Thanksgiving: Let the Madness Begin...

<br />It's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. Yes, so early! Our leaves have turned and are falling rapidly, Autumn has found us already.<br /><br />Living near cottage country as we do, we usually host both sides of the family here, with back-to-back dinners for 20-30 people. It'a bit manic, to say the least, but we live in the snow belt and our families don't always care to travel up here for Christmas, so Thanksgiving it is! In any case, we love to host a family dinner at holidays, those precious memories are what makes a house a home.<br /><br />Being slightly decor-obsessed, you would think that the table would be a huge consideration, but really, it's all about visiting with family and the food! We usually have a few candles tucked in amongst leaves, maybe some pumpkins, this year a couple of owl statues made it on, courtesy of the girls. This week I managed to fall while skating with the kids and have been out of commission the past few days, so it look like we will be using paper napkins - no judging, lol! This is set up for the first dinner, so no salad plates, you'll read about that below! The kids have a tradition of gathering leaves for the table during our pre-dinner walk in the woods, but I threw on a fakie so you can get the feel...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMxHIFxGKpSiNaMQzGTNj17O0O3QdhaslV8mU439gZpEh4jJwuzYX-3Vz3cTM3qtb39GVMxgraovUp3YfYuWuUFiXGhhr7j9sATL995JyWfSaxXFwUXKcyZEe_Qw9doXJK1TCVIOh-RQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+10.27.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMxHIFxGKpSiNaMQzGTNj17O0O3QdhaslV8mU439gZpEh4jJwuzYX-3Vz3cTM3qtb39GVMxgraovUp3YfYuWuUFiXGhhr7j9sATL995JyWfSaxXFwUXKcyZEe_Qw9doXJK1TCVIOh-RQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+10.27.30+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />My husbands family are former Butchers, and as such meat is the main element of our menu. The first year we hosted, despite my husband saying it wasn't necessary, I made several veggie dishes and salads - which were literally untouched. Lesson learned! We make roast beef, roast turkey and ham. Really. All three, and they are huge.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj7ErVSDpQVMf0rD1Wnh5B-p_-QoHoUqMxABKf_a6d44VfUc8NBEnAxW3Ms-rRSJtSOzqBUOU3t7-UZhjHyKNOdEs7ytUSCr_y3tvdZE0tDVbFCWEQuCQ5drn21n9cLk09vHf9r6F4To/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.03.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj7ErVSDpQVMf0rD1Wnh5B-p_-QoHoUqMxABKf_a6d44VfUc8NBEnAxW3Ms-rRSJtSOzqBUOU3t7-UZhjHyKNOdEs7ytUSCr_y3tvdZE0tDVbFCWEQuCQ5drn21n9cLk09vHf9r6F4To/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.03.00+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolgOrmdHcZHeRb3kd3AxecMzD6ydRq_LCXKaxThGu_ZQ082lWCOo8RubrjLE9cajYFbe4kQ1IjIqBi9xAFyJszcL5f0F-cgPAOE0MnH_uFmC5RC0AfYEu-luF8d7PMuWi9Y_tO0Tx0sk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.03.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolgOrmdHcZHeRb3kd3AxecMzD6ydRq_LCXKaxThGu_ZQ082lWCOo8RubrjLE9cajYFbe4kQ1IjIqBi9xAFyJszcL5f0F-cgPAOE0MnH_uFmC5RC0AfYEu-luF8d7PMuWi9Y_tO0Tx0sk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.03.32+AM.png" width="430" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Let's just say the bbq and quite often a neighbours oven come into use :) When his Grandmother was with us we also made salmon, especially for her, but we've slowly let that go. There's always brussel sprouts (with bacon, of course!), a carrot/turnip mash that is a family favourite, and Mom's stuffing (containing bacon, among other things!). For dessert ah-mazing pumpkin pie from a family favourite bakery.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz1WCqvlhSh9rSMnSB4kmOHUMxbPHpRca2vOWgz93SRhTJ7dRPQN5OzDQ_ca_T2CC2xNtF0ObfLIosxVt9dypZwIHOu2xabnxbqJN-wYAkZcfjpdH57br9srhjNY81GDU060qj5dKXuE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.11.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz1WCqvlhSh9rSMnSB4kmOHUMxbPHpRca2vOWgz93SRhTJ7dRPQN5OzDQ_ca_T2CC2xNtF0ObfLIosxVt9dypZwIHOu2xabnxbqJN-wYAkZcfjpdH57br9srhjNY81GDU060qj5dKXuE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.11.50+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNb07fIw7g1gMtV3OJVucp6xldkYIZXuPbvDEKnrcaFyxDNaTndgiOyr1iRE593qS6H9d5MNvapI4c_LPAFUUJkFgiwq_EEx39inW5PJjaLxH1k2z0Wk77CsZKRD7SL7Slvjf-wi3i7s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.12.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNb07fIw7g1gMtV3OJVucp6xldkYIZXuPbvDEKnrcaFyxDNaTndgiOyr1iRE593qS6H9d5MNvapI4c_LPAFUUJkFgiwq_EEx39inW5PJjaLxH1k2z0Wk77CsZKRD7SL7Slvjf-wi3i7s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.12.27+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />What about menu No. 2, you ask? My family are former Grocers, with an emphasis on organic goods and vegetarian fare. We make a roast turkey, and quite often have some ham from the previous days menu, but they are only eaten by some of us. Appetizers include prosciutto wrapped melon, pears, cheese and stuffed dates, then it's onto vegetable madness.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKA5Td4i5OZjN7OgkeFC1SfxNnSwP9wEx0Qz2RDjg1kAqMKjmEmRtdfNFrA1w5Y89TLaAag_nGgUdv-GBgLlisEq0AQBE6AbnT5OG0zDUc80RbI1b0dpA-ykOJKH3nw_5f_1ITncZdZQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.24.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKA5Td4i5OZjN7OgkeFC1SfxNnSwP9wEx0Qz2RDjg1kAqMKjmEmRtdfNFrA1w5Y89TLaAag_nGgUdv-GBgLlisEq0AQBE6AbnT5OG0zDUc80RbI1b0dpA-ykOJKH3nw_5f_1ITncZdZQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.24.42+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />My sisters roasted glazed sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, several salads, homemade orange-cranberry sauce and Mom's artichoke dressing. We are fortunate to have a raw food chef in the family, who always brings a different vegan pie to try each year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRilwoZfFUxDZbXBFhZf6N5Ytu2J6UzjMtyAKlndxPVwIDEIY24XlLD_37_Xi0fPyxXNc57gH53SyEzOXlXFQoNyN8m91rbxi7u35UpVGJUygt-8-tAgx-yKAYpClGN7Cj0ghosFFxZw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.22.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRilwoZfFUxDZbXBFhZf6N5Ytu2J6UzjMtyAKlndxPVwIDEIY24XlLD_37_Xi0fPyxXNc57gH53SyEzOXlXFQoNyN8m91rbxi7u35UpVGJUygt-8-tAgx-yKAYpClGN7Cj0ghosFFxZw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.22.27+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53bYCBY0ldw_3XL_69jPvBW2oQ9RJzULtzSpBZ7nNzMgxXWC7FoNw1u_mNAp7EsGDqQlAVatbt-lN_avgYhmGcwzZ4cT_4Wgb-Zw5-3Vk34C85TAVE51YDg5fcfUZ6Fp3exUaK-Sz8JQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.23.40+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53bYCBY0ldw_3XL_69jPvBW2oQ9RJzULtzSpBZ7nNzMgxXWC7FoNw1u_mNAp7EsGDqQlAVatbt-lN_avgYhmGcwzZ4cT_4Wgb-Zw5-3Vk34C85TAVE51YDg5fcfUZ6Fp3exUaK-Sz8JQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.23.40+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlbMR9lNGGDDLC0g379LHquKXlYV04VG6HqdUyH978UiipBuUFie8-x8-5RUvh_Mp2E-reLSZZE1l-OPKG_kUMctkzsuobojOQv7WRVIXjy89Jdyte09EycnorASlUuzxrleIQ7C_loo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.26.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlbMR9lNGGDDLC0g379LHquKXlYV04VG6HqdUyH978UiipBuUFie8-x8-5RUvh_Mp2E-reLSZZE1l-OPKG_kUMctkzsuobojOQv7WRVIXjy89Jdyte09EycnorASlUuzxrleIQ7C_loo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-10+at+9.26.45+AM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Funny how all those foods that make my husbands family celebration feel special to him now make them feel special to me, as well. He hasn't learned to appreciate veggies quite as much as I have learned to appreciate meat :) but he definitely makes an effort!<br /><br />Are any of you celebrating this weekend? What will your holiday be like? Hope you all have a lovely weekend surrounded by those you love, that's what we are thankful for the most around here - x am<br /><br /><br /><br />

