tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91620831327549177742024-02-19T00:01:05.264-07:00freshly bakedEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.comBlogger540125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-4476597067853213122011-01-01T13:18:00.000-07:002011-06-11T23:09:56.964-06:00My blog has moved!<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Feel free to check out this site for lots of fun tips, tricks, stories and recipes. You'll find a good two-year's worth or so of posts, but for my latest ramblings please visit me at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/">isthisREALLYmylife.com</a>. Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you on my new site!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IloLY2_5yiHZ_k2n9DMDbXhAo2rCP631EN7MNwSU2rUt38YJndvtfETtrmDS-Bc4zrszvEMZr9bpe2maYzyFbKyNlefB1rG4At0efiREHgwfl74tdhvZjwxrg9TCrlNj2IY65JiRNTLP/s1600/Em-blog-header-3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 78px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IloLY2_5yiHZ_k2n9DMDbXhAo2rCP631EN7MNwSU2rUt38YJndvtfETtrmDS-Bc4zrszvEMZr9bpe2maYzyFbKyNlefB1rG4At0efiREHgwfl74tdhvZjwxrg9TCrlNj2IY65JiRNTLP/s400/Em-blog-header-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493101680091170498" border="0" /></a></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-4375712722826173302010-09-23T16:50:00.006-06:002010-09-23T16:53:25.468-06:00GINORMOUS SALE at georgietees.com!<a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.georgietees.com/" target="_blank">georgie tees</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> is finally closing its doors. Life and all its excitement/craziness/joy/projects/endeavors has us moving on from the business we started five years ago. It is time and though a bittersweet ending, we are excited to see what the future will bring.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">To help us close our doors as soon as possible before the holidays, we are having a</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-family:georgia;" ><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);"><big> GINORMOUS SALE</big></span></strong></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> on </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.georgietees.com/" target="_blank">our site</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">!</span><br /><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);"><strong><big>$10 infant tees</big></strong></span> (reg. $24)</p><br /><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);"><strong><big>$20 infant twin sets</big></strong></span> (reg. $45)</p><br /><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);"><strong><big>$20 mom & baby set</big></strong></span> (reg. $48)</p><br /><p style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia;">and</p><br /><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);"><strong><big>FREE PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING</big></strong></span> on all orders over $50!</p><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">That's a good </span><strong style="font-family: georgia;">60% off </strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">or so and even better than our friends & family discount--whoo hoo! Now is the time to stock up on all those baby shower gifts and stocking stuffers for the holidays. Heck, stock up on our great infant tees for your kids as well!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia;"><a href="http://wwww.georgietees.com/" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 261px;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2453" title="georgietees_postcard" src="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/georgietees_postcard.png" alt="" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">To shop and </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);font-family:georgia;" ><strong>support the cause</strong></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> (i.e., help us break even on our inventory investment),please visit </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.georgietees.com/" target="_blank">georgietees.com</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span><br /><br /><strong style="font-family: georgia;">P.S.</strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"> All maternity tees are </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);font-family:georgia;" >SOLD OUT</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span><br /><br /><strong style="font-family: georgia;">P.P.S. </strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">You just might find our maternity tees on </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.babysteals.com/" target="_blank">BabySteals.com</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> in October.</span><br /><br /><strong style="font-family: georgia;">P.P.P.S. </strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">A few of our styles/sizes in our popular </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.georgietees.com/infant.html" target="_blank">infant tees</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> have already sold out, so don't wait too long!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-81306703514658847832010-03-30T00:46:00.003-06:002010-03-30T13:07:55.436-06:00georgie tees Mother's Day sale!<span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.georgietees.com/" target="_blank"><span style="float: left; margin: 0pt 1em 0.5em 0pt;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1312" title="georgie tees maternity tee" src="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/packin6_140x227.jpg" alt="georgie tees maternity tees" width="140" height="227" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">Most of you know when I'm not writing multiple posts for multiple sites, I am co-owner of </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.georgietees.com/" target="_blank">georgie tees</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, a fun and unique line of infant and maternity t-shirts and apparel. Well, with Mother's Day around the corner we wanted to make your shopping a little easier—and a little more affordable. Plus, it's a great time to stock up on gifts for all those upcoming baby showers. Summer is the busiest baby-birthing season (due to winter being the busiest baby-making month).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">From now until <span style="font-weight: bold;">April 17th</span> we're offering</span><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >...</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-size:100%;" ><strong>30% off your order</strong></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>PLUS</strong></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-size:100%;" ><strong>FREE Priority Mail shipping</strong></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >...</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Simply enter code </span><strong style="font-family: georgia;">MOTHERSDAY</strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"> in the Comments section when checking out. (Your discount will be reflected after your order is processed since we have to run them through the system manually.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">We'd love for you to spread the word about the sale. In fact, if you tweet/Facebook/blog about our Mother's Day sale and someone you know places an order, have her tell us in that same Comments section that you referred her. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><strong></strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-size:100%;" ><strong>For every completed sale</strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> (i.e., successful referral) </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 102);font-size:100%;" ><strong>we'll give you $5 towards a future purchase at <a href="http://www.georgietees.com/" target="_blank">georgietees.com</a>!</strong></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Happy shopping! </strong></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><em style="font-family: georgia;">And yes, that's me in the above photo...hard to believe I once had long hair but it's true!</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-79416868930928896592010-01-27T00:09:00.003-07:002010-01-27T00:19:26.130-07:00Reminder: Don't forget to subscribe to ITRML!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNd5c-eIFCql9rNiZOWUxzI1_YH6-5XltPVZRC3lCvBJmqfS9JXUT32i4Y7f_B-muJ24XPuzslKWiIJzDM7VFUp_y9ImZjIhNEqbkhAOtaAZiqXVTCDkH2xIMfLRe6FiwRhsgY73P09B26/s400/Ems-button125.