tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26042875925138226562024-03-05T05:25:08.711-08:00The Cute Little Shop GirlLynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-23062869140189457972014-04-20T12:57:00.000-07:002014-04-20T12:57:18.841-07:00The wee mousey burrito<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMZupDvO0go/U1QSargqRkI/AAAAAAAAEds/6Gmwf4JkWLE/s1600/IMG_2495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMZupDvO0go/U1QSargqRkI/AAAAAAAAEds/6Gmwf4JkWLE/s1600/IMG_2495.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The title of this post sounds utterly disgusting, I know, but don't worry it's not a real burrito or even real mice. If you ever find me eating real mice burritos, then you should consider that to be a sign of either my descent into insanity, or the apocalypse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izfmBloiTuY/U1QSefctvXI/AAAAAAAAEeU/ojZ0pIVfDX0/s1600/IMG_2507.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izfmBloiTuY/U1QSefctvXI/AAAAAAAAEeU/ojZ0pIVfDX0/s1600/IMG_2507.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little mousey poking out of his cover</td></tr>
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During a recent visit to our local antique store, I found a cute little box of mice with extraordinarily long tails. When I asked the proprietor for more information as to their use, he said that the very long tails were for holding cheese and other hors d'oeuvres. Well, I think I may have hopped with delight, right there in the middle of his store. I was so excited at such a cute and clever idea. And when he offered to sell them for just twenty dollars, well, I couldn't refuse. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNSGJN_9svI/U1QSc3M-umI/AAAAAAAAEeE/z_27uAo9zW4/s1600/IMG_2506.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNSGJN_9svI/U1QSc3M-umI/AAAAAAAAEeE/z_27uAo9zW4/s1600/IMG_2506.JPG" height="400" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">such long, luxurious tails</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Now I have a whole litter of tiny nice to help me with my next party. Fortunately, these mice are more like the little, happy, clean mice in Cinderella and not so much like the ones in my cupboards.…hmm, maybe scratch that next party until I can convince my neighbor to stop sending over all of his little furry cupboard friends.</div>
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So, to keep these little mice in tip top shape, I decided that they needed their own rolled felt case. This would protect them from each other and from any outside scratches. I will admit, they came in their original box which kept them nicely separated and displayed them beautifully. Somebody had taken great care to keep the box in fairly good shape, but it still had an inevitable layer of grime from having been around for many years. So, I tossed the box and, although I have little doubt that <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">when I threw away that box </span>I probably gave up any chance of selling my little Napier mice(Napier is the company that made them) for a fortune in the future, I find the tiny felt burrito cover to be a much more adorable way to keep them clean. And handmade by me, means that that I can make a new one anytime I want :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf1LXp8DN2g/U1QSaUcsWrI/AAAAAAAAEdk/Spo1owufL-c/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf1LXp8DN2g/U1QSaUcsWrI/AAAAAAAAEdk/Spo1owufL-c/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" height="400" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so mysterious... what's inside?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf1LXp8DN2g/U1QSaUcsWrI/AAAAAAAAEdk/Spo1owufL-c/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8fvHD6UH6k/U1QSa1jSF6I/AAAAAAAAEdo/xe9I4PXIRHQ/s1600/IMG_2499.JPG" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh, hello! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uhvTQcCNtCg/U1QSb-JBgiI/AAAAAAAAEd8/og1RI_Axwcw/s1600/IMG_2501.JPG" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now there are two of them!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Byld_bJUBSo/U1QSctjH9gI/AAAAAAAAEeA/ONjl3QI4NAk/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Byld_bJUBSo/U1QSctjH9gI/AAAAAAAAEeA/ONjl3QI4NAk/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Byld_bJUBSo/U1QSctjH9gI/AAAAAAAAEeA/ONjl3QI4NAk/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so many mice came out to play.</td></tr>
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Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-30593559832126417142014-04-07T23:53:00.001-07:002014-04-07T23:53:58.907-07:00A happy, indulgent spring<div><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lRgeuv2e2MU/U0Oc1dNIlqI/AAAAAAAAEco/eDJ9IWE7D0o/s640/blogger-image--699593351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lRgeuv2e2MU/U0Oc1dNIlqI/AAAAAAAAEco/eDJ9IWE7D0o/s640/blogger-image--699593351.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>So many happy, cheerful things to enjoy this spring. Good friends, way too much delicious food, bright little bunches of flowers, perfect weather(a little too summery for my taste, but I can't complain).<div><br></div><div>Here are a few of those fun things.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x-Ttx8XYJEw/U0OdBMhouAI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/0V4-kyjzOj8/s640/blogger-image--273760549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x-Ttx8XYJEw/U0OdBMhouAI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/0V4-kyjzOj8/s640/blogger-image--273760549.jpg"></a></div><div>My pretty little tulips. