tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64708569100543739052024-02-07T02:56:15.438-05:00Cheat Day CafeBecause we all deserve a day to splurge!Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-23576970292640624532012-04-11T13:02:00.000-04:002012-04-11T13:24:44.275-04:00My New Baby Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I would like to announce the birth of out little girl, Taylor! She was born on March 1st weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 21 inches long. My labor was fast (1 hour and 15 min) and all went well. Taylor is keeping me on my toes and keeping me up at all hours of the night, but that's to be expected at this stage of the game.<br />
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I miss sharing recipes and hope to soon be back to blogging on a more regular basis. Hope all is well with all of you!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-77852297889061695362012-01-03T08:04:00.006-05:002012-01-07T14:20:24.930-05:00$50 Novica Giveaway and Some News!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlYgfJU2vBMQ60BdYaYofb6RqpgzFSncGINToQG4z3hBtkjTmTAaKjVN94VzF1t17lh24g84QWweQWD5Qf1Aa8ysibkMZkVVUVLqsTt6L14BP3OKogLQBF3WsONlg7aueblySVrd-U-I3/s1600/novica.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 88px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlYgfJU2vBMQ60BdYaYofb6RqpgzFSncGINToQG4z3hBtkjTmTAaKjVN94VzF1t17lh24g84QWweQWD5Qf1Aa8ysibkMZkVVUVLqsTt6L14BP3OKogLQBF3WsONlg7aueblySVrd-U-I3/s400/novica.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693392300679018498" border="0" /></a>Contest is closed. Congrats to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15395237630091668272" rel="nofollow">Sandy "Sugarspice76"</a> ! She is the winner of the $50 gift code!!!<br /><br />Hey everybody! HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br /><br />I know I've been MIA for a few months, but I just had to take a break! I am happy to announce that I am 30 weeks pregnant with a baby GIRL!!!! We are so excited to welcome her to the world in early March. That will be two girls and two boys for us. Sounds like a good place to STOP! :)<br /><br />I'm also happy to announce that I have been offered $50 gift code to be given away to one of my readers to spend on anything at <a href="http://www.novica.com/info/index.cfm?action=ourmission">Novica.com</a>. Novica offers jewelry, accessories, home decor, clothing and much more that are hand made by highly skilled artisans from around the globe. What I love about Novica is that you can find such unique gifts that you just can't find at the mall or your normal shopping outlets.<br /><br />Look at this ring I just bought with $50 from Novica<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oclV78dmWt6vqcLM4xqBRmQIe6wACiYS1ulGkRMsyE0wRou6BUXf8UkIgjcYDQnd-rmso-o1Oae7FeoR8-80GTJDc6a2tFhP4katYK3zZe04KBT6sH1jvXSUIkmAbnSpu-0oflY7f6ee/s1600/ring.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oclV78dmWt6vqcLM4xqBRmQIe6wACiYS1ulGkRMsyE0wRou6BUXf8UkIgjcYDQnd-rmso-o1Oae7FeoR8-80GTJDc6a2tFhP4katYK3zZe04KBT6sH1jvXSUIkmAbnSpu-0oflY7f6ee/s400/ring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693397065950436466" border="0" /></a>I just love it!<br /><br />Check out some of the links below for other unique items:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://accessories.novica.com/womens/" style="font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:13px;line-height:20px;text-align:left" target="_blank">women's accessories</a></div><div style="font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:13px;line-height:20px;text-align:left"> <a href="http://accessories.novica.com/mens/" target="_blank">men's accessories</a></div><div style="font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:13px;line-height:20px;text-align:left"><a href="http://accessories.novica.com/mens/scarves/" target="_blank">men's scarves</a></div> <div style="font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:13px;line-height:20px;text-align:left"><a href="http://accessories.novica.com/mens/cufflinks/sterling-silver/" target="_blank">men's sterling silver cufflinks</a></div><div style="font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:13px;line-height:20px;text-align:left"> <a href="http://accessories.novica.com/mens/scarves/alpaca-wool/" target="_blank">wool scarves</a></div><div style="font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:13px;line-height:20px;text-align:left"><br />Novica also has just introduced a Home Party Division called Novica Live. The company is currently looking for women or men who would like to become consultants<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.novicalive.com/" target="_blank">Novica Live</a></div></div><br /><div><br /></div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">So how can you win $50 to spend at <a href="http://www.novica.com/info/index.cfm?action=ourmission">Novica.com</a>? </span>Just visit their <a href="http://www.novica.com/info/index.cfm?action=ourmission">website</a> and let me know what catches your eye!<br /></div><div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">One entry per person.<br />I'll announce a winner on 1/6/12.<br />Please leave a valid email in comment section.<br /><br />Good Luck!<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /></div><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-7292815500984436392011-09-17T16:22:00.004-04:002011-09-17T16:40:37.613-04:00Upcycled Halloween Wreath<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm75MZD-lObk6pewCvGfkTGt2gOC3HlLqp5y5-w-SFOATSHg_mp8-ZcqV0XMmwcksaP-AOAV53AF8oUd8RQuXm1VKDVIX9WFhF6aHQ-uM_TrkeLjjn-tTn62SOfbhc5RhNK0T6XPAvdcA/s1600/halloween+wreath+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm75MZD-lObk6pewCvGfkTGt2gOC3HlLqp5y5-w-SFOATSHg_mp8-ZcqV0XMmwcksaP-AOAV53AF8oUd8RQuXm1VKDVIX9WFhF6aHQ-uM_TrkeLjjn-tTn62SOfbhc5RhNK0T6XPAvdcA/s400/halloween+wreath+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653428489200692338" border="0" /></a>This is a red berry wreath that I had on my front door for a few winters now. It is nice enough, but some of the red is coming off the berries and you can see the white Styrofoam underneath. It bugs me. <br /><br />So, instead of tossing it, I bought some pumpkin orange spray paint, a big beautiful bow, a black crow and some cute garland and made this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieViBsz4BROhr2-DZQPHRL7QEWT5rQwGrlxqpZgH-uX1lk6vqMfgY0-kHsMECi-_eRC3gU0pKUGSB8vx2WiiQZdw_7qaPEZpSyl8XS4t3nRsKZOx4MNee2Qb7roe-QGFlqHuZvtZjGCqMb/s1600/halloween+wreath+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieViBsz4BROhr2-DZQPHRL7QEWT5rQwGrlxqpZgH-uX1lk6vqMfgY0-kHsMECi-_eRC3gU0pKUGSB8vx2WiiQZdw_7qaPEZpSyl8XS4t3nRsKZOx4MNee2Qb7roe-QGFlqHuZvtZjGCqMb/s400/halloween+wreath+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653428488228166882" border="0" /></a>Not too shabby! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnV_U_dvxA1aTJA3arsX-p0wXKbHxq_Ms9sGq4VJZodlnz-OFOhnnscpV8xH0XOT67KoIY2bUPr2n6QcpmzVuuxuhczz0nm4nHStfCKVUGU3iTQNGxuEKHr5qd1Rhbgp8ldoAWa6AIrpB/s1600/halloween+wreath+003.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvuktVL4J6sJQSD_RHHawcfMVXtgyqN5Oy2-SOE36mbbyiFQPnCLMZFSCEh4iwYO8KcFAB5djYv6_Pl-kXDq9PSw5hJNoT7SUYNNLw38YaoVI6IHRGrjhHJOJaxQeQNH8xfKfEVIZGyVb/s1600/halloween+wreath+002.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlW9xQdWZO3b3-s6O0sPvHq6sYrkN3WPJTqfhGP2SXRkNTYe_eMsGrcSvaW5cPJpi2gfvgTkaVggrqxBSDxuH_fvxHjTx0EzLN0PZE7O0TIghvw6yW43z3aSt_k7UmDGqUBynm6xS-hK1/s1600/halloween+wreath+003.jpg"><br /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-25263947663220871692011-07-05T19:00:00.003-04:002011-07-05T19:04:56.476-04:00Cutest Apple Cupcakes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaBId2Q3if51GohJIpOGR3TTYtGLD3UbDAV6SgJojGU75Joy6fzIzKYeLlZyTzuKCvQrOvUr4NiMUx3mUZG1l7Mh2fhundpnVqOz5eklgQ_HMlXUMdslx57NH8ALH8BYDqMWeptJsKSEo/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaBId2Q3if51GohJIpOGR3TTYtGLD3UbDAV6SgJojGU75Joy6fzIzKYeLlZyTzuKCvQrOvUr4NiMUx3mUZG1l7Mh2fhundpnVqOz5eklgQ_HMlXUMdslx57NH8ALH8BYDqMWeptJsKSEo/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519843017247058" border="0" /></a>Hey everyone! How is your summer going? I've been taking a break and enjoying some time off work. I made these great cupcakes for my daughter's birthday. They were time consuming, but they turned out great! I got the idea from <a href="http://www.hellocupcakebook.com/">What's New Cupcake?</a> They were a hit! You can find step by step instructions <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000480531">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCRO9vBsq2SprYP3HPu-H8wxttetelgYMY40ygUHNWnDMQ6fQNgGbsH0aU99cZXS2TgSaWm0MgpMRGGheFhyphenhyphenBu7hWhwWH8YUnTkYP08YIkIP8hdpj2Uuc1LZ1_z40ukZ-EMK-aNsGgFxo/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCRO9vBsq2SprYP3HPu-H8wxttetelgYMY40ygUHNWnDMQ6fQNgGbsH0aU99cZXS2TgSaWm0MgpMRGGheFhyphenhyphenBu7hWhwWH8YUnTkYP08YIkIP8hdpj2Uuc1LZ1_z40ukZ-EMK-aNsGgFxo/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519837621188194" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH-DPdkbeciHq5pf3Bwv-x3xf-WxzoSgCYrVaEciefh-YyR9Bvw5VppNd9tLIJJMyblGYfQMkc1Iu-vSbqZU5aYtJXteCQp8K4AExmHQ15PelIpOD7a0AgO950-RkvqJ67NVJRD2rNkBc/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH-DPdkbeciHq5pf3Bwv-x3xf-WxzoSgCYrVaEciefh-YyR9Bvw5VppNd9tLIJJMyblGYfQMkc1Iu-vSbqZU5aYtJXteCQp8K4AExmHQ15PelIpOD7a0AgO950-RkvqJ67NVJRD2rNkBc/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519834038560738" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHKpouD8_fRZN442QAWaZU-9rvSMpHyYy3JStYY8GI1seTWvM19-pnQF8ZvpVuJtQXOF-S19ueRFd5ffEt9D4mpiykzkTOpeFuZ5VvFFlgWh29npgKsT3mahT7tCNrHK_DeOPG-830nRd/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHKpouD8_fRZN442QAWaZU-9rvSMpHyYy3JStYY8GI1seTWvM19-pnQF8ZvpVuJtQXOF-S19ueRFd5ffEt9D4mpiykzkTOpeFuZ5VvFFlgWh29npgKsT3mahT7tCNrHK_DeOPG-830nRd/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519831572910274" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBfTp3KXVQlkm3hNa1Ps_jB0Qn1LNL_hd_vADLdDIFVzz2TzezdwTXgY4TGNY7jRat8TyoNDLScFPjVA5gzE07YMihJ6pu1WmN5w6NtllSpuOtlDFjzl0LXiaqWrDYgyhdXiX_2eg_9ek/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBfTp3KXVQlkm3hNa1Ps_jB0Qn1LNL_hd_vADLdDIFVzz2TzezdwTXgY4TGNY7jRat8TyoNDLScFPjVA5gzE07YMihJ6pu1WmN5w6NtllSpuOtlDFjzl0LXiaqWrDYgyhdXiX_2eg_9ek/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519848209264882" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-62631171946790467522011-06-08T21:03:00.001-04:002011-06-08T21:12:26.369-04:00It's a Baking Party with Activity and Game Ideas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR60MUJKvJd2nBHr1VCqUPyAKo-D6rh6v9hnhNm7bMsA1lrzikcQbxVGnTv4EvGDsTe0_k49jwVRgQGu5F3hdcdUB3VbQTh8NP8bR4Wyc9SiJRF-Df0z1sWWDUdcRk9sHsM7AeyqZU4jtG/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR60MUJKvJd2nBHr1VCqUPyAKo-D6rh6v9hnhNm7bMsA1lrzikcQbxVGnTv4EvGDsTe0_k49jwVRgQGu5F3hdcdUB3VbQTh8NP8bR4Wyc9SiJRF-Df0z1sWWDUdcRk9sHsM7AeyqZU4jtG/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+056.