tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26962149654328028072024-03-18T21:43:59.839-07:00Acute Designsginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-72322802994620659542015-05-02T10:11:00.003-07:002015-05-05T08:58:56.798-07:00Spring / Summer 2015 Lookbook<div style="text-align: center;">
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I am so happy to share these new styles! They are simple, pretty, and easy to wear. All the gorgeous photos were taken by <a href="http://www.katiebeverley.com/">Katie Beverley</a> and you can view the styles in detail in the <a href="http://www.acutedesignsshop.com/">Acute Designs online shop</a>.</div>
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ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-4082596886431027662014-11-29T08:01:00.002-08:002015-05-05T08:57:34.358-07:00Shop Small<div style="text-align: center;">
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As always, I promoting shopping small this holiday season.....and really, all year round.</div>
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I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am still stuffed.</div>
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Shop via the <a href="http://www.acutedesignsshop.com/">Acute Designs online site</a> or via the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AcuteDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu">Etsy site</a>.</div>
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If you live in Southern California, stop by one of my <a href="http://acutedesigns.blogspot.com/2014/11/holiday-events-etc.html">upcoming markets </a>to shop in person!</div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-1345489100162626572014-11-18T08:22:00.001-08:002015-05-05T08:57:52.318-07:00Holiday Events, etc<br />
It's crazy that the holiday season is already here and moving so fast. Next week is Thanksgiving and before I know it, December will be here....and gone. Time needs to slow down.<br />
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I am doing several holiday markets this year. If you are around the San Diego or Los Angeles area, stop by and say hello!<br />
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This Saturday is the Makers Arcade show in downtown San Diego. There will be amazing local vendors, food, AND a bar. It's going to be a lot of fun. Cocktails always make shows more enjoyable.<br />
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In the following weeks I will be <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/extraordinary-things-start-small-acute-designs-truck-show-tickets-14309356671">small business Saturday trunk show</a> (sponsored by Etsy), selling at <a href="http://www.uniqueusa.com/markets-la">Unique L.A.</a> and <a href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/losangeles-december-market-details">Renegade L.A.</a>, and wrapping up the season at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/events/san-diego">Yelp's Merry Marketplace</a> in San Diego (registration opens December 3rd).</div>
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'Tis the season to work all the time....</div>
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And one final thing....Acute Designs was nominated in the "accessories" category in the <a href="http://www.thesoutherncaliforniabride.com/2014/11/best-of-2014-award-finalists.html">Best of 2014 Awards by Southern California Bride</a>. If you have a minute, I would love your vote! It's super easy and quick. Thank you in advance :).</div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-6647992604933293442014-11-12T08:18:00.001-08:002015-05-05T08:57:40.725-07:00Apple Cinnamon Crepes<br />
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Crepes are one of my favorite things to make. They're a great weekend breakfast, dessert, or snack.<br />
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They can be filled with healthy stuff like fruit (or veggies for a savory crepe) or good stuff like chocolate. When I make them for breakfast I try to be a little healthy and go the fruit route. Sometimes the fruit and the nutella route, but always a little fruit :).<br />
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This past Sunday I made apple cinnamon crepes. I used my favorite basic crepe recipe and filled each one with a few spoonfuls of apple pieces coated in cinnamon and sugar.<br />
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This recipe makes about 8 large crepes....which is enough for 2-3 people. Or just yourself if you're having a rough morning.<br />
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<b><i>Apple Cinnamon Crepes</i></b><br />
1 cup milk<br />
2 tablespoons water<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
3/4 cup flour<br />
2 eggs<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
1 tablespoon melted butter<br />
extra butter for coating the pan<br />
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one large apple (chopped into small pieces), cinnamon, and sugar<br />
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1. In a small bowl, mix apple pieces a little cinnamon (as much as you like) and a tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.<br />
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour and salt) in a mixing bowl.<br />
3. In a separate bowl (I just use a liquid measuring cup), whisk together the milk, eggs, water, and vanilla extract.<br />
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry.Whisk well but don't worry if a few small lumps remain.<br />
5. Heat a nonstick skillet over high heat. The skillet I always use for crepes is about 10" wide. Coat the pan with a small pat of butter - about 1/4 of a tablespoon. Once the butter has melted, add 1/4 cup of the crepe batter. Pour the crepe batter into the middle of the skillet and immediately swirl the pan around until the batter coats the entire pan and makes a circle shape.<br />
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You don't need a special pan to make crepes. They are easy to make in a standard skillet but you do have to work quickly. It takes a little bit of practice but even if you don't get a perfectly round crepe, it will still taste good :).<br />
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These crepes will good in less than a minute. They are done when they begin to pull away from the edge of the pan. Gently slide the crepe onto a plate, top with a spoonful of apples and roll or fold.<br />
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Continue cooking until all the batter is gone, adding a little more butter to the pan after every other crepe.<br />
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Sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on top and eat. YUM.<br />
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-34484703196691095972014-06-16T14:50:00.001-07:002014-06-16T14:50:36.782-07:00blueberry + vanilla sugar doughnuts<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Doughnuts are the best. I cannot find much wrong with sugary, fried, dough.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My husband claims to "not like them" but he's a huge liar because he ate five of these in under ten minutes.. One of his first jobs after arriving in America was working the first shift at Dunkin' Donuts. I think he only lasted a week and developed a supposed aversion to doughnuts/donuts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Making fried doughnuts can be a bit messy and time consuming, but it is worth it. A fresh, homemade doughnut is such a treat. I recommend not thinking about the future messy kitchen (or cellulite) and just going for it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>blueberry + vanilla sugar doughnuts</i></b> (makes about two dozen)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 cups all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 teaspoons baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 teaspoon cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/2 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 medium, over ripe banana (mashed)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/4 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 cup fresh blueberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3/4 cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the vanilla sugar coating)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-canola or vegetable oil for frying (3-4 cups is plenty)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until well combined - about a minute. Add in the egg and mix for another minute. Finally, add in the banana, vanilla extract, and milk and mix until well combined.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Next add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure that everything is incorporated. Last, fold in the blueberries. This dough is sticky, so it's helpful to refrigerate it for a few hours before frying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. While the dough is in the refrigerator, make the vanilla sugar by mixing a teaspoon of vanilla extract with 3/4 cup white sugar. If you have a vanilla bean, use this instead for a better vanilla flavor. Simply scrape out the inside of the bean and toss with the sugar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. After refrigerating the dough for a few hours, flour a work surface. I rolled my dough out on floured parchment paper because I find this helpful for flipping the dough over. Also, the parchment paper helps to cut down on the amount of flour you will have to use.