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A0mEHJkHb34/U0Oc3xbPVLI/AAAAAAAAEcw/hNYaEzxCe2U/s640/blogger-image-1244362631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A0mEHJkHb34/U0Oc3xbPVLI/AAAAAAAAEcw/hNYaEzxCe2U/s640/blogger-image-1244362631.jpg"></a></div><div>Using my jelly jar lemonade sipper as a vase with a frog to hold the daffodils in place. It worked fairly well and was just such a darling presentation. The lid on my sipper is actually designed to hold a straw in place but it works equally well on skinny little flower stems. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k2oq4TJBudU/U0Oc-06O5SI/AAAAAAAAEdI/Wd1F7xf0nIk/s640/blogger-image--2015594352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k2oq4TJBudU/U0Oc-06O5SI/AAAAAAAAEdI/Wd1F7xf0nIk/s640/blogger-image--2015594352.jpg"></a></div><div>Matthew and I have been eating so little meat of late. This roasted pork belly from urban solace was divine, but it was almost overwhelming in it meaty richness. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wZbD1gJw5ww/U0Oc8f4DC2I/AAAAAAAAEdA/b6sHVTdHq8M/s640/blogger-image-849806911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wZbD1gJw5ww/U0Oc8f4DC2I/AAAAAAAAEdA/b6sHVTdHq8M/s640/blogger-image-849806911.jpg"></a></div><div>This was urban solace's version of key lime pie. When the waiter warned me that their version is a little different than a normal key lime pie, I assured him that my first attempt at key lime pie produced a pie that was very different than a normal one and I doubted their's would disappoint, since My first key lime pie was basically a soup, after all. But it was when I promised him not to burst not tears at having to eat it with a spoon that he chuckled and must have really thought I was a tad bit kooky. Anyway, I did think about bursting into tears of happiness because this was so delicious, but instead I just enjoyed each creamy bite.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iv1LvvXaLKQ/U0Oc6N2T6tI/AAAAAAAAEc4/GMarf49kVMw/s640/blogger-image--957398360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iv1LvvXaLKQ/U0Oc6N2T6tI/AAAAAAAAEc4/GMarf49kVMw/s640/blogger-image--957398360.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, my lighting for this photo wasn't very good, but I just had to post the best photo I could get of my poached pears with toffee sauce and clotted cream. This was so very tasty and I wanted to include a basic recipe in this post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Poached pear with toffee sauce and clotted cream</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4 pears, partially peeled</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4 cups water or 3 cups water and 1 cup white wine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 vanilla bean, split</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1-1 1/2 cups sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cinnamon stick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Piece of fresh, frozen or crystallized ginger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Combine all ingredients. Simmer pears till soft. I had to remove some that were done and continue simmering the others until they were all done. Serve immediately or store in fridge overnight and serve the next day at room temperature with warmed toffee sauce and clotted cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Toffee sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1/4 cup each of butter, heavy cream, brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pinch of salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Heat on low till melted together. Boil until thickened, approx 4-5 minutes. Can be made ahead and refrigerated, but must be heated and reincorporated before serving. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Clotted cream</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Buy a jar of clotted cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you don't like to buy such ridiculous and expensive things, then simply serve this dish with <i>unsweetened</i> whipped cream. </div></div></div>Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-87874755028214087382014-03-30T13:20:00.000-07:002014-03-30T13:20:18.268-07:00The Cheery Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It may come as no surprise to those who know me, but I dearly love making a very ordinary (or even downright boring) gift special with just a little bit of extra cheery packaging.<br />
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Cheerful packaging can be as simple as a beautiful ribbon, or as complex as an expensive roll of paper with carefully selected ribbon and a perfectly matched card.<br />
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It doesn't matter much which option I choose, the important thing is making sure that what ever my choice, I make the packaging as perfect as I possibly can. I like to tie a single ribbon, or bit of twine into the most lovely bow I can manage.<br />
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Anytime I feel so inclined to indulge in expensive paper for a special gift or recipient, I take the time to find a good box so that I can wrap it with perfect corners and nicely folded down paper edges.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDVC8l6aoAc/Uzh3A07YoyI/AAAAAAAAEbU/MOHixE9QohA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDVC8l6aoAc/Uzh3A07YoyI/AAAAAAAAEbU/MOHixE9QohA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="347" /></a></div>
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Sometimes the simple addition of a homemade Birthday flag or bouquet of red mushrooms can make a boring looking gift really fun. <br />
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Sometimes, cute packaging comes together very easily.<br />
