tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10214888882961763132024-02-07T17:26:53.330-08:00Erin MaryErin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-44192934909537594452017-07-25T14:06:00.000-07:002017-07-25T14:06:31.068-07:00Remy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJc7NWkwJnP2tYxeO8urZd3Fm2pJUjPM5qlJNvj2HMmXRPd6bkUoa-g84EB36YtcLfZy4R2ik4HgnSWm6N-Dg46Xm1-ipVMV-HNPooIeadPY43iLfS4D-m6gkUQ89fVYxMbsQb8i-4rGJ/s1600/window+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJc7NWkwJnP2tYxeO8urZd3Fm2pJUjPM5qlJNvj2HMmXRPd6bkUoa-g84EB36YtcLfZy4R2ik4HgnSWm6N-Dg46Xm1-ipVMV-HNPooIeadPY43iLfS4D-m6gkUQ89fVYxMbsQb8i-4rGJ/s1600/window+view.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The cutest pup that ever was</span></i></div>
<br />
I am an avoider. Spell-check is telling me this is not a word, but it is. Mostly, I try to evade conflict, which has proved to be both a positive and negative character trait for me. My family and friends will tell you that I tend to look for ways to steer clear of altercations and keep the peace (coincidentally, my name means peace) alternatively though, I sometimes avoid situations that need to be addressed, so as not to cause trouble or worry.<br />
<br />
I also loved our dog...a <span style="font-size: large;">lot</span>. And because I am an avoider, I have not yet truly dealt with that fact that we had to say goodbye to him last week because of a degenerative spinal issue that caused him to lose the use of his back legs. I've spoken the words only to a few people, because it feels too real to say it out loud, and because I have never had a loss just like this one, he was my first pup. As a result, I am not sure if my reaction is typical; I guess you can say I am a little self-conscious of the magnitude that this loss has had on me. <br />
<br />
From the beginning, 11 1/2 years ago, Jason and I said we were not going to treat our dog like a human. We were not trying to judge those who treated their pets as children, but it wasn't how we were going to go about it. And for the most part...we didn't?<br />
<br />
Here are the arguments for our case:<br />
<br />
<b>1.</b> When speaking to Remy we didn't refer to ourselves as "Mom" and "Dad". It was "Jason" and "Erin". For example, I might say: "Remy, do you want to go for a walk with Jason and I?", and with a tilt of the head, he would answer. He would never, ever turn down a walk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T47HZxYtZcA0ziiYqFik035SleVDBLFRFJJ66YujI_RwMWjawGeu69wWjuEeTMMjwCPiJnxKxaawfbgxv0N8kfWT25EKZXeoJ-hvUPcWooUc3AvtX2jxqbvvc93-Vw4tVSCE22GFQID6/s1600/all+time+favorite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1570" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T47HZxYtZcA0ziiYqFik035SleVDBLFRFJJ66YujI_RwMWjawGeu69wWjuEeTMMjwCPiJnxKxaawfbgxv0N8kfWT25EKZXeoJ-hvUPcWooUc3AvtX2jxqbvvc93-Vw4tVSCE22GFQID6/s320/all+time+favorite.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>2.</b> Remy was allowed on couches, but was not allowed to sleep on beds. Unless Jason was not home, then he was allowed to sleep on beds. He had manners though, he would always ask before jumping up by resting his chin on the couch until you told him OK.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyAO94wGxFX_g1Hp14-GhxW1dopiDR1kqGvT193Wd5uTFTTVN8izcgOHd97NHNTV4x_UrLjqFBOQmvOPDpA2gAYPN38clyvcroU862EYqDenGKvq3onSZyj04RhLNZj4FbgQsbPH94EFE/s1600/couch+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="1600" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyAO94wGxFX_g1Hp14-GhxW1dopiDR1kqGvT193Wd5uTFTTVN8izcgOHd97NHNTV4x_UrLjqFBOQmvOPDpA2gAYPN38clyvcroU862EYqDenGKvq3onSZyj04RhLNZj4FbgQsbPH94EFE/s640/couch+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uQMfI7mN8O0vOIEBoeWNGIgO8jWWDrhPTJBzjOQNQpfGO6RXpO_iUhEbmQVxFMm6_U0OOQ6IU7Zi9-ldgI99f791i1Ol3V_K0s2rC0UF8mXfR0n9ubq8IOiDDzcoU9fwKsJh9Ompu3XS/s1600/couch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="985" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uQMfI7mN8O0vOIEBoeWNGIgO8jWWDrhPTJBzjOQNQpfGO6RXpO_iUhEbmQVxFMm6_U0OOQ6IU7Zi9-ldgI99f791i1Ol3V_K0s2rC0UF8mXfR0n9ubq8IOiDDzcoU9fwKsJh9Ompu3XS/s200/couch3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>Isn't that just the sweetest? We didn't teach him that.</i></div>
<br />
<b>3.</b> And it's not like we took him <i>everywhere </i>we went. We did though, take him whenever we could. Whether it was to a mountain vacation, a sports game, a day by the pool or his all-time favorite spot, Moore State park. We wouldn't dare have gone there without him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJOa9HQ4B5vVezcmDLzPClAMbSUaquCalTKHOLKkGlaekj-NXzG1pE7jGdikj5vkNOB8dqtD1AqYCPtcsam4tcB-jne_zH2mCERTHhmJoq6BU0HjwwFUHS4fhlM90w08F7EaEXGd8XjHN/s640/moore+collage.jpg" width="640" /><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: black;">Remy's many adventures at Moore, including his first time sledding. </span></span></i></div>
<br />
<b>4. </b>We knew that since he wasn't a human, it would have been silly to teach him how to read.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKOPeJ0wtKBVLcRQcKsHMVgBWn2QYcjw4EkIdQ_DgeIBA5bP7GcXC60JstCBnv2o1-boE5WA1P4ukKQERdGP5d0RZ3Yoacwq2YHmqKhocTBpGboXwJBnFU7DBhI6fyP-zTLIQPxyqdxoX/s1600/reading+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKOPeJ0wtKBVLcRQcKsHMVgBWn2QYcjw4EkIdQ_DgeIBA5bP7GcXC60JstCBnv2o1-boE5WA1P4ukKQERdGP5d0RZ3Yoacwq2YHmqKhocTBpGboXwJBnFU7DBhI6fyP-zTLIQPxyqdxoX/s640/reading+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Or talk on the phone.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OELj0vuqnZ8nZ6_fH78lOZWmRjY3KPjCvAiDqZZwV6u7Rp2Jcx1SglCJikxg5fZXmC1Z9FsHq-LaWp7_U7x_jP3pKpMSh6j8BeVmMFDJbHRU7RtUEzEl0Uq66uPid9Qa52yo7A1cdeUp/s1600/landond+giving+remy+phone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1393" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OELj0vuqnZ8nZ6_fH78lOZWmRjY3KPjCvAiDqZZwV6u7Rp2Jcx1SglCJikxg5fZXmC1Z9FsHq-LaWp7_U7x_jP3pKpMSh6j8BeVmMFDJbHRU7RtUEzEl0Uq66uPid9Qa52yo7A1cdeUp/s320/landond+giving+remy+phone1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
We know dogs don't need glasses...<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys-LkRp6jXIFdddVx7WzSZ0xRgMM441x6VSjSt9h8qB0-VcOI3Vd4Qoj3SFsMOj2vLQeNsWf5cRX4Wxlj5orl2CMjCKginO-T57VjPOFgb0rJhptl-gjN_q3ODK28Zd_8u7vYf9Dj05eI/s1600/glasses1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys-LkRp6jXIFdddVx7WzSZ0xRgMM441x6VSjSt9h8qB0-VcOI3Vd4Qoj3SFsMOj2vLQeNsWf5cRX4Wxlj5orl2CMjCKginO-T57VjPOFgb0rJhptl-gjN_q3ODK28Zd_8u7vYf9Dj05eI/s1600/glasses1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And we didn't make him ride in a booster seat that time, he wanted to...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgLamRyMwLV4Hmspf4_hN_J2aS4Csumdh-m_xF4liF9j3d5folLYdfGmKugUxdCi9jlmQuIOYjQVoKvQwwBRTSk5ArTIGJEDHV5x-40UKuZmXrpI5fuE6S7L-0dxAWKwhyphenhyphenzizOk06XHnV/s1600/booster+seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgLamRyMwLV4Hmspf4_hN_J2aS4Csumdh-m_xF4liF9j3d5folLYdfGmKugUxdCi9jlmQuIOYjQVoKvQwwBRTSk5ArTIGJEDHV5x-40UKuZmXrpI5fuE6S7L-0dxAWKwhyphenhyphenzizOk06XHnV/s1600/booster+seat.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>5.</b> He was as much Mitchell and Landon's dog as he was ours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcma3itpbR5LM2Ha0r5-xB4vW1NSY96MNNjDLCclrjl5-OdO6gCsTTd1qUWgWy8ltYR2OYutDQVNMsuzoJTQiIg4ojVBHFfh0i89NdM7vitJAfBQG3NRZcCmXWWSbRNCCUwxkjc3hamvY/s1600/boys+and+remy+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1600" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcma3itpbR5LM2Ha0r5-xB4vW1NSY96MNNjDLCclrjl5-OdO6gCsTTd1qUWgWy8ltYR2OYutDQVNMsuzoJTQiIg4ojVBHFfh0i89NdM7vitJAfBQG3NRZcCmXWWSbRNCCUwxkjc3hamvY/s640/boys+and+remy+collage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>The bottom left picture is of the boys on the first day of school. Doesn't Remy look so proud?! The walk to the bus stop was one of his favorite parts of the day, he would have gotten on that bus if we let him.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeANt-rxo9McKdXWC_DXEtC1noH3JukK3ZL6hdZG7YLgSRXCDcQ9yAn7lkUB26RO69CJ_W-wkO5gVMaLQvbfY18vJaYhr9AvPGNGl20SQoBrONLs-ECBIHIXg38M8jhZ4UJB_hUJUzjNmr/s1600/school+bus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="718" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeANt-rxo9McKdXWC_DXEtC1noH3JukK3ZL6hdZG7YLgSRXCDcQ9yAn7lkUB26RO69CJ_W-wkO5gVMaLQvbfY18vJaYhr9AvPGNGl20SQoBrONLs-ECBIHIXg38M8jhZ4UJB_hUJUzjNmr/s320/school+bus1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>6.</b> I set out to convince <strike>you</strike> myself that we weren't treating Remy like a person. What I now realize is that I shouldn't worry so much- we treated him like family. And he was unequivocally a part of our family. He was with us everyday, knew our rhythms, sensed our emotions, loved us as much as we loved him, and it's just a really big loss for us.<br />
I am coming to terms with the fact that he is not with us anymore, the pictures and stories have been therapeutic. I am going to continue to let myself grieve without worrying how long it takes, or if I am crying more than one should for the loss of a dog. I will know a little better what it feels like when others lose a beloved pet, and hopefully I will have a comforting word. Lastly, since I am no longer avoiding the fact that we had to say goodbye, I can now say that I will always, always remember his sweet, loyal, adventure-seeking, cat-chasing, fun-loving, happy-go-lucky self and what a special member of our family he was. 💗 <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiBCxSF5r6HYtRcGE6oOuYRpeWVZgSMCV350H5OLTrnkt1uAkpyk6Qhw81Sgku7UsKqyG7fhXrTFXfFDmfkUU4jS5ZzcTbpQOw-9kGzlHfkAWeNhhmeYwSXfXOI0wTRIUtOx37BN7PMqq/s1600/family+dog+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiBCxSF5r6HYtRcGE6oOuYRpeWVZgSMCV350H5OLTrnkt1uAkpyk6Qhw81Sgku7UsKqyG7fhXrTFXfFDmfkUU4jS5ZzcTbpQOw-9kGzlHfkAWeNhhmeYwSXfXOI0wTRIUtOx37BN7PMqq/s640/family+dog+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-11467542629428161992015-12-30T07:30:00.000-08:002016-11-24T04:17:52.858-08:00Wishing You and Yours a Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometime in November Jason said, "We ought to order our Christmas cards soon". The procrastinator inside of me laughed. But I politely said that oh yes, soon enough I would be getting to the Christmas cards. And then the weeks kept passing and it was mid-December and I kept thinking that I really *should* order those cards, but the timing never truly worked out (that's the nice way to say that I just didn't get it done).</div>
<br />
Then December came and Christmas was two weeks away, so I spent one Saturday morning working on them. It honestly took <em>all</em> morning to edit pictures, choose a card, work on a layout, etc. When I got to checkout I was given the option of having my card looked over by a professional from the company; someone could proofread my card and look for any errors. I laughed yet again. I'm a language teacher, after all. I once was the advisor for a school newspaper where I was the editor-in-chief. I certainly didn't need someone to edit my Christmas card for me. <br />
<br />
I was ready to order, but when I went to the final stage of checkout, I saw that my cards would arrive sometime between December 21st and December 24th. I didn't have time for that! So I (quickly) made another card at a store that had one hour pick-up. Perfection. <br />
It was all coming together, even though I didn't order them in November <span style="font-size: x-large;">or</span> have them proof read by a professional. I was in the Christmas spirit for sure.<br />
<br />
Then I picked up my cards a few hours later. I gave them a nod of approval, I was feeling pretty spiffy. Until I looked a <span style="font-size: x-small;">little</span> closer and realized that I had just wished everyone a <strong>Merry Chritmas</strong>. I spelled "Christmas" wrong - of ALL the words! I guess I shouldn't have scoffed at the idea of having them proofread.<br />
I thought maybe I would send them anyway, hoping no one would notice. Or I could fix them up, I've got paper and glue sticks galore. But I didn't do either- I'm still the <strike>proud</strike> humble owner of 80 misspelled Christmas cards.<br />
<br />
All of this to say.... <br />
<br />
We are certainly thinking of our friends and family this Christmas season, even though our card didn't reach you. We hold you close to our hearts, especially those who have had a year of heartache. We pray for peace for those who are hurting, and joy to fill your hearts in 2016. <br />
Much love to all of you whom we hold dear.<br />
XOXO Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Tq6nFqqTIvfru2_0IfEKMF1yojUr9wxZxjyBtogEFNRg6NUD6rZWREarUBB2S6OlAZrVFof9Q2NNfEBRBQyIaf5OjIJ-hT27dJCbzmi19J-WFIqFESrFb7hVfZRJZJbadbFWhpld1saU/s1600/brush+stroke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Tq6nFqqTIvfru2_0IfEKMF1yojUr9wxZxjyBtogEFNRg6NUD6rZWREarUBB2S6OlAZrVFof9Q2NNfEBRBQyIaf5OjIJ-hT27dJCbzmi19J-WFIqFESrFb7hVfZRJZJbadbFWhpld1saU/s200/brush+stroke.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXIInl_CsnIm9nAMoNYrP_ZN5DKYzCBGPPmvs2LfnjXGBrTd3Buu1gUVif5K2vJKq9AdTsOwdFJ2wRqgnK4AtPeOkA8WZ8ezmQNlLV-AZ_9V2SHhqKZqhEUjHrxDIFW_pxqO3jWal-5k2/s1600/rem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXIInl_CsnIm9nAMoNYrP_ZN5DKYzCBGPPmvs2LfnjXGBrTd3Buu1gUVif5K2vJKq9AdTsOwdFJ2wRqgnK4AtPeOkA8WZ8ezmQNlLV-AZ_9V2SHhqKZqhEUjHrxDIFW_pxqO3jWal-5k2/s200/rem.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HSJsSja-K3c_jNPQ8j1xaiOgdWACgKvRnfHFXtsCVaCqjv0Pr6ZC9qy_EZjRNdrRqmOLr8rMG6eTyDGWMwagJYcEJdzmFjTDL5ONgMriXY3R3gjBgKbzj-LaaVS58a4Bn81NO0yn5Utm/s320/line.jpg" width="280" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkv1hjf_ExRrxBxrg5Bm-jcRc9wwHpkQrySzAYKIOMEELp7TOCILZpftWQmeUUAgTwmtOkwu4vpWmyc_aL7Q1aVq_E2WflLzUnLLBeKAHBVf4hr0HYu7-DRyIBGYVIx9NKOFsH9qqlEDv/s1600/laugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkv1hjf_ExRrxBxrg5Bm-jcRc9wwHpkQrySzAYKIOMEELp7TOCILZpftWQmeUUAgTwmtOkwu4vpWmyc_aL7Q1aVq_E2WflLzUnLLBeKAHBVf4hr0HYu7-DRyIBGYVIx9NKOFsH9qqlEDv/s640/laugh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-81898840091413446422015-01-04T08:42:00.000-08:002015-01-04T08:42:17.264-08:00Treetop Friends Nursery DecorA recent visit from my cutie pie niece inspired me to post some art I made for her nursery when she was born (she's one now, I procrastinate :).<br />
<br />
My brother and sister-in-law had registered for some Skip Hop items that were part of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Treetop-Friends-Mobile/dp/B0087UUKHI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1420342500&sr=8-7&keywords=treetop+friends">Treetop Friends</a> line. Everything was so sweet! We chose to buy the mobile like the one pictured below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIbgR-yQXpq8OgFXNPbGkIqhCfqnuCAaxgVLH6hXAWXaAPtKZXw_FTi-MzkURU9GeSoeg1jVe9mOTeSvSDK8NffypJK-47O-Q142s6BmpeBgdh-2hnb807Vn45zfr13SXgpCSVZ6zUlPh/s1600/SH_TTFMobile_lifestyle(hi).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIbgR-yQXpq8OgFXNPbGkIqhCfqnuCAaxgVLH6hXAWXaAPtKZXw_FTi-MzkURU9GeSoeg1jVe9mOTeSvSDK8NffypJK-47O-Q142s6BmpeBgdh-2hnb807Vn45zfr13SXgpCSVZ6zUlPh/s1600/SH_TTFMobile_lifestyle(hi).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>www.skiphop.com</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Seeing these cute little critters gave me the inspiration to paint a few canvases to go along with the theme:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5_h4ZRGptRWdhgLGxLiTvI4Oo91Zw-lfUZYTqyHIP7wORUlJWuRHF9GwbA6L8F5GUjCDo470aVClKt803Rr5kCAwu80ths3Kz6RjjnwNkB2c2q7hdOXHuO0NxZT_DTjCAKY2ueS0h3iP/s1600/DSC07299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5_h4ZRGptRWdhgLGxLiTvI4Oo91Zw-lfUZYTqyHIP7wORUlJWuRHF9GwbA6L8F5GUjCDo470aVClKt803Rr5kCAwu80ths3Kz6RjjnwNkB2c2q7hdOXHuO0NxZT_DTjCAKY2ueS0h3iP/s1600/DSC07299.JPG" height="146" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yvYdQP9JEI7Z4oVU5U6uw7xnWdpbq9kC9kgzfJzHiDe1RhKwSb-qx8AUk6LO3KltU-9ZrDtbKxIHirUzASye3KZzdGxOMLNcec_RDQ8eKGX-1g6ohrSBSSgYtVW18poKEu-wWPtyTYLA/s1600/DSC07300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yvYdQP9JEI7Z4oVU5U6uw7xnWdpbq9kC9kgzfJzHiDe1RhKwSb-qx8AUk6LO3KltU-9ZrDtbKxIHirUzASye3KZzdGxOMLNcec_RDQ8eKGX-1g6ohrSBSSgYtVW18poKEu-wWPtyTYLA/s1600/DSC07300.JPG" height="139" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHdazv2UT6kyuIyfeIRlUqWogT9emLGSUOXp-5AkmnMu2p9EKcrqn8eHVylNV8zwI1-Kb2T_HcipdOAMivX7wENJHiY3s8VHOue_hE9SnGCyUZ0ZSc8rpuyxiGQScQSpm75GgYs9tFI2g/s1600/DSC07295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHdazv2UT6kyuIyfeIRlUqWogT9emLGSUOXp-5AkmnMu2p9EKcrqn8eHVylNV8zwI1-Kb2T_HcipdOAMivX7wENJHiY3s8VHOue_hE9SnGCyUZ0ZSc8rpuyxiGQScQSpm75GgYs9tFI2g/s1600/DSC07295.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESEx3_b-UhS2WBtxFmZPnsek832h7oufCw0ScaXjFdfT90DwebvNkRZ4mjoJDVZ60IhJKbJfYwtN_b1gymgI8UEdXrsHv1p1QG-uVncaR5bpnpw4uFY_rX68qbK6AmJlJ4LoN1yEeEUen/s1600/DSC07296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESEx3_b-UhS2WBtxFmZPnsek832h7oufCw0ScaXjFdfT90DwebvNkRZ4mjoJDVZ60IhJKbJfYwtN_b1gymgI8UEdXrsHv1p1QG-uVncaR5bpnpw4uFY_rX68qbK6AmJlJ4LoN1yEeEUen/s1600/DSC07296.JPG" height="192" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love the light pink background. While I normally use acrylic paints, this was a sample of wall paint from Lowe's that was perfect for this project (I watered it down quite a bit so that it wasn't too thick). I also used some scrap booking paper for the leaves, which added a little bit of dimension to the paintings.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They were a pleasure to paint, and even more rewarding was a trip to meet Eliza and spend time with family. We are all smitten with her, and will definitely be looking forward to more visits. In the meantime, I'm in the mood to paint some more, and nursery decor is pretty fun. So, who needs some artwork for baby?! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-48865210385015986312014-06-19T08:09:00.000-07:002014-07-08T18:55:07.547-07:00 Faithful Thelma<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">"A mother bird sat on her egg. The egg jumped. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">'Oh oh!' said the mother bird. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>'My baby will be here! </i><i>He will want to eat. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I must get something for my baby bird to eat!' she said. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>'I will be back!' </i><i>So away she went." -P.D. Eastman.</i></span></div>