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431314491000378162" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Hopefully you've had time to check out my new site <a href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/" target="_blank">isthisREALLYmylife.com</a>. I've imported all the post from this blog over there, so you should be able to find everything you need, from recipes to Etsy shops to Wordless Wednesday photos.<br /><br />I know it's asking a lot, but what I'd really love for you to do is subscribe to <a href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/feed/">ITRML's feed</a>. You can find the little RSS icon on the right-hand side of the page, just above the "celebrating or medicating" banner (or simply<a href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/feed/"> click here</a>). A few of you have made the leap of faith but there are still tens of you who haven't. Perhaps you're waiting for the site's design to be complete. Take it from me, if you wait until that happens you'll be waiting a really, really long time. That's why I finally dove in and <a href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/2010/01/no-time-like-the-present/" target=")blank">simply started posting</a>.<br /><br />You can also find ITRML on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/is-this-REALLY-my-life/193103600058" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, fan page and all.<br /><br />Okay, heading to bed after a day I thought would never end. I'm glad it finally did. Perhaps I'll even post about it tomorrow. You'll have to visit <a href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/" target="_blank">is this REALLY my life?</a> to find out! --Emily<br /></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-44865384500410227912010-01-19T14:06:00.011-07:002010-01-19T15:30:58.820-07:00I've moved! (i.e., check out my new site!)<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">...</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">...</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">...</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 78px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dxgKBZ-7hg9wIVJmr6o8HDnNrD9fmAwthKyc2U3YasE9AbTPMpp9lD2D8JNlndm2z275PAkJR-22PR6AnQyUfBSZRJ7X1n6XC_sRZRTo2JU93Wc5u0F2aKhHYXxuIhn83BgjU__hblc8/s400/Em-blog-header-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428563064460897522" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;" >I've been wanting to start my own site for some time, especially since LeShan and I decided we'd be wrapping up georgie tees so we could move on to other projects. My friend Quinn over at <a href="http://www.createdbychicks.com/" target="_blank">CreatedByChicks.com</a> has been helping me with the design, and though it's not complete (the right-hand side is still a work in progress), I've officially started posting over there. AND I've imported all my Blogger posts into the new site as well so you faithful readers (hi, Mom!) wouldn't miss a recipe, Wordless Wednesday or any other life-changing post.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;" >I'll no longer be writing on freshly baked so I'd love, love, LOVE for you to head on over to my new site:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><a href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><big>is this REALLY my life?</big></span><br /></a></div><br /><a style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlRaXsQMltsUcfaR2P4yfeh8fWXVilLKjhyphenhyphendmHe66R58Kol-9QccxtVXNrJFeD3ATaFBKV6Fhj-r2cbdrxJu-v5q71cNv9N59RrsmS8J_9kCi6mIbyLlLfd5Jiz4vib1OCtvOFF9g7_XU/s400/Ems-button125.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428562839589143602" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;" >Like I mentioned, please pardon my dust as I tidy up the site. Feel free to look around. You'll find the inspiration behind the site and its name on my "</span><a style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" href="http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/about/" target="_blank">about me</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;" >" page, and if you really and truly love me you'll become a fan of isthisREALLYmylife.com on </span><a style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/is-this-REALLY-my-life/193103600058" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;" > and subscribe to the site's feed (RSS icon at the top of the right column). I'll even give you extra credit if you snag a button and add it to your site! (The HTML can be found on the right-hand side of the homepage.)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;" >I'm so excited about this new adventure and hope you'll join me for the ride! --Emily</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-22258019712093077952010-01-15T00:01:00.000-07:002010-01-15T00:01:00.169-07:00Fave soups & main dishes<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >This is about part three in a four-part series recapping my favorite recipes from our church's annual progressive dinner. You can read the first two posts <a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-dont-do-mondays.html" target="_blank">here</a> (appetizers and drinks) and <a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2010/01/fave-breads-and-salads.html" target="_blank">here</a> (breads and salads). Today I bring you soups and main dishes. You for sure need to try the two chilled berry soups. They are delish! Soup's on!<br /><br /><br /><u>8 Can Soup</u><br />1 can (14 oz.) Veg-All <br />1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes <br />1 can (14 oz.) diced potatoes <br />1 can (14 oz.) vegetable soup <br />1 can (14 oz.) kernel corn<br />1 can (14 oz.) green beans, sliced<br />1 can (14 oz.) Hormel chili with beans<br />1 can (14 oz.) Hormel chili w/no beans<br /><br />Mix all together and heat thoroughly. Serve w/grated cheese, sour cream and nacho chips.<br /><br /><br /><u>Chilled Raspberry Soup</u><br />1 (32 oz.) nonfat raspberry yogurt <br />2 cups sour cream <br />1 cup Cran-Raspberry juice <br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1/2 tablespoon cinnamon<br />1 tablespoon lemon juice<br />3 whole cloves<br /><br />Set yogurt and sour cream to the side and chill. Stir together remaining ingredients. Cook in crock pot for 15 min. and sugar dissolves. When done, strain out whole cloves and put juice on ice. Add the yogurt and sour cream just before serving. Whisk together until smooth. op with berries when serving.<br /><br /><br /><u>Cool Berry Soup</u><br />1 (32 oz.)plain or vanilla yogurt <br />1 - 1 1/2 cups sour cream <br />1/3 cup orange juice <br />1/3 cup pineapple juice<br />1 cup powdered sugar<br />Frozen berries<br /><br />Combine all ingredients, whisk until all sugar is dissolved and is smooth. Serve with frozen berries on top.<br /><br /><br /><u>Spicy Tomato Bisque</u><br />1 (28 oz.) can chopped tomatoes or tomato puree <br />1/3 teaspoon red pepper flakes <br />1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper <br />3/4 teaspoon dried basil<br />1 teaspoon sugar<br />1/4 cup milk<br />4 oz. cream cheese, cubed<br /><br />In saucepan over medium heat, stir together tomato puree, red pepper flakes, black pepper, basil and sugar. Bring to a simmer, and cook 10 - 15 minutes. Whisk in cream cheese until well blended, then stir in the milk. Heat through without boiling. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches!<br /><br /><br /><u>White Chicken Chili</u><br />1 tablespoon. oil <br />1 lb chicken, cooked and diced <br />1 med. onion, chopped <br />3-4 cloves garlic, minced <br />2 cans great northern beans <br />1 can chicken broth <br />2 cans chopped green chilies <br />1 teaspoon salt<br />1 teaspoon cumin<br />1/2 teaspoon pepper<br />1 teaspoon oregano<br />1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper<br />1 cup. sour cream<br />1/2 cup heavy cream<br /><br />Sauté chicken, garlic and onion in oil in a skillet. Place in stock pot or crock pot with remaining ingredients except sour cream and heavy cream. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add sour cream and heavy cream. Stir and serve. Serves 6. For a lighter version, add 1 cup of Fat Free sour cream instead and omit cream. Still just as yummy!<br /><br /><br /><u>Oven Kalua Pork</u><br />4-5 lbs pork roast (pork or shoulder) <br />1 T liquid smoke<br />2 1/2 tablespoons sea salt, divided<br /><br />Preheat oven to 325. Rub pork with liquid smoke and 1 ½ T. salt. Wrap pork several times with foil and seal completely. Place pork in roasting pan and bake for 5 hours. After baking, shred pork, sprinkle with the remaining salt. Serve with rice.<br /><br /><br /><u>Parmesan Chicken</u><br />4-8 chicken breast halves <br />1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix (dry) <br />1 cup crushed cornflake crumbs<br />1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated<br />1 cup butter, melted<br /><br />Rinse chicken and pat dry. Mix all dry ingredients together. Melt butter in separate bowl. Dip chicken in butter and then in dry ingredients. Place in greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining dry mixture on top. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until done.<br /><br /><br /><u>Spinach Ravioli Lasagna w/Pesto Bread Crumbs</u><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Note: all these ingredients can be found at Costco</span><br /><br />1 (23 oz.) Alfredo Sauce, divided <br />1 (38 oz.) pkg. spinach & cheese ravioli, cooked according to directions <br />1/4 C. basil pesto<br />1 C. roasted red peppers, sliced into ½ inch strips<br /><br />Pesto Bread Crumbs:<br />1 cup bread crumbs <br />1/2 cup basil pesto <br />1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350. Coat a 13x9 inch baking pan with cooking spray. To prepare the bread crumbs, mix all ingredients in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Set aside.<br /><br />Smooth 1 1/2 cups of Alfredo sauce over the bottom of the pan. Layer 18 of the ravioli in slightly overlapping rows - 3 across and 6 lengthwise. Tuck any extra ravioli into this layer. Smooth 1/2 cup Alfredo Sauce over the Ravioli. Place red pepper strips evenly across the top. Sprinkle with Pesto Bread Crumbs.<br /><br />Cover with foil and bake until the sauce is bubbling, about 35 minutes. Remove the foil and broil until the bread crumbs are lightly browned. Let the Lasagna rest for about 5 minutes.<br /><br /><br /><u>Taco Pie</u><br />1 can crescent rolls <br />1 lb. ground beef <br />1 pkg. taco seasoning <br />1/2 onion, chopped <br />1 sm. can tomato soup<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded<br />2 cups crushed corn chips<br /><br />Press crescent rolls into bottom and sides of a 9" pie dish for crust. Brown and drain ground beef. Add taco seasoning, onion and tomato soup. Layer into crust 1 cup crushed corn chips, meat mixture, sour cream, cheddar cheese and remaining corn chips. Bake at 375° for 20 - 25 minutes. Serve with chopped lettuce and tomatoes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/caroslines/1411778034/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTt4ZlEDKpaxyrZ1UujCDb3xtl5N3HO5Oll8KYpEZlW1lGQdHsWIpz5m2gpiTGk6CddCWihEc4JJKVS_mnQyg_1dvoIX6FgXnE_VtHpTNFQXAOeJKQzWvhV_bpGu6wjM0zkbETelRlxzpR/s400/1411778034_9a40cd4bd1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426743069950193794" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">The only man who is really free is the one who can turn down an invitation to dinner without giving an excuse.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">~Jules Renard</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/caroslines/1411778034/" target="_blank">Carol's Lines</a>, shared via Flickr.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-36566065011476821022010-01-13T22:03:00.010-07:002010-01-15T13:51:19.844-07:00You too can support relief efforts in Haiti<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">In the past on this blog we would do a "thankful thursday" post. It's been a really long time since we've had one and the recent devastation in Haiti (due to a 7.0 earthquake) reminded me how very blessed I am. I wish it didn't take a disaster to put things in perspective but that's often what happens.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alandd/4273416852/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXibX_IY7owOt039ykeLmxeu0_zV2D4eI9-XKn5fiI-0m5TuFw5kqlCw6X8_mhYW2D1QVyvPJ_6lU33OYvfjbfdDl2X9PkL-ClVROhNFDYtlGDGJYZcbBygVai2uYHSoeS1eQg7jAAbDs/s400/4273416852_06ab3a6930.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426461353726191682" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Who cares if I have purple crayon all over my walls? At least I have four walls that make a home for our family. So what if my foot sticks to the floor when walking through they kitchen? At least we have food on the table along with the floor. My furnace may make really strange sounds in the middle of the night but it keeps my family warm. And though my girls may use up all the hot water when they shower, there's more where that came from.<br /><br />My heart goes out to those affected by the recent earthquake, both in Haiti and around the world. But a heart can only do so much; that's why I'm so glad Cool Mom Picks promptly put up a post outlining a variety of ways in which you can donate your time, money and supplies:<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/2010/01/got_donations_heres_how_to_hel.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Got donations? Here's how to help Haiti</span></span></span></a>"<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />I chose to go with <a href="http://www.directrelief.org/EmergencyResponse/2010/EarthquakeHaiti.aspx" target="_blank">Direct Relief International</a> since every penny I donate goes directly to relief efforts already underway in this earthquake-ravaged area but there are plenty of other options and resources.<br /><br />My friend Sarah over at Cable Car Couture also mentioned another option for those looking to help. In "<a href="http://www.cablecarcouture.com/utah-business-contribute-aid-for-haiti-earthquake-victims-healing-hands-for-haiti-humanitarian-aid/" target="_blank">Contribute Aid for Haiti Earthquake Victims</a>" Sarah highlights a local Utah business owner who is partnering with Healing Hands for Haiti in gathering donations. Vanessa from I Never Grew Up (one of my fave blogging girlfriends) also has a few links to other organizations. You can catch those links in her post <a href="http://inevergrewup.net/haiti-earthquake/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />And the efforts don't stop there. Take a few minutes to count your blessings...and then count out a few dollars or a few hours of your time to help those in need. Every little bit helps. --Emily<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">P.S.</span> If you check the comments below, my friend Kalli (<a href="http://kallikverb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Life as Kalli</a>) is organizing a quilting bee here in Utah and could use donations. Please read her comment for more info and donate if you can!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">P.P.S.</span> Allison from <a href="http://www.petitelefant.com/2010/01/auction-for-haiti.html" target="_blank">Petit Elefant</a> just posted about a fabulous auction our mutual friend <a href="http://almaloveland.com/" target="_blank">Alma</a> is having on her <a href="http://blog.ollibird.com/2010/01/auction-for-haitian-relief.html" target="_blank">Ollibird site</a> to benefit victims of the recent earthquake. Some fabulous prints and some fabulous prices on Photoshop and Illustrator classes (if you live in Utah). Check it out!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alandd/4273416852/" target="_blank">alandd</a>, shared via Flickr.</span><br /></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-66463156991540114732010-01-13T13:03:00.003-07:002010-01-13T13:06:23.903-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Someone needs a Speak & Spell<br/><br/><br/><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis16Ozhud80ywUxqXYgNwZywoW0wDgk5eEY9CBW6HtJLorFOc3xuvIlTLkytJvk5PfySOjzXSl_tXokn5nUeQZMBVcO2H3Ke0cvLzUbAQtOuedG3q4B4jdfOnLwK7Rm-fXkaBHM0n6Trux/s1600-h/breakerbox1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis16Ozhud80ywUxqXYgNwZywoW0wDgk5eEY9CBW6HtJLorFOc3xuvIlTLkytJvk5PfySOjzXSl_tXokn5nUeQZMBVcO2H3Ke0cvLzUbAQtOuedG3q4B4jdfOnLwK7Rm-fXkaBHM0n6Trux/s400/breakerbox1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426317811099716562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breaker box in the basement</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCib-5ksUxuPnZzMLAHyeF7m37sd9PRtBeKgqMWPZbNarGv_csCbqv2DBQhFBTl2a8m_fyeH3NgNJ6HPFFlMq2IKP44tYZaEDLhWXJC6J3lTY6ugcGnNQGojaMXrQWA3AE4A2yG3mWSq8P/s1600-h/breakerbox2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCib-5ksUxuPnZzMLAHyeF7m37sd9PRtBeKgqMWPZbNarGv_csCbqv2DBQhFBTl2a8m_fyeH3NgNJ6HPFFlMq2IKP44tYZaEDLhWXJC6J3lTY6ugcGnNQGojaMXrQWA3AE4A2yG3mWSq8P/s400/breakerbox2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426317816499437266" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Breaker box upstairs</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-4152953668803838822010-01-12T00:01:00.001-07:002010-01-12T00:01:00.633-07:00Tip Junkie's Favorite Project Show-and-Tell<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/2010/01/your-favorite-project-for-2009.html" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Moy7sSggKJZSZ-1OGl5H1hin6dRtFlriWgSBXV5A9wDBWe8wAZJxMhmv1dUiuF0hyphenhyphene_E9Bv7boDOGC_U3O5_5iSnkOhcSVuO4XX8I9ZRH2hT8KevkRU1z0QhrwmBBAIrwfxRh6TjPoAr/s400/talk-to-me-tuesday_white.