tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70784611595701800032024-02-18T22:14:21.983-08:00Maggie's Meals & Memos♥Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-71968327120700508712013-07-22T16:20:00.001-07:002013-07-22T16:20:17.082-07:00NEW BLOG!!I have been working on a NEW BLOG! Please follow me there instead! Thank you for checking out this blog! But, I will continue to post on my new blog!<br />
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<a href="http://mylovelylifeathome.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">mylovelylifeathome.blogspot.com</span></strong></a>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-65928487198598231092012-05-26T08:59:00.002-07:002012-05-26T08:59:41.617-07:00Cloth DiapersWe have decided to start cloth diapering Rachel and Theresa. I am prepping for when Tess gets here, but we already started with Rachel...and it's going great!! I came across this fun giveaway and I wanted to share:<br />
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www.cloththatcounts.com/?p=1349<br />
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<3Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-88490227808384453212012-03-16T21:18:00.002-07:002012-03-16T21:18:46.835-07:0027 weeks!<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As of Sunday, I am 27 weeks along in my pregnancy! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our baby girl is about the size of a head of cauliflower. (2 lbs., 14 1/2 inch.)</span><br />
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-89028832810669964672012-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:002012-01-27T13:54:03.369-08:0020 weeks!<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On Sunday, I will be 20 weeks along in my pregnancy!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our baby girl is about the size of a cantaloupe (6.5 inches, 10.6 oz.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi3jrQGD6BkBcWcqFU97CF1PfyIH3NVgO3O61WAbFvAkucDHdhPmMfd0oosn8S2FmYUVplUD77f2ayTRmL76Z8vzv8fMW0sCmS5J-vT2501z3PT-u4OAmuELT9QjtyjGgwzd-Jdgu8YE/s1600/canteloupe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi3jrQGD6BkBcWcqFU97CF1PfyIH3NVgO3O61WAbFvAkucDHdhPmMfd0oosn8S2FmYUVplUD77f2ayTRmL76Z8vzv8fMW0sCmS5J-vT2501z3PT-u4OAmuELT9QjtyjGgwzd-Jdgu8YE/s320/canteloupe.jpg" width="288" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Half way there! <span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">♥</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This cleaner is inexpensive, easy to make, and safe! Such a great way to clean your house without the nasty ingredients that other cleaners have. Cleaning with vinegar is a great way to kill bacteria, mold, and grease. However, it's super stinky! The natural oils in the citrus will cut through the stink while the vinegar does it's job! The citrus also has essential oils that add to your cleaning experience. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All you need is vinegar & citrus peels. (I only went through oranges and limes in the few days that I made this, but feel free to add grapefruit & lemons rinds too)</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pour the vinegar in a 1 quart mason jar. You want to use a large jar so you have enough room for all of your peels. I poured about 1 cup of vinegar in my jar. Start gathering citrus peels and add them to the vinegar. Just keep the jar on your counter, out of the way, and keep adding peels. Use a wooden spoon to jam them in there tight! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(This picture was taken before I added a lot more peels!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk90TdFJyhsaXjJIuEKpoCehGr4yacKnik160zzf8l3zMontv7DDmoMqMJdObfmQWx8Mvfocv5ZaFvSHtjzzpKVDCNBMajOBCNSyJo1VBsBbhozIQHe5UyqBLBsoKKI7mtxIAViT5y1z8/s1600/2012-01-11_09.22.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk90TdFJyhsaXjJIuEKpoCehGr4yacKnik160zzf8l3zMontv7DDmoMqMJdObfmQWx8Mvfocv5ZaFvSHtjzzpKVDCNBMajOBCNSyJo1VBsBbhozIQHe5UyqBLBsoKKI7mtxIAViT5y1z8/s320/2012-01-11_09.22.42.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once you have a good amount of peels, let them sit in the vinegar for a couple of days. Carefully strain the liquid into a cup and transfer into a spray bottle.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can add a little water or a lot of water, it's up to you. I decided to fill the rest of my spray bottle with water. I've noticed that I need to shake the bottle before spraying the cleaner because of the natural oils from my citrus that run throughout the bottle. Happy cleaning<span style="color: purple;">!<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">♥</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAQahuMmb3y0DG720K1gBAT1qs3j5nW5YekxGcJwsAsDI2toI15sMdk5YtS2jiHZ3ER8bLU7ETGpxZdhIRcGy7fVeyd-TfG7Xuv7dXf743_iYBYG3piTDcxtMirYIfJR0-kY5LRoAn2s/s1600/2012-01-15_11.12.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAQahuMmb3y0DG720K1gBAT1qs3j5nW5YekxGcJwsAsDI2toI15sMdk5YtS2jiHZ3ER8bLU7ETGpxZdhIRcGy7fVeyd-TfG7Xuv7dXf743_iYBYG3piTDcxtMirYIfJR0-kY5LRoAn2s/s320/2012-01-15_11.12.02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-70549880847170305242012-01-27T12:54:00.000-08:002012-01-27T13:05:44.449-08:00Jar of Salt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am obsessed with Mason Jars! Any way that I can work them into my everyday life makes me happy. :) </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">We use a sea salt grinder in our kitchen because of the freshness and fun way to add salt to a variety of our meals. However, Daniel has found it hard to add exact measurements to baking recipes or other recipes that call for specific amounts. To fix this issue, we bought a container of Morton's salt for it's pour-ability. I realized that I had a creative mission on my hands!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This craft was a fun way to make our pourable salt stylish and chic. All you will need is a can of salt and a wide mouth mason jar with a ring. There is no need for the round lid. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I used a 16 oz. jar because of the cute size, but I ended up with a little leftover </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> salt that I just put in a small container for those recipes that call for "a pinch".</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Empty out the salt into a large drinking glass or medium sized mixing bowl (just to store for now). Use scissors to carefully cut the entire top of the salt container off. It should fit the top of your wide mouth jar perfectly! Fill your mason jar to the top and place the round salt top on the rim of your jar. Twist on the jar ring nice and tight. Ta-da! </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">From this:</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Booooooring.....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnej9upwIwPLK2GlNZEuLHQi02CcpW3zUyT_QFsnzvWA5OmnuIvNSeY94wNkywiCU49A9PCLF8as6EiJMVfG1PltuSeDW5Tqz-SgZLM32yORBjFw2t_PjaL1UUYCF1LwdS41Np9ELb_M/s1600/2460001003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnej9upwIwPLK2GlNZEuLHQi02CcpW3zUyT_QFsnzvWA5OmnuIvNSeY94wNkywiCU49A9PCLF8as6EiJMVfG1PltuSeDW5Tqz-SgZLM32yORBjFw2t_PjaL1UUYCF1LwdS41Np9ELb_M/s320/2460001003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To this!! :) :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwElyAkURAM9Xq243RZDG3uAGz-3CMvu5ZppxOJ5qBSulGtTA4GGdt1Pn8S3HI0a8Ttbtzm1BCmCLqOFQMLv-wUo7b7FdurUUMh0hvAV4ucHKXHoURPw9hhzy8HG75bGqS_xvjUlXcbF4/s1600/2012-01-11+09.01.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwElyAkURAM9Xq243RZDG3uAGz-3CMvu5ZppxOJ5qBSulGtTA4GGdt1Pn8S3HI0a8Ttbtzm1BCmCLqOFQMLv-wUo7b7FdurUUMh0hvAV4ucHKXHoURPw9hhzy8HG75bGqS_xvjUlXcbF4/s320/2012-01-11+09.01.00.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-78346392011842252202012-01-11T08:47:00.000-08:002012-01-11T08:47:54.914-08:0017 weeks!<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am 17 weeks along in my pregnancy. We go in today for a high-resolution ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby. We are VERY anxious!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The baby is the size of an onion (5.1 inches, 5.9 oz)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AmCvmap4YZGBm6I5aCUT1Ro8t8Tm4heIZgVU5KghlrhwWw0ygPd48X12EwrNNoMPm8jWT6knL95AY54ZCQJbWSIoaMiJV_fnmUEVsf7KeFsgh4bSIdBx80xUdXF1ZxQK-w7kX18lvNw/s1600/onion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AmCvmap4YZGBm6I5aCUT1Ro8t8Tm4heIZgVU5KghlrhwWw0ygPd48X12EwrNNoMPm8jWT6knL95AY54ZCQJbWSIoaMiJV_fnmUEVsf7KeFsgh4bSIdBx80xUdXF1ZxQK-w7kX18lvNw/s320/onion.