<br />
This all happened one year ago, and I've thought of it often. It's high time I tell you.<br />
<br />
We were on our front porch when we noticed a bird was building a nest on top of one of the columns. Jason wondered if he should move the nest, to which I replied, "Of course not!" The mama bird had worked so hard on that nest. In addition, if she had laid eggs and we moved it, she may abandon it. How could we live with that guilt over our heads? So we watched a sweet little robin as she dutifully brought twigs, dry grass and such into her nest over the next few weeks.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
And then that mama, <span style="text-align: center;">henceforth referred to as Thelma, sat. She sat and sat and sat. And we watched.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LEnz7GOBzAaNynAuouJbGaaKTCDgQvp0mcveQ_U6n6cPLxs_rF2zbhDdYA0AZAdydef8gWnWbyBnYwlaOXtTZVEC8d0rdhwZ-eo54EuYP8yS5vGUL6QgbWtqbVLR39A_Nx9oHFRzdDEr/s1600/remyandbirds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LEnz7GOBzAaNynAuouJbGaaKTCDgQvp0mcveQ_U6n6cPLxs_rF2zbhDdYA0AZAdydef8gWnWbyBnYwlaOXtTZVEC8d0rdhwZ-eo54EuYP8yS5vGUL6QgbWtqbVLR39A_Nx9oHFRzdDEr/s1600/remyandbirds.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I couldn't tell if she liked our company or felt threatened by it. But then again, she chose that spot, so she must have been watching us and felt it safe to be amongst this family with a barking dog and loud, silly boys often armed with squirt guns and water balloons.</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
Then during porch conversations one evening, Jason stopped me mid sentence, "Sshhh. Listen!". And we heard it: a tiny, darling, beautiful chirp. The eggs had hatched! We proceeded to listen to these little dears over the next few weeks and my bird admiration grew. I just had to see! So I stood on chairs, I climbed the porch railings, I grabbed the ladder- camera in hand. Neighbors would drive past and I would wave sheepishly, wondering if I was now referred to as "the bird lady". But it paid off. Before long, look who started poking their little beaks up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bNKj9F1uPznxfx2egx4PuRPKqm_yeuojHLnNsXUsjr_FJz6q9S6uCnikL4lKfkEBzmPHNLL0spgRhjKSQM9HGKZ-YSYYuQNY5hlAaA8mwCbY_gu46v3wwY7NvczkaN51iIj8Z2kzyVZg/s1600/DSC06664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bNKj9F1uPznxfx2egx4PuRPKqm_yeuojHLnNsXUsjr_FJz6q9S6uCnikL4lKfkEBzmPHNLL0spgRhjKSQM9HGKZ-YSYYuQNY5hlAaA8mwCbY_gu46v3wwY7NvczkaN51iIj8Z2kzyVZg/s1600/DSC06664.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Their meek chirps quickly turned into desperate cries. They became very demanding, these little ones. They were constantly hungry.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2_4W7eeVaQKnICdCBXWEO2GnExKaNXMLnvM04SExBPBhnU7lblKuZ3JjKpqfrfss_IvMqNhY9uMl56RgDDQ69ratF1TEMdrzTMKhKgaq7TXFtx15QRX1_qV4kxS7guBzM_ImYwYBuArf/s1600/DSC06670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2_4W7eeVaQKnICdCBXWEO2GnExKaNXMLnvM04SExBPBhnU7lblKuZ3JjKpqfrfss_IvMqNhY9uMl56RgDDQ69ratF1TEMdrzTMKhKgaq7TXFtx15QRX1_qV4kxS7guBzM_ImYwYBuArf/s1600/DSC06670.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Thelma, was a busy little lady! The majority of her day was spent flying around the neighborhood in search of worms. As soon as she brought one, she would fly off to find another. In the meantime, the birds would practically fall out of the nest in their pleas for more.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcPPFgGhtuPsyFnEq_WAvMYQmuVy6h7jZMozrrKgrEPyon1heP1QlZr00j6Oni_etzKoOcVIy85HOeGvHPc0hIxcFyRya-jO29Sw3H11HzhK_vfFSylXA_Lrc0MwNVpFiqykcuR0uNvYF/s1600/DSC06683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcPPFgGhtuPsyFnEq_WAvMYQmuVy6h7jZMozrrKgrEPyon1heP1QlZr00j6Oni_etzKoOcVIy85HOeGvHPc0hIxcFyRya-jO29Sw3H11HzhK_vfFSylXA_Lrc0MwNVpFiqykcuR0uNvYF/s1600/DSC06683.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Our bird watching continued. We were homeschooling for kindergarten at the time and this was <span style="font-size: x-large;">by far</span>, the best science lesson of the year.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYb7X3qlvaj7uc_wBI06WmFe9Up5bSKJZYEgKxS9TSeBS8zAM_nsdt558USBtKdpmwLD66W65g-YSn5ndNUhR7Vdy_9dw2SnN8sV6CLBCmxuIDMmn6SiRE7N3s9gYVC1D4HZt7Ml8PucI/s1600/DSC06680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYb7X3qlvaj7uc_wBI06WmFe9Up5bSKJZYEgKxS9TSeBS8zAM_nsdt558USBtKdpmwLD66W65g-YSn5ndNUhR7Vdy_9dw2SnN8sV6CLBCmxuIDMmn6SiRE7N3s9gYVC1D4HZt7Ml8PucI/s1600/DSC06680.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmKYSQqUzB7IsOpq12An5Q-1bmVHpnI2GRl8YVZ8V1OLM8Uay1NgzJ92ViVAZjEskSbIh605aJtRM6R4U1iZr583qUsxe189c7cE46Zth1uKJig1Okq0PKhUP9z50ttWGzhwlrDJCq-sZ/s1600/Erin+Birds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmKYSQqUzB7IsOpq12An5Q-1bmVHpnI2GRl8YVZ8V1OLM8Uay1NgzJ92ViVAZjEskSbIh605aJtRM6R4U1iZr583qUsxe189c7cE46Zth1uKJig1Okq0PKhUP9z50ttWGzhwlrDJCq-sZ/s1600/Erin+Birds.png" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I found myself worrying about Thelma, it seemed like she never got any rest. I worried about the babies, too. During this time our house was on the market, and one of the tasks on our to-do list was to have the house power washed. I scheduled the appointment, thinking nothing of it until a quiet moment. I awoke from a deep sleep (if I'm being honest, it was probably a </span><a href="http://erindestratis.blogspot.com/2008/01/who-needs-sleep.html" style="text-align: left;">nap</a><span style="text-align: left;">), realizing that the birds would not fare well if they were hit with a blast from the power washer. The pressure of those machines can be extremely strong and they're really loud. I wanted to cancel the appointment, but I was talked out of doing so. The dreaded morning came and the workers had not even finished walking up the driveway when I yelled, "We have birds!" I showed them the nest, explained how fragile the birds were, and kindly asked that they worked around that area of the porch. Then I casually asked if they had heard about The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which made it illegal to harm or tamper with many bird species, robins included. I informed them that the penalty for doing so can be a fine of up to $500, or 6 months in jail. They smiled nervously and assured me that they would not wash away the birds. While we were out that day, I worried about them terribly; I had a pit in my stomach thinking about their ordeal. I can't even imagine what Thelma was going through, wondering what that awful noise was, and not being able to reach her babies or to feed them. What if she was too frightened to return? Thank goodness though, the power washing ended, all the birds were spared and that faithful mama was back at her worm business before long. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The birds continued to grow, just look how big they got!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2xRlCSTSyq45e7v34rHT6w47w9SR58TsLGQLFSunhuyaBg5KSLb0OLbVad2faTkqkue5CZMdvu3_3bbSAMCGOBS7e5P-IlTqKTaZduUbLTPPenkH5El9heCcwoCYZ42tKdA3ZwunUpuu/s1600/DSC06719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2xRlCSTSyq45e7v34rHT6w47w9SR58TsLGQLFSunhuyaBg5KSLb0OLbVad2faTkqkue5CZMdvu3_3bbSAMCGOBS7e5P-IlTqKTaZduUbLTPPenkH5El9heCcwoCYZ42tKdA3ZwunUpuu/s1600/DSC06719.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was perfectly content to go on watching these little ones and their mama and then one day, One Day, we were on the porch and I noticed one of the birds looking brave. He peered over the edge of the nest, looked down, looked up- and flew. He flew! Right out of the nest and away. Then the others, I could see their apprehensive determination until <span style="font-size: x-large;">one</span> by <span style="font-size: x-large;">one</span> they flew away out of the nest never looking back. I could. not. believe. that the boys and I had witnessed this. It hadn't even crossed my mind that we might see them fly away from the nest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Immediately I thought of Thelma, I'm not even sure where she was at the time. Did she see them? She must have known it was coming. Surely, she would feel a hint of <i>sadness</i> upon their departure, but how PROUD she must have been. The whole occurence was amazing. As I reflected upon it, I wondered if I would ever experience anything like it again. And then I realized, of course I will.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHs_fDDDV5YndsDS2ArYPb44uQiiwXQz7Fod-xU5MinJFFj0OupTU7iJDzRoxTKUIvh16LDbgs4WgQBUpRnB8BNptbt0j2aW3AcnJbTgTuJ6y00ucakPXLYlXUSP5i7h64dVv7fQNW6SQ/s1600/IMG_6768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHs_fDDDV5YndsDS2ArYPb44uQiiwXQz7Fod-xU5MinJFFj0OupTU7iJDzRoxTKUIvh16LDbgs4WgQBUpRnB8BNptbt0j2aW3AcnJbTgTuJ6y00ucakPXLYlXUSP5i7h64dVv7fQNW6SQ/s1600/IMG_6768.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-18964713647572419102014-03-28T11:46:00.000-07:002014-03-28T14:22:36.724-07:00Places and SpacesThere's a few places and spaces in our house that I especially like. Little areas that I pass by everyday, and they make me smile- <i>every</i> time. Can I show them to you?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoCIzHYryj2saCnGzRtLX9lr5vjBZmgX2c77vnubom8L5pDr84xTK4szPMaDVYsuXVC7yCbpLgMKAdDpB2bcaro5roJ4mSmZ48trcminCF4ZUtE6-AL3SPeD0qKI-kpdg6kDTDXXOlYj3/s1600/catchall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoCIzHYryj2saCnGzRtLX9lr5vjBZmgX2c77vnubom8L5pDr84xTK4szPMaDVYsuXVC7yCbpLgMKAdDpB2bcaro5roJ4mSmZ48trcminCF4ZUtE6-AL3SPeD0qKI-kpdg6kDTDXXOlYj3/s1600/catchall.jpg" height="400" width="251" /></a></div>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
This is a little catch all table that we have by our back door. The table was from my mom and the mirror above, my sister (the most fruitful places to shop furniture for our house have been in my family's basements and garages). The wood cabinet with the pottery drawers is from Pier 1, it was a Christmas gift from my husband the first year we were married. When I opened it I knew I had married the right man, it's exactly my style; I love the colorful mismatched paintings on the drawers. It's functional, too- it holds our keys, chap-stick, gum, and other miscellaneous items. And on the shelf below are my favorite cook books and mixing bowls (one cookbook was a wedding gift, and another I won on a blog give away. I actually won a blog give away once!). They are there for easy access, <i>and</i> for me to admire. Oh and that little bird? A sweet gift that flew all the way from San Francisco with a dear friend. I just love this little space.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdUH-UZjiMYxx0PRIwJq_YCamSIuK-m3FfB9SEyU-crsBSpg1AYAjce_jDkPuQWWJMVX6h2_-QXKmRRc4_uy49Renba6vWOlT29cIUsd-eGdUVfbTomipX2IXNFgFBLG75mhFEnlFjahR/s1600/singer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdUH-UZjiMYxx0PRIwJq_YCamSIuK-m3FfB9SEyU-crsBSpg1AYAjce_jDkPuQWWJMVX6h2_-QXKmRRc4_uy49Renba6vWOlT29cIUsd-eGdUVfbTomipX2IXNFgFBLG75mhFEnlFjahR/s1600/singer.jpg" height="400" width="183" /></a></div>
This singer sewing machine stand has been in our family since before I was born. Growing up, it was where our television sat. Since TV's seem to have quadrupled in size it can no longer serve that purpose, but it's perfect for this little space at the top of our stairs. There's a dragon tree plant that my sister bought us when we moved in our house, whose spiky green leaves are always catching my attention. Also, there is one of my favorite family pics taken on Cape Cod. And do you see that beautiful canvas photograph? That was taken by some sweet friends while on their honeymoon in Hawaii. It was thank you gift, how beautiful is that?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYnLYYJS84Abt7wROHKovqD53YuFk0KeMrAgfGh00WXt9_PP3OvZYs5zN63ZkHH20P-oaAFCQyksNyzv3F5tVZyfXvXBmI3MwXtMZWMB00_H2uuQ-jL-w84LNq8OmJ-XGBXdqgg-yQaaE/s1600/platewall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYnLYYJS84Abt7wROHKovqD53YuFk0KeMrAgfGh00WXt9_PP3OvZYs5zN63ZkHH20P-oaAFCQyksNyzv3F5tVZyfXvXBmI3MwXtMZWMB00_H2uuQ-jL-w84LNq8OmJ-XGBXdqgg-yQaaE/s1600/platewall2.jpg" height="400" width="251" /></a></div>
Lastly, this plate wall. The fist time I saw a plate wall, I knew there was one in my destiny. Some of the plates I've had for years; the small teal one with the gold rim was my great-grandmothers and the first plate I owned that I knew would someday be a decoration. I'm not sure if you can see her, but little orphan Annie is up there too. That was my all-time <span style="font-size: x-large;">favorite</span> movie growing up. You know, the one you watched enough times that you could press mute and the say <u>every</u> character's line in the whole movie? I found the plate in a thrift store in Florida while on a girls weekend with my sister and aunts. There's also a plate with the Finnish Church of Worcester on it. I've never been there, but it reminded me of how proud my grandmother was of our Finnish heritage, anything reminding me of her Sisu has a place in my home. I must admit though, not <i>every</i> plate has a special meaning. A few of them I found in the clearance aisle at HomeGoods right after the dreaded, "Good evening shoppers, the time is now 8:45 and the store will be"- you know the rest. I ran through the aisle, grabbing a few plates as I passed, lucky to not have dropped them in my they're-going-to-kick-me-out-<b>again</b> frenzy. And before I move on, how can I not mention that succulent arrangement on the round table? So well behaved, charming, and a gift from some special friends. <br />
<br />
When I began writing this post, I thought these spaces were some of my favorites because, to me, they are aesthetically pleasing. And while they certainly reflect my decorating style, I've realized it's so much MORE than that. So many of these items are personal, they tell a story. That's really what it is, when I walk by these spots I'm reminded of some of the special people in my life that make me feel both loved and lucky everyday.<br />
<br />
Do you have any favorite spaces in your home? No really, I want to know! <br />
<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-30419674203415505502014-03-22T06:17:00.000-07:002014-03-28T11:13:44.295-07:00Painted HutchCan you believe I tried to give this away?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TEbHBA5b0L9-kFDSA-3WhgFLxFMDoMBxHwjGsn7yedXCwrCZ5033wxqsybpmaIElzIjZZnJT3YjiBmndEAruMQWS4mGKsvuWat9lSjzV3CqIYLUmmrtCvtKEixPdG47FoxMAWDiUC_jU/s1600/DSC06717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TEbHBA5b0L9-kFDSA-3WhgFLxFMDoMBxHwjGsn7yedXCwrCZ5033wxqsybpmaIElzIjZZnJT3YjiBmndEAruMQWS4mGKsvuWat9lSjzV3CqIYLUmmrtCvtKEixPdG47FoxMAWDiUC_jU/s320/DSC06717.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script type="text/javascript" async data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>
First I posted it on Craigslist, and when I didn't get any bites I offered it to a few friends, none of whom had a spot for it. So we proceeded to move up the coast, and took this humble piece of furniture with us where it landed a spot...in the basement. Upon setting up the living room, we mounted our TV to the wall and the stand we had previously been using was too low to go underneath (and it was also kind of falling apart so I was happy to say adieu). We needed something of medium height that preferably had some storage inside, so I started shopping around, until I realized the solution was sitting...in the basement!<br />
<br />
I immediately apologized to my former hutch for being so insensitive, and then I gave it a makeover.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaosvVx7-SQ0Ng_JEMawJKvaXEtmFRx3XOH3pgHDXvvXEMeiPvRycTZXmhA1fO0eWEOMTJk76LG_-9i8p1C7JBBwEy2jCYTsI21oTfTA_DKrreys1tefcyee6CBN0LzKQ1os_5BqdoJKMf/s1600/hutch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaosvVx7-SQ0Ng_JEMawJKvaXEtmFRx3XOH3pgHDXvvXEMeiPvRycTZXmhA1fO0eWEOMTJk76LG_-9i8p1C7JBBwEy2jCYTsI21oTfTA_DKrreys1tefcyee6CBN0LzKQ1os_5BqdoJKMf/s320/hutch.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There are a whole lot of great furniture painting tutorials floating around, I glanced at few myself to paint this bad boy. But, here is a quick run down of the process:<br />
<br />
-remove doors and hardware<br />
-lightly sand<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u5wohn-K2m_bLC0RDHK0k1PTW1sO4vi9GVY49EQt1C2dmyaOkoHK1WvQJKM-ePenm_JdryOyufWLltZ8vLg4dOtJxRSgv6Z9QAcqKt0R7IHpK_DerfDEtrpKGcBqDa7ELc7_0Rm9_wqR/s1600/DSC07005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u5wohn-K2m_bLC0RDHK0k1PTW1sO4vi9GVY49EQt1C2dmyaOkoHK1WvQJKM-ePenm_JdryOyufWLltZ8vLg4dOtJxRSgv6Z9QAcqKt0R7IHpK_DerfDEtrpKGcBqDa7ELc7_0Rm9_wqR/s320/DSC07005.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