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This tiny goody bag comes ready to give. I could have simply stapled the bag shut and it still would have been very cute, but I happened to have the perfect ribbon that I picked up last week on a whim and so I strung it through the top of the bag. I never would have thought to put them together until I had both the bag and the ribbon sitting on the desk together. It was purely accidental, but ended up being perfect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view of the bag. so adorable!!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reverse side of the bag. even cuter!!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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All these little details help make me feel proud to give whatever gift I have to offer, even if it's just a bar of chocolate or a packages of sticky notes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8pjX1BeEKTw/Uzh3BXk-M5I/AAAAAAAAEbc/c01g9h18qBw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8pjX1BeEKTw/Uzh3BXk-M5I/AAAAAAAAEbc/c01g9h18qBw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And please remember: every day is a gift, and every gift is an opportunity to make someone's day or week a tiny bit brighter</td></tr>
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<br />Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-78624528370557477392013-12-27T17:02:00.001-08:002014-03-30T12:33:30.761-07:00Christmas came and went<div>
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A tiny snowman cottage in the woods</div>
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Now is the time for a post christmas mini Christmas celebration. </div>
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Normal Christmas has too much pressure attached to it so now it's time for tiny Christmas! With all it's tiny, cute, cheerful glory.<br />
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Tiny, unexpected packages on each plate.</div>
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Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-34764362380774434052013-11-30T22:04:00.001-08:002013-11-30T22:05:01.262-08:00My thanksgiving contribution<div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZE3FldYZBI/UprRTmkOwmI/AAAAAAAAEYo/eXXMaTGWJx8/s640/blogger-image-1606184736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZE3FldYZBI/UprRTmkOwmI/AAAAAAAAEYo/eXXMaTGWJx8/s640/blogger-image-1606184736.jpg"></font></a></div><div><br></div>So, every year I go to a good friend's fabulous thanksgiving meal and this year was no different. And I have to admit that every year I feel the ever so slightest bit of competitive feeling regarding who brings the best dish to share. It isn't really a competition, and thank goodness it isn't because I deeply dislike any outright, verbally verified competition, but this year, if there had been a competition for cutest contribution, my friend Cat and I would have won. We copied a recipe off of Pinterest for rice Krispy hedgehogs. These were outrageously easy and just crazily cute. I would totally make these again.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wlMNN6YY_Bo/UprRRF78b6I/AAAAAAAAEYg/B7gVe5LNXLs/s640/blogger-image-2127868781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wlMNN6YY_Bo/UprRRF78b6I/AAAAAAAAEYg/B7gVe5LNXLs/s640/blogger-image-2127868781.jpg"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These little cuties are made by shaping classic rice Krispy treats into tear drop shapes and then spooning melted chocolate over the top, leaving the small point of the tear drop clean for the face. Chocolate jimmies give the prickly look of a hedge hog and the face is just black and red gel frosting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The little flower was a last minute emergency situation. The original directions call for fondant flowers. I, personally, hate fondant and never use it for anything. Besides, this was supposed to be fun and easy, not annoying and frustrating, so I just went to the local candy store, bought some brightly colored, fruit flavored licorice and sliced them into pieces. It was perfect and made the project extra adorable without any extra work, like hand shaping fondant flowers would have done. Blech. No fondant for me! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div>Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-9376169384101711672013-11-08T09:58:00.001-08:002013-11-08T09:59:35.788-08:00The distractions of a beautiful autumnEven though I've been extremely distracted for the past couple of months, I haven't stopped eating all sorts of delicious things, so here is a quick post of all the delicious things I've been munching on since I last posted. And a few of the lovely places I've been. <div><br><div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdyXw753_m8/Un0mMdUY-UI/AAAAAAAAEYM/o76CcNSQ7fU/s640/blogger-image--402886657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdyXw753_m8/Un0mMdUY-UI/AAAAAAAAEYM/o76CcNSQ7fU/s640/blogger-image--402886657.jpg"></a></div><div>One of the most impressively filling but also delicious tasting salads I've eaten. This is from our stop at the Wild Carvery in Burbank, CA. We made a quick stop for lunch on our drive home to Oregon in mid September. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6rWTrTW6cB0/Un0mCePsLFI/AAAAAAAAEXs/CdFNlAGc9Xc/s640/blogger-image-1901326470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6rWTrTW6cB0/Un0mCePsLFI/AAAAAAAAEXs/CdFNlAGc9Xc/s640/blogger-image-1901326470.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last of the sunflowers from my mother in law's garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZz_0p38sa4_-ipEUn-gx3Q71sZlaTw3dPZRU1RDTFe9Ks9QG7xXXGGGcxVn_Vdht9B-QWnXRnXxnL-Ze0RXlt0esH28Kk4MLQy76zVSPvaKD8H5hhITSOXPy0rzML4sya8jUcuii05tb/s640/blogger-image-1214152800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZz_0p38sa4_-ipEUn-gx3Q71sZlaTw3dPZRU1RDTFe9Ks9QG7xXXGGGcxVn_Vdht9B-QWnXRnXxnL-Ze0RXlt0esH28Kk4MLQy76zVSPvaKD8H5hhITSOXPy0rzML4sya8jUcuii05tb/s640/blogger-image-1214152800.