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614520506415400130" border="0" /></a>Last week was my daughter's "friend" birthday party. We usually let them have a "friend" birthday party every other year. For her 10th birthday, McKenna wanted to have a baking party. So this is what we did:<br /><br />I found some paper chef hats at Michaels and got out some of my alphabet and fun stickers so that the kids could decorate their hats while waiting for everyone to show up.<br /><br />Once everyone was there, I taught them how to make a cute cherry or blueberry pie cupcake. I had the cupcakes already made so all they had to do is:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X3qmhPQBqRkqHNatg2isVSuFHUgUiVETA3x_UhL7A1Hq6udzkoll3S93HloFYK3MYJnI7aC5wSo3X_mHumXjk_V4Nsc0alKWZbUZaXSHbPcm1YuSS7z7RgLdxBnFA5dtVDrYgvqu2aqQ/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X3qmhPQBqRkqHNatg2isVSuFHUgUiVETA3x_UhL7A1Hq6udzkoll3S93HloFYK3MYJnI7aC5wSo3X_mHumXjk_V4Nsc0alKWZbUZaXSHbPcm1YuSS7z7RgLdxBnFA5dtVDrYgvqu2aqQ/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614520137409201378" border="0" /></a>Frost it,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UJ7n2IkTETK6IsnyIXG-qHrw2ZIPwWmcOag6MhCE27HefacTlC33E7U0r8kElEVsAVkVQoLnC9LOt2JdjV8jx2f7yZw7Gq3z8c7GhI3W4nYekuGyzG9ETfy1Jaw7KJok7KmmejnIOuyq/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UJ7n2IkTETK6IsnyIXG-qHrw2ZIPwWmcOag6MhCE27HefacTlC33E7U0r8kElEVsAVkVQoLnC9LOt2JdjV8jx2f7yZw7Gq3z8c7GhI3W4nYekuGyzG9ETfy1Jaw7KJok7KmmejnIOuyq/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614520142323840386" border="0" /></a>put the M&M's on,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRG8V_1z2DrtcVXevoPslCg49GPTNtcL91Xtho2t_XdRB4ZcHDbpiimESXPivf4cK0pGCSeT8QFaOTAM7TLojEvu_PIE3uNn2SMm810AUfn93AuiLv3trq1W3UQZ0DSxf0gz64t0aj0gb/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRG8V_1z2DrtcVXevoPslCg49GPTNtcL91Xtho2t_XdRB4ZcHDbpiimESXPivf4cK0pGCSeT8QFaOTAM7TLojEvu_PIE3uNn2SMm810AUfn93AuiLv3trq1W3UQZ0DSxf0gz64t0aj0gb/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614520146934129922" border="0" /></a>make some diagonals one way,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja95KI3P4RpmjDNJLOfAXU6NjQnP1I67wQskXjZdw2RJajMmrXAMBBYcFcd-BLCGPB1l4NUAc7sE45PEwNsDS2P9yI0DvzRCByxyEKAXxLYShfuKZKXYtVW99yLyeBQhIiLaDkedrFXHdb/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja95KI3P4RpmjDNJLOfAXU6NjQnP1I67wQskXjZdw2RJajMmrXAMBBYcFcd-BLCGPB1l4NUAc7sE45PEwNsDS2P9yI0DvzRCByxyEKAXxLYShfuKZKXYtVW99yLyeBQhIiLaDkedrFXHdb/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614520152996055682" border="0" /></a>then the other way,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVq8eINDXaSr4ZhQ5ziAcGl4YJBhJoMhRLmac954pZHiZ3D5JdfpC1PUJt7KHLnCHHit_eFXDct5Z8hmwsCYmbMyTXqZb1HdrKrNUl8WbYA5SdhwzovtqoTzGyoCCMmWVuwoniD4RsPyO/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVq8eINDXaSr4ZhQ5ziAcGl4YJBhJoMhRLmac954pZHiZ3D5JdfpC1PUJt7KHLnCHHit_eFXDct5Z8hmwsCYmbMyTXqZb1HdrKrNUl8WbYA5SdhwzovtqoTzGyoCCMmWVuwoniD4RsPyO/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614520159982328338" border="0" /></a>Then make the line around the whole cupcake. Isn't that so easy?<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I used white frosting and added a couple drops of yellow food coloring and then added some cocoa powder to make the crust colored frosting. Btw, I got this idea from the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whats-New-Cupcake-Ingeniously-Occasion/dp/054724181X">What's New Cupcake?</a> So many creative ideas!<br /><br />I bought some cupcake boxes from the Dollar Tree so they could take the cupcakes home and show their parents. There were 2 cupcakes boxes per pack.<br /><br />This is how I helped the kids with the piping of the frosting:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnIo-tSD-e7Ozzd5yG71ZRxvk5ua5XS5hVfTYjAmibIlTt1PH_tHjVVQx8x8IpEC83aaqK7LFhUYDFL5pj7WxKxSw9TNbFvYH95W1DYT7TCGJXn5qLr9ARx2A8dr1rgqmySelsa-Tdc6A/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnIo-tSD-e7Ozzd5yG71ZRxvk5ua5XS5hVfTYjAmibIlTt1PH_tHjVVQx8x8IpEC83aaqK7LFhUYDFL5pj7WxKxSw9TNbFvYH95W1DYT7TCGJXn5qLr9ARx2A8dr1rgqmySelsa-Tdc6A/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614520492259858082" border="0" /></a>I put about 1/5th of the frosting in a freezer bag and made sure the frosting was all in one corner.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgkK3W6ym-xIikJ3N3uI0XIdtL6J9Bwf9VczfLhUCAvcdD76F95khAZgxEQA3brjdHoKbJ9Rj60xjnwnR06iLyi8IrZwPqUJGdKPiEcjCzOPHsBqJAjwKEeDjBDFiZzEv5ZW7mCl9OiLU/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgkK3W6ym-xIikJ3N3uI0XIdtL6J9Bwf9VczfLhUCAvcdD76F95khAZgxEQA3brjdHoKbJ9Rj60xjnwnR06iLyi8IrZwPqUJGdKPiEcjCzOPHsBqJAjwKEeDjBDFiZzEv5ZW7mCl9OiLU/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614520501460727426" border="0" /></a>Then I folded the sides and top down and used packing tape to secure the fold. Now you just cut a small hole in the tip and you have a piping bag to make the crust on your cupcake! There was one bag for every two people.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For the games, we played:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eat the Doughnut on the String</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Game</span>- For this game, you will need one long piece of string (about 10 feet) and several shorter pieces of string of equal length (about 2 feet long); you will need enough to have one short piece for each player. You will also need a package of miniature donuts. To set up the game, hang a string horizontally from one side of the room to another (outdoors, you can string it between two trees or fences). Tie a doughnut to the end of each of the shorter string lengths and then tie the shorter strings to the horizontal length so that the donuts dangle. Line the kids so that each one is in front of a doughnut. The object is to be the first player to eat your doughnut--without using your hands! So funny to watch!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bakers Relay Race</span>- Have two teams lined up with an apron, oven mits, a spoon and an egg for each team. When the race begins, the first person has to put on the apron and oven mits, pick up the egg and put it on the spoon and run to a predetermined target. Then they turn around and head back towards their team. If they drop the egg they have to go back to the beginning. Once safely back to the team, they take off the apron and oven mits and the next person has to put them on and do the same course. Repeat until all have raced. First team finished, wins!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kitchen Memory</span>- Put a bunch of kitchen gadgets on a table or on a cookie sheet. Have all the kids take a good look and try to memorize everything on the table. You might have to go one by one and name the objects. Give them about a minute to look at the stuff. After 1 minute, cover the objects and have them write down everything they remember. The person who remembered the most, wins!<br /><br />This was a really fun party and I think the kids really enjoyed themselves! I was able to prepare everything ahead of time, so the only thing that stressed me out was that I had a bunch of kids running around my house with a sugar buzz! Luckily it was a beautiful day and I could send them outside to play!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-23095894335850658272011-06-05T20:00:00.001-04:002011-06-05T20:14:03.426-04:00Welcome to my Home Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzULDQq4Q8212jF0apokQ4PMzoxSsft-dOYgMVz8ThkHiXTomEzaocrvKy50RpPiNvXx2ce46XP3FsVBBlut5QM8jh4Cm301TgvJw0d1QjPfXFfxb6h36XsCiv7Klr5syKPCsZbFZpVCoB/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzULDQq4Q8212jF0apokQ4PMzoxSsft-dOYgMVz8ThkHiXTomEzaocrvKy50RpPiNvXx2ce46XP3FsVBBlut5QM8jh4Cm301TgvJw0d1QjPfXFfxb6h36XsCiv7Klr5syKPCsZbFZpVCoB/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519208624241794" border="0" /></a>I wish that I had some before pictures! My daughters room was a cream, generic, came with the house paint color. We painted it with "A Day at the Jewelry Store" and woke the room right up! We made her a custom desk using a pre fab piece of Formica counter top and then put up the white book shelves. Perfect for that little nook area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB45tT7fBNHkD14P6WP0t_CImjYYI8e45r1WhMQCXSEFgtkLzxTogbvSR9ly0h2-ZU4mnqssMJQMJQRZUHeFFXMtf00VG9FQ5s8_bTor_HivRENmcizFNOeh5ngYZfZGG1ki5KEFCt1e8/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB45tT7fBNHkD14P6WP0t_CImjYYI8e45r1WhMQCXSEFgtkLzxTogbvSR9ly0h2-ZU4mnqssMJQMJQRZUHeFFXMtf00VG9FQ5s8_bTor_HivRENmcizFNOeh5ngYZfZGG1ki5KEFCt1e8/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519191050444226" border="0" /></a>She is currently obsessed with Paris and especially the Eiffel Tower, so that made it easy to decorate!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbuEaEglLI6RP5p3PhyphenhyphenQ0GIh65M5JHH76Q9gyZ8-WJonEE5Y4xS9f-QQWCg-8Ipx_JtSGhkf5cgD0g99B6eFJS_s__XKt5QhBPmkEQL8tYX5IVFAswMC5ySix-4lZ8H8MtK007kFA2C0s/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbuEaEglLI6RP5p3PhyphenhyphenQ0GIh65M5JHH76Q9gyZ8-WJonEE5Y4xS9f-QQWCg-8Ipx_JtSGhkf5cgD0g99B6eFJS_s__XKt5QhBPmkEQL8tYX5IVFAswMC5ySix-4lZ8H8MtK007kFA2C0s/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519209878372594" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xxGHGUNoAH7O-Co4pT3ZRiYF3ryMBpyBxZ3b5XEhMe6HAyU7N47IeJBI9a1sewxMSr_SJQzrt6q6SDk3YEkezKBajfCBYOwRjd6QsR53bCqaeZaAxap4X14wi_PxfAKNYxDz1J7nXld1/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xxGHGUNoAH7O-Co4pT3ZRiYF3ryMBpyBxZ3b5XEhMe6HAyU7N47IeJBI9a1sewxMSr_SJQzrt6q6SDk3YEkezKBajfCBYOwRjd6QsR53bCqaeZaAxap4X14wi_PxfAKNYxDz1J7nXld1/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614886188778484594" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTG5GwGgKR2tNwldcGnj8BOU4xEGdzaObOD6Am5ahuY-K7TO29cYHwLHu-mV69WOEOLr5GUQ5L0l2IpXoBAd6JjJazoijvyNiaNQAL8Vh6_MvuXJ9zf1jkXIDcISrq_5Xr82zARBfaYt6/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTG5GwGgKR2tNwldcGnj8BOU4xEGdzaObOD6Am5ahuY-K7TO29cYHwLHu-mV69WOEOLr5GUQ5L0l2IpXoBAd6JjJazoijvyNiaNQAL8Vh6_MvuXJ9zf1jkXIDcISrq_5Xr82zARBfaYt6/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614893257758639506" border="0" /></a>For the boy's room we gave it a sports theme. Namely the Cowboys, but Jimmer made his way into the room thanks to my dad!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJfcg8PIFCRegqE63h6uU4otqq69wI37NjwTxQ34c4cY7F0mFPu7k4OoQOExseauZ60iVPywuAo862tsgO7L2KeGbeKLPNzmRfkK1KDCnUle10-NQTPkYau2JO8PA0pxjUpARfJlMqsJS/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJfcg8PIFCRegqE63h6uU4otqq69wI37NjwTxQ34c4cY7F0mFPu7k4OoQOExseauZ60iVPywuAo862tsgO7L2KeGbeKLPNzmRfkK1KDCnUle10-NQTPkYau2JO8PA0pxjUpARfJlMqsJS/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519449537143442" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgALHt85bJ3X7KVXK3MPmvrtZEs-VhrRx1T2Irxy1LJyDB3bFLTcnJ6G1h8setjLZa5XHqcYorF6HL-yyc6Mq9GNNirQ-X-2HARxnbK7yDmGRSGhi9IlS3eZuyrPCRuWeeY6Z3YdfjFclx/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgALHt85bJ3X7KVXK3MPmvrtZEs-VhrRx1T2Irxy1LJyDB3bFLTcnJ6G1h8setjLZa5XHqcYorF6HL-yyc6Mq9GNNirQ-X-2HARxnbK7yDmGRSGhi9IlS3eZuyrPCRuWeeY6Z3YdfjFclx/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614888454137990290" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTu0EK45sfR42dx9lJhdM2gwn76INWQquf8jJ8cX-p-6_dZG7fz2FOhxygojlDVLF2QLj-vR__yyjPzrVSZMMlSqujE8M-1DyTuBnBFzoQwBz-1YyMHjAuhvOAUa5ZwPE-3Aw6rH6bSzWZ/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTu0EK45sfR42dx9lJhdM2gwn76INWQquf8jJ8cX-p-6_dZG7fz2FOhxygojlDVLF2QLj-vR__yyjPzrVSZMMlSqujE8M-1DyTuBnBFzoQwBz-1YyMHjAuhvOAUa5ZwPE-3Aw6rH6bSzWZ/s400/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614519457732552242" border="0" /></a>I still have some work I need to do, but I'm happy with how the rooms turned out. Now if only they could stay clean!