-apply two coats of primer (I used a small roller for this part which was helpful in getting the primer to "stick")<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8eYABvHzIaYBytrzVnpGBuuLzDMPSJnXewqEjqClgLLueDkSVWNwA9ucKU-fgWEs-r8PmMDOgLL9BkLBpNkAz49_Jq8mXM2-sITAcGy_VYvTyTnhhdHG5Tv40eCm5P54NP9MEQYs1Ws8/s1600/DSC07011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8eYABvHzIaYBytrzVnpGBuuLzDMPSJnXewqEjqClgLLueDkSVWNwA9ucKU-fgWEs-r8PmMDOgLL9BkLBpNkAz49_Jq8mXM2-sITAcGy_VYvTyTnhhdHG5Tv40eCm5P54NP9MEQYs1Ws8/s320/DSC07011.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
-paint away! I made the mistake of buying cheap paint for this project. As a result I ended up having to do three coats of paint, and I've already had some chipping. Next time, I'll get a higher quality paint. Also of note, I was given the advice to lightly sand between each coat of paint. This allowed for the smoothest finish possible (I did not sand after the final coat).<br />
<br />
This project was not difficult, but it was time consuming. Allowing each coat to dry, and cleaning the brushes properly each time (meanwhile unpacking, organizing, settling into a new routine, and making sure my family was fed) caused this project to take a good week.<br />
<br />
It was worth it though. I don't think I'll ever try to give it away again, or sell it for that matter. And you wouldn't believe how many toys, games and legos are hiding inside!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dDGC3Lx8_YCS2AAvU4MPHepTABnojsKQxrZSHVbrt7PkIOWRyQu_grx7XKgXEJ2i0VfApr4jjPX9CgtaFXqwC6dLzxv0Fw0O1szwSGUMjcV-cp_GVw1MFitjEYMAs-rXyCkV8Mjbn5lL/s1600/painted+hutch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dDGC3Lx8_YCS2AAvU4MPHepTABnojsKQxrZSHVbrt7PkIOWRyQu_grx7XKgXEJ2i0VfApr4jjPX9CgtaFXqwC6dLzxv0Fw0O1szwSGUMjcV-cp_GVw1MFitjEYMAs-rXyCkV8Mjbn5lL/s1600/painted+hutch.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
P.S. I know, I know, one of the drawer pulls is upside down. I didn't notice that until recently. I'll let you guess if I'm the type that won't be able to relax until it's fixed, or if I'll get to it someday, maybe...Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-48377034640695887282014-02-14T07:56:00.000-08:002014-02-14T07:59:13.286-08:00Snow Day To-Do ListLast week, I divulged <strike>all</strike> <i>some</i> of my qualms with winter. In true New England fashion, yesterday we were hit with a storm that brought 10 (more) inches of snow. School was canceled before the snow even began, as the storm was inevitable. Also of note, my husband was traveling for work and was scheduled to fly back yesterday (it was pretty obvious to us that his flight would be canceled).<br />
<br />
I thought about sitting around in my PJ's all day doing nothing, and then I remembered my New Year's resolution: do more! As of late I've been a little bit of a time waster. For example, I'll click on the Yahoo news app and see a headline such as, "Loch Ness Monster Sighted off the Coast of Alaska" or "Snake Born With Two Heads", and I'm hooked. Or I'll read a Facebook post about the tuna sandwich that a friend's sister's cousin had for lunch, and I think "Who is this person, again?". So today, I vowed not to waste time and I wrote a snow day to-do list:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGXzsnwHzvZYTKot79Q50ju4CWK61Y0bOkpW-l3cwds9lHDkNhJcJjwll81capCj72sPKZUXEWmkzDHiffmwYgkFbGITaXz3tguRF5bfA_NY3gfsEBgNpx_UIGjCljc_3p3cC6uLq_8vB/s1600/smashbox1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGXzsnwHzvZYTKot79Q50ju4CWK61Y0bOkpW-l3cwds9lHDkNhJcJjwll81capCj72sPKZUXEWmkzDHiffmwYgkFbGITaXz3tguRF5bfA_NY3gfsEBgNpx_UIGjCljc_3p3cC6uLq_8vB/s1600/smashbox1.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I'm happy to report between the boys and myself, we checked off most everything on the list.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> We conducted some science experiments.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ9xLDpZM4ByDwM8VlfqbR8P0h2POgl0Syg6vI1uO7-WNoN-Lv_xshzUCYVFmGR6-qlMszQIBmP0XKbjOcrH2t_6r1mLFxRRwl6-M-qn2SpYGKPZ1NVigPqLStqcFi624aQnRkuejPw7P/s1600/IMG_7572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ9xLDpZM4ByDwM8VlfqbR8P0h2POgl0Syg6vI1uO7-WNoN-Lv_xshzUCYVFmGR6-qlMszQIBmP0XKbjOcrH2t_6r1mLFxRRwl6-M-qn2SpYGKPZ1NVigPqLStqcFi624aQnRkuejPw7P/s1600/IMG_7572.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We ate things like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDE4yt5yxqFBpxaqUzWa8UT4KRoDvnxou_6quoogltBst-urOu_pahpWzFOwzB8mBy3wzAUDi3oCU6nZOafBlgQGcU7boVc8T9w9cY3AESAr7ZhHRWCp4hUu9e6fxta5z0TSIZPuK_GPA/s1600/IMG_7587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDE4yt5yxqFBpxaqUzWa8UT4KRoDvnxou_6quoogltBst-urOu_pahpWzFOwzB8mBy3wzAUDi3oCU6nZOafBlgQGcU7boVc8T9w9cY3AESAr7ZhHRWCp4hUu9e6fxta5z0TSIZPuK_GPA/s1600/IMG_7587.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We made a sweet heart garland.<br />
(tutorial courtesy of <a href="http://starsandsunshine.com/">Stars & Sunshine</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkyqo8KCXWfzgOgmPPl-Z_FGFy666JCk_KKBHPk-Vccupnxjg4m4Zk-htxKazsssNBh1AVlx95K_d8MA56cEdcq0IHiUC74kC5YZ3wbCRAMEdYs9iKwwfyLeLSPfDV89YFDtigYBdFS-8/s1600/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkyqo8KCXWfzgOgmPPl-Z_FGFy666JCk_KKBHPk-Vccupnxjg4m4Zk-htxKazsssNBh1AVlx95K_d8MA56cEdcq0IHiUC74kC5YZ3wbCRAMEdYs9iKwwfyLeLSPfDV89YFDtigYBdFS-8/s1600/hearts.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And went out for a night ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxlS-IQz8-BxCS6SjNkh7hZ8QgV1pznfNw124AWCt8dg2bP_pa1kXP9StjEbj5Qw3a-333H5mWrZtFJcDoWynxOOITOCTaxRKUj3V2JDJ7UcjEMG1pSRDlkwPkCvELtsU1vYUh7axL98u/s1600/nightsled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxlS-IQz8-BxCS6SjNkh7hZ8QgV1pznfNw124AWCt8dg2bP_pa1kXP9StjEbj5Qw3a-333H5mWrZtFJcDoWynxOOITOCTaxRKUj3V2JDJ7UcjEMG1pSRDlkwPkCvELtsU1vYUh7axL98u/s1600/nightsled.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mitchell loved riding on this little snowboard. After a few rides down the hill he exclaimed, "I'm only six and I've already realized my dream!". On the to-do list for tomorrow: research snowboarding lessons.<br />
<br />
And then, I found out that not only was JD's flight for yesterday canceled, but today's was canceled as well. This in and of itself is not a huge problem, but, Landon turns five tomorow. Wait, did I just say our little man turns five tomorrow!? Commence tears.<br />
<br />
So naturally, Jay decided to hop in a rental car and follow the nor'easter up the coast so that he would, in fact, make it home last night. When he told me he was doing this, the snow was coming down (fast) and the winds were angry. I know, however, that he is a very competent driver and that there was no way he would miss his son's 5th birthday. He's awesome like that. <br />
<br />
As he was driving through the storm, I realized that our road had been plowed, but our driveway had not. I bundled up, put on the outside lights (clock said 9 PM) and shoveled out a spot for his car. This wasn't actually too bad, but the berm was at least 2 feet high (don't worry, I had never heard that word either. It's the ledge of snow at the end of the driveway caused by a snow plow). And this proved to be tricky business.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6tb65n1UuwrAnx6N4A2uUQEMrBKt2cKmd5pfr_7pMB2A7f3PjI-dxBlgnQ5THo0QzDHOw7YEzVUualyxGe0685Y2MwpvRhzilvYU_nOzHVQEFTn2yT9uXy8hDy0kKaiIYA-qVppjrn6I/s1600/hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6tb65n1UuwrAnx6N4A2uUQEMrBKt2cKmd5pfr_7pMB2A7f3PjI-dxBlgnQ5THo0QzDHOw7YEzVUualyxGe0685Y2MwpvRhzilvYU_nOzHVQEFTn2yT9uXy8hDy0kKaiIYA-qVppjrn6I/s1600/hair.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></div>
I can't complain though, because after a short night's sleep, Jay woke up to go shovel the entire driveway (we have a looong driveway and the snow blower wasn't working). He continues to impress me every day, I hope he'll be my Valentine ;).<br />
<br />
I can't promise every snow day will be productive as this one. But writing down my goals for the day proves to be useful for me, so I see more snow day to-do lists in my future. Take that, winter.<br />
<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-39597806578289469142014-02-06T19:32:00.000-08:002014-02-13T07:45:06.126-08:00Winter Lamentations<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've appreciated the beauty of the freshly fallen snow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2ikdyLkaj7ushdHxnYUu9iyMQncAliiIxugY5iWRPiGrh8UZUnNzHUvASliCOHlrwHfSGQKec7yK_15W47ka9wi__gqTnM_djkfIO5_LMmkn-PuVj7tls-wi6ZHJrbwL56U-LwaL5DDX/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2ikdyLkaj7ushdHxnYUu9iyMQncAliiIxugY5iWRPiGrh8UZUnNzHUvASliCOHlrwHfSGQKec7yK_15W47ka9wi__gqTnM_djkfIO5_LMmkn-PuVj7tls-wi6ZHJrbwL56U-LwaL5DDX/s1600/snow.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our boys have spent hours playing outdoors in the white stuff.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuACtKtDgjwbPuP4HdySb9-u2gGW39IQxbkeXS9-S6OZ4fdkBnYU8y0AmZkT3vA8dI7caZaNbiG5q7vmXRZHSF8XE7CP50ZWBr1o_YgxNAvdF5lecQ5cndouCCFSm7yOkLja9znLmoU8eb/s1600/snowboys.jpg" height="320" width="640" /><span style="text-align: left;">We've had several sledding adventures, even Remy got in on it!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu-7Ip7Tpg8wV4d9A6y-nzScxKxM96xSRYUTZX0on3TZIgSSvY1bT1VNtLzDoVABeMA3ev3odWhD-jGv5VGpZF0bvf1POxcL1ChPgldWGLeDZuWofw__xaSZgiWypubA80RkH2zfvse9O/s1600/IMG_7412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu-7Ip7Tpg8wV4d9A6y-nzScxKxM96xSRYUTZX0on3TZIgSSvY1bT1VNtLzDoVABeMA3ev3odWhD-jGv5VGpZF0bvf1POxcL1ChPgldWGLeDZuWofw__xaSZgiWypubA80RkH2zfvse9O/s1600/IMG_7412.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have loved sledding!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Somehow, though, I manage to head straight for the prickers every. time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDIg7BfK8Dj95kMLm5gbXHaHyAEPmZewmczma33Bkveeiau_5HeC5jI3d5oYdsBMTSqyN571zljkKKenWOr9luenaETEMqLPAfBymwwN9KlLQ0rFmvphaDf8zYdnEJUCX2qq87gk5pra-/s1600/prickers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDIg7BfK8Dj95kMLm5gbXHaHyAEPmZewmczma33Bkveeiau_5HeC5jI3d5oYdsBMTSqyN571zljkKKenWOr9luenaETEMqLPAfBymwwN9KlLQ0rFmvphaDf8zYdnEJUCX2qq87gk5pra-/s1600/prickers2.jpg" height="400" width="367" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The boys thoroughly enjoyed going to a hockey game.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffnWSRsS0tYjx4fhlS2NjTfjRqXDlUmc9SosmWFYIIZ-xV1Itl51DHPFfhLOR_aPe_EMV-THNiTiHQChBk3f-3bvgqOIN_1WC38aIIMZGIRC_VqJ17xDpVieYJhjED92CtUl1VnZB8dWf/s1600/hockeygame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffnWSRsS0tYjx4fhlS2NjTfjRqXDlUmc9SosmWFYIIZ-xV1Itl51DHPFfhLOR_aPe_EMV-THNiTiHQChBk3f-3bvgqOIN_1WC38aIIMZGIRC_VqJ17xDpVieYJhjED92CtUl1VnZB8dWf/s1600/hockeygame.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've taken advantage of many cold afternoons by wrapping my hands around a hot cup of coffee.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i98y32YH3AnKcR5gB-EJDn96nMElidYAUY8QC-Eo8Cy0QDBHVG20K8xIAF6nNKB6Fkgi4Fc1taeX71lEQeSbfaGfK7sar6zCAaF3ji1_qZl2nW0XKiU-3ZL_lC-jFiWqI2QBY__Ire-Y/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i98y32YH3AnKcR5gB-EJDn96nMElidYAUY8QC-Eo8Cy0QDBHVG20K8xIAF6nNKB6Fkgi4Fc1taeX71lEQeSbfaGfK7sar6zCAaF3ji1_qZl2nW0XKiU-3ZL_lC-jFiWqI2QBY__Ire-Y/s1600/coffee.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And even though the sunsets come early these days, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
they're breathtaking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyUqKcDXj5e76ZZfIXMArHNwEPKKgb4ctR6_h7S_InhIJN7ukSn1I9cMJTnaZELwmf-c_oVHoKn8_CCozipVeXhsBjl3bcYaVD6RMZNtCKFYrUlC6a4Gcprhy0hIvR758UNvV_xQ6sI7U/s1600/IMG_7434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyUqKcDXj5e76ZZfIXMArHNwEPKKgb4ctR6_h7S_InhIJN7ukSn1I9cMJTnaZELwmf-c_oVHoKn8_CCozipVeXhsBjl3bcYaVD6RMZNtCKFYrUlC6a4Gcprhy0hIvR758UNvV_xQ6sI7U/s1600/IMG_7434.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
It sounds lovely, doesn't it? Despite trying to embrace winter, however, I've got a few qualms. May I?<br />
<br />
Let's start with the cold. We have had <u>weeks</u> that never reach above freezing; there have been days where the high temperature is 5 degrees, that's uninhabitable! It becomes painful to go outside. We've spent a small fortune on oil despite the fact that we try to keep the heat fairly low; fur lined slippers have become my go-to footwear. I've managed to find a <span style="font-size: x-small;">little</span> bit of humor in the frigid temperatures though; when I look at the thermometer and it says: 1<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">°</span>, I laugh and say out loud, "HA! One degree!". For some reason that's funny to me.<br />
<br />
We used up our summer crop of vegetables by November, so <b>all</b> the fruits and veggies we are eating have traveled many miles and passed many hands to reach us. There's a lack of vitamin D in our lives. Also, our skin is dry and pasty, our lips are chapped, our hands are cracked, the inside of our house hasn't seen fresh air since October.<br />
<br />
Since running outdoors is not a viable option, I've tried to exercise by following videos I've rented through Amazon and no joke, the only one I've done more than a handful of times is a Jane Fonda yoga video. Between Miss Fonda, the other ladies in the video, and myself, I'm the youngest by at least 25 years. I'm not feeling like a spring chick though- my knee is sore, my lower back aches, and my joints are stiff.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54L_JnBsMCGDAXm133pJAUBsAnxnP1ydX6yJaFh05__l58tbR_mJQasAocBpOtWDVn3NeLpCBfxHWIjBGOItvKMalfopczqQPa6hgDP0Vt4hszWtDdDqhtaICK1pGRbvBmrkct4-ROWNL/s1600/IMG_7325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54L_JnBsMCGDAXm133pJAUBsAnxnP1ydX6yJaFh05__l58tbR_mJQasAocBpOtWDVn3NeLpCBfxHWIjBGOItvKMalfopczqQPa6hgDP0Vt4hszWtDdDqhtaICK1pGRbvBmrkct4-ROWNL/s1600/IMG_7325.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remy is like, "I feel your pain, sista".</div>
<br />
BUT, There is a light ahead, as spring <span style="font-size: x-large;">is</span> inevitable. It may not get here as soon as I would like, but it's coming. And I should say that now when I see that it's going to be at least 30 degrees I get excited, that's kind of warm to me (perspective). I plan to take full advantage of the truly warm weather when it comes . Yes, you can bet your bottom dollar that when the sun <i>does</i> comes out tomorrow, I'll be smiling. Until then, I'm going to keep *trying* to embrace this old man winter business. I'm hoping to get some ice skates again, maybe take up snow shoeing. And I'll take advantage of my time indoors by organizing our home, reading books, cooking savory dishes or soul warming soups, and tackling <span style="font-size: x-large;">lots </span>of craft projects. <br />
<br />
And who knows, maybe if I get reallllly ambitious, I'll even blog about it ;).<br />
<br />
P.S. I didn't even <i>mention</i> my fear of driving in the snow, let's not go there.<br />
<br />
P.P.S. Thanks for reading. Anytime someone tells me they've read a post, my heart skips a beat.<br />
<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-79376902598666556052013-11-16T07:32:00.000-08:002013-11-16T10:15:34.129-08:00He Had Me at the Head TiltI was *about* to post a new blog entry this morning, but I needed just a few more shots of my subject, when Remy came in the room looking for something. He had been out back, and fed (side story, I spilled the new bag of dog food ALL over the floor this morning and the kind pup ate his breakfast just like that. He cleaned up most of the mess and now my floor has been washed?) and so we all knew that his whining indicated that he wanted to go for a walk. I asked him if he was upset that he wasn't having <i>his</i> picture taken and he gave me this face:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwDCDcwCDW5f-crQs9-YIdF6i71J0TMsRooQeCQ_xsohHLw0ZN8tCABgQPgroCZ3kUXVOKgvitGytnLuqhXRwvaUbf11cEBe1tPcAbj45r_xAOwQ7i6_IXMHqxcjY3sF8WokuuQBfJC_T/s1600/Remy+Head+Tilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwDCDcwCDW5f-crQs9-YIdF6i71J0TMsRooQeCQ_xsohHLw0ZN8tCABgQPgroCZ3kUXVOKgvitGytnLuqhXRwvaUbf11cEBe1tPcAbj45r_xAOwQ7i6_IXMHqxcjY3sF8WokuuQBfJC_T/s400/Remy+Head+Tilt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You guys! You know what I had to do, right? I put that camera right down and laced up the sneaks. Look at that head tilt, how could I not? We've since returned from the walk and I'd love to work on that other little post I mentioned, but there's yard work to be done. So this is for all of my fellow dog people out there, you are some of my favorite kind...<br />
<br />