Thanksgiving: Let the Madness Begin...

It's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. Yes, so early! Our leaves have turned and are falling rapidly, Autumn has found us already. Liv...

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Weekend Goodies

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRpe-5IJ8Cey_4DGTr0haTiwIrDXns3aXR_1U63fgnp5THM8w34Sfn2QCYgoAnY8xk_Ku8bpBJblhJRf0KaYrdxyufx41NyeSV179Cehy6h-BwP1DsgULFtY5HBHdLEykZBMzv3NIwOP9/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.59.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRpe-5IJ8Cey_4DGTr0haTiwIrDXns3aXR_1U63fgnp5THM8w34Sfn2QCYgoAnY8xk_Ku8bpBJblhJRf0KaYrdxyufx41NyeSV179Cehy6h-BwP1DsgULFtY5HBHdLEykZBMzv3NIwOP9/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.59.47+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/06/beyond-the-big-day-a-summer-popsicle-picnic.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">source</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To all of you south of us, happy Memorial Day,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and to everyone else, Happy Weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope your weekend is warm enough for some of these -</div><div style="text-align: center;">follow the links for recipes - x</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://cobornsdelivers.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/how-to-make-your-own-popsicles/">Fresh Fruit Juice Pops</a> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3cVrInOSt_SeaREm0Z-yf09nI1qZEexgFCN1MfjELaNKxGnTo93S86zMKh7o_hul2aRPpLBltcNF4VUBYm1fpYySfyoF8Ow3wrMBsYN38zQHfPa8Z-q6FMH_5u8682kp-1Mq9UKhs2aE/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.09.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3cVrInOSt_SeaREm0Z-yf09nI1qZEexgFCN1MfjELaNKxGnTo93S86zMKh7o_hul2aRPpLBltcNF4VUBYm1fpYySfyoF8Ow3wrMBsYN38zQHfPa8Z-q6FMH_5u8682kp-1Mq9UKhs2aE/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.09.12+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nosheteria.com/2006/07/pop-a-licious/"><b>Yogurt Pops</b></a> loving those sprinkles...and the clever pretzel handle!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.womansday.com/Recipes/Strawberry-Yogurt-Swirl-Pops-Recipe">2</a> <a href="http://www.recipe.com/confetti-yogurt-pops/">3</a> <a href="http://fudgeripple.blogspot.com/2010/07/yogurt-pops.html">4</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYS0tgjWQquXl5MPFbqz1yhGBy7Bp3MI4LEmpupYTxkio7VkiEA5ebWzCnjc7_rE9N9gfUKp8Qr-ld3DDUNrfkl75mwsqCaCAilmGCfgm15NhZFyxIRjA4klt0ucyRDc2ImiNUY6USmKB/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.14.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYS0tgjWQquXl5MPFbqz1yhGBy7Bp3MI4LEmpupYTxkio7VkiEA5ebWzCnjc7_rE9N9gfUKp8Qr-ld3DDUNrfkl75mwsqCaCAilmGCfgm15NhZFyxIRjA4klt0ucyRDc2ImiNUY6USmKB/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.14.22+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">for instant gratification (who has time to wait?!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/zoku-quick-pop-maker/?cm_src=SEARCH_BOTTOMPRODUCT||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-keyword%20-%20popsicle-_-&cm_re=OnsiteSearch-_-SCHBillboard-_-SEARCH_BOTTOMPRODUCT">Williams Sonoma</a></b> carries the ingenious wee Zoku maker -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelimetreebower.blogspot.com/2011/05/popsicle-recipes.html"><b>Zoku Pops</b></a> in seven minutes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4CCxIampMl1PmlUsdWU1KSyCDqftK2UfpX6g2wyYFObrB4RZvXX3abDMRO9epTx7QXy4UVXBBUEb6zinZVrj11ZBdqZvPTAtGWfzKvXdmuEkF629AwxN0uz4XIGmA7xzwDFRq_q01DVC/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.15.35+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4CCxIampMl1PmlUsdWU1KSyCDqftK2UfpX6g2wyYFObrB4RZvXX3abDMRO9epTx7QXy4UVXBBUEb6zinZVrj11ZBdqZvPTAtGWfzKvXdmuEkF629AwxN0uz4XIGmA7xzwDFRq_q01DVC/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.15.35+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have more patience you really don't have to buy fancy machines...</div><div style="text-align: center;">anything can suffice as a mold -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/sweets/kitchen-hack-make-sliceable-popsicles-in-a-loaf-pan-121327">Loaf Pops</a> </b>and<b> </b>those "watermelon" lime pops are too cool!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dvN_D-59Tc1J5hHQ_eQ-aT5VxJSHjf-7T39bnIpY2n5DcxSownFDPLVJy4t7x1SgxbEeLtsqNF0yk2Nah30bwSWx8Pt9TfvT1bAnkFKZCLurwcq-dgom2awU-b63q63NkHYxloQqWA_X/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.19.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dvN_D-59Tc1J5hHQ_eQ-aT5VxJSHjf-7T39bnIpY2n5DcxSownFDPLVJy4t7x1SgxbEeLtsqNF0yk2Nah30bwSWx8Pt9TfvT1bAnkFKZCLurwcq-dgom2awU-b63q63NkHYxloQqWA_X/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.19.05+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For the adults.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Strawberry and mint cubes add a zing to your table with these adorable <b><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.foodandwine.com/images/sys/200908-r-watermelon-popsicles.