tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35152497325831627752024-03-14T04:06:45.188-04:00Pink ForsythiaOne girl's journey to reclaim the apron, revive the dinner party, and rediscover her inner creativityBjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-59853416295873976392013-02-01T14:51:00.001-05:002013-02-01T14:51:33.845-05:00January 2013 Foodie Pen Pals!<p align="center"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.theleangreenbean.com/foodie-penpals/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="The Lean Green Bean" alt="blogbadgeAPPLE Foodie Penpals" src="http://www.theleangreenbean.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/blogbadgeAPPLE.jpg"></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="4"><strong>This month, I participated in something called “Foodie Pen Pals”. It is a food exchange between foodies from all over the country. </strong></font><strong><font size="4">This month, I got a great package from Jenna! In addition to some scrumptious snacks (Peanut Butter Fiber Bars, Butter Toffee Pretzels), and something to bake (Apple Spice Bread), I got two cute new items for the kitchen (a Piggy Wiggy Spoon, and a Devil Silicone Grip)! </font></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="4">This is the package! I couldn’t wait to open it…I remembered just in time to snap a picture :)</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wtUg5wk2-H4/UQwcqvWDMKI/AAAAAAAAAuw/8ltnx_eXVIU/s1600-h/janpack1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="janpack1" border="0" alt="janpack1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3PEToL1TuHk/UQwcrNyN8UI/AAAAAAAAAu4/xxfxhe_PehM/janpack1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" height="324"></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="4">The first thing I pulled out were these Flavor & Fiber Gnu Bars…Peanut Butter flavored! Jenna told me that she is a peanut butter addict, which is something that we seem to have in common! These were great energy for a workout, and left me feeling satisfied for hours. </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5WSjkzgfAmc/UQwcr-QXvXI/AAAAAAAAAvA/p7GatDmoQaw/s1600-h/janpack2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="janpack2" border="0" alt="janpack2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-glCTffdUA9g/UQwcsqApgNI/AAAAAAAAAvI/1bcuxYzwJhQ/janpack2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="276"></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="4">The next item was this baking mix, for Apple Spice Bread, which I am baking this weekend. I am sure it will be scrumptious.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wv5ylRgeD7o/UQwctL-zGII/AAAAAAAAAvQ/_HthG9W1xog/s1600-h/janpack3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="janpack3" border="0" alt="janpack3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B6TaT9ZwXXs/UQwctqOQ5qI/AAAAAAAAAvY/HEkzBvcbIrg/janpack3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="357"></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="4">The third item are these AMAZING Butter Toffee Pretzels…which didn’t last very long, they were that good! However, I was inspired to try and create a recipe for these on my own, and it will be in a February blog post ^_^</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u3yLqzHRqB4/UQwcueA4O5I/AAAAAAAAAvg/r8jY4ihjvLQ/s1600-h/janpack4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="janpack4" border="0" alt="janpack4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a_pgqy1BPWU/UQwcu3bSBSI/AAAAAAAAAvo/Mk_iP0lyazc/janpack4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" height="244"></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="4"><strong>Last, but far from least, the adorable kitchen accessories. They are cute and functional, and I have gone OUT of my way to use them. How did Jenna know that I love decorating with pigs in my kitchen? ;)</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tjT_s7pQhRU/UQwcvhJeu7I/AAAAAAAAAvw/Zsj0pPkhBiU/s1600-h/janpack5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="janpack5" border="0" alt="janpack5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Axa7dmAAuP8/UQwcv_EEprI/AAAAAAAAAv4/TNeA1A-3B3Y/janpack5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="196"></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="4"><strong>Everything I received from my amazing Foodie Pen Pal, including a lovely card! Thanks again, Jenna!</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GD9ExPe8FVg/UQwcwkocs6I/AAAAAAAAAwA/zvsT7JPem54/s1600-h/janpack6%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="janpack6" border="0" alt="janpack6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e2w1RyI2hMU/UQwcxIEzjpI/AAAAAAAAAwI/zmYtEofyX-w/janpack6_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="425"></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Visit Jenna’s blog, if you’d like! <a href="http://oneloveiswhatifeel.blogspot.com">http://oneloveiswhatifeel.blogspot.com</a></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>She writes an interesting blog about fitness and her “journey to tip-top shape”! You all should definitely check her out :)</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Also, if you are interested to see what I sent out this month to Martine, who runs a GREAT blog , check out this blog: <a title="http://wheybeyondthenakedtruth.com/2013/01/31/januarys-foodie-penpal-reveal/#comments" href="http://wheybeyondthenakedtruth.com/2013/01/31/januarys-foodie-penpal-reveal/#comments">http://wheybeyondthenakedtruth.com/2013/01/31/januarys-foodie-penpal-reveal/#comments</a> </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>My FPP has an awesome blog about nutrition, family, and a way of life. Be sure to check it out! Also, “like” her Facebook page at <a title="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whey-Beyond-the-Naked-Truth/105606896249496?fref=ts" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whey-Beyond-the-Naked-Truth">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whey-Beyond-the-Naked-Truth</a></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong> </p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="4"><strong>I have included a description from the website of the Foodie Pen Pal program:</strong></font></p> <p>And now it's time for some details about <a href="http://theleangreenbean.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0cd73be86adfd5ac269467cfe&id=8daf36d1e2&e=eae0c45557">Foodie Penpals.</a> In case you’re a new reader, here’s a reminder of what the program is all about: <p><b>-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.</b><br><b>-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! </b><br><b>-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!</b><br><b>-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)</b><br><b>-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month. </b><br><b>-Foodie Penplas is open to US, Canadian & European residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. Same with Europeans. We've determined things might get too slow and backed up if we're trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. </b></p> <p><strong><font size="4">If you’d like to participate, visit <a href="http://www.theleangreenbean.com">www.theleangreenbean.com</a></font></strong></p> Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-89285789821523685612013-01-20T18:45:00.000-05:002013-01-20T18:45:16.453-05:00Watermelon Delight<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xSay7XKp8JE/UPyA_nRlwpI/AAAAAAAAAuI/OS1yl-sJQNg/s1600-h/watermelon%252520apple%252520juice%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="watermelon apple juice" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JiYUwzPdGfs/UPyBANTbmwI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/RUc4WPh1lEw/watermelon%252520apple%252520juice_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="232" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="watermelon apple juice" width="244" /></a><br />
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
One of the simple pleasures of life is a cold glass of freshly made juice. In an age of affordable and readily available technology, this is no longer a luxury, but something that anyone can make. My husband, Christopher, made me a pitcher of this simple, but amazing juice, which I call Watermelon Delight.</div>
<div align="justify">
It is so simple, yet so refreshing and tasty! You juice the fruit of one medium watermelon with the fruit of 6 Granny Smith Apples. The result is a naturally sweet yet tangy, absolutely DELIGHTFUL combination. Muddled in a glass with some ice and couple of mint leaves, this juice makes an excellent mixer too!</div>
</blockquote>
Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-67053598504866353692013-01-15T12:46:00.000-05:002013-01-15T12:46:20.967-05:00Iced Chai Cinnamon Tea<br />
Sometimes, even in the midst of a New York winter, one craves something cold and refreshing. My new favorite is Iced Chai Cinnamon Tea! I use my Teavana Infusion Pitcher, but a regular pitcher can be utilized if you have a coffee filter and a twist tie!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Ingredients:</h3>
1) Chai teabags or loose leaf tea<br />
2) 1 cinnamon stick<br />
3) warm water<br />
4) Agave nectar or honey for sweetener<br />
<br />
<h3>
Steps:</h3>
1) Put tea in the a) infusion basket in pitcher or b) in a coffee filter, cinched closed with a twist tie<br />
2) Pour warm water over the tea in pitcher<br />
3) Add cinnamon stick to tea<br />
4) Refrigerate overnight<br />
5) Serve, and sweeten in glass if desired<br />
6) ENJOY!Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-51975307759066249322013-01-12T21:08:00.001-05:002013-01-12T21:08:21.792-05:00Writer's Challenge: January 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, I am issuing the first Writer's Challenge of the Year. Each month, I am going to post a different topic/inspiration/idea with a set of guidelines, and ANYONE who fancies can participate by submitting their "answer" to my challenge! Writers, get your pens in hand, and get ready to work out those brains!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Dear Abby: I Wrote a Short Story...</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...based off of one of your letters! Dear Abby letters range from mundane to ridiculous, but regardless the content, are chock full of inspiration for Creative Writing Exercises. So, using a Dear Abby letter as inspiration (the web is loaded with years worth of these babies), write a story (from 1-5 pages in length), and see how creative you can be!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Submit your stories to <a href="mailto:forsythiapink@gmail.com">forsythiapink@gmail.com</a>, along with a link to the article you used as reference, by January 31st . The stories will be posted in mid-February! Anyone who participates will go into a raffle to win a mystery prize :) The winner and the prize will also be revealed on the same day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, happy writing, everyone, I hope to get plenty of participants!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
~ Bjean</div>
Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-48732011117061252042013-01-03T16:31:00.000-05:002013-01-03T16:35:37.705-05:00Featured Story: Mrs. Fitzpatrick's Grand Adventure<em>This is the story of one spunky lady, a nursing home at night, and a simple dream that just won't quit!</em><br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Mrs. Fitzpatrick's Grand Adventure</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The creaking of
her old bones had become quite the distraction, Mrs. Fitzpatrick decided, and
wondered if she could successfully sneak down the hall and past the nurse on duty
without getting caught. The odds were stacked against her. Peering out at the
corridor from behind her horn-rimmed glasses, in the shelter of her doorway,
Mrs. Fitzpatrick planned her escape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Harold? Is that you?” squeaked
a voice from the shadows. “Come in, Harold. Mother isn’t home tonight.” It was
Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s roommate, Alice. Poor Alice often suffered nighttime
delusions, but tonight there was no time to comfort her, no time at all. If
Mrs. Fitzpatrick wanted to see the snow tonight, she would have to ignore
Alice’s pleas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Shush, now, Alice!” Mrs.
Fitzpatrick whispered, “You don’t want Mother to hear you, do you dear?” The
hallway was empty; Gold Haven Nursing Home was always a ghost town during the
middle of the overnight shift. From two in the morning to about three-thirty,
the few aides that were on duty generally didn’t stray far from the break room,
where there was a color television, a microwave, and a coffee pot. Mrs.
Fitzpatrick knew this because she had followed Marguerite, a daytime aide, to
the break room last Sunday morning. Marguerite had been lazy about answering
Alice’s call bell, and it had been up to Mrs. Fitzpatrick to give her a piece
of her mind. It certainly wasn’t Alice’s fault that her water<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had been too warm, and if Gold Haven had the
sense to give residents access to the ice machine, they would have no need to
keep bugging Marguerite for such trivial things anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Down the hall, take a right.
Down that hall, take a left. Get past the nurse’s station, and take another
left. Then, open the door, and see the snow.” Mrs. Fitzpatrick muttered to
herself. She was more than prepared for the snow. She had on the all-weather
parka her daughter had brought her the last time she had visited, and pink
fuzzy gloves that matched stuffed into her pocket, just in case. Alice’s knit
cap was pulled firmly over her ears. Mrs. Fitzpatrick had lost her own hat a
while back, on the day that the dogs had come around to visit. Although she
couldn’t prove it, she was certain that the German Shepard had pinched it. The
hat had been on her armchair prior to the Shepard’s visit, but was gone when
the Basset Hound had come around. Frankie! That was the Basset Hound’s name. Mrs.
Fitzpatrick smiled. Her mind was still as sharp as ever, she could still
remember everyone’s name, even a dog who had visited only once. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her first few steps down the
hall were tentative, light, and halting. She was still nervous that her bones
and joints were creaking so loudly that the whole Unit would be roused from their
slumber. She passed Viola Murphy’s room, 36 B. Mrs. Fitzpatrick and Alice lived
in 36 A, Viola Murphy was their immediate neighbor, and she had very acute
hearing. Every time that Alice turned up the television, Viola Murphy would
have a conniption fit, and Mrs. Fitzpatrick would have to trundle over to 36 B
to calm her down. She never seemed to understand that sometimes poor Alice’s
hearing wasn’t what it had used to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After successfully passing 36 B
without waking up Viola Murphy, Mrs. Fitzpatrick began to feel more confident,
and decided she could afford to walk a little more quickly. Glancing about to
make sure that no one saw her, she made it to the end of the hallway in no time
at all. She needed to take a right. This corridor was a bit longer than the
last, and she decided to take a rest before she turned the corner, but just a
short one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. Fitzpatrick leaned against the wall,
papered with a peach colored floral design. She knew that this whole Unit was
papered with that same color, and the other Units were lavender, baby blue, and
sage colored, but with the same, boring floral print. Marguerite once told her
that they did this so that no one would feel confused or get lost, and that
Mrs. Fitzpatrick only had to remember that she lived on the peach colored Unit.
As if she would ever forget where she lived, the very idea of it was laughable.
