26sr%3D1%26keywords%3Dtoy%2Bdyson&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">pink Dyson</a>. It is supposed to actually pick up dirt, so I was all for that. I can use the help!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB007AF4XYC%2Fref%3Dsr_ph%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1447883649%26sr%3D1%26keywords%3Dtoy%2Bdyson&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank"><img alt="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB007AF4XYC%2Fref%3Dsr_ph%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1447883649%26sr%3D1%26keywords%3Dtoy%2Bdyson&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0Z4v38KlEqmiJLHMMPJms3Zc4-XDXW01bHRoy-6kVQjN3I6m1kyxRQENjFSnYqjlF0c5TQ8KJRv2so326qrGoNY2SfGHcS_0uNZyVwP3Oz7d3Zth6kYqQIEfD-k20fCqeWTQt_UPwrk/s320/71Zp9B-vfCL._SY450_.jpg" width="165" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> These <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMelissa-Doug-Under-Jigsaw-Puzzle%2Fdp%2FB000GL1DI6%2Fref%3Dsr_1_6%3Fs%3Dtoys-and-games%26ie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1447884109%26sr%3D1-6%26keywords%3Dmelissa%2Band%2Bdoug%2Bpuzzles&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">wooden jigsaw puzzles</a> are great. She has one already but we are getting her some more. They are a great price and are super durable. She is able to put them together all by herself and loves to do it over and over.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsZVj_gNljOG5Liar-tbGohsFw7PMsK5ZKk6lYZTPw1-Mvxi8-h4m0Td8IMzHYD-KMynjN-mAsVDirWAwN_pO6TQIruT_yXFFCkRn3UFGA2rrFREnQpQ32uubJocZPenwdEPeCv9RLvI/s1600/61VU4LdOIdL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsZVj_gNljOG5Liar-tbGohsFw7PMsK5ZKk6lYZTPw1-Mvxi8-h4m0Td8IMzHYD-KMynjN-mAsVDirWAwN_pO6TQIruT_yXFFCkRn3UFGA2rrFREnQpQ32uubJocZPenwdEPeCv9RLvI/s320/61VU4LdOIdL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> It's not Christmas without a new pair of <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=494874226&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">festive jammies</a>!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HnD3bxBShgTZV4jUaQAnSBEma-9fa62CsZTzmkWXYSt1k7sABLI1y4tSBDGufJN601KSOdNcKD1uRyDk7MWxpbfoYLREFhKLJGlArqgAbO1EaMh6wwxcnbw83rVGB2_xdhzwR7yNRKM/s1600/cn10181450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HnD3bxBShgTZV4jUaQAnSBEma-9fa62CsZTzmkWXYSt1k7sABLI1y4tSBDGufJN601KSOdNcKD1uRyDk7MWxpbfoYLREFhKLJGlArqgAbO1EaMh6wwxcnbw83rVGB2_xdhzwR7yNRKM/s320/cn10181450.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> What's on your wishlist?</div> <br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-65421013710861253402015-11-16T13:08:00.001-06:002015-11-16T13:08:22.480-06:00Let the holidays begin.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj8cz0kb6sUuZO2LRiP9co8zEYh-Jvj14d8JsKxetj48PKMBUQ96kg9-71f10voxgeuqw3bNU-a8wrJlFWYHozSTc9dx9X67qyAxbMDPATUX8X3SjhUhs6yPusrMUsD1ZRGPMNwb08E4/s1600/2015-11-09+20.23.37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj8cz0kb6sUuZO2LRiP9co8zEYh-Jvj14d8JsKxetj48PKMBUQ96kg9-71f10voxgeuqw3bNU-a8wrJlFWYHozSTc9dx9X67qyAxbMDPATUX8X3SjhUhs6yPusrMUsD1ZRGPMNwb08E4/s320/2015-11-09+20.23.37.png" width="320" /></a></div> <center> This is what I keep hearing. Mostly from my husband, but I can't help it. When the spirit hits me, I'm done for. I have compromised a little by just decorating one room so far, but nothing puts this southerner in the Christmas decorating spirit like rainy, gloomy days and that is what we are in for this week. <br /></center> <center> I've always wanted to do a "Christmas bed" for my daughter. She was in her crib still last year, with the ugly mesh rail. But now that she's in the big girl bed, it's easier to make happen. We went to target to get a happy pillow and fuzzy blanket to go on her white quilt that is already there.