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/minted-watermelon-popsicles&usg=__v46RoHqDzAtld9KP_kDpcYftJlE=&h=250&w=200&sz=46&hl=en&start=99&sig2=Q7IDKPpm5OOgnkjpLibe_w&zoom=0&tbnid=G2Ds48XSa69Y_M:&tbnh=111&tbnw=89&ei=HpvfTdz_ENGdgQfWmfTZCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpopsicles%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1070%26bih%3D937%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=879&vpy=157&dur=4065&hovh=111&hovw=89&tx=98&ty=67&page=5&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:99&biw=1070&bih=937">Hors Dourves Pops</a>.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.foodandwine.com/images/sys/200908-r-watermelon-popsicles.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/minted-watermelon-popsicles&usg=__v46RoHqDzAtld9KP_kDpcYftJlE=&h=250&w=200&sz=46&hl=en&start=99&sig2=Q7IDKPpm5OOgnkjpLibe_w&zoom=0&tbnid=G2Ds48XSa69Y_M:&tbnh=111&tbnw=89&ei=HpvfTdz_ENGdgQfWmfTZCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpopsicles%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1070%26bih%3D937%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=879&vpy=157&dur=4065&hovh=111&hovw=89&tx=98&ty=67&page=5&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:99&biw=1070&bih=937"></a> <b> </b><b><a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2010/06/22/frozen-fruit-ice-cubes-flavor-your-soda-in-style/">Frozen Fruit Cubes </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> are easy to keep in the freezer to drop  into drinks..</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://liqurious.notcot.org/?action=search&postsub.x=0&postsub.y=0&show=&query=popsicle">Cocktail Popsicles</a> </b>are a lux treat on a hot day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CnlK3q5CczkWPs3aAvzA3sI2_PNf9b-4asuqnkCYi5r210tKYhAQ6wjrst3CsV7NQKP5ixBzFTMdwb6sFqbKO6TbHKY9eUiWphr6M53APaP3KDlExpWl-hgHWpy0CplRm1fHlrNOTB-d/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.24.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CnlK3q5CczkWPs3aAvzA3sI2_PNf9b-4asuqnkCYi5r210tKYhAQ6wjrst3CsV7NQKP5ixBzFTMdwb6sFqbKO6TbHKY9eUiWphr6M53APaP3KDlExpWl-hgHWpy0CplRm1fHlrNOTB-d/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.24.14+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/kitchen-and-food/prep-utensils/set-of-6-ice-pop-molds/s165690"><b>Crate and Barrel</b></a> is riding the popsicle train...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ba-rwd9uSnR9RDipe1qfo8ffoRpsOE7jp0xW0owTviy0PkJlILrOLDXW8_ESjkNaqRsiZHezN6XF8GWlKujvkGOO6_xwtkl_iwAbD5-RFujmOPV85t8tvHRudqznqAVfqZoRohL0-jPt/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.27.58+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ba-rwd9uSnR9RDipe1qfo8ffoRpsOE7jp0xW0owTviy0PkJlILrOLDXW8_ESjkNaqRsiZHezN6XF8GWlKujvkGOO6_xwtkl_iwAbD5-RFujmOPV85t8tvHRudqznqAVfqZoRohL0-jPt/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.27.58+AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Doesn't get much simpler than cup pops - </div><div style="text-align: center;">cup + popsicle sticks and whatever is hanging around..</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://kitchensimplicity.com/strawberry-nectarine-popsicles/">1</a> <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/05/19/homemade-herb-infused-lemonade-popsicles/">2</a> <a href="http://gimmesomeoven.com/blueberry-pomegranate-popsicles/">3</a> <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/05/24/blueberry-cheesecake-popsicles/">4</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv7S0IOXnbbxuL8NJRCnDSD3tH7831FQ_Ql-C1AvQbGnF7kmWD6sEPhMYgMAhxQOUxfyX4DKY5G_zJLmozl3bFELjd7mvsQaCOZk8o-h8bTMezJWmchB_WZUipJytSNXywWQFVWvNxPc0/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.21.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv7S0IOXnbbxuL8NJRCnDSD3tH7831FQ_Ql-C1AvQbGnF7kmWD6sEPhMYgMAhxQOUxfyX4DKY5G_zJLmozl3bFELjd7mvsQaCOZk8o-h8bTMezJWmchB_WZUipJytSNXywWQFVWvNxPc0/s640/Screen+shot+2011-05-27+at+9.21.54+AM.png" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love colorful food, what can I say ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We're helping my sister-in-law prepare her house for sale this weekend -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> starting with an enormous garage sale tomorrow...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">how much do you want to bet I'll be her no.1 customer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pop by monday for a new <b><a href="http://10rooms.blogspot.com/search/label/Crushing%20On%20Color">Crushing on Color</a></b> guest post -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">one of my all-time favourite bloggers is going to dazzle you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-FUWi6HDkP5YJvOdf9UJv34VBkW8EnhpZiYTp00JQ20F66KrnsMx_7urqcq6u5uT62StLleA4noVpwqyEMmrlGTxlZa1Qxw4vHDrA99qmAM9S6F_UzwDo7klb_wt19pQDaQdZNOKv9Z0/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-19+at+3.08.10+PM+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-FUWi6HDkP5YJvOdf9UJv34VBkW8EnhpZiYTp00JQ20F66KrnsMx_7urqcq6u5uT62StLleA4noVpwqyEMmrlGTxlZa1Qxw4vHDrA99qmAM9S6F_UzwDo7klb_wt19pQDaQdZNOKv9Z0/s200/Screen+shot+2011-05-19+at+3.08.10+PM+copy.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Weekend Goodies