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Roll out about a third of the dough at a time and cut with a round cookie or biscuit cutter. If you don't have one of these, use the top of a glass or round lid. The circle I made was about 3" wide. Once you have the circles cut out, cut out the middle with a smaller circle. I used the lid from a bottle of olive oil for the hole of the doughnut.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. While you are rolling and cutting, have the oil heating over medium-high heat. Use a large pot and allow the oil to heat until small bubbles form along the sides of the pot. You can throw in a small piece of scrap dough to test the heat. The oil will be hot enough when the dough quickly rises to the top. Roll out all the dough (combining the scraps once you have cut the circles) and set the doughnuts aside. If you don't have room to lay out all the cut doughnuts before frying, you can roll, cut, fry, repeat - this is what I did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. Before frying the doughnuts, it is helpful to set up each "station." Next to the pot of oil, set a plate lined with paper towels. Next to the plate, put the dish of vanilla sugar (a shallow dish is best for this). Next to that, put a clean plate for the finished product.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. Begin frying the doughnuts. I cooked three at a time by gently placing them in the hot oil and flipping (with a flat wooden spoon) after about a minute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10. The doughnuts cook fairly quickly. Each one should take less than two minutes. After removing them from the oil, place on the paper towel lined plate in order to soak up some of the excess oil. While they are still hot, place them on the vanilla sugar plate and coat them with the vanilla sugar. When I finished with all the doughnuts, I fried the doughnut holes. So delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In order to make this recipe go as smoothly as possible, prepare! Once the doughnuts are frying you will need to work fast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If blueberries aren't your thing, try substituting strawberries or raspberries or fresh, diced peaches. Yum, peach doughnuts sound pretty amazing - I think that might be my next doughnut project ;).</span><br />
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-77931521752560600742014-06-12T22:58:00.003-07:002014-06-12T22:58:29.962-07:00chicago - lincoln park zoo<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am heading to Chicago next week for the <a href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/chicago-mini-market">Renegade Mini Market</a>, so I decided it was high time I got around to posting the photos from my <i>last</i> trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last time I was in Chicago (visiting my sister, bro-in-law, niece, and nephew) we went to the <a href="http://www.lpzoo.org/">Lincoln Park Zoo</a>. I had never been there before and it was really fun. It's a small-ish zoo, free, and has great views of the city. Also, in the middle of the zoo, there is this <a href="http://instagram.com/p/n0npmqCdjR/">cute little farm</a>. It reminded me of the Fisher Price Little People farm brought to life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you ever find yourself in Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo is worth a visit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until next week Chicago......</span></div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-68935820283627480102014-05-19T03:00:00.000-07:002014-05-19T03:00:02.501-07:00ten things to do in Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week I returned from my <a href="http://acutedesigns.blogspot.com/2014/05/ireland-take-eleven.html">11th trip to Ireland</a>. I have been there enough to have a list of dos and don'ts and favorites. Although a majority of my time visiting is spent seeing my husband's family and friends we always make an effort to get out and do a little something touristy. It is the one major vacation we take every year so we like to make the most of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will admit, about 90% of my time in Ireland has been spent in County Kerry. I have never been to Northern Ireland. I haven't been north of Galway...so my list is a little incomplete. As we visit new places throughout the country I am sure some of my ten things will change but for now, these are my "must-dos" if you ever find yourself in Ireland.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <b>Dublin</b> - It's the big city. Your plane will probably land there. We have spent a few days in the city before and after flights. There are amazing restaurants, there are fun bars, and there are a million places to shop. It's a big city so the normal big city things apply.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you find yourself in Dublin....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...go to <a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/dublin/kilmainhamgaol/">Kilmainham Gaol</a>. It's a jail and has a great little museum where you can learn all about the Irish fight for independence, the civil war, and more. The tour is fantastic but cold! So wear a coat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">...Ride a bus - sounds stupid but they're cheap and you can sit upstairs and ride around the entire city. It's an inexpensive way to see the city.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">....Shop at <a href="http://avoca.ie/home/">Avoca</a> - it's the Irish equivalent of Anthro and has a wonderful little cafe on the top floor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">....Eat at <a href="http://www.rusticstone.ie/index.htm">The Rustic Stone</a> - seasonal ingredients, great salads, and one of the best burgers I have ever had, which is saying a lot because I eat a lot of burgers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...Shop at <a href="http://theloftmarket.com/">The Loft Market</a> - it's a great collection of Irish designers and vintage sellers. It's like Irish Etsy brought to life. And don't think you are going to see shamrocks and wooly sweaters. That stuff is only in the touristy shops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <b>Hold a lamb!</b> I know there are things like foot and mouth disease or whatever but they are the fluffiest, softest, cutest things ever. If you get the chance, hold one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <a href="http://www.englishmarket.ie/"><b>The English Market</b></a> - It's a food market in Cork and such an experience. I love food so much and this is one of my favorite places we have visited in Ireland. I have only been there once and am always asking to go back. Maybe next time ;).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <b>Drink Guinness</b> - it's better in Ireland, that's just a fact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <b>Drive The Ring of Kerry</b> - The views and photo opportunities are worth it. If it's sunny, there's nothing like it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. <b>Dingle</b> - a great little town on the water in Kerry. It's fairly touristy but this can be a good thing. Ireland has had some major economic issues so the places that see more people tend to have a huge selection of pubs, restaurants, hotels, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you find yourself in Dingle....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">....go to <a href="http://www.murphysicecream.ie/">Murphy's Ice Cream</a>. It's the BEST.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">....check out the <a href="http://dinglebrewingcompany.com/">Dingle Brewing Company</a>. It's relatively new (we just discovered it last year), the beer is really good, and their business model is inspiring. The country could use more businesses like this one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">....look for <a href="http://www.dingledolphin.com/">Fungie</a> - a dolphin that lives in the Dingle Bay. You can take a boat trip out for a chance to spot him. I have never seen him....one day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/county-galway/galway-city"><b>Galway</b></a> - this is one of my favorite cities in Ireland. It's a big-ish city - not as big as Dublin but big enough to have something for everyone. It's considered an "artsy" place and I always have fun when I am there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you find yourself in Galway.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">....eat at <a href="http://www.ardbia.com/">Ard Bia</a> - a cafe with lots of healthy options that is set in a beautiful and cozy old building right by the water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">....eat at <a href="http://www.winebar.ie/">Martine's</a> - expensive and kind of fancy but you will eat the best steak of your life here. Just a note, the Irish tend to order their steaks well done or medium-well. In America, I usually get medium-rare. In Ireland, I order rare and it comes out medium or medium-rare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...buy a <a href="http://www.claddaghring.ie/">Claddagh ring</a> - the original one came from Galway City</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...listen to traditional music - Galway has some of the <a href="http://www.galwaycitypubguide.com/top-ten-galway-pubs.html">best pubs</a> for music if this is your thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. <b>Eat lamb and chicken and beef and eggs and cheese</b>. If you're a vegan...not sure what to tell you. Irish beef and lamb is the best in the world. The beef is all grass fed and you can taste the difference. The dairy is also amazing. I am not a huge fan of lamb but lamb in Ireland? SO good. Same goes with chicken. I pretty much never eat chicken at an average America restaurant but in Ireland, it's different. It <i>tastes like chicken</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. Watch a <b><a href="http://www.gaa.ie/about-the-gaa/our-games/football/">Gaelic Football</a> </b>game - it's the country's national sport and it's a fun, fast moving game. It is also a really big deal in Kerry. My husband is obsessed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10. <b>Talk to people</b>. I am not friendly in general but Irish people are really friendly, which makes it easy. A bartender or cab driver might be all chat and it's fun to listen to what they have to say. Ireland is a very hospitable country and they are good to their visitors.</span><br />