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=497116801&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank"><img alt="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=497116801&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-J6MSDUN6whfqLU4jXwsFFvlieVxw7uozPIf9qdG3qGBFSyRPBYaAgl5Wr_ZRVluwCp2Fbs9FsPUxcZwrIpxqltEV2QUbXNGTHvf56f08KaUBI74wjy5ACFWghIHjzaDzWVe5gucVFY/s320/21407055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <center> <br /><a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=497116801&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">Merry Christmas pillow</a></center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthreshold-throw-novelty-red-50x60-inches%2F-%2FA-17367592%23prodSlot%3Dmedium_1_18%26term%3Dthrow&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank"><img alt="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthreshold-throw-novelty-red-50x60-inches%2F-%2FA-17367592%23prodSlot%3Dmedium_1_18%26term%3Dthrow&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKIUXewEUB-Otnczs7IzOAARH_iS2Zh4KgHfMnTGFOAlMgA1tKge51DpT3Mo_0uyqofJC0_TheFhuQcPLgXBKY4bU822i8JkUdfNfZdjYOEvYv-IehClE2SKl5BnFDJSVGHWTVcgyKp0/s320/17367592.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></div> <center> <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthreshold-throw-novelty-red-50x60-inches%2F-%2FA-17367592%23prodSlot%3Dmedium_1_18%26term%3Dthrow&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">Plaid Throw</a></center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> I will post some photos of the room once I put a few more finishing touches on! <br />Happy Monday, Fa La La La La! <br /> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-37957505056764913522015-11-09T16:08:00.000-06:002015-11-09T16:08:03.887-06:00Clean eats and weekend treats!<div style="text-align: center;"> I think we can all agree that eating too many processed foods isn't good for our bodies. The trick is finding a way around it in this fast paced world we are living in now where convenience is key. Most especially with little kids around, it's been made too easy to hand off over processed snacks and meals with no real nutritional value. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not cutting out processed food completely. But, I am going to make a huge effort to cut back considerably for my family. We are going clean-er...</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> I think the hardest place to change is with lunch and snacks (at least for me). It's pretty easy to eat a healthy breakfast and dinner, but where are the ideas and where is the time for lunch and snacks. Here are my 2 attempts for real food snacks lately:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRqfiZAQWDW8twIeGj7vdaNi3ayEOQ8TxYF48hWujgpphZOGuGhMGm6SZuKFAQ219tnuU9lghDGuVXC6FEknFUDO0Tzcctf3MHJfAcQAPDlk-HKAVGH-ww0dQrNlvXoeZfFhPMKLAtPU/s1600/2015-11-05+14.24.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRqfiZAQWDW8twIeGj7vdaNi3ayEOQ8TxYF48hWujgpphZOGuGhMGm6SZuKFAQ219tnuU9lghDGuVXC6FEknFUDO0Tzcctf3MHJfAcQAPDlk-HKAVGH-ww0dQrNlvXoeZfFhPMKLAtPU/s400/2015-11-05+14.24.50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Deviled Eggs for one. I've been trying to keep hard boiled eggs on hand for snacks and salads. Here, I mixed the yolk with greek yogurt, a little mustard, salt and pepper and topped with dried dill. It hit the spot and filled me up.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> This is a go to for me, which means sometimes I get burnt out which is why I'm searching for new options. But it is super good:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaEtPq7Zr976CJ89yCxMpYVPRkE0FS1jJotuSYmb_aBZyqD_TyLBBeH78OMeewv9Ic98eLSc1THRz3mhPcYgiao4zIhAxkG6AfGkHBcWs5-02ZP2d7Q4eeM3YIFXm6EWTl3LRS9X1Bqw/s1600/2015-11-09+14.33.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaEtPq7Zr976CJ89yCxMpYVPRkE0FS1jJotuSYmb_aBZyqD_TyLBBeH78OMeewv9Ic98eLSc1THRz3mhPcYgiao4zIhAxkG6AfGkHBcWs5-02ZP2d7Q4eeM3YIFXm6EWTl3LRS9X1Bqw/s640/2015-11-09+14.33.08.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Greek yogurt mixed with PB2, granola, chopped apples and chia seeds. Great for snacks or breakfast.