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'll update with our ultrasound results! ♥</span>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-42210136127386290152011-12-11T17:39:00.001-08:002011-12-11T17:47:56.669-08:0013 weeks ♥<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am 13 weeks along in my pregnancy! I am feeling pretty good. I'm running after my 14-month-old, which is keeping me in shape & making the first 13 weeks go by quickly! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUv_Pd3bEOT3lEusVpCT_9O0mCKrXFu7534Sw9iMN9_I5WyzKrH5Br3z01PF6gMCkbOAMP68GDANDoLcgIj16yQd2sy6pgM0zQoFncH3laU_HlwoUWw_bwKV8IBMa7bmvtsqRmBUbZf0/s1600/peach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUv_Pd3bEOT3lEusVpCT_9O0mCKrXFu7534Sw9iMN9_I5WyzKrH5Br3z01PF6gMCkbOAMP68GDANDoLcgIj16yQd2sy6pgM0zQoFncH3laU_HlwoUWw_bwKV8IBMa7bmvtsqRmBUbZf0/s320/peach.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Our baby is the size of a peach! (2.9 inches, .81 oz.) This week little teeth and vocal cords are forming in our litte peach! <span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">♥<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-85565106868838741122011-12-02T08:30:00.001-08:002011-12-10T21:34:59.847-08:00Baby #2!<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy December!!<span style="color: purple;"> <span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua", serif;">♥</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the fourth of December, I will be 12 weeks along in my pregnancy!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our baby is the size of a plum! (2.1 inches, .49 oz) We are very anxious to find out the sex of the baby. That should happen sometime in January, between 17 & 20 weeks. As I grow, I will be posting pictures and updates<span style="color: purple;">. <span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua", serif;">♥</span></span></span></div>
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</div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-79814596822775152072011-11-11T15:04:00.001-08:002011-11-11T15:34:15.423-08:00Meals In A Jar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDtqMMQ0XwaweGCWB8UTh7Ik5V6TzdMxFbP3va-0qNPit36CER5Ph2smp-RpMeORkggfUacdYOFV0t2XNQ57U59hyphenhyphen0n9nr28f4rMZCuFJyXgx_L2BWwVMb1Z5IYsPqPCU3_nLwIBwdug/s1600/129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDtqMMQ0XwaweGCWB8UTh7Ik5V6TzdMxFbP3va-0qNPit36CER5Ph2smp-RpMeORkggfUacdYOFV0t2XNQ57U59hyphenhyphen0n9nr28f4rMZCuFJyXgx_L2BWwVMb1Z5IYsPqPCU3_nLwIBwdug/s320/129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I found this idea online and thought it was fabulous! As you may have guessed, I LOVE canning jars and am always looking for ways to use them. This is a fun way to have a meal ready to eat at home, work, or on the go.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's how I made my Pesto Pasta Salad</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once I started boiling water for my pasta (I used penne noodles, but you can use spiral or bow tie too), I began to make my homemade pesto. Feel free to use premade pesto. Trader Joe's has a yummy pesto in the fresh section and also in their pasta sauce isle. I got my food processor ready and added the following ingredients:</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 handfuls of fresh basil</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/3 cup roasted pine nuts (you can always toast raw pine nuts yourself or just buy them already roasted)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 T of olive oil</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 t crushed garlic</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A pinch of salt and fresh ground black pepper</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Puree all the ingredients until smooth; add more basil or oil if needed. If it's too thick, add a little oil; and if it's too runny, add some more basil. Just taste it as you make it and add whatever it needs to your liking!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once you've made your pesto and pasta, you can start layering your meal. Put a few spoonfuls of pesto on the bottom as your first layer. Halve grape tomatoes for the next layer. The pesto with help the tomatoes keep their fresh color. Next, pile on cubes of your favorite cheese. I used pepper jack, but mozzarella would be delicious too! Finally, add your pasta and screw on the lid. I bought reusable lids. They are great to use once you open a jar that has been vacuumed, but they come in handy for canned recipes that don't need vacuuming in the first place. Stack your jars in the fridge and eat them within a week. Mine look a little dewy because they were in the fridge for a while before I was able to take pictures.</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8erRIE9-Vb4bhJaU-CywrOzbrgv_-5PjwP9bKdnGnPZWyteHkPd5NR-kjNR_18O_mrXB1xVuc1-MPchBFPA5WPTOnXDpUIY1uoDusd2KvCKjIGYrPgiq5XMO5lK8NW_wTD4_5i3U_ig/s1600/128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8erRIE9-Vb4bhJaU-CywrOzbrgv_-5PjwP9bKdnGnPZWyteHkPd5NR-kjNR_18O_mrXB1xVuc1-MPchBFPA5WPTOnXDpUIY1uoDusd2KvCKjIGYrPgiq5XMO5lK8NW_wTD4_5i3U_ig/s320/128.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTjBO-gWvgK8u-TLQmt7ga9rn7T_Q9ebvu-BeSZIiO196Eytzd_Tj5tHpQwFY72qLqqwwJ_we820Xhou80daR4BAt0MQ8cJNbkK0ZNX67eDtki52GA91y65CLzPL11pOTWB-w5vCiIZI/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTjBO-gWvgK8u-TLQmt7ga9rn7T_Q9ebvu-BeSZIiO196Eytzd_Tj5tHpQwFY72qLqqwwJ_we820Xhou80daR4BAt0MQ8cJNbkK0ZNX67eDtki52GA91y65CLzPL11pOTWB-w5vCiIZI/s320/127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are SO many other options for a meal in a jar. I want to try chicken salad next time:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1st layer: marinated chickpeas OR black beans (marinated in the dressing of your choice)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2nd layer: chopped grilled chicken </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3rd layer: chopped bell pepper</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4th layer: halved grape tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5th layer: chopped lettuce</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just shake the jar and your chicken salad is ready to eat!</span>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-25944353954243182842011-09-28T16:59:00.000-07:002011-09-28T17:02:58.184-07:00Toasted Coconut<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I made a tray of toasted coconut for a cookie recipe which turned out to be a flop. I was left with a full container of toasted coconut that sat in my pantry for a day or two before I realized just how much I could do with it! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ax71ofpK1K_U2HSkAk6ggBcLzurBFBvO0r6qEb0FDZmLPqkczbjMlG9cn1q6gVfrXvzGmM-qdcloig2tfKoj_9Hba1iX0fIF-UMrNdoDDeRevLHGK8bsr5dPfFLRTuvNaCwbHc1SLlQ/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ax71ofpK1K_U2HSkAk6ggBcLzurBFBvO0r6qEb0FDZmLPqkczbjMlG9cn1q6gVfrXvzGmM-qdcloig2tfKoj_9Hba1iX0fIF-UMrNdoDDeRevLHGK8bsr5dPfFLRTuvNaCwbHc1SLlQ/s320/076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No only did the coconut make my house smell amazing, I ended up using it for so many things! One morning I sprinkled it on my oatmeal, another day I made coconut maple syrup and topped my pancakes with my toasty flakes. You can use it over ice cream & smoothies, or on top of frosted cookies & cupcakes. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's an inexpensive way to add a nutty, tropical flavor to SO many dishes! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Just pour a bag on sweetened coconut flakes on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure that the coconut is spread evenly on the sheet. Bake at 350<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">° <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">for about 20 minutes or until all of the flakes are perfectly golden. Be sure to stir the flakes every 5 minutes to ensure an even toast.</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtQRfXeGQxX2_b3xiDP73FG6yCTSmBOJUQFyJMbCg1mYmeoPy6QDAzu40_KcxVez55tJvEfbzLdQjK_FlCX4WTOUgVXlNy3PuXVkTXohzEBYa75rDma49xvhOjfh5f7fVewyjqxjkP8k/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtQRfXeGQxX2_b3xiDP73FG6yCTSmBOJUQFyJMbCg1mYmeoPy6QDAzu40_KcxVez55tJvEfbzLdQjK_FlCX4WTOUgVXlNy3PuXVkTXohzEBYa75rDma49xvhOjfh5f7fVewyjqxjkP8k/s320/078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">♥</span></span></div>
</span>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-85261228358087604462011-09-28T16:28:00.000-07:002011-09-28T17:04:54.975-07:00Tropical Watermelon Sorbet<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Giada De
Laurentiis has a show called <i>Giada at Home </i>where she features dozens of
delicious dishes. We record her show so I can write down all of my favorites!