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425708519123038930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">This week's Talk to Me Tuesday from Tip Junkie is a project Show-and-Tell. Now, faithful freshly baked readers know I'm not a crafter so I wondered if there were anything of interest I could add to the Linky list...and then I remembered those dang cute <a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2009/11/shark-cupcakes-even-spielberg-would.html" target="_blank">shark cupcakes</a> I made for George's birthday. Though no fabric, hot glue, ModgePodge or paint was used they were still a project in my book.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2009/11/shark-cupcakes-even-spielberg-would.html" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsIi-baeA26iCS_U2WP8IVATTAeEOydD7GLHAqHB4B53yy0LSoWiDzR6JtlCjZMd_fNXf5u_tmexMYGPO9MdgbW7UeVQ92l2n0c-OFg1bh2Xk9nge7lgskoGagocQ05cYTD7tnxeILXkr/s400/IMG_2211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425709049917853890" border="0" /></a><br />If you want to see all the great projects by Tip Junkie readers, head on over to her <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/2010/01/your-favorite-project-for-2009.html" target="_blank">Talk to Me Tuesday</a> post. My faves so far are Laurie's jewelry organizer and Lanie's Chalkboard Flower Pots. Now those I might be able to do someday, hot glue gun and all! --Emily<br /></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-16746716425920563162010-01-11T00:01:00.002-07:002010-01-11T00:01:00.061-07:00RMMB: "What are you really saying?"<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Warning! This is a cheater post (i.e., I'm referring to another post either written by myself or another person rather than typing up something from scratch). But time is short and my new website is already collecting dust due to my inability to get over there and get moving on it.<br /><br />So in lieu of a "real" post I'd love for you to check out my latest feature on <a href="http://www.rockymountainmomsblog.com/2010/01/when-you-care-enough-to-say-youre-sorry-draft.html" target="_blank">Rocky Mountain Moms Blog</a>:<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">"<a href="http://www.rockymountainmomsblog.com/2010/01/when-you-care-enough-to-say-youre-sorry-draft.html" target="_blank">What are you really saying?</a>"</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rockymountainmomsblog.com/2010/01/when-you-care-enough-to-say-youre-sorry-draft.html" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkUL8W_k2gp6c9M6dF0C2nGElz7UDeUP-SNG5Ve3oJCZbXC7rjeCGQyiob7V3HgeNtn4DRkBwq4EvHESyfImb6Ll6c06IFskGW8RmajACF1nsDJ_3fOhdGSVehgWynww-nlSRdMPNZF0P/s400/6a00d83451bae269e20120a7b34805970b-200wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424509875228273138" border="0" /></a><br />Excerpt:<blockquote>The words "I'm sorry" are simple enough yet can be said—and interpreted—in so many ways. I'm not talking about variations of "I'm sorry" like "I apologize" and "Can you ever in your wonderfully merciful heart forgive me?" What I'm referring to is the tone or voice used when telling someone you're sorry, and my kids are pros when it comes to saying one thing and meaning something entirely different. {<span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.rockymountainmomsblog.com/2010/01/when-you-care-enough-to-say-youre-sorry-draft.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to read the full post</span>}</blockquote><br />If you're in need of a chuckle you just might find one while reading my take on my children's apologies. And if not, I can guarantee a smile simply by reading Kalli's comment. Aren't brothers the greatest! --Emily<br /></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-37543780457143900192010-01-08T14:16:00.004-07:002010-01-08T15:22:47.930-07:00Another sign winter's here<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Today is a sad, sad day and what happened is yet another sign winter is still in full force. What tragic event occurred? Brace yourself...I had to switch my <a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/foundation/infallible-never-fail-makeup.htm">L'Oreal Infallible Advance Never Fail</a> foundation from 605 (Nude Beige) to 603 (Classic Ivory). In other words, I've officially gone from this:<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBojgBzodI9H1GNF5uPaUT6Db4xbHCGZhyhfrBmRJg0q9mkJnIXagFX692sExb_sr3DeXCYcrpaZ2jF3piIBeqh8YCPMpQMQ0gRZTap14XgwhdH8v6O6BwhyNesK1xSqcKxP3unqde0_N/s1600-h/IMG_2024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBojgBzodI9H1GNF5uPaUT6Db4xbHCGZhyhfrBmRJg0q9mkJnIXagFX692sExb_sr3DeXCYcrpaZ2jF3piIBeqh8YCPMpQMQ0gRZTap14XgwhdH8v6O6BwhyNesK1xSqcKxP3unqde0_N/s400/IMG_2024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424488528349772994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(an actual photo from our Caribbean cruise in September</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">)</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />to this:<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/merwing/3489498655/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDytwVHx4jAzC_ERDLo0L8V4XgivMb4QPaLdh_YZTNN-_FoNCVMgQXlyND5gOtooPXs5U-_PBJdkPEyNRAnGpDqQ8rIS8w6fJRwEvEpPhl8pXIAf4LRDFniB6gbQ81u85tdV7cfthzYOWS/s400/3489498655_b53e369b0b_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424496104954739250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/merwing/3489498655/" target="_blank">merwing little dear</a></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">, shared via Flickr</span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Yes, "porcelain" is beautiful and often a reflection of healthier skin but I look like death warmed over without makeup. Happy 2010 to me! --Emily<br /></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-30395392860435269652010-01-08T00:01:00.000-07:002010-01-08T00:01:00.588-07:00Fave breads and salads<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Here are my favorite bread and salad recipes from our 2009 progressive dinner. For past recipes check out <a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-dont-do-mondays.html" target="_blank">Monday's post</a> and the bottom of <a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/search?q=progressive" target="_blank">this post</a>. I won't stop until I've shared all my faves with you! But only a few at a time, mind you. This time of year it's all about portion control...<br /><br /><u>Bran Muffins</u><br />1 cup boiling water <br />3 cups All Bran (divided) <br />2 cups buttermilk <br />1 cup brown sugar <br />1/2 cup oil OR 1/3 cup oil + 6 tabelspoons flax seed meal <br />2 eggs<br />2 tablespoons molasses<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />2 teaspoons soda<br /><br />Combine water and 1 cup All Bran. Let cool then add 2 cups All Bran and buttermilk. Set aside. Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs, flax seed (if using) and molasses. Mix well then add dry ingredients. Stir in buttermilk/All Bran mixture until combined. Bake in greased muffin tins at 400° for 15 min.<br /><br /><br /><u>Cornbread</u><br />3/4 cup melted butter <br />3 eggs <br />1 1/4 cup milk <br />2 1/2 cups Bisquick<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 cup cornmeal<br />1 tablespoon brown sugar<br /><br />Stir together well. Pour into greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 350° for approximately 25 minutes.<br /><br /><br /><u>No Knead Artisan Bread</u><br />3 cups flour <br />1/4 teaspoon rapid rise yeast <br />2 1/2 teaspoons salt<br />1 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water<br /><br />Mix all ingredients and let sit for at least 12 hours, preferably 18 hours. Dough will generally be loose and bubbly. Pour onto floured surface and fold over a couple of times. Let rest. Shape into loose ball and place on well-floured piece of wax paper or hand towel. Cover with towel and let rise 2-3 hours.<br /><br />When dough has risen, place a covered casserole into oven and preheat to 450 degrees. You want the casserole dish to be very hot (no need to preheat the lid). Remove the dish from the oven, invert the dough into the dish, give a shake to center and place back into the oven and cover with lid. Bake at 450° for 35 minutes, remove lid and bake another 10-15 minutes until loaf is browned nicely. Remove from casserole and cool on wire rack.<br /><br /><br /><u>BLT Salad</u><br />1 head lettuce <br />10 slices bacon fried crispy and crumbled <br />2 large tomatoes, diced<br />2 cups chicken, cooked and cubed<br />4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced<br /><br />Sauce:<br />1/2 cup mayonnaise <br />1/4 cup BBQ sauce <br />1 tablespoon onion, minced<br />1 tablespoon lemon juice<br /><br />Mix and chill sauce. Just before serving toss salad with dressing. Or you can toss it all and chill overnight.