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZEifh_ivE1TnGlX3cBoHOO1RlgKYxfPUqNf0sx1gVMeUvZj0LVpNw16eJCFHNfj52HqDArDsOGwcYW57WN9X3mXx32Qo8Xd7GrsLbfO6Bmv6Zv6sqH8xsKbQgeCMSPH9UULJyWhFIXg/s1600/DSCN3760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZEifh_ivE1TnGlX3cBoHOO1RlgKYxfPUqNf0sx1gVMeUvZj0LVpNw16eJCFHNfj52HqDArDsOGwcYW57WN9X3mXx32Qo8Xd7GrsLbfO6Bmv6Zv6sqH8xsKbQgeCMSPH9UULJyWhFIXg/s640/DSCN3760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> On another note, I made a super killer totally from scratch pizza this weekend. My husband who is a sworn BBQ Chicken pizza lover said this was the best pizza I've ever made!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcckkOP1T7GqDtB1DRSo0yP460DlpfF8yXvWiB8BcskL8e-IfCtwnu2JoIg7Ua8b3b2539hFC-Vmk9niY_zb49bCsREB_oNOl0Tf_9r2CtGCfWWjtiANW-PT-nMp-pgKFUWLsGyG3rMx0/s1600/2015-11-07+18.00.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcckkOP1T7GqDtB1DRSo0yP460DlpfF8yXvWiB8BcskL8e-IfCtwnu2JoIg7Ua8b3b2539hFC-Vmk9niY_zb49bCsREB_oNOl0Tf_9r2CtGCfWWjtiANW-PT-nMp-pgKFUWLsGyG3rMx0/s640/2015-11-07+18.00.56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> It was spinach, bacon and caramelized red onions with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses and a homemade garlic white sauce. Total taste explosion.<br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /><br /> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-33339640194790193092015-11-04T09:40:00.001-06:002015-11-04T09:40:22.129-06:00Halloween Weekend<center> We had such a fun and busy Halloween weekend. Trunk or treat, a Halloween kids party, trick or treating and a grownup party - whew! Mallory was super excited to get to wear her Owl costume so many times. It made this mama happy since it took so long to make!</center> <center> &nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl5QoHiiha6dpm_ihb17cggm52AZxsPUXtnmT1CRTNeWzlq_pGWEDy78nlK9QtxZWCdOr5VOOvCkKdX-j-kjY8vICFoTsNiU_imLuOv_dMdHedr3bi5i_eUIL49uub4Ej5AOmxu0bkxA/s1600/owl-costume2-pandp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl5QoHiiha6dpm_ihb17cggm52AZxsPUXtnmT1CRTNeWzlq_pGWEDy78nlK9QtxZWCdOr5VOOvCkKdX-j-kjY8vICFoTsNiU_imLuOv_dMdHedr3bi5i_eUIL49uub4Ej5AOmxu0bkxA/s640/owl-costume2-pandp.jpg" width="476" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPGTmn7voNfLY_APYo3-SdRR50EUfCh4imCr5wdJHhHfOmIIxbinYqV0wuu9UKZwsCNGIrdv5pSjp-4DbUvpsRl58K3FlsvlfcORgka3_nmP6nR_VOhG1h5OlydrzdJDFIyNobCiLM6k/s1600/owl-costume-pandp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPGTmn7voNfLY_APYo3-SdRR50EUfCh4imCr5wdJHhHfOmIIxbinYqV0wuu9UKZwsCNGIrdv5pSjp-4DbUvpsRl58K3FlsvlfcORgka3_nmP6nR_VOhG1h5OlydrzdJDFIyNobCiLM6k/s640/owl-costume-pandp.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> </center> <center> I made some super tasty and super cute cookie balls for the kiddie party we went to on Friday evening. You process a bag of golden oreos with a block of cream cheese (I used greek yogurt cream cheese), shape into balls and dunk in almond bark. Add festive sprinkles for the win!</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EnHl8K3udEBCFVBYIFS9FUcJkbXqLL6Kudm8mGP-hVlYdDuAnUzE9evDGweIOI7KmXzDk9pCWFQEp-TeXZbxacffyJeqgZGjIPfIPf-PG1YxO11MEEnK1E3RNXBC6G5vzDzeeQih9Z0/s1600/cookie-balls-pandp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EnHl8K3udEBCFVBYIFS9FUcJkbXqLL6Kudm8mGP-hVlYdDuAnUzE9evDGweIOI7KmXzDk9pCWFQEp-TeXZbxacffyJeqgZGjIPfIPf-PG1YxO11MEEnK1E3RNXBC6G5vzDzeeQih9Z0/s640/cookie-balls-pandp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> The Mr and I decided to go as cowboys and indians this year. I am in love with my dress and kept asking everyone if they thought I would be weird if I wore it again just in a normal setting... So cute and comfortable.