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A stunning example of my mother in law's beautiful front yard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CUQIn6-GmZM/Un0mEzl-PLI/AAAAAAAAEX0/MXduimq8n-0/s640/blogger-image--690491176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CUQIn6-GmZM/Un0mEzl-PLI/AAAAAAAAEX0/MXduimq8n-0/s640/blogger-image--690491176.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first of the fall leaves. We went home for a little fall color but were just a week or two early.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0VG7kuJCxhs/Un0mHVnMAEI/AAAAAAAAEX8/ZGUtu7JtKxI/s640/blogger-image--753064722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0VG7kuJCxhs/Un0mHVnMAEI/AAAAAAAAEX8/ZGUtu7JtKxI/s640/blogger-image--753064722.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A super adorable, super poisonous mushroom we saw during a little hike in the woods. I was truly shocked that a tiny gnome or fairy didn't peek it's head from underneath this darling little mushroom. Such a perfect little scene it was. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fylWpOK6AeE/Un0mAKDWtWI/AAAAAAAAEXk/PLYMm9DZFMk/s640/blogger-image--2037431839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fylWpOK6AeE/Un0mAKDWtWI/AAAAAAAAEXk/PLYMm9DZFMk/s640/blogger-image--2037431839.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Matthew's delicious cooking. This was one of the tastiest sandwiches I've eaten in recent memory. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I5mAokum4LE/Un0l9uBDRnI/AAAAAAAAEXc/Ck8RzeNPzPU/s640/blogger-image--1765602726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I5mAokum4LE/Un0l9uBDRnI/AAAAAAAAEXc/Ck8RzeNPzPU/s640/blogger-image--1765602726.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And finally, my birthday cupcake. From baby cakes, this was a pumpkin spice cupcake. Absolutely delicious! And so fun to eat :)</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-3934997615546339712013-09-15T16:48:00.002-07:002013-09-15T16:49:31.362-07:00The month of canning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I realize that it has been over a month since I last posted on my blog, but once you see all the delicious treats I've been making this past month, you'll realize just why I haven't had time to post!<br />
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I've gone on a little bit of a food preserving rampage. I have, of course, made some normal jams and such, but I also tried my hand at some less common (for me, at least) products: tomato ketchup, peach ketchup, mustard, jasmine peach pickles and pickled grapes.<br />
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I didn't actually photograph the pickled red grapes because they do look a little bit frightening, floating around their jar like tiny monster's eye balls, but they really are delicious! I love them with any cheese. I used <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2012/02/in-a-pickle-pickled-red-grapes.html" target="_blank">this</a> recipe, and would happily make them again and again, any time I'm stuck with more grapes than I care to eat up fresh (this happens more often then you would imagine and is part of the reason that I so rarely buy grapes).<br />
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I did manage to photograph everything else that I made, and I will say that I was delighted with how everything turned out. It's all delicious! And, while I'm still figuring out how to use the new stuff, it's kind of exciting to have things like homemade mustard and ketchup that I made all on my own and didn't have to buy from a store. This isn't to say that my versions are better than store bought, or that I would only ever use my homemade versions in the future(I absolutely won't), but it's always a nice feeling to be able to make something that is usually always store bought, in our modern age.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually new to me, I've never actually made pepper jelly before but thought it would be fun to help a friend who has never canned before. This turned out great. We used Liquid pectin for this jam/jelly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This plum butter turned out pretty good. I made it in the crock pot(a first for me) and I actually think it needed a little more sugar and a little more time on the heat. I took it off too early because I was getting impatient, but also because it started to stick.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nectarines in Syrup- growing up, we made canned peaches every summer, and last year I made a <a href="http://onlythecutewillsurvive.blogspot.com/2012/04/tiny-peaches.html" target="_blank">single jar of peaches</a>, but this year I thought I'd try canning nectarines because they are so easy. I think I like canned peaches better =)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the only really strange item that I made recently. These are from a really innovative chef,<a href="http://chefedwardlee.com/" target="_blank"> Edward Lee</a>, and while I love this concept, the peppers he called for in the recipe give the peaches an odd, vegetal taste. Still, these are lots of fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most unusual and most delicious item I made,<a href="http://www.deliciousdays.com/archives/2013/08/20/homemade-peach-ketchup-condiment-of-my-dreams/" target="_blank"> this peach ketchup</a> goes splendidly with cheese, especially brie, but any cheese will do =) it's really, really good.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used<a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2013/03/homemade-mustard-recipe-joe-beef/" target="_blank"> David Lebovitz's recipe for Mustard</a>. I've been wanting to make mustard for years and finally decided to make some this month, since I've been on a "making weird foods" roll.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tomato ketchup. This was pretty good. I ate some with roasted potatoes last night for dinner and I really think it would be tasty on a hamburger. Hopefully I'll have some left the next time I get around to making hamburgers. I doubt that I'll make this very often since it took a lot of cooking down to get it to the correct consistency. But it was fun to try homemade ketchup. I used a mix of different recipes for this and hope to find the perfect, easy recipe some day =)</td></tr>
