tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62523060096743578962024-03-13T08:45:09.250-04:00Clever JenoeJenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-38305414430094140472014-11-24T15:37:00.001-05:002014-11-24T15:39:00.844-05:00Prince Charming Scones! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently a friend of mine asked me to bake some scones (you know, like 70 or 80!) for her to give as holiday gifts to her friends :) She knows that I really like baking and hope to someday open something like a bakery or baked goods business (<a href="https://bakedfairytales.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">click here</a> for my site: Fairytale Baked Goods!). She loves my scones and wants her friends to love them too so they will order too! What a great friend, right?! So her challenge to me: make some kind of coffee, chocolate, and nut scone. I tried out something today the scones came out great. Introducing: Prince Charming scones: coffee, chocolate chips, and walnut scones topped with a crunchy sugar crust! Hey, something with coffee and chocolate sounds like a prince to me (especially early in the morning)! Below is my recipe if you want to make your own Prince Charmings ;) </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Prince Charming Scones!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Ingredients:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 cups all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup of white sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Tablespoon of baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons of cocoa powder (Toll House is my fave)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Tablespoon of instant coffee (you know, the stuff people stir into hot water)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6 Tablespoons of salter butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup heavy cream</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup milk </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 teaspoons of coffee extract (don't be fancy, I got the store brand)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2/3 cups of mini chocolate chips</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2/3 cups of chopped walnuts</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Topping:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2-3 Tablespoons of heavy cream</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup of white sugar</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Directions:</i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Foil a pan, lightly spray it with cooking spray, and set it aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mix the heavy cream, milk, egg, and extract in a cup, and put it in the fridge. Stir with a fork the flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa powder, and instant coffee. Cut the butter into dime size pieces and put them into the flour mix. Use 2 knives, a fork, or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mix until you get mostly pea-size pieces of butter in the flour. Dump in the chocolate chips and walnuts and stir until evenly dispersed. Pour in the cream mixture and stir with a fork until you have a loose dough (don't over mix). Carefully pour out the dough onto a surface (I use a floured cutting board) and do your best to form it into a ball. Fold the dough, bring it back together, and repeat a few times. Then, divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Shape both pieces into round disks about an 1-1/2 thick. Then cut each disk in half and each half into 4 wedges. Place the wedges on your foiled and sprayed pan and brush each wedge with cream. Sprinkle each wedge well with sugar. Bake for about 16 minutes, cool, and enjoy! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note: I usually freeze my scones and take one out as I want one...or two. For reheating, defrost in the microwave for 1 minute until soft (not too warm) and toast in the toaster oven or regular oven at 350 for 3-4 minutes. If you're like my mom who tells me that cooking/baking gives her a rash (LOL), just nuke a frozen scone for 30 seconds in the microwave ;) </span></div>
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Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-76862559526210512212014-11-01T18:08:00.003-04:002014-11-05T08:25:17.915-05:00Favorite Biscuits!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">A good biscuit recipe is hard to find! I've made different kinds of biscuits using various recipes, but I always come back to the one below (adapted from <a href="http://www.dishingthedivine.com/2011/10/20/buttermilk-biscuits-2/" target="_blank">Dishing the Divine's recipe</a>). The biscuits come out flaky, buttery, and magical (because they disappear almost immediately!) Har har ;-)</span><br>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Favorite Biscuits! </span></b><br>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Note: I use a food processor for this recipe, but if you don't have one you can use a pastry cutter or 2 knives to cut in the butter to the flour mix, and then a spoon to mix in the buttermilk. </span></i><br>
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Ingredients:</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">-1 stick of cold, salted butter</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">-2 cups of all purpose flour</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">-2 teaspoons of baking power</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-1/4 teaspoon of baking soda</span><font size="4"><br></font>
<span style="font-size: large;">-1/2 teaspoon of salt</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">-A smidgen less than 1 Tablespoon of white sugar <i>(so close to 3/4)</i></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">-3/4 cup of buttermilk <i>(use buttermilk from the store or "made buttermilk" made by adding 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 10 minutes. Save or discard the extra 1/4 cup of buttermilk after using the 3/4 cup for this recipe.) </i></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">-2 Tablespoons of half and half <i>or cream to brush the tops of the biscuits before they go in the oven. </i></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Prep work:</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">-Cut up 1 stick of cold, salted butter into half inch pieces on a plate and put them in the freezer for a few minutes to super chill them.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">-Preheat your oven to 450 (you will drop it down to 425 once you put your biscuits in). </span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;">-Place foil on a baking sheet and spray it with a little non-stick spray.</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Directions: In a food processor, put in the flour, powder, salt, soda, and sugar and pulse a few times 'till you think it's all been combined. Put in your butter pieces and pulse 'till they look like rough crumbs (not too small because you're going to keep processing it). Next pour in the buttermilk and pulse until the dough just starts to form a mass in the processor. Empty out the rough dough mass onto a lightly floured surface, form one piece of dough with your hands, roll it out with a rolling pin a little bit, and sprinkle the top of the dough lightly with flour. Next you're going to fold your dough a few times, roll it out, fold it up again, roll it out again, and fold & roll one last time. The last roll out should leave your dough about a 1/2 inch thick (this creates those yummy layers as it bakes later).</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So at this point, get out your biscuit cutter (or use just use a wine glass like I do!) and go to work cutting out your "first cut" of biscuits (don't twist on your way down, just push straight down. The twisting seals the dough and prevents some of those layers). Your "first cut" refers to all your initial dough before it's been re-rolled and re-cut (second cut). Place your first cut of biscuits on your cookie sheet and then gently and quickly reform a biscuit dough mass with the remaining dough. Roll it out and lightly flour if needed. Make your second cut and place those on the cookie sheet. If you are like me and want to use all the dough possible, go ahead and do a third cut (those are usually my 'tasting biscuits' because they don't end up as pretty as the first & second cuts). The biscuits in the top row in the photo below are the second & third cuts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After all the biscuits are on your cookie sheet, brush the tops with those 2 Tablespoons of half and half or cream (this helps to make a nice, creamy crust on top). Then, place your biscuits on the middle rack in your oven, turn the temp down to 425 and bake for 12-13 minutes until you get the color you want. The temp drop helps the biscuits puff up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After they've finished baking, take them out, and immediately place them on a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. Then... enjoy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yum! I hope you love these as much as we do! :)</span></div>