Then again, Mrs. Fitzpatrick reasoned, the color-coded Units comforted Alice,
who never dared to wander past the peach papered hallways. She was not nearly
as daring as Mrs. Fitzpatrick was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
next hallway was still clear, and Mrs. Fitzpatrick made her right turn. She
marveled at what great time she was making, and believed that she would get
outside in plenty of time to see the first snowfall of the year. The television
had announced it, the first snowfall. Alice seemed disinterested, mumbling
about how snow spelled trouble for women of their age, only runny noses and
broken hips could come of it, but Mrs. Fitzpatrick had sat up straight and
taken notice. By three o clock in the morning, the weatherman had said, the
snow would come. Mrs. Fitzpatrick was not content to look out the tiny window
of their room, which looked out over a grubby courtyard, and watch the snow
from there. She wanted to feel it, see it blanket the lawn of Gold Haven, maybe
catch a snowflake or two on her tongue. After all, at eighty-eight years old,
this snowfall may well be her very last. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She
was a little over halfway down the hallway when a door creaked open, the door
to Room 22 B. Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s heart skipped a beat, and she felt rather out
of sorts until she saw that it wasn’t an aide or the duty nurse, but the
resident who lived in that Room, Alfred Hickey, a balding septuagenarian who
shuffled along with the assistance of a walker with tennis balls stuck on its
feet. He was clad in a maroon bathrobe, and looked just as surprised to see
Mrs. Fitzpatrick as she was to see him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What
are you doing out of bed, Alfred?” she demanded, “You gave me quite a start!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alfred
stared right back at her “I didn’t think I’d run into anyone else this time of
night. Who are you going to visit? Ralph Goldstein in 20 A? He fancies you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No.
I’m not.” Mrs. Fitzpatrick looked shocked, “Why would you suggest such a thing?
I may be old, but I am still a lady.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Oh,
don’t be offended.” Alfred waved a wrinkled hand at her. “You old ladies are so
uptight sometimes. Is it because old Ralphie is a Jew?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Of
course not.” Mrs. Fitzpatrick told him. “I’m not sneaking into anyone’s room. I
have my morals.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“This
is a new age.” Alfred winked, “A little fun will keep you young. I’m sure glad
that my Mabel doesn’t get this uptight when I visit at night. You ought to live
a little, you really should.” With that, he shuffled off in the direction that
Mrs. Fitzpatrick had come from, leaving her free to move forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
next left was where things got tricky. Part way down that hallway, was the
little enclave that housed the nurses’ station, the lair of the duty nurse, the
only person who could foil Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s well-laid plan. Past the nurses’
station was a short corridor that led to an emergency exit door and freedom.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick crept up slowly until she could peer around the hallway into
the enclave. She took off her glasses and gave them a good rub-down with a
fuzzy glove from her pocket. She needed to make sure she could see every detail
if she wanted her plan to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
nurse on duty sat in a wheeled desk chair, her back turned to where Mrs.
Fitzpatrick was waiting. She held the phone against her ear with her shoulder,
eating a bagel as she chatted. Mrs. Fitzpatrick was relieved to see that it was
Yolanda on duty, she could spend hours on the phone with her sister at night,
and would never notice one wily resident make her way outside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yeah.”
Yolanda said, mouth half full of bagel and cream cheese, “It is real slow
tonight, girl. Let me tell you it is boring!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mrs.
Fitzpatrick began the final stretch, eyes on that last left turn up ahead. She
took comfort in Yolanda’s loud yammering about the weather and her boyfriend
and how much she hated her job. It covered the creak of her old bones, and
before she knew it, she was around the last bend, the emergency exit right in
front of her. The red exit sign shone like a beacon of hope, and as she
approached it, Mrs. Fitzpatrick felt a happy glow settle over her body, and
bracing for the cold, she pushed it open, and stepped out into the snow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
snowflakes fell so slowly, so gracefully, like tiny dancers in a great ballet.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick laughed, and clapped her hands. She didn’t need her gloves,
she decided, she wanted to feel the snow, taste the cold, and rejoice in it. “I
wish you could see this, Alice.” She whispered, thinking of her roommate, alone
in 36 A. Out here, there were no color-coded hallways, no call bells, no aides
and nurses. There was only a flat expanse of lawn, blanketed in the purest
white, and a black sky that went on forever. Mrs. Fitzpatrick took in a deep
breath, and exhaled, delighting in warm cloud it made in the frosty air. She
smiled, closed her eyes, and felt perfectly happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What
are you doing out here?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mrs.
Fitzpatrick broke out of her reverie. A man she had never seen before was
standing in front of her, cigarette in hand. “You know, young man, you
shouldn’t smoke.” She told him, “Francis Crane from 33 A died that way. He was
in a lot of pain, right up to the end. I’m glad that I never smoked.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You
should be inside, in bed.” The young man told her, extinguishing his cigarette
and raising his radio to call for help. “How did you get out here? What is your
name? I’ll walk you back to your Unit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
look of panic crossed Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s face. She had been found out. Noticing
the young man’s shiny black boots, flashlight, and ball cap emblazoned with the
word “Security” in bright yellow letters, she panicked. She had nowhere else to
go but back. Suddenly, the door behind them burst open, and Yolanda stepped
out, a worried look on her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“There
you are, Alice.” She said. “I thought it might be you. Come on; let’s go back
to your room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mrs.
Fitzpatrick took one last look at the delicately falling snow, and smiled,
realizing she had seen what she had come to see, and if they were going to put
her back in bed, she could at least be satisfied with the crisp memory of
winter’s first snowfall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Copyright 2012, Billijean E. Martiello<br />
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
Theft of this Work will be Prosecuted to the Fullest Extent of the Law</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-10421922122389452282013-01-03T06:47:00.000-05:002013-01-03T06:47:07.120-05:00Gochujang Pork Chops and Vegetables<br />
<blockquote>
<div align="justify">
One of the quintessential flavors of the Korean culinary world is gochujang, or fermented red chili pepper paste. It is an indescribable flavor, used in many dishes, from kimchee to barbequed meats. I bought a big tub of it at the Korean grocer in Latham, NY, and intend to put it to good use. That is why, last night, I made Gochujang Pork Chops on a bed of Wilted Baby Spinach, smothered with Sautéed Cremini Mushrooms, Yellow Bell Pepper, and Onions. </div>
</blockquote>
<br />
1) Slather Thin-Cut Pork Chops with Gochujang<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ibuR9Ta5wuo/UOVvgpTLgcI/AAAAAAAAArk/e-B4D3TcHSA/s1600-h/koreanporckchop1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanporckchop1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_w1lcYTjJx8/UOVvhRB_FII/AAAAAAAAArs/0oUrjWs6Y5s/koreanporckchop1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanporckchop1" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
2) Select your vegetables (I used Cremini Mushrooms, Yellow Bell Pepper, Sweet Onion, and Baby Spinach)<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QCpUuxsoYes/UOVviHqwnzI/AAAAAAAAAr0/LCVZemSZYbQ/s1600-h/koreanporckchop2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanporckchop2" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QQBeaGMtLfU/UOVviiWMnII/AAAAAAAAAr8/iiji8GcbBk8/koreanporckchop2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanporckchop2" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
3) Chop them up, except the spinach<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bU6pvLAhxWc/UOVvjVoxlAI/AAAAAAAAAsE/yaB_51Zz7SQ/s1600-h/koreanporckchop3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanporckchop3" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zQjrTJzW218/UOVvjvBPLXI/AAAAAAAAAsM/axIHLpQ0Ql8/koreanporckchop3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanporckchop3" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
5) Cook the Chops on Medium Heat in a Drizzle of Olive Oil<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kk3vMdCt9u4/UOVvkumJNQI/AAAAAAAAAsU/bci-WWwO_g4/s1600-h/koreanporckchop4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanporckchop4" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t6mnlnSp7UY/UOVvlDcKTeI/AAAAAAAAAsc/aYeYo1Hv4LY/koreanporckchop4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanporckchop4" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
6) Sautee the Vegetables, Season to Taste. I used Garlic and Parsley, with some Fresh Crack Pepper<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zpQ---Hpxpw/UOVvlqK4H0I/AAAAAAAAAsk/rg9WhK9kdKc/s1600-h/koreanporckchop5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanporckchop5" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-19hIL7XWzfo/UOVvmC4stGI/AAAAAAAAAso/5b7m0UCAW7o/koreanporckchop5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanporckchop5" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
7) Wilt the Baby Spinach (I did mine over the Sautéed Veggies)<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rr8mRZC7zHM/UOVvm-cT3yI/AAAAAAAAAs0/o2xw4wxldJ0/s1600-h/koreanporckchop6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanporckchop6" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SW__Zsp-89c/UOVvnSWSM_I/AAAAAAAAAs8/6nGKk9WFDAg/koreanporckchop6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanporckchop6" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
8) Serve<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rg8RyV8Uss4/UOVvn2vGf4I/AAAAAAAAAtE/wbeCw1po8TQ/s1600-h/koreanporckchop7%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanporckchop7" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XY89pQt40eo/UOVvoWa8_OI/AAAAAAAAAtM/hdt-g5FfFvA/koreanporckchop7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanporckchop7" width="244" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
9) ENJOY!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Dq-k9rU-zKA/UOVvpB35DgI/AAAAAAAAAtU/CuuE5YsKZqg/s1600-h/koreanporckchop8%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanporckchop8" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aK3Rejnix84/UOVvpqXF-pI/AAAAAAAAAtc/IBUhZouuF8Q/koreanporckchop8_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanporckchop8" width="244" /></a>Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-20298126496559315492013-01-02T16:11:00.000-05:002013-01-02T16:11:01.373-05:00Lamb Dinner for Weeknight Dining<br />
<div align="justify">
Hello readers! Those of you who know me know that I love to eat good food, no matter if it is Saturday night when I have plenty of time, or Wednesday night, when things are a little more rushed. See, I don’t believe that a shortage of time means that I can’t have delicious food. Sure, that complicated Paella is a breathtakingly delicious option, but may not be suitable for say, a typical Tuesday after a long day of work and chores. However, meals like this easy Lamb Chop served with Sautéed Zucchini over Garlic-Butter Radiatori make for a very simple, and very toothsome, option. It takes less than half and hour to make, and you don’t even need an exact recipe!</div>
<br />
Step One: Pan-cook lamb chops that have been seasoned with olive oil, cracked peppercorn, and Chinese Five Spice.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GaT2FA9JDkY/UOSiBnASiAI/AAAAAAAAAqc/V3_JdAymmSk/s1600-h/lambzucchini2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lambzucchini2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-is1WV5LPo8g/UOSiCk5yVSI/AAAAAAAAAqk/fxn2nk2bMds/lambzucchini2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="305" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lambzucchini2" width="388" /></a><br />
Step Two: Sautee strips of fresh zucchini with some garlic and parsley.<br />
<br />
\<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rVIDAv-6vlU/UOSiDRWRQnI/AAAAAAAAAqs/deor6nNSiMg/s1600-h/lambzucchini1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lambzucchini1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IEgglgXs8L8/UOSiD7uqJhI/AAAAAAAAAq0/f6lPBWX7h0Y/lambzucchini1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="362" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lambzucchini1" width="461" /></a><br />
<br />
Step Three: Prepare some pasta, toss lightly with garlic butter.<br />
Step Four: Plate and Serve!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5rekCXI18Ig/UOSiEpVt4WI/AAAAAAAAAq8/44ovhxf5d1U/s1600-h/lambzucchini3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lambzucchini3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dgcGlH9JC94/UOSiFeKwPMI/AAAAAAAAArE/RvrRXj8i9xM/lambzucchini3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="394" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lambzucchini3" width="488" /></a><br />
<br />
The end result is quite delicious! (And easy!) See, wasn’t that a better option than another can of raviolis or a frozen burrito?Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-55749650347168903892013-01-01T22:43:00.001-05:002013-01-01T22:45:11.041-05:00A World of Opportunity<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why do we wait for that special date to roll around on the calender to take our lives into our own hands and attempt to shape them into better ones? Maybe the purity of a new start is symbolized by the date 01-01. Well, more diaries, blogs, and gym memberships are stared on January first than any other date, so maybe there is something to it. Keeping up with these things, however, once February rolls around, is a whole different matter entirely. </div>
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</div>
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And yet, when we fail miserably, as we often do, at our feeble, well-meaning attempts to eat healthier, study harder, or whatever it is that we feel is lacking from our lives, another 01-01 always lies around the run of the calender, beckoning us to try, try again. </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year, I am trying to get my life more organized. I am trying to maximize my creative potential. I want to cook healthier food, have more time with friends, and write a novel. I am trying to paint once a week, learn the guitar, and not forget to post blog articles. Yes, I have a lot I want to accomplish. Will I get to do all of these amazing things? Maybe. We shall see. After all, the year has only just begun.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, my friends, I will tell you one thing. 2013 is off to a great start. The new bed risers under our bed have substantially increased my organizational potential in this cozy one bedroom apartment. I have grown the nerve to talk to my landlady about the Brussels Griffon puppy I want to adopt, and plan on confronting her about it next week. My healthy-living is off to a "fruitful" start, due to my new juicer and a trip to Adam's. Oh, and I woke up today with a smile on my face, which I find increases productivity. </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All in all, I have a lot to be proud of. I have kept my New Year's resolutions, if only for a day. Some people never get that far. And I have decided to take it day-by-day in 2013. The year-at-a-time is only good for buying a calender...it has a bad track record for anything else. So, when I wake up tomorrow, I plan on putting my feet on the floor, drinking a cup of freshly-made grapefruit juice, and embracing my future, one day at a time. </div>
Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-85904098513630120692013-01-01T13:10:00.000-05:002013-01-01T13:10:08.314-05:00Korean-Style Fajitas and Garlicky Green BeansHappy New Year 2013, to my dear readers! As you may know, in light of the new year, I have been making plans to revitalize my blog, and up the health factor in my life, and in honor of those resolutions, I am posting, today, the first recipe I have created for 2013: Today's Lunch! Craving something fresh and balanced, I made some Korean-style fajitas, and on the side, had garlicky green beans. I made two servings, one for me, and one for my husband, Christopher, but it should be easy enough to expand the recipe for however many servings you need. (I think you will find this to be a balanced meal, with three vegetables, one protein, and one starch.) <h5>
Ingredients</h5>
<h6>
For Fajitas</h6>
Eight strips of fajita-cut steak Half a yellow bell pepper Six leaves of romaine lettuce Two medium flour tortillas 1/2 tsp. gochujang (Korean chili paste) Dash of light soy sauce Drizzle of olive oil <h6>
For Garlicky Green Beans</h6>
Two servings of fresh green beans One clove of garlic Drizzle of olive oil <h5>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gMCJDjYUpZw/UOMmUADbYQI/AAAAAAAAApY/7IlUjkOSPZM/s1600-h/koreanfajitas3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanfajitas3" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yYzJSkRBLxQ/UOMmUsDlprI/AAAAAAAAApg/LoiBQSLA3HM/koreanfajitas3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="216" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanfajitas3" width="392" /></a></h5>
<span style="font-size: small;">Steps:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1) Take the steak strips, and thoroughly coat them in the Korean chili paste and soy sauce. Let them sit in a bowl while you prep your vegetables. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2) Slice the bell pepper into strips, set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">3) Remove ends from green beans, set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">4) Finely chop garlic clove, set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">5) Add a drizzle of olive oil to two small frying pans.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">6) Allow oil to heat over medium, add garlic to one, this will be your green bean pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">7) After garlic lightly browns, add the green beans to the fry pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">8) Add the steak and yellow bell pepper strips to the other fry pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">9) Cook beans until fork tender, and steak until to your preferred level of doneness. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">10) Drain extra liquid from steak.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">11) Lay lettuce on tortillas (3 leaves on each).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">12) Divide the Steak and peppers among the two tortillas.</span><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wpeA3R-j89s/UOMmVJHCNBI/AAAAAAAAApo/jly7sSNhaoY/s1600-h/koreanfajitas2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanfajitas2" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uCxbjt8d-Oc/UOMmVWvGT6I/AAAAAAAAApw/2czW5dTv1QE/koreanfajitas2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="201" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanfajitas2" width="235" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;">13) Serve green beans on side.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">14) Roll fajitas and enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EUGEBxYx0Oo/UOMmV7WIbCI/AAAAAAAAAp4/qf5G6j5-fX0/s1600-h/koreanfajitas1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="koreanfajitas1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PkEVJc0Y8nc/UOMmWfekFYI/AAAAAAAAAqA/Kx-P1hCKnB0/koreanfajitas1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="381" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="koreanfajitas1" width="446" /></a></div>
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<br />Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-26272705116072361272012-12-30T21:41:00.002-05:002012-12-30T21:41:28.405-05:00Featured Short Story: The Camp<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<em>This story was inspired by the reports of death camps in North Korea and other areas of the world. Children are born, and raised in these Camps, and grow up knowing nothing of life beyond their barbed wire barrier. While this story is not set in any particular place, it is written for the downtrodden children of the world, past, present, and future. </em></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
The Camp</h3>
<div align="justify" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The girl
whose name meant love often walked the perimeter of the Fence, as she was small
and no one paid her much mind. The Fence was twice as high as any of the Buildings,
and it was topped with glittering barbed wire. From time to time, a cricket or
a frog would hop through the tiny holes in the Fence and enter the Camp, but
mostly only the wind travelled through. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at the edge of the world. At the edge
of the world, Grandmother always said, one could not expect many visitors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It took the
time from one whistle to another to make the trip around the Camp, and it would
be quicker if she did not dawdle. Today, there were no crickets to catch, and
it was not the season for frogs, the air was too dry, and dirt blew in on the
wind. Even so, there was little reason for her to hurry. She was not expected
to line up at each whistle with Grandmother and the other women who lived in
the Camp. She was still too young to be of any use. The Guards hardly noticed
her, except at mealtime to give her a bowl, or at the time of year the Doctor
visited. But that was just before the frost came, still a long time off, and evening
mealtime wouldn’t be until the sun had nearly set. On a dry day, with the sun
hanging high in the sky, there would be no use for a little girl in the Camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The girl
scuffed her feet along the dirt path that was worn around the inside of the
Fence. The dusty soil puffed up between her toes in little clouds, and her feet
were as brown as the Buildings. This time of year, everything was brown, and
nearly everything was dead. The Buildings were all the same, a bit taller than
the tallest Guard, and very long. They were laid out along the Fence, about
three yards away from it. Tufts of dry, brown grass, short and scrubby, grew
between them. Each Building had four large windows along its length. The
windows only faced inside, towards the center of the Camp, and as the girl
walked the perimeter, she felt very much alone, which is how she preferred to
be when Grandmother was working. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Every
morning, before the sun rose, the first whistle would blow, and her Grandmother
would take her outside the Building they lived in, and they would stand,
straight and proud, alongside the other women who lived in the same Building.
Then, the Guards would come and take a look at them, and Grandmother said it
was important to be respectful and clean, and stand very still, and look
straight forward. This was how you showed your respect, she said. People with
respect weren’t hassled. People with respect got their morning mealtime and a
new gown when their old one wore out. People with respect would go the Heaven
one day, and never have to see the Camp again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">After the
morning mealtime was over, and everyone had eaten their allotted food, her Grandmother
and the other older women would line up and march together to the longest
Building along the Fence, to sew gowns, and the older girls and younger women
would march in a separate line to the garden, also in the center of the Camp.
When she was a bit older, she would join them in the garden, but for now, she
was left on her own each day, and could do what she chose, as long as she
didn’t bother the Guards or the women that worked. She was the youngest girl in
the Camp, and preferred to spend her days alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The girl
stood at the Fence, and pressed her face against it, feeling the cool metal of
the links press into her skin. She looked outward, to the end of the world,
where the grass grew tall and the sky went onward, forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“What is
Heaven like?” she had asked her grandmother, after the evening mealtime the day
before, like she always did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Heaven is
like the land outside of the Fence.” Her grandmother told her, “Wide open,
going on forever and ever, as far as the eye can see. The grass grows green and
tall, and fruit grows on trees, and water runs in silver springs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“What is
fruit?” she always asked next, looking at her Grandmother’s weathered face with
eager, smiling eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Fruit is
sweet and good, it makes you feel more alive just to take one bite of it.” Her
Grandmother always answered, and sometimes her eyes would water and a tear
would run down the creases of her face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“We will eat
fruit like we eat food at mealtime?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Yes. But we
will eat it anytime that we want to in Heaven, mealtime or not.” It always
seemed strange for the girl to think about eating whenever she wanted to, and
try as she might, she could never understand what the fruit would be like. It
was quite different, she knew, from the grey, clotted food she always ate at
the Camp. It was like magic, something that you couldn’t see, but was with you
anyway. Like love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“And we will
drink the silver water?” she prodded her Grandmother, who was starting to doze
off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Her
Grandmother nodded. “Yes, shiny, silver water. Shiny like the badges the Guards
wear, shiny like the reflection of the sunlight on the roofs of the Buildings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“How do you
know about this, Grandmother?” the girl asked. She knew how, but it always made
her Grandmother smile to tell her, and so she always asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Because I
have been there, my love. I was there, long before you were born, long before
this Camp was built. That was a time where everyone lived on the outside, free
like the wind and the birds and the sky.” Another tear streaked a path across
the old woman’s face, and her granddaughter touched it. It stuck to the end of
her finger and sparkled, like the silver springs in Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Long ago,”
she had echoed, “Long before this Camp was built.” It was such a strange
concept, thinking of a time before the Camp. She had always lived here, and her
mother had lived here before she went to Heaven. Where would people sleep, she
wondered, if they had no Building to go to? Where would people work, if there
was no garden to plant, or no gowns to sew? Without work, she knew, there could
be no food. The Guards always said that, and everyone knew that it was true.
Then, she remembered the fruit. They wouldn’t need food. They could pick the
fruit and eat that instead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“I love you,
Grandmother.” She had said then, seeing that she was tired, and should be left
to sleep. Work always made her tired, and one day, when the girl was old
enough, she would be able to work, and would be very tired too. This was a good
thing, she knew, because the more tired you got, the closer you were to
leaving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“I love you,
too.” Her Grandmother told her. She cuddled her granddaughter to her body on
their cot. That was love, the girl knew. Love was what kept them warm at night
under the blanket, and love was what kept them together. Even when her
Grandmother went off to Heaven one day, love would keep them connected until
they could be together again. Love was magic, something you couldn’t see, but
was with you anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">That
morning, when she woke up, her Grandmother was already out of the cot. She was
not in the Building either, and the girl had lined up without her, among the
other women, standing proud and tall and still. She didn’t have to ask where
she was, asking was not respectful. There was only one place that her
Grandmother could be, if she was not there, lined up with the others when the
first whistle blew. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The little
girl pressed her face harder against the Fence, and ground her feet into the
dirt. She looked out past the Fence, and tried to picture Heaven. How far away
was it? How many whistles would blow before she reached it, if she tried to
walk there? She couldn’t walk there, she knew. That wouldn’t be respectful, and
then she would never be able to find Heaven, and would never see her
Grandmother again. The Fence went underground as deep as it was high, and the
very top was magic, and would burn anyone who tried to touch it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The girl
whose name meant love looked upward, tilting her head back as far as she could,
looking at the very top of the Fence. It shone silver in the sunlight. She
squinted, and her eyes began to water from the brightness. She touched a tear,
and held it out, on the tip of her finger. “I love you, Grandmother,” She
whispered. There was no sound, and the winds came, slow and dry, and her
teardrop was blown away. The little girl smiled. That was love, she knew, that
was magic, and one day, if she worked hard enough, she would be able to go to
Heaven, too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
Copyright 2012, Billijean E. Martiello</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
Theft of this Work will be Prosecuted to the Fullest Extent of the Law</h4>
Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-47460542668926585222012-12-30T19:17:00.000-05:002012-12-30T19:17:00.137-05:002013 Overhaul<div style="text-align: justify;">
The New Year is approaching, and there are changes to be made in all of our lives, including here at Pink Forsythia. Namely, the blog is going to become more organized, and I intend on having articles published more frequently. I cannot forget what this blog is ultimately about: Personal creativity! I hope to reflect this is 2013. I hope you all look forward to the second year of Pink Forsythia, and in my opinion, the best year thus far!</div>
Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-81774815845738687912012-12-30T18:40:00.002-05:002012-12-30T18:40:26.750-05:00Teavana Obsession<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, everyone seems to have New Year's resolutions. The calendar change seems to be the perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf, whether it be a way to improve yourself, do something you always wanted to try, go somewhere new, or generally change your life. One of my resolutions is to try to eat more naturally, by increasing the quality of the foods I cook with, and not buying anything with preservatives and chemicals. 2013 is going to be a year for healthy, delicious, natural food, and trying new recipes!</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On that note, I have given up soft drinks and pre-prepped beverages. However, one cannot live on water alone. Therefore, I have taken up drinking more tea. Hot or cold, a good quality, natural cup of tea has so many health benefits. If you don't load it up with white sugar, it has no calories, plus, is full of antioxidants. Of course, different teas have different benefits, but all in all, it is a healthy, and delicious choice. </div>
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On Friday, I went to Teavana, and bought a Tea Infusion Pitcher for iced tea. I have a tea kettle and a slew of teapots, so hot tea is accessible to me, but now, with this nifty pitcher, I can drink cold tea too. It has a mesh infuser in the top. You can put any blend of loose tea into it, and it has room to expand and steep in the water. I just tried a blend of Mango Chai Tea, and it is AMAZING cold!</div>