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<br />Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-85927395886056640502013-08-13T22:20:00.002-07:002013-08-13T22:21:02.728-07:00happy helmet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oops, my helmet is a little bit crooked, that's not safe!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I finally got around to having Matthew take a picture of me in my bike helmet. Of course, I went with the polka dots =) And, of course I really wanted a pink polka dotted one but the fellows at the bike shop didn't have such a darling helmet in stock. So, I went with the second cutest helmet, a red and white polka dotted helmet, because it actually exists!<br />
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Anyway, it's adorable and when I wear my red polka dotted helmet and my Hello Kitty Sunglasses; I look like a cute little weirdo riding down the street. It's great fun and very eye catching. Good for safety, at least, if not for fashion.<br />
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<br />Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-37708821802988778252013-08-11T21:39:00.003-07:002013-08-11T21:42:37.319-07:00Easy plum cake and my happy new kitchen cutie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, I needed to use up a couple of ripe plums and plum cake sounded good to me. Never mind the fact that I've only ever heard tell of plum cake and have yet to experience the delicious flavors of plums baked into a soft, moist cake. I spent the five minutes required to put it together, baked it up and now it's cooling on my new little kitchen butcher's block cart.<br />
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On Tuesday, I had to exchange an item at Ikea and whilst wandering around the As Is section of the store, I happened upon a lonely looking little item that just looked up at me and asked to be taken home. It was too cute to resist and, ended up being just the right size for my teeny, tiny, pint-sized kitchen. Anyway, it turns out that this sweet little butcher's block cart is the perfect size for just about everything, including holding a cooling plum cake.<br />
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<br />Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-29544288545292127942013-08-11T21:28:00.000-07:002013-08-11T21:28:29.840-07:00A lovely, fanciful baby shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This summer I took on a fairly unusual project: planning a baby shower for a friend. I've never planned a shower of any sort, bridal, baby or any other type(is there any other type?) so this was a great learning experience. I had loads of fun with the whole event and, for the most part, thought the whole party went perfectly. Of course, I forgot a few details which only I noticed but the excessive preparation during the two months before the baby shower made for a really lovely experience, even for me. In fact, I may have enjoyed it more than anybody.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snack table</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Tier of treats: Blueberry and Lemon curd tartlets</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit skewers and baby scones</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken and Arugula sandwiches and tomato basil skewers</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved decorating the tiered tray with tiny porcelain bowls of baby pink carnations</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite: the hand crafted flag toothpicks. These were made with washi tape and turned out very cute</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-40605024098599815912013-07-13T15:43:00.001-07:002013-07-13T15:43:20.149-07:00Daisy bicycle<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQSqTpcVL20/UeHXFKtXUjI/AAAAAAAAETM/xbRNg2F2YhU/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQSqTpcVL20/UeHXFKtXUjI/AAAAAAAAETM/xbRNg2F2YhU/s400/IMG_1626.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br />
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I was recently given a free bike (thanks! Christy =)). Now, I can join the hordes of hipsters riding around San Diego, buying veggies and art supplies; it's absolutely fantastic!! =)<br />
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I'm having loads of fun riding up to Whole Foods, down to Little Italy and over to the craft/art supply store. It gives me a little extra exercise and saves a small puddle of crude oil somewhere in the world. I haven't found a helmet yet, but I'm sure that when I do, I'll make sure to post a photo of it in all its adorable, helmety glory.<br />
<br />Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-28236925092887684472013-06-11T13:27:00.001-07:002013-06-11T14:07:22.556-07:00Prickly pear vs cotton yarn pear<div>
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So many different types of pears and neither of the ones featured in this post are actual, real live pears!</div>
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I've recently conducted a comparison of the prickly pear which is the fruit of an edible cactus and the little cotton pear that I recently crocheted. So far the prickly pear wins for tastiness and the little crocheted pear wins for cuteness :)<br />
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So, obviously I am not actually comparing these "pears" but it sure was cute to set them next to each other for a photo. This was, in fact, my very first experience with buying, prepping and eating prickly pears. </div>