<br /><br /><br /><u>Fruity Lemon Salad</u><br />1 small pkg. lemon Jell-O <br />1 small pkg. lemon pudding (cooked, not instant)<br />1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip<br /><br />Dissolve lemon Jell-O in 1 1/2 cups boiling water. Cool in fridge until almost set. Prepare COOKED lemon pudding, following directions on box (adding an egg); then cool in fridge. When pudding and Jell-O are both partially set, whip them together with electric mixer. Fold in whipped cream (or Cool Whip).<br /><br />Add any combination of fresh, canned, or frozen fruit, such as bananas, grapes, strawberries, apples, peaches, pineapple tidbits (drained), pears, Mandarin oranges (drained), blueberries. Also add mini-marshmallows or nuts. Chill until served.<br /><br /><br /><u>Potato Salad</u><br />6 large potatoes, cooked and peeled <br />6 hard boiled eggs <br />sweet pickles, diced small (as many as desired)<br /><br />Dressing: Experiment with portions since it depends on how much dressing you like.<br /><br />Miracle whip <br />Mustard - just a little bit! <br />Sugar to taste<br />A little milk just to make creamy<br />A shake of celery seed and pepper<br /><br />Mix dressing ingredients with a wire whisk, then pour over potatoes and eggs and mix gently with wooden spoon. It needs to sit at least four or five hours and tastes really good the next day! (Note: add dressing while the potatoes and eggs are still a little warm - not hot. The flavors seem to blend better.)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/82706232@N00/2569961811/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirv972bbSxs3BRD7yfKilqBaVKrHjGMZJVTO3Dhyphenhyphen9C3_gUBzKUvH8QSffMlsqSuBhT8WVcoO84PE5cUZzVaxOOh6ViciMn4-ntL4QqDfDBXB-YMJMSoEbOL0NJOg1wQSHT2x0q6E0AgaSG/s400/2569961811_98b802c15e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424144613445613010" border="0" /></a><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I'm halfway through my fish burger and I realize, .... I could be eating a slow learner.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">~Lynda Montgomery</span></span></span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Image by </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/82706232@N00/2569961811/" target="_blank">prettytypewriters</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, shared via Flickr.</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-41799980519945138252010-01-06T00:01:00.004-07:002010-01-07T16:48:33.272-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Will work for massage<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DJNP86V1nbQHWHcC9ntTKV4yqv6wcWN4y2XhCH79LwlcVU1uxSq0L0f-YlJSmhkaT6X3oj67Ih5gA7NPfjD-B9RZ5VTQvTTaaeupk34jXuj4u1yBqxRhAR94ZOKd7bM2c1gAGzJYt6Gy/s1600-h/IMG_2576.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DJNP86V1nbQHWHcC9ntTKV4yqv6wcWN4y2XhCH79LwlcVU1uxSq0L0f-YlJSmhkaT6X3oj67Ih5gA7NPfjD-B9RZ5VTQvTTaaeupk34jXuj4u1yBqxRhAR94ZOKd7bM2c1gAGzJYt6Gy/s400/IMG_2576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423364886241655378" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqiGFmrQAbW7XFUyBU0ew2iSw2asWuO0JApFAfiiIdkxzNo29FjjNwdeXWvNnStBTXDcWhVpCDjnbRhCJUybhWy-Ax87VEtTXAoECPYvRqvZbqrwpmg3YXBlACGunPkk3_pEZlsAF8Nok/s1600-h/IMG_2573.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqiGFmrQAbW7XFUyBU0ew2iSw2asWuO0JApFAfiiIdkxzNo29FjjNwdeXWvNnStBTXDcWhVpCDjnbRhCJUybhWy-Ax87VEtTXAoECPYvRqvZbqrwpmg3YXBlACGunPkk3_pEZlsAF8Nok/s400/IMG_2573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423362868363998578" border="0" /></a></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Come one, come all!</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Whenever we visit my parents' home, my second oldest immediately sets up shop in one of the bedrooms and offers massages to the family complete with sign on the door and sign-up sheet outside. We all take advantage of it not only to humor her but also because they're so dang cheap. I'm talking 25 cents for a good 15 minutes. And if you're one of the lucky few, she'll even give you a coupon for a free massage. (Megan, you better give me back my coupon!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">This Christmas she enlisted the help of her younger brother. A couple questions:</span><br /></span><ol style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">How did she come up with the name Buggerts? It wouldn't be my first choice for a spa's name.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">How did she convince her little brother to advertise for her via a homemade sandwich board sign?</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Why was he so dang happy to help Lauren when he's usually happier pushing her buttons?<br /></span></li></ol><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">The answer to number one is still a mystery, but I'm thinking the answer to two and three is simply this: the perks rock. I'd walk around my parents' house advertising massages if it meant I scored one for free. (Honey, don't get any ideas...)</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >What kind of "shops" or businesses do your kids set up at home? Do they love the typical lemonade stand or do they do something a bit more creative?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-52561189914366676892010-01-05T14:08:00.010-07:002010-01-05T14:34:34.083-07:00Jack Johnson Helped Me Birth My Baby<p><br/><br/><br/></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ752zcajpU0YzvPkrTdyqBeR_Cg8Jx-9cKqpx02enlXE7FGxPh8R2lSIUonAH4dCq6pWCWffeVvgFDoIyJbN9l1Mu1qNfss3wOaRPh5pNot0KpJdK0eCY_c3vXaOsRNtjg-iUNLoD2D_/s1600-h/IMG_2013.JPG" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ752zcajpU0YzvPkrTdyqBeR_Cg8Jx-9cKqpx02enlXE7FGxPh8R2lSIUonAH4dCq6pWCWffeVvgFDoIyJbN9l1Mu1qNfss3wOaRPh5pNot0KpJdK0eCY_c3vXaOsRNtjg-iUNLoD2D_/s400/IMG_2013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423369883304104578" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A photo I took while enjoying the Jack Johnson concert at the Usana Amphitheater standing less than 20 feet from the stage. Pure heaven!</span><br /></span></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">But let me explain the title of this post. Or rather, let this excerpt from my recent guest post on <a href="http://www.todaysmama.com/full_article.php?id=796" target="_blank">TodaysMama</a> explain:</span></span><blockquote style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">By the time it came around to our last child I had it down. I knew hypnobirthing with its exercises and relaxation CDs wasn’t for me, but the concept of distraction would work. So what to put on my MP3 player that would take me to my happy place and help me zone out when those non-painful (LMAO) contractions are hitting every two minutes? The be-still-my-beating-heart sounds of Jack Johnson. {<a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.todaysmama.com/full_article.php?id=796" target="_blank">click here</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> to read the full article</span>}</span></blockquote><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" > <span style="font-family:georgia;">This was a really fun post for me to write. If you're dying to discover just how Jack Johnson helped in the labor and delivery room, check out "<a href="http://www.todaysmama.com/full_article.php?id=796" target="_blank">Birth Stories: Jack Johnson Helped Me Birth My Baby</a>." And take some time to read the other experiences featured on <a href="http://www.todaysmama.com/full_article.php?id=796" target="_blank">TodaysMama</a>. THESE are the stories we should be sharing, not the "I knew this woman who...{fill in the blank with scare-you-****less birthing experience}" stories.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">Do you have any tips or tricks you use during pregnancy and labor/delivery? What works for you?</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-20286646191032814292010-01-04T11:00:00.006-07:002010-01-04T11:34:17.964-07:00I don't do Mondays<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">The first Monday of 2010 is off to a shaky start thanks to a nasty cold both my husband and son lovingly shared with me. I can think of no better way to face piles of laundry, towers of Christmas decoration boxes, handfuls of Honeycomb cemented to the counter and a to-do list a mile long than with a pair of pj's, a box of Kleenex and some Nyquil.<br /><br />On that to-do list is a post for Rocky Mountain Moms Blog AND gathering my thoughts for my first ever post on my new site. My new site is the silver lining around my somewhat cloudy forecast for the week. Quinn is almost done with the design and it's about time I started writing. I hope to unveil the new site within the next couple weeks whether all the kinks are worked out or not. Whoo hoo! I'll be focusing all my caffeinated energy elsewhere this week so forgive me if my posts here are few if any. One of my resolutions for 2010 is to do less online and more IRL (in real life) so something's gotta give...and this ol' blog is one of them!