</center> <center> &nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5w5u8SzMstv9gC5_IiC8COM713kwnxmx-fmdYEMjdD02C6wSI_W1YIJqCaVz0Hax5sC0q3OqTLY_7ptLalLZIQXt19mWZ4tqUmdTFjcsi24rIfyP5MErGGeMGbJ5VHtMaJpYNFOGhNv4/s1600/cowboy-indian-pandp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5w5u8SzMstv9gC5_IiC8COM713kwnxmx-fmdYEMjdD02C6wSI_W1YIJqCaVz0Hax5sC0q3OqTLY_7ptLalLZIQXt19mWZ4tqUmdTFjcsi24rIfyP5MErGGeMGbJ5VHtMaJpYNFOGhNv4/s640/cowboy-indian-pandp.jpg" width="432" /></a></div> </center> <center> I have always wanted to make caramel apples, so I managed to cram that activity into all the fun this weekend as well. I rolled them in bourbon candied pecans. Can you say YUM? </center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqM1Yk8o8jaUYpk9Fpt7wBD3vhVC7NZG3INwr6UzSx_HRnDaJhyphenhyphenAe4XBr-NByHZ776nojNkHmEirA5HaoU9qMVhD_rdaV2Yf2JSt3adKhUrneBZmt3xe2Q3dyJZ_XHk9aJ-Or-8ivc5I/s1600/candy-apples-pandp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqM1Yk8o8jaUYpk9Fpt7wBD3vhVC7NZG3INwr6UzSx_HRnDaJhyphenhyphenAe4XBr-NByHZ776nojNkHmEirA5HaoU9qMVhD_rdaV2Yf2JSt3adKhUrneBZmt3xe2Q3dyJZ_XHk9aJ-Or-8ivc5I/s640/candy-apples-pandp.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <center> What's your favorite fall treat to make?<br /><br /> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-19801773522461869242015-10-27T10:13:00.000-05:002015-10-27T10:13:43.767-05:00Weekend fun<center> Rain rain go away....<br />The leaves are turning such beautiful colors right now. I will be happy when all this rain clears out and we can enjoy some fall weather! This past weekend included a really nice date night in Nashville and a lot of sewing to finish up one little owl's Halloween costume. It melts my heart how in love with her costume she is. It makes all the time I spent on it worth it!</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrmKK6wS-GwxgQf7LWGWKMGD_0qSDs-5h5SE_9ctB9MPfZw5PCHMc-7HhkWANvvDV5jq-CJp_H-Zy5fAMyXOVbQERrjYbO-lVeL3SNnv5AYPYnjJSPOzf2KjN19Xa6zLHm5fFXV5ESok/s1600/2015-10-27-10.10.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrmKK6wS-GwxgQf7LWGWKMGD_0qSDs-5h5SE_9ctB9MPfZw5PCHMc-7HhkWANvvDV5jq-CJp_H-Zy5fAMyXOVbQERrjYbO-lVeL3SNnv5AYPYnjJSPOzf2KjN19Xa6zLHm5fFXV5ESok/s640/2015-10-27-10.10.10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <center> The hubbs took me out on the town Saturday night for a special little date night. We celebrated the anniversary of when we started dating, 16 years! Yikes! That's a long time! He took me to <a href="http://germantowncafe.com/" target="_blank">Germantown Cafe</a>. It was amazing! Their fried green tomatoes are divine. I was too busy eating to snap any pics so just trust me!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvTm1QTlNUOdY1VxQaejQIcbaQI_EVMhxQleTVRVKy5QA0YywAlD25shbgjC2E1QKNmTgLMPX4FwDRhKM702pHFMX_PF2moEaoDkPxkukP3YqXb9vrVEK9ry2BDBcQywnUwfmOEiiLZ4/s1600/2015-10-25-09.53.33-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvTm1QTlNUOdY1VxQaejQIcbaQI_EVMhxQleTVRVKy5QA0YywAlD25shbgjC2E1QKNmTgLMPX4FwDRhKM702pHFMX_PF2moEaoDkPxkukP3YqXb9vrVEK9ry2BDBcQywnUwfmOEiiLZ4/s640/2015-10-25-09.53.33-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Someone (me) woke up a little late for church on Sunday, so I suggested we go out for breakfast afterward so we would be on time. We headed to <a href="http://www.thepfunkygriddle.com/" target="_blank">Pfunky Griddle</a>. It was so much fun and WAY lots of food. You sit around a griddle and cook your own food. Mally enjoyed M&amp;M pancakes and I had french toast (yum). Hubby isn't a huge pancake fan so he got hash browns and eggs. They give you an insane amount of hash browns so there were plenty to share.<br /><br /> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-37373039353713709352015-10-21T16:22:00.004-05:002015-10-21T16:22:43.703-05:004 Things: Reading / Loving / Eating / Doing<center> <ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rXvU_OE_ia05Whb0EXu6BrRbxGYeEl2JCJ2haUNVtaVze6aI1-4cb_UXs-DIuh-aPnFTO9It2k_93Axb-PiXb9bFOrvWokCVgwYkUqKr9LQ-KydilP5W0RFzuoRYayaLTD5DM5H0wVw/s1600/2015-10-21+15.54.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> <li>LOVING: My Rose Gold Aluminum Apple Watch. IN LOVE. It's the greatest. Kind of an early Christmas gift from the hubbs. It's great for tracking running and fitness. I really like that it does Biking, since my Fitbit was unable to track that and we like to bike a lot. I rarely have my phone "on" me. It's usually on the table or in my purse if I'm out. With the watch, I'm able to send and receive texts and emails, as well as answer and make phone calls. <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rXvU_OE_ia05Whb0EXu6BrRbxGYeEl2JCJ2haUNVtaVze6aI1-4cb_UXs-DIuh-aPnFTO9It2k_93Axb-PiXb9bFOrvWokCVgwYkUqKr9LQ-KydilP5W0RFzuoRYayaLTD5DM5H0wVw/s1600/2015-10-21+15.54.