source To all of you south of us, happy Memorial Day, and to everyone else, Happy Weekend! Hope your weekend is warm enough for some of thes...

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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whew! What a weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How was yours?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you find yourself making goodies for Valentines day?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The darlings are allowed to take treats to school to share with their classmates,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and we always bake up a version of these sugar cookies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are really easy to make,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and taste fantastic!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soft but slightly crisp on the outside,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sweet but with a little zing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are drop cookies,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but this weekend we decided to roll them in colored sugar </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and add conversation hearts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpICJtQvWzm7JWJEUeuPSFHvnjXPTtfMarzYUKQFGuFfjaVINmpwCa83owZt3Bl5D4PI5xX7i8xRrc5gvcRdMuIKrCBFogMFxVsj1QmbaH0EbW0m8BJ_9OBD96Ahn_job_Pv-olxxvRzQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-13+at+6.59.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpICJtQvWzm7JWJEUeuPSFHvnjXPTtfMarzYUKQFGuFfjaVINmpwCa83owZt3Bl5D4PI5xX7i8xRrc5gvcRdMuIKrCBFogMFxVsj1QmbaH0EbW0m8BJ_9OBD96Ahn_job_Pv-olxxvRzQ/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-13+at+6.59.54+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sugar Cookies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 cups flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 3/4 cups white sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 cup brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp lemon juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 tsp salt (optional, I skip it)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">blend sugar and butter in mixer for 1 minute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add eggs, lemon juice, blend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gradually add flour mixture until combined.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scoop onto (parchment paper lined) cookie sheets,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">flatten slightly, bake for 15 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Usually I press a candy on top before baking :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For our Valentine cookies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I rolled the dough into small balls (1-2"),</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">  rolled them in colored sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(food coloring mixed into white sugar),</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then popped a conversation heart on top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This makes them smooth, round and sparkly..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckxSSzPlb2iTYOMCVjA791tAr4biUv0w_rFSd8V42sM2VdP6KMlNeuBkGgnoq8Ph_rTUfq7Ydh2nNrViy4g4QKhflk8Y7NulL5NTg30hEvkYh25UqkSqAV8J2MsIQvf3PwQZYbGfMu9w/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-14+at+8.59.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckxSSzPlb2iTYOMCVjA791tAr4biUv0w_rFSd8V42sM2VdP6KMlNeuBkGgnoq8Ph_rTUfq7Ydh2nNrViy4g4QKhflk8Y7NulL5NTg30hEvkYh25UqkSqAV8J2MsIQvf3PwQZYbGfMu9w/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-14+at+8.59.51+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made a double recipe and ended up with about 150 cookies,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">which were then packed up in cellophane bags </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the kids added homemade valentines to each.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I do the cookies, they are on their own for the valentines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tash made hers on the computer this year :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyx7_TI6pqI8ihqNBIs5r4C_opweUtPzMG73wdQ5uANSK-0OkVXVcZFVEgOas_HijVWeFFUouHgf83LJ_dZ4-RAWsIvNVd9_yGhrX5SgfmbjjW9x5xLCejemNdPrWXTXuoID6JigiY9U/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-08+at+9.32.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyx7_TI6pqI8ihqNBIs5r4C_opweUtPzMG73wdQ5uANSK-0OkVXVcZFVEgOas_HijVWeFFUouHgf83LJ_dZ4-RAWsIvNVd9_yGhrX5SgfmbjjW9x5xLCejemNdPrWXTXuoID6JigiY9U/s320/Screen+shot+2011-02-08+at+9.32.12+PM.png" width="313" /></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coco's involved lots of sparkles and glue,</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and Cam's were "from Cam" written on a piece of red paper :)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the end I am always asking myself why I do this -</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but the next day when they are proudly carrying them off to school...</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I remember.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuZucRjfZOQcVeDG6HFNCf_dmR-1St_uhhBVufzCSWBt0H-Qg_T9daB4kWeMYxoeTx4o9kVh4kmjB33Ysihx9yMtZ0K8niAhFyAA7X_t9rr1t7W2UX6H3vKTewHiWYef8OrqbzKJKmeo/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuZucRjfZOQcVeDG6HFNCf_dmR-1St_uhhBVufzCSWBt0H-Qg_T9daB4kWeMYxoeTx4o9kVh4kmjB33Ysihx9yMtZ0K8niAhFyAA7X_t9rr1t7W2UX6H3vKTewHiWYef8OrqbzKJKmeo/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cam's party was a blast,</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">thanks so much for all your notes,</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I showed him the comments and he was amazed!