Cheers!Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-12092139934078223802013-08-24T05:26:00.000-07:002013-08-27T13:07:55.359-07:00What's a festschrift, anyway?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Excuse me, then! You know my heart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But dearest friends, alas! must part." - John Gay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r1EYuS2OHNUKacYDSNZeORxxPqxvZBmEhCBVk_prE2R6EIAcA9c_edF6hnNFt0PyQNE9cuEcVg2FMWRVxxYAKAdvDKuDa6zbnzB-f39bxKYN6OUd0quWPzicg7_vmTMGuP0Ko4zPXVfC/s1600/final+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r1EYuS2OHNUKacYDSNZeORxxPqxvZBmEhCBVk_prE2R6EIAcA9c_edF6hnNFt0PyQNE9cuEcVg2FMWRVxxYAKAdvDKuDa6zbnzB-f39bxKYN6OUd0quWPzicg7_vmTMGuP0Ko4zPXVfC/s400/final+book.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">I lamented in my <a href="http://erindestratis.blogspot.com/2013/08/give-me-back-minivan.html">last post</a> about having to say good-bye (for now) to dear friends when we moved from the south back to New England. Between our neighborhood, church, work, and town, there are a LOT of people that we are going to miss. I must take a moment, however, and pay proper respect to a very important group of people. That is, (wait for it)... book club. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: right;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: right;">This is a group of gals that I really didn't want to say goodbye to. I'm not sure if they know exactly how much I'm going to miss them, because as we parted ways I held it together remarkably well. I could have shed many tears at my last meeting, been a runny-nosed blubbering fool, and that would have been perfectly acceptable. In fact, we all know that it doesn't seem </span><i style="text-align: right;">quite</i><span style="text-align: right;"> like book club if at least </span><span style="text-align: right;">one of us doesn't have a good cry (all of the male readers are cringing at the thought of a group of crying women talking about books). But our last days in SC were a little bit of an out-of-body experience. Somehow, someway,</span><span style="text-align: left;"> I remained calm and at peace (just don't ask my husband to comment on that statement).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Are you thinking to yourself, "Gosh, she must really like to read", "Get that girl a new library card", or "I wonder if she's ever heard of an e-reader?". Well yes, I do <strike>like</strike> love to read, but it's <span style="font-size: x-large;">more</span> than that.<br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">A typical gathering of ours starts with banter about daily life. There might be talk about what you had for dinner, how many bloody noses occurred at your house that day, how you're running late because a stranger called saying your dog was on their porch, how your husband surprised you with an </span><span style="text-align: left;">impromptu date </span><span style="text-align: left;">last week, o</span><span style="text-align: left;">r how you rocked it at a tennis match, planted a garden, got a new brood of chickens, completed your half marathon, or had a fabulous (or not-so-fabulous) week of home schooling. </span><br />
<br />
Then comes the fare; an impressive display of dips, chips, cheeses (pimento if we're very lucky), fruits, vegetables, and sweets (it's understood that chocolate must *always* be available in some way, shape, or form) and anything else the hostess feels so inclined to whip up. This is an important part of the night, as we all know that real affinity begins around the dinner (or dessert) table. <br />
<br />
Naturally, there's the book discussion where we dissect, comment, question, admire, reflect, explain, commiserate, concur, agree to disagree and more. Discussions start here, but almost always lead to conversations that go far beyond the topics covered in the book (and last well past midnight). Inevitably, we end up sharing heartfelt moments about our pasts, the struggles and joys that are happening in our lives right now, things we want to accomplish in the future, ways in which we can improve our health, parenting and marriage, and almost always, we discuss practical means to spark change in our community (and beyond). These are the types of conversations that led to friendships that have helped me change, grow, rethink, and navigate through these past few years in ways that wouldn't likely have happened on my own.<br />
<br />
I should note that these relationships extended outside the boundaries of book club (I don't want anyone joining their local library's book club with expectations of fast friendship only to leave asking, "who were those people and what is a festschrift?"). We also saw each other at play group, game nights, craft night, small group, running dates, double dates, soccer games, shopping trips, and more! And though <i>all </i>of these avenues contributed to our bonds, book club happened to be my favorite; we might have even planned the closing of our house around the July book club (or vice versa), just to squeeze in one more.<br />
<br />
Now, I didn't mean to make you all cry, sorry about that. It's not <i>all </i>forlorn because I'll still keep in touch with these lovely ladies through social media, texting, and the occasional phone call. I'll also look forward to flying down for a possible girls' weekend next spring (well, it will be spring in the south, we'll probably still be suffering winter in the north). And maybe, just maybe, we'll even get a visitor or two from the group <span style="font-size: x-large;">up here </span>at our place (forget what I just said about the never ending winter, ladies). But really, book club in New England <i>would</i> be fabulous. Like something you read about.Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-80865831765972590352013-08-17T06:04:00.000-07:002013-08-17T08:08:11.165-07:00Give me back the minivan!We recently picked up and moved 1,000 miles north, back to our home state. After a whole lot of (somewhat) organized packing, POD loading, heartfelt goodbyes (which I am not yet ready to talk about), and some paper signing, we needed to <b>drive</b> our two vehicles, two boys, and our pup up the east coast. This was kind of a big deal for me because I'm not much of a driver.<br />
<br />
<i>True story: On the way to my road test when I was 16, my driving instructor who accompanied me to the test psyched me up with these words of encouragement: "You're the underdog here, Erin. If you get your license today, I will be surprised" (he might have said "shocked", can't remember). After an almost flawless road test, the police officer signed the paperwork indicating that I had, in fact, earned my license. Afterward, my instructor said some words of profanity expressing his disbelief in my good luck and called my mom to say that I should not be allowed to drive alone even though I had a paper signed by a law enforcement official saying that I could.</i><br />
<br />
I'm not going to get too much into my driving skills, but for the record, my record is squeaky clean. I'm not careless on the road, just don't ask me to drive into the heart of Boston and please don't ever make me parallel park. Also of note, those signs on the highway that post the speed limit on top and then the speed minimum underneath, those were designed for people like me (sorry). <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICDQbqYaaKHCsDzsJFK5CuNBGzkOWq9NoycGGI-9IjQEzVuAs3C99Nylv-38IKsbVxlY5AQmrdHHADsqwITVEbk3yxLX1HZY_Gki6OjG5V_rOg7-zhv77SbJRMPbflWNEmrrY0cK7AeRn/s1600/images-12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICDQbqYaaKHCsDzsJFK5CuNBGzkOWq9NoycGGI-9IjQEzVuAs3C99Nylv-38IKsbVxlY5AQmrdHHADsqwITVEbk3yxLX1HZY_Gki6OjG5V_rOg7-zhv77SbJRMPbflWNEmrrY0cK7AeRn/s1600/images-12.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
So, I don't love driving, and the idea of driving 16 hours was especially daunting (normally I sleep for 80% of the drive northward). When it came time to decide who would drive the minivan with the two boys, and who would drive the Civic with the Rem dog, we were at a standstill. Naturally, the thought of driving the car with a passenger who wouldn't whine, cry, pee his pants, or throw things at us was appealing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44cXpO3EQ7WYHZnvh6CmkRe_hsgu0itm695eQgcNsKd3HJeAXtY_p78XWW_7GeiznE6Q9of873nSG-aLAtOO1f-PRCR9DjSUaUTHOwHvwhMycECMvwwgfSF-fBDk_XB_Sz2OHGmOKBJaa/s1600/IMG_3830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44cXpO3EQ7WYHZnvh6CmkRe_hsgu0itm695eQgcNsKd3HJeAXtY_p78XWW_7GeiznE6Q9of873nSG-aLAtOO1f-PRCR9DjSUaUTHOwHvwhMycECMvwwgfSF-fBDk_XB_Sz2OHGmOKBJaa/s320/IMG_3830.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
After a few thumb wrestling matches too close to call, we eventually decided we would take turns. I began the trip driving the minivan with the boys, thinking I would save what would be the <i>relaxing</i> drive in the car for when I started to tire.<br />
<br />
I'm happy to report my shift went fabulously. We laughed, we danced, we sang, we reminisced about our favorite moments of the south. For five hours I managed to avoid any screen time for the boys, I drove past an outlet mall with a J Crew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and more without stopping (I know), I only drank three coffees, and no one peed in their pants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvXZxusq5N4Nidf1R6kvmJBJPl30yVj-yEFt4AWqlXmhh23Mt4BKsiYC9GDudJKv-WYK1Qxz8iEEYE3OZNEYaxLUD96Xp4zi2LexVwahd8SNdWZgmV3BsVX4pgHl6XFqAAlb4hMpsGji5/s1600/IMG_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvXZxusq5N4Nidf1R6kvmJBJPl30yVj-yEFt4AWqlXmhh23Mt4BKsiYC9GDudJKv-WYK1Qxz8iEEYE3OZNEYaxLUD96Xp4zi2LexVwahd8SNdWZgmV3BsVX4pgHl6XFqAAlb4hMpsGji5/s320/IMG_0020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When it came time for me to switch to the car, I was ready to put the windows down and cruise (are you singing it too?). But then something happened. After driving by myself for about twenty minutes things started to go downhill. My Pandora station was misbehaving, my audio book made me sleepy, and Remy didn't laugh at <i>any</i> of my jokes. So when we pulled over for fuel shortly thereafter I demanded, "Give me back the minivan!". Jay obliged, and my spirits were immediately lifted. The boys once again kept me awake and entertained, and the ride continued to be smooth sailing until the very end. We even caught a glimpse of this beauty:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloHNpubiRe-HnKwxOQdw2tBLpZOsmfWgWzb9t-h4KXXkG1aonJ8c49p3tZrjGtIIwv_eNjeo7_HXxXdN8LcqfSrP6LattJ5qymExD9s6wqsnSzu2MJoZsb40e3QOyD5qDRg2a8ud-gfDG/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloHNpubiRe-HnKwxOQdw2tBLpZOsmfWgWzb9t-h4KXXkG1aonJ8c49p3tZrjGtIIwv_eNjeo7_HXxXdN8LcqfSrP6LattJ5qymExD9s6wqsnSzu2MJoZsb40e3QOyD5qDRg2a8ud-gfDG/s320/sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The days after our trip I reflected on a couple of things:<br />
<br />
1. As a mama to two young (high energy) boys, I often look forward to time alone; peaceful moments where I can refresh and rejuvenate (ideally this would happen during a yoga session by the ocean, but realistically this occurs at 9:30 PM while I browse every aisle of Target until they kick me out). I jumped on the opportunity to drive solo, it sounded like the more desirable option. I soon realized though, sometimes the boys energize me just as much as they drain me, and I actually needed them for this drive. Although those moments quiet moments of me-time are nice (and important) there are times when two silly little boys in tow, is actually what keeps me going.<br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
2. This little nap loving lady <i>can</i> drive 16 hours up the coast, no problemo!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjgEaZg89FqlsGwcoINE688hs-Tx_fjRTa4VBYfYJmNpgQK_cyBDrhcZPlRznxQmi8tsOVNWICZhEqRbFGpl1mbq4FlIgDxbHa-aNE8wsEpIhrOaF-yiZ2aLb2PJQnSV4CT3i4Tspj6e2/s1600/IMG_0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjgEaZg89FqlsGwcoINE688hs-Tx_fjRTa4VBYfYJmNpgQK_cyBDrhcZPlRznxQmi8tsOVNWICZhEqRbFGpl1mbq4FlIgDxbHa-aNE8wsEpIhrOaF-yiZ2aLb2PJQnSV4CT3i4Tspj6e2/s320/IMG_0713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
If only my driving instructor could see me now... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-8974379216813438832013-06-20T18:56:00.000-07:002013-06-20T18:56:17.721-07:00There's no better way to end my blogging haitus than with a little latke conversation, eh?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRMhldgTjDUoYxXzQ_pDGcwHiZ0wFjeFviUQ6XI-dwEzIlG5-dVR2RU1OfvUZ_fxaIZ9RfyUpWmCPQBCOYEvXQpB7dOWhl2-rnlsrfiGcRwIHN5HaWfNZ0ALDxV0iXvYYWDQG3YqJ3iNj/s1600/IMG_5610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRMhldgTjDUoYxXzQ_pDGcwHiZ0wFjeFviUQ6XI-dwEzIlG5-dVR2RU1OfvUZ_fxaIZ9RfyUpWmCPQBCOYEvXQpB7dOWhl2-rnlsrfiGcRwIHN5HaWfNZ0ALDxV0iXvYYWDQG3YqJ3iNj/s400/IMG_5610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I love latkes, my first introduction with them being the potato pancake (in which leftover mashed potatoes are mixed with egg, flour, onion and spices and cooked in olive oil).<br />
<br />
And then recently, I stumbled upon this <a href="http://inspiredrd.com/2012/12/turnip-sweet-potato-pancakes.html">turnip and sweet potato pancake</a> recipe, and with only a few slight changes it made its way onto our dinner table. I'll not lie and say that even the kids liked them, but I think they <i>could </i>have liked them. My husband and favorite critic did though, so much so that he requested the left overs for breakfast the next morning, what a dear.<br />
<br />
I've made the recipe with both turnip and rutabaga, and liked it equally with both.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rutabaga and Sweet Potato Latkes</b></div>
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
3 rutabagas or turnips<br />
2 large sweet potatoes<br />
1 green onion (I used the white part, as well as 2-3 of the green stalks)<br />
1 egg, beaten<br />
1/4 cup flour<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
butter/olive oil for cooking<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
Peel and dice rutabaga and sweet potato.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5RiNN-Os0JQ4ARnMN3w9ovbhdkE5sPiTtM_EYKLAmJ7Qjy3EWtswkackrde8mUUMsqbJptMEPL5D5_QKmAVHcs3og3mMpQ_qGReztCAQBzDxsxCa7IeNG4im2NE79_VypvPQYfsWgFrd/s1600/DSC06743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5RiNN-Os0JQ4ARnMN3w9ovbhdkE5sPiTtM_EYKLAmJ7Qjy3EWtswkackrde8mUUMsqbJptMEPL5D5_QKmAVHcs3og3mMpQ_qGReztCAQBzDxsxCa7IeNG4im2NE79_VypvPQYfsWgFrd/s320/DSC06743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Boil for 10 min or until tender.<br />
<br />
Use a potato masher to break up large chunks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLq4l6MgTCacC5F19gRIWfzxosFwFzXfVIp_bNBHSPaHCvWhV1dUx3joacKNzl_OET3hQ6_HulGtP7tcqc-uW78X6qn3OzbFFc-V03Dub97zwvsLtipt2b7Qvcsy8bmgbZ_-2Ts7XTo7m/s1600/DSC06746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLq4l6MgTCacC5F19gRIWfzxosFwFzXfVIp_bNBHSPaHCvWhV1dUx3joacKNzl_OET3hQ6_HulGtP7tcqc-uW78X6qn3OzbFFc-V03Dub97zwvsLtipt2b7Qvcsy8bmgbZ_-2Ts7XTo7m/s320/DSC06746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dice the white part of the green onion, cut the stalk into rings and add to mixture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLlPFEuB96PCOs2mmruiC5_K7uJL7DmkTvqXRyk_UZjRURDZyTUlZoJwbwSVFSDzY4h2jScsxkpfUXt1K3-dxe_8jmvVupBBulR2EI4X3KXLCrIO6GnydCrrTfcYFcyjhelVI_2vfDCnx/s1600/DSC06752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLlPFEuB96PCOs2mmruiC5_K7uJL7DmkTvqXRyk_UZjRURDZyTUlZoJwbwSVFSDzY4h2jScsxkpfUXt1K3-dxe_8jmvVupBBulR2EI4X3KXLCrIO6GnydCrrTfcYFcyjhelVI_2vfDCnx/s320/DSC06752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Add egg, flour, salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
Heat griddle or pan and add oil for frying.<br />
<br />
Drop large spoonfuls onto pan and cook about 4 minutes on each side or until browned.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I8Yy8f5xnl9ru7AtiomEvoRC_g_wgcbZaBCDSfas5-wHInbhVSOvw6CIDcHxXPqwcUs-RrMa1NcE4a5W1zk3f4cXbbwOe3iOzIs2eTqJEDmS15U65-cKhDiPqX5bSoLAF9v4ja_Xite4/s1600/DSC06769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I8Yy8f5xnl9ru7AtiomEvoRC_g_wgcbZaBCDSfas5-wHInbhVSOvw6CIDcHxXPqwcUs-RrMa1NcE4a5W1zk3f4cXbbwOe3iOzIs2eTqJEDmS15U65-cKhDiPqX5bSoLAF9v4ja_Xite4/s320/DSC06769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9TE4WpX_mDcqw8tC0RaxcgX-r_hLUtAfRfNbYmDBo_TuNYYdLWhcpfL_nXUKXrV1jckAgfl0SFlZSP637BG-TR9YsBDWaRdvqf9OkwSwmOrTHGm-RAcGcE4gny9rZ8jljoWqLLVxFkxS/s1600/DSC06778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9TE4WpX_mDcqw8tC0RaxcgX-r_hLUtAfRfNbYmDBo_TuNYYdLWhcpfL_nXUKXrV1jckAgfl0SFlZSP637BG-TR9YsBDWaRdvqf9OkwSwmOrTHGm-RAcGcE4gny9rZ8jljoWqLLVxFkxS/s320/DSC06778.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
We had these alongside zucchini, squash and feta omelets (omelets are JD's specialty). And served them with sour cream, of course!<br />
<br />
P.S. ALL of the aforementioned veggies were a grown by our local CSA <a href="http://www.pinckneysproduce.com/">Pinkney's Produce</a>, we love these farmers!<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-42678842018845594422013-04-01T06:11:00.003-07:002013-04-01T16:57:56.924-07:00Do you love eggs too?I just sat down to get this post rolling and I had to ask myself, "where should I start, the chicken or the egg?". I'm not trying to be philosophical here, I'm truly not sure if I should talk about chickens or eggs first. Let's talk chickens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6DyEjFP56IiyFaaya1xCJ13CGjM54w4b9TAfxKkbA4ruIHrfDcTyAu9o66HHSyYg91Q6Oy9PkrNKOpvabcD7sMRZYmIq6xhP6_t81Swxk1rxQ6mCqKx1Q4cLnFlPGlzHNDUoXxPdO_wu/s1600/keeping-backyard-chickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6DyEjFP56IiyFaaya1xCJ13CGjM54w4b9TAfxKkbA4ruIHrfDcTyAu9o66HHSyYg91Q6Oy9PkrNKOpvabcD7sMRZYmIq6xhP6_t81Swxk1rxQ6mCqKx1Q4cLnFlPGlzHNDUoXxPdO_wu/s320/keeping-backyard-chickens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>http://www.howtoraisechicken.com/</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'd really like some. Not like hundreds or anything, just a few. Although, <span style="text-align: left;">I'm pretty sure our current subdivision would <strike>shun</strike> prohibit chickens in the back yard. Our homeowners association sends out letters urging people to trim hedges, paint mailbox posts, and take other measures to maintain orderliness and tidiness</span>. I haven't researched, but I'm pretty sure that keeping live-stock is a no-no.</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