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rXvU_OE_ia05Whb0EXu6BrRbxGYeEl2JCJ2haUNVtaVze6aI1-4cb_UXs-DIuh-aPnFTO9It2k_93Axb-PiXb9bFOrvWokCVgwYkUqKr9LQ-KydilP5W0RFzuoRYayaLTD5DM5H0wVw/s640/2015-10-21+15.54.24.jpg" width="547" /></a><br /> </li> <li>READING: I just picked up "Savor" which is a year long devotional. I fell in love with it from the intro. I felt like I was reading my own words about failing to be in the moment and worrying about things that have not even happened. I'm looking forward to using this book daily and as an added bonus? It has recipes! Sign me up!<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5buvReamOxFWOtYrNdDi2ivkqaGWwsaz0ISvwBlMjp0QYAzrjawx-ZiKR5H1jNle8wQNESj9JySeaJLpKqXnBQ5GsBx7I_kzntASKNxTCwebHOPBerz8ObqrlFDiXNdD6ENeKbf2_r4/s1600/2015-10-21+15.55.31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5buvReamOxFWOtYrNdDi2ivkqaGWwsaz0ISvwBlMjp0QYAzrjawx-ZiKR5H1jNle8wQNESj9JySeaJLpKqXnBQ5GsBx7I_kzntASKNxTCwebHOPBerz8ObqrlFDiXNdD6ENeKbf2_r4/s640/2015-10-21+15.55.31.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> </li> <li>EATING: Homemade skillet fajitas. So easy and simple. All you need is your meat, some veggies, teriyaki sauce and fajita seasoning mix (I use McCormicks). <br /> <br /> Slice meat (chicken, steak or pork) into thin slices. Place in a bowl with a little bit of teriyaki sauce, just enough to barely coat. Let sit while you do the veggies.<br /> <br /> Chop your veggies (onions, bell peppers, etc) and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with fajita seasoning. Dump in the skillet and cook until tender. Remove from skillet. Add meat. Sprinkle with seasoning and cook until desired doneness. <br /> <br /> Serve w/ flour or corn tortillas, lettuce, avocado, sour cream, cilantro... you get the picture. YUM!<br /> </li> <li>DOING: Attempting to turn my kiddo into an owl for Halloween. I'm going to go ahead and guess I've bitten off more than I can chew and will be pulling an all nighter on the 30th.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fN-lFvmn6HtBuAIe_9a_YvX9JjpWrwkvVkMt4f74BI7N-6az3oTkAuRbVv4L7IDShyphenhyphenHXamCjECDm2YnaguENhQWw1n1x0-d_SACx0B0SXcISXmz9zNGn7-yyql7vlvBuOVAj8LZnsf4/s1600/2015-10-20+15.26.37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fN-lFvmn6HtBuAIe_9a_YvX9JjpWrwkvVkMt4f74BI7N-6az3oTkAuRbVv4L7IDShyphenhyphenHXamCjECDm2YnaguENhQWw1n1x0-d_SACx0B0SXcISXmz9zNGn7-yyql7vlvBuOVAj8LZnsf4/s640/2015-10-20+15.26.37.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /> </li> </ol> <br /> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-87138613231460095532015-10-19T15:28:00.001-05:002015-10-19T15:28:32.908-05:00Fall beach trip recap!<center> We recently went to the beach for fall break with some friends and it was a BLAST. We had great weather despite dodging a hurricane. Only one day was a washout, which was fine for us since the trip is so long.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLN7Duurt_OUKtBECZKKOKkTSh1ivskXeuy7QEZL85WmrS8Np21zGbVUDTeuLku8gaBlfRYOZonySCYGTHJtZZQxvH7m36q_i7X2tv1gFcSMgwM8342ZT_ScVbBvwjrO9WNBdatpqN0k/s1600/2010-01-01+00.00.00-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLN7Duurt_OUKtBECZKKOKkTSh1ivskXeuy7QEZL85WmrS8Np21zGbVUDTeuLku8gaBlfRYOZonySCYGTHJtZZQxvH7m36q_i7X2tv1gFcSMgwM8342ZT_ScVbBvwjrO9WNBdatpqN0k/s640/2010-01-01+00.00.00-34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> </center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj1hnCgkG9oWShMOUEYeUdVka6FbFt2ia-m6wy3vdhBa8Up4cCe87YsANcdHch9CLbnGbvqk7S8f_LJxH8g1NUCGNJ1VTc6UMedIiAtm7UBZTJTpiiMFbkZKJszc8yg7RMjkmZhb2ptY/s1600/2010-01-01+00.00.00-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj1hnCgkG9oWShMOUEYeUdVka6FbFt2ia-m6wy3vdhBa8Up4cCe87YsANcdHch9CLbnGbvqk7S8f_LJxH8g1NUCGNJ1VTc6UMedIiAtm7UBZTJTpiiMFbkZKJszc8yg7RMjkmZhb2ptY/s640/2010-01-01+00.00.00-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <center> We ate tons of blue crabs and played on the beach everyday. Lots of reading and sunning, fishing and sandcastles. It was pretty perfect. I really liked our rental house, it had a great layout for having pets and little ones.