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Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-5869197945182805052012-12-31T03:32:00.003-05:002012-12-31T03:32:59.918-05:00Cheesy Chex Mix!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey there! :) This holiday season I've been working on perfecting my own 'home made' chex mix. I put quotes around that because most mixes (including mine) don't require home making anything; you just mix pre-made things together in sauce and bake it. It's still delicious, just not super home made-y (oh well right?!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tonight </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I made the recipe below and it turned out so good that I wanted to share it with you! Super easy to make!! It's a little cheesy and I'm sure you could make it more so by adding even more cheese-flavored goodies to the mix. <br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.0731636721175164"><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wet ingredients:</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-3 Tablespoons of butter or </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">margarine</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (I use can't believe its not butter)</span></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1/4 teaspoon onion powder</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dry ingredients:</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1 cup broken up* mini pretzels</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1 cup broken up* cheddar sun chips</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1 cup broken up* cheddar bagel chips</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1 cup of cheddar gold fish crackers</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1 and 1\2 cups of rice Chex</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1 and 1\2 cups of corn Chex </span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(*Broken up = pieces roughly the same size as the Chexes)</span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Directions:</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat oven to 250°</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">. </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Melt the butter, sauce, and seasonings in the microwave (30 or so seconds). Whisk the mixture</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">together and set aside.</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a large bowl mix Chexes and half of the other prepared snack mixes together. Stir in the sauce mixture and coat the Chex mixture. When most of the mix is coated, add in the rest of the prepared snack mixes and stir to combine. </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pour mix into an un-greased 13x9-inch pan and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread your Chex mix on paper towels to cool for about 15 minutes and enjoy some deliciousness! Store in airtight container. </span></b></span></span></div>
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Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-84365489581385948662012-09-03T18:48:00.002-04:002012-09-03T18:54:35.697-04:00What to do with all those cute clippies! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you love clippies as much as I do, you (like me) probably have an impressive collection ;) My clippies used to be all over my sink, on counters, etc. until I Googled hair clip storage and learned about <a href="http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/2011/11/bathroom-bow-boards.html" target="_blank">bow boards</a>. As you can see, bow boards are framed boards with ribbons on them that you can clip your clippies onto. Genius right?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love this idea, but decided on an easier, but similar project for today; which I call a Clip Strip! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I did was find a wider piece of ribbon that I liked, figured out how long I wanted it to be, and hot glued a <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Catalog/~/Command-Medium-Picture-Hanging-Strips?N=5922783&rt=rud" target="_blank">Command Picture Hanging Strip</a> to the back of the ribbon. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I opted for the strips instead of a thumbtack or hook because I want the clip strip to stay on the wall when I take clippies off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;">The Command strips v</span><span style="text-align: center;">elcro</span><span style="text-align: center;"> to each other and create a strong seal: </span></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezDX6Ijk9fI/UEUwUmv5sBI/AAAAAAAAAjE/-UaTgEjNcxw/s1600/IMG_7423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezDX6Ijk9fI/UEUwUmv5sBI/AAAAAAAAAjE/-UaTgEjNcxw/s200/IMG_7423.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezDX6Ijk9fI/UEUwUmv5sBI/AAAAAAAAAjE/-UaTgEjNcxw/s1600/IMG_7423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezDX6Ijk9fI/UEUwUmv5sBI/AAAAAAAAAjE/-UaTgEjNcxw/s1600/IMG_7423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqJzFAMVQpE/UEUwN5jovjI/AAAAAAAAAi8/TbkoOQXktOE/s1600/IMG_7422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqJzFAMVQpE/UEUwN5jovjI/AAAAAAAAAi8/TbkoOQXktOE/s200/IMG_7422.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hot glued the ribbon and strip together so that the bond would be strong between the fabric and the adhesive and not fall off my wall: </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9T64rEjkd0/UEUwbQailKI/AAAAAAAAAjM/Fss1viYluKQ/s1600/IMG_7424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9T64rEjkd0/UEUwbQailKI/AAAAAAAAAjM/Fss1viYluKQ/s320/IMG_7424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next steps: vertically adhere your Clip Strip to the wall with the Command strip and secure your clippies! :)</span></div>
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Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-67454423325761405862012-09-03T17:07:00.001-04:002012-09-03T17:07:02.410-04:00A+ Accessory Storage!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqSWvbAJeOM/UEUQY4-T01I/AAAAAAAAAh8/2jo7i4U0Gmw/s1600/IMG_7414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqSWvbAJeOM/UEUQY4-T01I/AAAAAAAAAh8/2jo7i4U0Gmw/s400/IMG_7414.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Empty oatmeal container=clever headband storage! </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently I've started wearing more headbands, and I've been trying to find a good way to store them all and keep them looking nice. I Googled headband storage and found this great idea from <a href="http://www.makoodle.com/diy-headband-holder/" target="_blank">Makoodle</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This project includes an empty oatmeal can, batting (or I used fleece), hot glue gun (yes I cringed too, but I found a good one that doesn't burn!), cute fabric, and ribbon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I first saw Makoodle's 'how to' I have to admit that I was not super excited about a fabric craft because I haven't used fabric in a lot of crafts. I wrote a list of what I needed and headed to my local Joann's Fabrics store. I didn't know where to start so I told a very nice store associate what I wanted to do and what I needed. She introduced me to the remnant section where I found a piece of fleece that worked as my batting:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AvYOse-iug/UEUMxr9uZcI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/_CCqHlkntqM/s1600/IMG_7397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AvYOse-iug/UEUMxr9uZcI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/_CCqHlkntqM/s400/IMG_7397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I found my way over to the fabrics and picked up some fabric quarters I liked (cheaper than buying yards):</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmb4fX3rYnc/UEUNJ-v1MAI/AAAAAAAAAgY/1r6f5n9zGLQ/s1600/IMG_7400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmb4fX3rYnc/UEUNJ-v1MAI/AAAAAAAAAgY/1r6f5n9zGLQ/s400/IMG_7400.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, I went in search of the most feared item on my list: the hot glue gun! Chuckle as you may, I have memories (and scars!) of when I was younger and used the hot glue gun for projects-ouch! Very happily I found a 'Cool Shot' which is advertised to be safe and cooler than other guns. I have to tell you that it was a little more than a regular glue gun, but so worth it! Even when I accidently touched the 'hot' glue, I did not get burned :) Magic! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once I got home, I cleaned out my empty oatmeal can with a damp paper towel and got to batting! I'm big on eye-balling my measurements rather than writing them down so that's what you see below:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N87KNveAvkA/UEUPYXHHH1I/AAAAAAAAAg0/Uf9nm20Hl8k/s1600/IMG_7402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N87KNveAvkA/UEUPYXHHH1I/AAAAAAAAAg0/Uf9nm20Hl8k/s400/IMG_7402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I got to 'cool' gluing ;) I did two layers of the fleece:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-1i2e1Oysc/UEUPvF0P0_I/AAAAAAAAAhE/V6N1FyROMbw/s1600/IMG_7404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-1i2e1Oysc/UEUPvF0P0_I/AAAAAAAAAhE/V6N1FyROMbw/s400/IMG_7404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I kept room at the top so that the lid could still fit. This way I had extra storage inside the container:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlemLzpvF7s/UEUPzYO9MpI/AAAAAAAAAhM/ytBqdjV93GA/s1600/IMG_7406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlemLzpvF7s/UEUPzYO9MpI/AAAAAAAAAhM/ytBqdjV93GA/s400/IMG_7406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I glued the fabric onto the fleece:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oX5GZNhIRKQ/UEUP5pL55NI/AAAAAAAAAhU/cJov1R8TPRs/s1600/IMG_7407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oX5GZNhIRKQ/UEUP5pL55NI/AAAAAAAAAhU/cJov1R8TPRs/s400/IMG_7407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tada!:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9r5E6LIucJY/UEUQBtZ96LI/AAAAAAAAAhg/6DvSjrhN6tU/s1600/IMG_7408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9r5E6LIucJY/UEUQBtZ96LI/AAAAAAAAAhg/6DvSjrhN6tU/s400/IMG_7408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I glued a ribbon around the top and seam of the container:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I attached a mock handle on the top of the lid for extra detail:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VND9JbQ4c2o/UEUQeESchVI/AAAAAAAAAiE/7o7Io36wOLA/s1600/IMG_7416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VND9JbQ4c2o/UEUQeESchVI/AAAAAAAAAiE/7o7Io36wOLA/s400/IMG_7416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A place for everything and everything in its place :) :</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">P.S.: Check out all this room inside the container!:</span></div>