<br /><br />But I don't want to leave you empty handed--or stomached--today so here are a few of my favorite appetizer recipes from my church's 2009 progressive dinner. I'll post a few more later in the week (breads, main dishes, desserts, etc.). By the way, even though the holidays are over that cranberry salsa would make a great appetizer, especially for Valentine's Day with its super rich red color! Enjoy!<br /><br /><u>Cranberry Salsa</u><br />1 bag fresh cranberries<br />1 bell pepper<br />1 to 3 tablespoons jalapeno<br />1/4 to 1 cup onion<br />2/3 cup sugar<br />1 tablespoon salt<br />1/2 bunch cilantro<br />1 to 2 packages cream cheese<br /><br />Chop everything separately then blend together in blender or food processor. Chill for at least 1 hour then serve over cream cheese.<br /><br /><br /><u>Tortilla Pinwheels</u><br />1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese<br />1 4 oz can diced green chilies<br />1 cup shredded cheddar cheese<br />Garlic, salt and Tabasco to taste<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1 4 oz. can chopped black olives<br />1/2 cup (or less) diced green onions<br />5 10-inch flour tortillas (flavored if you choose)<br /><br />Mix all ingredients together until creamy (except tortillas). Divide evenly and spread an even layer of mixture on each tortilla. Roll into a log shape and chill for up to 24 hours. Slice each log into 1 inch pieces and serve with salsa or guacamole as an appetizer.<br /><br /><br /><u>Ranch Vegetable Bruschetta</u><br />1/2 cup Ranch Veggie Dip<br />1 loaf French bread, sliced diagonally into 1-inch slices<br />1/3 C. olive oil<br />1/2 English cucumber, diced<br />2 med. tomatoes, diced<br />1/4 cup chopped red onion<br />fresh dill springs<br /><br />Preheat oven 400 degrees. Arrange bread slices on a tray. Brush each slice with olive oil. Sprinkle with a little salt. Toast bread 4 - 5 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely. Spread each slice of toast with veggie dip. In medium mixing bowl combine cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. Spoon mixture onto each toasted slice of bread. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs.<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;">There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't, and that's a wife who can't cook and will.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">~Robert Frost</span></span></span></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-37957031131786530632009-12-30T22:37:00.007-07:002009-12-30T22:43:38.571-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Like father, like son<br/><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3NnpdyAXDKifW_dUraluIqlPd0tNJv0h-alqhwkzvvKDTrZtnA5cWhPkoyVIRxxNS6Td0guxtiucnUvbbXeNSq_Lz7Xh946Lj_NXRagDIj_L90jy-aWqiuYjDh0bdc4G7hU3OujDcM79/s1600-h/IMG_2538.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3NnpdyAXDKifW_dUraluIqlPd0tNJv0h-alqhwkzvvKDTrZtnA5cWhPkoyVIRxxNS6Td0guxtiucnUvbbXeNSq_Lz7Xh946Lj_NXRagDIj_L90jy-aWqiuYjDh0bdc4G7hU3OujDcM79/s400/IMG_2538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421270770342561346" border="0" /></a>{sigh}<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">Two of my three most favorite men in the world!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Yes, Dad, you're the other one!)</span></span></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-82636889318626125442009-12-28T17:39:00.003-07:002009-12-28T17:47:13.334-07:00RMMB: "Who said anything about sleep?"<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I will admit I have thoroughly enjoyed my time away from the computer for the holidays. In fact it was easier to step away from the keyboard than I thought. No withdrawals, no post-traumatic Facebook disorder, nothing...just more time to spend with family and less time feeling my butt go numb.<br /><br />I did spend a little bit of time writing my latest post over on <a href="http://www.rockymountainmomsblog.com/2009/12/who-said-anything-about-sleepdraft.html" target="_blank">Rocky Mountain Moms Blog</a> and would love for you to check it out when you have a minute:<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">"<a href="http://www.rockymountainmomsblog.com/2009/12/who-said-anything-about-sleepdraft.html" target="_blank">Who said anything about sleep?</a>"</span></span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rockymountainmomsblog.com/2009/12/who-said-anything-about-sleepdraft.html" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzp6XnPhqGZGWGnoNz1WBgnF0XhaMFy2ZEVU_jC_t_8yRxwMHYLIfE9axoHs-aCcK89ZTzYR9pn0l9yaMa0sT-b7qg7heuXZpC4P7JNMHheha-4wtOHSH7RylLbBX8zuWZneIJ-A75DJvg/s400/6a00d83451bae269e20120a77d5bdd970b-200wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420453063543795282" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I have a feeling many of you will relate to my latest thoughts on the joys of parenthood!<br /><br />I plan to get back in the blogging saddle next week, though I may continue this newfound love of less time online and more time "in real life." We shall see... --Emily<br /></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-43456533280250114532009-12-22T00:01:00.002-07:002009-12-22T09:02:16.575-07:00To quote my friend Kalli...<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm not sure I have this totally correct but apparently my friend <a href="http://kallikverb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kalli</a> sent out a new holiday sentiment with her Christmas cards this season and I'd like to pass it along to my readers. It's not only priceless but echoes my feelings for the holidays:<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Wishing you <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">the freaking best</span> holidays </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">ever!</span></span></span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />And to make the holidays even "sweeter" watch this video from JibJab. My kids had me play it over and over and over again (at least 5 times in a row). And while writing this post they're watching it yet again...<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid223.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/georgietees/COOKIES.flv" width="425" height="256"></embed><br /></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-963771906053272042009-12-18T12:28:00.010-07:002009-12-18T12:54:07.013-07:00Bite-size brownies with peppermint frosting<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm all about easy when it comes to the holidays, and that includes holiday treats. Don't get me wrong, I love a made-from-scratch spinach and artichoke dip, tomato bruschetta or chocolate trifle, but sometimes you need something quick, easy and tasty. That's how I came up with these simple yet sweet (both in taste and presentation) treats that would work easily for both neighbor plates and holiday parties.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Gj-S_9LwLrhUYk0bxVcHc_svR7teGJ96zPQpoudZENU8-hEueYVejejk-aq9U_KKMWdOPFQl_UXT8sR3tR0VicvIkCqVPsn4KOzFLw0yVSP_PKwfKlAczxiZQvXWXYjofJPLhESR-2xh/s1600-h/brownies1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Gj-S_9LwLrhUYk0bxVcHc_svR7teGJ96zPQpoudZENU8-hEueYVejejk-aq9U_KKMWdOPFQl_UXT8sR3tR0VicvIkCqVPsn4KOzFLw0yVSP_PKwfKlAczxiZQvXWXYjofJPLhESR-2xh/s400/brownies1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416665800627551922" border="0" /></a><br />Take the idea and run with it! You could use white frosting with green and red sprinkles, or I even thought of making a peanut butter-flavored frosting and using semisweet chocolate shavings instead. I started experimenting with different designs, including a Christmas tree shape (middle). You can't beat Costco's brownie bites for quick and easy and they taste yummy too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIVBE-wsAAvLrRKS6UmZkKHJqyoSoL1CXxdbj_4pxtM4YTYaTUlz9wqtBEPLs1GZCgOYrBkxtqDKnP4NFTuLMbpNc64G9MXUgGaz6hvepg5XkOfoh9khumy_oHWGSK3L9izZk9NfdR8Qd/s1600-h/brownies2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIVBE-wsAAvLrRKS6UmZkKHJqyoSoL1CXxdbj_4pxtM4YTYaTUlz9wqtBEPLs1GZCgOYrBkxtqDKnP4NFTuLMbpNc64G9MXUgGaz6hvepg5XkOfoh9khumy_oHWGSK3L9izZk9NfdR8Qd/s400/brownies2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416665914750302498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><u>Bite-size Brownies with Peppermint Frosting</u><br />1 package Costco brownie bites<br />Mini semisweet chocolate chips<br />1/2 recipe peppermint frosting</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Peppermint frosting:</span><br />1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened<br />1 cup butter, softened<br />2 16-oz. packages powdered sugar<br />2 teaspoons peppermint extract (not oil)<br /><br />For frosting, beat cream cheese </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract and beat until thoroughly combined. Use a piping bag with your favorite tip (I used the small circle tip in the photos) and pipe the frosting on top of each brownie bite. Sp</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">rinkle with semisweet chocolate chips. How easy is that?!?!