Maybe there will be chickens in our future, but I am trying to remain realistic; our family is a little bit farm-life debilitated (we're not great at growing, tending, mending or building- I do like to weed though!). Also, our dog tends to consider chickens as prey (I know this because there was once an unfortunate event at playgroup where Remy snuck into our friends' chicken coop. Let's just say six screaming children were scarred that day. Bluey did make it, but he always had a limp after that).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwUC8CsdOh9FV-IIsowJu7PH7wX0lvfJK2OafQW3qpnX57DaKdaJTl0NtmRuxUI0-gdy9o7z5dqnNMkDv9Qn_7afXmBeSbNasNePRT557uCBv5hXVIvxtJyBTZkCDaOm6hTcrZfckm-bB/s1600/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwUC8CsdOh9FV-IIsowJu7PH7wX0lvfJK2OafQW3qpnX57DaKdaJTl0NtmRuxUI0-gdy9o7z5dqnNMkDv9Qn_7afXmBeSbNasNePRT557uCBv5hXVIvxtJyBTZkCDaOm6hTcrZfckm-bB/s320/photo-10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here's Remy, sorry and embarrassed. </i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, I want chickens for their- EGGS!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8s8BvpGQoEgFTVUehKQ8flZ-hJEeSNzqf2UNWuCjVNe1Y5OvwxEA0ar5TroKgDTmz_K9RT0Jz7kOQhXzXOcJNIq1hq1CIK7GdaMrL6Qypgfo1UAVsUjA1ir2_gcLDlxL5qvXyyTFmyLu0/s1600/cane_creek_farm_07awi0332_400w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8s8BvpGQoEgFTVUehKQ8flZ-hJEeSNzqf2UNWuCjVNe1Y5OvwxEA0ar5TroKgDTmz_K9RT0Jz7kOQhXzXOcJNIq1hq1CIK7GdaMrL6Qypgfo1UAVsUjA1ir2_gcLDlxL5qvXyyTFmyLu0/s320/cane_creek_farm_07awi0332_400w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>http://www.canecreekfarm.us</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can't stand buying industrial laid eggs that were produced by chickens who've had their beaks cut (or burned) off and are barely able to move. I just can't stand it. And yet, I do. I try to buy the cage-free eggs, but I'm no fool; "cage-free" hens are generally uncaged inside of a barn or warehouse, with no access to the outdoors, and their beaks are often still cut. You can read more about this issue in this straight forward and <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/confinement_farm/facts/cage-free_vs_battery-cage.html">informative article</a> on the Humane Society's website. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Note: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">I do not consider myself an animal activist. I have, however, read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Omnivores-Dilemma-Natural-History/dp/0143038583/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1364821843&sr=8-4&keywords=michael+pollan">Michael Pollan</a> and I've seen the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">documentaries</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> on food production in the United States. The idea of consuming industrial meat and eggs just creeps me out. </span></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">Anyway, I really like eggs. Example: w</span><span style="text-align: left;">hen we arrive at a party or social gathering, I don't head straight for the wine, champagne, or even the desert table. You can find me scouting out the deviled eggs platter. What? You don't serve deviled eggs at your parties and social gatherings? You thought they were a thing of your mama's generation? That's just silly.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGeQtY68Qt8ZCvEgsr0MTEsUclF3m7CDUU2wiuNj6hMokBAtM8UmKOJEboULHPM4Dqw371e7KTCwj9NwVBuoNeFhjCeR4jBLpZ2IPcjtX-UlLuoVJUrdVSOyMgsUU_G_KGKSOqrqtBoTq/s1600/WS_KB_Deviled_Eggs_017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGeQtY68Qt8ZCvEgsr0MTEsUclF3m7CDUU2wiuNj6hMokBAtM8UmKOJEboULHPM4Dqw371e7KTCwj9NwVBuoNeFhjCeR4jBLpZ2IPcjtX-UlLuoVJUrdVSOyMgsUU_G_KGKSOqrqtBoTq/s320/WS_KB_Deviled_Eggs_017.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>http://blog.williams-sonoma.com</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
And don't even get me started on egg salad. In 4th grade, my class was going on a field trip, and I begged my mom to make me egg salad to take for lunch. An exciting trip outside of school called for an equally exciting lunch option. She obliged. We left our lunches on the bus and when we returned to partake several warm hours of sitting in the sun later, the school bus smelled. Bad. I knew that my egg salad was the culprit, but how could I confess? I slumped down in my seat, clutching my lunch, hoping no one would be able to pin point the exact location of the smell. I stayed there, still as stone, my 4th grade self thinking (hoping) that I might POOF! disappear, leaving only a small brown bag containing an egg salad sandwich behind. And yet, despite this horrifying experience, I still love egg salad to this day. I have, however, learned the techniques of proper refrigeration methods and now, I add things like avocado and curry to egg salad. I'm so grown up. And fancy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfgxAOm8yEZyhwb9qXwWzLPPKwh7QNFjT4tWdBn1LlSnSMdDiWBaAGcPZNeEyVLMec2jtN1GBbf1OYlAwEuFfgH88Z8-M7iQQcg4eg8XvuQh6A5B1iKLb7wNq-Qi3xqrnwB2dOdWzp493/s1600/Erin-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfgxAOm8yEZyhwb9qXwWzLPPKwh7QNFjT4tWdBn1LlSnSMdDiWBaAGcPZNeEyVLMec2jtN1GBbf1OYlAwEuFfgH88Z8-M7iQQcg4eg8XvuQh6A5B1iKLb7wNq-Qi3xqrnwB2dOdWzp493/s400/Erin-9.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>This is me around the age of the egg salad incident. I'm like, "Yeah, so I like egg salad, what of it?"</i></div>
<br />
Now can we please just talk about the egg sandwich that inspired this post? I had these ingredients to work with: farm fresh eggs from my friend Laura's chickens, baby spinach, fresh mozzarella and pesto:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO706F-xkUl5e3rfjxi62QozmEuCamOY-1YPAMwAlFbJfOGyBdQgFYqPBPn_tlneq_Tb_F1b_fl7VQmM_hsvZGnVO81Ipad7uQeJfTOsFHZyIrnyImE4TOfAJ5ZG_noXcyfX-kFu5Qt9S/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO706F-xkUl5e3rfjxi62QozmEuCamOY-1YPAMwAlFbJfOGyBdQgFYqPBPn_tlneq_Tb_F1b_fl7VQmM_hsvZGnVO81Ipad7uQeJfTOsFHZyIrnyImE4TOfAJ5ZG_noXcyfX-kFu5Qt9S/s320/eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How can one go wrong here?! One <b>can't</b>. Just fry up that egg, over easy. Ooooooh, are you one of <b>those</b> people who don't like the yolks? Who think that <b>us</b> people who love the taste of the runny, warm, oozy, yellow yolk mixed into everything, are kinda....gross? Sorry! (But not really, I think you're crazy).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUwC-mkK4twliTLaw2ZuVBC0AqtXpwuKBnGmhAYuexmYxswQGaJOVA8-uXVUfQjG1dSlNR_4WpJ-KDlsc4HxF85gYThSNqE5xExJ3qp3Ws6UPuTKI33fNH2Dv0Vi8Qv2AekoVcpu3geZ-/s1600/DSC06107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUwC-mkK4twliTLaw2ZuVBC0AqtXpwuKBnGmhAYuexmYxswQGaJOVA8-uXVUfQjG1dSlNR_4WpJ-KDlsc4HxF85gYThSNqE5xExJ3qp3Ws6UPuTKI33fNH2Dv0Vi8Qv2AekoVcpu3geZ-/s400/DSC06107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just look at the end result!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRf2S_wEB5eSjqKCjxkv_FLP5hz3Vkn9zj7-IMsaK2ZeG7oFnuustEJwDR_OKlR20BFLChN_1iK_rdWf8AiEwmx6T2GPky8uBnQ2sQxmfW-8dc07PYM5AXJmcP1RPVGp1_NH9az3aoKkk/s1600/DSC06114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRf2S_wEB5eSjqKCjxkv_FLP5hz3Vkn9zj7-IMsaK2ZeG7oFnuustEJwDR_OKlR20BFLChN_1iK_rdWf8AiEwmx6T2GPky8uBnQ2sQxmfW-8dc07PYM5AXJmcP1RPVGp1_NH9az3aoKkk/s400/DSC06114.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And for the benefit of all you crazy people out there, I even made <b>and </b>taste tested this recipe with scrambled eggs (you're welcome).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1W7ssGJAeSfZAJJRpLeQvXuu0ovaYkH4T3Is7r24r4t1ae01D59pRF_u4zyJM1778JAYxZJNQ8Hj_Px-kBdU6Ukqwolrf0WXo1nhnX2RNfqVl7bGXCLIr4QIZYX4kWje68sbmO37CGn7/s1600/DSC06141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1W7ssGJAeSfZAJJRpLeQvXuu0ovaYkH4T3Is7r24r4t1ae01D59pRF_u4zyJM1778JAYxZJNQ8Hj_Px-kBdU6Ukqwolrf0WXo1nhnX2RNfqVl7bGXCLIr4QIZYX4kWje68sbmO37CGn7/s400/DSC06141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I highly recommend this egg sandwich; the combination of the egg and pesto was really something special. I love that this could serve as breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b id="internal-source-marker_0.047557450365275145"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">¡</span></b></span>Buen Provecho!<br />
<br />
So I'm ready to wrap things up now, but I guess I'm not sure if this post was:<br />
<br />
A. A chance to mention my disdain for industrial farming<br />
B. A chance to share embarrassing smelly stories from 4th grade<br />
C. A recipe<br />
D. All of the above<br />
<br />
One thing I do know is, I don't care which came first, I'll take both the chickens and the eggs (please).<br />
<br />
Do you love eggs too? Are you a yolk person or not?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-58371913774865995712013-03-05T13:06:00.003-08:002013-03-05T17:42:53.249-08:00A Disney Trip<div style="text-align: left;">
I would be remiss if I didn't write a quick bit about our recent family trip to Disney World. Our two day stint began at Animal Kingdom, where we got to see these beauties:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio82c6KHxjI5VxrgYEleFbhIiqML9LP-UYWMesyvRCezJ78keZM6fovZApDThqpY3xoIk1bqQ4bI76bweHdAEZl8Fc3x5BFCrbxaSFRcuN7A6CMi-vuxnKL4Jh7E0OGgCZgEu3hPEbJZGh/s1600/safari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio82c6KHxjI5VxrgYEleFbhIiqML9LP-UYWMesyvRCezJ78keZM6fovZApDThqpY3xoIk1bqQ4bI76bweHdAEZl8Fc3x5BFCrbxaSFRcuN7A6CMi-vuxnKL4Jh7E0OGgCZgEu3hPEbJZGh/s400/safari.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">The entire park was like eye candy; I especially loved the Asian inspired section. Here, we caught a close up of the tigers: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOvZKVUewSm489BpXwPUzLFfMofHjPDBAVJRGHegtrmevBF_F784fCqY-oJju5SiRgexP3dZo_9DLCgAC0oiazuUlYA_Av_Ys82admWa7BVB9bi3KB6jJ2Eom4KEf__Vjff2WoYos-RfC/s1600/tigers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOvZKVUewSm489BpXwPUzLFfMofHjPDBAVJRGHegtrmevBF_F784fCqY-oJju5SiRgexP3dZo_9DLCgAC0oiazuUlYA_Av_Ys82admWa7BVB9bi3KB6jJ2Eom4KEf__Vjff2WoYos-RfC/s400/tigers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzpCVRKN5bV3Zdwy9LoLiSZuapZXeJ3RuvJbBc23eJASpALHDFqGgbaWoPNsOMj3oiwi1gTE07RRlcNnmt1W2vJ4rYqX0r5-UhqjUlUTMQUR2YlYmqQnHrbmhaucI8CVfLQa7tklATT-I/s1600/DSC05870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzpCVRKN5bV3Zdwy9LoLiSZuapZXeJ3RuvJbBc23eJASpALHDFqGgbaWoPNsOMj3oiwi1gTE07RRlcNnmt1W2vJ4rYqX0r5-UhqjUlUTMQUR2YlYmqQnHrbmhaucI8CVfLQa7tklATT-I/s320/DSC05870.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And explored all sorts of nooks and crannies. I really loved the architecture and the subtle colors of this section of the park. We took the opportunity to stage a mini family photo shoot. This shot being one of my faves.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I didn't get a picture, but the Lion King show was probably the highlight of the day for all of us. I loved the music, costumes, and energy of it all. We almost didn't even make it to the show as there's so much to see and do that we sort of just stumbled upon the last showing of the day, and I'm so glad we did.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: right;">Our second day, we went to Magic Kingdom. </span><span style="text-align: left;">It was my first time there and yes, I'll admit, it all felt a little magical. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVHnSj64tZz6KwN4Wd6RKQfmA0GuTnEx_kzJRViBybkIusqgU70YqH_kTnhebfcZHKM9oPcEihSe3Sl-pBggGpsSWTJ5GLJiULeJvzxJYecOmtvr1l2Q4H-X8Zzl2G-7srVz1f2c-izdu/s1600/DSC05885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVHnSj64tZz6KwN4Wd6RKQfmA0GuTnEx_kzJRViBybkIusqgU70YqH_kTnhebfcZHKM9oPcEihSe3Sl-pBggGpsSWTJ5GLJiULeJvzxJYecOmtvr1l2Q4H-X8Zzl2G-7srVz1f2c-izdu/s400/DSC05885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And crowded. We did a lot of hand holding and waiting in lines. We did manage to go on several rides though, the Buzz Lightyear ride might have been our family favorite...</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYERKiugwWCtVTz22ZUyIrCqbde1TJuObaB0ifXrBUgE89TW5sox9ex56N-S0vAj_gkE8qxjfsR5w7enpIVV9SNjbzh3wjbNlr3fiVnUcnwTtr47IVv6xdKYNS43nsKJSIxVeBuFPcZS5N/s1600/buzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYERKiugwWCtVTz22ZUyIrCqbde1TJuObaB0ifXrBUgE89TW5sox9ex56N-S0vAj_gkE8qxjfsR5w7enpIVV9SNjbzh3wjbNlr3fiVnUcnwTtr47IVv6xdKYNS43nsKJSIxVeBuFPcZS5N/s640/buzz.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, but I can't forget the Teacups! I insisted we go on because to me, it seems a quintessential Disney experience. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjmjVmSWCFJuVVmuLuHe8AQMgNb0yKMzQRQ6tLNfMK_a4hk1tlK6ymUD1durOCJwhKBAbR1WjnRuCV8O1AFrr-AhrRBkDVLKQ6x3XKp-H2f0-avM7w0VftVc2GVo5V1_ybsukuNnSsM7C/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjmjVmSWCFJuVVmuLuHe8AQMgNb0yKMzQRQ6tLNfMK_a4hk1tlK6ymUD1durOCJwhKBAbR1WjnRuCV8O1AFrr-AhrRBkDVLKQ6x3XKp-H2f0-avM7w0VftVc2GVo5V1_ybsukuNnSsM7C/s320/IMG_4789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">The three of us loved it. JD said he did too, he looked a little queasy to me though...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYO_QjLloD4P1HtQMV0aVLRwsPFC2rI_o3MEOegJ5P3_oz5YWd-jEYyGagFKcT-8oiKPW7rXkOdJTxeyQr6UJhIyEkbIWXh5m61uMGS08WMlKHbRbZmo5NjD-iUt32ZnQutJ9dzMsBMVKD/s1600/IMG_4792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYO_QjLloD4P1HtQMV0aVLRwsPFC2rI_o3MEOegJ5P3_oz5YWd-jEYyGagFKcT-8oiKPW7rXkOdJTxeyQr6UJhIyEkbIWXh5m61uMGS08WMlKHbRbZmo5NjD-iUt32ZnQutJ9dzMsBMVKD/s400/IMG_4792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q9fcEIn9qiEJZFBe_EP6esuaJ3LoFZtliYplGQGOAgu3Odh38Q5xg8ZV_htjLcsRKB_a97zjJoKdXRl1lb_UbPq1hiFAfS9wGO2n2sAeVrbLqAlPliqrgyty7U7pA8q0gPQHOqGU2X9f/s1600/monorail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q9fcEIn9qiEJZFBe_EP6esuaJ3LoFZtliYplGQGOAgu3Odh38Q5xg8ZV_htjLcsRKB_a97zjJoKdXRl1lb_UbPq1hiFAfS9wGO2n2sAeVrbLqAlPliqrgyty7U7pA8q0gPQHOqGU2X9f/s400/monorail.jpg" width="261" /></a>We didn't go on any of the major rides as not everyone in our party met the height requirement (That's really funny. No, I'm talking about myself). We do talk about going back one more time when the boys get older so they can experience the rides. But until then, I will look forward to our annual trip to Cape Cod. The beaching, biking, shopping, mini-golfing, whole-family-together-time is near and dear to my heart. As far as <i>this </i>Disney trip goes, it's the nuances of our family, like our rendition of the Simpson's inspired <a href="http://youtu.be/xhpO_WcR_jE">monorail song</a> that we sang (a lot) during the weekend that I am most thankful for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-50013519471724810372013-02-26T18:13:00.000-08:002013-02-27T13:27:26.378-08:00Pantry Clean-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Y'all, I'm so embarrassed. I've organized my pantry and as a result, I'm about to show you how unorganized I am:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX3GPBnk07D_E41Etj4vdpo9aO4bHdtkUC59Cs_7KS8kk_MKRn_J5LFl03D-Ihlunp6v-TMx0DU1EdMc4XaCeW_K7D-cUub3j4y8vIWUzzwHLUh_3XqPHiYgDD4xGG3Ba_A2a0tblJQxR/s1600/DSC06008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX3GPBnk07D_E41Etj4vdpo9aO4bHdtkUC59Cs_7KS8kk_MKRn_J5LFl03D-Ihlunp6v-TMx0DU1EdMc4XaCeW_K7D-cUub3j4y8vIWUzzwHLUh_3XqPHiYgDD4xGG3Ba_A2a0tblJQxR/s320/DSC06008.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The inspiration behind this pantry clean up was not all of the Pinterest photos and organizing blogs out there, suprisingly. You see I always admired their antics, but considered them to be for those who considered organization a priority, for those who invited other people to look into their pantry. Me? I'll have you over, cook you dinner, and talk (or dance) the night away with you- but don't you dare look in our closets. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was working really well for me, actually. And then we put our house on the market. The first time someone called to say they were coming to see the house, I panicked and went to throw everything in sight into a closet. And then it dawned on me: these people are coming,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">to look in my closets!</span> Gulp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I hauled all of the stuff that I normally would have put in the closet into our SUV (Sport Utility Van) and drove away. For real. But I fear I may not always have time, even for this clever maneuver. One realtor actually called when they were <b>in our driveway</b> to say they wanted to see the house. Thank goodness it was presentable at the time. The only bummer was that I was making hard boiled eggs. Wasn't the olfactory experience I was going for...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, check out the before and after pic of the pantry (don't mind the poor lighting, it's been dark and rainy for three weeks now):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oN_qkBnnN2hqsIkXaXZq2vcb6DyZgFVDvkX10uXWB1WOLpQJsD3GqjWM0TCMhqFvvvRlWY6hLh9SIWjRZpppVL1INbzJ-PCvjgEGnqUI83_oKogiEo65i-kVkfORNVnwmxuKoUnvs5KZ/s1600/pantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oN_qkBnnN2hqsIkXaXZq2vcb6DyZgFVDvkX10uXWB1WOLpQJsD3GqjWM0TCMhqFvvvRlWY6hLh9SIWjRZpppVL1INbzJ-PCvjgEGnqUI83_oKogiEo65i-kVkfORNVnwmxuKoUnvs5KZ/s640/pantry.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
This is what I did (I can't believe I'm actually giving tips on organizing. This is funny, like, I'm laughing <strike>at you </strike> with you, for reading this).<br />
<br />
1. I got rid of a whole lot of things that I didn't have a use for: a few tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs, expired items, untouched items (I tried to like you green tea, I just couldn't).<br />
<br />
2. I actually had empty canisters in this closet, and boxes of things that could have been stored in said canisters. Why wasn't I using them? (Lazy) Hey, I heard that.<br />
<br />