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Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-61629569677598790352012-02-12T16:08:00.002-05:002012-02-12T17:31:56.247-05:00Cocoa Crispy Treats (I'm almost positive that they are 100% gluten free!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0dJsS7nq0U/TzgodYoP8DI/AAAAAAAAAeY/NCC5DtHXXWI/s1600/IMG_6954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0dJsS7nq0U/TzgodYoP8DI/AAAAAAAAAeY/NCC5DtHXXWI/s400/IMG_6954.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to an all day training tomorrow for work so I thought it'd be fun to bring a treat to share with my comrades ;). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my buds can't have gluten so I challenged myself to make a treat that she could have and we could all enjoy together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I researched online and finally decided on rice crispy treats! The articles and comments that I read told me that butter and marshmallows are typically gluten free, <span style="background-color: yellow;">(readers correct me if that's wrong please!)</span><span style="background-color: white;">, so th</span>at just left the crispies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I set out looking for crispies that were gluten free and finally found them at Whole Foods (Kroger and Target didn't have any). I bought a box of Enviro Kidz Organic Koala Crisp cereal and set to work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I melted 4.5 Tablespoons of butter in a deep pot, and then melted 6 cups of mini marshmallows (1 bag) in the pot. I transfered the mixture to a large bowl that held 6 cups of Koala Crisp (1 box) and stirred until everything was combined. I then transfered the sticky deliciousness to a greased pan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were a few crispies left in the bowl so I did a taste test and found out that <b>Koala Crisps are cocoa flavored (surprise!) </b> When I originally opened the bag I could tell that the crispies were darker than other kinds I've seen, but I thought that was just because they were gluten free (you can tell I'm very new to the gluten-free world!!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since I was a kid I've always loved this treat, but let me tell you, <b>cocoa is the way to go go!!!</b> The <b>chocolately-salty-buttery-marshmallowy</b> taste is sooo yummy! Gluten free or not these are some of the best rice crispy treats I've ever had! Try it out for yourself :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">P.S. Are you looking for gluten free candy? <span id="goog_493794001"></span><a href="http://celiacfamily.com/gluten-free-valentine-candy/" target="_blank">Here's</a><span id="goog_493794002"></span> a list of gluten free Valentines (and other) candy! </span></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-43325154151317545672011-10-16T18:48:00.002-04:002011-10-16T18:51:03.216-04:00Tie, Tuck, and Twist Your Way to a Great Fall Look!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the fall I love pulling my scarves out of storage and thinking about which cooler weather clothes to pair them with. Each year I've worn them in pretty similar ways, but this year I wanted to try out some new cute styles. </span><br />
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The first style that I found and really liked is called the Four in Hand:<br />
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It's a just a little bit different than the classic slip knot that I usually do with this scarf:<br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsvkT1OSPwk/TptcIHrADlI/AAAAAAAAAco/-1O4OYqbbMA/s1600/Slip+knot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsvkT1OSPwk/TptcIHrADlI/AAAAAAAAAco/-1O4OYqbbMA/s400/Slip+knot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Another style that I think looks sweet is the half bow:<br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnmtVbM5zN8/TptcJC9zz1I/AAAAAAAAAcw/Nx4YCggsLnI/s1600/Half+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnmtVbM5zN8/TptcJC9zz1I/AAAAAAAAAcw/Nx4YCggsLnI/s400/Half+bow.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
It adds a little bit of drama, but still looks very stylish.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/">Scarves.net</a> offers over 37 different ways to tie scarves. You can peruse all of them by viewing their short video clips. <br />
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Check it out and try a new, clever style for yourself today! :) </span><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Four in Hand: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/four-in-hand.htm">http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/four-in-hand.htm</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Slip Knot: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/slip-knot.htm">http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/slip-knot.htm</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Half Bow: </span><a href="http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/half-bow.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/half-bow.htm</span></a></li>
</ul></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-88190884617394351842011-09-21T21:40:00.004-04:002011-09-21T22:12:58.145-04:00Cute and Easy Halloween Craft<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYxUGoBRjyc/TnqVAJnLi3I/AAAAAAAAAcc/PfIHDFVnjrk/s1600/IMG_6651+crop+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYxUGoBRjyc/TnqVAJnLi3I/AAAAAAAAAcc/PfIHDFVnjrk/s400/IMG_6651+crop+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Halloween is my favorite holiday :) It's during my favorite season and it just seems like the world is a little more creative and fun this time of year. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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Lately I've been checking out all of the awesome Halloween projects on <a href="http://craftgawker.com/">Craft Gwaker</a> and <a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/">Dollar Store Crafts</a> and have been inspired to create my own spooky craft ;)</span><br />
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I was able to purchase the items needed for this craft from my local dollar store:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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Glass votive holders</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Battery operated votives</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Halloween ribbons</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Googly eyes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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In addition to the items above I used double sided tape and thinner Halloween ribbon to create my spooky candle holder.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
This is the Halloween ribbon I found. It was a little wider than the votive holder was tall so I cut it down to fit.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inSj4dNAXuc/TnqNp7WH9_I/AAAAAAAAAb0/kQNt31cN9eQ/s1600/IMG_6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inSj4dNAXuc/TnqNp7WH9_I/AAAAAAAAAb0/kQNt31cN9eQ/s320/IMG_6601.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used double sided tape to secure the ribbon to the votive holder. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHbdyh3gT1E/TnqN6JSb_rI/AAAAAAAAAb4/K3rev0qZQyU/s1600/IMG_6602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHbdyh3gT1E/TnqN6JSb_rI/AAAAAAAAAb4/K3rev0qZQyU/s320/IMG_6602.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I attached (double sided tape again) the thinner ribbon to hide the seams...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5MBhNwTEA0/TnqOiSbiCTI/AAAAAAAAAcE/WxuUmSK2--k/s1600/IMG_6603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5MBhNwTEA0/TnqOiSbiCTI/AAAAAAAAAcE/WxuUmSK2--k/s320/IMG_6603.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And to hide the fringe that came off the wider ribbon after I cut it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfGpDLK8yDs/TnqOto8p9WI/AAAAAAAAAcI/V3YS4dJJ9js/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfGpDLK8yDs/TnqOto8p9WI/AAAAAAAAAcI/V3YS4dJJ9js/s320/IMG_6604.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I dropped in my battery operated votive and thought I was done...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmIgPkr-SGw/TnqPCTIHyTI/AAAAAAAAAcM/x8vqN9R1yT0/s1600/IMG_6621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmIgPkr-SGw/TnqPCTIHyTI/AAAAAAAAAcM/x8vqN9R1yT0/s320/IMG_6621.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But then I saw my googly eyes and thought, 'hmm, this could be a little cuter!' So I covered the jack-o-lanterns' eyes with the googly eyes (using little bits of double sided tape).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXFbglGR75s/TnqPb2hwEKI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/okmPXxcJWYc/s1600/IMG_6624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXFbglGR75s/TnqPb2hwEKI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/okmPXxcJWYc/s320/IMG_6624.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have to say that it turned out pretty good! Clever even ;)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzwy-6jOHIo/TnqP-pUmHoI/AAAAAAAAAcU/dQGBKdG1NH4/s1600/IMG_6629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzwy-6jOHIo/TnqP-pUmHoI/AAAAAAAAAcU/dQGBKdG1NH4/s320/IMG_6629.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you try this project out for yourself :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Note: I made these for a battery operated votive candle so I don't know how the tape and googly eyes will react with the heat from a real candle. </span></div></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-43633463784344741892011-09-10T22:43:00.003-04:002011-09-11T11:48:37.503-04:00Perfect Party Drink for True Blood's Season 4 Finale or Your Halloween Party!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My friends and I love the HBO series <a href="http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/index.html">True Blood</a> based off of the infinitely better book series by <a href="http://www.charlaineharris.com/bibliography/bibliog-sookie.html">Charlaine Harris, The Sookie Stackhouse novels</a>. Each Sunday night we excitedly wait for an episode to air (like vamps wait in their coffins for the sun to set!) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently we created the most temping drink to sate our thirsts before the show started. ;) (I'm really getting into this vampire theme)! We call it <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">V</span></b> (it's what Vampire Blood is called on True blood). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">V</span></b> would be great for your own <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">True Blood</span></b> party/marathon or upcoming <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">H</span>a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">l</span>l<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">o</span>w<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">e</span>e<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">n</span> party</b>! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Start by making 1 large box of your favorite flavor of any red jello (cherry, strawberry, even raspberry can work great!). Strawberry was our favorite flavor to use. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let the jello set up until it's jello and then deposit spoonfuls of it onto a flat plate (we found that making the jello in a casserole dish cuts out this step). </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lc_wuFIM_Y/TmwajsyG-4I/AAAAAAAAAZs/YbuN18SnX_o/s1600/IMG_6432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lc_wuFIM_Y/TmwajsyG-4I/AAAAAAAAAZs/YbuN18SnX_o/s320/IMG_6432.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Use a fork to go through and make 'vampire guts' (what True Blood's director Alan Ball thinks vampires look like when they meet their demise).</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xXwxoI36uk/TmwbGi2FraI/AAAAAAAAAZw/khewV3Q9cxk/s1600/IMG_6435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xXwxoI36uk/TmwbGi2FraI/AAAAAAAAAZw/khewV3Q9cxk/s320/IMG_6435.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Spoon the vamp guts into clear cups.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO8QYAHsDZs/TmwbPxus93I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/TkyX9fDJuRg/s1600/IMG_6436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO8QYAHsDZs/TmwbPxus93I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/TkyX9fDJuRg/s320/IMG_6436.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hl46_NrxSL8/TmwcEhCHweI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/y5fX7X0540g/s1600/IMG_6437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hl46_NrxSL8/TmwcEhCHweI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/y5fX7X0540g/s320/IMG_6437.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then fill the cups up with your favorite fizzy red drink </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(half jello, half fizzy drink).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> In our trials we tried sparkling blood orange and sparkling cranberry and then Faygo red pop. Faygo won! It tasted the best with our strawberry 'guts'. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFGAWc5oY2Y/TmwcLvMX26I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/zDgYxOLtJfw/s1600/IMG_6440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFGAWc5oY2Y/TmwcLvMX26I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/zDgYxOLtJfw/s320/IMG_6440.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mmmmm, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>bloody</b></span>! </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxVZ8vcwoxk/TmwcYlMNVVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/nwJ6TurISwA/s1600/IMG_6443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxVZ8vcwoxk/TmwcYlMNVVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/nwJ6TurISwA/s320/IMG_6443.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This taboo drink was easy to make and waaay fun to drink; probably a good one to make with kids as well :) If you wanted to add a little adult into the mix you could probably follow a jello shot recipe for when you prepare the drink's innards!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wmiMxeB4AM/Tmwc6rnLglI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Oys-Lk4i8H8/s1600/Gang+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wmiMxeB4AM/Tmwc6rnLglI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Oys-Lk4i8H8/s400/Gang+resized.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until next time, enjoy your <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">V </span></b>and the season finale of True Blood season 4!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Note: Me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(left in the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">black</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">coral</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and Arika </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(mid-right in the white and blue)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> worked together to perfect this recipe. Our men happily volunteered to be 'scary' in this photo ;). Check out Arika's blog, <a href="http://happyhomeypsi.blogspot.com/">Happy Home</a>! </span><br />
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</div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-20780559480401882352011-04-29T13:45:00.000-04:002011-04-29T13:45:36.127-04:00You know you make me want to Grout!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My mosaic pieces have been grouted! The whole process was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Basically you make brownie mix consistency grout by adding whatever color dry grout you want and water:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VnFx3vyFLrs/Tbr3sC4JeGI/AAAAAAAAAZM/Y3w0FmM94mI/s1600/IMG_6009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VnFx3vyFLrs/Tbr3sC4JeGI/AAAAAAAAAZM/Y3w0FmM94mI/s400/IMG_6009.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then you cover the piece with the mix:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzaDIdOoADw/Tbr3s9qMA5I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/9XPoDGsY14I/s1600/IMG_6008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzaDIdOoADw/Tbr3s9qMA5I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/9XPoDGsY14I/s400/IMG_6008.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I used a popsicle stick to spread the grout on:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0trkJY83tc/Tbr3ut9D_TI/AAAAAAAAAZU/XcNJoFIHTO0/s1600/IMG_6007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0trkJY83tc/Tbr3ut9D_TI/AAAAAAAAAZU/XcNJoFIHTO0/s400/IMG_6007.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then wipe off the excess with a dry cloth:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OAoWHGerRE/Tbr3vKs5pfI/AAAAAAAAAZY/BOMmkcjUJjc/s1600/IMG_6010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OAoWHGerRE/Tbr3vKs5pfI/AAAAAAAAAZY/BOMmkcjUJjc/s400/IMG_6010.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sometimes you want to make your glass underneath stand out more so you can go through after it's dried & you've wiped it to define the shapes better with a sharp tool:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8q1rQT3Pec/Tbr3vu-FzPI/AAAAAAAAAZc/KEIfWQKzRis/s1600/IMG_6012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8q1rQT3Pec/Tbr3vu-FzPI/AAAAAAAAAZc/KEIfWQKzRis/s400/IMG_6012.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fun fun! Looks like some moms I know are getting some nice Mother's Day gifts....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgTzwZv93Kw/Tbr34PdQPxI/AAAAAAAAAZg/lb0wwSIaXjU/s1600/IMG_60131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgTzwZv93Kw/Tbr34PdQPxI/AAAAAAAAAZg/lb0wwSIaXjU/s400/IMG_60131.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-22679046728271931182011-04-25T17:18:00.000-04:002011-04-25T17:18:15.256-04:00Some pretty eggs! :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnHBoFssx0U/TbXjtcoyPdI/AAAAAAAAAY0/1YfIx1hecRY/s1600/IMG_6302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnHBoFssx0U/TbXjtcoyPdI/AAAAAAAAAY0/1YfIx1hecRY/s400/IMG_6302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This year I decided to try 'marbling' my eggs and I think that they turned out great! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwQKhJksFL0/TbXjwFPaAmI/AAAAAAAAAY8/Q69ZxkY3bFU/s1600/IMG_6296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwQKhJksFL0/TbXjwFPaAmI/AAAAAAAAAY8/Q69ZxkY3bFU/s320/IMG_6296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhtE-y7QADg/TbXjvPh-2lI/AAAAAAAAAY4/2k2IRoqz9wg/s1600/IMG_6294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhtE-y7QADg/TbXjvPh-2lI/AAAAAAAAAY4/2k2IRoqz9wg/s320/IMG_6294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I started with a plan old egg dyeing kit and dyed almost all of my eggs a lighter color</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then I dumped about a table spoon of vegetable oil into the dye and mixed it up. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JMzmzrgAzQ/TbXjwrcPyFI/AAAAAAAAAZA/zzLpdWDHxuU/s1600/IMG_6298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JMzmzrgAzQ/TbXjwrcPyFI/AAAAAAAAAZA/zzLpdWDHxuU/s320/IMG_6298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I re-dyed the eggs in different colors and the oil spots made some cool effects!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQdYWyCe95M/TbXjxKiaPOI/AAAAAAAAAZE/hLU_Soj4RBo/s1600/IMG_6300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQdYWyCe95M/TbXjxKiaPOI/AAAAAAAAAZE/hLU_Soj4RBo/s320/IMG_6300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZBwUMtn5NQ/TbXjxm6uCvI/AAAAAAAAAZI/_MHIwTxHozo/s1600/IMG_6301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZBwUMtn5NQ/TbXjxm6uCvI/AAAAAAAAAZI/_MHIwTxHozo/s320/IMG_6301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope this post inspires you to try this too! When is eating fun colored eggs not in season? ;)</span></div><br />