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Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-69383711460857105172012-11-24T18:39:00.001-05:002012-11-24T18:39:41.067-05:00Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes<p> </p> <p>Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes are a favorite memory of mine…hearkening back to the long-lost days of elementary school, when my mother would make them to bring to my class for my birthday. I had an August birthday, and so my mother would always arrange things with my teachers so that I could bring cupcakes in during the last week of school. In celebration of summertime, the Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes were always a delightful surprise!</p> <h1>Ingredients:</h1> <p>Enough Cake Batter for 12 cupcakes (your favorite brand or from scratch!)</p> <p>12 flat bottomed sugar Ice Cream Cones</p> <p>Icing</p> <p>Sprinkles</p> <h1>Steps:</h1> <p>1) Mix batter</p> <p>2) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F</p> <p>3) Set sugar cones in cupcake pan</p> <p>4) Divide Batter Evenly between cones</p> <p>5) Bake 20-25 minutes</p> <p>6) Cool</p> <p>7) Ice the tops to look like ice cream</p> <p>8) Apply sprinkles</p> <p>9) Enjoy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7dEuS5ylkpw/ULFaqo7mHbI/AAAAAAAAAmI/R7a05gxv_LU/s1600-h/icecreamcupcake1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="icecreamcupcake1" border="0" alt="icecreamcupcake1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4kRnpxvv4yM/ULFarFOSsSI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/55-zxsNEbDI/icecreamcupcake1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="338"></a></p> <p align="center">The cupcake pan keeps the cones from wobbling while they bake!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TPI6fiso4VY/ULFarZIGhEI/AAAAAAAAAmY/92_aL6vmvjc/s1600-h/icecreamcupcake2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="icecreamcupcake2" border="0" alt="icecreamcupcake2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6B7iRgK3Veg/ULFarxz9D-I/AAAAAAAAAmg/O3x8bz8XiHM/icecreamcupcake2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="335"></a></p> <p align="center">I overfilled my cones a tad, there was a little overflow. To remedy this, fill the cones only to the first line.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TA-qRqgHlhY/ULFasZyxSHI/AAAAAAAAAmo/yP6L01oqXAA/s1600-h/icecreamcupcake3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="icecreamcupcake3" border="0" alt="icecreamcupcake3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ol39Pow8jzM/ULFas0-iN0I/AAAAAAAAAmw/B4cqz5HX_S8/icecreamcupcake3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="340"></a></p> <p align="center">I kept mine standing up in a foil lined pie pan until party time!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XgbUrPSOlnM/ULFatoaYaOI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Dlq82EmT-Ck/s1600-h/icecreamcupcake4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="icecreamcupcake4" border="0" alt="icecreamcupcake4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tOYd8IGnLIg/ULFat93FhXI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Kwc6ScLdFb0/icecreamcupcake4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="329"></a></p> <p align="center">What a scrumptious little cone!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oR5pDOk41X8/ULFaunZhNoI/AAAAAAAAAnI/vRWgVhaBfFY/s1600-h/icecreamcupcake5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="icecreamcupcake5" border="0" alt="icecreamcupcake5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qh7ljlFNTJ0/ULFavGA8jtI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/U5wyZfUQhQU/icecreamcupcake5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="353"></a></p> <p align="center">They are even tastier than they look ^_^</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">Like us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia">https://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia</a></p> Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-15670382113755445422012-11-06T21:47:00.000-05:002012-11-07T16:15:26.112-05:00Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Cookies<br />
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A few weeks ago, I was at a friend’s house, and partook in some scrumptious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. She was kind enough to send me the link to the recipe she used, and tonight, I baked some based on that recipe, with a few tweaks. I don’t seem to be able to use a recipe without changing it, but the cooking came out super delicious! I even used fresh eggs laid by my mom’s chickens. The cookies are soft, delicately flavored, and very tasty…</div>
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I’d love for you all to be able to bake these amazing morsels too! So, here is my tweaked Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Cookie Recipe!</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 1/2 c. pumpkin</div>
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1 1/2 c. granulated sugar</div>
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3/4 c oil (canola/sunflower/vegetable…choose your favorite!)</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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3 c. flour</div>
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1 tbs. baking powder</div>
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2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice</div>
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1 tsp. cinnamon</div>
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3.4 tsp. salt</div>
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1 1/2 tsp. baking soda</div>
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1 1/2 tsp. milk</div>
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2 tbs. vanilla</div>
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2 c. chocolate chips</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b5nfhJBPjq4/UJnK87wxkNI/AAAAAAAAAi0/REsGBeYvX5o/s1600-h/Photo11061911%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo11061911" border="0" height="343" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1cjXCYFFPMc/UJnK9pMci6I/AAAAAAAAAi8/9yueBCKLo1c/Photo11061911_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo11061911" width="437" /></a></div>
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All the yummy ingredients</div>
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Step One: Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs!</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zBlBeg1YJkc/UJnK-cm2fXI/AAAAAAAAAjE/spXf6xfiP8Y/s1600-h/PumpkinCookies2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PumpkinCookies2" border="0" height="343" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KXUsdiGc35U/UJnK_PmgrzI/AAAAAAAAAjM/yIJFGdBYajg/PumpkinCookies2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PumpkinCookies2" width="437" /></a></div>
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Step Two: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NjPpdtY_O7g/UJnK_zW23YI/AAAAAAAAAjU/fMGTVDrydsY/s1600-h/PumpkinCookies3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PumpkinCookies3" border="0" height="360" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w-3B3Jky7ZM/UJnLAWnCtuI/AAAAAAAAAjc/qOl5cpxeErw/PumpkinCookies3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PumpkinCookies3" width="458" /></a></div>
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Step Three: In a dish, dissolve the baking soda and milk.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Do_I1U-HMqs/UJnLA67UGqI/AAAAAAAAAjk/FQrPmM-yvk8/s1600-h/PumpkinCookies4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PumpkinCookies4" border="0" height="317" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Zpx9cG-VUSY/UJnLBovTJkI/AAAAAAAAAjs/canNVchkero/PumpkinCookies4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PumpkinCookies4" width="403" /></a></div>
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Step Four: Add the baking soda/milk mixture to the pumpkin mixture, blend well. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-16YhPxUsPe0/UJnLCW2fPFI/AAAAAAAAAj0/D2v6EcyVa6E/s1600-h/Photo11061927%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo11061927" border="0" height="379" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8wS9ewb7AeQ/UJnLDMzDE7I/AAAAAAAAAj8/az_QdguzZdc/Photo11061927_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo11061927" width="483" /></a></div>
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Step Five: Add flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture. Blend really well, until all the lumps are out, and everything is the same consistency. </div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sq6ijPD4V2s/UJnLDuoD1HI/AAAAAAAAAkE/BAsFfu7M0-o/s1600-h/PumpkinCookies6%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PumpkinCookies6" border="0" height="338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-By2KZw_hxK8/UJnLEHmQyUI/AAAAAAAAAkM/GmIOg988DVQ/PumpkinCookies6_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PumpkinCookies6" width="430" /></a></div>
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Step Six: Add the vanilla, stir well. Then, add the chocolate chips, gently combine.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-neJG1Sdq00M/UJnLEwBxFbI/AAAAAAAAAkU/yNZVnqMCLpo/s1600-h/PumpkinCookies8%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PumpkinCookies8" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ncQs72p6Z-4/UJnLFNKtFJI/AAAAAAAAAkc/xWXnaqZA_u8/PumpkinCookies8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PumpkinCookies8" width="408" /></a></div>
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Step Seven: Drop Cookies on either a greased tray, or use parchment paper on a cookie tray, which is my choice!</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HD6W2yby71I/UJnLFqZd3yI/AAAAAAAAAkk/-gBNyw2HJhU/s1600-h/PumpkinCookies10%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PumpkinCookies10" border="0" height="335" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lo8XtlCt-OA/UJnLGdrQMPI/AAAAAAAAAks/UyFz-nCX6lM/PumpkinCookies10_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PumpkinCookies10" width="426" /></a></div>
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Step Eight: Bake at 350 degrees, for twelve minutes, or until golden on top. However, realize that the cookies will still be soft, do not over-bake them.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pJm8dQ7ngAQ/UJnLG2lCe4I/AAAAAAAAAk0/mG2hhPUv8Fw/s1600-h/PumpkinCookies11%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PumpkinCookies11" border="0" height="335" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OtkYl56ECt0/UJnLHbE3_zI/AAAAAAAAAk8/NBqbwjarUBw/PumpkinCookies11_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PumpkinCookies11" width="427" /></a></div>
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Step Nine: Cool, and enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1GEN6MGQgvQ/UJnLH48p73I/AAAAAAAAAlE/IA4b2dq4lyY/s1600-h/PumpkinCookies12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PumpkinCookies12" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R1lMoIe7rJU/UJnLIUlqcBI/AAAAAAAAAlM/FHGPkiMrsv8/PumpkinCookies12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PumpkinCookies12" width="391" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ZS3Bi1l73o/UJnLJVTFHCI/AAAAAAAAAlU/5Kw7rpiQhSU/s1600-h/PumpkinCookies13%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="PumpkinCookies13" border="0" height="378" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tXCBUTSNqcI/UJnLJqLvA0I/AAAAAAAAAlc/ZT4RVJ0N63o/PumpkinCookies13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PumpkinCookies13" width="482" /></a><br />
Aren’t they just lovely? Well, as good as they look, they smell a thousand times better when they are baking. Try the recipe, I dare you!<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia">Thanks for reading!</a>Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-64269137606307542832012-11-05T13:48:00.000-05:002012-11-05T13:50:25.806-05:00Artist Spotlight: The Rambling Scholar <br />
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Riddle me this, what do a Navy sailor, a bookworm, and a jewelry designer all have in common? A whole lot! Especially since they are all hats worn by my friend and fellow artist/writer/creator, Marjorie-Ann Lacharite. <br />
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This month, I decided to finally start my Artist Spotlight articles, and began with the creative Marjorie-Ann Lacharite, who runs a wonderful Etsy Shop under the name “Rambling Scholar”. I came up with the idea of interviewing different people who have interesting hobbies or passions not only in order to diversify Pink Forsythia but also to introduce some of these wonderful and talented people to the world! Since I met Marjorie during my days in the US Navy, and she currently lives on the other side of the country, we conducted our interview via email. </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RamblingScholar"><img alt="Rambling Scholar" border="0" height="65" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C-rWv65GvQo/UJgJhgZvQZI/AAAAAAAAAiA/LzUL9TI46DA/image%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Her Etsy Shop Banner" width="486" /></a></div>
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Billijean: <strong>So, what sort of art are you involved in creating?</strong><br />
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<strong><em>Marjorie:</em></strong> <em>Originally, I began making bookthongs, which are bookmarks consisting of a ribbon or cord with two beaded ends. Now I’ve expanded the craft into jewelry and bookthongs alike, mostly in the steampunk style</em>.<br />
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Billijean<strong>: How did you get into it?</strong><br />
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<em><strong>Marjorie:</strong> While in training for the Navy, I wanted a hobby where I could use my hands and “shut off” my mind for a little while. Being an avid reader, I was always looking for new and creative bookmarks, so logically I began making them. Without access to classes or a teacher, I had to self-teach everything from the ground up. After my confidence grew in the art of bookthongs, it was an easy transition to use the skills I learned to begin making jewelry too. Making bookmarks and jewelry is a wonderful way to relax after a long day of work, and eventually I got so into it that I stopped making things just for myself and focused on creating for a larger audience. Yet it wasn’t until my first craft show that I was hooked, and now I spend most of my free time in my spare bedroom creating whatever comes to mind.</em><br />
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<strong>Billijean: What inspires you artistically?</strong><br />
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<em><strong>Marjorie: </strong>I grew up with two musicians for parents who raised me on a healthy dose of the Arts. As such, not only did it leave me naturally scatterbrained and disorganized, but it made me appreciate the way art and emotions are so tightly bound. Creating my designs is an artform as well, and I will use it as an outlet for my own emotions at the time, be they positive or negative. I will also listen to music as I work, often using a lyric or feeling from any particular song in the design itself. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge, some of Owl City, and half of Sting’s albums hidden within my work. I want my jewelry and bookmarks to tell a story and evoke an emotion, even if the original inspiration can’t be seen.</em><br />
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<strong>Billijean:</strong> <strong>Are there any books, music, etc. (basically any cultural or artistic pieces) that have helped to define you and your personality?</strong><br />