I've gotten some fabulous recipes from that show! </span><span style="color: purple; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">♥</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="color: black;">
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
<strong>Tropical Watermelon Sorbet</strong> recipe is one that was featured on her show. When I
watched her make it I was instantly smitten! We have the exact ice cream/sorbet maker
that she used, so I think it was meant to be! This sweet & tangy dessert is perfect
during a hot day or to serve after a dinner party. It will take your tastebuds to a tropical paradise! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaHjc7hb_ohr2AdtyamXAepuBaWciii0IUcKxiulKNINAePGLNhY9rhdeFZWTtkUr6TEgjTaslHHMjpsfiFS7st-VT__4YB4k6SfguRa9_gOlVjM9pgWwGoZEw_pcHysoBSEfIOhhLsU/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaHjc7hb_ohr2AdtyamXAepuBaWciii0IUcKxiulKNINAePGLNhY9rhdeFZWTtkUr6TEgjTaslHHMjpsfiFS7st-VT__4YB4k6SfguRa9_gOlVjM9pgWwGoZEw_pcHysoBSEfIOhhLsU/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
you'll need:</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></span><ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1
(2-pound) piece seedless watermelon, rind removed and flesh cut into 1-inch
pieces to yield about 3 1/2 cups</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1
(6-ounce) can pineapple juice, chilled</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3/4 cup
ginger ale, chilled</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/3 cup
fresh lime juice (from about 3 large limes)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2 cup
grenadine (recommended: Rose's)</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I recommend
that ALL of the ingredients be chilled before you use them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU87yp7hjvhe5f0gPhiogUJgbGMPjwN9n44T5ratLUOLJVccKY_XgAaTrzwCJwsPycfonBPp2HESjJSRvkZmXsBygSUhmGr5AJtMTbE4eTtHIm_deTx3jFNdbzHx0V4rE63XrzqEnzvw/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU87yp7hjvhe5f0gPhiogUJgbGMPjwN9n44T5ratLUOLJVccKY_XgAaTrzwCJwsPycfonBPp2HESjJSRvkZmXsBygSUhmGr5AJtMTbE4eTtHIm_deTx3jFNdbzHx0V4rE63XrzqEnzvw/s320/036.JPG" width="212" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In a blender, blend the watermelon, pineapple juice, ginger ale, lime juice, and grenadine until smooth. Pour into an ice cream maker (I have the "Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker") and freeze, according to the manufacturer's instructions, for about 35 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">10 minutes:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n2UaDOmoFKvDqvmSJ35nRExXqEgvoeGbh26wzkwpRC3zqEOwwjX4399ZEDuZLUO2GWz56YeTzTvtIo7LC2ga8RpDcuTxtjjfU7X9JrUGItT9LkTk1zWoFPOHrRVxrzrRSWdyBVsvYXg/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n2UaDOmoFKvDqvmSJ35nRExXqEgvoeGbh26wzkwpRC3zqEOwwjX4399ZEDuZLUO2GWz56YeTzTvtIo7LC2ga8RpDcuTxtjjfU7X9JrUGItT9LkTk1zWoFPOHrRVxrzrRSWdyBVsvYXg/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">20 minutes:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_9gGD90SZ7uBgzUU5IZ0lNLRip2q1ZKb4jOiA3C90Zw7OKzx_9wWg-q_qhJinxclz4ZiwhaR5KaXU7R3xCgjHNbCUi2IlencLLWjxhpjykApVNEhLmCZKM37BtIRGjr_hZ9d6UOEPz0/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_9gGD90SZ7uBgzUU5IZ0lNLRip2q1ZKb4jOiA3C90Zw7OKzx_9wWg-q_qhJinxclz4ZiwhaR5KaXU7R3xCgjHNbCUi2IlencLLWjxhpjykApVNEhLmCZKM37BtIRGjr_hZ9d6UOEPz0/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">30 minutes</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKDKtPmzBx_3ElmJfvwipYEsSc8gfKsdX3oryEMzwi1_tlU0oRNNGIQxGgaiuNlsGSe0x5ITeycUnoHbBJtFahAMxREWdrtDeYuvf2GAHs_vTmcL3hp-61iottzQj697SP-KqPu0fiF0/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKDKtPmzBx_3ElmJfvwipYEsSc8gfKsdX3oryEMzwi1_tlU0oRNNGIQxGgaiuNlsGSe0x5ITeycUnoHbBJtFahAMxREWdrtDeYuvf2GAHs_vTmcL3hp-61iottzQj697SP-KqPu0fiF0/s320/041.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spoon into glasses or small bowls and serve.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAd5iktjk67WITg1ZtqSeGamUuNHrJJS6R3YI71TQDQxP2KmWAwrPaD9dHurL_ghXEl3SKRsWK2siF_SM5EM5oM9vOuHI_y820WE3FrHcNZylMoi0Rqrs8ILHEwV89HKRXRKH7DT3f_U0/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAd5iktjk67WITg1ZtqSeGamUuNHrJJS6R3YI71TQDQxP2KmWAwrPaD9dHurL_ghXEl3SKRsWK2siF_SM5EM5oM9vOuHI_y820WE3FrHcNZylMoi0Rqrs8ILHEwV89HKRXRKH7DT3f_U0/s320/049.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUZesxK6a5Pucwu91VrEXG_omZ-MNvKNpM7UVwcOn5GrAM2TLScgzl-xhE671taesXoRvimcq0UPoJkPHTPS8N0glE-gq6kJptJyQm_SVDzo4lnuaWX1R_udBW3lMdwGKQUnrHZLUPE4/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUZesxK6a5Pucwu91VrEXG_omZ-MNvKNpM7UVwcOn5GrAM2TLScgzl-xhE671taesXoRvimcq0UPoJkPHTPS8N0glE-gq6kJptJyQm_SVDzo4lnuaWX1R_udBW3lMdwGKQUnrHZLUPE4/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Delicious!! <span style="color: purple;">♥</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Just a note: <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple;">the ginger ale can be replaced with dark rum.*</span>
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">
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</span>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-49377979374581068412011-09-03T08:49:00.000-07:002011-09-03T10:27:59.417-07:00Double Chocolate Brownie Dough Balls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Hello September!!</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love Fall and all of it's beauty! Such amazing colors, & warm feelings! I can't get enough of fresh apples & school supplies. :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">September is the perfect time for planning and making fun school snacks and treats. These little bites are adorable, delicious, & perfect for school or work lunches.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This recipe for <strong>Double Chocolate Brownie Dough Balls</strong> is fro<span style="color: purple;">m </span><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/"><span style="color: purple;">OhSheGlows.com</span></a><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup raw cashews</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">12 Medjool dates (1 cup packed & pitted)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 tbsp cocoa powder</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 tbsp pure maple syrup</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 tsp kosher salt, or to taste</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 cup chocolate chips</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 cup shredded coconut</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 cup chopped walnuts</span></li>
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<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. In a food processor, add the cashews and process until a fine crumb. Be sure not to over process and release the oils too much.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. Now add in the pitted dates and process until chunky. Add in the rest of the ingredients (except walnuts) and process until a dough forms. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Pulse in walnuts so they remain chunky. Add a bit more liquid sweetener if dough is too dry.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. Form into balls and store in fridge or freezer.</span></li>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These little bites have the perfect amount of sweetness and pop. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I stored mine in the freezer and they always kept their chew!</span> </div>
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Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-43575321042291808012011-08-05T20:55:00.000-07:002011-08-05T20:57:09.305-07:00I Can Do The Can-Can!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2YEsQg_Kf4zouxqh01hbfD5EIuvBLG9_QwKdTiwl2IdXvsWp-RoP_sQrkfZtCoaUtwusE-oW2krq1gx7I-NAsMxt_hIYz3FQ5E-mUwp7XmCIsyof5BPkP3Qpu5aQ8d81nKU_40uugzE/s1600/222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2YEsQg_Kf4zouxqh01hbfD5EIuvBLG9_QwKdTiwl2IdXvsWp-RoP_sQrkfZtCoaUtwusE-oW2krq1gx7I-NAsMxt_hIYz3FQ5E-mUwp7XmCIsyof5BPkP3Qpu5aQ8d81nKU_40uugzE/s320/222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Welcome to Maggie's Canning tutorial!! I canned salsa for the first time the other day, and I documented the entire process! :)</span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I received a batch of home-grown tomatoes from a family friend and decided to use them for my first canning experience. Daniel has been building our garden and I'm days away from being able to start planting (I am BEYOND excited about that!). So I'll be canning a lot of things from my own garden pretty soon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pn_yrYk8RoROu-v9ZHgTat6l2QXPoxZ4hl1kmVpp3O0voUisrosDeA_-tUrR7u_SD6RbAFx0_78573VyFpT1xqI8ePCXY8sqWo3lZU8Fz5GHXrZIy2gscIk5xol21D3osKAXnpchRjA/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pn_yrYk8RoROu-v9ZHgTat6l2QXPoxZ4hl1kmVpp3O0voUisrosDeA_-tUrR7u_SD6RbAFx0_78573VyFpT1xqI8ePCXY8sqWo3lZU8Fz5GHXrZIy2gscIk5xol21D3osKAXnpchRjA/s320/187.