<br /></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">My little ones loved helping sprinkle the chocolate chips and then they had to sample their work:<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKFsHOCZNNK4uUo3CtewH9UC-q7hWAApCiuv1eohydG2PcEFEpuCV1F0wOKKODxwpLUQiwQ7hY0Kno2iVE5AgPbEBvK3BVFnfvHr1Z66t1Icngi9Pl0SinWICs39-vM7Cg9qKd6oEdEtp/s1600-h/IMG_2518.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKFsHOCZNNK4uUo3CtewH9UC-q7hWAApCiuv1eohydG2PcEFEpuCV1F0wOKKODxwpLUQiwQ7hY0Kno2iVE5AgPbEBvK3BVFnfvHr1Z66t1Icngi9Pl0SinWICs39-vM7Cg9qKd6oEdEtp/s400/IMG_2518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416663137082956098" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">..</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PFGhMoMopmiN9OOqBzGreKrMoTNuxlD4ABDMXQaaF0X3q6LkyDVp2tbuvUUiGzQAs6XLOibNU8oGquaWJKEjun-OX8C63ax9m1PJzEhttDDbm6RtGxhjwAlBHzLT8L4pVbq75fyZDBpx/s1600-h/IMG_2520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PFGhMoMopmiN9OOqBzGreKrMoTNuxlD4ABDMXQaaF0X3q6LkyDVp2tbuvUUiGzQAs6XLOibNU8oGquaWJKEjun-OX8C63ax9m1PJzEhttDDbm6RtGxhjwAlBHzLT8L4pVbq75fyZDBpx/s400/IMG_2520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416666732231334130" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-4137125792714064592009-12-17T11:52:00.006-07:002009-12-17T12:11:37.615-07:00Climbing Back: Stephanie Nielson's story<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">If you feel like you're somehow missing the point of the holiday season amidst the shopping and hustle and bustle of last-minute preparations, then take a moment (a lot of moments) to read the story of Stephanie Nielson, wife, mother, <a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">writer</a> and airplane crash survivor. Journalist Jaimee Rose has beautifully captured <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/stephanie-nielson-intro-120609.html" target="_blank">her amazing story</a> with its struggles, triumphs, heartaches and sweet victories for the <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/stephanie-nielson-intro-120609.html" target="_blank">Arizona Republic</a>. I'm not through reading it yet and I've already grabbed a box of Kleenex. I might even need two:<br /></span></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);" href="http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/stephanie-nielson-intro-120609.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><big>CLIMBING BACK</big></span></span></span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">The intro page also has links to audio slideshows, Stephanie's family tree, info about Doug Kinneard (the pilot) and the staggering costs of her medical treatments.<br /><br />This season try to take more time to count your blessings and less time counting the check marks on the Christmas wish lists. --Emily<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/stephanie-nielson-intro-120609.html" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg86XiMJT5CuL1_Dcnv9oOYjPdypTax8BkJh_4m6-GEyrq0Q3-epc7dBBX7T1Sbbe9UYrReI7n3qsygjf5TfsuAdEbwjbg1YMFYek1EnActbd_YOUotU-5-GnUfknUQQg-ZnZMEc9NgWn/s400/NieNie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416283536050045858" border="0" /></a><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-71675073913253722802009-12-16T00:01:00.004-07:002009-12-16T10:19:26.149-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Pretty, pretty princess<br><br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxbJG8z10cQb1JZlRCTEeHcDPAFOP8-MWgyW2rynCItVLEoAJVlDLXV_LcidaG2SBZp6epi9fiSg70Deg4xat0hCYol_ep5h5i6QGfx825vRNfCXzuylf6via6CEWFa84HY8hokhSpf6h/s1600-h/IMG_2502.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxbJG8z10cQb1JZlRCTEeHcDPAFOP8-MWgyW2rynCItVLEoAJVlDLXV_LcidaG2SBZp6epi9fiSg70Deg4xat0hCYol_ep5h5i6QGfx825vRNfCXzuylf6via6CEWFa84HY8hokhSpf6h/s400/IMG_2502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415710361226951426" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Someday I will find a handsome prince who will love me just the way I am...</span></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-72805604732627261502009-12-14T13:57:00.007-07:002009-12-14T14:12:32.091-07:00'Tis the season for too many blog posts and too little time<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I am starting to feel <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">the time crunch</span> that often hits less than two weeks before Christmas Eve. Anyone else feeling it? I want to enjoy the holiday season as much as possible this year so I'm doing a handful of things to help me maintain the holiday spirit amidst the crazy shopping, frigid weather and over-committed schedule:<br /></span></span></span><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Worrying less about <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">exercise</span> {I burn enough calories meandering through holiday crowds.}</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Caring less about how many <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">holiday treats</span> I've eaten {How can you enjoy Rolo-filled peanut butter cookies or homemade fudge when you're counting calories?}</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Losing count as to how many "<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">seconds</span>" I've had {Some dishes you need to try at least two or three times to make sure they're still you're favorite.}</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Reading</span> less blog posts {Sorry, girls, if I'm not commenting nearly as often.}</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Writing</span> less blog posts {When it's a choice between my sanity and posts for this blog, sanity wins every time. Okay, it wins 95% of the time.}</span></span></span></li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/darwinbell/2094406126/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDw3t4W-kiIckKfCv0leHXFddKi3htcCsj6AHQ-DyBqR25Qzy7OugfHcSyNPFuwrWXL4WpTCEYUu8J-v505VJPDOZ696eVUd79gQy7KFuXcaFHFcGtkSykO3hOj1EQRXwkiqY_53L1uNF/s400/2094406126_8f59889545.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415201864041297538" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">So with that I ask beg you to take some time off yourself. I'm giving you one less blog post to read so you have a couple more minutes to do some last-minute shopping, polish off that plate of neighbor goodies or sing "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" one more time. But don't stay away too long or you'll miss a random post here and there AND when I announce my new site is up and running. No better way to kick off the New Year than with a fabulous new site! --Emily<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/darwinbell/2094406126/">Darwin Bell</a>, shared via Flickr.</span><br /></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-80275849591833781082009-12-11T00:01:00.002-07:002009-12-11T00:01:00.547-07:00Recipe wrap-up, part 2<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Last week I went through and put together a list of ten bookmarked recipes in an effort to get through the extensive collection of bookmarked pages in my browser. This week I'm giving you ten more...and it looks like I'll have enough for a part 3! Hopefully you'll discover some new recipes to try, new blogs to read and new indulgences to, well, indulge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunaspin/3361786863/"><img style="margin: 0.5em 0pt 0.5em 1em; float: right; width: 175px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkOEzGVXUejhoF9dC-dpvaYYEfRS90zYqJkgZtv71MknWLaC-f9GdVQDDmTPd687AiLHrlPNlnLzP-93g4ELC84MlT9fJnHX4G7PEdNqu6by0BWN9id8cFigosjftI9QC78nqKHmziAUv/s400/3361786863_ced90086ae.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413829656738746498" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"> in. Happy browsing!<br /></span></span></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://sarahscucinabella.com/2009/01/15/bread-machine-olive-oil-bread/" target="_blank">Sarah's Cucina Bella: Bread Machine Olive Oil Bread</a> (I love any dough you can do in your bread machine--it's all about multitasking!)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://cheatdaycafe.blogspot.com/2009/04/nutter-butter-eggs.html" target="_blank">Cheat Day Cafe: Nutter Butter Eggs</a> (I know it's not Easter but you could easily turn these into a holiday treat by piping green leaves and adding a red hot or two for some "berry" merry goodness!)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/07/fried-zucchini-strings/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Fried Zucchini Strings</a> (Though not as plentiful now as it is in the summer/fall, you can still find zucchini in the produce section. Wouldn't this make a fun alternative to green bean casserole?)