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<em><strong>Marjorie:</strong> Books. Books absolutely have shaped me just as much as music has. Nothing beats the feeling of losing yourself in a well-written story. I’ve always been partial to fantasy and science fiction, and have recently discovered the urban fantasy and steampunk sub-genres. The latter has gone a long way into shaping my outlook and especially how I design my jewelry and bookmarks. I love the feeling of potential that steampunk can give; the alternate view of what-if that Jules Verne and his contemporaries started that still has relevance today. I love the idea of a steam-powered future that maintains the elegance of the past but keeps all the possibilities of the future. Reading has allowed me see the “what if” in everything around me. To envision a new path or way of doing things, or even simply to try something new with my art that I haven’t before. That has probably shaped me and my life more than any other singular influence outside of my family.</em><br />
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<strong>Billijean: Do you have any particular artistic idol or sorts (whether it be a writer, painter, musician...anything!)?</strong><br />
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<em><strong>Marjorie: </strong>I have to jump on the Neil Gaiman bandwagon on this one. My first introduction to him was a movie called Stardust that I simply loved, and I wouldn’t revisit him for quite some time later until I discovered his books. The man can write like few other modern writers can, with wit and heart that bring the characters to life. I love the way he incorporates fantasy elements so seamlessly into the real world that you never question it. The fantasy isn’t some omnipotent background “guide” or force, it’s an active and tangible component. He’ll put in easter eggs of mythological trivia or clues that are a delight when you get the inside joke, or just an added goodie if you don’t understand the reference. He’s accessible at all levels, but still challenges you and leaves you feeling like you’ve completed a journey by the time you put the story down.</em><br />
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<strong>Billijean: Why do you create? what drives you?</strong><br />
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<em><strong>Marjorie: </strong>I create for the same reason that any other artist creates, I believe. Making art, be it through books, dance, music, or paint, is offering part of yourself to others. It exposes a part of you that is both frightening and thrilling, and absolutely addictive. When I begin a piece, I never go in with a set plan in mind. There may be a technique I want to attempt, or a general idea of what I want to end up with, but it isn’t until I start putting it all together that I even realize what I have. The art speaks for itself, and the more of myself that I put into it, the more I hope it can reach and touch others. Art is telling a story, and whatever that story might be, there’s always part of the artist in it. Some signature that tells you who created it. That is something that will always last, and may be the best form of immortality we have. I can touch others with my art, and when they appreciate and want to share in it with me, there’s no greater feeling in the world.</em><br />
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<strong>Billijean: Are there any websites you would like me to promote for you?</strong><br />
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<em><strong>Marjorie:</strong>I can be found locally at craft shows in Hawaii, and while everyone is welcome to fly over here for some mai tais on the beach, an easier way of finding me and my art is through my website: </em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RamblingScholar"><em>http://www.etsy.com/shop/RamblingScholar</em></a><em>. Each piece in my shop is handmade using local materials, and no two are alike. My favorite pieces are the ones commissioned by others, so feel free to let me know if you want anything altered, or if you would like something created from scratch.</em><br />
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Here is a picture I took off of her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RamblingScholar">Etsy shop</a>, showing just some of the beautiful items that she keeps for sale there! I can attest firsthand to the lovely quality of her work, I bought quite a few pieces to give as gifts last Holiday season :)</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DRsRuZrLux8/UJgJjGx_SPI/AAAAAAAAAiI/cPnDp74xM_c/s1600-h/rambling%252520scholar%25255B5%25255D.png"><img alt="rambling scholar" border="0" height="361" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4Gf9Sv0H6rQ/UJgJklauj_I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/iPOYSG1kh0o/rambling%252520scholar_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rambling scholar" width="396" /></a></div>
I would like to thank Marjorie-Ann Lacharite, for taking the time to sit for this interview! It means a lot to me, and so : THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU! Also, I would like to thank my awesome group of READERS! I would appreciate it if you would browse The Rambling Scholar at: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RamblingScholar"><em>http://www.etsy.com/shop/RamblingScholar</em></a><br />
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Feel free to leave a comment below, it would mean a lot to everyone involved in this interview! Thanks again, and keep reading <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia">Pink Forsythia</a>! Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-47362886421230573132012-11-01T11:23:00.001-04:002012-11-01T11:23:57.691-04:00Happy November 1st!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Good Morning, and Happy November! To some of us, November means the beginning of the Thanksgiving season, the end of colorful leaves and the start of frost. To others, it may mean worrying about the election for the first few days, and then either seething or celebrating for the rest of the month. But this year, for me, and for other writers across the globe, November 1st marks the beginning of a challenge, National Novel Writing Month, in which participants have exactly one month to write a 50,000 word novel, and win bragging rights. </div>
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Now, at first I relegated NaNoWriMo to be an event for those who actually have spare time, aka, not me. Why, I asked myself, would I want to spend a month of my time writing a novel when I am currently attending two separate institutions of higher learning, barely see my husband as it is because we are both so busy, am trying to get my driver's licence (pitifully, at 23), and have other various commitments that come along with independent adult life? Well, I guess because I thought the pressure might actually help me finish a novel already.</div>
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I have been "writing novels" since I could read. I finished one once, about animals that lived in upstate New York in a fortress on an island in the middle of an abandoned blue-stone quarry, although the computer I typed it on (a big, unreliable grey box of a PC), crashed, and at 12, I didn't yet realize the importance of backing up my work (on a floppy, no less), until after that incident.Since then, I have been floundering to finish one, and at the end of this month, I may just do that.</div>
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This morning, I wrote nearly 5,000 words, because today, I had some time. If I can find other, random chunks of time, I may be able to slay this beast. So, her is to me, working, attending school, writing my blog, managing my relationship, not cancelling too often on my beloved family and friends, and WRITING, WRITING, WRITING, furiously, chasing that 50,000 word goal!</div>
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Thanks for reading, all!</div>
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PS. This is the link to my NaNoWriMo page...keep me encouraged if you see my word count fall!</div>
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<a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/pinkforsythia">http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/pinkforsythia</a></div>
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Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-67088766304212732012-10-23T13:07:00.001-04:002012-10-23T13:12:47.537-04:00To Plan a Wedding...Flowers!<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I first met my husband, Christopher, we soon discovered that we shared a lot in common, such as our love of the color green, reading <em>The Hobbit</em>, and writing poetry. Also, we shared a favorite flower: the beautiful Sunflower. Since we met, he has given me bouquet after bouquet of lovely sunflowers, and it has never crossed my mind that the sunflower shouldn't be the one that we choose for our wedding. </div>
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When we eloped in the August of 2009, I purposely chose a simple location: the Justice of the Peace. Also, I purposely refused to have a bouquet, a fancy dress, a first dance, music, personalized vows, professional photos, etcetera. I always told people that it WASN'T our wedding, simply a marriage ceremony. I wanted to save my wedding for a time when we had the extra money, the ability to be together for more than a weekend, and when we lived in a location that allowed both sides of our family to attend. Now, I am having a blast planning the details with my husband, mother, sisters, and friends, and I am ready to have the wedding of our dreams, for a realistic cost that won't break the bank or put us in debt!</div>
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Now, more about the flowers! The sunflower is native to North America, and is not only beautiful and decorative, but is highly USEFUL as well, providing us with yummy seeds and healthy oil. The myth that a sunflower follows the sun with it's "face" is untrue, stemming from the fact that sunflowers in a field all face the same way. Actually, the truth is that they all face EAST as they grow, which is very interesting. There are many varieties of sunflowers, all of them cheerful and lovely to behold.</div>
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I know that I want the wedding ceremony to take place in a natural setting, somewhere out-of-doors in the fresh air, that we won't have to decorate or alter. The idea is to find somewhere beautiful, natural, peaceful, and happy, a place where we can feel a part of the world around us, and each other.We never liked the idea of an indoor ceremony, because, to us, no ornate ceiling could be as beautiful as the open sky, be it clear or clouded, and no windows and walls could be as breathtaking as trees and fields and the glory of nature. Using an outdoor ceremony, the need to decorate with masses of flowers and ribbons would be obliterated, and the only flowers that I would need for this chapter of the wedding would be in bouquets, for my bridal party and myself.</div>
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My only debate for the bridal bouquets is whether to bind together a grouping of smaller sunflowers for the ladies to carry, or if they should carry one larger flower. I have seen both ideas online, and both are very attractive options! I am leaning toward one, giant, beautiful sunflower for each member of the bridal party, and then making my bouquet out of many smaller ones, cascading together. I love the idea of only using sunflowers, keeping the color palate simple, yet stunning, and really letting the beauty of one flower that means a lot to us both, shine through. </div>
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I was pleased to find websites that would allow me to order bulk sunflowers, leaving me enough to craft arrangements for the reception from. Ideally, the reception will only have 25 to 30 guests, and only a couple of tables. We really only want our closest family and friends, there is no point in pretending for a day that everyone we know, who can't care enough to be there for us in our daily lives, should be there for us on the most important day of our lives, I wouldn't be comfortable with that. Plus, by limiting the guest list, we can really go all out, and have an elegant, lavish event for the people who love us! Quality, I think is more important than quantity.</div>
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A smaller reception will allow me to really deck the place out with sunflowers, and one-hundred stems will go a lonnnng, lonnnnng way! I plan on using GROUPINGS of vases on each table, of different shapes and sizes, with a group of sunflowers in each one. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_1dv7AJ-tE/UIbM2L8iDII/AAAAAAAAAdA/oRUrD1g0-ns/s1600/sunfl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_1dv7AJ-tE/UIbM2L8iDII/AAAAAAAAAdA/oRUrD1g0-ns/s1600/sunfl1.jpg" /></a></div>
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kind of like this, but with more vases</div>
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Keeping the flowers simple will allow me to be able to DO MY OWN ARRANGEMENTS and I will be able to BUY BULK FLOWERS, therefore, saving me quite a lot of money in the long run. Average wedding flower costs are nearly $700.00, and that is NOT counting the reception flowers. Crazy, right? I can't imagine investing almost a grand in decorations that will be dead in a few days anyway. Doing the flowers my way will run about $200.00, for the ceremony, reception, delivery charges, AND incidentals like vases and ribbons and floral binding tape. I am feeling good about this!</div>
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So, opinions?</div>
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What is your favorite flower?</div>
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What do you think of my bouquet and centerpiece ideas?</div>
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I'd love you feedback, dear readers!</div>
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Please keep reading as I plan Billijean and Christopher's Dream Wedding 2013! This is the second article about the planning process ^_^</div>
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Also, if you haven't yet, "like" Pink Forsythia's Facebook page at : <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia">http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia</a> </div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-37486986795280176292012-10-21T16:18:00.000-04:002012-10-23T15:33:00.194-04:00To Plan a Wedding…<br />
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On August 1st, 2009, I eloped to Las Vegas with the love of my life, and we began our “happily ever after”. After a few years of dating, Christopher and I joined the US Navy, together, and decided it would be silly to let the military drag us to separate corners of the earth, where we would be, undoubtedly, very unhappy, and so, in order to stay together, we decided to get married.</div>
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However, each of us was still in our A-School training at the time, myself studying Korean at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, and Christopher studying medicine at the US Navy Corps School in Great Lakes, IL. We only had weekends off at a time, so we decided to meet in the middle, at a place where, in one afternoon, it was possible to procure a marriage license AND get married, LAS VEGAS!</div>
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We booked a gorgeous suite in the glamorous Venetian Hotel, in my opinion, the best hotel in the city. We had 36 hours together, and we made the most of all of it.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-11V4I1esXgw/UIRQDMWIhqI/AAAAAAAAAYU/yhJeTgS03wU/s1600-h/10120_273582445576_5526971_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Outside of the Venetian" border="0" height="444" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jyj3TiagIwY/UIRQDq8EJ8I/AAAAAAAAAYc/jTnNKbKgNrg/10120_273582445576_5526971_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="In love at the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas" width="323" /></a></div>
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We look so young!!! I was 19, and he was 20 ^_^</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x-yf5sMByOE/UIRQETHDgCI/AAAAAAAAAYk/4UB8fsQ-JQU/s1600-h/10120_273582470576_5423445_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582470576_5423445_n" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6RwIgg-Zem0/UIRQFL2opcI/AAAAAAAAAYs/3UFRYvsiAuQ/10120_273582470576_5423445_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582470576_5423445_n" width="304" /></a></div>