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-10615081595839982014-05-15T02:00:00.000-07:002014-05-15T02:00:07.932-07:00healthy pad thai<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrJ5gqSoWyBbelcxeRVO9qyc6lE-srqyGVtuproxHX2SCh07j4DBcuH_1aPA9ivrT_raijoBDVdRkZBxClyQRoxeeQ4pvV5O7zIaZduLuMXE7BfRxDQ_JDCbXHkTyWigsUgV_2nWYN4E/s1600/healthy+pad+thai+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrJ5gqSoWyBbelcxeRVO9qyc6lE-srqyGVtuproxHX2SCh07j4DBcuH_1aPA9ivrT_raijoBDVdRkZBxClyQRoxeeQ4pvV5O7zIaZduLuMXE7BfRxDQ_JDCbXHkTyWigsUgV_2nWYN4E/s1600/healthy+pad+thai+3.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whenever I get back from <a href="http://acutedesigns.blogspot.com/2014/05/ireland-take-eleven.html">vacation</a>, I have to reacquaint myself with healthy eating. I always go a bit overboard when I am traveling so I decided to jump right back in to my (mostly) Whole 30 eating. I was on the Whole 30 path before we left for Ireland and felt amazing. Four days back and I have been good about 90% of the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I created this pad thai recipe based on a few different ones I found while searching <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/acutedesigns/">Pinterest</a>. I used zucchini and carrots for the noodles and made a simple peanut sauce that is delicious. I didn't have any chicken at home when I made this and kind of regretted it. I think this dish would be perfect with chicken. Or shrimp, if you're a seafood eater.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>healthy pad thai</i></b> (serves about 5)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 zucchinis - cut into "noodles" with a cheese grater</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 large carrot - peeled into strips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 medium onion - thinly sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 cups thinly sliced kale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-a few radishes - thinly sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-a cup or two of bean shoots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-a small handful of cilantro - chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3 eggs - whisked</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/2 cup chopped peanuts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">sauce</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 teaspoons red curry paste (if you don't have this or don't want to buy it, try a tiny bit of red pepper flakes for spice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 tablespoon fresh ginger (or use a teaspoon ground - but fresh is SO good!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 tablespoon soy sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-the juice from three small limes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/2 cup light canned coconut milk</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Make the "noodles." I used a cheese grater for the zucchini and a peeler for the carrot. The cheese grater is a quick option - just make sure to drag the zucchini all the way down the grater top get longer pieces. Put the veggie noodles in a bowl and toss in the radishes, bean shoots, and cilantro.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. In a large pan, saute the kale and onions until soft. Add in the whisked eggs and scramble them with the kale and onions. Once the eggs are cooked (this will happen very quickly) transfer the mixture to the veggie noodles. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. To make the sauce, just add all of the sauce ingredients into a food processor (or blender) and process until smooth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Pour the sauce over the veggies and toss to combine. Top the dish with the chopped peanuts and serve. This dish will last about two days in the refrigerator.</span><br />
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-31849164080541735472014-05-12T01:00:00.000-07:002014-05-12T01:00:05.945-07:00Ireland - take eleven<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am afraid I am turning into one of those bloggers who starts every post with "Sorry....I haven't blogged in forever!" I guess I am not really "sorry" because I doubt anyone is counting on my blog posts but this blog is something I want to continue and I get annoyed with myself for not finding the time to post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, I am back from a two week vacation to Ireland and Chicago. It was such a great time. This was my <b>11th trip</b> to Ireland (can we go anywhere else?? ;)) and one of the best I have experienced in several years. I am thinking thinking spring is <i>the</i> time to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The weather was perfect the first half of the trip - low to mid 60s, sunny, and minimal rain. The final few days in Ireland it did get chilly (low to mid 50s) but for the most part the rain stayed away and we were able to get out and do a lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No one ever goes to Ireland for the weather but, I have been there in the cold, dark, rainy days and I much prefer a sunny intermittently rainy Ireland. The rain, after all, is a necessity to keep the place looking so green.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In addition to the nice weather, Spring is not peak season so everything is a little less expensive and a little less crowded.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the highest mountain peak in Ireland in the distance</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a little friend we met near the beach</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the gap of dunloe </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the sun fighting through the clouds</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Neil - taking selfies</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Neil - being a goof ;)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>gorgeous Rossbeigh beach</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>quiet road</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will be back later this week with a few more photos + a few of my Ireland travel recommendations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great Monday!</span></div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-70447408591533048482014-04-14T08:18:00.001-07:002014-04-14T08:18:10.052-07:00dark chocolate sea salt caramel cookies<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went almost two weeks with NO sugar in my life (besides fruit). For a sugar-aholic like me, that was really hard. My original idea was to last the entire month of April but I am heading to Florida this week to visit friends and then Ireland the week after that. I like to enjoy my vacations and enjoy = indulge in my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the past two weeks, I cut out sugar, most dairy, grains, and alcohol. I pretty much only ate fruit, veggies, meat, eggs, beans, olives, and nuts. The plan I kind of followed is called <a href="http://whole30.com/">Whole 30</a>. I adjusted it here and there by putting a tiny sprinkle of goat cheese on my salads and eating some beans and dried fruit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Other than that, I did really well and after two days I stopped craving <b>ALL THE FOODS</b> all day long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My favorite thing about the <a href="http://whole30.com/">Whole 30</a> concept is that you just eat real food all the time. I don't know if I lost much weight but I felt amazing. I was waking up every day at 6am, wide awake and ready to <i>go</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After two weeks, I was ready to treat myself so I made chocolate sea salt caramel cookies. I also made myself sick with over eating but it was worth it :). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The cookies are amazing. I used the same base recipe as my favorite <a href="http://acutedesigns.blogspot.com//2013/06/cookies-and-cream-cookies.html">cookies and cream cookies</a> and added in chopped dark chocolate and tiny pieces of Trader Joe's Fleur de Sel caramels, which added a nice, salty touch. If you can't find these caramels, any caramels will work and you can sprinkle the cookies with a tiny bit of sea salt to achieve the salty/sweet flavor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>dark chocolate sea salt caramel cookies</i></b> (makes about 3 dozen)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-2 1/4 cups all purpose flour</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-1 teaspoon baking soda</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-3/4 cup packed brown sugar</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-1/2 cup white sugar</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-1/2 cup butter (softened or left at room temp for a few hours)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-2 large egg whites</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate (I used 1/3 of a bar of 72% cacao dark chocolate but any type of chocolate or chocolate chips will work)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">-about 8 caramel candies, chopped into small pieces (I used Trader Joe's Fleur de Sel caramels but any kind will work)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span><br style="line-height: 20px;" /><span style="line-height: 20px;">2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt and stir with a whisk. Set aside.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">3. Put sugars and butter in a large bowl and mix with an electric mixer at medium speed until well combined. Add vanilla extract and egg whites and beat for another minute. Add flour mixture and beat until just combined. Lastly, mix in the chocolate.</span><br style="line-height: 20px;" /><span style="line-height: 20px;">4. Roll the dough into balls about 1"-1 /2" in diameter and press a small piece of caramel into the center. Put the cookies on baking sheets that have been </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">lined with parchment paper </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">(or coated with non-stick spray). </span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on pans for two minutes and then transfer them to wire racks or a plate in order to cool completely. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-4613271407180887162014-03-17T08:22:00.001-07:002014-03-17T08:22:35.018-07:00healthy-ish shamrock shake<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love a shamrock shake. Every year I get myself at least one. A few weeks ago, I was craving a milkshake (I have a milkshake problem) and headed out for one. I started towards Jack in the Box (like I said, I have a <i>problem</i>) but then I realized it was shamrock shake season and beelined towards McDonalds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I drove home and sipped my favorite seasonal shake, I was so disappointed! It was soupy, so sweet it burned the back of my throat, and they forgot the cherry. Major let down, but maybe I have outgrown these shakes? Probably not. I just think the McDonald's by my house is the worst. I will try again in the future but for now, I made my own version. The McDs version is good but so bad. They are full of chemicals, the opposite of natural in all ways, and not at all good for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite my disappointment, I love the shamrock shake idea. They are minty and green and so cute for St. Patrick's Day. I looked around on Pinterest for a healthier option and almost all the recipes I found have spinach in them. I get that spinach is an all natural way to make the shake green but personally, I don't want spinach in my milkshake. I am fine with it in a smoothie, but a milkshake should be just a little bit indulgent, don't you think?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I whipped up this version that is healthy-ish. Much healthier than any McD's shake and not full of crazy chemicals and green dye. I used two scoops of vanilla ice cream, a handful of fresh chopped mint leaves, a frozen banana, and unsweetened coconut milk. I topped the shake off with a raspberry, a tiny bit of real (not cool whip) whipped cream, and dark chocolate shavings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This version is really good. It isn't super green, but it's delicious and has a great minty flavor. If you add more ice cream, it would probably be even better....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy St. Patrick's Day!</span><br />
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-23872694279810523622014-03-12T09:31:00.000-07:002014-03-12T09:38:43.094-07:00chia seed pudding - three ways<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The past few months I have seen chia seed pudding on just about every blog. I was kind of skeptical because, why mess with pudding? And maybe the texture would be gross? But I am making a huge effort to health up my diet (my eating has been out of order since Christmas....actually since Thanksgiving) and decided to try a healthier option to quell my sweet tooth.</span><br />
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I whipped up a basic batch last week and guess what? It's really good! And healthy. And you can add whatever you want as a topping. It makes for a fun breakfast.</span><br />
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After my first attempt, I decided to try it again with a few variations. I tried cinnamon (perfect for breakfast), double chocolate (a perfect dessert when you are trying to not always eat ice cream), and banana (a perfect sweet snack).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Making chia seed pudding is easy. You just mix a few things together and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to set. You can use any non-dairy milk you like. My favorite is unsweetened coconut milk but unsweetened almond milk would be really good too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>chia seed pudding - three ways</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>
-cinnamon</b> (1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup Silk Unsweetened Coconut milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>-double chocolate</b> (1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 1/4 cup Silk Unsweetened Coconut milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons honey, chopped dark chocolate - about 1/4 cup)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>-banana</b> (1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup Silk Unsweetened Coconut milk, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 mashed banana)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Put the ingredients of each in three separate bowls, mix together, cover, and refrigerate for at least four hours before eating. These puddings will last for about a week. The banana version will last just a few days because the banana starts to brown.</span><br />
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I have been eating the "cinnamon" version every morning topped with berries. It is kind of like plain yogurt so you can top it with whatever you might put on plain yogurt. Also, the chocolate is amazing with a few raspberries on top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>If you're interested in trying this simple recipe, grab some non-dairy milk such as Silk. I have always been pretty grossed out by cow milk but the Silk products taste really good and they're a great way to add more plants to your diet.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Stop by <a href="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/9flR4/wp8rO/c?p=VLHVw&i=0Vgm6&r=lA1BYd1QZH8fP%2BtxNIH4TlqDwibO1PRptgZ2wzBV4SJ9zNCIxCsZYpavyR2bJqjRPhSpNVpUWJHetFYrrOXx%2Fj8jy0moHbPR%2FAkg0E9w2dqRM9haaTlLlx9kA6RYm1S3Pyh1sAqkhwk%3D" target="_blank">Silk</a>, register, and get a coupon for your next purchase.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I pretty much love cookies and cream anything. <a href="http://www.acutedesigns.org/2013/06/cookies-and-cream-cookies.html">These cookies</a> are my absolute favorite so last Sunday I transformed them into super easy, light, and delicious souffles. They were the perfect extra special dessert for a Sunday night spent watching the Oscars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can use any "sandwich" cookies in this recipe. My favorite are the Trader Joe's JoJos (their version of Oreos). I think they are so much better than Oreos. If you haven't tried them, buy some! They're so good. And addicting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>cookies and cream souffles</i></b> (makes four)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-5 tablespoons flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 tablespoons brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 eggs, separated</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3 tablespoons milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-about 1 teaspoon butter and a little white sugar (for coating the ramekins)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3 or 4 sandwich cookies, crushed (Oreos or my favorite, Trader Joe's JoJo's)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;">1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two ramekins by coating with a tiny bit of butter {about 1/4 teaspoon per dish} and dusting with a tiny bit of white sugar.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;">2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and brown sugar. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;">3. Mix the milk into the dry ingredients and separate the eggs. Add the yolks to the dry ingredients/milk and put the egg whites in a different bowl.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;">4. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. This should take about 45 seconds to a minute.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;">5. Gently fold the egg whites into the rest of the ingredients. Be sure to mix until all is combined but don't over mix. You don't want to lose the volume from the egg whites. Finally, gently fold in about half of the crushed cookies.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;">6. Pour the batter into the four dishes and top each one with a little of the remaining crushed cookies.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;">7. Bake for about 20 or 23 minutes...just until the top is golden and puffed up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;">Enjoy! These are SO good. I know I will be making them again and again.</span></div>