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">thought you may like to see the mud cupcakes :)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbDObceinD7O9OBtlMlHmiejzx1vXpUVmPhoFqCxZ9LUbu3Bi4tuYzMNPaqvsfRIfL_UbmHOI-EMs56UfnMnH14_vnUX5_MFzb_XonPshITNgl09ia8qoAg8xPOwxPFdBL4nPAIh5hig/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-13+at+6.59.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbDObceinD7O9OBtlMlHmiejzx1vXpUVmPhoFqCxZ9LUbu3Bi4tuYzMNPaqvsfRIfL_UbmHOI-EMs56UfnMnH14_vnUX5_MFzb_XonPshITNgl09ia8qoAg8xPOwxPFdBL4nPAIh5hig/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-13+at+6.59.31+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sour gummy worms, crushed oreo's and colored sugar</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> atop tinted vanilla icing and vanilla cupcakes.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(asked Cam what color he wanted and he said "vanilla")</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were a hit!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Going to run and do a quick Valentines Day post -</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you don't mind these recipe bits, </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">someone always asks how to make the goodies so just thought I'd share -  x</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiQAG_rdBWzHYX3iKFCtszhQysWbLPCXdMvh9q_Pg1BKoWYwr23yRDFul3MQSK_53s2sxhFZfpTEzUFvWCf5zoJI09NmXV3KAVI12S74v0zKC-KjuWXoQnCqtk7QUNxthKS_ldqJK_SM/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-04+at+7.01.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiQAG_rdBWzHYX3iKFCtszhQysWbLPCXdMvh9q_Pg1BKoWYwr23yRDFul3MQSK_53s2sxhFZfpTEzUFvWCf5zoJI09NmXV3KAVI12S74v0zKC-KjuWXoQnCqtk7QUNxthKS_ldqJK_SM/s200/Screen+shot+2011-01-04+at+7.01.17+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Whew! What a weekend! How was yours? Did you find yourself making goodies for Valentines day? The darlings are allowed to take treats to sch...

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Girls Night Out - The Ultimate Refreshment

<div style="text-align: center;">I don't know if you have ever ventured over to <b><a href="http://projectgadabout.squarespace.com/projectgadabout/2011/2/2/tonights-cocktail-is-a-beauty.html">Project Gadabout</a></b>..</div><div style="text-align: center;">but you should - you're missing out!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A witty blog full that makes every day feel like a girls night out,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I adore Poppy's fresh style and charm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and she has the best drink recipes...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAcGAXZAovHkAxDvgcb5LnH_PBzBTfkeIFEs1Hv2GDgbbpl6RR_WX9GhTHsRgBjKTldeYltGjrpEIpGC9QoTfXY5ZnOpzc-9OxGpzPWtQlITJpZ-j8umlg1j24miX1yiDltzYqrRGxJo/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-05+at+5.07.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAcGAXZAovHkAxDvgcb5LnH_PBzBTfkeIFEs1Hv2GDgbbpl6RR_WX9GhTHsRgBjKTldeYltGjrpEIpGC9QoTfXY5ZnOpzc-9OxGpzPWtQlITJpZ-j8umlg1j24miX1yiDltzYqrRGxJo/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-05+at+5.07.54+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tonite I am having a real girls night, with some lovely ladies who I do not see enough.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcZ3399bh0CsXxiBEDPdMN1BD0FvrUJYEsZBrV-Ngf1YimMsWHIegd-bX86Zf-yccPm15rhUGF-kj4Kz6JUzhgjiBxoXg8fPdYjCw66xpqVlolESDyWzLfcBUPGRLYdU1u7Ko1rp-CAg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-05+at+5.15.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcZ3399bh0CsXxiBEDPdMN1BD0FvrUJYEsZBrV-Ngf1YimMsWHIegd-bX86Zf-yccPm15rhUGF-kj4Kz6JUzhgjiBxoXg8fPdYjCw66xpqVlolESDyWzLfcBUPGRLYdU1u7Ko1rp-CAg/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-05+at+5.15.31+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As the former bartender, I'm usually in charge of refreshments :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are making these.. thanks Poppy - x</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQmYAFmvwuhlq3KzB-Lg0OKBeSohoW9H5Q8HgOdbD9_76B0Iv20wIXEQUC3DaafDcIOwp09CuM5OGw-4yAOVYMdmRWYoaJM_g2NTpZR3GVjuhii0g5PATnTpsuFtuIvs_kkWsk1SSkVQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-05+at+5.07.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQmYAFmvwuhlq3KzB-Lg0OKBeSohoW9H5Q8HgOdbD9_76B0Iv20wIXEQUC3DaafDcIOwp09CuM5OGw-4yAOVYMdmRWYoaJM_g2NTpZR3GVjuhii0g5PATnTpsuFtuIvs_kkWsk1SSkVQ/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-05+at+5.07.35+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even found passionfruit!   May have to add a little spiced rum..</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you are having a good weekend, all -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTa19FsgSyDTJ5UJwbhrNUQjFVqaCIX3_KYslxuVUruv9o-T5-LfSKNahbhmzh6xSeGRKyfpDujmUKFGRaNZFchPBzkJn8p5n1dJks2jya9MiA9MzzWLWB5eCNkkaj70AxLEf16VYQEs/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-04+at+7.01.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTa19FsgSyDTJ5UJwbhrNUQjFVqaCIX3_KYslxuVUruv9o-T5-LfSKNahbhmzh6xSeGRKyfpDujmUKFGRaNZFchPBzkJn8p5n1dJks2jya9MiA9MzzWLWB5eCNkkaj70AxLEf16VYQEs/s200/Screen+shot+2011-01-04+at+7.01.17+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Girls Night Out - The Ultimate Refreshment