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We stayed our two nights at the Venetian Hotel, VERY classy</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kMDSfw0V1GY/UIRQFvx2ftI/AAAAAAAAAY0/8wJBze2vyjE/s1600-h/10120_273582530576_3612621_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582530576_3612621_n" border="0" height="349" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GhQL2VlMJMg/UIRQGaIq3tI/AAAAAAAAAY8/zkiOhUZlshw/10120_273582530576_3612621_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582530576_3612621_n" width="444" /></a></div>
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Christopher at the Fountain</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UX1dR8PxLQ4/UIRW0coFjiI/AAAAAAAAAZY/P8HFL3hD-Uo/s1600-h/10120_273582535576_479835_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582535576_479835_n" border="0" height="313" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QofFQdkl6WQ/UIRW0wygksI/AAAAAAAAAZg/3-84F6k-L-g/10120_273582535576_479835_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582535576_479835_n" width="398" /></a></div>
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Faux-Venice has GONDOLAS</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QDnshu2EQL4/UIRW1b7PFbI/AAAAAAAAAZo/sg96LT-sI_A/s1600-h/10120_273582225576_3560097_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582225576_3560097_n" border="0" height="379" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KTHqrQJdQwI/UIRW2PS-FeI/AAAAAAAAAZw/iYgc--CJJLQ/10120_273582225576_3560097_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582225576_3560097_n" width="276" /></a></div>
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Me, So Excited to be in Vegas</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fnadrUPNn5M/UIRW2rIk-5I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/FQsT3eieT08/s1600-h/10120_273582260576_4225295_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582260576_4225295_n" border="0" height="313" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q54amMUhpZw/UIRW3JD9yBI/AAAAAAAAAaA/u6e-RFjw4SE/10120_273582260576_4225295_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582260576_4225295_n" width="399" /></a></div>
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Venetian Interior</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pnpt6FZv3bM/UIRW39TzZFI/AAAAAAAAAaI/TY_QuxU6Tzw/s1600-h/10120_273582345576_5986441_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582345576_5986441_n" border="0" height="379" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9X-Y_EB1Ahc/UIRW4Y5TTQI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/GD7c7hCb9bQ/10120_273582345576_5986441_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582345576_5986441_n" width="276" /></a></div>
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Lovebirds <3 </div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0HJfGlrAIrA/UIRW5GPGLMI/AAAAAAAAAaY/Iad-by36oBM/s1600-h/10120_273582645576_6243829_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582645576_6243829_n" border="0" height="431" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OZJMesJvw6Y/UIRW5lRSDmI/AAAAAAAAAag/SMkdgsvrrIg/10120_273582645576_6243829_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582645576_6243829_n" width="314" /></a></div>
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Tree-Hugger!</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rqpBiHCKhac/UIRW6RZF_nI/AAAAAAAAAao/puNVo_kky2s/s1600-h/10120_273582900576_5780705_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582900576_5780705_n" border="0" height="381" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r5whS3ZviJM/UIRW7UolYZI/AAAAAAAAAaw/D7O5l5YANcs/10120_273582900576_5780705_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582900576_5780705_n" width="485" /></a></div>
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We Married at the Justice of the Peace</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_4QQwF4AjdI/UIRW8N20KpI/AAAAAAAAAa4/i4A6hFq9EFQ/s1600-h/10120_273582910576_2807443_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582910576_2807443_n" border="0" height="335" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aPFyMZKeHHA/UIRW99v1d3I/AAAAAAAAAbA/jKWJyHLZ8Ac/10120_273582910576_2807443_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582910576_2807443_n" width="426" /></a></div>
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Right After</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NQkvBV9bJU4/UIRW-H6E1iI/AAAAAAAAAbI/SPA_0vk4zEM/s1600-h/10120_273582990576_8256274_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582990576_8256274_n" border="0" height="416" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mls-G7yG1dU/UIRW-hQAaxI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/bwXZu6fC1QE/10120_273582990576_8256274_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582990576_8256274_n" width="303" /></a></div>
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Newlyweds!</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AhDM0pWnlC0/UIRW_U_ZC1I/AAAAAAAAAbY/Y9XGar-hOvs/s1600-h/10120_273583030576_4900090_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273583030576_4900090_n" border="0" height="324" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-imQS_an1B44/UIRW_xbp1FI/AAAAAAAAAbg/kRRYYezeCgo/10120_273583030576_4900090_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273583030576_4900090_n" width="413" /></a></div>
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A Beautiful Fountain</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LUAWQFz0y7g/UIRXAgO4dnI/AAAAAAAAAbo/jVvZE2MaYnM/s1600-h/10120_273583115576_7558893_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273583115576_7558893_n" border="0" height="402" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lMCTd0vP84M/UIRXBHNVKfI/AAAAAAAAAbw/j3o8IWJfV8k/10120_273583115576_7558893_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273583115576_7558893_n" width="293" /></a></div>
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A Pretty Place</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4sk-jtBJkk8/UIRXBrjy3JI/AAAAAAAAAb4/J6GSC6YMJls/s1600-h/10120_273583155576_220352_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273583155576_220352_n" border="0" height="349" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YTP04UOg7x4/UIRXCdu9rzI/AAAAAAAAAcA/pk7lUSE3fTk/10120_273583155576_220352_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273583155576_220352_n" width="445" /></a></div>
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Our Venetian View</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jdL5ofxfhQg/UIRXC9j4AVI/AAAAAAAAAcI/xT1n6SopWoA/s1600-h/10120_273582185576_146849_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="10120_273582185576_146849_n" border="0" height="353" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l3b-fNRhQJc/UIRXDVbpuVI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/O0qzDGqRn8s/10120_273582185576_146849_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="10120_273582185576_146849_n" width="449" /></a></div>
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Leaving Vegas</div>
<br />
I agreed to elope with my husband not only because I love him completely and wouldn’t want to be separated for longer than we had to be, but also because he promised me that later, we could have our wedding.<br />
That is why now, I am beginning plans for the wedding that we never had, to be held on our 4th anniversary, August 1st, 2013. Later is better than never, and I am glad we eloped when we did, our Romance has the best of both worlds!<br />
Later articles will highlight the “wedding planning” process…My goal is a small, intimate wedding for only the people that matter the most to us, with a beautiful, poetic out-door ceremony and an elegant reception…Also, fantastic photos are what I am most excited for! I am going to be injecting our personalities into the planning, and this may well be the most important thing that I ever plan. <br />
I hope you keep reading Pink Forsythia, and like the Facebook page, at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia" title="http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia">http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia</a> ^_^<br />
Thanks for Reading!Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-18108987713111530772012-10-14T18:18:00.000-04:002012-10-14T18:18:23.668-04:00Postcrossing: A Phenomenal Experience<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lXDVhcPlejQ/UHs52tOrH6I/AAAAAAAAAXw/vGCmTj_k6Fc/s1600-h/pc13%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pc13" border="0" height="280" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZEr5Cu_F_BQ/UHs53OEy1aI/AAAAAAAAAX4/3V_ogwEfSCg/pc13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pc13" width="356" /></a></div>
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Hello, readers! I have been wanting to talk to you all about my latest and greatest hobby for some time, Postcrossing. I was introduced to it this past summer, by a few friends from college, and now, I am hooked! Quite the phenomenon, Postcrossing has been sweeping the globe since its start in the July of 2005. Now, there are hundreds of thousands of participants, and it just keeps on growing.</div>
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You might ask, “What exactly IS Postcrossing, anyway?” Well, I will tell you…</div>
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BUT, before I do, answer a few simple questions:</div>
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1) Do you like to receive mail? I mean REAL mail, not junk mail or bills…REAL, unadulterated, PERSON TO PERSON mail?</div>
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2) Are you interested in travel, other cultures, or other people?</div>
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If you answered yes to both questions, POSTCROSSING could be your new favorite hobby and obsession!</div>
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Postcrossing, as I said, was established in 2005, and is based on the website <a href="http://www.postcrossing.com/">www.postcrossing.com</a>. Postcrossers, as people who utilize Postcrossing are called, make free and easy accounts on the website. From there, the program is basically a postcard swap. You request an address, and send a card. For every card you send, you get one back from a random Postcrosser around the globe!</div>
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According to the website, </div>
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<em>The goal of this project is to allow people to receive postcards from all over the world, for free. Well, almost free! The main idea is that: <strong>if you send a postcard, you will receive at least one back</strong> from a random Postcrosser from somewhere in the world.</em> <div align="justify">
<em>Why? Because, like the </em><a href="http://www.postcrossing.com/team"><em>author</em></a><em>, there are lots of people who like to receive real mail. <br />The element of surprise of receiving postcards from different places in the world (many of which you probably have never heard of) can turn your mailbox into a box of surprises - and who wouldn't like that?</em></div>
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I have found Postcrossing to be easy to do, affordable, and ultimately, extremely rewarding. Not only have I received dozens of great cards from around the world, complete with interesting messages and fantastic stamps, but I find myself getting excited about picking up postcards to send, and I love going to the Post Office to buy the cool stamps that come out!</div>
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The Basic Steps to Postcrossing according to the website:</div>
<ol>
<li><em>request an address from the website </em>
<li><em>mail the postcard to the address </em>
<li><em>wait to receive a postcard </em>
<li><em>register the received postcard in the system</em></li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
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<em>The first step is to request to send a postcard. The website will display (and send you an e-mail) with the address of another member and a Postcard ID (e.g.: US-786). You then mail a postcard to that member.</em> <em>The member receives the postcard and registers it using the Postcard ID that is on the postcard. At this point, <strong>you</strong> are eligible to receive a postcard from another user. <strong>You</strong> are now in line for the next person that requests to send a postcard. Where the postcard comes from is a surprise!</em> <em>You can have up to 5 postcards traveling at any single time. Every time one of the postcards you send is registered, you can request another address. The </em><a href="http://www.postcrossing.com/help/how-many-postcards-can-i-send"><em>number of postcards</em></a><em> allowed to travel at any single time goes up the more postcards you send!</em> <div align="justify">
I love getting cards from interesting people of all ages and backgrounds, and I have been sent everything from poetry and doodles to journal entries and recipes. I also love when a card I get is registered online, and the thank-you notes they include with the registration are the best part of sending them! Who wouldn’t be like a five year old on Christmas to open the mailbox and see new postcards sitting there? Getting the mail is now one of the highlights of my everyday routine ^_^</div>
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I even made a schnazzy binder for my cards, with plastic protectors, so I can see the front and back of each one…It would be a shame to cover up the pretty pictures OR the handwritten messages, so my binder is the best thing for postcard organization.</div>
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To view my user profile, and get an idea of what your could look like, follow this link: <a href="http://www.postcrossing.com/user/pinkforsythia" title="http://www.postcrossing.com/user/pinkforsythia">http://www.postcrossing.com/user/pinkforsythia</a></div>
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My sisters and mom are now Postcrossers too, and they love it as much as I do! The thing to remember is, you have to SEND postcards to RECEIVE postcards, it can take a week or two for you to get your first one in the mail, but once they start coming, you will be glad that you signed up!<br />
Once again, thanks for reading, and HAPPY POSTCROSSING!<br />
P.S. Current Postcrossers feel free to comment! What do you love best about Postcrossing???<br />