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For my batch of salsa, I gathered the following ingredients:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqnknSEBDUPBX5QSmjgygheIiwebCqyykUW35ATr4JiYzTxgDHBsLRss1OeCE0VYR9wi2ot0TSGkGgf_ivrJgELumH8WWSWq-Cp5PzrGrGozalNLbAT2wVPVycqQuPNoXOpno8qnwPa4/s1600/161+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqnknSEBDUPBX5QSmjgygheIiwebCqyykUW35ATr4JiYzTxgDHBsLRss1OeCE0VYR9wi2ot0TSGkGgf_ivrJgELumH8WWSWq-Cp5PzrGrGozalNLbAT2wVPVycqQuPNoXOpno8qnwPa4/s320/161+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5TrKqzb7EJoqOgUSNAsF7jUuxRsGkDvbSRpDXl_RomxKLzgCVYGH-J6Ebf4Q7Ld5LWz2mUFwIo_WNP-2BXbMCfJET-SNIYiHrKUsduaflFKlFOGV2AYUTeop6ygx_lA2Y2H_ENQBus0/s1600/167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5TrKqzb7EJoqOgUSNAsF7jUuxRsGkDvbSRpDXl_RomxKLzgCVYGH-J6Ebf4Q7Ld5LWz2mUFwIo_WNP-2BXbMCfJET-SNIYiHrKUsduaflFKlFOGV2AYUTeop6ygx_lA2Y2H_ENQBus0/s320/167.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="color: purple;"></span></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*3 1/2 cups of chopped tomatoes</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*1 bunch of cilantro (you don't have to use that much, I just LOVE cilantro)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*1/2 of a yellow onion</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*1 tbsp minced garlic</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*the juice from 1/2 of a lemon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (my favorite is the Chili Pepper Sauce from Trader Joe's)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*1 tsp salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is a list of tools you will need:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jars of your choice (this recipe filled six 8oz Kerr Mason Jars)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A large pot with a lid for the canning process.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A wide pot or dish filled with hot water to keep your jars hot.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A medium size pot for cooking the ingredients.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A caning basket and tools. I bought these at Walmart:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These came in a kit together:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1B5GG5Cw-NBG8qlXKbxTc_OA0gJdgB3G1GkKGP-aTqpZ7dX3XbhOR-9Uv5X0vSB501CGx4nWiX3t274y4V8TQkSSNNQ5YvpHDJYEciHKcy0n2CUtDGv-UZwAVqip3lmI2M-9tJ9sj0Q/s1600/229689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1B5GG5Cw-NBG8qlXKbxTc_OA0gJdgB3G1GkKGP-aTqpZ7dX3XbhOR-9Uv5X0vSB501CGx4nWiX3t274y4V8TQkSSNNQ5YvpHDJYEciHKcy0n2CUtDGv-UZwAVqip3lmI2M-9tJ9sj0Q/s1600/229689.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is another kit:</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN9j9rt27zV4amn33cYhNewLoj8iUob3Wg72z3nuVAxGU-pJ5uDIucltJ0FEvHVYTFOo0MfoP0aAe1t04qc53id0n5EZk32BYvvIPIq2LN4nv5mfBZhC4cmQXigYcSjjPqbickKxew-g/s1600/Ball+Discovery+Kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN9j9rt27zV4amn33cYhNewLoj8iUob3Wg72z3nuVAxGU-pJ5uDIucltJ0FEvHVYTFOo0MfoP0aAe1t04qc53id0n5EZk32BYvvIPIq2LN4nv5mfBZhC4cmQXigYcSjjPqbickKxew-g/s320/Ball+Discovery+Kit.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="color: purple;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You want to start off by washing and drying all of your jars and lids. Place the jars in the wide pot filled with hot water. This will keep the jars hot so that they won't crack when you fill them with hot liquid. Next, chop all of the ingredients and place them in a the medium pot on medium/high heat. Reduce and boil gently, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Carefully ladle the salsa into the warm/hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch of room from the top. There is a tool that helps you with this step! (it's the first tool in the top picture) Using that same tool, flip it over and run it along the side of the jar to release any air bubbles. Wipe the rim of the jars and secure the lid and ring. Place all of your filled jars in the caning basket/rack and set them into the pot of boiling water (make sure the jars are covered with water by at least one inch.). Put the lid on the pot and let the jars sit in the boiling water for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and wait five minutes then carefully remove the jars from the pot and let them cool for 12 hours to complete the canning process. Don't readjust the lids while they are cooling because this might mess with their seal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Perfect for the pantry or as gifts!<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">♥</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-76687684561982661002011-08-05T18:28:00.000-07:002011-08-05T18:38:48.619-07:00Lemon Peppered Salmon with Quinoa Salad<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is one of my favorite meals! I absolutely LOVE lemon pepper and it pairs so beautifully with Salmon. If you have never worked with quinoa, it's super easy and very delicious! It's also very versatile!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlgg2oQnpfbtEvTk3mKjv99qigKZ9cl_EsOovLhr7jTLHt-lYV4q6fx-CbfqxMyVprTHEgaY52Lz5gk3VZv4vj6iq4IB84jirFpx_rAJvFhfoZ43XoiL5Bx02Izl6RbmM4QHew249Zao/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlgg2oQnpfbtEvTk3mKjv99qigKZ9cl_EsOovLhr7jTLHt-lYV4q6fx-CbfqxMyVprTHEgaY52Lz5gk3VZv4vj6iq4IB84jirFpx_rAJvFhfoZ43XoiL5Bx02Izl6RbmM4QHew249Zao/s320/060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: purple;"><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ingredients for baked salmon:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 frozen salmon fillet, defrosted (we buy frozen salmon fillets at Costco, but a fresh fillet will work too.)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">freshly ground lemon pepper (Trader Joe's has lemon pepper in a grinder for $1.99!)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 lemon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But before you start baking your salmon, start cooking the quinoa. We'll chop our add-ins while the salmon is baking, but the quinoa needs some time to cook first.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ingredients for quiona salad:</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 cup uncooked quinoa (I use the Organic Quinoa from Trader Joe's)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup water (or some kind of broth like chicken or vegetable)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a small handful each of dried cranberries, fresh basil, and almonds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Place the quinoa and the water in a small saucepan on the stove and bring to a boil. Once it's reached a boil, reduce to simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until all of the water is absorbed. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the salmon:</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Start by making a "foil boat" for your salmon, and place in on a baking sheet. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil in the foil and spread in around, place the fillet in the foil and drizzle with he remaining olive oil. make sure your the top and bottom of the fillet is evenly coated with oil. Cover the fillet with lemon pepper; the oil will help it stick. Cut a few slices of the lemon and save the rest for squeezing on the salmon when its cooked. Arrange the lemon slices on the fillet and place it in the oven for about 25 minutes or until its flaky (and not raw looking :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Foil Boat" so the oil doesn't go anywhere.</span></div></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXJ5uP5Jrgy73lC4ugnlBvUpx7Dagdk8ZV_6WrTkpkjzNi6HsiTkMcXP5Lc0neE6-DASk0dO4w9TKuezmtx3nLtRu8LjvXRm8Jm2NmxPnFpFbVb_ImoDz3Sl8OEouHnGgU8lW10S9IMU/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXJ5uP5Jrgy73lC4ugnlBvUpx7Dagdk8ZV_6WrTkpkjzNi6HsiTkMcXP5Lc0neE6-DASk0dO4w9TKuezmtx3nLtRu8LjvXRm8Jm2NmxPnFpFbVb_ImoDz3Sl8OEouHnGgU8lW10S9IMU/s320/054.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Restaurant quality from your kitchen! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvljfvHlao4Q8CWeZiZOd4i2AGTzZ3qWAWgGov7gpRm-Wc00P8wvbgivXzYxjH0eV02eqmDpJoCbfHtm6jZl9aZk7exRTpw1Pv6hrxtHSFmP8Qtayg1A1rms4ngCLq094VrkQ1bhUgjs/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvljfvHlao4Q8CWeZiZOd4i2AGTzZ3qWAWgGov7gpRm-Wc00P8wvbgivXzYxjH0eV02eqmDpJoCbfHtm6jZl9aZk7exRTpw1Pv6hrxtHSFmP8Qtayg1A1rms4ngCLq094VrkQ1bhUgjs/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Here is my favorite lemon pepper from Trader Joe's!