</div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-79364007361553270102011-04-01T23:51:00.006-04:002011-04-02T00:02:57.951-04:00Cookie Adventure! :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VXzNMuAGR_M/TZaWbjylB-I/AAAAAAAAAYs/_JSJgVm-x2E/s1600/IMG_6033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VXzNMuAGR_M/TZaWbjylB-I/AAAAAAAAAYs/_JSJgVm-x2E/s400/IMG_6033.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had an amazingly good cookie about 5 years ago. It was a chocolate dough cookie with what tasted like oreo filling inside in little chunks. I was in love with the taste, but not with the price. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since I tasted this delicious cookie, I've been on a mission to find out what it was and how to make it myself. I finally figured it out! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a chocolate, white chocolate chip cookie. If you've never had it (or even if you have) here's the recipe below. Enjoy :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Chocolate, White Chocolate Chip Cookies!</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><u>Ingredients:</u> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">1/2 cup salted butter, at room temperature (important!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">3/4 cup white granulated sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">1 large egg<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">1 cup all purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>1/4 cup cocoa powder<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Droste-Cocoa-powder-Netherlands-about/dp/B000FL2C5K/ref=pd_sbs_gf_4/105-5080788-9334050" target="_blank"><br />
</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/8 teaspoon salt</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
1 and 1/2 cups white chocolate chips</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><u>Directions:</u><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars until fully incorporated. Add the egg and vanilla extract and blend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">In a smaller bowl add the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt and whisk until the dry ingredients are well mixed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Add about half of the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, incorporate, and then add the rest until all ingredients are blended well. Now add the white chocolate chips until they're all throughout the dough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Using a small ice cream scoop or two spoons, place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cookie mix recipe onto a foil covered cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Press the cookies down until about half the height.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Bake for approximately 8 minutes or until the cookies are still soft in the center but are firm around the edges. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before removing the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">This recipe makes about 24, 3 inch round chocolate, white chocolate chip cookies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYGO2ljS_M4/TZaWcgARZlI/AAAAAAAAAYw/1BBn6THOwN0/s1600/IMG_6041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYGO2ljS_M4/TZaWcgARZlI/AAAAAAAAAYw/1BBn6THOwN0/s400/IMG_6041.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"><i>The cookie recipe listed on this post was adapted from <a href="http://www.homelifeweekly.com/cooking/the-ultimate-chocolate-cookie-recipe/">Home Life Weekly's recipe</a></i></div></div><br />
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</div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-25999209688557776922011-03-22T23:21:00.006-04:002011-03-22T23:50:29.429-04:00Mosaics! A Beginner's Adventure!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AkR36XLdedU/TYlkefxm0_I/AAAAAAAAAYM/ysBOkj47B7I/s1600/IMG_5944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AkR36XLdedU/TYlkefxm0_I/AAAAAAAAAYM/ysBOkj47B7I/s400/IMG_5944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The past few weeks in art class we've been working on creating </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>m</b><i>o</i><u>s</u><b>a</b><i>i</i><u>c</u><b>s</b><i>!</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> This is a project that I've always wanted to try!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My art teacher described this form of art as "gluing sh*t down!" And that's exactly what we did ;)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B7KHpm-NnD4/TYlkcQZY_AI/AAAAAAAAAX8/jB-vfNZfSaY/s1600/IMG_5934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B7KHpm-NnD4/TYlkcQZY_AI/AAAAAAAAAX8/jB-vfNZfSaY/s400/IMG_5934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I picked out pieces of glass in the same color family and started gluing it down with mosaic glue (you should be able to find this at your local craft store). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rPrJVI88uW0/TYlkcyIJfTI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Za_eSTPWK4s/s1600/IMG_5936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rPrJVI88uW0/TYlkcyIJfTI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Za_eSTPWK4s/s400/IMG_5936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I used a paint brush to apply the glue to the <i>textured</i> side of the piece of glass and stuck it on-smooth side up. When I asked why we do texture side down, I was told that when we grout these babies the grout will be harder to get out of the textures pieces.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's some other pieces: (I'm excited to show you!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sM6sW-DBi3E/TYlkgJ5kmtI/AAAAAAAAAYU/L-t9_oDY8cE/s1600/IMG_60031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sM6sW-DBi3E/TYlkgJ5kmtI/AAAAAAAAAYU/L-t9_oDY8cE/s400/IMG_60031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(A bloom for spring!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7r22ibTqckU/TYlnuQyrpLI/AAAAAAAAAYc/fLTHRbM-RhE/s1600/IMG_5939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7r22ibTqckU/TYlnuQyrpLI/AAAAAAAAAYc/fLTHRbM-RhE/s400/IMG_5939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hyEtE6xjwwU/TYlkghVOBtI/AAAAAAAAAYY/Nh-AEMcvYvg/s1600/IMG_60051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hyEtE6xjwwU/TYlkghVOBtI/AAAAAAAAAYY/Nh-AEMcvYvg/s400/IMG_60051.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHUCxYlwuqY/TYlq8APptEI/AAAAAAAAAYo/9GV9H0c1h_s/s1600/IMG_6000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHUCxYlwuqY/TYlq8APptEI/AAAAAAAAAYo/9GV9H0c1h_s/s200/IMG_6000.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xctWsbtH9UA/TYlq7Wf08BI/AAAAAAAAAYk/-zLzQHXPNhQ/s1600/IMG_5999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xctWsbtH9UA/TYlq7Wf08BI/AAAAAAAAAYk/-zLzQHXPNhQ/s200/IMG_5999.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(The brown is the beach and the blue is the water & sky)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5N8YtdOe950/TYlkeBu6vxI/AAAAAAAAAYI/mvuFzHsuKTc/s1600/IMG_5940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5N8YtdOe950/TYlkeBu6vxI/AAAAAAAAAYI/mvuFzHsuKTc/s400/IMG_5940.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(A fellow classmate did these 2 with shaped ceramic tile pieces)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, stay tuned! We're supposed to grout our pieces on Wednesday night so I will post the finished products soon after that :)</span></div></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-49685280196814025932011-03-02T23:07:00.007-05:002011-03-09T00:29:44.983-05:00What We Made in Art Class Tonight! (UPDATE!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I tried using squares of news print to make these flowers and I think I like using the news print even better than the printed paper!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ceNZzcaewX0/TXcO2xjuFHI/AAAAAAAAAX0/oDIp6oRKv7o/s1600/IMG_5922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ceNZzcaewX0/TXcO2xjuFHI/AAAAAAAAAX0/oDIp6oRKv7o/s320/IMG_5922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I made one for my Grama out of the crosswords section because I know she likes those ;) I like that I can personalize my flowers for who I'm going to give them to with by using magazines or news papers; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">more so than with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">generic printed paper.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--J-O2yaeqtU/TXcO41f2WhI/AAAAAAAAAX4/hBM2Z_PfDLc/s1600/IMG_5924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--J-O2yaeqtU/TXcO41f2WhI/AAAAAAAAAX4/hBM2Z_PfDLc/s320/IMG_5924.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">----</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tonight we made paper flowers to try and encourage more spring timey weather! Our teacher showed us this cool origami pattern...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wvIqEI8ghJs/TW8Op7MNeXI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/DWLIJ3YGzgw/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wvIqEI8ghJs/TW8Op7MNeXI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/DWLIJ3YGzgw/s200/IMG_5898.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hdKgAdfv5KQ/TW8OpRkdcSI/AAAAAAAAAXM/2eBSQtsBdaw/s1600/IMG_5897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hdKgAdfv5KQ/TW8OpRkdcSI/AAAAAAAAAXM/2eBSQtsBdaw/s200/IMG_5897.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDwIS-_FQHk/TW8OvdoyxRI/AAAAAAAAAXc/GPvEJ2sr4dw/s1600/IMG_5900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDwIS-_FQHk/TW8OvdoyxRI/AAAAAAAAAXc/GPvEJ2sr4dw/s200/IMG_5900.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hTKzM5Xge2U/TW8Ouptf4JI/AAAAAAAAAXY/t_MRPofGO-8/s1600/IMG_5899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hTKzM5Xge2U/TW8Ouptf4JI/AAAAAAAAAXY/t_MRPofGO-8/s200/IMG_5899.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-axI0Q5arIU0/TW8OxOU-mfI/AAAAAAAAAXk/51zmD7c1ChA/s1600/IMG_5902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-axI0Q5arIU0/TW8OxOU-mfI/AAAAAAAAAXk/51zmD7c1ChA/s200/IMG_5902.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tioJtdy1aXw/TW8Ov0ybvcI/AAAAAAAAAXg/1pOPqVTnKGw/s1600/IMG_5901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tioJtdy1aXw/TW8Ov0ybvcI/AAAAAAAAAXg/1pOPqVTnKGw/s200/IMG_5901.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Aks_lMaQa1E/TW8OqgoYWEI/AAAAAAAAAXU/cRb7B2s_uP8/s1600/IMG_5896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Aks_lMaQa1E/TW8OqgoYWEI/AAAAAAAAAXU/cRb7B2s_uP8/s200/IMG_5896.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m2EpWWzJS4U/TW8OxjnzPpI/AAAAAAAAAXo/317Y6Di5rhk/s1600/IMG_5903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m2EpWWzJS4U/TW8OxjnzPpI/AAAAAAAAAXo/317Y6Di5rhk/s200/IMG_5903.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