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xxGHGUNoAH7O-Co4pT3ZRiYF3ryMBpyBxZ3b5XEhMe6HAyU7N47IeJBI9a1sewxMSr_SJQzrt6q6SDk3YEkezKBajfCBYOwRjd6QsR53bCqaeZaAxap4X14wi_PxfAKNYxDz1J7nXld1/s1600/Kids+rooms%252C+McKennna%2527s+B-day+003.jpg"></a><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-67573420822127006042011-05-28T12:25:00.016-04:002011-05-28T15:25:39.010-04:00Welcome to My Home Part 1<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611845573498932578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYcQWD26xgBuoZb0HwUdaL2fWAfRjkBjMcCC4oBFY-vUJa2YXZnUZnvwQua1gneEw0gnAiudaz8fNbFiJi4H4Wz-gEeTNuWZYi3hxRh7IBIUMYQC_Uoe-ZKCeKT4CnuQIdQM5CQo8FJQZ/s400/house+updates%252C+JD+002.jpg" />I just thought I would post some pictures of some of our home! We have been doing some work on the house and I wanted to show you the fruits of our labors.<br /><br />We live in a VERY small townhouse, but we have tried to make it work for us.<br /><br />This is what you see when you walk in the front door.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611843332511348322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbjB7GQ198XdbtHLbXEkRXkl-BtUlfxzxsw98lgOd6THbO-RnKJlXeFJLoWtktCYn19RF3xGl_d80dbGBlrhjQ23M08b7CPH6jKF3VJxtWdZPcValx0mG9m1dO6N0tSpxvwtXQnFgzJDc/s400/house+updates%252C+JD+007.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSJ3xgzslvXJ09E0fHLs4G5F1Sze1VO13goKBjIsq_Y9BExhngfLoyZhlmsUwqJieAVuQxznR-Hc3pDSwEiJy4ausNoXfjFv2gzsygLiPFrLNfVG_lABXJpovJF6Z5S-kiAzDws8EVBBM/s1600/house+updates%252C+JD+006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611805312369970146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSJ3xgzslvXJ09E0fHLs4G5F1Sze1VO13goKBjIsq_Y9BExhngfLoyZhlmsUwqJieAVuQxznR-Hc3pDSwEiJy4ausNoXfjFv2gzsygLiPFrLNfVG_lABXJpovJF6Z5S-kiAzDws8EVBBM/s400/house+updates%252C+JD+006.jpg" /></a> I made this gallery with the help of my husband. I like everything symetrical, but he showed me how cool it could look when set up a bit less perfect.<br /><br />This is a table in the entry way.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611805302693755618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTauLC4n3dQHfBQvk5tqbkTPcG7LgU1_BxGpIFvt58R0-KOHOYLaIxlhdb_3LCebhRs9lSAAIwp4egqLtEgLKSrU_kKkaLRlbavFHvyyVstnhpDIqoDKBGux2yOenKmdSOZz-WJjIIaoB/s400/house+updates%252C+JD+001.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 401px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611804753532644930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBAofI31RVW4k3YfzzEeW5rW3QMIQqCO3CjMN3xaiFfdZzRhE18qQWoKUY8b_Ox8_od-6vcpQIT0kB6xqn0SlJO_LgpIGQGYropL09cWK4J68VOvp9mya0-Z5eQtofN0azzmyCHWt3f08/s400/IMG_0284%255B1%255D" />Next comes the kitchen:<br />I'm not sure what I'm doing with the shelf there. I got sick of what I had up there before we painted so I took it all down and am starting all over.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD4eLbw7JX55Ezb6C7YYKLGHhMvH6dvhUunKphOeyhfSFTs5MRepeb2G4ERL-SLOC1VjjKZep6YolQS-nmbza2ne5cDL_HL8ytDNEMQNlZD_ILDLI98gcLNM_u4ZiQFDO0PqiRpEHNDsC/s1600/house+updates%252C+JD+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611805304477621778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD4eLbw7JX55Ezb6C7YYKLGHhMvH6dvhUunKphOeyhfSFTs5MRepeb2G4ERL-SLOC1VjjKZep6YolQS-nmbza2ne5cDL_HL8ytDNEMQNlZD_ILDLI98gcLNM_u4ZiQFDO0PqiRpEHNDsC/s400/house+updates%252C+JD+005.jpg" /></a> I painted this table and chairs black. I love it!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D4nxO0C6PgvhjuUeCA9jtcI1p0RuNy46MK4TDfuATkFNYc-KTCcm3AUh2BWah22NFCH88vl62Co7Ne-Q2rRir7sm-3xqKYpXqA1Mm1vXyFGsuFtaSXteIM5miO2ut9abpdyZZuKXB6jj/s1600/IMG_0287%255B1%255D"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611804753591439506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D4nxO0C6PgvhjuUeCA9jtcI1p0RuNy46MK4TDfuATkFNYc-KTCcm3AUh2BWah22NFCH88vl62Co7Ne-Q2rRir7sm-3xqKYpXqA1Mm1vXyFGsuFtaSXteIM5miO2ut9abpdyZZuKXB6jj/s400/IMG_0287%255B1%255D" /></a> We repainted all the cabinets white and it really brightened up the place. Too bad I took such terrible pictures!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1zGFGgfLvUIhJ3AyTRQgkV12VJwyZyP3k4Ip0SEZq5m1L2oVnKJlz2nK1RJphje9ZPkaxGmcDBK65SOrz-iAcBTH2Olpq66To_jAuK3qkgMETnNQOBn27h5y60d7_Zy1aNf61_k2taPu/s1600/IMG_0281%255B1%255D"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611804746335044994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1zGFGgfLvUIhJ3AyTRQgkV12VJwyZyP3k4Ip0SEZq5m1L2oVnKJlz2nK1RJphje9ZPkaxGmcDBK65SOrz-iAcBTH2Olpq66To_jAuK3qkgMETnNQOBn27h5y60d7_Zy1aNf61_k2taPu/s400/IMG_0281%255B1%255D" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBNRnmxo9t835eKZ9Ty95uqcuGP0FBPczfA1l6NA6scgUezB6Bgfklhvx9mF8DzewV7LCfWlIuK-zQv3KJ4l_mbc2k6RD-8jS2cI2_PfyCBU87F4NwQPns2o7Bg7ap2-mBHWWBeugA68l/s1600/IMG_0280%255B1%255D"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611804747604936130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBNRnmxo9t835eKZ9Ty95uqcuGP0FBPczfA1l6NA6scgUezB6Bgfklhvx9mF8DzewV7LCfWlIuK-zQv3KJ4l_mbc2k6RD-8jS2cI2_PfyCBU87F4NwQPns2o7Bg7ap2-mBHWWBeugA68l/s400/IMG_0280%255B1%255D" /></a> Next time I'll post pictures of the kids rooms. I love my daughter's room and can't wait to show you! Ciao! </div></div></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-50245322525890065412011-05-17T19:57:00.004-04:002011-05-17T20:24:43.387-04:00Very Jane - My Brother's New Venture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTBUNPENoChF1Pli1GFvQmYZmUUfNUk8qnxf3aVCNVI9MWKegyDloYIvPLRTkAE-JjWGKnTm2vtM56OCtmy1E94737Ds_ShOxU4-pzFJsYaCq79bgmXbgEc71MTd8N55hzw8lKvehBWMG/s1600/veryjane1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTBUNPENoChF1Pli1GFvQmYZmUUfNUk8qnxf3aVCNVI9MWKegyDloYIvPLRTkAE-JjWGKnTm2vtM56OCtmy1E94737Ds_ShOxU4-pzFJsYaCq79bgmXbgEc71MTd8N55hzw8lKvehBWMG/s400/veryjane1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607839863241429842" border="0" /></a>I just wanted to spread the word about <a href="http://veryjane.com/Deal/20/true-love-or-you-are-my-sunshine-8x10-print">Very Jane</a> which is a site that has a new deal everyday on...well, you just never know what it will be! I'm always excited to see the <a href="http://veryjane.com/Deal/20/true-love-or-you-are-my-sunshine-8x10-print">Very Jane</a> email in my inbox to see what cute item they have to offer. What makes it even more fun, is that <a href="http://veryjane.com/Deal/20/true-love-or-you-are-my-sunshine-8x10-print">Very Jane</a> was started by my brother and his business partners. See that beautiful girl at the top of the page? That is my niece!!! So, go check it out. Sign up and get some great deals on unique items sent straight to your inbox!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoXdbTa6FIKuEWY2KNf90WdCSHyPBOVybvYfGHipkM9gSEj_Cg_WfcAnK6y4nnPh9BUtPXPd0N1dhxd9w6fsOQMv1Jpinto5kfsVxqYeQkOf0KXQLx50-YWw-JhcmzgPdf-qW_MYLz4vw/s1600/very+jane2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoXdbTa6FIKuEWY2KNf90WdCSHyPBOVybvYfGHipkM9gSEj_Cg_WfcAnK6y4nnPh9BUtPXPd0N1dhxd9w6fsOQMv1Jpinto5kfsVxqYeQkOf0KXQLx50-YWw-JhcmzgPdf-qW_MYLz4vw/s400/very+jane2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607839866402024466" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-82000915387924274382011-05-16T18:56:00.002-04:002011-05-16T20:13:32.962-04:00Awesome Italian Herb and Garlic Bread<p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLlc2geXQjYaLApfTG0_yVRrnMEc6Ex0_Z2keR8aQ22yi50tzDMa2XYrpzzKsZQpKg2QRM2A3MT0BCBXefBTbkmMciV8h8ArYw4qluYR7gqvR0pPR-cWfxXx8U8iq-AlM2s9JjQDKJ1Nj/s1600/spring+and+baptism+033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLlc2geXQjYaLApfTG0_yVRrnMEc6Ex0_Z2keR8aQ22yi50tzDMa2XYrpzzKsZQpKg2QRM2A3MT0BCBXefBTbkmMciV8h8ArYw4qluYR7gqvR0pPR-cWfxXx8U8iq-AlM2s9JjQDKJ1Nj/s400/spring+and+baptism+033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606335984832846306" border="0" /></a>This was an experiment that made some of the most flavorful garlic bread I've ever had. A few weeks ago I posted a recipe for <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2011/03/dipping-spices-with-olive-oil.html">Dipping Spices</a> for Italian bread. You combine the garlic and spices, add olive oil and dip your fresh, warm Italian bread. Well, I had some of the spice mixture left in my fridge and decided to make a garlic loaf with it. Here is what I did:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garlic Herb Bread</span><br /><br />1. Slice through a loaf of Italian or French bread, but keep the loaf in tact.<br /><br />2. Take 1 Tablespoon of the <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2011/03/dipping-spices-with-olive-oil.html">Dipping Spices</a> mixture and mix it into a stick of softened, salted butter until combined.<br /><br />3. With a butter knife, spread butter/herb mixture on one side of each slice of bread.<br /><br />4. Wrap loaf in foil loosely and bake in 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.<br /><br />Here is the recipe for the dipping spices mixture:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dipping Spices</span></span><br /><ul class="clr"><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">tablespoon</span></span> <span class="name"> minced <a href="http://www.food.com/library/basil-317"> basil</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">tablespoon</span></span> <span class="name"> chopped <a href="http://www.food.com/library/parsley-171"> parsley</a> (Italian is best) </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">tablespoon</span></span> <span class="name"> minced <a href="http://www.food.com/library/garlic-165"> garlic</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/thyme-348"> dried thyme</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/oregano-334"> dried oregano</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/pepper-337"> ground black pepper</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/2</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/salt-359">kosher salt</a> or <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/2</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> ground <a href="http://www.food.com/library/salt-359"> sea salt</a> </span> </span> </span></li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/2</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> chopped <a href="http://www.food.com/library/rosemary-340"> rosemary</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/4</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/red-pepper-flakes-507"> crushed red pepper flakes</a> </span> </span> </li></ul><br />Believe me! This bread will disappear fast!