3. Recently, at my friend Rachel's house, I noticed that all of her spices were stored neatly in a kitchen drawer: genius! Even with my three tiered shelf in the pantry, I used to have a hard time finding the spice I needed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtafq4c7S5jkMXXK6xKp6Ju7XjJDrm1I0-0cB4J8CTvANm0rCV9RfM8vyRlisvwAayBvqzanqU_3cvlgKuA5okhoyJYXjMKuNuaI_MAWlL2aKPnp5o2GeEUOMxgSlsMTUa1dAEpGBlMxt/s1600/spicy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtafq4c7S5jkMXXK6xKp6Ju7XjJDrm1I0-0cB4J8CTvANm0rCV9RfM8vyRlisvwAayBvqzanqU_3cvlgKuA5okhoyJYXjMKuNuaI_MAWlL2aKPnp5o2GeEUOMxgSlsMTUa1dAEpGBlMxt/s320/spicy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
4. I have a LOT of those small wooden crates that clementines come in. I couldn't bare to toss them and I couldn't bare to see my friends toss them, so I have a collection. I organized bags, jars, cans, snacks, and miscellaneous items into the different crates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36sixTy_hfqcUDfqMM1KTW9xUJDSUTzX7FdJ9jTLF72ISzSfkxd79Hc1q2jui0wlv1T3clmCNK3GE5QozPoOnVHdjFRPaVJPhsgYnpS0E7AeLnKynDH-wbogddojJd27i6OApaekkpdtI/s1600/DSC06010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36sixTy_hfqcUDfqMM1KTW9xUJDSUTzX7FdJ9jTLF72ISzSfkxd79Hc1q2jui0wlv1T3clmCNK3GE5QozPoOnVHdjFRPaVJPhsgYnpS0E7AeLnKynDH-wbogddojJd27i6OApaekkpdtI/s320/DSC06010.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<br />
5. Things were looking MUCH better, but it needed a little pizazz. So I covered the clementine boxes with paper from my favorite stack and it looks sorta snazzy all of a sudden.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0EKHt-rpzmqA_lXEdUL6tv-KWtzL9Y2NunVYNMR_KBSw6u15heGxolQ08FyE1Xdh0hxBrRuWhMBPJtjTZtNYon1dVf12QscOCCck8puMZ2MvTLWSd1y-6VyHuR0mRpC8ayyf8Km4zV-y/s1600/DSC06022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0EKHt-rpzmqA_lXEdUL6tv-KWtzL9Y2NunVYNMR_KBSw6u15heGxolQ08FyE1Xdh0hxBrRuWhMBPJtjTZtNYon1dVf12QscOCCck8puMZ2MvTLWSd1y-6VyHuR0mRpC8ayyf8Km4zV-y/s320/DSC06022.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
I stare into my pantry a lot now. I stared a lot before too, but that was only because I couldn't find anything I was looking for. Now-a-days, I just admire the organization that a non-organized person has attained. It makes me want to call back all of the people who have visited our house with their realtors and say "Please, come back! I've organized my pantry! I'm not totally gross! Just don't look inside my mini van!".<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-67683071087777291042013-02-23T07:37:00.000-08:002013-02-23T10:38:24.865-08:00My go-to muffinsWe make muffins a lot around here, especially when we have to bring a snack for our little friends. These are my go-to muffins. This recipe is from the April 2011 issue of <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/">Whole Living</a> (One of my favorites. In <i>my </i>eyes Martha can do no wrong <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">;)</span>.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
3/4 C all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 C whole-wheat flour<br />
2 Tbsp wheat germ<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon <i>(I usually double cinnamon, so I use 2 tsp)</i><br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/8 tsp kosher salt<br />
1/3 C vegetable oil <i>(I use canola oil, often I will do half coconut oil in a recipe like this)</i><br />
1/3 C buttermilk<i> (If you don't have buttermilk, add 1 Tbsp vinegar to measuring cup </i><i>before adding milk </i><i> and let sit for a few minutes)</i><br />
2 large eggs<br />
3/4 C light brown sugar <i>(I often do half maple syrup or honey here)</i><br />
2 C finely grated carrots (4-5 carrots)<br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Method:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to <span style="font-size: 11pt;">350°. </span></span><span style="text-align: left;">Line a standard muffin tin with paper cups. Whisk flours, wheat germ, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobUIkNPNkZb23g-xXtemzw1jAT_rYaTgPgk8BfjnjCN-YS7Sb5wj5-REmcbVxLxUAhuddceCK1KeMN4DvJ0EctwNSEfCRSNwmSCV8V4GH34-dODCqaBLF2JOgjsoDwyOhjJRYn-R5sn9G/s1600/DSC05926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobUIkNPNkZb23g-xXtemzw1jAT_rYaTgPgk8BfjnjCN-YS7Sb5wj5-REmcbVxLxUAhuddceCK1KeMN4DvJ0EctwNSEfCRSNwmSCV8V4GH34-dODCqaBLF2JOgjsoDwyOhjJRYn-R5sn9G/s320/DSC05926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whisk remaining ingredients in a separate bowl. Confession: I do not do my own mixing. I have people who do that for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCy89FS1fHn_Lh1ue9tX2teXwHQWNnJDrsemLfiSRQAHaoWSzykeOsvqV07bNgRDJEVCAJWMtDxNevLG-QvF5D6YBmYXeuD1W1ZDbTgMHRyTtnJTWUoWb6ORvLp1xBlAx31k60fb8Z9Y1/s1600/DSC05934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCy89FS1fHn_Lh1ue9tX2teXwHQWNnJDrsemLfiSRQAHaoWSzykeOsvqV07bNgRDJEVCAJWMtDxNevLG-QvF5D6YBmYXeuD1W1ZDbTgMHRyTtnJTWUoWb6ORvLp1xBlAx31k60fb8Z9Y1/s320/DSC05934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Fold dry ingredients into wet and mix just until combined.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"> Meanwhile, peel the carrots and grate in a food processor.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hegUkhpdFSpFAZ2uGKEEgou0LLIqieTiUPjQL2O6NztyNTlVKEtotHYLQ6f-qPHeVN6YCjmEU43asMGS7F_YTKxvdm467ldd3eoRs4XZbLAuV12G8rWcZtEzZu110k8q9s6BpVNMmb45/s1600/DSC05941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hegUkhpdFSpFAZ2uGKEEgou0LLIqieTiUPjQL2O6NztyNTlVKEtotHYLQ6f-qPHeVN6YCjmEU43asMGS7F_YTKxvdm467ldd3eoRs4XZbLAuV12G8rWcZtEzZu110k8q9s6BpVNMmb45/s320/DSC05941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I also have people who peel my carrots for me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">But don't get too jealous, I still do all my own clean up.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCdnjtsb-Xt2nvM_AOralx_JjXkJpuhRuh3bEcKRbuU-S7kikoiIT7BIs-2GINyfpxye2h3VbvRcG4wcDBZnh7MVgpdpMR4kfKfuRhNn1zfUcjXJ-XHNxxRbe0-O-iqSVsRYFvCT5iudi/s1600/DSC05938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCdnjtsb-Xt2nvM_AOralx_JjXkJpuhRuh3bEcKRbuU-S7kikoiIT7BIs-2GINyfpxye2h3VbvRcG4wcDBZnh7MVgpdpMR4kfKfuRhNn1zfUcjXJ-XHNxxRbe0-O-iqSVsRYFvCT5iudi/s320/DSC05938.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add the carrots to the batter along with a <b><span style="font-size: large;">top secret</span> </b>ingredient:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a dollop of sour cream. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfgVTDDnlmSHWPKdQCQfU33H0RkHcCp1iugTASiuGopTZDcqwKaZd22m8jAN-_Y5wqmfSkM1Ty-SnRhNOVwH7K8D2EJ4i4UHsr5i6qH0CtL4qASIJgZJUnZcbWaAQYv9lRgSwRlxVl9m_/s1600/DSC05944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfgVTDDnlmSHWPKdQCQfU33H0RkHcCp1iugTASiuGopTZDcqwKaZd22m8jAN-_Y5wqmfSkM1Ty-SnRhNOVwH7K8D2EJ4i4UHsr5i6qH0CtL4qASIJgZJUnZcbWaAQYv9lRgSwRlxVl9m_/s320/DSC05944.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">When I snapped the above picture my 5 year old casually said, "Mom, can you send that picture to my iPod?" Oh Lawd. </span><br />
<br />
Then my little guys reallllly wanted to add bananas and strawberries to this particuar batch, so I obliged.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YbEWprYE0aK7vThFDv6j0HemaDS-AyOWc3x6sBMXquBLnce1IXDNkQ5RzahyphenhyphendXvg4xSTBDy_IfIxuck_bivnWe1ANP9wxvX_gxsyoo2wn6islXjJxutH7q5YKSgHlJpKn0dr0MB8NyNO/s1600/DSC05950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YbEWprYE0aK7vThFDv6j0HemaDS-AyOWc3x6sBMXquBLnce1IXDNkQ5RzahyphenhyphendXvg4xSTBDy_IfIxuck_bivnWe1ANP9wxvX_gxsyoo2wn6islXjJxutH7q5YKSgHlJpKn0dr0MB8NyNO/s320/DSC05950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With the extra ingredients we added, there was some extra batter to make some mini muffins too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur8oIyja05wsWgYJjOPHKGu67x_Vi7GUCpOZBIBZB4W9rD0yM7waXDFwF-4fixfXKOZi88Khbe3AX0CkS8R8mA1sdZF_HCTAc8pSAsRuCg79C2f1VAsfUo638VyBML4ZV5BsGmtuJNscR/s1600/DSC05955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur8oIyja05wsWgYJjOPHKGu67x_Vi7GUCpOZBIBZB4W9rD0yM7waXDFwF-4fixfXKOZi88Khbe3AX0CkS8R8mA1sdZF_HCTAc8pSAsRuCg79C2f1VAsfUo638VyBML4ZV5BsGmtuJNscR/s320/DSC05955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bake for 20 minutes (mini muffins a little less) and enjoy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPafHI8nIVTKec4YgZdVRmiMdH8pBgg2AefWhtKyIGwTcONFagJLoqEhHR3UH0s-iPdMz4-rVF1TWBbtiP5-UbBnpunl-aEY8K9UDWVrog1yNs1tD2dHzdMGtrsWT_jUCuO55cm3EzPnAV/s1600/DSC05964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPafHI8nIVTKec4YgZdVRmiMdH8pBgg2AefWhtKyIGwTcONFagJLoqEhHR3UH0s-iPdMz4-rVF1TWBbtiP5-UbBnpunl-aEY8K9UDWVrog1yNs1tD2dHzdMGtrsWT_jUCuO55cm3EzPnAV/s320/DSC05964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let me know if you love this recipe as much as my cooking team and I...</div>
Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-83587374726222263762013-02-20T06:51:00.000-08:002013-02-20T14:30:28.269-08:00Color Love Wall DecorI spotted this zebra at Ikea and I couldn't stop thinking about it as I perused through the awesome, overwhelmingly fabulous home superstore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif59HyakWU7z35LPvGnKQu0acChK9G8ZFymg9S2fepw0OGYfHvJUgcJOXhl_FblKcZ6TeON3mLbzoz5zBqnrXOXnfwUUl49bEEzR4AzPFN4jnV94oZ2nY65u8TYezxUXzz_cGCE75LWitv/s1600/DSC05924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif59HyakWU7z35LPvGnKQu0acChK9G8ZFymg9S2fepw0OGYfHvJUgcJOXhl_FblKcZ6TeON3mLbzoz5zBqnrXOXnfwUUl49bEEzR4AzPFN4jnV94oZ2nY65u8TYezxUXzz_cGCE75LWitv/s400/DSC05924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Granted, I liked almost every display there, but there was something about this large print that I kept going back to. I considered it for my bedroom, but wasn't sure if it was too big, too wild? Luckily, I was there with some of my closest girlfriends who recognized my affection for the print and wouldn't let me leave without it. Suggestion: <b>always</b> go to Ikea with a group of fabulous friends, as much time as your head and budget can handle, and follow it with a trip to the mall and dinner at a restaurant afterward. You won't be disappointed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So the photo is up in our bedroom and I love it BUT, it's is black and white, and the walls are white. I've been thinking that we needed to add some color into the mix. So I began with these 4 white canvases knowing that they were going to need some color love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKFS5fbZEKkwgAJ5tE8ePzXmzPw_3wSxJjYRGEFi5FxCbhnrmpzeE8FpwVVHuRavmZ5CoIgVr3f4eWo6gzg37k0HpaNnEvrTF6s_zHW6R_y7TnGOnvvVl3irYk0RrgrjcQlg9UQRNaT1Z/s1600/DSC05719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKFS5fbZEKkwgAJ5tE8ePzXmzPw_3wSxJjYRGEFi5FxCbhnrmpzeE8FpwVVHuRavmZ5CoIgVr3f4eWo6gzg37k0HpaNnEvrTF6s_zHW6R_y7TnGOnvvVl3irYk0RrgrjcQlg9UQRNaT1Z/s200/DSC05719.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started by painting them gray (this paint was left over from the gray barn wood that I used for the <a href="http://erindestratis.blogspot.com/2013/01/string-heart.html">string heart</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2LmiFWuZgp0-gu_DrNypPxabVvXnbMRtj5Py2lAMZXN_dKJ5j0lYfLsz2YBEA-WjOCN3gZjylspNc9AZAPAKa6eyUDmuTk1MFI8FYDcQOU_t0LqSDqf0iTTpdyp5BO0sLC_hqwa5aFz6/s1600/DSC05722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2LmiFWuZgp0-gu_DrNypPxabVvXnbMRtj5Py2lAMZXN_dKJ5j0lYfLsz2YBEA-WjOCN3gZjylspNc9AZAPAKa6eyUDmuTk1MFI8FYDcQOU_t0LqSDqf0iTTpdyp5BO0sLC_hqwa5aFz6/s200/DSC05722.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">But that just barely qualifies as colorful, eh? So I broke out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Die-Cuts-With-View-Blossom/dp/B00A2NYFHE/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1361372044&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=611356885267">this </a>very wonderful paper stack and started cutting away. I used a spray adhesive to attach the paper to the canvas and I had a happy little flower-like number at the end. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Something was still missing though, so I called on the one fiber that can pull me out of almost any crafting dilemma: jute! I used a glue gun to place jute around the border of each paper design and I was finally happy with the finished product.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1ydLKQ-s_5T9-rJ9_KaFOtnICGZ3cK2FVWumeAXla4bu87L9HH-hS-QZ_9NLHAX6Zy6MkSFZE-6Hat4DOh1DOjKNXXo3A6_k6-3QkJ5e1mNb2KdSGUMLgCb1mNnyO6w8VFpiLSb8TCar/s1600/art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1ydLKQ-s_5T9-rJ9_KaFOtnICGZ3cK2FVWumeAXla4bu87L9HH-hS-QZ_9NLHAX6Zy6MkSFZE-6Hat4DOh1DOjKNXXo3A6_k6-3QkJ5e1mNb2KdSGUMLgCb1mNnyO6w8VFpiLSb8TCar/s320/art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, I like the juxtaposition between colors and patterns in the room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsRpcg9swnwCwGORAi8F0ajYKT1dNqmkVh1GsGvBthjErVklF8aBWUDT1vk7h9QSCW6QWUIf0-39t6EQFQfpjlNHnejQFA_BzyniQ3xbpGMpLS4q1hBU1mjJbOP60UUe_-c1uTcv2NOBR/s1600/DSC05920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsRpcg9swnwCwGORAi8F0ajYKT1dNqmkVh1GsGvBthjErVklF8aBWUDT1vk7h9QSCW6QWUIf0-39t6EQFQfpjlNHnejQFA_BzyniQ3xbpGMpLS4q1hBU1mjJbOP60UUe_-c1uTcv2NOBR/s400/DSC05920.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm satisfied with the room mostly, but I think it is missing a large, green, air-purifiying plant. Ikea actually had some great plant options that would have worked well, but we were totally, officially out of room in the vehicle. Ah yes, that's the other advice I have about Ikea. No worries that you may feel a wee bit "uncool", DON'T drive there in anything smaller than a mini-van. You will regret it. <br />
<br />
<div class="Creating-with-the-Stars-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 300px;">
<a href="http://www.eastcoastcreativeblog.com/">
<img alt="Creating with the Stars" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOuieOcbTeVkCcwI-UphI7_IYyokmtCYgUQy182FsAnL-kBOM8ek0O12DLlTgFoL8cwLarLWssf_3aEWQ9Bb5my6EDm6wgqkCoXykFC1l97Fm_Wb2vnkUHzHc51tOKBm_-YAYNPxLT3aw/s1600/CWTS+button+grab.jpg" width="300" />
</a></div>
Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-19304824633915877932013-01-30T16:14:00.000-08:002013-01-30T16:14:00.514-08:00Chicken Noodle Soup. For you.Let's talk chicken noodle soup, shall we?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dgYKX1s5rqx7eE5WEcuuVRYe9coGPARrT34Z8rpyBblRCrN4auMyCDTEx-malpIwdQUb-7wheVUvUpzZh6laN9FL_6N0-C7LJzKn3SFD1HYZrG0oaNt5Bj11jC45kbZjrbe5NhA0Df7h/s1600/DSC05665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dgYKX1s5rqx7eE5WEcuuVRYe9coGPARrT34Z8rpyBblRCrN4auMyCDTEx-malpIwdQUb-7wheVUvUpzZh6laN9FL_6N0-C7LJzKn3SFD1HYZrG0oaNt5Bj11jC45kbZjrbe5NhA0Df7h/s400/DSC05665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I won't make you read some really long story about my great grandmother making us chicken noodle soup while her cocker spaniel ran around the house with my great grandpa's dentures in his mouth or anything like that (this time).<br />
<br />
All I'm going to say is:<br />
<br />
1. You can make your own stock (I'll show you how).<br />
AND<br />
2. Those pale yellow droplets floating in the chicken stock- they're super healthy! In <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-What-Eat-Why/dp/1596913428/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359590092&sr=8-1&keywords=real+food">Real Food</a>, </i>a book on eating well that I really respect, Nina Plank writes, "chicken fat...contains palmitoleic acid, an antimicrobial <i>mono</i>unsaturated fat", and these are proven to <b>fight infections</b>. I'm not a scientist, but I'm going to go with <i>that</i>.<br />
<br />
Here's the process:<br />
<br />
<b>Stock</b><br />
Place 2 large bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts in large pot.<br />
Cover with 6-8 cups of water.<br />
Add: 1 large onion, 1 peeled carrot (sliced in several large pieces) & 2-3 celery stalks.<br />
Season with sea salt and black pepper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTg6bvzyMvXd9_BrdTrnSryBw9yBYLZqbjHVNQ1QSTNWl_FRbCnJ18gcsvA97cgZkU_Yl5ymmlKVjBXfge__BQEjBkAcOkRP-dGaXQYri8PObG3_ibxgi43sKrs9geDIAXz6RIw3IKfM-/s1600/IMG_4630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTg6bvzyMvXd9_BrdTrnSryBw9yBYLZqbjHVNQ1QSTNWl_FRbCnJ18gcsvA97cgZkU_Yl5ymmlKVjBXfge__BQEjBkAcOkRP-dGaXQYri8PObG3_ibxgi43sKrs9geDIAXz6RIw3IKfM-/s400/IMG_4630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Bring to a boil, then turn on low and simmer ALL DAY.<br />
OK, you don't have to cook it all day long, but the longer you do, the more flavorful it will be. I would say you will need at least 3-4 hrs. (you can also do this in a crock pot for 6-8 hrs). Add 1-2 cups of water during cooking, as you will lose some of the liquid during this process.<br />
Remove chicken, it will fall off the bones after being cooked so long. Discard bones, set chicken aside.<br />
Strain broth and set aside as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2KiCY6VrFaphpFRFcujm3NuqqvOCTCg0rgKVr7VtzJzMSunOW1IjBBZl3FcKrgtPv8beNjVX6ocJJs2JN2nV5P4Yts5lqI4NOZehpttjVINTdo6bCSrq9inKGEUzJAnuNem1gmReIRk9/s1600/DSC05656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2KiCY6VrFaphpFRFcujm3NuqqvOCTCg0rgKVr7VtzJzMSunOW1IjBBZl3FcKrgtPv8beNjVX6ocJJs2JN2nV5P4Yts5lqI4NOZehpttjVINTdo6bCSrq9inKGEUzJAnuNem1gmReIRk9/s400/DSC05656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
That's it! It might take a while, but it shouldn't need much attention once you set it to simmer. Heck, I started the stock, then presumed to clean the house like a crazy lady (I even did the "put a sock on your hand and clean the blinds and ceiling fan maneuver"). Then I played matchbox cars (with my little guy), prepared for Spanish class, pulled some weeds, folded laundry, researched karate classes in the area, and I may have even took a<span style="font-size: x-small;"> small </span>but mighty power nap- all while it simmered away. Disclaimer: my husband works from home, I didn't sleep with the stove on, and <i>completely</i> unattended to :). I'm doing it, aren't I? the grandmother and the denture story... <br />