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Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-56246113871537574002012-09-28T13:41:00.001-04:002012-09-28T13:42:07.680-04:00A Friday Night Cocktail Party!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BqOudT9Ah70/UGXhXsNcuuI/AAAAAAAAAWs/hWZ8qf7OsHA/s1600-h/cocktail%252520party%252521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cocktail party!" border="0" alt="cocktail party!" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NNIh3JRkszM/UGXhYQ2zlGI/AAAAAAAAAW0/9yz4EK_SRyM/cocktail%252520party%252521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="325"></a></p> <p align="justify"> I have been perusing my cookbooks, and have come up with a few ideas for appetizers and cocktails, that when paired together, would make for as great Friday night cocktail party! You know, those things that adults in TV-Land host every few episodes, with cute dresses and shoes, martini glasses, and men with combed-back hair? The cocktail parties of the good-old days that have been slowly replaced with gatherings of beer-pong players and take-out...Much to my chagrin. So, instead of ordering the keg and downloading some pirated music and dancing gangnam style while everyone funnels beer and cold pizza, maybe some of us could try doing our hair, mixing a few drinks, and serving some appetizers while reconnecting with our friends. (Hey, you can still gangnam-it-up if you want while sipping a Cosmo, I am not judging!) But, seriously, a trip down to the good old days when you could party <em>classy</em> and still enjoy yourself, that is a little something 2012 could use. <p><font size="3"><strong>Three Appetizers:</strong></font> <p>1) Tapenade with Crostini (serves 12, feel free to multiply quantities to suit your party!) <p>For the Crostini: <p>Ingredients <ul> <li> <p>24 slices of crusty Italian OR French Bread, cut about 1/2 inch thick </p> <li> <p>Melted Butter</p></li></ul> <p>Steps: <ol> <li> <p>Preheat Oven to 400 degrees F</p> <li> <p>Place bread on baking sheets</p> <li> <p>Brush with butter</p> <li> <p>Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden</p> <li>Top with Tapenade, serve immediately</li></ol> <p>For the Tapenade: <p>Ingredients <ul> <li>1/2 cup green olives with pimentos <li>1/2 cup kalamata olives (remove pits) <li>1 tbs olive oil <li>1 tbs Dijon mustard <li>2 tsps balsamic vinegar <li>2 minced cloves of garlic <li>1/2 cup seeded tomato, finely chopped <li>2 tbs sliced green onion</li></ul> <p>Steps: <ol> <li> <p>Combine olives, oil, mustard, vinegar, and garlic in a blender. </p> <li> <p>Process until almost smooth</p> <li> <p>Stir in tomato and green onion</p> <li> <p>Spread on crostini</p> <li> <p>Serve immediately</p></li></ol> <p>2) Apple and Brie Quesadillas (serves 8) <p>Ingredients <ul> <li> <p>2 thinly sliced Granny Smith Apples</p> <li> <p>olive oil</p> <li> <p>8 8-inch tortillas</p> <li> <p>16 oz brie cheese, sliced, rind removed</p> <li> <p>2 tablespoons stone ground mustard</p> <li> <p>2 tbs maple syrup</p> <li> <p>4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled</p></li></ul> <p>Steps: <ol> <li>Preheat pan to medium-high <li>Toss apples with 4 tsp olive oil, cook until tender (3-4 mins) <li>Separate apples and cheese into 8 servings <li>Cover half of each tortilla with one serving of apples and cheese, fold the other half over to make quesadilla <li>Heat 2 tps of olive oil in a large skillet (nonstick), and cook over medium heat <li>Cook quesadillas about 2 mins on each side, until melty and golden <li>Combine mustard and syrup in a bowl <li>Drizzle quesadillas with syrup, sprinkle with bacon</li></ol> <p>Note: For a vegetarian version, cut out mustard-maple syrup and bacon, replace with a warm drizzle of caramel sauce! <p>3) Charred Pineapple Rings (serves six-eight...make two or three for a larger crowd!) <p>Ingredients <ul> <li>1 large pineapple <li>olive oil</li></ul> <p>Steps: <p>1) Cut pineapple into rings <p>2) Brush each ring on both sides lightly with olive oil <p>3) Heat a ridged grill pan to medium high on the stovetop <p>4) Grill, turning once, until each side is lightly charred, about three mins per side <p><strong><font size="3">Three Cocktails:</font></strong> <p>1) Florida Skies (makes 1) <p>Ingredients <ul> <li> <p>ice cubes, cracked</p> <li> <p>1 measure white rum</p> <li> <p>1/4 measure lime juice</p> <li> <p>1/2 measure pineapple juice</p> <li> <p>soda water (to top up)</p> <li> <p>thinly sliced cucumber</p></li></ul> <p>Steps: <ol> <li> <p>Put cracked ice in a tall glass</p> <li> <p>Put rum and juices in a shaker, shake lightly</p> <li> <p>Strain into glass</p> <li> <p>Top up with soda water</p> <li> <p>Garnish with cucumber slices</p></li></ol> <p>2) Purple Haze (1 Drink) <p>Ingredients <ul> <li> <p>Ice</p> <li> <p>1 measure vodka</p> <li> <p>1 dash Cointreau</p> <li> <p>1 dash lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best)</p> <li> <p>1 dash raspberry liqueur, such as Chambord</p></li></ul> <p>Steps: <ol> <li> <p>In a shaker, combine vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice. Briefly shake</p> <li> <p>Strain into shot glass</p> <li> <p>Slowly add a dash of Chambord, it should settle prettily to the bottom</p></li></ol> <p>3) Loving Cup (serves 12) <p>Ingredients <ul> <li> <p>8 sugar cubes</p> <li> <p>2 lemons</p> <li> <p>1/2 bottle sweet sherry</p> <li> <p>1/4 bottle brandy</p> <li> <p>1 bottle sparkling dry white wine</p></li></ul> <p>Steps: <ol> <li> <p>Rub sugar cubes over lemons, to absorb zest's oils</p> <li> <p>Peel lemons, remove pith</p> <li> <p>Slice lemons thinly, set aside</p> <li> <p>Put sherry, brandy, sugar cubes and lemon zest in a pitcher until sugar dissolves</p> <li> <p>Cover and chill, 30 mins</p> <li> <p>When ready to serve, add wine to the pitcher, and float the lemon slices on top</p></li></ol> <p>I hope this inspires someone to host a cocktail party! Also, feel free to comment with your favorite appetizer or cocktail recipes! Enjoy :)</p> Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-83827791435154606632012-09-24T17:33:00.001-04:002012-09-24T17:33:12.391-04:00What Makes My Kitchen…MINE ^_^<p> </p> <p align="justify"> Since I have been out on my own, I have gathered a number of objects that have really spoken to me. I believe that your space should represent your personality…and your kitchen is no exception! So, today, I am celebrating a few of my favorite kitchen things, the things that make my kitchen, well… MY KITCHEN. I know I haven’t had as much time to personalize my space as some of you, being relatively young to most people who have their own homes, but I have enjoyed every moment of it! I have had homes in Monterey, California, Pearl City, Hawaii, and now Saugerties, New York. My things reflect these places, and as I travel and live in other places, my kitchen is sure to evolve to reflect the changes :) </p> <p align="justify">1) Bunny Salt and Pepper Shakers</p> <p align="justify">Not my first pair, nor my last, but most definitely my favorite, these bunny salt and pepper shakers were obtained at a boutique in Tannersville, New York. The salt shaker is female, and pepper male, and they look at each other as if they are in love. The pastel colors and the fact that they are rabbits (I am currently the proud bunny-mummy to Poppy (2 years) and Sophie (3 months), and had a bunny Bruce, who passed away a year ago this past July 4th) are why I loved them when I saw them, and the fact that my husband, Christopher, bought them for me the second I turned my back makes me love them even more!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9DrfXXbwNuk/UGDRVTIh_II/AAAAAAAAASg/Q6QO5Y7gyYw/s1600-h/cutekitchen1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen1" border="0" alt="cutekitchen1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a5ru1WeGHR8/UGDRV8gQBWI/AAAAAAAAASo/IQP4dqjArPo/cutekitchen1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="284"></a></p> <p align="justify">2) Floral Piggy Bank</p> <p align="justify">I love this Piggy Bank for a few reasons. Firstly, it is a PIG, and if you keep reading this article, you will see that along with owls and hares, I LOVE PIGS. Secondly, growing up, my mom had a piggy bank in her kitchen, a big fat pig we named Daisy, for the flowers on her flank. She was a ceramic piggy bank procured at a yard sale, and whenever anyone had pocket change, they would feed it to Daisy. She went through a couple of paint jobs, but always has the same cute eyelashes and curling smile! So, I knew I also needed a kitchen pig, and when I found this one, I knew she was the one for me. The third reason why I picked this specific pig is the pastel floral print. Even since I saw the Greek Mythology segment from Disney’s Fantasia when I was a child, I have been in love with bright pastel colors. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aWZfu9GzFDY/UGDRWVzrodI/AAAAAAAAASw/fopSC4KyoDQ/s1600-h/cutekitchen2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen2" border="0" alt="cutekitchen2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0vyyMP_QnSc/UGDRWm5ukBI/AAAAAAAAAS4/_QYZsy7n69E/cutekitchen2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="294"></a></p> <p align="justify">For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, watch this video : </p> <p align="justify"> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:78c882f2-86d5-4786-9ed4-22ec580c4f3d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="2b76fac1-79c2-4e48-bbc3-813c46cf2773" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KZyZiMdjvU&feature=BFa&list=PL4BF2700E2327A1E0" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xZO8V2bz9i8/UGDRXJrjONI/AAAAAAAAATA/SaAS9R4D6qo/videob921b00f6d09%25255B77%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('2b76fac1-79c2-4e48-bbc3-813c46cf2773'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/9KZyZiMdjvU?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/9KZyZiMdjvU?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">My favorite FANTASIA segment…where I learned to love BRIGHT PASTEL colors</div></div></p> <p align="justify">And so, when I found the adorable floral piggy bank at the Target in Sand City, California, I KNEW I had to have it! And so, Daisy II has been collecting change on my various kitchen counters ever since!</p> <p align="justify">3) Guy in the Stocks Jar</p> <p align="justify">One of my latest kitchen additions, and perhaps one of the quirkiest, my “Van Rossem’s Toebaek” tobacco jar is one of my favorite cooking spoon jars! I got it at a yard sale somewhere between Saugerties, NY and Cooperstown, NY on the way home from a week-long Cooperstown vacation with my husband. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U5LzIl27FIk/UGDRYNhBBJI/AAAAAAAAATI/6nlgTvRcOFI/s1600-h/cute%252520kitchen%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cute kitchen 3" border="0" alt="cute kitchen 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jFSZh6ZCiig/UGDRYpD1aOI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Nm08SJWt7FI/cute%252520kitchen%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="303"></a></p> <p align="center">front view</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xap8P9pxkDU/UGDRZUjipzI/AAAAAAAAATY/wSCIv9Tmhd0/s1600-h/cutekitchen4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen4" border="0" alt="cutekitchen4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aRi7eWFVKFY/UGDRZwtiwQI/AAAAAAAAATg/VciMsEJjxok/cutekitchen4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="313"></a></p> <p align="center">back view</p> <p align="justify">I Googled the words on the back of the jar recently, and apparently a whole bunch of them were made in the 1930’s as tobacco humidors. There are many available on online auction sites, but none are available quite as cheaply as I obtained mine! I fell for this jar because of the quirky picture of the villager in the stocks…enjoying his tobacco!</p> <p align="justify">4) Samurai Lion Seppuku Jar</p> <p align="justify">When I first saw this jar, at a Goodwill in Honolulu, HI, I just thought it was a cute lion I could put my spoons in. On closer observation, this lion is a samurai (he has the hairstyle in the back!) committing Seppuku, a Japanese suicide ritual. Seppuku means “stomach-cutting”, and that is exactly what my little lion is doing! You can see the hilt of his sword sticking out of his stomach. This is a very interesting piece, and according to the bottom of the jar, was made in Okinawa. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OD4c9vmMwz8/UGDRae7GWUI/AAAAAAAAATo/00MHp1s9Ihk/s1600-h/cutekitchen5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen5" border="0" alt="cutekitchen5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_emWJnxrzJs/UGDRbPbZhwI/AAAAAAAAATw/ECPXBi42azg/cutekitchen5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="370"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="justify">5) Crowley, the Crown-Tailed Betta</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_O_Sw8puHlg/UGDRbx81NbI/AAAAAAAAAT4/Ka97ABaDGa4/s1600-h/cutekitchen6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen6" border="0" alt="cutekitchen6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mEUnVHOMLZU/UGDRcSndLzI/AAAAAAAAAUA/dVgwTZFZyts/cutekitchen6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="337"></a></p> <p align="justify">I bought Crowley to be a pet and a decoration when Christopher and I moved into our Saugerties, NY apartment this past February. His underside is bright red, and the rest of him blue, green and purple. An exceptionally easy-to-care-for pet, and an exceptional beauty, this little guy is my cooking-buddy. </p> <p align="justify">6) The Green Lady and the Forest Painting</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pGDacmIiSR8/UGDRc1P5vcI/AAAAAAAAAUI/TRQhbwKMcqA/s1600-h/cutekitchen7%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen7" border="0" alt="cutekitchen7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yQBzRZfFFjQ/UGDRdcJy6LI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/WaSbDdiJ5SQ/cutekitchen7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="365"></a></p> <p align="justify">I fell in love with this ceramic relief of the green lady (Google green man/green lady from Celtic mythology, or read this Wikipedia page if you need to brush up <a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Man" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Man">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Man</a>) As a lover of everything IRISH, I immediately fell in love with the smiling face sticking out from the flowers and leaves. Christopher and I bought her while passing through Cherry Valley, New York, at a Celtic shop there. Everything there was amazing, but the Green Lady was my favorite. Hand-made by the owner of the shop, she hung there for twenty years before I came along! The forest painting next to it is an acrylic on plastic painting, made by Christopher’s father, Joseph Martiello. He gave it to us when he came to visit, and when I saw how well the greens in it went with both my kitchen and the Green Lady, I decided to hang it beside her! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZLtjGQGmh7Y/UGDRd561yfI/AAAAAAAAAUY/JJdozpV4tGc/s1600-h/cutekitchen8%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen8" border="0" alt="cutekitchen8" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L_kT01tH2tk/UGDReTKA98I/AAAAAAAAAUg/Src-tapIRM4/cutekitchen8_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="380"></a>. </p> <p align="justify">7) Piggy Kitchen Gadgets</p> <p align="justify">Above my stove is my collection on Piggy Kitchen Gadgets. I have been slowly collecting the set since 2009, when my mum sent me the whisk and the rubber spatula. The spoons, tongs, and finally, egg-timer followed, and I completed the set in early 2012. There may be more out there, and if there are, I will find them!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kohdU8Fs4lM/UGDRe0YCslI/AAAAAAAAAUo/n1UpCzLqjGg/s1600-h/cutekitchen9%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen9" border="0" alt="cutekitchen9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bPY_IzZRT9c/UGDRfaPIZkI/AAAAAAAAAUw/__7BLSKPmCA/cutekitchen9_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="365"></a></p> <p align="justify">This collection is made by Joie, and is called the Piggy Wiggy kitchen set, in case anyone wants them too!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5dT3n6tt1Hw/UGDRf9B9SgI/AAAAAAAAAU4/lW1hUjItdyE/s1600-h/cutekitchen10%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen10" border="0" alt="cutekitchen10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xx7FYlONsJ0/UGDRgOy786I/AAAAAAAAAVA/cUsS1hrJfAQ/cutekitchen10_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="241"></a></p> <p align="justify">8) Owl Teapot/Cup for One</p> <p align="justify">This was a Christmas present in 2011 from my sister, and I love it! It is a teapot for one, sitting on top of a mug. The set also includes a teabag holder, which I forgot to photograph. I really love owls, and I love tea, so this was a perfect gift for me!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G_Lu2a-bRDU/UGDRg2t10rI/AAAAAAAAAVI/SmkBLGFADzE/s1600-h/cutekitchen11%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen11" border="0" alt="cutekitchen11" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-leYpb0w2Xh0/UGDRheNJUcI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/lCQ8PSSm6as/cutekitchen11_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="292"></a></p> <p align="justify">9) Vintage Mickey and Minnie Cookie Jars</p> <p align="justify">Perched atop my refrigerator are these adorable, vintage Mickey and Minnie cookie jars, from the 1940s. My husband found them in mint condition at an antique store in Saugerties, and bought them for me this past Valentine’s Day. Whimsical and romantic, I feel lucky to have them ^_^</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dPnUZuOnwQs/UGDRiLnpauI/AAAAAAAAAVY/X-NnJ3WxHzE/s1600-h/cutekitchen12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen12" border="0" alt="cutekitchen12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HmX9114T8F4/UGDRiqu-2UI/AAAAAAAAAVg/I8o3xviaBlM/cutekitchen12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="364"></a></p> <p align="justify">10) Magnets from Places We’ve Been</p> <p align="justify">My husband started collecting magnets from places the two of us have been, including Las Vegas, Hawaii, and San Francisco, to name a few. While the collection isn’t enormous yet, there is plenty of room for growth, and we look forward to adding to it. I love the personal touch it gives the kitchen, and now, when we travel, we look for unique magnets to add to our collection.