Though my pic's are pretty, I'll admit that they are not the easiest to follow. <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Kusudama-Flower">Here's</a> a link to an Wiki How article with more specific instructions on how to make this Kusudama flower.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We used patterned, square-shaped paper in 3 inch and and 1.5 inch squares. Our teacher got these papers from online, but you can probably find them a your local craft store. I also think cutting out newspaper squares would be pretty neat looking too!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tip: I noticed that when I used the smaller paper I needed 6 petals instead of the 5 I used in making the larger petals.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4BO8xvofjfc/TW8OyPfqvfI/AAAAAAAAAXs/hPN3iINoaGU/s1600/IMG_5904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4BO8xvofjfc/TW8OyPfqvfI/AAAAAAAAAXs/hPN3iINoaGU/s320/IMG_5904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I made these two beauties by sticking pipe cleaners through the middle and curling the stem :)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JO8uhhbAjYw/TW8OzIbWS3I/AAAAAAAAAXw/sX7ROAttfHc/s1600/IMG_5908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JO8uhhbAjYw/TW8OzIbWS3I/AAAAAAAAAXw/sX7ROAttfHc/s320/IMG_5908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope this encourages you to try this project. When I first started I was worried, but after my first petal I got the hang of it pretty well! Give it a try ;)</span></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-7420580737096839662011-03-02T22:42:00.001-05:002011-03-03T00:00:50.546-05:00What We Did With Our Painted Fabric<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-paesUrpkLro/TW8M1Q_1_ZI/AAAAAAAAAW0/S7knSYFEZG4/s1600/IMG_5834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-paesUrpkLro/TW8M1Q_1_ZI/AAAAAAAAAW0/S7knSYFEZG4/s320/IMG_5834.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After painting in our fabric in art class we used thick, colorful string to sew these onto cut pieces of felt and pieces from felted sweaters! Very green ;)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QP6wOiS1zVI/TW8M2DwHlOI/AAAAAAAAAW4/HWh1MVW4388/s1600/IMG_5833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QP6wOiS1zVI/TW8M2DwHlOI/AAAAAAAAAW4/HWh1MVW4388/s320/IMG_5833.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This person made some trivets:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yDlW92kP-Zc/TW8M2gEHlaI/AAAAAAAAAW8/8PhtzRaUT0Q/s1600/IMG_5633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yDlW92kP-Zc/TW8M2gEHlaI/AAAAAAAAAW8/8PhtzRaUT0Q/s320/IMG_5633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7khKfQ9TNI/TW8M3SHG0OI/AAAAAAAAAXA/CFvxSAYalY0/s1600/IMG_5835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7khKfQ9TNI/TW8M3SHG0OI/AAAAAAAAAXA/CFvxSAYalY0/s320/IMG_5835.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My favorite classmate (my sister) took my pieces of painted fabric, (which I had cut in semi circles) and sewed them into these cool little petals :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PLwRXgjPtvU/TW8M4IW_d1I/AAAAAAAAAXE/naKrYBUJjh8/s1600/IMG_5836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PLwRXgjPtvU/TW8M4IW_d1I/AAAAAAAAAXE/naKrYBUJjh8/s320/IMG_5836.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LbGJ66DJKuw/TW8M4o-jmaI/AAAAAAAAAXI/-7AOPUzM8pg/s1600/IMG_5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LbGJ66DJKuw/TW8M4o-jmaI/AAAAAAAAAXI/-7AOPUzM8pg/s320/IMG_5837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
I think I might glue these onto a head band :) ...hopefully I'll post that project's results soon!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-55164181531828450532011-02-15T03:16:00.000-05:002011-02-15T03:16:30.500-05:00Are you reMARTHAble?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Martha Stewart is having a contest to find crafty people like herself to come on her show and present their projects!!! Are you the Martha in your circle of friends? Enter her contest!!! <a href="http://contests.marthastewart.com/simplyremarthable/">Simply reMARTHAble</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Some of you may know that one of my biggest wishes is to meet Martha and be on her show. Do you have any favorite blog posts that you think I should enter? Let me know :) Thanks!</i></span></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-21775484821958023302011-02-08T22:59:00.002-05:002011-02-08T23:05:20.788-05:00Make sure you ask for this when you do your taxes this year!!! Potentially large credit for you!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the name of the game! This credit is available to you (in the US) if you are 'moderate or low income' and have made income in 2010. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">That's right, you could qualify to get a substantial credit just for working!</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moderate or low income covers more people than you'd think-I happily took advantage of the EITC last year and a received a $400 tax credit!<b> (Please note: a tax credit is different than a refund. A tax credit is a reduction of what you may owe and a refund is the $ you will receive back if you qualify)</b>. Some family members of mine received an $800 tax credit <i>each</i> last year because of the EITC! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you want more info <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">please</span></b> go to the IRS website: <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html">http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I say '<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">please</span></b>' because last year I spoke with an IRS rep. who said that the US Federal Govt. is thinking about getting rid of the EITC because not enough people are aware of it and using it! The horror!!! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Please use this so we don't loose it! It's the clever thing to do ;)</b></span></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-63817317721435454482011-02-05T18:30:00.003-05:002011-02-05T18:52:19.626-05:00Chocolate Wands!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3ih6V1evI/AAAAAAAAAWs/_utWgMYEUZE/s1600/Wands+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3ih6V1evI/AAAAAAAAAWs/_utWgMYEUZE/s320/Wands+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mmmm don't these look good? ;) They are yummy, easy to make, and fun to eat! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I started with a cooling rack loaded with mini stick pretzels</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3atRdGArI/AAAAAAAAAWI/a3xAcxLXEak/s1600/IMG_5783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3atRdGArI/AAAAAAAAAWI/a3xAcxLXEak/s320/IMG_5783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then I used my make shift double boiler. I took a small pot, filled it half way with water, put it on med-high heat, stuck a thick ceramic bowl on top, and added my chips</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3atyCKEZI/AAAAAAAAAWM/qm_1g-lkwvw/s1600/IMG_5785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3atyCKEZI/AAAAAAAAAWM/qm_1g-lkwvw/s320/IMG_5785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I stirred these pretty consistently until they melted</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3auVZWZgI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/q158Q71cwsQ/s1600/IMG_5786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3auVZWZgI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/q158Q71cwsQ/s320/IMG_5786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then, (using a potholder because this bowl is hot!) I brought the chocolate over to the table. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I swirled and molded one pretzel tip at a time with chocolate...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And then dipped the tip into a container of sprinkles to coat</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3av6O4GXI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Ad46Odm9upQ/s1600/IMG_5801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3av6O4GXI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Ad46Odm9upQ/s320/IMG_5801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I let the chocolate cool on the cooking rack</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3avQZrVJI/AAAAAAAAAWY/da8KPDHC3GE/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3avQZrVJI/AAAAAAAAAWY/da8KPDHC3GE/s320/IMG_5794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And then arranged them for serving :) These make for some clever finger foods with just the right amounts of salty and sweet. If you want to try this project with some alterations you could use white chocolate, big pretzels sticks, let your imagination go! :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3aspqZi_I/AAAAAAAAAWE/dCK2UsiOWoY/s1600/edited+sprinkles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TU3aspqZi_I/AAAAAAAAAWE/dCK2UsiOWoY/s400/edited+sprinkles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-53024500776577698992011-02-02T06:18:00.001-05:002011-02-02T06:23:44.626-05:00Photo Editing Is The Icing On The Cake...Or Cookie!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently I had lunch at Panera with a good friend ;) Before leaving, I purchased a very Valentinesy cookie (heart-shaped, bright pink, sprinkles, etc.