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ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-13606363400238543732014-02-25T08:39:00.001-08:002014-02-25T08:39:58.225-08:00blueberry dutch baby pancake<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love dutch baby pancakes. They are SO simple and quick to make and usually consist of just eggs, a little flour, a little butter, and some fruit. Basically they are like a huge souffle and I love a souffle (you might remember my <a href="http://www.acutedesigns.org/search/label/souffle">souffle obsession</a> from last year).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I made one last Saturday with blueberries because that's what I had in my kitchen. Other berries or pears or apples would work well in this recipe. If you want a slightly sweeter version, just add a few tablespoons of honey or powdered sugar to the batter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I typically see dutch baby recipes made in cast iron skillets. I don't have one so I just used a plain glass pie dish. A cast iron skillet is on my kitchen wish list but I need to get rid of some kitchen items before I bring in any other new things!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>blueberry dutch baby pancake</i></b> (serves about three)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup blueberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tablespoons butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">powdered sugar (for dusting)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Put a 10 inch pie dish (or 10 inch cast iron skillet) in the oven with a tablespoon of butter in it. The butter will melt while the oven preheats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Add in the flour, salt and two remaining tablespoons of butter (melt these two tablespoons first) and continue to whisk until the batter is lump free.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Remove the heated dish from the oven and swirl around the melted butter until it coats the bottom and the sides and the dish. Pour in the batter and top with blueberries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Bake at 400 degrees for about ten minutes (until puffed and golden), then reduce the heat to 350 and continue to cook for another ten minutes (until the pancake is set).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remove from the oven and dust with powdered sugar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you guys all had a great weekend! Mine was spent mostly being productive (cleaning, working, organizing my studio, etc) at home. This dish made for the perfect Saturday morning treat.</span></div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-68786705085522216032014-02-13T12:53:00.001-08:002014-02-13T12:53:20.953-08:00banoffee custard pie<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last weekend was Neil's birthday, so I made him a banoffee pie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love banoffee pie. It's a popular dessert in Ireland and traditionally is made from a cookie crust (I used graham crackers, but plain digestives would be used in Ireland), a layer of toffee, a layer of bananas, and a layer of whipped cream. I decided to add a layer of banana custard because....why not? Custard only makes this pie better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My banoffee custard pie is buttery, sticky, sweet, creamy, and so delicious. Not one bit of it is healthy or slimmed down in any manner but whatevs, sometimes you just need a <i>full on</i> dessert. This pie should serve about ten people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had it in our refrigerator for three days and every time I went into the kitchen, I would take a bite. It was bad. But also so good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This dessert has several steps but each one is really easy. I suggest making the bottom three layers (crust, toffee, and custard) several hours ahead of time and them finishing off with the banana and whipped cream topping an hour or so before serving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>banoffee custard pie</b></i> (serves about 10)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">for the crust-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2/3 a box of graham crackers (I used two out of the three packs in the box)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6 tablespoons of melted butter</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">for the toffee</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">one can of sweetened condensed milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoons brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 tablespoons butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">for the custard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 3/4 cup milk (fat free or full fat, either works)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoons cornstarch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup white sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a generous sprinkle of cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 small banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">pinch of salt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">topping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">one large banana (or two small - enough slices to cover the top of the pie)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">one cup of heavy whipping cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">dark chocolate shavings (optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. To make the crust, put the graham crackers in a food processor and process until they are crumbs. This should take less than 30 seconds. Once they turn to crumbs, pour in the melted butter. The crust will begin to come together after a few seconds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Dump the graham cracker/butter mixture out into a nine inch springform pan. Use clean hands or a spatula to spread the mixture along the bottom and somewhat up the sides of the pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Set the crust in the freezer for about ten minutes while you make the toffee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. For the toffee, melt the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir in the can of sweetened condensed milk and whisk all together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Bring to a boil and stir constantly. Boil and stir for about 3 minutes. When the color of the toffee has darkened to a light brown, it's finished.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the toffee into the pan. Set aside for about ten minutes so that it can cool slightly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. While the toffee is cooling, make the custard. Put the milk, sugar, and cornstarch into a small bowl or liquid measuring cup and whisk. Pour this into a blender with a small banana. Blend until smooth and pour the mixture into a small saucepan. Do not turn on the heat yet. First let the blended mixture settle for about ten minutes, as it will have a layer of foam on top from being blended.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. After the foam has settled, turn the heat to medium-high and stir almost constantly. Bring the custard to a boil and then begin to constantly stir, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan. Allow this to boil for about a minute, remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla and cinnamon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. Spread the custard out over the toffee, allow the pie to cool at room temp for about 30 minutes and then put in the refrigerator for several hours (at least three).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10. A little bit before serving, make the whipped cream. Whip the cold whipping cream until stiff peaks form.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11. Top the pie with slices of banana, then spread a thick layer of the whipped cream over the bananas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12. Finish off with dark chocolate shavings and enjoy! It's totally worth all the steps. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr1RdJA38m7L_T9JDnKYJGM6hUts2srpAQTc__DesHeCC57lLhyphenhyphen9GoE9INM6_r2qKRUQef7Zt6RYh7suKC2msHbKajNg5Is0GN6VgGKjey12LE2RY9CZdF7m8b8WfBCcEHlT39ByzSEU/s1600/banoffee+pie+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr1RdJA38m7L_T9JDnKYJGM6hUts2srpAQTc__DesHeCC57lLhyphenhyphen9GoE9INM6_r2qKRUQef7Zt6RYh7suKC2msHbKajNg5Is0GN6VgGKjey12LE2RY9CZdF7m8b8WfBCcEHlT39ByzSEU/s1600/banoffee+pie+4.JPG" /></a></div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-91442680932555747452014-01-10T15:51:00.003-08:002014-01-10T15:51:51.830-08:00 by minted<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of these years I am going to skip Christmas cards and send New Year's cards. Or better yet, Valentine's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love all the Christmas cards I receive but the past few years, I have had absolutely <i>no time</i> to put together a quality Christmas card. November and December are my busy months...but January is a little bit slow. I should just admit defeat on the Christmas card front and start sending cards in January or February.