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyJBPS7P_6mOSnuyfHDoYOiTDeFFsuuTdx5wmAZzPUgtAGXJnXg6QeQtlRYkIWkbJ8tnMrAHi5fCZf4LXzpawovzNVk0-nY9sbFXX6N8U6wXX68rKkiHSvuyNvhEo7Wapl0dr62s45aw/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyJBPS7P_6mOSnuyfHDoYOiTDeFFsuuTdx5wmAZzPUgtAGXJnXg6QeQtlRYkIWkbJ8tnMrAHi5fCZf4LXzpawovzNVk0-nY9sbFXX6N8U6wXX68rKkiHSvuyNvhEo7Wapl0dr62s45aw/s320/114.JPG" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the right is what is in the grinder, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">on the left is what comes out when you grind it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRuZ1BMhghI09GznuKcU2dZXrt_yZP1YBvCPfIFz8QwCrqktJbulare3DHhNjx50AngON_nvTkDPOxw6pomVrQv0gCY9s_6Q1x2OtlpvEwhrvpJzSbleaJ6NoC1eKzrtlvJzaWvgWh4E/s1600/117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRuZ1BMhghI09GznuKcU2dZXrt_yZP1YBvCPfIFz8QwCrqktJbulare3DHhNjx50AngON_nvTkDPOxw6pomVrQv0gCY9s_6Q1x2OtlpvEwhrvpJzSbleaJ6NoC1eKzrtlvJzaWvgWh4E/s320/117.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While the salmon is baking, chop all of the add-ins for the quinoa salad. Chop the almonds, dried cranberries and fresh basil into small pieces, ans set aside until the quinoa is cooked. Once the quinoa is ready, take it off the heat and add the almonds, cranberries and basil into the pot. the leftover heat will help infuse the quinoa with the rich flavors of the add-ins. </span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcq7CVU3WMOf-C93xmpW8zW2I1SCY6WqE-9l9QxzQDQx5tpfh9SaIs-VktiYqc0bzmA2ShzdpjBlIW5Zxb5TOFOmRy56u6ycCvO__-FqPapYvvpo6OYh2L_oo3vhediPQ-2eyqwTnYM8/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcq7CVU3WMOf-C93xmpW8zW2I1SCY6WqE-9l9QxzQDQx5tpfh9SaIs-VktiYqc0bzmA2ShzdpjBlIW5Zxb5TOFOmRy56u6ycCvO__-FqPapYvvpo6OYh2L_oo3vhediPQ-2eyqwTnYM8/s320/055.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58HOa_LyRDk7p6VJ2so_IpEqqwQGzBuUnq0R7q1jcrFyVimd0bjJxex4YXiaKYwd0oP4hEURkI9M0kKLaqCy53_VeAcLr9PUqOGXE69Tbn5rN5pJPUpYZJY2NUHfxsrqR-YxgbH1kVBA/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58HOa_LyRDk7p6VJ2so_IpEqqwQGzBuUnq0R7q1jcrFyVimd0bjJxex4YXiaKYwd0oP4hEURkI9M0kKLaqCy53_VeAcLr9PUqOGXE69Tbn5rN5pJPUpYZJY2NUHfxsrqR-YxgbH1kVBA/s320/058.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let both the salmon and the salad sit for a couple of minutes before serving so both are not too hot. When you are ready to eat, poke holes in the salmon or break it apart with your fork and squeeze the rest of the lemon on top. A little bit of lemon tossed with the salad would be good too. YUM! </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">NOTE: You can really add anything you want to a quinoa salad! don't feel limited. Other options are: dried apricot, chopped apples, cinnamon, and any other nut or fresh herb. Play around with it and let me know what you create! :)</span></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-11508527563724300722011-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:36:38.279-07:00Easy, Healthy, Lettuce-less Salad<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is a super easy, very versatile salad that you can whip up in a few minutes. I really wanted some hearty bites with dinner the other night, and I always have these veggies on hand. You can use other veggies or add different ones (bell pepper, mushrooms, radishes...), but these were my go-to veggies that night. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Start by gathering these ingredients:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl67UYqUX6ysgwDu3fNVMN6DRoB1WZRvcVyrw0TdCyYIyNWgPWOP7yxbKQwan3M3D_vRpxuaiNp7pmEGCBMLC4XTYsx0NBgJUL4JFO93yzROVrjUWg6BPHwSHA-zFkInSlsZwLquezR0/s1600/200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl67UYqUX6ysgwDu3fNVMN6DRoB1WZRvcVyrw0TdCyYIyNWgPWOP7yxbKQwan3M3D_vRpxuaiNp7pmEGCBMLC4XTYsx0NBgJUL4JFO93yzROVrjUWg6BPHwSHA-zFkInSlsZwLquezR0/s320/200.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/3 of a cucumber</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 tomato</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 avocado (you can use half, but I LOVE avocado so I used the whole thing!)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 green onion </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a handful of cilantro</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 of a lemon OR lime</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">salt & pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a sprinkle of walnut pieces (this is a key ingredient!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chop all of the veggies into bite-sized pieces and toss in a small mixing bowl, except the avocado. When all of the other veggies are mixed together, THEN you can add the avocado, tossing gently. The avocado is so delicate that it could break down if it's mixed to hard. Salt & pepper the veggies to taste. Squeeze the lemon and drizzle some balsamic vinaigrette dressing on top and toss one more time. Pour the salad into your serving bowl and top with walnut pieces. Walnuts are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Not only are the health benefits awesome, but they pair perfectly with the creamy texture of the avocado. Divine!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was enough for me to eat with a small portion of dinner because it's so rich with flavor, however, this would be enough for two people to enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just look at how beautiful this is<span style="color: purple;">!! <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">♥</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wnYTyGs2BFqrruyUkPJrE1UpsDMDiC4t3fKFzm79oFA25iztqJoHf-xuWXeIENgyUBxE-09RAzIeIhc5aJxMAGvGEBZeS9vmbkXXzRUkj6mOJlcmqo_TFP0WluwqH18LeEHI1DbVqeU/s1600/203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wnYTyGs2BFqrruyUkPJrE1UpsDMDiC4t3fKFzm79oFA25iztqJoHf-xuWXeIENgyUBxE-09RAzIeIhc5aJxMAGvGEBZeS9vmbkXXzRUkj6mOJlcmqo_TFP0WluwqH18LeEHI1DbVqeU/s320/203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ3Z71gx_2QT3LPZUUaFdgoh_cy-hLyO401TO6PonUQw2j6jkLh08T7l00ikbJqrmFSS8nHDiw9-EUnJrJ6VJ174ycyyeEkffyoAdtNapaIeOcxSRS13Kek1zO6_bzk-GBNW9t80Tb7I/s1600/204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ3Z71gx_2QT3LPZUUaFdgoh_cy-hLyO401TO6PonUQw2j6jkLh08T7l00ikbJqrmFSS8nHDiw9-EUnJrJ6VJ174ycyyeEkffyoAdtNapaIeOcxSRS13Kek1zO6_bzk-GBNW9t80Tb7I/s320/204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvIOp9qgkt7v2rV8IoyqHJmOasty5NhHx4ldtkHOW3mqqL64kOXOvDQGukEkNQa8m0XENiAIOCfqZIC6RKovFLwFzcOZt9Eclh6jCUcySEaY52q-E9i3gWVkUbCd-5dDg7vhUsVtg5r4/s1600/211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvIOp9qgkt7v2rV8IoyqHJmOasty5NhHx4ldtkHOW3mqqL64kOXOvDQGukEkNQa8m0XENiAIOCfqZIC6RKovFLwFzcOZt9Eclh6jCUcySEaY52q-E9i3gWVkUbCd-5dDg7vhUsVtg5r4/s320/211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-32586331885665307832011-07-10T21:53:00.000-07:002011-07-10T21:53:43.259-07:00Must-Have Bags!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiGbygJP0zcxyu_7YA2LGmXtpSsIcQ84xcey_NgcU4ZiiSDLtH38EEtaYdWlWjN7T6tI23nyocyh4IKcuMfiPzQKEwHYNcKcG_EG8WXHkuAzA5owyQ9ihqbYMclgFc_W3BfJbf0eafzQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiGbygJP0zcxyu_7YA2LGmXtpSsIcQ84xcey_NgcU4ZiiSDLtH38EEtaYdWlWjN7T6tI23nyocyh4IKcuMfiPzQKEwHYNcKcG_EG8WXHkuAzA5owyQ9ihqbYMclgFc_W3BfJbf0eafzQ/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was able to get these reusable produce bags for next to nothing when </span><a href="http://savemore.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">SaveMore.com</span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> was having a deal. I bought a voucher that was good for $20 worth of reusable bags by Esse (</span><a href="http://essereusablebags.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">essereusablebags.com</span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">), for $8. When I signed up for SaveMore, I got a $10 credit so my purchase was FREE! (I just had to pay shipping for the bags) Normally, each pouch of produce bags are $11.95. After using the bags several times, I believe they are well worth the $12. It was so nice that I got a great deal, but I love them so much that I would have paid full price for them! I'm even thinking about buying more as gifts.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I decided to purchase produce bags because I have a plethora of everyday reusable bags and I had never seen reusable<em> produce</em> bags before!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What a find!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYZDkDC8jwR5zBwYJ-9U2vhnxo79wOG0uUzXbS_daeh2KtfdaYmw9lRY3RatU2VzzFiYdQQrwqxq8jJi-ytAXqgnTGZflTu7bo3UGEY4tWdItP6xMRLBYCzNqSXXs2DjOH34KHphGlUA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYZDkDC8jwR5zBwYJ-9U2vhnxo79wOG0uUzXbS_daeh2KtfdaYmw9lRY3RatU2VzzFiYdQQrwqxq8jJi-ytAXqgnTGZflTu7bo3UGEY4tWdItP6xMRLBYCzNqSXXs2DjOH34KHphGlUA/s320/003.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We went to the farmers market on Saturday with one big reusable bag and one of our pouches of produce bags. We were able to get all of our produce and other items in all of our <span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">produce bags that conveniently fit in the one big reusable bag. All of our purchases were separate and it was nice not having a pile of plastic produce bags from all of the vendors.