-you know!). As I looked at it more I couldn't help thinking that the cookie was almost a symbol of a shade of femininity and (for lack of a better word) girly. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I got home, my partner was looking particularly "manly": dark blue tee, jeans, unshaven, etc. I asked him to stand holding the Valentinesy cookie over his heart and I took a few pictures of him like that. My idea for the shoot was that strong "masculine" symbols can and do hold fragile, femininity with great care and in high esteem. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I was finished getting my shots I got to do one of my most favorite things in my photography process: viewing and editing.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUk3_r1QO_I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/vRtgw_Dk6TM/s1600/Jesse+Heart+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUk3_r1QO_I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/vRtgw_Dk6TM/s320/Jesse+Heart+crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(This is the photo before any editing)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUk4APIXMEI/AAAAAAAAAVU/4un-H-ilweo/s1600/Holding+my+heart+stamp+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUk4APIXMEI/AAAAAAAAAVU/4un-H-ilweo/s320/Holding+my+heart+stamp+crop.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(This is the photo after using a editing option called "Stamp" on Photoshop Elements 8). I like that the Stamp feature picked up on fine lines and details while blocking others out. It made my subject look even more rough and "manly". Now the hand holding the focal heart is more pronounced and possibly even looks more protective of it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUk4BGUFoBI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Z_amH7EpDs4/s1600/touched+for+the+very+first+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUk4BGUFoBI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Z_amH7EpDs4/s320/touched+for+the+very+first+time.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After cropping, the photo can take on a completely different story. This picture could be used to represent loved ones who are far away; holding our hearts; trying keep us near.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use photo editing to tell a story. A story can twist, wind, deepen, and go further still past an original photograph. What's the story you want to tell?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">------</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're looking for lower cost photo editing software try Photoshop Elements. It's not the full Photoshop, but has it's key features and it costs less. It's what I use and I'm very happy to have it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/">Picasa</a> and <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnick</a> are two free photo editing programs that I've seen others do amazing things with. I used Picasa before I purchased PSE.</span></div></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-10067564020484690182011-02-01T23:51:00.005-05:002011-02-03T00:05:54.519-05:00Inspiration!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUo3duXtF0I/AAAAAAAAAWA/bUtGoTKimPc/s1600/Tile+Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUo3duXtF0I/AAAAAAAAAWA/bUtGoTKimPc/s320/Tile+Flower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(This photo was edited in PSE using the stained glass window option)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you inspired yet?! ;) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really love magazines! While I'm flipping through them I often find a pictures that make me say, 'hmm, that's neat!'. When I see something I like, I tear it out and keep it in my 'inspiration file':</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfhIhcKPI/AAAAAAAAAU8/khKujotXPP4/s1600/IMG_5705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfhIhcKPI/AAAAAAAAAU8/khKujotXPP4/s320/IMG_5705.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use my file to create paintings based off what I like in the photo. This helps me when I am staring at an intimidating blank canvas. When I sift through my file and find something that I really like, I keep it in the forefront of my mind and express it in my painting.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfhw3e_7I/AAAAAAAAAVE/636mG-LQEXw/s1600/Orange+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfhw3e_7I/AAAAAAAAAVE/636mG-LQEXw/s400/Orange+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Bright orange color and flower shapes</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfhjI3COI/AAAAAAAAAVA/qREF4i_biaM/s1600/Light+Blue+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfhjI3COI/AAAAAAAAAVA/qREF4i_biaM/s400/Light+Blue+Flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A fancy headed stalk</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfiWU8lxI/AAAAAAAAAVI/jeA1UKcUero/s1600/Purple+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfiWU8lxI/AAAAAAAAAVI/jeA1UKcUero/s400/Purple+Flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A punch of purple and an interesting bulb shape</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another way to capture something that catches my eye is to keep my camera ready! (pun intended!) When I see a shape or a pattern on TV, I pause the channel and snap a quick pic:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfgDKQQ-I/AAAAAAAAAU0/PuQ--U96H3A/s1600/IMG_4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUjfgDKQQ-I/AAAAAAAAAU0/PuQ--U96H3A/s320/IMG_4997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The stems coming off the center of this piece are simple and most likely something that I can recreate without too much of a headache. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope this encourages you to make your own clever inspiration file! </span></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-77010770673364774192011-02-01T14:54:00.002-05:002011-02-02T06:26:10.084-05:00Art Class-Week #2: Fabric Painting! (Part 1)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #660000;">I'm a little late with this blog post-this is what we started on last week in class. </i> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last week we started part 1 of a 2 part project. Part 1: Painting fabric. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhe_lf_bCI/AAAAAAAAAUo/ymfchAttvzg/s1600/IMG_5629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhe_lf_bCI/AAAAAAAAAUo/ymfchAttvzg/s320/IMG_5629.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our instructor asked us to use a plethora of supplies and paints to create interesting patterns on fabric.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhe-a7coZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/g7nFTMvypYY/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhe-a7coZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/g7nFTMvypYY/s320/IMG_5631.JPG" width="320" /> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This classmate painted different spots on her fabric and then folded it over to create a neat kind of wrinkled look. She told me her color scheme was inspired by St. Patrick's Day!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhfAckiQXI/AAAAAAAAAUs/43tK3LF2e0k/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhfAckiQXI/AAAAAAAAAUs/43tK3LF2e0k/s320/IMG_5632.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Another classmate used plastic shapes to stamp on patterns and mix colors.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhfA6S-PeI/AAAAAAAAAUw/KTmIoxQFx-0/s1600/IMG_5634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhfA6S-PeI/AAAAAAAAAUw/KTmIoxQFx-0/s320/IMG_5634.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I painted a design on one side of my fabric and then folded it over so that both sides had the same image. I used a few sharpies to color in some of the white space, and then cut shapes out of my fabric. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the part 2 of this project this week we're going to use the shapes we cut out for ..... to be continued ;)</span></div><br />
</div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-3814094784808671322011-01-31T02:21:00.002-05:002011-02-02T06:26:54.937-05:00:-) Hair Dye Happiness!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently I've been wanting to give my hair a color kick. I used to dye it all the time in college, but haven't colored it in the past couple of years. I saw an ad in a magazine advertising a new hair dye in a foam version; the foam is advertised not to drip so there's less mess. Back in college dying my hair was such a fiasco! Dye drips on the sink, floor, shower curtain, me, etc. so I thought this foam would be an improvement. <br />
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After driving to 3 stores and not being able to find this magic foam dye I was getting a little bummed. While I was pursing the colors at Kroger I came across a L'Oreal Paris hair dye in a convenient no-drip cream! I thought, well this will work too! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUZhmdYKHqI/AAAAAAAAAUU/X-bu1ODxPks/s1600/IMG_5651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUZhmdYKHqI/AAAAAAAAAUU/X-bu1ODxPks/s320/IMG_5651.JPG" width="252" /></a></div><br />
I came home, used the cream dye, and have to tell you that I LOVE it! My color came out great and neither my neck or bathroom are dotted in dye drips ;) Also, I think the cream conditions better than liquid-based dyes because my scalp is not irritated like it has been with other dyes. I hope this helps someone out there who's looking for an easier and more clever way to color at home!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUZhnMnS7gI/AAAAAAAAAUY/aNXFkW22r1w/s1600/IMG_5656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUZhnMnS7gI/AAAAAAAAAUY/aNXFkW22r1w/s200/IMG_5656.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhRZQyC1dI/AAAAAAAAAUc/47Ckhw0md78/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TUhRZQyC1dI/AAAAAAAAAUc/47Ckhw0md78/s200/IMG_5677.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