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of these years, I might plan ahead and order New Year's cards from <a href="http://www.minted.com/">Minted</a>. They have such pretty designs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-brnsw8U2rZ1hrdMbZvKLSjjFjovd1RK2EPkq3VBqXebemKATS9NeYCcYsAzImTOeUHsFra_8AKnRGNsATfuDYv-h6xyhs6b2n49fTHR5RUoMjwtwLyGLlhzU9Yj4bL1UvS5X_6an0lI/s1600/minted+NY+card+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-brnsw8U2rZ1hrdMbZvKLSjjFjovd1RK2EPkq3VBqXebemKATS9NeYCcYsAzImTOeUHsFra_8AKnRGNsATfuDYv-h6xyhs6b2n49fTHR5RUoMjwtwLyGLlhzU9Yj4bL1UvS5X_6an0lI/s1600/minted+NY+card+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx63jhR1rzmoYyuszghkNzeT3myukOrYkycGti-3EfFmH9jPZzcQwpYjZMlsO_9fRCZNuhFjz6kxRX0T1DoZIJ4Bje9dnAST3yaF1-BKwncBSQtKngn5LveoDihe2yy8g3-_FiEowafc/s1600/minted+NY+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx63jhR1rzmoYyuszghkNzeT3myukOrYkycGti-3EfFmH9jPZzcQwpYjZMlsO_9fRCZNuhFjz6kxRX0T1DoZIJ4Bje9dnAST3yaF1-BKwncBSQtKngn5LveoDihe2yy8g3-_FiEowafc/s1600/minted+NY+cards.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Any of the cards and prints at Minted can be personalized with photos, text, color, or shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Valentine's designs on Minted make me want to send Valentine's. <b>SO CUTE</b>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIPmC7y9gZ9OFk6vDmPnl1Esznb4hOHBUgaAw-CmKiPJx-tbmwFJCY7HG5Uf3_dUsOTmLenwKeoaGWRhpXLymJRm1d_IZIX-t8J28Ij6xt9A80kSzZrnhb5zKreqGoGaNZmOMULiCgIg/s1600/minted+valentines+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIPmC7y9gZ9OFk6vDmPnl1Esznb4hOHBUgaAw-CmKiPJx-tbmwFJCY7HG5Uf3_dUsOTmLenwKeoaGWRhpXLymJRm1d_IZIX-t8J28Ij6xt9A80kSzZrnhb5zKreqGoGaNZmOMULiCgIg/s1600/minted+valentines+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iOPdXAXTkHr3uv3qQrU7ORnMUuSHNodSlDEoznJTXGqcZXYKt8s_kQVCxDrSl0UdJW5nUGEtMc12noXl02qzsli12RcCTmyuLyqKLA7b2T5It1hw4Ahicd5SuSvpVbLcfYYh0-cXCfU/s1600/minted+valentines+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iOPdXAXTkHr3uv3qQrU7ORnMUuSHNodSlDEoznJTXGqcZXYKt8s_kQVCxDrSl0UdJW5nUGEtMc12noXl02qzsli12RcCTmyuLyqKLA7b2T5It1hw4Ahicd5SuSvpVbLcfYYh0-cXCfU/s1600/minted+valentines+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On top of holiday cards, they also carry <a href="http://www.minted.com/save-the-date">Save the Date Cards</a>, <a href="http://www.minted.com/custom-art">Custom Art Prints</a>, and <a href="http://www.minted.com/business-cards">Business Cards</a>. They have so many pretty and inspiring designs. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0vT7DbppFXpeoIYC9qCJO4fjuWtEtYTr7Ov6WV0wvIAbF50825f43BZbJsDRCOdNwavf3vKt-9B3nqRnl_AglF5_RXyHJ_FAZQlN7Q6YaOoRsSnLXszkqdxxdFuFcyQhMYaCLc1OtJM/s1600/minted+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0vT7DbppFXpeoIYC9qCJO4fjuWtEtYTr7Ov6WV0wvIAbF50825f43BZbJsDRCOdNwavf3vKt-9B3nqRnl_AglF5_RXyHJ_FAZQlN7Q6YaOoRsSnLXszkqdxxdFuFcyQhMYaCLc1OtJM/s1600/minted+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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LOVE.</div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-17376546870082202762014-01-08T04:00:00.000-08:002014-01-08T04:00:05.133-08:00diy doggie flower crowns - a wedding shower diy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmH-nZq1ArWrThcnwkLwfjK8XF6lBiSv9unQZIdTCBKwQ1q9DbPhs3PVNxn1UjINbFC2Fyn1HeVTZv0WWNPhUmHPSdeLl6BdU8JFMqmCyGfqW7lg70R-jU2noVDbcD_YElPfcoSNxLlY/s1600/julies+bridal+shower+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmH-nZq1ArWrThcnwkLwfjK8XF6lBiSv9unQZIdTCBKwQ1q9DbPhs3PVNxn1UjINbFC2Fyn1HeVTZv0WWNPhUmHPSdeLl6BdU8JFMqmCyGfqW7lg70R-jU2noVDbcD_YElPfcoSNxLlY/s1600/julies+bridal+shower+copy.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I am excited to be co-hosting a surprise virtual bridal shower for my friend <a href="http://www.julieannart.com/">Julie</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Julie got engaged a few months ago and to celebrate her upcoming wedding, I am joining a few other friends in this virtual bridal shower fun. Pop over to <a href="http://yellowheartart.blogspot.com/">Leo's blog</a> to see what everyone else is "bringing" to the shower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My contribution to the bridal shower is a fun and simple wedding inspired diy.....for your dog, naturally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you know Julie, then you might know how much she loves her dog Penny. I love a fellow dog person. We have spent <i>hours</i> discussing our pups while working craft fairs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am not sure if Penny is going to be part of the wedding ceremony, but if she is, she needs a flower crown. Have you seen anything cuter than a dog in a flower crown?! I just about died when I placed one on Finn's head. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hInFpe-e-cU9M0gvJEPmqv_Eqkjwh1zl7tzG8hu7Pu6G_Reb7WbDcdk4GeHWId6yZEksC-OL94BAc2JSImb4o-G0qfzDwhitbfawukr00ISCV5ZabAwDEFJiXWevKJCTwtVnRlegoQ8/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hInFpe-e-cU9M0gvJEPmqv_Eqkjwh1zl7tzG8hu7Pu6G_Reb7WbDcdk4GeHWId6yZEksC-OL94BAc2JSImb4o-G0qfzDwhitbfawukr00ISCV5ZabAwDEFJiXWevKJCTwtVnRlegoQ8/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This diy is super simple and can be used as a crown or collar. The collar is definitely better for a long period of wear since most dogs hate having something on their head. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SN_2pKtx5Z1aZqu3ck22JxmvsPF66O5TDx-O9WdPccFYr-H3v4bl48V_ccy-srxrmUpMQ8EgzEEYQlhKRYVdq4dvpo-ALpBWokbdv3cSgNGle4uqyGwFDh607UsPTZxDlSmaKXGbspM/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SN_2pKtx5Z1aZqu3ck22JxmvsPF66O5TDx-O9WdPccFYr-H3v4bl48V_ccy-srxrmUpMQ8EgzEEYQlhKRYVdq4dvpo-ALpBWokbdv3cSgNGle4uqyGwFDh607UsPTZxDlSmaKXGbspM/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All you need to make a simple flower crown is fake flowers, floral wire, floral tape, and ribbon. You will also need sharp scissors or wire cutters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I bought the inexpensive bunches of flowers from the craft store. There are really nice and pricey fake flowers out there but for a dog crown, I went the cheap route. My dogs get everything dirty.... ;).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94_t13lmz-srVmvMx4DXK1wLlF-jtyUMbIUGi4aTahKGaNnIwNsVynSnfXqlBQOW3hNhfkllhx-OljPROW-WNzR1Wmo9Yc33OeUWlY92cv3BDqEjl7Mv2TRL0ZK6v-LB9oFMcOUla3Nw/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94_t13lmz-srVmvMx4DXK1wLlF-jtyUMbIUGi4aTahKGaNnIwNsVynSnfXqlBQOW3hNhfkllhx-OljPROW-WNzR1Wmo9Yc33OeUWlY92cv3BDqEjl7Mv2TRL0ZK6v-LB9oFMcOUla3Nw/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In order to make the crown/collar, figure out how long you want the crown to be and cut a length of floral wire that is four times this length.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fold the wire in half and twist each end so that you have a loop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trim the flowers and wind the wire around the stems. Secure the stems with a little piece of floral tape. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once you have all your flowers placed and taped to the wire, tie a piece of ribbon to each loop. The ribbon doesn't have to be that long - just long enough to tie the crown around your dog's head or neck.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAeVWPx1beQTSWFSUxMCgN5QR8jpYZxXtI7K88ZgkQz3dBXgy85HmGsaTQqOyG9oSB2Qotg_reO4nuoXqPK9KND6GZgBoWTvZogEhGzV318UiOWvKbGZmdQl8DSf9CBNeOo8DEVLI4Hs/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAeVWPx1beQTSWFSUxMCgN5QR8jpYZxXtI7K88ZgkQz3dBXgy85HmGsaTQqOyG9oSB2Qotg_reO4nuoXqPK9KND6GZgBoWTvZogEhGzV318UiOWvKbGZmdQl8DSf9CBNeOo8DEVLI4Hs/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Final step - put the crown on your dog's head, snap a million pictures, and hope that they will not hate you forever.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmRS4DChvmEEoLPDc9xl0oPNeJZTYUF-rtV77-AyJVhNQ_4nf-89sandEVjNBCRHrRStE5zSUgMrwLp1U19YfqqZY3G6Rsy2pYFAvXSGggC8SZbuAo98HQG7KmcC-6dvNHrbWO4URTCI/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmRS4DChvmEEoLPDc9xl0oPNeJZTYUF-rtV77-AyJVhNQ_4nf-89sandEVjNBCRHrRStE5zSUgMrwLp1U19YfqqZY3G6Rsy2pYFAvXSGggC8SZbuAo98HQG7KmcC-6dvNHrbWO4URTCI/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+9.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gordita was not impressed....but she looked so pretty!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yAHowELLx5jQGJiaZNKg-Las56GZO3yowSmCge9vFWOqp_TIsIU9FCAIOehJy8ryf3XJF-ABIsn51LMr8JtCrHa8flkVHVzD4yG9u43rvNgQF8zZKQxNSjU524OwBuiryUpfhMlEfIE/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yAHowELLx5jQGJiaZNKg-Las56GZO3yowSmCge9vFWOqp_TIsIU9FCAIOehJy8ryf3XJF-ABIsn51LMr8JtCrHa8flkVHVzD4yG9u43rvNgQF8zZKQxNSjU524OwBuiryUpfhMlEfIE/s1600/diy+dog+flower+crowns+10.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wouldn't this be a fun shower craft? If you aren't into dogs, make one for your cat or your human child. So easy and cute.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy your virtual bridal shower, Julie! I am so happy for you. xoxo</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out the other surprise virtual shower posts on <a href="http://yellowheartart.blogspot.com/">Yellow Heart Art</a> // <a href="http://www.muchloveilly.com/">Much Love, Illy</a> // <a href="http://rougeandwhimsy.blogspot.com/">Rouge & Whimsy</a> // <a href="http://www.annadelores.com/blog/">Anna Delores Photography</a>.