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.thehealthypantry.com/pdfs/HealthyBakingSubs.pdf" target="_blank">The Healthy Pantry: Healthy Baking Substitutions</a> (Not a recipe per se but this is something super handy so print it out and slip it into your favorite cookbook. Oh, and check out The Healthy Pantry's meal kits. We've tried a few and they're super yummy and great to have on hand for last-minute meals!)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/05/ranch-rugelach/" target="_blank">smitten kitchen: ranch rugelach</a> (I adore smitten kitchen and her recipes. I think I can feel my thighs getting larger just looking at the photos for this one!)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/caramelized-pineapple-with-coconut-sorbet-00000000011267/index.html" target="_blank">Real Simple: Caramelized Pineapple with Coconut Sorbet</a> (You'd think it were a summertime treat but I'm happy to enjoy pineapple and coconut all year long.)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.tongue-n-cheeky.com/2009/06/ideal.html" target="_blank">Tongue-N-Cheeky: NieNie's Mud Cake Magnifique</a> (Touted as "the perfect chocolate cake" I can believe it when you're talking a fudgy chocolate cake with "chocolate mascarpone mousse & ganache bittercream". Um, YUM!)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://inevergrewup.net/perfect-potluck-item/" target="_blank">I Never Grew Up: Perfect Potluck Item</a> (Have you lost count of how many potlucks you've been to and are going to this month? If you need a new idea for a dish, try this one!)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/11/lazy-chiles-rellenos/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Lazy Chile Rellenos</a> (Another great idea for a potluck dish or appetizer...and I'm all about lazy when it comes to the holidays. The less work I have to do the better!)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/05/my-kingdom-for-a-glass-of-milk/" target="_blank">smitten kitchen: homemade oreos</a> (I'm including this one because I have Oreos on the brain thanks to the huge one I just ate from Dippidee's, a local bakery in American Fork. Oh, and these would make a great addition to your neighbor goodie plates!)</span></span></span></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />After part 3 next week I'll be posting some of my favorite recipes from this year's church progressive dinner. You can find all my faves from 2008 here:<br /></span></span></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2009/01/cranberry-punch-zest-cheese-spread-and.html" target="_blank">cranberry punch, zesty cheese spread and coconut bread</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2009/01/red-hot-christmas-slush-cranberry.html" target="_blank">red hot christmas slush, cranberry orange scones & mediterranean hummus bars</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2009/01/chili-verde-chicken-corn-chowder-and.html" target="_blank">chile verde, chicken & corn chowder and sweet tortilla soup</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2009/01/zuppa-soup-cafe-rio-style-chicken-and.html" target="_blank">zuppa soup, cafe rio style chicken and chicken enchilada casserole</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2009/01/chocolate-eclair-cake-chocolate-mint.html" target="_blank">chocolate eclair cake, chocolate mint bars and chocolate peppermint candy cookies</a></span></span></span></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />And here's one from 2007:<br /></span></span></span><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://georgietees.blogspot.com/2007/12/good-food-and-good-friends-make-for.html" target="_blank">good food and good friends make for a great night!</a></span></span></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">If you have any tried and true recipes perfect for the holidays I'd love for you to share them in the comments below. I always need new ideas for holiday potlucks and parties!</span></span></span><br /></div></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-59151438034044337652009-12-10T00:01:00.003-07:002009-12-10T00:01:01.211-07:00Resourceful Mommy's take on blogging conferences<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I have yet to attend a blogging conference. I was all set to hit <a href="http://www.blogher.com/" target="_blank">BlogHer</a> in Chicago with Daria from Boutique Cafe but our sponsor had to pull out at the last minute. Because of the high price tag </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">(conference plus flight plus hotel) neither of us could attend. We ended up moving right around that time so it all worked out for the best, but I was still a bit sad I couldn't go. Then I heard about all the swag drama and how many gals didn't even attend sessions because they were up too late partying the night before at one of many VIP events. I ended up </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">feeling rather glad I didn't fork out the money--if I want to stay up late with girlfriends I can easily do that locally <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> I ge</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">t to sleep in my own bed!<br /><br />With the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">plethora of blogging conferences</span> out there it's hard to know which ones to attend. For many of us it's not in the budget to attend more than one or two a year. Not only is money hard to come by but also babysitters, and if I'm going to finagle a babysitter (my mother-in-law) and spend my family's grocery money on a conference it sure as heck better be worth it.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://resourcefulmommy.blogspot.com/2009/12/end-of-blog-conferences.html" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTCd71C1dKcEq_xUuJLPt7jzhLCx95wu93_AV4aKcOyyEgA86SYQXQo3d1zwj_m6OPwl5QrVgHROEu8sQkfqiSzhb-AWuFR09lrf7uTzrJyOEngOzyZbFV7XIH2ywYwm_b1r8lOEVs56S/s400/resourcefulmommybanneraugust2009take2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413349181466523378" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">That's why I love Resourceful Mommy's recent post: "<a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);" href="http://resourcefulmommy.blogspot.com/2009/12/end-of-blog-conferences.html" target="_blank">The End of Blogging Conferences?</a>"<blockquote>Someone a few years back invented the first blog conference and likewise the blog conference format, not realizing, of course, that the format would be repeated over and over and over. ..."</blockquote><br />She goes on to highlight what makes a typical blogging conference and why it needs to change. Plus you simply MUST check out the photo she includes in the post. I am still laughing! I feel <a href="http://resourcefulmommy.blogspot.com/2009/12/end-of-blog-conferences.html" target="_blank">her post</a> is spot on and definitely worth a read. And if you're not following Resourceful Mommy on Twitter, follow her here: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ResourcefulMom" target="_blank">@ResourcefulMom</a>. In my opinion she's one of THE women to follow.<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">What's your take on blogging conferences, and even conferences in general? High quantity but low quality? Do you have a favorite conference you make sure to attend?</span></span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9162083132754917774.post-46507277425931533852009-12-09T00:01:00.004-07:002009-12-09T13:42:57.688-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Did the Griswolds move in?<br><br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUT7rj4W-NNDQvYIq-0Oqocu-UpFbZ_Cg2MieYZKNqICkChCZI3RASwabS0hHn1mKPMG9_5iC1JsplGZ77pQ6GJ3jYlSrX-iDyCw0IptLo3TinpRW0qSShy3zTprhQtH9CVkrgiYPXx_t/s1600-h/Griswold2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUT7rj4W-NNDQvYIq-0Oqocu-UpFbZ_Cg2MieYZKNqICkChCZI3RASwabS0hHn1mKPMG9_5iC1JsplGZ77pQ6GJ3jYlSrX-iDyCw0IptLo3TinpRW0qSShy3zTprhQtH9CVkrgiYPXx_t/s400/Griswold2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413339489626256642" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Hear that? That's the sound of the power meter spinning like it's never spun before!</span></span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">This home is just a few blocks away and we love driving by it whenever we're out and about. Nothing like a gazillion colorful lights and animated decorations to put you in the holiday spirit! --Emily</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/iSFi" rel="alternate" title="subscribe to my feed" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe</a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394453668517249660noreply@blogger.com7