<br />
<b>Chicken Soup</b><br />
Melt 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in large pot.<br />
Add 1 medium yellow onion (chopped), 2-3 carrots (peeled and sliced), 2-3 celery stalks (chopped) & 1-2 bay leaves.<br />
Season with salt and pepper.<br />
Cook on medium heat 7-10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender crisp (you don't want them to be mushy, just soft enough to pierce with a fork).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN4ZdsSKA4PgjzWLzcuhksWsBFCvdneJfofNPJLzaZnWFsSeTt96uCdoyBRVrWYMYDHntzWJ8Zg7othikmKfqWmzUPKbXzZXwtIfM5KVlUE7mH6MG6cRwzZANujkKX4a2qMOqffUnctrC/s1600/DSC05657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN4ZdsSKA4PgjzWLzcuhksWsBFCvdneJfofNPJLzaZnWFsSeTt96uCdoyBRVrWYMYDHntzWJ8Zg7othikmKfqWmzUPKbXzZXwtIfM5KVlUE7mH6MG6cRwzZANujkKX4a2qMOqffUnctrC/s400/DSC05657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Add prepared stock and chicken.<br />
Cook on medium heat for 12-15 minutes.<br />
Add 4 cups of whole wheat noodles (I used Ronzoni Healthy Harvest). Real quick: generally, I don't prefer whole wheat pasta. I've found that it is too thick and doesn't ever quite reach the point of 'al dente'. However, these noodles work perfect for soup, because they soak up all the fabulous broth you've spent all day preparing, and don't seem to get too soggy like regular pasta would).<br />
Bring to a boil and cook 5-7 minutes or until pasta is soft.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY0SxEwFR9OEIdqPh24RSl87D7o7YBrLKLD2UnagOt4YjiVfGj3vVe2oaBFIC8Nbm6dUVUG39HBBCDEkdyq_IfsJJeyiizAIHvD75jl2DpnNfrQhjql3c4N3R8LK3DoM29Rm2t4CdKnZE/s1600/DSC05661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY0SxEwFR9OEIdqPh24RSl87D7o7YBrLKLD2UnagOt4YjiVfGj3vVe2oaBFIC8Nbm6dUVUG39HBBCDEkdyq_IfsJJeyiizAIHvD75jl2DpnNfrQhjql3c4N3R8LK3DoM29Rm2t4CdKnZE/s640/DSC05661.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Eat it up, every last drop. My picky little eater will only eat the broth, those are his noodles pictured next to my bowl. Nothing gets wasted. <br />
<br />
P.S. That bread on the table- that's <a href="http://www.alexandracooks.com/2012/11/07/my-mothers-peasant-bread-the-best-easiest-bread-you-will-ever-make/">Peasant Bread</a>, recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.alexandracooks.com/">Alexandra's Kitchen</a>. It was my first time making this bread, but I will so be making it again. Like, tomorrow. I don't think this bread has the same healing properties as chicken soup, but I'll tell you what- one bite had me feeling blissful. And the smell of our house? Heavenly.<br />
<br />
Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-58877493985480677372013-01-27T18:43:00.001-08:002013-01-27T18:47:38.681-08:00String HeartMy <a href="http://erindestratis.blogspot.com/2013/01/pinterest-mishaps.html">last post</a> was about a few Pinterest mishaps that have come my way, but not all of my Pinterest ventures have gone awry. Recently, I spotted a DIY String heart that caught my eye and made its way into the "I-need-to-make-this-or-it-is-going-to-haunt-me-night-and-day" category.<br />
<br />
And so it was, and here it is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TJWYAbKgwcf9jqf9mbDNayTBjIgrtDH5FVuufgmMPFxx_SrJiq8pLAUnJUrwIxAGCyrBXQafuuPR9XJ3ldXGWhGaZ5lDOhyphenhyphena79yhMos4ZjRlUwXhOoYQenyZF69HrmF9HBaQlBSxYzE4/s1600/string+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TJWYAbKgwcf9jqf9mbDNayTBjIgrtDH5FVuufgmMPFxx_SrJiq8pLAUnJUrwIxAGCyrBXQafuuPR9XJ3ldXGWhGaZ5lDOhyphenhyphena79yhMos4ZjRlUwXhOoYQenyZF69HrmF9HBaQlBSxYzE4/s400/string+heart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here was the process:<br />
<br />
I bought a piece of plywood from Lowes; I <i>really</i> wanted a piece of barn wood for this project, and I even scoured dumpsters and fields as I was driving around, but couldn't come up with any. I guess I could have visited a barn? So, I used this <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2012/04/faux-barn-wood-painting-tutorial.html">faux barn wood painting tutorial </a>on The House of Smiths. Plywood wasn't the best platform to work with here, but it did the trick. (The House of Smiths is a really fabulous home decorating blog, by the way.)<br />
<br />
Next, I folded a piece of wrapping paper in half, drew a heart of desired size, cut it out, and taped it to the "barn wood". With a sharpie, I made a mark about every 1/4 inch or so.<br />
<br />
I bought small black nails (they were actually labeled as "tacks") and hammered them in on the specified spots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHVWVN3xLB7YzH1yZQfIk1EwbkPOyBVTzadBmNHtuxTSndewz9EsUQDh4lWrwlYXjHzEB3HNDkIhy9IJvnKyP7FmXXaz_6a5wzNKtOnKBqHGtfk506Tte708Nehfrcn11WofQJP2wcvpg/s1600/photo-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHVWVN3xLB7YzH1yZQfIk1EwbkPOyBVTzadBmNHtuxTSndewz9EsUQDh4lWrwlYXjHzEB3HNDkIhy9IJvnKyP7FmXXaz_6a5wzNKtOnKBqHGtfk506Tte708Nehfrcn11WofQJP2wcvpg/s320/photo-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I ripped the wrapping paper off (felt like a kid at Christmas, I did).<br />
<br />
Then it got really fun. So much so, that I don't have any pics to document this step. I started winding yarn around this way, and that way, and didn't stop until I darn well wanted to. The only glitch at this part, was that some of the tacks were not nailed in quite far enough. They would start to loosen and sometimes came out altogether, so I had to use brute force and make sure they were nailed in far enough (but not too far as to peirce through the wood). Once I was content with the yarn pattern (I redid the whole thing twice because it wasn't <span style="font-size: large;"><b>just so</b></span>), I wrapped the yarn around the outside of the heart to define it, and then I hung that thing.<br />
<br />
This was meant to play a Valentines inspired role in our decor, but the more it sits above our mantle, the more I fall in love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K2W0v9fLaeqpvcdGtsmkCAjfwY7IRE-eD6qzxG-RDzAfVN767RMajk_QhmGOjXibn9zjC9YWgg9ZIFdlTOnP7F-f7wWmJofdnFYOL0SVNONgA4oGgmrwpFY79L5YHSCwAg4gk67NAmD9/s1600/DSC05547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K2W0v9fLaeqpvcdGtsmkCAjfwY7IRE-eD6qzxG-RDzAfVN767RMajk_QhmGOjXibn9zjC9YWgg9ZIFdlTOnP7F-f7wWmJofdnFYOL0SVNONgA4oGgmrwpFY79L5YHSCwAg4gk67NAmD9/s400/DSC05547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I haven't broached the subject with the fam yet, but maybe they've been struck by Cupid's arrow too, maybe they'll let me keep it up.<br />
<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-67134521684708093142013-01-20T17:03:00.000-08:002013-01-20T17:15:45.192-08:00Pinterest Mishaps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoJ7dZlBKWhZEFvnyxOuPEQWBV_14f8titNvyl6RekxpM9TuKn8_5pFThvCaW1scYwasjz7mQibhPFXUFYSf61pwJzJkZGGmw4Jt6QL29ou13sitwGLvrD37RaEkIT8PG_eQwTqgVifQJ/s1600/1341974163350_8152059.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoJ7dZlBKWhZEFvnyxOuPEQWBV_14f8titNvyl6RekxpM9TuKn8_5pFThvCaW1scYwasjz7mQibhPFXUFYSf61pwJzJkZGGmw4Jt6QL29ou13sitwGLvrD37RaEkIT8PG_eQwTqgVifQJ/s400/1341974163350_8152059.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This Ecard makes me laugh. A lot. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This moment has happened at our house on several occasions. On one particular night Jason found me mixing up a gelatin and milk concoction that kept showing up on Pinterest. It's <i>supposed</i> to work better than Biore pore strips. Problem was that it hardened immediately once I put it on my skin and became painful to take off. Plus, it didn't work (apparently it does for some people).</div>
<br />
On another ocassion, I was trying to make a fabulous toffee candy recipe that caught my eye on Pinterest, to be given as a Christmas gift. It was all going so beautifully when Jason walked in the kitchen as I was dropping a spoonful of the hot toffee mixture into a glass of cold water. If it solidified, that would indicate that it was done (a candy thermometer would have been very useful here. I did utilize my meat thermometer, but it couldn't measure the high temperature that a candy thermometer can. All of the candy makers are cringing right now).<br />
<br />
Anyway, the husband looked at me and in an impressed sort of way, and said "You look like a little chemist". Which kind of made me laugh, and got me thinking about chemistry class, and the fun times we had trying to distract the teacher from actually teaching a lesson. When I turned around, the mixture in the pot was smoking heavily causing my eyes to burn. I immediately took the the pot outside and (thank goodness) I don't have a photo, but picture this: I'm barefoot in the driveway at 9:30 at night, in my pajamas, holding a smoking pot out in font of me, eyes watering, fingers crossed, hoping I didn't ruin this pot and that the smoke detector doesn't go off. A little bit defeated, I dumped the smoking concoction into the woods and as it sizzled, I decided to forget about the toffee for the evening.<br />
<br />
It didn't end all bad though, because I ended up with these little goodies:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aErOON8fCGEd_NY_VSdR1dSlIpkm6nOo-Tp_Cz8vpOc927aGuOnu6M-yjMxAFZED_AY2lZdRgeCwrQ1JOOFXqFdtC7nDjkUr302OvDsLUc5X3tGuFQNxcTvTxr3RhQe5BMI_pqFDihdn/s1600/crackers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aErOON8fCGEd_NY_VSdR1dSlIpkm6nOo-Tp_Cz8vpOc927aGuOnu6M-yjMxAFZED_AY2lZdRgeCwrQ1JOOFXqFdtC7nDjkUr302OvDsLUc5X3tGuFQNxcTvTxr3RhQe5BMI_pqFDihdn/s400/crackers1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They are missing a toffee layer, but they are mini crackers, topped with both white and dark chocolate, and covered with slivered almonds.<br />
<br />
I think this recipe could have worked just fine had I had the proper equipment. Or perhaps I could have paid a little more attention in Olly's class; if only I had known about all of the experimenting I'd be doing in my adult life. Or maybe, I should warn my family members about the dangers of distracting a gal when she's working on something that she saw on Pinterest...Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-29465727540574693812013-01-13T19:33:00.000-08:002013-01-13T19:51:03.030-08:00Owl InvitationsYesterday, one of my very closest friends had a baby, Gretah Hope! I've seen the pictures and she is darling, just like her mama. The only problem is, <span style="font-size: x-large;">I want to meet her! </span>Not a problem, you say? It is, when you live a 15 plus hour car ride away. Perhaps Easter travels will bring us together; until then, I'll channel my anticipation into creativity and write a new post.<br />
<br />
About Gretah, I already feel a connection to this little babe, partly because I had the privilege of making the invitations for the baby shower:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70fLbEckwCj0fbtY_bAOa33PMhGaUKnp6SoH-Pa3iaW0VXWaYzQKdEbb-UjiSupSCsn0_0zs79rbQiK8m3qRLxWlo39YzqnjHB01L-j1golO7qGeQR23R5N-oOTwWzDblygD1Z4VGdXCh/s1600/owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70fLbEckwCj0fbtY_bAOa33PMhGaUKnp6SoH-Pa3iaW0VXWaYzQKdEbb-UjiSupSCsn0_0zs79rbQiK8m3qRLxWlo39YzqnjHB01L-j1golO7qGeQR23R5N-oOTwWzDblygD1Z4VGdXCh/s640/owl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is a little bit of the process:<br />
<br />
Step 1: Stamp<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfPadPOHoDdbgxVseWW3aZ8I7q6FNeRNmFoWbxOdGLTWwQ7N8z1I7FXJUSIkxBNhEvyHLMYJG0dd7CkjQwRB2XmbkyFbU8GEC5nUY9MdxyadZ_VjyL8CMhpRZZddVnrPOjN3-NgBVEPoy/s1600/DSC04992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfPadPOHoDdbgxVseWW3aZ8I7q6FNeRNmFoWbxOdGLTWwQ7N8z1I7FXJUSIkxBNhEvyHLMYJG0dd7CkjQwRB2XmbkyFbU8GEC5nUY9MdxyadZ_VjyL8CMhpRZZddVnrPOjN3-NgBVEPoy/s320/DSC04992.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Step 2: Fold, cut, assemble owls<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5vu3Z-9W2Ia_mHRQ44GE7WltwOWXQVGcxRjYylIvRYNwDNQGF_e-QRkSDEeJ2up2aSVC4DpqC2gKTpZH588kOMqQfCDVTUXu-sFcnSsuL2Wh4qlGyIW3yQody9Bpavvw1p1iwyVlyN09/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5vu3Z-9W2Ia_mHRQ44GE7WltwOWXQVGcxRjYylIvRYNwDNQGF_e-QRkSDEeJ2up2aSVC4DpqC2gKTpZH588kOMqQfCDVTUXu-sFcnSsuL2Wh4qlGyIW3yQody9Bpavvw1p1iwyVlyN09/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Step 3: Trace, cut, glue trees<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2r-r1rqfv6-9RJk8dOKRqglHdmjE_b4PcapmzpEwYTA38gZA5KDooFFGG8LrVx2kXq-KNXsZJFHFspQ4CvNLR9W0IPelc1-mqm9Natr-bV1b1dUg25sFVaw0n7LPWaC9vuLHE7b89kDO/s1600/DSC05013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2r-r1rqfv6-9RJk8dOKRqglHdmjE_b4PcapmzpEwYTA38gZA5KDooFFGG8LrVx2kXq-KNXsZJFHFspQ4CvNLR9W0IPelc1-mqm9Natr-bV1b1dUg25sFVaw0n7LPWaC9vuLHE7b89kDO/s400/DSC05013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Step 4: Position owls<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dF9kSN2nHzuMMm3ZdYj3xOOh736oUp3pLs0frIrYQ_Lzrcjbwx1bSc0QqVdibQSsiLEGgWpmQcdqw-pUEixPvH70_QKkUBXzPYPxX_8DI_fVN15ORG9ujtU6q9PKE0hrmGZ1QO9tXxbU/s1600/owltree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dF9kSN2nHzuMMm3ZdYj3xOOh736oUp3pLs0frIrYQ_Lzrcjbwx1bSc0QqVdibQSsiLEGgWpmQcdqw-pUEixPvH70_QKkUBXzPYPxX_8DI_fVN15ORG9ujtU6q9PKE0hrmGZ1QO9tXxbU/s400/owltree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Step 5: Print shower info, glue onto stylish paper, adhere onto invite:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PHFQvpigG7uixIj56FGosyjFB8pDgw_nbh8OmF9HxHohS8TOrSs-AvsmzGaMiBYiZsPxWOZz0IjWUZJL0yxI5xCjzPOHdVuuNiQYwCHIR1F9mqQaun6OKwzgY-vd-IvM9DSHtwhpNSwM/s1600/adhesive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PHFQvpigG7uixIj56FGosyjFB8pDgw_nbh8OmF9HxHohS8TOrSs-AvsmzGaMiBYiZsPxWOZz0IjWUZJL0yxI5xCjzPOHdVuuNiQYwCHIR1F9mqQaun6OKwzgY-vd-IvM9DSHtwhpNSwM/s640/adhesive.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This was my first time using spray adhesive and I would say our relationship is off to a rocky start. First off, I did this step outdoors, because the glue is a bit toxic. Secondly, although it was a fast way to adhere the paper, it didn't seem to have a permanent bond as the label said it would. I had to hope the invite wouldn't separate into several pieces when the invitee opened it. In fact, I think I dreamt that happening one night after making these. (Along the lines of mishaps, after mailing them, I thought I put the wrong date on the invitation. I had a slight panic attack. Luckily, I was at playgroup with some other mama friends at the time and I kept my composure until I realized that the date was, in fact, correct. Phew!)<br />
<br />
Step 6: Sort, count, and count again. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0ub6x8haDBJwq7haueBlI4H19FeSRCXJm5Cb97sGU4xmUjNgQU0Ckfu4uUmSTe8h4-IoOLYMobmWUtmYQdjJ01N5rRQqNYXQYnC1-IwQSs-ZnVZzw0_AsJ-zgkv7QLyp-0uJLy7ShhCC/s1600/DSC05042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0ub6x8haDBJwq7haueBlI4H19FeSRCXJm5Cb97sGU4xmUjNgQU0Ckfu4uUmSTe8h4-IoOLYMobmWUtmYQdjJ01N5rRQqNYXQYnC1-IwQSs-ZnVZzw0_AsJ-zgkv7QLyp-0uJLy7ShhCC/s400/DSC05042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Step 7: A little bunting, and a diaper raffle sign.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppBfNffyPzTTGXf_Fm-Fa9SnFTT4zz1xHWEm_-6xQQHsieZ9qj1OZ6ZOXcFURuM8NN_eopbkoDmk5k1wK1svX7md7si2WCX0ydkicJzE83PhsingJbTn0UrVKlDEQpCsgQ_S0SK-0859N/s1600/bunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppBfNffyPzTTGXf_Fm-Fa9SnFTT4zz1xHWEm_-6xQQHsieZ9qj1OZ6ZOXcFURuM8NN_eopbkoDmk5k1wK1svX7md7si2WCX0ydkicJzE83PhsingJbTn0UrVKlDEQpCsgQ_S0SK-0859N/s640/bunting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wWGdU-i72EYry-jefbx88TTpYub_k0tuVB-FNCV0RrOatjzZ_nkqluNJ_tjxnh7Slo-4k5yg6wW-OetJIqm9wNNq9X9LtjRFrXKzxT9v9eXyyrbZMNWcs6w6P2K_i_nq-l8yWn-REAPg/s1600/IMG_3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And then they were sent.<br />
<br />
This project bought complete satisfaction. And just like <a href="http://erindestratis.blogspot.com/2012/08/baby-shower-invitations-medium-paper.html">batch of invites I made last year</a>, I was sad to say goodbye to them. The nights that followed, my hands felt eerily still. Like they should be cutting, or gluing, or playing with owls.<br />
<br />
The best part about all of this? I was able it make it to the shower, 15 hour car ride and all.<br />