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5S4cUXjC9WE/UGDRjO5UauI/AAAAAAAAAVo/z4VcwhFiFp8/s1600-h/cutekitchen13%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen13" border="0" alt="cutekitchen13" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0Ni5BOG-TSo/UGDRjckfZQI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ZvlN49CfOhA/cutekitchen13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="298"></a></p> <p align="justify">11) Precious Piggy Calendar</p> <p align="justify">Yes, I do LOVE pigs, especially in my kitchen! That is why, this past December, when I saw the 2012 Precious Piggy Calendar by David McEnery in Barnes and Noble, I had to have it. Each month features a new pig, in an adorable black and white photo that has one spot of color. As you can see, September features an adorable piglet in a basket with a bright yellow sunflower. There is a 2013 edition, here: <a title="http://www.calendars.com/Farm-Animals/Precious-Piggy-2013-Wall-Calendar/prod201300002741/?categoryId=cat00340&seoCatId=cat00340" href="http://www.calendars.com/Farm-Animals/Precious-Piggy-2013-Wall-Calendar/prod201300002741/?categoryId=cat00340&seoCatId=cat00340">http://www.calendars.com/Farm-Animals/Precious-Piggy-2013-Wall-Calendar/prod201300002741/?categoryId=cat00340&seoCatId=cat00340</a></p> <p align="justify">I must get the new one before the new year!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b1iKX0DBACQ/UGDRj8QoXxI/AAAAAAAAAV4/jnWOew1ZKWo/s1600-h/cutekitchen14%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen14" border="0" alt="cutekitchen14" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hp_Jz31UZCI/UGDRkhfVYsI/AAAAAAAAAWA/p472D7MSxO8/cutekitchen14_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="452"></a></p> <p align="justify">12) Wooden Wizard</p> <p align="justify">My husband, Christopher, found this wooden wizard/cloaked wanderer statue at a yard sale in Monterey, California. I immediately likened it to a Lord of the Rings sort of decoration, and have loved it ever since! Presiding over my knives, this wizard is sort of like the guy from the Led Zeppelin Album, or could have been an interpretation of Gandalf. Either way, the geek in me loves having him around!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VIICGdIA1d0/UGDRlNap1kI/AAAAAAAAAWI/Z6XN8r8AZ9Y/s1600-h/cutekitchen15%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutekitchen15" border="0" alt="cutekitchen15" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JIC7yMvn-ao/UGDRlgf35XI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/Rf4TtJX8Z58/cutekitchen15_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="justify">Feel free to share with us what makes your kitchen, well…YOUR KITCHEN, in the comment box, or via Facebook! Like Pink Forsythia on Facebook at <a title="http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia" href="http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia">http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia</a> . </p> Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-32383605783068722412012-09-23T22:32:00.001-04:002012-09-23T22:32:00.714-04:00Hong Kong Pineapple Buns<p> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3"> I received a postcard recently from Hong Kong, written by a sixteen-year old girl who said that she likes to cook. I asked her if there were any recipes that I, as a foodie and lover of international cuisine, should try. She sent me a recipe for Hong Kong Pineapple Buns, which have no pineapple in them, and are named for the way they look after they are baked. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3"> The pineapple buns are popular in many areas in Asia, and in Cantonese, are called <em>bo lo baau. </em>The word <em>bo lo </em>means pineapple, and <em>baau </em>refers to something similar to a bun in Chinese cuisine. They consists of two parts, a bread-like bottom layer, and a sugar-cookiesque top layer. </font></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p><font size="3">To make the pineapple buns, you have to mix a batch of sweet bread dough, let it rise twice, and then mix up the topping. After the two parts are layered together, they are baked, and come out beautifully. Or at least, they are supposed to!</font></p> <p>Step One: Form the Sweet Bread Dough</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MTE2DjE-hmo/UF_GA_lgByI/AAAAAAAAAQk/84xblzZepMA/s1600-h/hkpr1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hkpr1" border="0" alt="hkpr1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QdeiTS_nUwY/UF_GBftU8xI/AAAAAAAAAQs/q877bizE36I/hkpr1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Step Two: Rise and Punch, Rise and Punch</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tcdsKo5JePc/UF_GB2hUhiI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/opzXcU2mKXs/s1600-h/hkpr2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hkpr2" border="0" alt="hkpr2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kNzRoHdVXqI/UF_GCgSTCnI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/un0jVY9Pj1s/hkpr2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Step Three: Make Topping<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gWf6IhMfJvU/UF_GDPfghyI/AAAAAAAAARE/Nxd6IYoOoI0/s1600-h/hkpr3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hkpr3" border="0" alt="hkpr3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eiQx_y7eBmA/UF_GDmDUebI/AAAAAAAAARM/W3wU5DT0_mk/hkpr3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Step Four: Knead Topping, Chill One Hour</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--VO7isbIOEs/UF_GENORV6I/AAAAAAAAARU/LPh0sumrYmg/s1600-h/hkpr4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hkpr4" border="0" alt="hkpr4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ckqsj0ynyz4/UF_GEubNkHI/AAAAAAAAARc/c0SjzmGgip4/hkpr4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Step Five: Form Buns (12), Divide Topping, Top Buns, Score Surface, Brush on Egg White <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pVQNakoGx10/UF_GFLftFdI/AAAAAAAAARk/KGqM1ntKdkA/s1600-h/hkpr5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hkpr5" border="0" alt="hkpr5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1-UOiMlp9hw/UF_GFuPBjJI/AAAAAAAAARs/XpGoX3uw0Rs/hkpr5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Step Six: Bake Ten to Fifteen Minutes</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Aep40X0wFQU/UF_GGTpMVXI/AAAAAAAAAR0/x3KcT8nrScc/s1600-h/hkpr6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hkpr6" border="0" alt="hkpr6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4CRDDQ98XGk/UF_GGxnkQCI/AAAAAAAAAR8/DjUjDH1qGTs/hkpr6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Step Seven: Serve!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zljJX152Nkc/UF_GHULa8ZI/AAAAAAAAASE/ZA7yf1CTbcY/s1600-h/hkpr7%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hkpr7" border="0" alt="hkpr7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ApBdXJhEXt8/UF_GHy_NhHI/AAAAAAAAASM/WQKNXaSei14/hkpr7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>My buns aren’t as pretty as I’d have liked…but I guess practice will make perfect! The professional ones really DO look like little round pineapples :) </p> <p>These are the links I was given to use:</p> <p>for the sweet bread dough:</p> <p><a title="http://www.grouprecipes.com/42225/sweet-bread-dough.html" href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/42225/sweet-bread-dough.html">http://www.grouprecipes.com/42225/sweet-bread-dough.html</a></p> <p>for the pineapple topping:</p> <p><a title="http://www.grouprecipes.com/49704/hong-kong-pineapple-buns.html#" href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/49704/hong-kong-pineapple-buns.html#">http://www.grouprecipes.com/49704/hong-kong-pineapple-buns.html#</a></p> Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-72678800865700843452012-09-20T13:58:00.001-04:002012-09-20T13:58:29.584-04:00Now on Facebook!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have created a Facebook page for my blog and Etsy shop! Please visit me at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia">http://www.facebook.com/pinkforsythia</a> and like the page! This would mean a lot to me as I try and build something here. My blog updates will be posted on that page, as well as information about my line of jewelry and accessories. I am hoping to build a larger audience this way. </div>
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Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-73371218175263767872012-09-18T17:29:00.001-04:002012-09-18T17:29:44.647-04:00My First Craft Fair!!!<p align="justify">This past Saturday, I, for the first time, publicly peddled my wares, at my first Craft Fair! Saturday, September 15th was the Apple Festival, Craft Fair, and Car Show at Golden Hill Health Care Center, in Kingston, New York, where my husband and business partner, Christopher, works. <p align="justify">It was a beautiful day for a beginner like me (I had no canopy or tent ^_^), sunny, breezy, and altogether lovely. I had a notion of what I was in for, and came well-prepared. I took my time setting up my table (color-coordinated to match my Pink Forsythia colors: shades of pink, black, and white), because display, I believe, is one of the most important parts of sales. You have to LURE in the customers with your image. The second important thing is the quality and interest of the items that you have displayed. If your items do not individually speak to the customers as much as the display did as a whole, you aren't going to sell anything. That was the philosophy I went into this with, and all in all, it served me pretty well! <p align="justify">I made a sign on foam-core poster board, with Sharpies in light pink and black. I love Sharpies, so simple, so versatile, so incredibly indispensible! Propping it up on my collapsible easel, it was the perfect advertisement. I covered two 12-can soda boxes with bright pink wrapping paper to contrast with my light pink table cloth, and used them as an extra tier on my table. A couple on mannequin necks, and a cute jewelry holder in a sassy pink skirt added visual interest to the mix, and once my product was all set out, the table really looked complete. My little hand-written pink and black tags labeled everything, and I felt good about the set up. <p align="justify">My jewelry and cute ceramic coasters were the biggest hit at my table! I sold more than I thought I would, and met so many great people who appreciated the art in my work. I feel so lucky and blessed to have had such a lovely day, full of sales, conversation, and smiles. Also, having my dear mum's booth directly across the way was wonderful, I could pass much of the time making faces at her and yelling over snippets of conversation. <p align="justify">I earned enough money to buy this computer, which is allowing me smoother access to the internet, and thus my blog. So, I guess you could say that because of this craft-fair, I will be able to keep all of you far more updated than I had previously been able to. Thanks to my sister-in-law, I have another craft fair next month, in Long Island, on Saturday, October 13th. If it goes anything like this one, I should be able to get a new camera for still shots :) My video camera is great for video, but it lacks a lot in the photo-taking department! <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B161qARoUgc/UFjnmwoCG_I/AAAAAAAAAP8/XkhetpWgvFk/s1600-h/craftfairsept12%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="My booth at Golden Hill's 2012 Apple Festival!" border="0" alt="My booth at Golden Hill's 2012 Apple Festival!" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ouaN_LVrYS8/UFjnnY-pezI/AAAAAAAAAQE/YvnVTZNrsF0/craftfairsept12_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="121"></a></p> <p align="center">Photo courtesy of Mum’s Phone</p> Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515249732583162775.post-82607703811106597152012-09-02T13:32:00.000-04:002012-09-02T13:33:24.799-04:00Restaurant Review: Violette <div style="text-align: center;">
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Last night, thanks to a great deal we found online, my husband and I decided to dine at Violette, Restaurant and Wine Bar, located in the village of Woodstock, New York. Violette is a charming establishment, listed online as serving French and New American cuisine, with seasonal menus that serve fresh, local ingredients as often as is possible. According the website (violettewoodstock.com), the restaurant is run by Chef Daniel Rabiner, and his mother, Gladys, and has been open since 2003.</div>
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Converted from an old house, the restaurant itself has a bar area, a lovely, romantically lit dining room, and an out-door patio option. The French Deco posters, the chairs of mismatched colors, restored hardwood floors, and exposed wooden beams added to the charm of the place, and from the time we were seated, we found ourselves satisfied to be immersed in this clean, comfortable environment. </div>
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We were seated promptly (we had reservations, this helped as tables for two ran out quickly), and given menus by the chef himself. Our server brought us ice water and an interesting cone-shaped dish filled with crisp handmade potato chips, and took our drink orders. As Violette is also a wine bar, I chose a glass of Riesling, and was not disappointed by the house selection. </div>
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Pursuing the menu (which was, as advertised, seasonal) we found our biggest problem was which entree to select. Everything was a viable option, everything looked delicious. My husband, noticing the large and varied seafood selection, decided upon a Trout Amandine, served with potato puree and sauteed spinach, and I chose an Entree off the "Special Entree" list, which I found is not listed on their current online menu, Pork Loin Siciliano. We decided to share a dish off the tapas menu for an appetizer, Chinese Spring Rolls with Spicy Mustard. Upon taking our order, our server brought us a warm bread basket with whipped, very spreadable butter.</div>
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When our appetizer arrived, it was very fresh, and very hot. Four pieces were arranged on a fresh salad made of baby greens and sliced almonds, and I was pleased to see that it was indeed, a large enough appetizer for two people. I noticed that in addition the the Spicy Mustard, the Spring Rolls were also served with a delicious fruit sauce, to counterbalance the pungent heat of the mustard. Being unadvertised on the menu, it was a lovely surprise, and I believe the most successful part of the altogether satisfying dish. I later learned that the sauce was a puree of apple, mango, and orange. The Spring Rolls themselves were much crisper than West Coast Spring Rolls, and I believe this worked in their favor. The crisp outer shell complemented the fresh, tender vegetable filling, and when accompanied with both sauces, made for the perfect bite. </div>
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Our entrees arrived at the same time, which is an important feature of a good restaurant. My husband's trout was stuffed with almonds, cooked in a delicious butter-based sauce, and garnished liberally on top with piped potato puree. The sauteed spinach was served on the side of the dish. It was quite attractive, and I wish our camera-phone could have done the the photo better justice. The only flaw in this dish is was easily fixed at the table : the potato puree needed salt and pepper.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqBz7AxZ-qc/UEORd6q5vqI/AAAAAAAAAOY/-_fooGIkUWA/s1600/amondine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqBz7AxZ-qc/UEORd6q5vqI/AAAAAAAAAOY/-_fooGIkUWA/s320/amondine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Pork Loin Siciliano consisted of two pieces of pork loin cooked in a great tomato sauce with spinach and fresh mozzarella sandwiched between. Everything was fresh, delicious, and perfectly complementary, and needed no extra seasoning. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfOCkLh5ObU/UEOW2ZO_hwI/AAAAAAAAAOw/pgByUGeDc_I/s1600/pork+loin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfOCkLh5ObU/UEOW2ZO_hwI/AAAAAAAAAOw/pgByUGeDc_I/s320/pork+loin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Altogether our experience was relaxing, delicious, and worth-while. The service was prompt and polite, and the atmosphere was pleasant. The food was full of simple, fresh ingredients combined to make the most of the flavors, and was not disappointing. I would suggest that you log onto restaurant.com, and order a discounted Violette gift certificate, and try it for yourself! </div>
Bjeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02598689704233494870noreply@blogger.com2