I don't know if you have ever ventured over to Project Gadabout .. but you should - you're missing out! A witty blog full that makes...

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The Joy of Baking... and Giving Away

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't know about you, but around here Christmas feels like Christmas </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">when the aprons come out and the kitchen is covered in a fine layer of flour,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the Nutcracker playing in the backgound.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We bake for our teachers, neighbours, friends and family,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and dropping off those baskets brings a happiness that opening no present could.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monday I made peppermint meringues, these are an annual tradition -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> the other recipes may vary, but one year I skipped the meringues, and it wasn't pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwPwsr_KT7T-FNQeSsMV5YXgTyPg9IkG81QFhsYS_2EdBho6Wo1UeEcSUgzy5X37bHEFrhOzrcJb4-Nj8V1wR3rcyuI-xYV0UcmpjA3Y7mlnG8uqDMwQJbo0rxMlUFSZWxuB_Hpj4oDY/s1600/PC126462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwPwsr_KT7T-FNQeSsMV5YXgTyPg9IkG81QFhsYS_2EdBho6Wo1UeEcSUgzy5X37bHEFrhOzrcJb4-Nj8V1wR3rcyuI-xYV0UcmpjA3Y7mlnG8uqDMwQJbo0rxMlUFSZWxuB_Hpj4oDY/s640/PC126462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday was our <u>fourth snow day</u> - </div><div style="text-align: center;">so we all made ginger sparklers (the easiest version of gingerbread)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and sugar cookies with lemon glaze, my personal favourite.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I only ate one, okay - maybe two, or seven, can't remember..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz4cuf0h1RSeLTUoEYRozxdGdHRlQr9jmN1V_QixRBAI-dFj6jsDJ6qlARSDtpdOt0hbmPeicEBB8RS-uNnOEF57HrB02DtFbARgcZV6Z0eoVGf7iWyyP42mQoIf51hUhe-UjhKfF_bY/s1600/PC156479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz4cuf0h1RSeLTUoEYRozxdGdHRlQr9jmN1V_QixRBAI-dFj6jsDJ6qlARSDtpdOt0hbmPeicEBB8RS-uNnOEF57HrB02DtFbARgcZV6Z0eoVGf7iWyyP42mQoIf51hUhe-UjhKfF_bY/s640/PC156479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday night we packed the meringues into jars (after felting the lids)..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bh1_KuqUtgAn-qvmBG89Tf8GUFHzlehKTV2um9MB6Dt4J83OlBGIhEtpdpRvGoao1S750YHhPrKKklehr0AooGf4Kn90q2UJB1uOGro2jwFLgAFFSWXGpPeEMjoo-rOq0I_YBJxG4C8/s1600/PC156515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bh1_KuqUtgAn-qvmBG89Tf8GUFHzlehKTV2um9MB6Dt4J83OlBGIhEtpdpRvGoao1S750YHhPrKKklehr0AooGf4Kn90q2UJB1uOGro2jwFLgAFFSWXGpPeEMjoo-rOq0I_YBJxG4C8/s640/PC156515.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">wrapped the cookies with paper and tied them with strings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(and forgot to take a photo :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They did look something like this, we used bits of wrapping paper to dress up the kraft paper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="640" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O3wzDzmN6bHK7aRWJ_Ifn9uWT0nQdwVGQSZV9OHhlO0kyWXtA-4xweXL25OuOhXisjm4Ij9WuPDh7k38z08GQ-wYrQK4YXk9kfF-UF1fSBFkBlpBEUzvTFfp9Yqfg_rHwIpd__59ul9F/s640/string.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="516" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://icinggifts.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we packed those goodies, a few chocolates, some specialty teas, mandarin oranges and candy canes into baskets and sent them off to school today for the kids teachers.. all 10 of them!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next week we repeat for friends, family and neighbours...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With two large families, and no one needing ANYTHING, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we only buy for the kids, and the adults exchange homemade goodies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have given out these recipes loads of times, and if any of you would like them, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">just let me know - I'll send you a copy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time spent baking beats time spent at the mall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">til next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

The Joy of Baking... and Giving Away

Don't know about you, but around here Christmas feels like Christmas  when the aprons come out and the kitchen is covered in a fine laye...