</div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-19028673047698321582011-01-23T23:39:00.002-05:002011-02-02T06:28:04.577-05:00xo French-Kissed Toast xo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-ChkWUyI/AAAAAAAAAT8/VtTVHZdFqb8/s1600/French-Kissed+Toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-ChkWUyI/AAAAAAAAAT8/VtTVHZdFqb8/s400/French-Kissed+Toast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Ok, I have to first tell you that this whole project came about after I saw a <br />
Valentine's-themed photo contest that I wanted to enter ;) The contest requires that you take a picture of naturally-occuring or people-made hearts! If you'd like to find out more go to: <a href="http://www.milomade.co.uk/blog/2011/01/valentines-day-competition/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+milomade+%28milomade%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher">Valentine's Day Competetion </a><br />
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So after thinking for a bit I decided to make and then take photos of clever, <br />
heart-shaped french toasts (much to my honey's delight!) <br />
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I used the heart-shaped cutter that I used for my <a href="http://clever-jenoe.blogspot.com/2011/01/who-says-valentines-are-just-for-kids.html">home made Valentine's post</a> and cut out hearts in 3 pieces of bread (the cutter is big so it ate up most of the pieces of bread).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-EMszZRI/AAAAAAAAAUA/fzsfvZbuIdQ/s1600/IMG_5597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-EMszZRI/AAAAAAAAAUA/fzsfvZbuIdQ/s400/IMG_5597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Next I mixed 1 egg, a splash of vanilla extract, and a 1/4 cup of milk together in a bigger bowl<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-FC5F7hI/AAAAAAAAAUE/iiAOBSeXWTs/s1600/IMG_5598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-FC5F7hI/AAAAAAAAAUE/iiAOBSeXWTs/s400/IMG_5598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One by one, I dunked a heart on both sides and, (with a bit of melted butter), into the pan it went!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-GdQXZSI/AAAAAAAAAUI/obmkUfZMf-s/s1600/IMG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-GdQXZSI/AAAAAAAAAUI/obmkUfZMf-s/s400/IMG_5599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-IAm5LYI/AAAAAAAAAUM/GRi8kaaB6dA/s1600/IMG_5600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-IAm5LYI/AAAAAAAAAUM/GRi8kaaB6dA/s400/IMG_5600.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then onto the table they went with some syrup and butter for a very sweet and <br />
sweet-toothed guy to enjoy ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-K_oRyJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/GxMDqLgkQa0/s1600/IMG_5614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTz-K_oRyJI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/GxMDqLgkQa0/s400/IMG_5614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I had a fun time with this project ;) Thanks for reading!</div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-44124678328317709292011-01-20T02:26:00.002-05:002011-02-02T06:30:37.984-05:00Our project from lastnight's Art Class :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfi6iPX8DI/AAAAAAAAAT4/mRWi3Rp2Q3E/s1600/IMG_5583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfi6iPX8DI/AAAAAAAAAT4/mRWi3Rp2Q3E/s320/IMG_5583.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'm taking a very fun and cool 10-week art class through my local recreation & education department. The class is called 'Girls Nite Out'. I thought I had an idea, but I wasn't sure what the class would really be like. After meeting for the first time tonight, I'm in love :). I was welcomed into a rustic, but warm and homey backyard studio that was stacked with craft supplies, layered in paint, and occupied by some very nice womyn. It was someone's Birthday tonight so she brought in cake for the whole class! Another classmate brought in homemade cookies-I couldn't believe the sense of community I felt :)<br />
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The teacher for the class has been doing this class for over 3 years (been a local artist for much longer than that) and my classmates were a mix of old and new participants of it. She set us to work giving us this picture, wires, bells, and other interesting items and told us to go for it! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfhedLDL5I/AAAAAAAAATo/eubFoEXPcyM/s1600/IMG_5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfhedLDL5I/AAAAAAAAATo/eubFoEXPcyM/s320/IMG_5577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I was amazed at what my classmates created along side me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfhlHwKtmI/AAAAAAAAATs/IF6UN9VEI2w/s1600/IMG_5579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfhlHwKtmI/AAAAAAAAATs/IF6UN9VEI2w/s640/IMG_5579.JPG" width="128" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfhnGv74jI/AAAAAAAAATw/LfDsvUPwndY/s1600/IMG_55811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfhnGv74jI/AAAAAAAAATw/LfDsvUPwndY/s640/IMG_55811.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><br />
I started curling some wire and ended up with a sort of fish sculpture :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfincHGqCI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ChlAYSDbKtY/s1600/IMG_5578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTfincHGqCI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ChlAYSDbKtY/s320/IMG_5578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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It was just great to be able to have the time, space, and a very supportive environment to cleverly create in. My goal is to report to you each week what we make, so stay tuned!</div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252306009674357896.post-9015648398441764512011-01-15T02:56:00.009-05:002011-01-17T03:31:20.862-05:00Who says valentines are just for kids?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFS2DA1byI/AAAAAAAAAS0/mQ_wpGm0jFQ/s1600/IMG_5536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFS2DA1byI/AAAAAAAAAS0/mQ_wpGm0jFQ/s320/IMG_5536.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have always really liked Valentines Day! With someone or single-who cares?! I see Valentines Day as a day to celebrate relationships/friendships and tell your buds/family how much you love them! I know...it sounds cheesy, but that's me!!!! ;)<br />
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This year I decided to try and make my own valentines by making my own clip art! I made a cool valentines design on card stock using cookie cutters as stencils, Crayola mini stampers, etc.and then took a picture of it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNXfrh8cI/AAAAAAAAASo/e84L05712Js/s1600/IMG_5550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNXfrh8cI/AAAAAAAAASo/e84L05712Js/s320/IMG_5550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNayEw7NI/AAAAAAAAASw/2kWCs9kgKYg/s1600/Valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNayEw7NI/AAAAAAAAASw/2kWCs9kgKYg/s320/Valentine.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I saw a stamp that I really liked in a Martha Stewart article and practiced drawing it on pink post-it's. I thought the design looked cool so I took a picture of it too and then used a pant program to make the background space pink to match.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNJIF-DZI/AAAAAAAAASI/lQBNY4cC8NQ/s1600/IMG_5505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNJIF-DZI/AAAAAAAAASI/lQBNY4cC8NQ/s320/IMG_5505.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNMrSJtaI/AAAAAAAAASQ/NGALeuE3ELM/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNMrSJtaI/AAAAAAAAASQ/NGALeuE3ELM/s320/IMG_5537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNY0LGC-I/AAAAAAAAASs/wzyzkp9Lj7s/s1600/Valentine+Hearts+and+Keys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNY0LGC-I/AAAAAAAAASs/wzyzkp9Lj7s/s200/Valentine+Hearts+and+Keys.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I uploaded my 2 valentinesy pictures to Walgreens.com photo and selected to have my pic's printed out as "wallet size". When I picked them up there were 4 of the same images on 2 4X6's:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNOyI4UKI/AAAAAAAAASU/_-9dlknZa6A/s1600/IMG_5538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNOyI4UKI/AAAAAAAAASU/_-9dlknZa6A/s320/IMG_5538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I cut them out and played around with different colors of card stock, shapes, and placements.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNQW98G1I/AAAAAAAAASY/mPBzEm_cNv8/s1600/IMG_5539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNQW98G1I/AAAAAAAAASY/mPBzEm_cNv8/s320/IMG_5539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNRyPPXGI/AAAAAAAAASc/tWC8pLYp0TM/s1600/IMG_5540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNRyPPXGI/AAAAAAAAASc/tWC8pLYp0TM/s320/IMG_5540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNTX1pmAI/AAAAAAAAASg/Yytvs5h9cjA/s1600/IMG_5542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFNTX1pmAI/AAAAAAAAASg/Yytvs5h9cjA/s320/IMG_5542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFYjeGA7MI/AAAAAAAAAS4/OBtaasDPciE/s1600/IMG_5549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFYjeGA7MI/AAAAAAAAAS4/OBtaasDPciE/s640/IMG_5549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I used double-sided tape to stick everything together-I think it works better than glue ;)<br />
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Now I have some clever Valentines clip art that I made myself (!) and can use again and again in different ways. Along with sending out cards in the mail, I might send out a "handmade" email wishing friends V-Day happiness and use the pictures in the email to warm up my message! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFYlNNuu0I/AAAAAAAAAS8/XzwducPh3m8/s1600/Valentines+Email+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9GU18oreJTg/TTFYlNNuu0I/AAAAAAAAAS8/XzwducPh3m8/s640/Valentines+Email+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jenoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04561434965577197855noreply@blogger.com0