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaMzr3SqkglPLMd7teEiwARIdv8-JICPcYUV5Xk9bDT9HBFpyDB7c-o8DxmCvkCHL66ytVJO25zErHuW2afNmkTYzho1CpHCHgA4IYE2KsuH0R4fmjZ3lhYmSjw_RSL_9dewjwXLNlyQ/s640/2010-01-01+00.00.00-3.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />The "Surrender the Booty" flag doesn't come with the house... But the view was fantastic!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmABNXSIVcyNLenbNTCmbnR1y0y4KFC2h-FaXtxhxVQbFJ35UmMSir5WxLu343j8Ls-_GeWY7pEuTw5JdizqXj8nQvzfSVQgTh4VOljBYBm64s4AqHa3TniQp8aUa1LN-5JCVQ7Zok8s/s1600/2010-01-01+00.00.00-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmABNXSIVcyNLenbNTCmbnR1y0y4KFC2h-FaXtxhxVQbFJ35UmMSir5WxLu343j8Ls-_GeWY7pEuTw5JdizqXj8nQvzfSVQgTh4VOljBYBm64s4AqHa3TniQp8aUa1LN-5JCVQ7Zok8s/s640/2010-01-01+00.00.00-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> ... and the sunsets were sublime.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPHbfBRUjM-xWfD-TXvRcXNfUXEc_im9oYhMesF0wvNOkfgdl8qKzl2fkj703bvWpSQOl6G3E5X8Q5vrUjDietDTUCRzxwry6UQ9A_gUsdT-DfS0l8O72ZfndbZ9I89ZpKqL-_2tt2wU/s1600/DSCN3705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPHbfBRUjM-xWfD-TXvRcXNfUXEc_im9oYhMesF0wvNOkfgdl8qKzl2fkj703bvWpSQOl6G3E5X8Q5vrUjDietDTUCRzxwry6UQ9A_gUsdT-DfS0l8O72ZfndbZ9I89ZpKqL-_2tt2wU/s640/DSCN3705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> &nbsp;I hated to leave, but was excited to come home to the crisp fall weather. But now it's go time for Halloween and I like 'homemade' costumes. SO, I had better get to the sewing machine if Mally has any hope of being an Owl this year!</div> <center> <br /><br /> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-39442873494813712702015-09-28T16:26:00.002-05:002015-09-28T16:26:53.565-05:00Quick and Easy Bacon Eggs Benedict!<center> I am a HUGE fan of Eggs Benedict. If I'm brunching, it's the main thing I order. Since I love it SO much, I have found a way to streamline the process for cooking at home. I can have you Eggs Benedict in around 10 minutes.. no lie.</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC_bY2jgffTIZfbrtlCjlIceYgO8bl7EiWjS59BwzyBAfQE7fVjZVGa6Xx8mxI2Yym7rG0bax6d5sBiIVKFU98l4v_P2FzwO3QOZqQWiLJF_fA0F1qRuS5Xyc-Gkld1mRTeD0BgjYFg4/s1600/2015-09-12+07.58.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC_bY2jgffTIZfbrtlCjlIceYgO8bl7EiWjS59BwzyBAfQE7fVjZVGa6Xx8mxI2Yym7rG0bax6d5sBiIVKFU98l4v_P2FzwO3QOZqQWiLJF_fA0F1qRuS5Xyc-Gkld1mRTeD0BgjYFg4/s640/2015-09-12+07.58.37.jpg" width="498" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Here's what you do: <br /><br />1) Microwave the bacon on a plate between 2 sheets of paper towel. I used turkey bacon and have found it will cook in about 2 - 4 minutes depending on how many slices.<br /><br /><br />2) Toast your English Muffin slices in the toaster.<br /><br /><br />3) For hollandaise sauce for 2 people, add 1 egg yolk to the blender along with a half tablespoon lemon juice and a half tablespoon warm water. Blend until frothy. Melt 1/4 cup (half a stick) of butter in a mug in the microwave. Slowly pour butter into yolk mixture with the blender on low. Then crank it up till its thick.<br /><br /><br />4) For a BIG time saver, cook your eggs in a non stick skillet over easy. (That's where you flip the egg without breaking the yolk). Be careful not to over cook if you want the runny yolk!<br /><br />&nbsp;</div> <center> <div style="text-align: left;"> 5) Place an egg on one half of an English Muffin, top with slices of bacon and drizzle with hollandaise sauce. Optional: top with fresh cracked pepper, chopped green onions or chopped fresh parsley.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <h3> Brunch on!