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Saying Thanks..

<div style="text-align: center;">My Mum always made us stand around the table, holding hands, at Thanksgiving dinner.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The food was served but no one could eat until we'd gone around the circle,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> each of us saying in turn what we were thankful for.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Holding-Hands.jpg holding hands image by iluhvya12" class="media hundredpercent" galleryimg="no" id="fullSizedImage" src="http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll128/iluhvya12/Holding-Hands.jpg" style="height: 308px; width: 390px;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/holding%20hands/iluhvya12/Holding-Hands.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">I thought it was ridiculous then.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Now, as a Mum, I repeat the tradition</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">because we don't always stop to appreciate what we have..</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">and we have a lot.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzq5pvw38fbM-gcTTj5RQd-7qi7NBQLnwa3EshaabLhcgaKzCou2OgABUuDkos8U65Ziy9dpVvf8hjvzABqgqF7jwhcYuCpOGq4zJaDQyHbxci6ifrEkTw2il5KDVnH9_TOxt_qOeRgU/s1600/P2074003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzq5pvw38fbM-gcTTj5RQd-7qi7NBQLnwa3EshaabLhcgaKzCou2OgABUuDkos8U65Ziy9dpVvf8hjvzABqgqF7jwhcYuCpOGq4zJaDQyHbxci6ifrEkTw2il5KDVnH9_TOxt_qOeRgU/s640/P2074003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinePa2DuGzxFbArVQ16rv50zrteUxdw1NOsv5c1nWcI5dZmBAQlLjv7BTulJs0-lzW2cWU1tCbOvCKXCHy7HY33lYQyyEv7vj31TTbNM6qTPx2v2llgiXWRxtH5r4ONxedlgEqSxaZtiw/s1600/P5164939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinePa2DuGzxFbArVQ16rv50zrteUxdw1NOsv5c1nWcI5dZmBAQlLjv7BTulJs0-lzW2cWU1tCbOvCKXCHy7HY33lYQyyEv7vj31TTbNM6qTPx2v2llgiXWRxtH5r4ONxedlgEqSxaZtiw/s640/P5164939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkntvHiQScUYSAVXr-1KHCogqbVv0c4MddkL4QNdN0kzZ6aSxVzj545D9C71I_QTKACW74JNgjBQ0C3EImJ9muBGDQQ2dQFO-G8poC46Ug4Osx1L7r8jmVDBySFclERAUhVgkSYL6K_3w/s1600/P7115300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkntvHiQScUYSAVXr-1KHCogqbVv0c4MddkL4QNdN0kzZ6aSxVzj545D9C71I_QTKACW74JNgjBQ0C3EImJ9muBGDQQ2dQFO-G8poC46Ug4Osx1L7r8jmVDBySFclERAUhVgkSYL6K_3w/s640/P7115300.JPG" width="446" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the menu - aside from my secret-recipe-butternut-squash-soup,</div><div style="text-align: center;">all the veggies, and ham/roast beef/turkey madness (my husbands family were butchers!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have an incredible appetizer to serve..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">**warning** this dip is addictive :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BD1hGorgGdsWJ7yiWfR9jwd1UMJ1Gh_Df8lXX2eufbC-yUhyphenhyphenWeG7_Orq8gLdoaWdLpx_nqQBuT1bcgXN4Qp3s9xNB3EaD-Ta7dAW9TN2Fhqp_NuSTDusRXfwcLcK2PMBXyooyax27Ek/s1600/PA085870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BD1hGorgGdsWJ7yiWfR9jwd1UMJ1Gh_Df8lXX2eufbC-yUhyphenhyphenWeG7_Orq8gLdoaWdLpx_nqQBuT1bcgXN4Qp3s9xNB3EaD-Ta7dAW9TN2Fhqp_NuSTDusRXfwcLcK2PMBXyooyax27Ek/s640/PA085870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A friend wowed us with this dip a few weeks ago, and I have made a complete bother of myself  since, asking her for the recipe!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not sure she wanted to share, but she caved out of sheer self-preservation!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Heather - maybe I'll give you the secret ingredients in my squash soup :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now I can share it with you...</div><div style="text-align: center;">delicious served with blanched asparagus, and shrimp if you like</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQr77mkLjH_Cpqvzfel1WsbaRvnY_JmOidXqks8_lz7nfzFR7ZHvn8LdPYiTlp0fFwToKad8zAJzE-C3EVxbdJrIyFjMAxX5EodmvisWbc_oxZbjhFdYaESmKn4GM5mzZxW95SD34GsE/s1600/PA085853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQr77mkLjH_Cpqvzfel1WsbaRvnY_JmOidXqks8_lz7nfzFR7ZHvn8LdPYiTlp0fFwToKad8zAJzE-C3EVxbdJrIyFjMAxX5EodmvisWbc_oxZbjhFdYaESmKn4GM5mzZxW95SD34GsE/s640/PA085853.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Wasabi Mayo Dip</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">1 cup mayo (hellmans recommended)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">1 tsp sugar</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">2 tsp soy sauce</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">2 tsp lemon juice</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">1 tsp wasabi (from tube)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">mix and let sit in refrigerator for an hour if possible, so the sugar dissolves</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">SO GOOD! we had to make a "trial" today, just to be sure we could do it correctly ;)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Have a great weekend all..</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">til next time..</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Saying Thanks..

My Mum always made us stand around the table, holding hands, at Thanksgiving dinner. The food was served but no one could eat until we'd...

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Bento Box Fabulousness!