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When I saw them at my favorite grocery store, I just knew I had to try them. I love buying new, to me, fruit and this was about as unusual as I've ever had.</div>
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Turns out they are just the loveliest color ever(my favorite color) and they taste a little bit like pomegranate, because of the earthy, seedy taste. Basically, I blended the flesh of the fruit and then strained it to mix with sugar and water for a light syrup. This syrup went into margaritas and bubbly water. I only used this to make a few delicious beverages because the other things people tend to make with prickly pear(jelly, candy) require many more prickly pears than I had purchased. </div>
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Maybe prickly pear jelly can be a "someday project" which I will make if I ever have more prickly pear fruits than I know what to do with, until then, I think it's fun to enjoy their contribution to making fun and unusual beverages.</div>
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Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-9446620458397175092013-05-31T22:14:00.004-07:002013-05-31T22:15:47.303-07:00cheerful pear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My latest crochet project was very quick to make and easy. It required very little stitch counting and almost no sewing of little parts together, so when I was done I was done, unlike so many of the projects that I've made which can take upwards of 30 min or so of hand sewing fins or limbs or little tails to bodies once I've crocheted all the pieces.<br />
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I made this little pear over the course of two craft night sessions, but I really think it could come together in less than an hour if I was focusing all my attention on working on the pear and less time on chatting with friends (but who wants to do that? =))<br />
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Of course, as with all my little crochet projects, the big question is, "what's it for?" I'm not entirely sure but I suppose the real point of making these little creatures is that they are cute and cheerful and fun to make.<br />
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Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-51752520616945619992013-05-17T19:07:00.001-07:002013-05-17T19:10:12.479-07:00Candle making<div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3j8ljH6u0ac/UZbieKIBMvI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/D09J1PVD31k/s640/blogger-image--1017873818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3j8ljH6u0ac/UZbieKIBMvI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/D09J1PVD31k/s640/blogger-image--1017873818.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>My first candle making attempt has resulted in mostly perfect results, but one of the candles set very oddly. I made them at the same time, same method but one candle set up beautifully, while the other candle looks like I stirred it as it was setting(though I didn't). </div><div><br></div><div>Other than the one lumpy candle, I felt very successful with this first attempt. I used a combo of vanilla and sweet orange oils to create an orange creamsicle scent. The candles smell delicious and I can't wait to burn them :)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ethG26ls23M/UZbiaEz5L1I/AAAAAAAAEQk/YxOft1M6VYk/s640/blogger-image--127876637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ethG26ls23M/UZbiaEz5L1I/AAAAAAAAEQk/YxOft1M6VYk/s640/blogger-image--127876637.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The sad, sad lumpy candle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bQU9EyjPXcI/UZbiX7zaWYI/AAAAAAAAEQc/W0k2S7toM1w/s640/blogger-image--201984325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bQU9EyjPXcI/UZbiX7zaWYI/AAAAAAAAEQc/W0k2S7toM1w/s640/blogger-image--201984325.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The happy, cheerful, perfect candle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zr8gMPvbysI/UZbicI_W7tI/AAAAAAAAEQs/bTnF3DSddhk/s640/blogger-image--418240670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zr8gMPvbysI/UZbicI_W7tI/AAAAAAAAEQs/bTnF3DSddhk/s640/blogger-image--418240670.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-28213018259091327942013-04-28T17:34:00.000-07:002013-04-28T20:04:25.151-07:00Finishing up Japan pictures-Tokyo<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGEEotv9JN0/UX2xwRirUqI/AAAAAAAAEOk/e1-sOMCJYfQ/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGEEotv9JN0/UX2xwRirUqI/AAAAAAAAEOk/e1-sOMCJYfQ/s640/IMG_1459.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Matthew and I thought we were eating well during the first two weeks of
our trip to Japan, but it turns out all of that was just in preparation
for the last week which was spent gorging ourselves silly in Tokyo.
Naturally, we wanted to make sure we didn't miss a thing and of course
that isn't possible in a country like Japan that has so, so much to
offer, especially in regards to delicious delicacies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramen in Yokohama- the broth was thick enough to stand a spoon up in it; not my favorite but interesting for the experience</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mixed Katsu plate- so perfectly fried- the best I've eaten</td></tr>
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The Macaron Off!! This was just too much fun, buying so many gorgeous macarons in one day and deciding that the best course of action would be to use the excuse of comparing them to justify such an indulgence. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still in their boxes- didn't want them to start fighting</td></tr>