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSIVAuTiDkuLkUcINDr_BlPjLbivaZ9OSt3wvjaDlWphYXzAMPtI0LmcLXrnPOxL3MqnOM2Jz7bHA0GTb2xRWSs7pzkvzKfva5uQQ2H7WfET8LWTsspHg50_T9CmTaiK7eLoV0UbgYtWb/s1600/spring+and+baptism+036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSIVAuTiDkuLkUcINDr_BlPjLbivaZ9OSt3wvjaDlWphYXzAMPtI0LmcLXrnPOxL3MqnOM2Jz7bHA0GTb2xRWSs7pzkvzKfva5uQQ2H7WfET8LWTsspHg50_T9CmTaiK7eLoV0UbgYtWb/s400/spring+and+baptism+036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606335985285633218" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-59512576405229632072011-05-13T19:36:00.002-04:002011-05-13T19:54:54.648-04:00Cutest Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes!<p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfflz1nQxVdEl_2tyLyl6krU6p-yI9l_EXPs_worbx__Pm91V5GhuGNbbdm0vmo5aDUzsMzFCOIJDL75dbmPMTbVixBkWkIrTrDA2zQZAvG2ofzyUb9C_TH97_k7ZhR-8ZZaUCEkogSh7Y/s1600/spring+and+baptism+060.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfflz1nQxVdEl_2tyLyl6krU6p-yI9l_EXPs_worbx__Pm91V5GhuGNbbdm0vmo5aDUzsMzFCOIJDL75dbmPMTbVixBkWkIrTrDA2zQZAvG2ofzyUb9C_TH97_k7ZhR-8ZZaUCEkogSh7Y/s400/spring+and+baptism+060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606336556236950338" border="0" /></a>Aren't these the cutest? I saw these on <a href="http://www.bakedperfection.com/2011/04/chocolate-cupcakes-with-peanut-butter.html">Baked Perfection</a> and I knew that I had to make these for the family get together for Robbie's birthday. The cake starts with a box mix, but it so deliciously doctored that it tastes like homemade. The peanut butter frosting is, in a word, DANGEROUS!<br /><br />I used the Wilton 1 M star tip for the cup cake and a smaller star tip for the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. After the cups and cupcakes were frosted, I kept them in the fridge just to make sure that the frosting wouldn't melt. They were a hit at the party. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Cupcakes</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">recipe from allrecipes.com</span></span><br /><br />1 package chocolate cake mix<br />1 package instant chocolate pudding mix<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1 cup vegetable oil<br />4 eggs<br />1/2 cup warm water<br />2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (dust these in flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the cupcake)<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).<br /><br />In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mix, sour cream, oil, eggs, and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into 24 lined muffin cups.<br /><br />Bake for 20 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >recipe from Baked Perfection</span><br /><br />1 stick butter, softened<br />1 cup creamy peanut butter<br />generous pinch of salt<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1/3 cup milk<br />4 cups powdered sugar<br /><br />Cream the butter, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time alternating with the milk until you reach the desired consistency.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-66144342316505666252011-05-13T18:43:00.011-04:002011-05-13T19:37:12.316-04:00What I've Been Up To!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEY1qWv3LhGW7MSRut440I2r7rin-dd-ay6lBPnTdEg396IXeSEx3ter7SqiT1Zj_i5dLG3kRoLumVXoukI1_0PeHFJgjcDdAiBdrjHNoddC31s6Z8NmElR2PsiEIiSLYyG6_rpB-RPjz/s1600/spring+and+baptism+021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEY1qWv3LhGW7MSRut440I2r7rin-dd-ay6lBPnTdEg396IXeSEx3ter7SqiT1Zj_i5dLG3kRoLumVXoukI1_0PeHFJgjcDdAiBdrjHNoddC31s6Z8NmElR2PsiEIiSLYyG6_rpB-RPjz/s400/spring+and+baptism+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606335978166164978" border="0" /></a><br />I'M BACK! And I got a new camera finally. I missed my macro!!!!! (I wish my eye still looked like that. Instead, now they are bloodshot and watery from my insane allergies!!!)<br /><br />It seems like forever since I have posted. I have been so busy the last 3-4 weeks that I could hardly see straight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYbBaMfOiY52yDae6REJGkjwcMg70J7MpwbzBEr8VmMSnvgOCoSrLeBqMoqZgaqLlUumb5ZlQ7zsIaYsZSfUhh45ntHEGdN5mc_Xuly20lF84MT62AKXOSdbPQB1yCMv9QjvaXzrtLCUw/s1600/spring+and+baptism+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYbBaMfOiY52yDae6REJGkjwcMg70J7MpwbzBEr8VmMSnvgOCoSrLeBqMoqZgaqLlUumb5ZlQ7zsIaYsZSfUhh45ntHEGdN5mc_Xuly20lF84MT62AKXOSdbPQB1yCMv9QjvaXzrtLCUw/s400/spring+and+baptism+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606335976178071506" border="0" /></a>We had been getting our house spruced up for a visit from my parents. It had been 2 years since we had been together, so we were really excited to have them come to Pennsylvania. We did some fun changes to the kid's rooms and then refreshed the paint in the kitchen. I'll post some picks to show you what we did. I love what we did in my daughter's room and can't wait to show you! My poor kids were almost like orphans for that week leading up to my parents coming. I had so much to do at the house and cooking for a family party. I'm just so glad that is all over!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV129zy7c0IzhZpqCzaXAPcJy9kQlpzQMNxE4twAj6VbJj8-qLCtf0YKufyVuF22MuKV5BBMOtE47a-j4xnWGv3dPy55W8KFifC5Y8Tl5mRoTZ3YtZn8cs-SDOJ1T0wpXYDgnxLFGID8fk/s1600/spring+and+baptism+041.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV129zy7c0IzhZpqCzaXAPcJy9kQlpzQMNxE4twAj6VbJj8-qLCtf0YKufyVuF22MuKV5BBMOtE47a-j4xnWGv3dPy55W8KFifC5Y8Tl5mRoTZ3YtZn8cs-SDOJ1T0wpXYDgnxLFGID8fk/s400/spring+and+baptism+041.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606335986320781810" border="0" /></a>So, my parent came to PA for the baptism of my 8 year old boy, Robbie. I took the week off from work and we played and shopped and went sightseeing and SHOPPED! We had a great time!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlw8r6ZCC6CiYWW3UwXmTbpdHT3wx-AYdhnZab7RDWQ9TjFTbXHKhfdQhbxGpiaaEc2kReDSJ5MenErCBKBTnzP_gqbarTp8NeWleftDKJ2cyvaRy1JELQIgyZ1gZHrJ87FqIjIB5fiVX/s1600/spring+and+baptism+120.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlw8r6ZCC6CiYWW3UwXmTbpdHT3wx-AYdhnZab7RDWQ9TjFTbXHKhfdQhbxGpiaaEc2kReDSJ5MenErCBKBTnzP_gqbarTp8NeWleftDKJ2cyvaRy1JELQIgyZ1gZHrJ87FqIjIB5fiVX/s400/spring+and+baptism+120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606337511886638962" border="0" /></a>These are my favorite guys at Valley Forge. Behind them are some of the cabins that were used during the Revolutionary War.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60z4CfAnQPwwedT20Eq9goVIleOSVBxpvFSpqtobh77rO0PjVV3xztpljO-dRKuCEeu4S11m-18LPy6u5-40kK2gSXba-t7Foi8wKt5LtKtC9zUPRUO2Vl0OSVJBnX2E_VGNRFzCGi-4U/s1600/spring+and+baptism+118.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60z4CfAnQPwwedT20Eq9goVIleOSVBxpvFSpqtobh77rO0PjVV3xztpljO-dRKuCEeu4S11m-18LPy6u5-40kK2gSXba-t7Foi8wKt5LtKtC9zUPRUO2Vl0OSVJBnX2E_VGNRFzCGi-4U/s400/spring+and+baptism+118.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606336566765007682" border="0" /></a>My daughter took advantage of this tree stump to strike the obligatory "Crane" pose from Karate Kid.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim_m4su3UN5-qnTMty7pQclrfAeo8eEDgGG54HYdgithfTmfp1u9B7FfN3q4goNx5DpU9AnBQ1IugmvNMxh2cZrpgwjw_CCkdpawBtNaAXZlaB75wwS0Fdo5V8OAAfMc2Yi6cHzjbkOOI/s1600/spring+and+baptism+071.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim_m4su3UN5-qnTMty7pQclrfAeo8eEDgGG54HYdgithfTmfp1u9B7FfN3q4goNx5DpU9AnBQ1IugmvNMxh2cZrpgwjw_CCkdpawBtNaAXZlaB75wwS0Fdo5V8OAAfMc2Yi6cHzjbkOOI/s400/spring+and+baptism+071.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606336567404908818" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the Liberty Bell<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aEHRV_kSHdN6MFWHf9xEnHV5_ogJG_WLEOuSF3GglNc_LgE4Ky8QVKCZepFvFcDPhuvsNxIqR0nUUviJiIWLO6FoURs4lH8Rxoi_wYzgUhdeTQn0YwN5xg-8p5TaZRHLqVPzDAku64Sg/s1600/spring+and+baptism+090.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aEHRV_kSHdN6MFWHf9xEnHV5_ogJG_WLEOuSF3GglNc_LgE4Ky8QVKCZepFvFcDPhuvsNxIqR0nUUviJiIWLO6FoURs4lH8Rxoi_wYzgUhdeTQn0YwN5xg-8p5TaZRHLqVPzDAku64Sg/s400/spring+and+baptism+090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606337505710549314" border="0" /></a>And this is inside Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZztM62AHovnqv-EgGC6rKFKwa6NEYQDmkDXiyQP-kNOY4Orz8SbZqY6qk1LWzD3EpsuK6cJD2rmJvNIjCT1dZZuowtfWmno4vfrAU_HhqUG4uWJIHo_YSvDFlrwRyLVvFdn2kTXFBfnW1/s1600/spring+and+baptism+089.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZztM62AHovnqv-EgGC6rKFKwa6NEYQDmkDXiyQP-kNOY4Orz8SbZqY6qk1LWzD3EpsuK6cJD2rmJvNIjCT1dZZuowtfWmno4vfrAU_HhqUG4uWJIHo_YSvDFlrwRyLVvFdn2kTXFBfnW1/s400/spring+and+baptism+089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606337502632029170" border="0" /></a>This is the original chair sat in by George Washington. Pretty cool!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsto9fp5dF9bgeoq7wcRfC5Rgw14fZ6TqaThtlcY2KqKm0X-uoHXugiCBp15zqwwR136ItgheJVEparU5uSmKYYp9ZNLPpFedpgrX9nYuqKXsarUAfLesoYv1pAp6pwUvWRc7XgMeBOIQt/s1600/spring+and+baptism+020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsto9fp5dF9bgeoq7wcRfC5Rgw14fZ6TqaThtlcY2KqKm0X-uoHXugiCBp15zqwwR136ItgheJVEparU5uSmKYYp9ZNLPpFedpgrX9nYuqKXsarUAfLesoYv1pAp6pwUvWRc7XgMeBOIQt/s400/spring+and+baptism+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606345618914724866" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So life is pretty much back to normal and I'm glad to be back to my routine. I'll be posting some pictures of the house and couple of the recipes I made over the last few weeks. Hope you like them!<br /></div><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-33076221089980340802011-04-21T21:47:00.003-04:002011-04-21T22:09:13.236-04:00Easy Easter Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrWKodgKmFc1UNTn3wtvwcpBcYMfDgFKYZO6NDQ_MqKeiesY-xIDzB7nMQ-8FmBGsSTWIUb1OOP-uFT1_Gpo5OP9aRGwYOAvqSsh7A-RBk2h1-2RBvn2TTnXpiVsLwcVf4WiyBxC_BlyZ/s1600/cupcakes2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrWKodgKmFc1UNTn3wtvwcpBcYMfDgFKYZO6NDQ_MqKeiesY-xIDzB7nMQ-8FmBGsSTWIUb1OOP-uFT1_Gpo5OP9aRGwYOAvqSsh7A-RBk2h1-2RBvn2TTnXpiVsLwcVf4WiyBxC_BlyZ/s400/cupcakes2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598219385434752322" border="0" /></a>Today is my son's birthday and I made him some cupcakes to take to school. I actually make the cupcakes from scratch and the buttercream! This is big for me. I'm usually a box mix and canned frosting girl, but I was feeling extra domestic. The cupcakes pictured above were made using a Wilton 1M star tip. Don't they look professional? Love it! On the cupcakes below, I put the frosting in a gallon size freezer bag and cut about an inch of the tip off. Not as fancy, but you can get more sprinkles on that way. I used Sweet-tarts jelly beans to top them off.