AND, they even let me carry some diapers ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnpzsjIzd7Z7bRRrBQ5m8VluXwezC1H4lZmzKqUiS_j2UkonTcd_Tlncpj0y7ytqiYp4fETzQen8w-rE7lX4lwupzU9vTlrrMm7aJiGFbDN0B2U9gxM3eSbOJIv_4BQUrdShyAZt4iaEz/s1600/178289_3957718376762_2118947385_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnpzsjIzd7Z7bRRrBQ5m8VluXwezC1H4lZmzKqUiS_j2UkonTcd_Tlncpj0y7ytqiYp4fETzQen8w-rE7lX4lwupzU9vTlrrMm7aJiGFbDN0B2U9gxM3eSbOJIv_4BQUrdShyAZt4iaEz/s400/178289_3957718376762_2118947385_o.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Why am I making that face? I'm <strike>pretty sure </strike> certain that it was Keegan making me laugh, because she is one of the funniest people I know. And her husband is pretty awesome too. And I know they make great babies, so <span style="font-size: x-large;">I want to meet her!</span>Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-26881597265087312092012-12-02T19:31:00.000-08:002012-12-02T19:34:47.654-08:00Christmas Goings-OnPerhaps I was a little too harsh on old man winter in my last post. I humbly admit that there are<i> some </i>positive aspects to these cold, bitter months (I guess I should also confess that it was 70 something and sunny here today; December is treating us folks in the south very well). Despite the fact that we haven't had any snow dustings here, it's become clear that with winter comes - Christmas! I've quite liked all the Christmas preparations and goings-on. I've especially enjoyed:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snickerdoodles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8nUXqDVOB9IzF8Aoc3ccJpCRN94Md0CB8_jIglNKrSk1XgL2moSg4tj2eE4gzd7CgyjqefJL7C5aiQ7gnXDl2qhyZDEROWQtC1ESFNnc2lqmW5J8n_FrdM3-VhVbsoDZLwrbJ_r_VWSZ/s1600/DSC02783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8nUXqDVOB9IzF8Aoc3ccJpCRN94Md0CB8_jIglNKrSk1XgL2moSg4tj2eE4gzd7CgyjqefJL7C5aiQ7gnXDl2qhyZDEROWQtC1ESFNnc2lqmW5J8n_FrdM3-VhVbsoDZLwrbJ_r_VWSZ/s320/DSC02783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas stories</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTTqR9zFHM9v7dZE-Wyob3RZt3WWk8YnFyOSHveXr0LNIw653uSffKpTd0UHS0Ijn-JSN0QDVeBxO3_HfEBQYm1g7jnrhpvHCr0f2eaIw_azjHL0Ow7sGTYtjjb-DKRepgyxMTIKrlba4/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTTqR9zFHM9v7dZE-Wyob3RZt3WWk8YnFyOSHveXr0LNIw653uSffKpTd0UHS0Ijn-JSN0QDVeBxO3_HfEBQYm1g7jnrhpvHCr0f2eaIw_azjHL0Ow7sGTYtjjb-DKRepgyxMTIKrlba4/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A visit from this little mouse. Isn't he the cutest?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mei3tok4Y8__-n-ILreK0SDQtiflLzTCCrOcjQ-r0bwSmVhWQMbHrKJ_GDY5_coIDLofEj_6v0mKIfR11wWCHdVLamynDIKn35YI974rQADSqy4NHrQZgKaVmBzypB16eQaAIbfgUXaz/s1600/DSC02801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mei3tok4Y8__-n-ILreK0SDQtiflLzTCCrOcjQ-r0bwSmVhWQMbHrKJ_GDY5_coIDLofEj_6v0mKIfR11wWCHdVLamynDIKn35YI974rQADSqy4NHrQZgKaVmBzypB16eQaAIbfgUXaz/s400/DSC02801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tree trimming</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYyJ-L3eA3WsGM3KYZVfemqeLCGC6ckns0Pu03r0z4jQSsebUE1oE2sTwLr21TwTX41vNThjLxgWM-AZGWzijrBkvV6yzdStUd7VC8dtmwpAXlo5NckNjtpRl74TNc21rbVZR9_pjgs3h/s1600/IMG_1140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYyJ-L3eA3WsGM3KYZVfemqeLCGC6ckns0Pu03r0z4jQSsebUE1oE2sTwLr21TwTX41vNThjLxgWM-AZGWzijrBkvV6yzdStUd7VC8dtmwpAXlo5NckNjtpRl74TNc21rbVZR9_pjgs3h/s320/IMG_1140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fabric garland</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdELaM_niQfO27DH2Gj5HaU6h76I88jcL_fLvix68Q2_Xg5B5rnwZzGLlusxsJfkJNyhsurrMepTBK98SnDA0fwmj3dNfuiysKSeD2mvv8k7tROJYzEkk2z42pTDduyCV1nQOYNWuzXRt/s1600/DSC05302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdELaM_niQfO27DH2Gj5HaU6h76I88jcL_fLvix68Q2_Xg5B5rnwZzGLlusxsJfkJNyhsurrMepTBK98SnDA0fwmj3dNfuiysKSeD2mvv8k7tROJYzEkk2z42pTDduyCV1nQOYNWuzXRt/s320/DSC05302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Paper stars</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb_aRLUc4QdK1nbmnOd7bTdnL1KgR1SWmqSynruzHkZjNeQ9wfEVCydTlNlW6N2HqZgza5wUu2Zt6SzH_Uwt2FJAns_Q7f3GB2O4hcwfnZSDYtj7T2SIzEu1ZeIt0T-UIIn2V7VxdNVbX/s1600/DSC05292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb_aRLUc4QdK1nbmnOd7bTdnL1KgR1SWmqSynruzHkZjNeQ9wfEVCydTlNlW6N2HqZgza5wUu2Zt6SzH_Uwt2FJAns_Q7f3GB2O4hcwfnZSDYtj7T2SIzEu1ZeIt0T-UIIn2V7VxdNVbX/s400/DSC05292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yarn trees</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7l31RvtL3Hr1TK7Vt8It2xC5rog3UqBGEcxBaICeGXfBOUAyHOpcTiy0CP7w5nYf9ZZTophsYHpL_ySTHiR9BKnvniSZROGwG1bwNZs-HLoxuDJlcwnHhQ934Lq5qq47jlsOHxOZyODD/s1600/DSC05296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7l31RvtL3Hr1TK7Vt8It2xC5rog3UqBGEcxBaICeGXfBOUAyHOpcTiy0CP7w5nYf9ZZTophsYHpL_ySTHiR9BKnvniSZROGwG1bwNZs-HLoxuDJlcwnHhQ934Lq5qq47jlsOHxOZyODD/s400/DSC05296.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunny spot naps</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm-ankPEsUw7OS-bqb5s27oj9ivrrB8GDB9LG5PNy8n_iMZrTvJmPe_1ZZtTvojazwNx0zpzDiNdzWO829c5yHU03qrx-Tr-eqeNhwni3KTorMLLQGgi1ZMrzlukUAgzoRMb3et4CWKqH/s1600/DSC05318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm-ankPEsUw7OS-bqb5s27oj9ivrrB8GDB9LG5PNy8n_iMZrTvJmPe_1ZZtTvojazwNx0zpzDiNdzWO829c5yHU03qrx-Tr-eqeNhwni3KTorMLLQGgi1ZMrzlukUAgzoRMb3et4CWKqH/s400/DSC05318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it's only December two!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now that we're all decorated, we'll spend the rest of this month thinking of ways to show others how much we care for them through gifts and loving gestures. I suppose if with winter comes Christmas, it can't be all bad. I'm even hoping to see just a *little* bit of snow when we travel north for the Holidays. Like, a slight dusting on Christmas morning would be nice- as long as it's accompanied by a hot latte and good cheer. When this happens, winter and I can be friends, and I'll take back all those nasty things I said... </div>
Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-48860308088251605192012-11-08T21:08:00.000-08:002012-11-08T21:08:33.943-08:00Autumn, Don't Go...I'm not quite sure how to bring this up, but autumn is <i>leaving</i> me? I can't believe it took me this long to notice, but all the signs are there; first the leaves fell, then the frost came. Now, winter is creeping it's way in, with it's frosty mornings and freakishly dark evenings. Well, I won't have it. Not without first saying a proper goodbye anyway. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Autumn, before you go, I want to thank you for: </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaf Piles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79OZGalk3bHMQAkpGjszhAkIo8VMCMkIvH6jeVQ8tEey1z9FeITr3N7ozZrYouRqYf5T3-lImEyjoZ1glwfdvpUiLHH5qBjlLJy4FOp9g3n1PZ7823719nNuEYYSYwDuapRcNkrlKKDfc/s1600/DSC05141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79OZGalk3bHMQAkpGjszhAkIo8VMCMkIvH6jeVQ8tEey1z9FeITr3N7ozZrYouRqYf5T3-lImEyjoZ1glwfdvpUiLHH5qBjlLJy4FOp9g3n1PZ7823719nNuEYYSYwDuapRcNkrlKKDfc/s400/DSC05141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Afternoon Coffee with Homemade Pumpkin Cream </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTsp333TNhKeXPydBn_xZXOsdOmNLbcwYpEdL7oj0Vz4zImRXpHqTV9qrBn0VPY_e8PU8Z1-onNOppmBpRMw03Rf1S_wEXBXlwKIj4wPqz5cAyQWvYFiMnLr4t7MA3IhGdz1-nKzN_ihF/s1600/IMG_3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTsp333TNhKeXPydBn_xZXOsdOmNLbcwYpEdL7oj0Vz4zImRXpHqTV9qrBn0VPY_e8PU8Z1-onNOppmBpRMw03Rf1S_wEXBXlwKIj4wPqz5cAyQWvYFiMnLr4t7MA3IhGdz1-nKzN_ihF/s400/IMG_3673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Family Hikes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBZ3OPtpek-UajutFrroAyBrGfJqDOnJRWC3f8s15MnykzxrgG0CBPTXpxRc-ytI2Vf2FLgEdTAoDD1RAvnasF_fhZAsWd8nLKoD4ccJsZY9nn4NogzDGdagB6F2ogWWr5egW2kARjwOM/s1600/autumn+bolg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBZ3OPtpek-UajutFrroAyBrGfJqDOnJRWC3f8s15MnykzxrgG0CBPTXpxRc-ytI2Vf2FLgEdTAoDD1RAvnasF_fhZAsWd8nLKoD4ccJsZY9nn4NogzDGdagB6F2ogWWr5egW2kARjwOM/s640/autumn+bolg.jpg" width="640" /></a> Pumpkins (roast it, gut it, add it to everything.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudasyAqo1S-U26Tp66sAk_Zlc5y4Uk-ZHjClD-cRYGH7q4Ug3zTQsByNJHJ5ngAGA0JBZ_kPdmfo-5QnfDngrKuy8jOoqhnHCBIN8Hl0lfOJxelHWXxt-Hqo29CZHO3lOwlbyNIrzAjqA/s1600/IMG_3249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudasyAqo1S-U26Tp66sAk_Zlc5y4Uk-ZHjClD-cRYGH7q4Ug3zTQsByNJHJ5ngAGA0JBZ_kPdmfo-5QnfDngrKuy8jOoqhnHCBIN8Hl0lfOJxelHWXxt-Hqo29CZHO3lOwlbyNIrzAjqA/s400/IMG_3249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Outdoor Naps</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtGSnwoO401JUK99lRNHR2p27WqNsWORIyakuQn180kBtVNOY4hrM0qV52yZhqhvmgTnaIVmtYXi0l2LklhJavEU55tXXlzqztamvjfzxiJO70YWwXmpquyU-xWIx-V5j5wvq5sg1mn41/s1600/IMG_3703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtGSnwoO401JUK99lRNHR2p27WqNsWORIyakuQn180kBtVNOY4hrM0qV52yZhqhvmgTnaIVmtYXi0l2LklhJavEU55tXXlzqztamvjfzxiJO70YWwXmpquyU-xWIx-V5j5wvq5sg1mn41/s400/IMG_3703.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Corn Mazes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tOuUUEfUx6ydIIY4oPeANO96iNg3TQVxlKyCxzkghrPRlko8hsB0aVBfogeAl61S6jOJYNZAF7QvGrf9RTFMS3lg94YYupjuEg18AaiIN9xkxsrEL4X1t2jiFGfhMMP3z3K1F4zx5VeE/s1600/cornmaze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tOuUUEfUx6ydIIY4oPeANO96iNg3TQVxlKyCxzkghrPRlko8hsB0aVBfogeAl61S6jOJYNZAF7QvGrf9RTFMS3lg94YYupjuEg18AaiIN9xkxsrEL4X1t2jiFGfhMMP3z3K1F4zx5VeE/s320/cornmaze.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cider Doughnuts</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnN7atH96xyhp5NtQGSABXRNpPwz_V5SkGyYS3MpoadcqTMAOBfi8hYLtpCMU8-_SLdpTTx1gnKvzYW_jBKwpceJ_sQ9d0q_SOb-wEEt6gROSpwSHiAU_tZD9jxorJaqcfepcA1AO4pv_/s1600/IMG_3698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnN7atH96xyhp5NtQGSABXRNpPwz_V5SkGyYS3MpoadcqTMAOBfi8hYLtpCMU8-_SLdpTTx1gnKvzYW_jBKwpceJ_sQ9d0q_SOb-wEEt6gROSpwSHiAU_tZD9jxorJaqcfepcA1AO4pv_/s320/IMG_3698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It doesn't stop there. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Wish I could share more about the relationship, but it's rather personal. Plus, it's cold in here, and Winter is offering a cup of hot chocolate to warm me up. I know I shouldn't do it, let such a cold heart into my life. But maybe just <span style="font-size: large;">this</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">once</span>... Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-83185166543769126682012-10-14T19:29:00.000-07:002012-10-14T19:29:12.441-07:00Planets, Play Dough, Duck Duck GooseWe made some play dough the other day, and it was one of my favorite homeschool activities yet. I know, I <i>know-</i> I said I would never be a homeschooling mama and here we are, 33 school days in and loving it. I'll share more thought on that adventure soon. For now, let's stick to the dough.<br />
<br />
One of my closest friends who happens to be my neighbor (I'm pretty lucky) inspired me to try the version found <a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/sculpting/recipes/37040.html">here</a>, featuring cream of tartar. I will say, we didn't have enough salt and I think I added too much flour, so it was a little drier than it should have been, but it was still pretty great.<br />
<br />
The directions said to add food coloring to the mix <i>before </i>adding the flour, but we opted to add it at the end, so we could have more color choices. This made for a cool marbled effect to the dough.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixawrKQVHz-eX7l_yVMwfZ-VL7tnhNGRjlFztqipjRnwljGNggXVVe9O5srnKZa47t6l8o5Os0MhsIvHm7EigCgtDPur_lWHxq2AhM9CxvRorF9jZtsowS73j11BuexzkMi531LxSbpxBG/s1600/DSC04845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixawrKQVHz-eX7l_yVMwfZ-VL7tnhNGRjlFztqipjRnwljGNggXVVe9O5srnKZa47t6l8o5Os0MhsIvHm7EigCgtDPur_lWHxq2AhM9CxvRorF9jZtsowS73j11BuexzkMi531LxSbpxBG/s400/DSC04845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I could tell right away how much the kinesthetic (good word, eh? I learned it in college) part if them was loving the feel of the dough between their little fingers. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMppT8uKhw3FI258ZE9VTwiZ5MfwxsPxnd9ACiQntZ3VpGMGn5uQViGZwnVj3GZeSzda-FZWrYDzvbsHPIJ0jzFv6hU3ChCUGnHbogrf1QnoqC7-ogU_Qi-f4YIa6215D31Faec40cnhf/s1600/playdoughcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMppT8uKhw3FI258ZE9VTwiZ5MfwxsPxnd9ACiQntZ3VpGMGn5uQViGZwnVj3GZeSzda-FZWrYDzvbsHPIJ0jzFv6hU3ChCUGnHbogrf1QnoqC7-ogU_Qi-f4YIa6215D31Faec40cnhf/s640/playdoughcollage.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Then, THEN, Mitchell decided to form his dough into planets. I wasn't even planning on science class that day, but it snuck right on in. He chose which planets to create, making sure they were the appropriate colors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gtNB_RwkR4cI0IYbuNyJRtgshQOCu5WhoVuxvLYZatu3u1L1wRKVuMw6UNl6xwFP5yfLaAh0s8B3Prb1uqkO4KqdgGx1df5CIFGiec6O4Yq3PFBGxqcfhF2lHL1uCB9ezPOnUkPW4IF-/s1600/DSC04849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gtNB_RwkR4cI0IYbuNyJRtgshQOCu5WhoVuxvLYZatu3u1L1wRKVuMw6UNl6xwFP5yfLaAh0s8B3Prb1uqkO4KqdgGx1df5CIFGiec6O4Yq3PFBGxqcfhF2lHL1uCB9ezPOnUkPW4IF-/s320/DSC04849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then, he had them orbit the sun. I may or may not have had to look up the order in which the planets orbit the sun. Never mind the laptop in the background there...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTwujDutxmTfFxW9TTJoSUqkESlAkv0ru7FetX7ve7uQTzkcLK3yjen1V-QY-yTktoupQqk8WYYF03jsIF09SWE1TlYizgJ9OLfu_SHWYhUf0ply6F00eZPUF_5XyTeCyvSPbBpo0V_QD/s1600/DSC04872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTwujDutxmTfFxW9TTJoSUqkESlAkv0ru7FetX7ve7uQTzkcLK3yjen1V-QY-yTktoupQqk8WYYF03jsIF09SWE1TlYizgJ9OLfu_SHWYhUf0ply6F00eZPUF_5XyTeCyvSPbBpo0V_QD/s400/DSC04872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Landon decided to make a large ball with his. I used to tell them not to mix all the colors up. But, who cares, really?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6qvrMbXTEL1Lpu3z8I-hGLz9DEhZ6YV6u5FB1_ygt-VraeNNQxHJQIpToMir9n5R1Sj3_Q3GA4Bs7gFLFcwucKP63pfSwDM9tTwgf14qYx6gXeBxHE2JcTSnsKGFaVqGK9xY4nr2qsky/s1600/DSC04919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6qvrMbXTEL1Lpu3z8I-hGLz9DEhZ6YV6u5FB1_ygt-VraeNNQxHJQIpToMir9n5R1Sj3_Q3GA4Bs7gFLFcwucKP63pfSwDM9tTwgf14qYx6gXeBxHE2JcTSnsKGFaVqGK9xY4nr2qsky/s1600/DSC04919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6qvrMbXTEL1Lpu3z8I-hGLz9DEhZ6YV6u5FB1_ygt-VraeNNQxHJQIpToMir9n5R1Sj3_Q3GA4Bs7gFLFcwucKP63pfSwDM9tTwgf14qYx6gXeBxHE2JcTSnsKGFaVqGK9xY4nr2qsky/s400/DSC04919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We all loved this activity, and even after our science lesson was over, they continued to play at the table while I took care of a few things around the house (I didn't post many pictures where you could see my dirty kitchen in the background. But don't tell me you didn't notice the pile of laundry on the chair behind Landon.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnpJHg-B0bbRtgvsrRYangN2eeh5nEx7IgXW8lC5vJtLs56e21S3wGY3iuoTxJ3oMQ8XkJTp9oFxAGqS2k2tDinVrnwbPXs8gSnA36LdweKDNV_MhhmHZUK7WP-u7anzbg-gpDPoI1kjZ/s1600/DSC04819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnpJHg-B0bbRtgvsrRYangN2eeh5nEx7IgXW8lC5vJtLs56e21S3wGY3iuoTxJ3oMQ8XkJTp9oFxAGqS2k2tDinVrnwbPXs8gSnA36LdweKDNV_MhhmHZUK7WP-u7anzbg-gpDPoI1kjZ/s400/DSC04819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Then, just before cleaning up, I grabbed the video camera. Imagine if I could show all my homeschooling mama friends a video of our science lesson where we created the planets and had them orbit the sun? So I pressed record and prompted Mitchell, "What did you make, bud?" He replied, "The planets." "And what are the planets doing?" After a small pause, I was thinking to myself, "Wait for it, y'all" he said, "Playing duck, duck, goose."<br />
<br />
<br />Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021488888296176313.post-66883537015064996992012-09-23T17:11:00.001-07:002012-09-23T17:11:51.511-07:00an autumn wreathI have been dreaming about wreaths a lot lately. No really, I have had dreams, while sleeping, about wreaths that I would like to make. It's a sure way to wake up inspired.<br />
<br />
After spending some time on both Google and Pinterest, here are a few of my favorite autumn wreaths that I spied:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqLSYNcK12oFmXl-qS5CsbgSpEf3_hUh3nKlvWSHZVlAclwbsNFRACqep-n7LvokqDMBOuexaurY4ziy2pRsZncwZWQoT7q_G7_YRC8as-oydA5Lv1yYRF8hanjx96mDmBzbGS-8kJkCj/s1600/PicMonkeywreath+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqLSYNcK12oFmXl-qS5CsbgSpEf3_hUh3nKlvWSHZVlAclwbsNFRACqep-n7LvokqDMBOuexaurY4ziy2pRsZncwZWQoT7q_G7_YRC8as-oydA5Lv1yYRF8hanjx96mDmBzbGS-8kJkCj/s320/PicMonkeywreath+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1. DIYCrafts 2. Two Inspire You 3. Every Creative Endeavor 4. Shanty2chic</span></div>
<br />
I decided to make one of my own, taking a strong liking to wreath number 3 featured on <a href="http://www.everycreativeendeavor.com/">Every Creative Endeavor</a>. I suffered many glue gun injuries from making this wreath, but I suppose it was worth it :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQFyXDlMOWEgC2OdNF-8iYdROPAJNAdVhR8Rzf-sCuG9PmaIhrkEhyphenhyphen_ul4OhijEMS2W7YBuNyXxABP4KvDU46OF9ykkDjHplG6rHe656pcdgBY02gqpPEyh8VC-lbBFHGnTp-bXWgPHfz/s1600/DSC04713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQFyXDlMOWEgC2OdNF-8iYdROPAJNAdVhR8Rzf-sCuG9PmaIhrkEhyphenhyphen_ul4OhijEMS2W7YBuNyXxABP4KvDU46OF9ykkDjHplG6rHe656pcdgBY02gqpPEyh8VC-lbBFHGnTp-bXWgPHfz/s320/DSC04713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you've been to our place, you know that our front door is not white (but I do love a white palette). It's green, but I wasn't able to take a picture with the proper lighting, so the above photo was taken indoors. Here's what this autumn wreath looks like on said green door:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l1QVCIHX2XGPGKgowfBUcJdqZX1HZgJij6QAapOfAYKuGJTgXEpe8VuYpMMndZ9Lz7_eHKfcxr4YSvYwFbIKI3tp9WSAA_SDITOIp8I3xYGXwmYCiPOox53ohQ-oc3WzBmdYpA_n4Odi/s1600/DSC04729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l1QVCIHX2XGPGKgowfBUcJdqZX1HZgJij6QAapOfAYKuGJTgXEpe8VuYpMMndZ9Lz7_eHKfcxr4YSvYwFbIKI3tp9WSAA_SDITOIp8I3xYGXwmYCiPOox53ohQ-oc3WzBmdYpA_n4Odi/s400/DSC04729.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
I added some purple berries and felt flowers along with the fabric ones explained in the <a href="http://www.everycreativeendeavor.com/2011/09/flamingo-toes-fall-wreath.html">tutorial</a>. Although, now that I'm looking at the picture, I think I could use a few more flowers on mine. Off to go plug in my glue gun, here's hoping I don't get too many burns in the process. <br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
</div>
</div>
Erin Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685711358614182261noreply@blogger.com9