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Pierre Herme vs. Laduree: Matthew and I both loved all the macarons but felt that the macarons from Pierre Herme had an edge over the macarons from Laduree. They were more intensely flavored, possibly due to having more filling between the cookies and while the colors of the cookies were not quite as vibrant as those of the macarons from Laduree, the complexity of the flavors was more interesting in the macarons from Pierre Herme. My final judgement: I don't really care whose are better, just let me eat macarons!! =)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful selection from Pierre Herme</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A charming selection from Laduree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pour over coffee from Shozo coffee stand, located in <a href="http://246common.jp/" target="_blank">246common</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mfVOlWZJno/UX2uep4W4kI/AAAAAAAAENk/R3fw6iZHBiM/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mfVOlWZJno/UX2uep4W4kI/AAAAAAAAENk/R3fw6iZHBiM/s400/IMG_1432.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perfect lunch to keep us happy while doing laundry - The Five E's Burger from Parrot Kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaEK4Uvljkg/UX2u2ThoZwI/AAAAAAAAEN0/15P06SdOHxk/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaEK4Uvljkg/UX2u2ThoZwI/AAAAAAAAEN0/15P06SdOHxk/s400/IMG_1441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mistakenly ordered the tsuke-men ramen at Matthew's favorite ramen shop in Akihabara but I still enjoyed this warming dish- despite the fact that I don't prefer this style of ramen</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew's favorite ramen- tonkotsu broth with roasted garlic oil poured over the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nrn0yuy2HEg/UX2xkAXhwyI/AAAAAAAAEOc/jfG-u46VRow/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nrn0yuy2HEg/UX2xkAXhwyI/AAAAAAAAEOc/jfG-u46VRow/s400/IMG_1456.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since we were in Akihabara having a bowl of ramen, we went ahead and got a drink at the Gundam cafe- I had the strawberry latte </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCl54xOBZfQ/UX2x78QQ_OI/AAAAAAAAEOs/hE6ovA9Ltig/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCl54xOBZfQ/UX2x78QQ_OI/AAAAAAAAEOs/hE6ovA9Ltig/s400/IMG_1460.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fantastic little lunch in sweet little cafe- I loved having two tiny sandwiches instead of one big one cut in half</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aTSATp_nKE/UX2yHx-T7dI/AAAAAAAAEO0/9uhi7-w_GAs/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aTSATp_nKE/UX2yHx-T7dI/AAAAAAAAEO0/9uhi7-w_GAs/s400/IMG_1461.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amazing sashimi in Kanda</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRk_Wmo_8Gs/UX2yQieo4QI/AAAAAAAAEO8/nmrfeaW8ydI/s1600/IMG_1463-cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRk_Wmo_8Gs/UX2yQieo4QI/AAAAAAAAEO8/nmrfeaW8ydI/s400/IMG_1463-cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating Salmon eggs with a wooden spoon- my new favorite way to eat Ikura</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the barely seared edge of salmon that gave this piece of sushi a smokey flavor- delicious!</td></tr>
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Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-1181397906369866602013-04-28T16:02:00.001-07:002013-04-28T16:02:29.229-07:00Finishing up Japan pictures- Shibamata<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During our last week in Tokyo, Matthew and I made a quick trip out to a suburb of Tokyo to the area of Shibamata. Matthew has long wanted to visit the old fashioned neighborhood used to film scenes for the Tora-san movies.<br />
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We spent only an hour or so checking it out and did buy a few tasty treats, some freshly made Karinto and some peanut brittle. All in all, worth the trip out for the beautiful views of the river, alone.<br />
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<br />Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-55385108689445550772013-04-27T09:24:00.000-07:002013-04-27T09:24:30.293-07:00Finishing up Japan pictures- Nara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I guess I kinda got off the blog posting band wagon that I had going for the first half of our visit to Japan, and now that I'm home and life is on it's way back to being normal, I'll finish up posting a few photos from the remainder of our time there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our big, fun day in Osaka, we took a quick trip out to beautiful Nara to see the crazy crazy deer they have just roaming the parks and streets. I think these deer must have a keeper because they are all very tame. Of course, they have thousands of people a day feeding them little deer cookies, so that might have something to do with it =)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeBvhDtiaDE/UXv5s3tvfWI/AAAAAAAAEL8/qu4PJSbVyao/s1600/DSC02082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeBvhDtiaDE/UXv5s3tvfWI/AAAAAAAAEL8/qu4PJSbVyao/s320/DSC02082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can see the hardened look of a back streets cookie thief in his eye</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">they acted just like goats- it was just a little odd</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IU4M5U7PYN4/UXv6BcM61HI/AAAAAAAAEMM/5cCh0JZgq7E/s1600/DSC02085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IU4M5U7PYN4/UXv6BcM61HI/AAAAAAAAEMM/5cCh0JZgq7E/s320/DSC02085.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this little deer was ready to bolt-totally not into petting, only cookies!!