<br /><br />I used the <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/09/the-best-chocolate-cake.html">Best Chocolate Cake recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe</a> and <a href="http://cookiesandcups.blogspot.com/2008/10/vanilla-buttercream.html">Vanilla Buttercream from Cookies and Cups</a>. If you haven't already, please check out these amazingly talented ladies!<br /><br />Have a wonderful Easter!<br /><br />P.S.-I'm still using my cell phone for a camera and it is killing me! Hope to have some extra money soon, but it's not looking good. Is anyone else having sticker shock at the pump, grocery store and with your electric bill?!?!?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGmhB9CExCuXxYar0Gq0EH7IioI37lL7aIDInuO-p5NMOpWAdLhZjjV_Jq-ibkdsO9A458t7rH37N-sQdbBEGRo9cSSSpmZ5Z4oV0pN9Ttc-NuKpLwWZfRtg6FLi6DIVxXgS-uSK7KR62/s1600/cupcakes.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGmhB9CExCuXxYar0Gq0EH7IioI37lL7aIDInuO-p5NMOpWAdLhZjjV_Jq-ibkdsO9A458t7rH37N-sQdbBEGRo9cSSSpmZ5Z4oV0pN9Ttc-NuKpLwWZfRtg6FLi6DIVxXgS-uSK7KR62/s400/cupcakes.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598219096064167954" border="0" /></a><br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-14543105227155812372011-04-14T21:57:00.001-04:002011-04-14T21:59:55.165-04:00Nutter Butter Easter Eggs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cp0LlWOqe_30s6YSd8rk4LBbRcz7Y-UQUw3YLazxl2OGE1y_pi1lNR5HDW0zQKCZmMnjJ9pdCdXuk1lph7_veyoTtavt4ken62v7dUYvohiPUBFrdxCqe4nBSOYYElEF_mP9Z-SiiDBE/s1600-h/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cp0LlWOqe_30s6YSd8rk4LBbRcz7Y-UQUw3YLazxl2OGE1y_pi1lNR5HDW0zQKCZmMnjJ9pdCdXuk1lph7_veyoTtavt4ken62v7dUYvohiPUBFrdxCqe4nBSOYYElEF_mP9Z-SiiDBE/s400/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323161044305436530" border="0" /></a>Here is a blast from the past, just in time for Easter!<br /><br />When I think of Easter candy, I think of peeps, jelly beans and the peanut butter egg. Mmmmmm....they are so yummy. I've been wanting to make peanut butter eggs for a long time now, so I decided that this would be the year. I recruited my 7 year old daughter and she had a great time helping.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjir6jKfxKCAA_i64yHF8jdtj50-xgd48b7Na0IfhyphenhypheneNPVe7U7ii-4ec5k5piizG70mtyMOzXuAUwVqI1G0D4AoiB9oQ8sNp1zkgE28zWglGboStp-Giku01qBerpp355gBpm_epLMRpJnR/s1600-h/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjir6jKfxKCAA_i64yHF8jdtj50-xgd48b7Na0IfhyphenhypheneNPVe7U7ii-4ec5k5piizG70mtyMOzXuAUwVqI1G0D4AoiB9oQ8sNp1zkgE28zWglGboStp-Giku01qBerpp355gBpm_epLMRpJnR/s400/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323161047892300002" border="0" /></a><br />I'm all about short cuts, so I made these using Nutter Butter cookies. I used the same recipe as the <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2009/02/oreo-truffles.html">Oreo Truffles</a>, but substituted Nutter Butters for the Oreos.<br /><br />After making the truffle mixture:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1HhaNOmSMpnWo5i5OF3X3oOqIHE5igVYy16FCYPXLIuEodqUpK7AzyE0FWntdTRHT_Vt7M7nUpAUrUClu31LJj_engxIK7DiUM0KUJQ1lVNFis7rXtMB2kiTtT1ZRa298ek4ktrhTCHT/s1600-h/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1HhaNOmSMpnWo5i5OF3X3oOqIHE5igVYy16FCYPXLIuEodqUpK7AzyE0FWntdTRHT_Vt7M7nUpAUrUClu31LJj_engxIK7DiUM0KUJQ1lVNFis7rXtMB2kiTtT1ZRa298ek4ktrhTCHT/s400/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323161026883836114" border="0" /></a><br />1. Roll them into small balls, flatten and shape into egg shape. Please don't look at my old, ugly cookie sheets! I'm so embarrassed.<br /><br />2. Place in freezer for about 30 minutes. I kept the eggs in the freezer and took one out at a time to dip.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PxPLpLkpbeBckNYmUYxC1NpTrUus8zcQ89UWYJELXCmjPH8JPD06-VGeKCLLJizGWXQxgmY5clYgbEib2VYm2-O5u3kFisP0PpfeE2c5BNU7O9gCBh0ixG9lA7gluDMlfZJ3ZKJkI_-e/s1600-h/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PxPLpLkpbeBckNYmUYxC1NpTrUus8zcQ89UWYJELXCmjPH8JPD06-VGeKCLLJizGWXQxgmY5clYgbEib2VYm2-O5u3kFisP0PpfeE2c5BNU7O9gCBh0ixG9lA7gluDMlfZJ3ZKJkI_-e/s400/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323181258274885794" border="0" /></a><br />3. Melt chocolate, dip peanut butter eggs and place on wax paper to dry.<br /><br />4. Decorate as desired with sprinkles, decorator frosting or drizzle with contrasting color of chocolate.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cXlaYXUpEoED1J6Kh8OWT-TDVxzWqdpfuaoFgW4mjrP5YxAn4sb9CWo3w6VjrYQiaV0nisbOZ90bvNlviuMLGYnAJmap1j_xcfgDLoFPdolyqJeothxzj9dQtU4qHlhv3T4ixxP3byzG/s1600-h/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cXlaYXUpEoED1J6Kh8OWT-TDVxzWqdpfuaoFgW4mjrP5YxAn4sb9CWo3w6VjrYQiaV0nisbOZ90bvNlviuMLGYnAJmap1j_xcfgDLoFPdolyqJeothxzj9dQtU4qHlhv3T4ixxP3byzG/s400/Peanut+Butter+Eggs+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323161043139159794" border="0" /></a>Yield: 36 eggs<br /><br />Happy Easter everyone!!!!!<br /><br />Be sure to go to <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">Cheat Day News and Reviews</a> to read my review on Weight Watchers Yogurt AND get a <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">$1.00 coupon</a> so you can try it out for yourself!<br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-57807788051854900142011-04-06T23:09:00.002-04:002011-04-06T23:16:25.600-04:00Healthy Breakfast with Weight Watchers Yogurt and Almonds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12tnlCGRZmeIlFGzaJWJ9snBvgjAp15FdzUfI5zpG5hDYNpb7XWy5TyMuMlFuvCLY5Shyphenhyphen2sMp8IiHP_X66Vs3qXFtTgCjddqQNWH-H3K_zWGHLa0uRfrqB4bqysjxojp14DEkhQDxd0Bs/s1600/yougurt.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12tnlCGRZmeIlFGzaJWJ9snBvgjAp15FdzUfI5zpG5hDYNpb7XWy5TyMuMlFuvCLY5Shyphenhyphen2sMp8IiHP_X66Vs3qXFtTgCjddqQNWH-H3K_zWGHLa0uRfrqB4bqysjxojp14DEkhQDxd0Bs/s400/yougurt.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592675124399429138" border="0" /></a><br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Over the weekend, my son found my nifty nut chopper and decided to chop up all of my favorite Cocoa Roast Almonds! So, what do you do when life gives you ground up almonds? Make it a topping for your favorite yogurt!<br /><br />Be sure to go to <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">Cheat Day News and Reviews</a> to read my review on Weight Watchers Yogurt AND get a <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">$1.00 coupon</a> so you can try it out for yourself!Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-41177365739280606072011-03-29T19:59:00.004-04:002011-03-29T23:22:53.816-04:00Grandma's Cocoa Oatmeal Cookies aka: Brown Bombers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W0LAeMhGkpurmKSPyRuaB8wyFEW0nfvprEVOJwX2a1lr4LfQqdFAuMonyRwyTKBAdwR_e7JfTA9xEF9hUMdjjd5Ve_OpYzVHzDCxDNmcoSbuUyBb916vkn_jQjL6-bY4JEpnoHVFBGGj/s1600/brown+bombers.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W0LAeMhGkpurmKSPyRuaB8wyFEW0nfvprEVOJwX2a1lr4LfQqdFAuMonyRwyTKBAdwR_e7JfTA9xEF9hUMdjjd5Ve_OpYzVHzDCxDNmcoSbuUyBb916vkn_jQjL6-bY4JEpnoHVFBGGj/s400/brown+bombers.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589656255364643746" border="0" /></a>My 7 year old son has been asking me for a couple weeks now to make his favorite cookies. I really didn't know what his favorite cookie was, so I asked. He surprised me when he said that he loved Grandma's (my mom's) Brown Bombers. That is the affectionately given nickname for her Cocoa Oatmeal Cookies. I grew up on these and for some reason don't make them very often!<br /><br />Well, I finally got around to making Brown Bombers for my son. When I asked him if they tasted like Grand mom's, he said very matter of factly: No.<br /><br />Darn! Well, you can't replace Grandma's cookies! They must add a secret Grandma ingredient that I don't know about yet! :)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cocoa Oatmeal Cookies aka: Brown Bombers</span></span><br /><br />1 1/4 c. flour<br />1/2 t. baking powder<br />1/2 t. salt<br />1/3 c. cocoa powder<br />1 1/4 c. sugar<br />1 egg beaten well<br />1/2 c. milk<br />1 1/2 t. vanilla<br />1/3 c. shortening - melted<br />1/3 c. butter - room temp<br />2 c. oatmeal (your preference)<br /><br />Sift together first 5 ingredients. Combine the egg, milk and vanilla and add cooled shortening and butter. Mix thoroughly with dry ingredients. Stir in rolled oatmeal. Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment paper or sprayed cookie sheets.<br /><br />Bake at 350 for 8 min.<br /><br />Be sure to go to <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">Cheat Day News and Reviews</a> to read my review on Weight Watchers Yogurt AND get a <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">$1.00 coupon</a> so you can try it out for yourself!<br /><br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-58684533562564535162011-03-27T18:53:00.004-04:002011-03-27T19:11:31.417-04:00Chicken Pot Pie Crumble<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-2gYh243dBwrBXuShMUIKOVss-PDF-s8TGsZXX-7xVQrAcV_7QdQzCF7kx_Bt5qU4bSHLjguRK3D4bIBAnxFdYJAc6EoOYsRYXpWOE40gcrmKCNXRJp4DGucwh-ocRQjXcBZa1TzNVnI/s1600/chicken+pot+pie+crumble.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-2gYh243dBwrBXuShMUIKOVss-PDF-s8TGsZXX-7xVQrAcV_7QdQzCF7kx_Bt5qU4bSHLjguRK3D4bIBAnxFdYJAc6EoOYsRYXpWOE40gcrmKCNXRJp4DGucwh-ocRQjXcBZa1TzNVnI/s400/chicken+pot+pie+crumble.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588896837252128626" border="0" /></a>Chicken Pot Pie isn't on the list for "Most Healthy", but it is one of those comforting meals that just call out to me. I found this variation that forgoes the pie crust. This recipe calls for a savory crumble that is spread on top. YUMMY! I doubled the recipe but only made one recipe of the crumble and there was more than enough for both casseroles. Try this out while there are a few cold days left of the season!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Pot Pie Crumble</span></span><br /><br />Adapted from <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2011/02/chicken-pot-pie-crumble.html">Mel's Kitchen Cafe</a><br /><br /><p>*Serves 6-8</p> <p><em>Chicken and Sauce:</em><br />1 ½ pounds chicken (about three medium-size chicken breasts)<br />2 cups low-sodium chicken broth<br />1 tablespoons olive oil<br />1 onion , chopped fine (about 1 cup)<br />½ teaspoon salt<br />½ teaspoon pepper<br />4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter<br />½ cup flour<br />1 cup milk<br />2 cups frozen peas and carrots<br /><em> </em></p><p><em>Crumble Topping:</em><br />2 cups all-purpose flour<br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br />3/4 teaspoon salt<br />½ teaspoon pepper<br />1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper<br />6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and chilled<br />3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese<br />1 cup heavy cream</p> <p>To prepare the chicken, place the chicken and broth in a large Dutch oven or pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook the chicken until it is just done (don’t overcook or it will dry out) – about 10-12 minutes. Alternately, if you are planning in advance, you can place the chicken and broth in a slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl. Pour the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a liquid measuring cup and reserve. Return the pot to the stovetop (no need to wash if you used it to cook the chicken).