</h3> </div> <br /> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-38979746058670691552015-09-25T10:33:00.000-05:002015-09-25T10:33:12.030-05:00Shake your booties<center> It's officially fall and that means pumpkins, hoodies, skinny jeans and booties! I never got around to getting myself a pair last season, but this year it's on! Here are five that I have my eye on. Now to just choose one... or maybe two? TGIF!</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFg3lUnP3hzkbrgwVMcJ_wHeCywLcWWtqjTyXe5LT1hurrTp-SOqwnOMK-8iryI1HERG_IejNZXgsYXdoIRDKN_i4y7s3ifpdgUv6yMS62Hrr0ijnfccTiSI8GeUvWouvMo4eZHo5lyE/s1600/booties.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFg3lUnP3hzkbrgwVMcJ_wHeCywLcWWtqjTyXe5LT1hurrTp-SOqwnOMK-8iryI1HERG_IejNZXgsYXdoIRDKN_i4y7s3ifpdgUv6yMS62Hrr0ijnfccTiSI8GeUvWouvMo4eZHo5lyE/s640/booties.png" width="480" /></a></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=487772122&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">one</a> / <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=483900953&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">two</a> / <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=458250707&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">three</a> / <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=459273281&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">four</a> / <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=464066509&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">five</a><br /><br /> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-79944669625524796912015-09-22T07:00:00.000-05:002015-09-22T07:00:14.587-05:00Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes<center> This is truly a set it and forget it dinner. EVERYTHING cooks together in the slow cooker and is all done at the same time. If you have never baked a potato in the crock pot, then let me take you on a little journey of enlightenment.</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVAOCrEChZC1Zta_5NzlBI_AJ-Opy9_lV6z52lnW-V2nsLZoF1FKfrQhTKBGt68RRTQt11vqmgrLB8iAwDq-uwYvP9jsxpBGBDeixUGfKSYo2IsvXRNP_-qeLNLGAFgY1q4hYU4NqLoE/s1600/2015-09-13+18.16.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes / Pearls and Platters" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVAOCrEChZC1Zta_5NzlBI_AJ-Opy9_lV6z52lnW-V2nsLZoF1FKfrQhTKBGt68RRTQt11vqmgrLB8iAwDq-uwYvP9jsxpBGBDeixUGfKSYo2IsvXRNP_-qeLNLGAFgY1q4hYU4NqLoE/s640/2015-09-13+18.16.44.jpg" title="Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes / Pearls and Platters" width="536" /></a></div> <center> <br />These are BBQ chicken stuffed potatoes, but you could do any number of toppings. What I did was scrub and prick the potatoes with a fork, just like you would if you were going to microwave them or bake in an oven. Then you can rub them with olive oil and sea salt or just keep them plain and wrap in foil. Set aside.&nbsp;</center> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> For my BBQ chicken potatoes, I chopped up an onion and placed it in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then on top of that place your chicken breasts (for 2 servings I used 1 large breast for 2 potatoes. Double as needed). The chicken can be fresh or frozen. I dumped around a cup of bottled BBQ sauce over the chicken. Enough to cover the meat. Then place your wrapped potatoes on top, put the lid on your cooker, and cook for 5-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked and the potatoes are tender.&nbsp;</center> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaa3Gn3j_PNHusenM8fGI7eEOEqhm9orCCtmeJLyuO03_-bQOXBRUorJ6-KWmwHD8HsmpAYDUVmKCcpTfE3ZQ_-gS21MoKNNfi6gutHMjm66pNwWJrYmboS_eggiixXftyVED1gF72Lo/s1600/2015-09-13+11.23.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes / Pearls and Platters" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaa3Gn3j_PNHusenM8fGI7eEOEqhm9orCCtmeJLyuO03_-bQOXBRUorJ6-KWmwHD8HsmpAYDUVmKCcpTfE3ZQ_-gS21MoKNNfi6gutHMjm66pNwWJrYmboS_eggiixXftyVED1gF72Lo/s640/2015-09-13+11.23.16.jpg" title="Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes / Pearls and Platters" width="560" /></a></div> <center> &nbsp;</center> <center> Garnish with sour cream, cheese and chopped green onions. Easy Peasy!