</span></i></div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-52665792167333710782013-12-30T20:03:00.002-08:002013-12-30T20:03:49.649-08:00caramelized pear bread pudding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4ZHzL66NPsG1OT1YbDteaFDld45otdxvIokZiSCRB6K_cS56lcrqui_5BWF27y5LVjbCwH79peVrCIsuoFkt-3tLqr-quo2zOhxc3Cvqpz7y8hX3WCFST2rmRs9GCybFJ6QMuzpWFuY/s1600/caramelized+pear+bread+pudding+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4ZHzL66NPsG1OT1YbDteaFDld45otdxvIokZiSCRB6K_cS56lcrqui_5BWF27y5LVjbCwH79peVrCIsuoFkt-3tLqr-quo2zOhxc3Cvqpz7y8hX3WCFST2rmRs9GCybFJ6QMuzpWFuY/s1600/caramelized+pear+bread+pudding+4.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One thing I really love about the holidays is cooking (and eating) special recipes that I don't often make throughout the year. Since we were home for the Christmas week, I kind of over did it on the food thing. And by kind of, I mean </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">totally</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I totally over did it. So fat right now but so worth it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband loves bread pudding so I made one on Sunday. It was four days after Christmas but I am in full "eat like it's a holiday" mode until January 6th. I just can't stop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyways...enough of my bad eating habits....bread pudding is such a simple dessert. Anyone can make it. I made a small-ish recipe but it can easily be double or tripled. The amounts below should be enough for at least six people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>caramelized pear bread pudding</i></b> (serves about six)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-two thirds a loaf of challah bread</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3 eggs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-5 small-medium pears - diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3 tablespoons butter plus a little extra for greasing the baking dish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3 tablespoons honey</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Use a little butter to grease a square baking dish (a 9"x9" size is good) and set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. In a skillet, melt the three tablespoons butter. Slowly cook the pear pieces in the butter until nicely browned. Stir in the honey and remove the pan from the heat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Layer a few slices of bread in the bottom of the baking dish, top with half the pears, then more bread. Pour the milk and egg mixture over the bread and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, pour what remains of the pears, butter, and honey over the top of the bread pudding and bake for another 15 minutes. You will know it is done when it is golden brown and has puffed up. Serve as is or with ice cream or whipped cream. Or...both :).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-61800624954331843012013-12-04T08:04:00.000-08:002013-12-04T08:04:01.289-08:00apple donut muffins<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few weeks ago, I stopped into <a href="http://iloveazucar.com/">Azucar</a>, one of my favorite places in San Diego for a treat. They have <i>the best</i> cookies and scones and coffees and <i>everything</i>. I am a little addicted to the place. Anyways, when I was there I saw something called a "donut muffin" and I had to try one. Well, my mind was blown. Amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The next day I decided to try my own donut muffins. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I looked around online and put together a recipe that is a slightly dense muffin. After baking you roll the mini muffin in melted butter and cinnamon-sugar. You can make this recipe in a traditional sized muffin pan but I love the mini's. The denser texture combined with the butter-cinnamon-sugar coating gives these little muffins the perfect donut taste. SO good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>apple donut muffins</i></b> (makes about 30 mini muffins)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/3 cup brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tablespoons melted butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup cider</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 medium apple - peeled and grated</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 teaspoons cinnamon + 1/4 cup sugar + 4 tablespoons melted butter (for after baking)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a mini muffin pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. In a larger bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar). Set aside. In a different bowl, mix the 3 tablespoons of melted butter, cider, egg, vanilla extract, and the grated apple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Combine the wet and dry ingredient and spoon into the muffin pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove the muffins from the pan and dunk first in the bowl of melted butter, then in the bowl of cinnamon-sugar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Set the coated muffins on a plate to cool. I found that these muffins tasted more "donut like" when they had cooled for about 15 minutes. When they were piping hot, the texture was more muffin-esque. Try it, you'll see what I mean :). Also, depending on how buttery and sugary you want your muffins to be, you might need more than the amounts of cinnamon, sugar, and butter that I recommended for the topping.</span><br />
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-58491498444574158382013-12-01T20:50:00.002-08:002013-12-01T20:50:43.030-08:00diy advent calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was a child, we had a felt Christmas tree advent calendar that my grandma had made for us. Every day in December, I would race down to the tree (had to beat my brother and sister :)) and hang a new ornament on the felt tree. By December 25th the tree was full. I have such fond memories of this simple advent calendar and decide to make something similar this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A felt tree is a great idea, but I wanted to make something that was more my style. Plus, I will never be able to sew like my grandma, so I chose a super simple wood diy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Supplies</b> ~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-One 36" x 24" piece of wood. I chose the most inexpensive option Lowe's. It was about $8. You can easily choose something larger or smaller to fit your space.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Paint. Use any color you love! I used the emerald Pantone color from Lowe's for the tree and gold for the trunk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Small nails (to hang the ornaments) and thumb tacks or glue to secure the paper bags.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-25 small ornaments. I chose to create ornaments in Photoshop (free printable below!) but tiny ornaments from the craft store or Target would also work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-A few small paper bags to hold the ornaments. I got mine at the craft store. You could easily use small envelopes or any other light weight bag that can easily be tacked or glued to the wood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-brushes and painter's tape</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Steps ~</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This diy is super simple. Almost <i>too easy</i>. First, create a triangle tree and a rectangle trunk with painter's tape. Paint the tree and the trunk and let dry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once the paint has dried, remove the tape and hammer 25 small nails to the tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you wish to create your own ornaments, you can use these that I created. Just right click on the photo, open it in a new tab, and print. I printed my ornaments on card stock and used spray glue to glue the sheets down to thick cardboard. Finally, I cut the ornaments out and punched a hole in the top of each one for hanging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally, tack a few small paper bags or envelopes on the board below the tree. Fill each bag with ornaments and hang one each day in December. By the 25th your tree will be full :).</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy December everyone!</span></i></div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-23587184277738124302013-10-29T07:45:00.000-07:002013-10-29T07:45:00.224-07:00mini pumpkin nutella swirl cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every Fall I make something pumpkin. I am not a crazy - pumpkin-in-everything kind of person, but I do like it. Originally, I wanted to make pumpkin chocolate chip muffins but I was out of chocolate chips so I went with the one thing I rarely neglect to restock - nutella. I decided to make mini pumpkin bundt cakes (a muffin tin is fine too) swirled with nutella. They were perfect - I want to swirl nutella into all my baked goods :).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>mini pumpkin nutella swirl cakes</i></b> (makes 12 mini bundt cakes or 12 muffins)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 cups all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3 teaspoons baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3/4 cup white sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-one can of pumpkin puree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 tablespoons vegetable oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 large egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/2 cup of nutella</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Using an electric mixer, mix together the pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg until well combined. Add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Heat the nutella in the microwave for about 20 second (you don't want it to be hot, just slightly pourable) and stir into the batter. Don't stir until it is completely mixed in. Just do a few turns of the spoon so that it is swirled into the pumpkin batter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Spray a muffin pan or mini bunt pan (I got one at Target and love it) with non-stick spray and fill with the batter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Cook for about 25 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before removing. Store in an air tight container for up to three days. </span><br />