</p> <p>Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Sprinkle the chilled butter pieces over the top of the flour. Using a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add the cream and stir until just combined. Crumble the mixture into irregularly shaped pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the crumble topping until fragrant and starting to brown, about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. Set aside.</p> <p>For the filling, heat the olive oil in the now-empty pot over medium heat. Add onion, salt and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes. While the onions are cooking, shred the chicken into small bite-size pieces. Transfer the cooked onions to the bowl with the chicken; set aside.</p> <p>Over medium heat melt the butter in the empty pot. Stir in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the reserved chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes, taking care not to burn the bottom. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Remove from the heat and stir the chicken, onions, carrots and peas into the sauce.</p> <p>Pour the mixture into a 9×13 pan. Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the filling. Place the 9X13-inch pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees until the topping is well browned, about 15-20 minutes. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.</p>Be sure to go to <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">Cheat Day News and Reviews</a> to read my review on Weight Watchers Yogurt AND get a <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">$1.00 coupon</a> so you can try it out for yourself!<p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-63907256383705010562011-03-20T21:56:00.004-04:002011-03-20T22:09:38.177-04:00Dipping Spices with Olive Oil<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFsp1RsuvSDIRU_vdHJF-qrQbmIs8mhjQYZFmvZgEF_CZ9os5yyFsxURo7bdD-p3qnggiJPfRjoX35F0zfH7LTrv6SYb0kN7Kga7wdxKi5HKdWiMxKywHu42sSc0X5ze49B9kt_TL4Smn/s1600/carrabbas+oil.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFsp1RsuvSDIRU_vdHJF-qrQbmIs8mhjQYZFmvZgEF_CZ9os5yyFsxURo7bdD-p3qnggiJPfRjoX35F0zfH7LTrv6SYb0kN7Kga7wdxKi5HKdWiMxKywHu42sSc0X5ze49B9kt_TL4Smn/s400/carrabbas+oil.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586349587350628418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have got to try this great blend of spices and olive oil the next time you serve a special Italian meal. I'm hooked!<br /><br />Source: Food.com<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Dipping Spices</span></span><br /><ul class="clr"><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">tablespoon</span></span> <span class="name"> minced <a href="http://www.food.com/library/basil-317"> basil</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">tablespoon</span></span> <span class="name"> chopped <a href="http://www.food.com/library/parsley-171"> parsley</a> (Italian is best) </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">tablespoon</span></span> <span class="name"> minced <a href="http://www.food.com/library/garlic-165"> garlic</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/thyme-348"> dried thyme</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/oregano-334"> dried oregano</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/pepper-337"> ground black pepper</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/2</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/salt-359">kosher salt</a> or <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/2</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> ground <a href="http://www.food.com/library/salt-359"> sea salt</a> </span> </span> </span></li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/2</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> chopped <a href="http://www.food.com/library/rosemary-340"> rosemary</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/4</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/red-pepper-flakes-507"> crushed red pepper flakes</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/2</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/olive-oil-495"> olive oil</a> </span> </span> </li><li class="ingredient"> <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/8</span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span> <span class="name"> <a href="http://www.food.com/library/lemon-juice-55"> fresh lemon juice<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a></span></span></li></ul><div class="pod directions"><span class="instructions"><ol><li><em></em><span>Combine all of the ingredients, EXCEPT oil and lemon.</span></li><li><em></em><span>Put in a small food processor. Chop briefly until all ingredients are about the same.</span></li><li><em></em> <span>Stir in oil and lemon juice.</span></li><li><em></em><span>TO SERVE: Combine about 1 1/2 teaspoons spice blend to 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil on a small Dish.</span></li><li><em></em><span>Dip sliced bread in mixture.</span></li></ol> </span></div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">Be sure to go to <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">Cheat Day News and Reviews</a> to read my review on Weight Watchers Yogurt AND get a <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/weight-watchers-yogurt-review-and.html">$1.00 coupon</a> so you can try it out for yourself!<br /><br /></div><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-15713989623608337302011-03-13T21:35:00.006-04:002011-03-14T23:04:03.623-04:00My "go to" Chocolate Chip Cookies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPFwhDZIa2isv96S_hZ2ONvwenRHV0YKC1ZdNCqd_Jk8VZpq-krYMfsqeqqbqbGsG_aw3-1DiHNCa8B5bAy-rSSjRy-CIl0X65GjMk057ZrTSg2OM13mvEcEO8vCpmExA6AEPtR-uBz71/s1600/chewy.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPFwhDZIa2isv96S_hZ2ONvwenRHV0YKC1ZdNCqd_Jk8VZpq-krYMfsqeqqbqbGsG_aw3-1DiHNCa8B5bAy-rSSjRy-CIl0X65GjMk057ZrTSg2OM13mvEcEO8vCpmExA6AEPtR-uBz71/s400/chewy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583743350438217858" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Win a $55 gift code to spend at CSN Stores!</span> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheat-Day-Cafe/145080588890169">"Like" my Facebook page</a> to enter. That's it! Leave me a comment on my post at <a href="http://cheatdaynewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/55-csn-stores-giveaway.html">Cheat Day News and Reviews</a> telling me that you "liked" me on Facebook with your email address so I can reach you if you won. Giveaway ends 8 pm EST on March 16th.<br /><br />Oh man! These are wicked. These are perfect. They are wicked perfect and I'm not even from Boston! If you haven't been introduced to <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/the-chewy-recipe/index.html">"The Chewy" by Alton Brown</a>, it's time you gave this a try. I followed the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/the-chewy-recipe/index.html">recipe</a> exactly except I put 4 M&M's on top of the dough before I put them in the oven. I only put 6 cookies per cookie sheet and I cooked them for a total of about 7 minutes. The recipe called for 14 minutes! My oven cooks so hot. I would really watch that first batch to see how long it takes for them to get brown and crispy on the outside edges.<br /><br />Hope you like these as much a I did!<br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-9064044779193557972011-03-01T21:10:00.002-05:002011-03-01T22:24:35.817-05:00Best Chocolate Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5-VwFvWiGjDKvTdFpBNL1CErKfIpLT8-aWRUxQaceXgtdAXzjPhwOTXiXzU-HVJrSPOHRHWBNuYZGgC5YeTcqT4JVZJH-zHxnQ3_FQFpkVSlTAlfnBDv5anRcr4B7S0KA29wr8wvevr1/s1600/cake+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5-VwFvWiGjDKvTdFpBNL1CErKfIpLT8-aWRUxQaceXgtdAXzjPhwOTXiXzU-HVJrSPOHRHWBNuYZGgC5YeTcqT4JVZJH-zHxnQ3_FQFpkVSlTAlfnBDv5anRcr4B7S0KA29wr8wvevr1/s400/cake+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579312661322347778" border="0" /></a><br />I'm having a really bad start to my year when it comes to blogging!<br /><br />1. I am in a cooking funk! I have no desire to cook or try new recipes.<br /><br />2. My camera is broken and I am reduced to taking pictures with my cell phone.<br /><br />3. I'm trying to diet and I haven't had any earth shattering, delicious, healthy new recipes to share.<br /><br />4. I am a mom putting in a full day at work, going to the gym, getting the kids to scouts, karate, church activities etc... AND getting to the laundry, dishes, grocery shopping and maybe sleep.<br /><br />5. I'm on a diet and I'm in a really bad mood! {read: withdrawals}<br /><br />So since I'm on a diet, I'm going to post what? Why.....Chocolate Cake of course!<br /><br />I was given the assignment of making the cake for my in-law's 40th anniversary party. I found the recipe for the cake and frosting at <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/">Mel's Kitchen Cafe</a>. I love her blog.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOsd1Ij2I3LgQ5sXM5iVE03GsL0n53RcdKJ9UJRq8uuBhx0j8FpzpPEq0mEkzhLkaKhrEBtdXKwBw6YYUGOFP84gKfVLuQxGt72DQxVvWT8TU6OZ36LfZYrpVB6PpsL0dGKj5iejYo7PB/s1600/cake.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOsd1Ij2I3LgQ5sXM5iVE03GsL0n53RcdKJ9UJRq8uuBhx0j8FpzpPEq0mEkzhLkaKhrEBtdXKwBw6YYUGOFP84gKfVLuQxGt72DQxVvWT8TU6OZ36LfZYrpVB6PpsL0dGKj5iejYo7PB/s400/cake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579312656996136338" border="0" /></a><br />The cake was AMAZING! I never make cakes from scratch because I'm never all that impressed with them. But after tasting this chocolate cake, I'll never go back! It was perfect! You can find the recipe<a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/09/the-best-chocolate-cake.html"> here</a>.<br /><br />I was nervous about the frosting, but it turned out to be delicious. If you don't like overly sweet frosting, this one is for you. It is called <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/09/the-best-frosting-ever.html">Magical Frosting</a> and it is truly MAGICALLY DELICIOUS! Bonus: It comes in chocolate too! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5-VwFvWiGjDKvTdFpBNL1CErKfIpLT8-aWRUxQaceXgtdAXzjPhwOTXiXzU-HVJrSPOHRHWBNuYZGgC5YeTcqT4JVZJH-zHxnQ3_FQFpkVSlTAlfnBDv5anRcr4B7S0KA29wr8wvevr1/s1600/cake+2.JPG"><br /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I really am trying to get my cooking mojo back while I'm in this slump. Has this happened to you? Any suggestions on how to get out?