<br /> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-963264890986782182.post-40521899080737420072015-09-18T08:25:00.002-05:002015-09-18T08:25:53.463-05:004 Things Friday! Reading, Eating, Loving, Wanting<div style="text-align: center;"> Wow this week has gone by fast. We are in the process of screening in our back porch. I'm so excited to have a bug free environment for family fun outdoors. We have had battle royal this summer with bees, wasps and mosquitoes. (We are winning).&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ol> <li style="text-align: center;">Currently Reading: The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank. This is such a good read so far. It's is about a baby boomer aged woman whose husband's friends are remarrying much younger women and she is feeling less and less like she fits in with the group. She misses her old friends and old life.&nbsp; <br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062132474/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0062132474&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=pearandplat-20&amp;linkId=L5XG5YJTAK4A4HZX"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=0062132474&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=pearandplat-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=pearandplat-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0062132474" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li> <li style="text-align: center;">Currently Eating: I am loving old fashioned oats with peanut butter. You microwave the oats with milk per the directions on the package. Then I sweeten and flavor the oats with a little spoonful of peanut butter. SO filling and good. Per my calculations is rings in around 275 calories (I do a quarter cup of oats and half cup of 2% milk).<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WLGCPY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B000WLGCPY&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=pearandplat-20&amp;linkId=5CEOX6QYIUHOEMHY"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B000WLGCPY&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=pearandplat-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=pearandplat-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000WLGCPY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /> </li> <li>Loving: My <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baublebar.com%2Fjumbo-horn-pendant-necklace.html&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">Jumbo Horn Pendant </a>from Bauble Bar. It's currently $10! Can't beat that!!<br /> </li> </ol> </div> <center> <div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baublebar.com%2Fjumbo-horn-pendant-necklace.html&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank"><img alt="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baublebar.com%2Fjumbo-horn-pendant-necklace.html&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomcYDlbwfXhYOccwxoTmkbkkGR-zDOgTcodSB5Z5qwFlMsBOR10ccpWt4ZaPWVToyyGaGAQ0e4wEf_vTtN0Wm-sJNjIaNSRmWlgKG-jzOqIlaLKZ3oYlUlvc0hBE6W7aaB3TghBY5Scc/s1600/12020_02.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 4. Wanting: <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.landsend.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-flannel-tunic-top%2Fid_292054%3Fsku_0%3D%3A%3AC5U&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">THIS</a> Plaid Tunic from Land's End. It would look so super cute with <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=484643078&amp;pid=uid1024-22764968-99" target="_blank">THESE</a> jeggings for fall.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /> TGIF!</div> </div> <img alt="post signature" src="http://www.murfreesborosverybest.com/aln/pearls/mandy-signature.jpg" /><br /> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pearlsnplatters/" target="_blank">Pintrest</a> / <a href="http://instagram.com/pearlsandplatters/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/PearlsnPlatters" target="_blank">Twitter</a></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14024093174100993261noreply@blogger.com0