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Each package of six bags comes in a cute pouch with a carabiner clip attached (which makes it SO convenient to clip onto other reusable bags, purses, backpacks, etc.) The produce bags are 11" x 14" and are made of washable nylon mesh. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">I'm posting about these bags because I REALLY like them! If you buy a lot of produce and go through a ton of produce bags, I highly recommend these! They are washable and come with a draw string for easy closure; I love that feature! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This recipe is adapted from </span><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">OhSheGlows.com.</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Daniel bought me a HUGE container of fresh strawberries, and I was able to find so may different ways to enjoy them. One way I decided to use them was to make some yummy muffins. We had some rip bananas too, so this was a perfect plan!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gather:</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup whole grain flour</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3/4 cup white flour</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 tsp sea salt</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 tsp. baking soda</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 tsp. baking powder</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1.5 tbsp. ground chia seed (or flax seed) + 1/4 cup water</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1.25 cup almond milk</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 heaping tbsp. coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 tbsp. almond butter (or any other nut butter!)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 tbsp. pure maple syrup</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 large banana mashed, left a bit chunky</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3/4 cup strawberries chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Directions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Preheat your oven to 375 <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ͦ.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Grease your muffin tin and set it aside. I used individual silicone muffin cups. I set them on a baking pan and sprayed them as a whole; they worked great! next, in a small bowl, mix the ground chia or flax seeds and water and set is aside. In a large bowl mix all of the dry ingredients (flours, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, baking soda & baking powder.) Set aside. In a medium sized bowl, mix all of the wet ingredients (chia seed mixture, milk, warmed coconut oil, nut butter & maple syrup). Mix well. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir. Next, add the banana. Remember to leave it chunky. I picked of pieces with my hands to ensure good, solid pieces. :) Fold in chopped strawberries, reserving 1/4 of them to sprinkle on top of muffins. Scoop mixture into muffin tin and sprinkle remaining <span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">strawberries and coconut flakes. Bake them for 25 minutes. I was able to make 12 perfect sized muffins. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dry ingredients:</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wet ingredients:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iPNDHJrPSxZRNL1NwSEh94CjH7mqDA1_5VabuIN2kA67mA7Kc0wOSJzwR3fdfc7rgDSXkJzcMiuuJvJHwRb-AOOQZ2slwSQoSWBQoEdx7i_XczWURn6PIQdFzjktv6BUb__Lnx_glPM/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iPNDHJrPSxZRNL1NwSEh94CjH7mqDA1_5VabuIN2kA67mA7Kc0wOSJzwR3fdfc7rgDSXkJzcMiuuJvJHwRb-AOOQZ2slwSQoSWBQoEdx7i_XczWURn6PIQdFzjktv6BUb__Lnx_glPM/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-GMKGMnYUf8RAST7jS_kjjihPhh8ADgx3SjpX5wqwy-D23PUjt0Ddsgjc1pZKOP231blI5HVX5rC9zMuphfbtbvhuSxAcxNRhgNslRdjUXkYPTJGwy8gTriNInLDEoC2ng7xE_mKGaI/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-GMKGMnYUf8RAST7jS_kjjihPhh8ADgx3SjpX5wqwy-D23PUjt0Ddsgjc1pZKOP231blI5HVX5rC9zMuphfbtbvhuSxAcxNRhgNslRdjUXkYPTJGwy8gTriNInLDEoC2ng7xE_mKGaI/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-48270705326085169812011-06-28T14:22:00.000-07:002011-06-28T14:25:15.640-07:00A Quick Fix<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My wonderful husband built some shelves in my craft room closet for me to store our candles, books, decorative dishes, workout stuff, etc.</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had some left over shelf liner from the kitchen and decided to put it to good use.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkstAaVMd_j7kWRZ_mpEhuqRkKq97ZzMJsAe5KEDIFAvvgswYVyj7pK_3UCkeGW6VLLt4_unYWV8iBD2u_2W2wLU53BJsxtjt6AxnbazjYUdcWkApa35YtW2r4B8T45Jd-kStNh46yxU/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkstAaVMd_j7kWRZ_mpEhuqRkKq97ZzMJsAe5KEDIFAvvgswYVyj7pK_3UCkeGW6VLLt4_unYWV8iBD2u_2W2wLU53BJsxtjt6AxnbazjYUdcWkApa35YtW2r4B8T45Jd-kStNh46yxU/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the shelves that were holding smaller or fragile items, I cut the liner to fit and placed it on the shelf. This way, the unevenness of the small cracks would not make the items unbalanced or fall over. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; color: purple; float: left; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUOC1WLONdZHjlrRTn56EHpCaBI_iobsDrPC-sMMiq4FHHH9YXehJkmre6I4X9Y73Qbp2v2NXHpaVc5t1bhzKVcQ7t-JehKqe5lZgJ0sNYAo6SA8yDr3U75X_jtqeYGutbX51nI_CQ8c/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></span></div><br />
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<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9GRrp2tl1EeFWFbhkZDu383bzcDVCNqUujb2kqoa7QJeYf-WcDf733-Z8LnN2-rqXg9Z2N6Hm_MaMYzQAe8LBurG49_-yVV63Lup8lry68ciEl7dujBnmb8jiC0gO0bISqrx0pj7_UI/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All of my flat or bigger items are fine, I was just worried about the more unstable things. This solution works perfectly! <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">♥</span> </span><br />
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</div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-25145459613665853972011-06-28T14:00:00.000-07:002011-06-28T14:03:13.999-07:00Jamba Who..?<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After doing some yoga the other day, I decided to make Daniel and I a smoothie. He had been working in the backyard for a while and I wanted him to be refreshed. :) </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I looked around my counter and in my fridge for some delicious ingredients, and this is what I came up with: </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 tomato</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pink grapefruit</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 nectarines</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Fuji apple</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 banana</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">&</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A handful of baby carrots</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There was no need for any added liquid because of the juices in the fruits.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One <span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">simple "purée" button later, and</span> refreshment was one sip away!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbd-5qtm8PnAiuDQrhyphenhypheniWCiGQqn6W4qL61ZTXgjkj8x5F5nMn1hJ1SE8ki_JOxr_l1q5If5OsISvBfLUnLpbOIe0xS3yLd_mhH748ak5VrfH79QHskolTMAX3ISeFrbNwNr6z9KjlVkU/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbd-5qtm8PnAiuDQrhyphenhypheniWCiGQqn6W4qL61ZTXgjkj8x5F5nMn1hJ1SE8ki_JOxr_l1q5If5OsISvBfLUnLpbOIe0xS3yLd_mhH748ak5VrfH79QHskolTMAX3ISeFrbNwNr6z9KjlVkU/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvAkDIoOqObhfFgHpx9BA1-LYl5YVQ7QPKLLqP4WVqKarR01NeRynHIHkdmg7itmdJWC8Bkv6lJMEokWE9q19g0ceQ1NOvF79wVMAADpK5careP_i1EsrxjLwHmq0O-VAbyhIOntX3jw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvAkDIoOqObhfFgHpx9BA1-LYl5YVQ7QPKLLqP4WVqKarR01NeRynHIHkdmg7itmdJWC8Bkv6lJMEokWE9q19g0ceQ1NOvF79wVMAADpK5careP_i1EsrxjLwHmq0O-VAbyhIOntX3jw/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The verdict: Daniel was a little taken back by the zing of the grapefruit. It did NOT help that most of my ingredients were not cold, so the smoothie was kind of room temperature. I stuck them in the fridge, and a few hours later they tasted MUCH better. I suggest that you make your smoothie with cold fruits and veggies (maybe place them in the fridge the night before you want to make a smoothie, if you don't store them there already). I didn't think about that before; my eyes were just on the prize! :)</span>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-92057073756255458532011-06-28T13:16:00.000-07:002011-06-28T18:59:44.733-07:00Garlic Mashed Potatoes<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't think that I've shared how much I love garlic. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the way it smells.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the way it looks.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">I love the many available varieties.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">&</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the way it makes just about anything taste 100% better.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I do NOT, however, like that my husband refuses to be near me when I've had too much. </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He also feels the need to tell me just how bad I smell. I give him props for not sugar-coating the truth. He likes garlic too, but not to my extreme. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm sorry I smell like a dragon babe, but it's SO worth it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Anyway, Daniel made ribs the other night and we had some russet potatoes on the counter. I can't remember the last time I made mashed potatoes from scratch, but it's really easy and they sounded delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I started by washing and peeling 3 potatoes. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZYX8pv0I1Fvot4kKA41TfMXzdmgoWR-zIao2CZzOUBGySeb_4_Ff29vUsakZJBQY6lqhKzl_Cr34YPuOZJbVC5HVcaGLNCtxuvLETval2b_rL0nPeDpCl-aXZnfgYDX9dyWtEBSrIhU/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZYX8pv0I1Fvot4kKA41TfMXzdmgoWR-zIao2CZzOUBGySeb_4_Ff29vUsakZJBQY6lqhKzl_Cr34YPuOZJbVC5HVcaGLNCtxuvLETval2b_rL0nPeDpCl-aXZnfgYDX9dyWtEBSrIhU/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rpaoskg6ACfRlhV93cKKLP1ETS8o1_n3fif6MjtNd3Dx4AraoItOH4HmvcqCgttCRRk8hKbVdRpLZmFfXHsWIZ35tFX2ZjMDtA6TFBd4T-PqijiHDM6XZquFMwY1vkGS_eS8l7qEpQM/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rpaoskg6ACfRlhV93cKKLP1ETS8o1_n3fif6MjtNd3Dx4AraoItOH4HmvcqCgttCRRk8hKbVdRpLZmFfXHsWIZ35tFX2ZjMDtA6TFBd4T-PqijiHDM6XZquFMwY1vkGS_eS8l7qEpQM/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next, gather the rest of the ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 Tbsp Earth Balance butter</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">salt & pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3/4 cup almond milk (or regular milk...we are just almond milk people)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7OHnBFXhYpBqC72eDTsWf43l6XnPYZiNcKUpHFLeeDNyucxOxlG-GjSdfroQwo0hkaSbpSf7lBXbIdUuEXdNkYOJVbyBloTkMIXRfrz46b5goBk7bIMLFW32h23hF5yAUz0ENhQVnBQ/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7OHnBFXhYpBqC72eDTsWf43l6XnPYZiNcKUpHFLeeDNyucxOxlG-GjSdfroQwo0hkaSbpSf7lBXbIdUuEXdNkYOJVbyBloTkMIXRfrz46b5goBk7bIMLFW32h23hF5yAUz0ENhQVnBQ/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm_rCACSJc2Sy4elR83CJNqtIzGcufiT7QjP0HDJSNKTwEPxm5MQGqLP9oidpbwIM0CTlDivsayUESgk4TYJQ0Xs0U9ebIU7i9r82cnjXripQKfifa7dy1DcRLrqCJviEz4mWwkQRS1Y/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm_rCACSJc2Sy4elR83CJNqtIzGcufiT7QjP0HDJSNKTwEPxm5MQGqLP9oidpbwIM0CTlDivsayUESgk4TYJQ0Xs0U9ebIU7i9r82cnjXripQKfifa7dy1DcRLrqCJviEz4mWwkQRS1Y/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And of course....MY SECRET WEAPON!: </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVCmZR5q1mCUW_57Fv84ISw6KrCz32-NHfQBuYK_xQ7kA_HcZQgVmFbZzg1PWedCbG6MUxoLJcLOzdIIBqutqCMMX1IBKLVgJ1C9WhHPtcVyAsmPmx8MRSdB4E7leuFpHsoF3oPRW7GY/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVCmZR5q1mCUW_57Fv84ISw6KrCz32-NHfQBuYK_xQ7kA_HcZQgVmFbZzg1PWedCbG6MUxoLJcLOzdIIBqutqCMMX1IBKLVgJ1C9WhHPtcVyAsmPmx8MRSdB4E7leuFpHsoF3oPRW7GY/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had a hard time messing with this pristine butter!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6zuBEckZN73yJHIBeq0K_CQr5Qm7FajpIcXvQVVqADYlo_fle_xeOKvy2QsaWeeNnZBRF89GnQNmPVNX71f0DBgibVjXlXy_AcbXiAKqo8S4vDQgRW6LT6K45Yugu1e_xEdDtoX0eB0/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6zuBEckZN73yJHIBeq0K_CQr5Qm7FajpIcXvQVVqADYlo_fle_xeOKvy2QsaWeeNnZBRF89GnQNmPVNX71f0DBgibVjXlXy_AcbXiAKqo8S4vDQgRW6LT6K45Yugu1e_xEdDtoX0eB0/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chop the peeled potatoes into 1-inch cubes and place them in a pot of boiling water. </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let them sit for a good 10 minutes, or until you can easily poke them with a fork.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOaQ0lbfkzySdVD4mUiXM0YtHpGTmVXiAK6Drnoo1RFZYulbqU7ZFBOFhplZ180T_vlW8ibMD0tPp48QYkq8l58QrCckM94zQUpyKhOMI-LNYCU5BVgtGCopNz_bhUy3JKe79q_20FBc/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOaQ0lbfkzySdVD4mUiXM0YtHpGTmVXiAK6Drnoo1RFZYulbqU7ZFBOFhplZ180T_vlW8ibMD0tPp48QYkq8l58QrCckM94zQUpyKhOMI-LNYCU5BVgtGCopNz_bhUy3JKe79q_20FBc/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next, carefully drain the potatoes over the sink then put them back into the pot. </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add all of the ingredients ad mash/stir everything together. Feel free to add more milk or butter. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsKrSOvGEZhPM6JFGqWXrkFpRvbCH6EoeOJHxagr5LAZ2Nd9OFpSJzOtuWza0yxzHduDStmQ15yXocxvucJj3sYR15webivWj6rH24Zcsv5ZVxHy87w6tYfGixlz3W9Autq_5cbATThE/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsKrSOvGEZhPM6JFGqWXrkFpRvbCH6EoeOJHxagr5LAZ2Nd9OFpSJzOtuWza0yxzHduDStmQ15yXocxvucJj3sYR15webivWj6rH24Zcsv5ZVxHy87w6tYfGixlz3W9Autq_5cbATThE/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZYYzOC__bhWUJF05BFCaVkVPEKL2q8fJXIwT1K46sGCxkbNZl71srKSXiCapGpMJUSRcuCbr_LqRYWv8UcKIqf5oMEzpBKPAQEfvmvwOwZyEhv0a2jLyTxgu3tjRtGtGdF3nmkGhGzY/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZYYzOC__bhWUJF05BFCaVkVPEKL2q8fJXIwT1K46sGCxkbNZl71srKSXiCapGpMJUSRcuCbr_LqRYWv8UcKIqf5oMEzpBKPAQEfvmvwOwZyEhv0a2jLyTxgu3tjRtGtGdF3nmkGhGzY/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Since Daniel only wanted salt & pepper in his potatoes, I scooped out a serving for me and added a hefty teaspoon of crushed garlic. You can add the garlic to the pot if you want ALL of the potatoes to have garlic. Garlic salt or garlic powder would add great flavor too, if you don't want fresh garlic. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-dzNFJQGVGn7XFMAZUwWRk_Oz4WiDTfw6I4zjKORZtSXEh-DrzM6N7R2V02MpBeVCv4Lqn3SQdT4ZYTr32SS82JBow0ftWORTIvXRN1lu8b6yg1YOWNHM62Msa6lXSz5Lw32JmgvL7U/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-dzNFJQGVGn7XFMAZUwWRk_Oz4WiDTfw6I4zjKORZtSXEh-DrzM6N7R2V02MpBeVCv4Lqn3SQdT4ZYTr32SS82JBow0ftWORTIvXRN1lu8b6yg1YOWNHM62Msa6lXSz5Lw32JmgvL7U/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Creamy+Garlicky+Warm=Y.U.M.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">♥</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaMpVnxRVOz3xsjIE7ZUYQG_I3cQGzf_Z9CBjKwc6fmlBjhyphenhyphenV4Cfkyy-9FmlgRoVSHM-a6rcm-zNnnGdFLbXFvidfN_WeAgjEnwOswS7e-kIvixT_OQhUFsQL9dGwQ0RvBJVi1AFaxgU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaMpVnxRVOz3xsjIE7ZUYQG_I3cQGzf_Z9CBjKwc6fmlBjhyphenhyphenV4Cfkyy-9FmlgRoVSHM-a6rcm-zNnnGdFLbXFvidfN_WeAgjEnwOswS7e-kIvixT_OQhUFsQL9dGwQ0RvBJVi1AFaxgU/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaMpVnxRVOz3xsjIE7ZUYQG_I3cQGzf_Z9CBjKwc6fmlBjhyphenhyphenV4Cfkyy-9FmlgRoVSHM-a6rcm-zNnnGdFLbXFvidfN_WeAgjEnwOswS7e-kIvixT_OQhUFsQL9dGwQ0RvBJVi1AFaxgU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaMpVnxRVOz3xsjIE7ZUYQG_I3cQGzf_Z9CBjKwc6fmlBjhyphenhyphenV4Cfkyy-9FmlgRoVSHM-a6rcm-zNnnGdFLbXFvidfN_WeAgjEnwOswS7e-kIvixT_OQhUFsQL9dGwQ0RvBJVi1AFaxgU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaMpVnxRVOz3xsjIE7ZUYQG_I3cQGzf_Z9CBjKwc6fmlBjhyphenhyphenV4Cfkyy-9FmlgRoVSHM-a6rcm-zNnnGdFLbXFvidfN_WeAgjEnwOswS7e-kIvixT_OQhUFsQL9dGwQ0RvBJVi1AFaxgU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaMpVnxRVOz3xsjIE7ZUYQG_I3cQGzf_Z9CBjKwc6fmlBjhyphenhyphenV4Cfkyy-9FmlgRoVSHM-a6rcm-zNnnGdFLbXFvidfN_WeAgjEnwOswS7e-kIvixT_OQhUFsQL9dGwQ0RvBJVi1AFaxgU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaMpVnxRVOz3xsjIE7ZUYQG_I3cQGzf_Z9CBjKwc6fmlBjhyphenhyphenV4Cfkyy-9FmlgRoVSHM-a6rcm-zNnnGdFLbXFvidfN_WeAgjEnwOswS7e-kIvixT_OQhUFsQL9dGwQ0RvBJVi1AFaxgU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaMpVnxRVOz3xsjIE7ZUYQG_I3cQGzf_Z9CBjKwc6fmlBjhyphenhyphenV4Cfkyy-9FmlgRoVSHM-a6rcm-zNnnGdFLbXFvidfN_WeAgjEnwOswS7e-kIvixT_OQhUFsQL9dGwQ0RvBJVi1AFaxgU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaMpVnxRVOz3xsjIE7ZUYQG_I3cQGzf_Z9CBjKwc6fmlBjhyphenhyphenV4Cfkyy-9FmlgRoVSHM-a6rcm-zNnnGdFLbXFvidfN_WeAgjEnwOswS7e-kIvixT_OQhUFsQL9dGwQ0RvBJVi1AFaxgU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div></a>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-57662839941906632392011-06-22T11:23:00.000-07:002011-06-22T11:45:39.359-07:00A Hint of Mint<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have a mint plant growing in an old ceramic pitcher that my dad made. The pitcher sits on my kitchen window sill and gathers so much beautiful sunshine! Looking at the mint plant every morning makes me smile. :] </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7B7T8JejPzj_nBBLjTjltfg7-FE_OBW8-7eaUoVvzc5PP26AHkgqmhdoF3PdsB0uH5WZTZphH2u0QQmpjyaLxIexcKxuAbD7PayRczMnsUTpQoeRbfYrzZ6MoXdMC8LvRF5Dfmcyu8U/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7B7T8JejPzj_nBBLjTjltfg7-FE_OBW8-7eaUoVvzc5PP26AHkgqmhdoF3PdsB0uH5WZTZphH2u0QQmpjyaLxIexcKxuAbD7PayRczMnsUTpQoeRbfYrzZ6MoXdMC8LvRF5Dfmcyu8U/s320/006.JPG" width="212" /></span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7B7T8JejPzj_nBBLjTjltfg7-FE_OBW8-7eaUoVvzc5PP26AHkgqmhdoF3PdsB0uH5WZTZphH2u0QQmpjyaLxIexcKxuAbD7PayRczMnsUTpQoeRbfYrzZ6MoXdMC8LvRF5Dfmcyu8U/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7B7T8JejPzj_nBBLjTjltfg7-FE_OBW8-7eaUoVvzc5PP26AHkgqmhdoF3PdsB0uH5WZTZphH2u0QQmpjyaLxIexcKxuAbD7PayRczMnsUTpQoeRbfYrzZ6MoXdMC8LvRF5Dfmcyu8U/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I decided to put it to good use one morning so I incorporated it into my breakfast. I chopped up one banana and added a handful of raspberries and blueberries to my bowl. I topped it off with a sprig of mint (which I finely chopped after the picture), and it was so delicious! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpEQwalnG5VPVS0x09O5F7CV_6WpGBqRlnpS2uha3m_iNfm2e8twEsukKtnVudf5Vza7lJ4dwMC7_zBPAmKEjJnxDiCIgckVV8_y2yvjF524U005PnptKE7l8E8GLiBPQCheGxynxQtM/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpEQwalnG5VPVS0x09O5F7CV_6WpGBqRlnpS2uha3m_iNfm2e8twEsukKtnVudf5Vza7lJ4dwMC7_zBPAmKEjJnxDiCIgckVV8_y2yvjF524U005PnptKE7l8E8GLiBPQCheGxynxQtM/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CEjonjBCtB13dudz4lUqcy_grsRSnBI72aleAEZ74gcNDPju2Tw6aVMhWDxcp8kLbZg0TGF8S_b3INGzMiwZQyNHgViYurtARNzEwSkeo5HPC7Rbda_Ur-JkiwuWUCB6O_OAtPqkKkI/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CEjonjBCtB13dudz4lUqcy_grsRSnBI72aleAEZ74gcNDPju2Tw6aVMhWDxcp8kLbZg0TGF8S_b3INGzMiwZQyNHgViYurtARNzEwSkeo5HPC7Rbda_Ur-JkiwuWUCB6O_OAtPqkKkI/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God sure does at a great job creating such beautiful things! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWDhXhmFMfyJyltBFj_kiCKFaUTO1vukQSLji3BHRaeLVd5qfKWNqZCQ2NetyMGM8sbMDfUQo-CwUIcG0jZeJBWjGOKrId9IYJwctkuAq8zWwz2oFcVVX5wBubATUIP905NfDSiKsyPM/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWDhXhmFMfyJyltBFj_kiCKFaUTO1vukQSLji3BHRaeLVd5qfKWNqZCQ2NetyMGM8sbMDfUQo-CwUIcG0jZeJBWjGOKrId9IYJwctkuAq8zWwz2oFcVVX5wBubATUIP905NfDSiKsyPM/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left"></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-43787962805010353632011-06-22T10:52:00.000-07:002011-06-22T10:52:20.131-07:00Pretty New Things!!<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My beloved spatula was chewed up by my food processor not long ago, and I have been without one ever since. I was walking through T.J. Maxx yesterday and found this one:</span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It has a really sturdy, bamboo handle and a think, durable rubber base. Pretty!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsXKlGOYJyz0YCSnVbgaJmLb8LO1-oORATg9sG3l4wPjwPf8FrdZ_A52Ln_DQUj6dYS4rWXIw2UPIIAChJeRMqgG2rJiU16MTeQfkNzIfQ1FDps-6Sp95tN3tCDUk743vf63bFIL_cgw/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsXKlGOYJyz0YCSnVbgaJmLb8LO1-oORATg9sG3l4wPjwPf8FrdZ_A52Ln_DQUj6dYS4rWXIw2UPIIAChJeRMqgG2rJiU16MTeQfkNzIfQ1FDps-6Sp95tN3tCDUk743vf63bFIL_cgw/s320/082.JPG" width="212" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I also received these as a birthday gift. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These measuring spoons are SO pretty and really detailed!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscXz9Jbr77CVgEZKnvoZfzYOzpKzdH2vXDx3fL60GRJ9PolLJkBpnXlE3gUY5lRDyt4JcnZNhHLAj5gr9VuFDy7FkirXoO_QC_IMIAToSUpevWuBErlVpk_m5uQpm2-_QUDPeqCFKqoo/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscXz9Jbr77CVgEZKnvoZfzYOzpKzdH2vXDx3fL60GRJ9PolLJkBpnXlE3gUY5lRDyt4JcnZNhHLAj5gr9VuFDy7FkirXoO_QC_IMIAToSUpevWuBErlVpk_m5uQpm2-_QUDPeqCFKqoo/s320/088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-65346643596550444852011-06-16T13:12:00.000-07:002011-06-16T14:08:38.759-07:00"Maggie's Meals &.....Magnets"<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oh, my husband is so clever. :)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My mother-in-law gave me some old spice tins from her pantry after I showed interest in their vintage look. I grabbed some "Button Magnets" at Walmart (found in the craft section) and stuck them to the back of each tin. The magnets were "peel & stick" which made is SO convenient! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Instant fridge magnets!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVqCFvlLi3B5x-SrfXukTW8gIvLAgvRMpMFknVMVcVyesTvdLJav7ZB-WYDPWHPKJTHT_1lHstoFdJ5wj1HQBfKRF_GDdYV6zmG7SKH8Kk0ktoUdHNhngB71dFriR_4G5dmu_21ZWr4k/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVqCFvlLi3B5x-SrfXukTW8gIvLAgvRMpMFknVMVcVyesTvdLJav7ZB-WYDPWHPKJTHT_1lHstoFdJ5wj1HQBfKRF_GDdYV6zmG7SKH8Kk0ktoUdHNhngB71dFriR_4G5dmu_21ZWr4k/s320/007.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-EqhClHUdmLE5kqPcmFMtZz4w0jBhGK_EkLwFN1FMBoCzGimxiE6MYwtcvxswEK0JhDQefcCCw-efn8U9SaLbuFHD2vTJi0SOijxHqZtf47M_bxMaLd3dqmYXWPydoos4pNc7KkVIdI/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-EqhClHUdmLE5kqPcmFMtZz4w0jBhGK_EkLwFN1FMBoCzGimxiE6MYwtcvxswEK0JhDQefcCCw-efn8U9SaLbuFHD2vTJi0SOijxHqZtf47M_bxMaLd3dqmYXWPydoos4pNc7KkVIdI/s320/001.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7078461159570180003.post-11287853869902444532011-06-02T10:42:00.000-07:002011-06-02T12:35:03.450-07:00Balancing Act<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whether you are watching your favorite TV show, reading, or doing work on the computer, try sitting on a yoga ball instead of spending time on the couch or an office chair! This is a great way to help with your balance and strengthen muscles without breaking a sweat! Why waste valuable workout time?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXOxinRH8YGOULquQvgbPQ2l4U6ja9d3AEzBLSp527pkkMlqJaHW1xJe-iAm2X4oNPluGa_UkN8u94yJky4qECd-L5RqT2ly8fZYaSsrX5aH0fZ_wHMjPJpP0QCqO2mK1sAj5gJJPxYk/s1600/no+couch.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXOxinRH8YGOULquQvgbPQ2l4U6ja9d3AEzBLSp527pkkMlqJaHW1xJe-iAm2X4oNPluGa_UkN8u94yJky4qECd-L5RqT2ly8fZYaSsrX5aH0fZ_wHMjPJpP0QCqO2mK1sAj5gJJPxYk/s1600/no+couch.bmp" t8="true" /></a><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">à</span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UtleWNBzwWDcv1hvuPMsoY6JDUyTcy3FadYGghVYw4ulBesaytexqxRw22mt_KtqUdlqwQfXcEUHxr4ZIY-TMNCEoFqv5OuYwekr8_5avQKfF8nlM3nS8pFRdAV8Nc10O2aJeHRzUVA/s1600/yoga+ball.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UtleWNBzwWDcv1hvuPMsoY6JDUyTcy3FadYGghVYw4ulBesaytexqxRw22mt_KtqUdlqwQfXcEUHxr4ZIY-TMNCEoFqv5OuYwekr8_5avQKfF8nlM3nS8pFRdAV8Nc10O2aJeHRzUVA/s1600/yoga+ball.gif" t8="true" /></a><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">ß</span></span></span></div><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> T</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ry one or <u>all</u> of these exercises:</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Keeping your feet firmly on the ground, gently bounce up and down on your yoga ball. With every pulse, relax your upper body and engage your hips, butt, and core muscles. (Make sure to keep your back nice and straight for all of these exercises. Don't slouch.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">* Swing your hips to the left and right slowly and with precision, all while keeping the top half of your body still and relaxed (remember, you might be typing or holding a book through all of this!).</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Do the same swinging motions, but from front to back. Keep your shoulders relaxed and you core tight as you press your hips forward then back.</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Sit on the yoga ball upright and keep your top half still while you rotate your hips on the ball in a circular motion. Rotate 10 times clockwise then switch to counter clockwise. It's seriously the easiest workout! (I'm doing it as I'm writing this!)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="color: purple;"></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Also, remember to keep your water bottle filled and close by!! :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"></span></div><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stay hydrated and enjoy the AMAZING benefits of a yoga ball!!</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">♥</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfrUAIxORiiamsL6ABmQiUYK0r96q4CZ_sqD4YjMA4MHyNfEXytmeTCBivqcbTzjLZhyphenhyphenrLa0xFJrHzPW3_Gd5scV6WfbaZ7rTJMpqSBhW90KZx39JH9Y_cyDIsza1HOSsWabeBvcUtes/s1600/yoga+ball.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673906421536120988noreply@blogger.com0