<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOsd1Ij2I3LgQ5sXM5iVE03GsL0n53RcdKJ9UJRq8uuBhx0j8FpzpPEq0mEkzhLkaKhrEBtdXKwBw6YYUGOFP84gKfVLuQxGt72DQxVvWT8TU6OZ36LfZYrpVB6PpsL0dGKj5iejYo7PB/s1600/cake.JPG"><br /></a><br /><p><br /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-4309284491115491162011-02-09T14:41:00.006-05:002011-02-09T15:10:11.285-05:00Cheat-Worthy Mac and Cheese<p>My mother in law made this mac and cheese at Thanksgiving and I was in heaven! In fact, she put some aside for us to take home with turkey and all the other fix'ins so we could have a good "leftover" dinner. When we were ready to leave, I reminded my hubby to get the leftovers so we wouldn't forget them, and then we were off. We had a wonderful day!</p><p>I had to work the next day and ALL DAY I was looking forward to dinner and that MAC and CHEESE!</p><p>I got home and started taking the leftovers out of the fridge and I started to get irritated because I couldn't find the mac and cheese! I asked my husband if he ate it for lunch or something. He then told me that he left the mac and cheese in the fridge at his parents house because he didn't think it was ours to take. That's when I yelled, "WHAT?!?!?"</p><p>I was crushed. All that daydreaming and now I wouldn't get my mac and cheese.<br /></p><p>I then noticed that my husband was MIA. That very smart man that I married, drove 40 minutes, round trip, to bring me my mac and cheese. And that is one of the many reasons why I love him!</p><p>Anyway....I finally made myself this mac and cheese, but varied the recipe a bit. It is easy and really delicious!<br /></p><p>Sorry there are no photos! But this stuff moves quick!</p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheat-Worthy Mac and Cheese</span></span></p><p>12 oz elbow macaroni</p><p>8 Tablespoons butter</p><p>1 cup Muenster cheese</p><p>1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese</p><p>1 cup (8 oz) Velveeta, cut into small cubes</p><p>1 (12 oz) can of evaporated milk<br /></p><p>1/2 cup milk ( any kind will do)</p><p>2 large eggs</p><p>1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt</p><p>1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</p><p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2 quart casserole.</p><p>Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just tender, about 8-9 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain well and return to the cooking pot.</p><p>Melt butter in microwave and stir into the macaroni. In a large bowl, mix the Muenster and sharp Cheddar cheese. To the macaroni add the evaporated milk, regular milk, eggs, and shredded cheese and the cubed Velveeta. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared casserole. Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.</p><p>Bake until bubbling around edges, about 35 minutes.<br /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-6977989877184594632011-02-02T15:07:00.002-05:002011-02-02T15:10:48.352-05:00Football Cupcakes for Super Bowl!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fgk94JJgmGlgrbKaTc71daFzWAlDBaUJmVxsT2ndd9HrYZ1dPItrTsM9A-xtai73-EgXhVyZz1iS6J-flIq4IMqHUu7Dgp0S6GP8AGgSXueAT-dcr4y4UQDCf8Lhr5AG9dubg1qiLeC7/s1600-h/fair,+Robbies+birthday,+park+048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fgk94JJgmGlgrbKaTc71daFzWAlDBaUJmVxsT2ndd9HrYZ1dPItrTsM9A-xtai73-EgXhVyZz1iS6J-flIq4IMqHUu7Dgp0S6GP8AGgSXueAT-dcr4y4UQDCf8Lhr5AG9dubg1qiLeC7/s400/fair,+Robbies+birthday,+park+048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329705923444432562" border="0" /></a><br />I made these cupcakes for my son a couple years ago and thought it might be fun to make them again for a Super Bowl party! I just used a grass tip and store bought frosting. The football picks were from Wilton. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5bGfruh4-TVJ0RwBCRogyv8cNlgun7NIH3i1NFlCyXg5bL1IMhXMQ_tsf5EnSIvLeNZH6KnYMRDggXqPuZ8EASdWzbym6fy1fooL52K2836rmtk1oq5dnHczB5OBOg94ggkdZ3JUYCo_/s1600-h/fair,+Robbies+birthday,+park+045.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5bGfruh4-TVJ0RwBCRogyv8cNlgun7NIH3i1NFlCyXg5bL1IMhXMQ_tsf5EnSIvLeNZH6KnYMRDggXqPuZ8EASdWzbym6fy1fooL52K2836rmtk1oq5dnHczB5OBOg94ggkdZ3JUYCo_/s400/fair,+Robbies+birthday,+park+045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329705898317554370" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYPgbcDYnEhxUczbVmmNxPlMl6wGzJysxv-KbtGlCpkYdwcZ88cydyxvH-y0aPVy32qykLAuzWPqIsdANusyxr2eL9zeg3OZoZjB52ldJPuMlwevy8jM-yTm987L1FOm0OY6njBMO5gM8/s1600-h/fair,+Robbies+birthday,+park+047.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYPgbcDYnEhxUczbVmmNxPlMl6wGzJysxv-KbtGlCpkYdwcZ88cydyxvH-y0aPVy32qykLAuzWPqIsdANusyxr2eL9zeg3OZoZjB52ldJPuMlwevy8jM-yTm987L1FOm0OY6njBMO5gM8/s400/fair,+Robbies+birthday,+park+047.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329705920095080978" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqydQNtwYjBVaNZtxCmS9Ood5nC-LdXn5HD6tFN9ZQ3bx7tZnXc0HKtVcPSarU3zRWXf4iyeRwbERzBvJjYVKrHfZ9VsXiVJ5uuMvOpMB7TrszKiVqxZp9q4Nqq0LORARyIa1EK9Xmjyy/s1600-h/fair,+Robbies+birthday,+park+049.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqydQNtwYjBVaNZtxCmS9Ood5nC-LdXn5HD6tFN9ZQ3bx7tZnXc0HKtVcPSarU3zRWXf4iyeRwbERzBvJjYVKrHfZ9VsXiVJ5uuMvOpMB7TrszKiVqxZp9q4Nqq0LORARyIa1EK9Xmjyy/s400/fair,+Robbies+birthday,+park+049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329705926973481682" border="0" /></a><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-31078497683123658872011-01-25T22:23:00.002-05:002011-01-25T22:31:23.814-05:00Gingerbread Pop-Tarts Ice Cream Pie<p>I want to remind you of my <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-healthy-me-100-visa-gift-card.html">$100 Visa gift card giveaway</a> from Jimmy Dean D-Lights. It runs through 1/30/11, so click<a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-healthy-me-100-visa-gift-card.html"> here</a> for your chance to win!</p><p>This is a variation of my <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2009/12/incredibly-imprissive-ice-cream-pie.html">Ice Cream Pie</a> recipe that I made for the holidays. It was delicious! Who knew that Pop-Tarts could be so versatile!<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMcyZL597MrmvLFrfuAfD3B5g1ZvCgY0JZRAFIc7jAsIY2hhxmOftuqTcWGIjm6L5OAQOe3Uf1aHDXIKpa9JJih5a7_OrfeQxNJxCirb0VwZQ_8ah-QDyALNTmVcvCqcmggXU7pV4BSA/s1600/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMcyZL597MrmvLFrfuAfD3B5g1ZvCgY0JZRAFIc7jAsIY2hhxmOftuqTcWGIjm6L5OAQOe3Uf1aHDXIKpa9JJih5a7_OrfeQxNJxCirb0VwZQ_8ah-QDyALNTmVcvCqcmggXU7pV4BSA/s400/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545160446795426450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Gingerbread Pop-Tarts Ice Cream Pie (Makes 2 pies)</span><br /><p style="font-weight: bold;">What you will need:</p><p>(2) 8" Pie tins</p><p>8 Gingerbread <a href="http://moms.poptarts.com/">Pop-Tarts</a><br /></p><p>(2) 1/2 gallons of ice cream (I usually put chocolate on the bottom and a different flavor on top)</p><p>1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips</p><p>1 cup whipping cream (not whipped)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">To make crust:</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRrWCDyuBsjBAP7sCwzUxQgVnwiubsw0ruzFlJaYmPtezYHK2AeL3oDtc1ZUsOT8r5tDmmPJ6tEECOrWAvKLiGdcnS2vCa2sIDYkQOwUU2Pz9j1_Vol0aHYLqL8JYR5OLwIelpylG8YY/s1600/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRrWCDyuBsjBAP7sCwzUxQgVnwiubsw0ruzFlJaYmPtezYHK2AeL3oDtc1ZUsOT8r5tDmmPJ6tEECOrWAvKLiGdcnS2vCa2sIDYkQOwUU2Pz9j1_Vol0aHYLqL8JYR5OLwIelpylG8YY/s400/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545160378956427666" border="0" /></a><p>Put Gingerbread <a href="http://moms.poptarts.com/">Pop-Tarts</a> in a food processor and process the <a href="http://moms.poptarts.com/">Pop-Tarts</a> until they are very fine crumbs. Divide equally into (2) 8" pie tins and press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the tin. You can leave it like that or you can bake the crusts in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. This will make the crust more cookie-like. Like pie crusts cool completely before filling with ice cream.<br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;">To fill the pies:</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJplg-GySRcZnswTVrbhHQLD41JWIyBnIBYppXG6ZN15LfuGuHJMJw7KAd4YgmNchIYt8Y6FEvJ11hkFqs6p9iEkgxc5c8m7Os3UM6WkNq5Vrp-k474mnx17FDWYE6nB_SvpN52uzCTo/s1600/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJplg-GySRcZnswTVrbhHQLD41JWIyBnIBYppXG6ZN15LfuGuHJMJw7KAd4YgmNchIYt8Y6FEvJ11hkFqs6p9iEkgxc5c8m7Os3UM6WkNq5Vrp-k474mnx17FDWYE6nB_SvpN52uzCTo/s400/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545160411989376130" border="0" /></a><p>Spoon 1/2 the container of chocolate ice cream in each cooled pie crust. You might need to let the ice cream sit on the counter 5 minutes or so until it is soft before you scoop it into the crust. Put pies into the freezer to harden.</p><p>While pies are in the freezer make your chocolate sauce by putting your chocolate chips and whipping cream in a heavy sauce pan. Melt the chocolate until smooth and then let mixture cool to room temp.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SApdeVnktO0lQwuMVUhP-mgnAKcaW_S9xqN3xtr46PC28tCHeA8GHwT0rdxavn-SyuJXoUQOt136YBQuSK18bBQ0j7amscpSMX1xS6eb5IphuHYHS2mbd9Gl4LNthxcbT7CIRqLr4tU/s1600/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SApdeVnktO0lQwuMVUhP-mgnAKcaW_S9xqN3xtr46PC28tCHeA8GHwT0rdxavn-SyuJXoUQOt136YBQuSK18bBQ0j7amscpSMX1xS6eb5IphuHYHS2mbd9Gl4LNthxcbT7CIRqLr4tU/s400/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545160424693723874" border="0" /></a><p>Take pies out of the freezer and drizzle chocolate sauce over the 1st ice cream layer. Place back into the freezer to harden chocolate sauce.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Kr-kc2Cc_Har-MoA2MviEYuq5siVG5D0JnlVpx2b00Jyl8OqQJuAcBqReVRN2byDor9iiOVLTgJ_DVBocOmBKVrDG9S417FfnrcgvpAJfmU97KQ2D0pQvXTAFmK3VBmZ4fyh63MSnzo/s1600/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Kr-kc2Cc_Har-MoA2MviEYuq5siVG5D0JnlVpx2b00Jyl8OqQJuAcBqReVRN2byDor9iiOVLTgJ_DVBocOmBKVrDG9S417FfnrcgvpAJfmU97KQ2D0pQvXTAFmK3VBmZ4fyh63MSnzo/s400/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545160441589282098" border="0" /></a>When sauce is hardened, remove pies from freezer and spoon 2nd flavor of ice cream on top. I used a seasonal Gingersnap ice cream that was delicious! I like to mound the ice cream more in the center so that it is kind of "dome" like. Drizzle top with remaining chocolate sauce. Place in freezer to harden.