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-13047082166831445632013-10-14T03:00:00.000-07:002013-10-14T03:00:09.921-07:00apple-cinnamon-sugar pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I made these last weekend and they're my new favorite pancake. Super easy, quick, and perfect for Fall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">apple-cinnamon-sugar pancakes </i>(this recipe will make about 12 pancakes)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 cup of four</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 egg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3/4 cup of milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 apple (grated with a cheese grater)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 tablespoons of melted butter (cooled)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-cinnamon and sugar (for dusting the pancakes)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. In a bowl, whisk together all the flour, baking soda, and salt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Stir in the remaining ingredients (except the cinnamon and sugar for dusting).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and rub with butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup of the pancake batter in the pan (I did three pancakes at a time). Wait for bubbles to form, flip, and cook for another minute. Remove from pan and repeat until all the batter is gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Fill a small bowl with 1/4 cup white sugar and cinnamon (I used about two teaspoons). Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over the pancakes. This cinnamon-sugar coating gives the pancakes the nicest, sweetest crunch. It's so perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy!</span></div>
<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-68081365507781666192013-10-11T19:32:00.001-07:002013-10-11T19:32:52.574-07:00weekly snapshots: 3<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 - Finally pulled out my moccasins this week. Feels like Fall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 - Tortellini soup. So good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 - My little monkey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 - Sweet potato donuts. Nothing wrong with fried dough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5 - Unmade bed, covered in clothes, and Finn makes himself comfortable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you guys all had a good week :).</span></div>
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<br />ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-31872770383974005852013-10-07T04:00:00.000-07:002013-10-07T04:00:06.524-07:00mini monkey bread<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To me, monkey bread is a total 1980s dessert. I think this is because the first time I had it was in the 80s. I was maybe in kindergarten? I don't remember but for some reason, I was sent home with a little book of recipes and a recipe for monkey bread was in the book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This recipe is so sweet and buttery and not a health food <i>at all</i>. It's also incredibly easy. If I made it when I was five....you can easily make it now. It's a hard one to screw up ;).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I used a mini bundt pan because I just thought it was so much cuter than an average bundt pan, but either will work. You can even make this in a square baking dish or muffin tin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>mini monkey bread</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-one package of store bought biscuits (if you are using a standard sized bundt pan, you can make this with two packages of store bought biscuits)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-3/4 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-a few teaspoons of cinnamon (use more or less depending on how cinnamon-ey you want the bread)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-a stick of butter, melted</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Pull the biscuits apart and cut each in quarters. I used whole wheat biscuits but it doesn't matter. Whatever kind you use, they will just end up tasting like delicious pieces of butter, cinnamon, and sugar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a large bowl and toss in the biscuit pieces until well coated. Press the sugar coated biscuit pieces in the bundt or mini bundt pan. If you use the mini one, only put in about three pieces. I over stuffed a few of them and there wasn't enough room for the butter to coat each piece. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Pour melted butter over the top and bake for about 30 minutes. If you do minis, 30 minutes is enough time. A whole cake will likely take about ten minutes longer. You will know this recipe is done when the biscuit pieces have puffed up and are golden brown. This dessert is best served warm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You have been warned - these little guys are addicting. I ate at least five of them. What can I say? I'm a sucker for cinnamon-sugar :).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>ginahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14347031157703265500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696214965432802807.post-52850855025112062752013-09-30T08:01:00.001-07:002013-09-30T08:01:33.775-07:00healthier chinese chicken salad<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqdoDgQTuPsIr78xOzm33xuDwRpQUdpms9dtXJeHphmLExR5vSYR0tlL_Yk82l5SKw3lA9btteTlOW6nnIRZxxpumioftSCjrQS-uKVBZS0afTWHZeDZ9eA1EWVAabVoHE2qXNRfOSLg/s1600/healthier+chinese+chicken+salad+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqdoDgQTuPsIr78xOzm33xuDwRpQUdpms9dtXJeHphmLExR5vSYR0tlL_Yk82l5SKw3lA9btteTlOW6nnIRZxxpumioftSCjrQS-uKVBZS0afTWHZeDZ9eA1EWVAabVoHE2qXNRfOSLg/s1600/healthier+chinese+chicken+salad+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love a "chinese" chicken salad. The peanuts, the fried wantons, the peanut-ey dressing. It's just SO good. Below is my attempt to make this favorite a little healthier than the average restaurant version. It turned out really good. I didn't even miss the fried wantons :).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>healthier chinese chicken salad</i></b> {serves two-three}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 chicken breast, grilled and chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-chopped romaine (about two cups)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-chopped kale (about a cup)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-chopped radishes (I used three radishes)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-carrots, diced (I used one large carrot)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-cucumber, chopped (I used hald of a large one)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-a handful of fresh cilantro, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-a small handful of peanuts</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">for the dressing</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-4 heaping tablespoons of all natural creamy peanut butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-1 1/2 tablespoons honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-2 tablespoons soy sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-fresh grated ginger (about a tablespoon or two)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth to thin out the dressing</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, grill and chop into bite size pieces. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Put all the veggies and peanuts in a large bowl and toss together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Make the dressing by combining all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisking together. It helps to microwave the peanut butter for a few seconds first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Pour the dressing over the veggies, toss all to combine, and plate. Top each salad with some chicken....or leave off the chicken if that isn't your thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>This salad is an easy make ahead dish. The kale will soak up the dressing and be better by the second day. Enjoy!</i></span><br />
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