<div style="text-align: center;">So quiet here today... all the kids back in school..</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the spirit of things, a post on lunchbox ideas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A while back I met Chantale on twitter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">One day I noticed her tweet about a bento box, and clicked.. to find this!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dh5QAVUqWyw/THxxQftRxuI/AAAAAAAAEpw/iy18D-awnjs/s640/IMG_0193.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Is that not the cutest thing ever?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As a Mum of three, I have to tell you, lunches get packed up quickly in the morning - </div><div style="text-align: center;">the kids choose what they would like, get out all the supplies and containers required, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and I whip them together while they eat breakfast.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have never, ever made them something like this!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We do have a sandwich cutter which de-crusts and creates two heart shaped halves -</div><div style="text-align: center;"> that is as fancy as it gets!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been exploring Chantale's creations over the summer.. and feeling just a teensy bit guilty :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dh5QAVUqWyw/THOuOv4zyCI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/8c9rUee9j0Q/s640/ZoeBento.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dh5QAVUqWyw/TFlQBXpStTI/AAAAAAAAEUc/tZuwnRYsqWs/s640/astroboyretro.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="[jp+lunchboxes.jpg]" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dh5QAVUqWyw/SkwT2PtP7yI/AAAAAAAACEA/zZ-_RrFnnWo/s1600/jp%2Blunchboxes.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although I have not let the kids see these, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am planning to try and make them each monday this year - start the week off with a smile :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chantale has loads of inspiration on <b><a href="http://keiramae-aloha.blogspot.com/p/bentos.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">her blog</span></a></b>, and provides links to some great sites..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyone game to try these with me?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd love to see what you come up with!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">til next time..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Bento Box Fabulousness!

So quiet here today... all the kids back in school.. in the spirit of things, a post on lunchbox ideas. A while back I met Chantale on twitt...

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<div style="text-align: center;">Pie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="623" id="il_fi" src="http://www.allwebretro.com/images/signs/133_pies_lg.jpg" width="492" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember, as a child, helping my Mum to make apple pie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">rolling the dough, slicing up the apples..</div><div style="text-align: center;">she always let me seal the top and bottom crusts together, working the dough like clay.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" id="il_fi" src="http://www.corbisimages.com/images/67/B87A9655-E198-4E0A-B0AF-07149D5933C6/42-19930759.jpg" width="554" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">smelling the pie as it baked, and then waiting as it cooled - "I think it's ready NOW, Mum!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She had learned to make pastry from her own Mum,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> who often made apple pie when she came to visit, </div><div style="text-align: center;">always served with a slice or two of cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"> ("Apple pie with out the cheese is like a hug without the squeeze!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="266" id="il_fi" src="http://aht.seriouseats.com/images/20100508-P%26T-pie.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As an adult, although not always keen on cooking meals, I love to bake.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cookies, muffins, tarts, squares, you name it - but never pie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="460" id="il_fi" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/pies-cupboard-ABFOOD0506-de.jpg" width="360" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Something about making crust intimidates me!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today we are headed over to friends home for an-end-of-summer BBQ.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://urngarden.com/images/blog/beer54bbq01.jpg" width="375" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I am bringing dessert. Pie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> It is about time I share these memories with MY daughters -</div><div style="text-align: center;">who always appear into the kitchen, gleefully grabbing their aprons,</div><div style="text-align: center;">when the flour tin hits the counter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="500" id="il_fi" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/148/374645329_2d6b400d5e.jpg" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24681937@N00/374645329/">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After raiding Martha's site for the most reliable <b><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/making-pate-brisee">crust recipe</a></b>,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and her <b><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/perfect-apple-pie">classic apple pie</a></b>, we gave it a whirl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" id="il_fi" src="http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/NIM/KE181.jpg" width="513" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was actually not that difficult - except I would not try to roll out the crust between layers of parchment again, my arms ached!! The top crust was rolled out the traditional way, with a little flour...</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyVIM-xSX66N1YB1GSBCdnt5DqMvyAp08JlYF9kAc6rfz0jmoNDIpu-lcjR62M9zDhvi69hWj3l6G2G0iMCBKwy6IaEMysmQX8JCInX1lmLqbVCmwzcB_DGsf1Cv3xLg1mX4xHngk83M/s1600/P9055549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyVIM-xSX66N1YB1GSBCdnt5DqMvyAp08JlYF9kAc6rfz0jmoNDIpu-lcjR62M9zDhvi69hWj3l6G2G0iMCBKwy6IaEMysmQX8JCInX1lmLqbVCmwzcB_DGsf1Cv3xLg1mX4xHngk83M/s640/P9055549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not the prettiest pie,<br />but it smells fantastic, if i do say so myself!<br />We added a couple of pears into the mix because I had some that were quite ripe.<br />Hope it tastes as good as it smells ..<br /><br />Now that I have done it once, I think I may start experimenting a tad..<br />If I find any outstanding recipes I'll share.<br />Is there any pies you would recommend?<br />I'd love some suggestions!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Three very jittery kiddies here as school starts tomorrow..<br />all hoping they get a certain teacher at school,<br />wishing their best friend will be in the same class,<br />wondering if there will be any new faces..<br />The shopping binge has paused, thank goodness!<br />3 backpacks - bulging with supplies, 3 lunchbags, 10 pairs of jeans, countless t-shirts,<br />6 new hoodies, 6 pairs of sneaks, and two new dresses, for Coco, of course.<br />We even found boots and some ski gear already - mayhem!<br /><br />I have some really outstanding bento box lunches to show you this week,<br /> done by a really clever Mum I've met on twitter.<br /><br />What are you all up to today?<br /><br />til next time..</div>

Pie. I remember, as a child, helping my Mum to make apple pie. rolling the dough, slicing up the apples.. she always let me seal the top and...

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