<br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CPCC/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CPCC/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8F2iCJAeu1LGkC6bH53nJrPxCcBPucbKwis7RW-4z4B-0jgofh9mnbythvahuKvdx6O9N1tQ6-w4SKZQwhJQ5z4o4rDqTJrrHJFa9NJ1EVIh0jnYIAeAl4UpNnEwLLzxl2NxqlJJJ-c8/s1600/ice+cream+pie+010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8F2iCJAeu1LGkC6bH53nJrPxCcBPucbKwis7RW-4z4B-0jgofh9mnbythvahuKvdx6O9N1tQ6-w4SKZQwhJQ5z4o4rDqTJrrHJFa9NJ1EVIh0jnYIAeAl4UpNnEwLLzxl2NxqlJJJ-c8/s400/ice+cream+pie+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545165839383880194" border="0" /></a>When hardened you can put it in a large Ziplock freezer bag to store. Your second pie can keep really well in the freezer until you need it. (if it lasts that long)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMcyZL597MrmvLFrfuAfD3B5g1ZvCgY0JZRAFIc7jAsIY2hhxmOftuqTcWGIjm6L5OAQOe3Uf1aHDXIKpa9JJih5a7_OrfeQxNJxCirb0VwZQ_8ah-QDyALNTmVcvCqcmggXU7pV4BSA/s1600/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMcyZL597MrmvLFrfuAfD3B5g1ZvCgY0JZRAFIc7jAsIY2hhxmOftuqTcWGIjm6L5OAQOe3Uf1aHDXIKpa9JJih5a7_OrfeQxNJxCirb0VwZQ_8ah-QDyALNTmVcvCqcmggXU7pV4BSA/s400/Gingerbread+ice+cream+pie+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545160446795426450" border="0" /></a><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-82845573572831747342011-01-19T23:54:00.003-05:002011-01-20T00:01:43.044-05:00Chocolate Covered Caramel and Coconut Pretzel RodsI want to remind you of my <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-healthy-me-100-visa-gift-card.html">$100 Visa gift card giveaway</a> from Jimmy Dean D-Lights. It runs through 1/30/11, so click<a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-healthy-me-100-visa-gift-card.html"> here</a> for your chance to win!<p>I made this variation of my <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2009/06/chocolate-covered-caramel-pretzel-rods.html">Chocolate Covered Caramel Pretzel Rods</a> over the holidays. They were so good I thought I'd share! Maybe you could think about making some of these for your Valentine!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharsdsVEAbKxzYQxrRCMxnqxy3NeeSim5IBTiUUoCc1mamB5YNutpAoMXedVDZppdNXRj2x6IDH4FwJpHag3zoMe6x-gztduKIRLNHYMTkZ3d2U5TCChI0eNxKKOu15TqRvpNjuNlqrp4/s1600/Ghirardelli+007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharsdsVEAbKxzYQxrRCMxnqxy3NeeSim5IBTiUUoCc1mamB5YNutpAoMXedVDZppdNXRj2x6IDH4FwJpHag3zoMe6x-gztduKIRLNHYMTkZ3d2U5TCChI0eNxKKOu15TqRvpNjuNlqrp4/s400/Ghirardelli+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532932488640592162" border="0" /></a>Here is how I made them:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Chocolate Covered Caramel and Coconut Pretzel Rods</span><br /><br />Things to get:<br />Pretzel rods<br />Sweetened coconut<br />Chocolate Chips (whatever kind you like. I used 60% cocoa.)<br />White Chocolate Chips (optional)<br />Caramel ingredients (You can make your own using the recipe below or melt pre-wrapped caramels for convenience.)<br /><br />1. Make a batch of caramel or melt your pre-wrapped caramels over low heat.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Homemade Caramel</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">1c. Karo syrup<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">1c. Brown sugar<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">1c. White sugar<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">1 stick of butter<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">1 can sweetened condensed milk<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Put first 5 ingredients in a large sauce pan over medium heat and stir until melted and combined. Bring to a boil and stir for five minutes. Be careful to keep stirring so that it doesn't start to burn on the bottom of the pan. Take caramel off the burner after 5 minutes.</span><br /><br />2. Put the hot caramel in a deep container. I used my Pyrex 4 cup measuring cup.<br /><br />3. Prepare a couple cookie sheets lined with buttered wax paper.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6AhnPeLFj_7HONT_yUTBJJGJHzY43yX9MPlM7VU9u8xfh9nFi81V6gJp7thnz6mYvFopULNg_4kr2H0r163C8M-qEnQaBCD4p6mGAHmZeEwiNhED5oDtiuze1vUTH6gLEO41LQXNgOA/s1600/November+CDC+007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6AhnPeLFj_7HONT_yUTBJJGJHzY43yX9MPlM7VU9u8xfh9nFi81V6gJp7thnz6mYvFopULNg_4kr2H0r163C8M-qEnQaBCD4p6mGAHmZeEwiNhED5oDtiuze1vUTH6gLEO41LQXNgOA/s400/November+CDC+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531725048119865906" border="0" /></a>4. Dip pretzel rod in caramel, about 3/4 of the way and let it drip off any excess caramel. Then lay the rod on the cookie sheet.<br /><br />5. Repeat with remaining pretzels.<br /><br />6. Put cookie sheets in the fridge to help set up caramel.<br /><br />7. Once caramel is set, lift up each pretzel rod off the wax paper and mold caramel around the rod since it will puddle on the sides as it cools.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VG5aK6wvyyObRStO6aEFqA08dAQFO03vJgBCVhlcnQzboPXaGAl43q3121Q_vY4CykGGIq2C4J68G2HZ2v9QUf5Z5JuOXHFJPDG0MEFSjNv8V3hkfdHJtPa_h2y2uANDD-GuBgVs-Rg/s1600/November+CDC+009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VG5aK6wvyyObRStO6aEFqA08dAQFO03vJgBCVhlcnQzboPXaGAl43q3121Q_vY4CykGGIq2C4J68G2HZ2v9QUf5Z5JuOXHFJPDG0MEFSjNv8V3hkfdHJtPa_h2y2uANDD-GuBgVs-Rg/s400/November+CDC+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531717472579376274" border="0" /></a>8. Roll caramel covered pretzel roll in shredded coconut and gently press coconut into the caramel.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oEfpWKSLzaucfOjAulrfzMFL0hge-7dA0dzTGz0WO7e3g1GfOEgIQzQFkwNKcCO2tYzSsoNW0gLeyLJPhB3NZ7K8oGVogMRq8iwj37nUYt_CciQCkSl6v13P8ub-GxfgLTJm4EmD3Os/s1600/November+CDC+010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oEfpWKSLzaucfOjAulrfzMFL0hge-7dA0dzTGz0WO7e3g1GfOEgIQzQFkwNKcCO2tYzSsoNW0gLeyLJPhB3NZ7K8oGVogMRq8iwj37nUYt_CciQCkSl6v13P8ub-GxfgLTJm4EmD3Os/s400/November+CDC+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531717474527441890" border="0" /></a>9. Prepare the cookie sheets again with new pieces of wax paper. No butter required for this step.<br /><br />10. Melt chocolate in the microwave or double boiler and place melted chocolate in a deep container like a tall cup. Dip caramel and coconut covered pretzel rods in melted chocolate. At this point, you can also roll the rods in chopped and toasted almonds or pecans.<br /><br />11. Place chocolate covered pretzel rods on cookie sheets and place in fridge to set up for at least 15 minutes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsVAhxBYy2VgBw_PNoLWgKKipU0keUVBypac5uKa0eQGAf3t1oGn0wWKQs7rljG7XxBbgbRU9xNg41Oh2Lor8UVCUBKAHoWCImybLYZKrTzaVH2HikXuXxKxIe_1OIo0I9Uat2ST3pmM/s1600/Ghirardelli+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsVAhxBYy2VgBw_PNoLWgKKipU0keUVBypac5uKa0eQGAf3t1oGn0wWKQs7rljG7XxBbgbRU9xNg41Oh2Lor8UVCUBKAHoWCImybLYZKrTzaVH2HikXuXxKxIe_1OIo0I9Uat2ST3pmM/s400/Ghirardelli+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532932453812016578" border="0" /></a>12. In a zip lock baggie, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave 20 seconds at a time. When completely melted, cut a tiny hole in the corner and drizzle the chocolate on the rods.<br /><br />13. Place back into the fridge to set up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoLskbvh-IQzydpXZqXKZynfQmrdZk7kB9vQObGFgW3qDq6hCRtOPcsdyHcZwF-pWCkAF-56HYqhvG7wNxwAOUm0XptuttgTZohuiPio2Zk2LwLmW647yT905OB_Muj0hklTp0toc5aI/s1600/Ghirardelli+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoLskbvh-IQzydpXZqXKZynfQmrdZk7kB9vQObGFgW3qDq6hCRtOPcsdyHcZwF-pWCkAF-56HYqhvG7wNxwAOUm0XptuttgTZohuiPio2Zk2LwLmW647yT905OB_Muj0hklTp0toc5aI/s400/Ghirardelli+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532932461190512786" border="0" /></a><br />Aren't they pretty?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZF4esf6kj_n0UviYAZRmp7tJW39mtRGE1urNrzhK0qPbc2vMVEJvu1pFpeVV5-cmdnrcT1oAr9OvYRUMecKcVcXzIjkEHjb6UL8wxwbp6LYyMpnryWVKPSm4kMusFRnATMZv7vsL6W6o/s1600/Ghirardelli+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZF4esf6kj_n0UviYAZRmp7tJW39mtRGE1urNrzhK0qPbc2vMVEJvu1pFpeVV5-cmdnrcT1oAr9OvYRUMecKcVcXzIjkEHjb6UL8wxwbp6LYyMpnryWVKPSm4kMusFRnATMZv7vsL6W6o/s400/Ghirardelli+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532933161494209186" border="0" /></a><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-50168356536820048322011-01-15T16:09:00.006-05:002011-01-16T20:48:42.339-05:00Remember: Enter to win $100 Visa gift Card!<p>It has been really hard for me to get in the cooking mood. I have been watching my diet and that makes me want to spend less time in the kitchen making blog worthy food!</p><p>So, until I get my act together and post a new recipe, I want to remind you of my <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-healthy-me-100-visa-gift-card.html">$100 Visa gift card giveaway</a> from Jimmy Dean D-Lights. It runs through 1/30/11, so click<a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-healthy-me-100-visa-gift-card.html"> here</a> for your chance to win!<img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470856910054373905.post-36898932580915970102011-01-04T07:10:00.002-05:002011-01-04T07:27:04.111-05:00Antipasti Kabobs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt8Ls92BNSF7VTvPFpjCvqwxVLWQVE6SSrvgIn-r7DiKjD4Ce_4QIm-ezTnOuO-p6JUbGO2WbUWbaQuNMuXbG6Z_ingTaqz2bsPaeGZRt5t4aX449p8RCzV6qVQ0gvx8MR5l7Ta10YKKh/s1600/antipasti+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt8Ls92BNSF7VTvPFpjCvqwxVLWQVE6SSrvgIn-r7DiKjD4Ce_4QIm-ezTnOuO-p6JUbGO2WbUWbaQuNMuXbG6Z_ingTaqz2bsPaeGZRt5t4aX449p8RCzV6qVQ0gvx8MR5l7Ta10YKKh/s400/antipasti+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558302307591801938" border="0" /></a>Let's start the New year off right! Enter my <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-healthy-me-100-visa-gift-card.html">giveaway</a> for a $100 Visa Gift Card by letting me know what healthy choices you are going to make in 2011! Click <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-healthy-me-100-visa-gift-card.html">here</a> to read my health resolutions and to enter the <a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-year-healthy-me-100-visa-gift-card.html">giveaway</a>.<br /><br />Let me just say that these little appetizers were the hit of the holiday season. My family, young and old, LOVED them. I loved them because they were so easy to make.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj9izNBPJbXgGya3shTGIUM8D6SAOhHvHCZw662aLovkwY6HikW94lHBEXxcYwHmxdB11YZII-zKV9g1uc5jMduP7gfu2wKVr7ClCx-qqAAXOlhNDRpR5WZBYiunX-0UmIdCRgtXBRj0P/s1600/antipasti+004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj9izNBPJbXgGya3shTGIUM8D6SAOhHvHCZw662aLovkwY6HikW94lHBEXxcYwHmxdB11YZII-zKV9g1uc5jMduP7gfu2wKVr7ClCx-qqAAXOlhNDRpR5WZBYiunX-0UmIdCRgtXBRj0P/s400/antipasti+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558302302098744626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Antipasti Kabobs</span></span><br />Adapted from Paula Deen<br /><br />1 bottle Italian dressing<br />1 (6 oz) can whole pitted black olives<br />36 whole pimento stuffed green olives<br />1 pound hard salami, sliced or cut into cubes<br />1 (8 oz) package tri-color cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled<br />36 wooden skewers<br /><br />Place olives, salami and cooked tortellini in a plastic resealable bag. Add Italian dressing, seal bag and place in fridge for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. When ready, skewer olives, salami and tortellini and place on decorative plate. Enjoy!<br /><br />*Note: You can also add cubes of mozzarella cheese to the mixture. Yum!<br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/ShabbyBlogs/MelodySignature.jpg" /></p>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00326517148979974537noreply@blogger.com3