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-w4IGPQFmo/UXv6L-ibEaI/AAAAAAAAEMU/9LiDYd241V8/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-w4IGPQFmo/UXv6L-ibEaI/AAAAAAAAEMU/9LiDYd241V8/s320/IMG_1418.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken two seconds before the deer bit Matthew's tummy(yes it was completely hilarious)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C56ofIEnnFc/UXv6WSXLN9I/AAAAAAAAEMc/ooab9MNesbk/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C56ofIEnnFc/UXv6WSXLN9I/AAAAAAAAEMc/ooab9MNesbk/s320/IMG_1419.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken two seconds after the deer bit Matthew's tummy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-85487417768479628062013-04-13T18:15:00.001-07:002013-04-27T09:05:42.938-07:00Osaka- a surprisingly delightful dayMatthew and I returned to Osaka because we didn't feel that the one evening we spent there was enough to give us a good feel for the city. Turns out, we were right! During the two night and one day we spent there, upon our return, we ate more amazing okonomiyaki, more takoyaki, delicious crepes, incredible local beer and the most elegant and delicious "bar food" (no photo of the pork belly in red ale because we gobbled it up too fast). We also visited the rebuilt Osaka castle which is now a very interesting museum, the Osaka aquarium, and a giant Ferris wheel. All in all, I'd say our day in Osaka was just loads of fun. <br />
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Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-49848322783935616822013-04-12T08:37:00.001-07:002013-04-13T07:41:46.360-07:00Too many cities to visit, not enough timeMatthew and I have been bopping around Japan for the past week. It has been absolutely fantastic to get out of Tokyo and see that there is just so much more to Japan and so many beautiful places in this amazing country.<br />
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We have been eating our weight in delicious meals and snacks for days, and it has been absolutely wonderful. Especially wonderful, was eating the lovely home cooked meals prepared by our lovely hostess in Nagasaki.<br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Aa1xXEy3Kvg/UWgqRyyANLI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/a-i37ml7_CM/s640/blogger-image-1969176672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Aa1xXEy3Kvg/UWgqRyyANLI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/a-i37ml7_CM/s640/blogger-image-1969176672.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m4lKB9O-Ah8/UWgqP3KbeZI/AAAAAAAAEJs/mfqIsi6cdkM/s640/blogger-image--403358333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m4lKB9O-Ah8/UWgqP3KbeZI/AAAAAAAAEJs/mfqIsi6cdkM/s640/blogger-image--403358333.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VvfEk60_8Pk/UWgqAuWxHpI/AAAAAAAAEI0/sJnUhWCX4GE/s640/blogger-image-1356461228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VvfEk60_8Pk/UWgqAuWxHpI/AAAAAAAAEI0/sJnUhWCX4GE/s640/blogger-image-1356461228.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h0lnF17TRVY/UWgqE1qR4NI/AAAAAAAAEJE/E26euNhXPxE/s640/blogger-image-1850701695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h0lnF17TRVY/UWgqE1qR4NI/AAAAAAAAEJE/E26euNhXPxE/s640/blogger-image-1850701695.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HEM-OS8z-Vw/UWgqJERKOdI/AAAAAAAAEJU/bfBcO3Spwzk/s640/blogger-image--441945481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HEM-OS8z-Vw/UWgqJERKOdI/AAAAAAAAEJU/bfBcO3Spwzk/s640/blogger-image--441945481.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UFkn_86inTU/UWgqCrCJl2I/AAAAAAAAEI8/GxveVPUoTJo/s640/blogger-image--1174753870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UFkn_86inTU/UWgqCrCJl2I/AAAAAAAAEI8/GxveVPUoTJo/s640/blogger-image--1174753870.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qKA4UWpMpZ0/UWgqGxNy70I/AAAAAAAAEJM/spStgaY3ZnE/s640/blogger-image-1122824869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qKA4UWpMpZ0/UWgqGxNy70I/AAAAAAAAEJM/spStgaY3ZnE/s640/blogger-image-1122824869.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvNmB7IAZRMTAXyegpGrTBRdeY_O2S4gTeeSL3UW9fiJlkEDPMfo-pBVKlyOtOR8huiR2M-7r5P2ns6dIlIbvZ4oCDSapODFUszPbBg2_XmQLzzkWcdTEdu8nBwjATc-D4OWP5ABwDh4k/s640/blogger-image--910071307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvNmB7IAZRMTAXyegpGrTBRdeY_O2S4gTeeSL3UW9fiJlkEDPMfo-pBVKlyOtOR8huiR2M-7r5P2ns6dIlIbvZ4oCDSapODFUszPbBg2_XmQLzzkWcdTEdu8nBwjATc-D4OWP5ABwDh4k/s640/blogger-image--910071307.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-09hi2TwqvQs/UWgqNpM1HSI/AAAAAAAAEJk/1nkSM-me7K4/s640/blogger-image--1138836383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-09hi2TwqvQs/UWgqNpM1HSI/AAAAAAAAEJk/1nkSM-me7K4/s640/blogger-image--1138836383.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWkFhxkpcOdKGS9aQOt2TgUmmPtWtD6tYI0V1JZVsCIhRwAVUUJUzVMed4hi10yf62k3PbZ2F78xErh9ZcGw2M2DOeEr3V9MorCh_hCTVG-txk2h3QGcIKjxmOxuzdYh4XSngX1pmVqhM/s640/blogger-image--174534033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWkFhxkpcOdKGS9aQOt2TgUmmPtWtD6tYI0V1JZVsCIhRwAVUUJUzVMed4hi10yf62k3PbZ2F78xErh9ZcGw2M2DOeEr3V9MorCh_hCTVG-txk2h3QGcIKjxmOxuzdYh4XSngX1pmVqhM/s640/blogger-image--174534033.jpg" /></a></div>Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-85904085911544318742013-04-07T07:18:00.001-07:002013-04-07T07:19:28.732-07:00More delicious foodWe have spent the last two days traveling with a friend who is very interested in food. This means that we have been eating amazing foods that we would never have had the opportunity to try otherwise. It has been incredible!<br />
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Soba noodles eaten at Enryaku-ji (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enryaku-ji), Osakan okonomiyaki, takoyaki eaten "Osaka style" with dashi soup instead of sauce and mayonnaise, delicious sashimi and some truly delicious sake. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ttOk1uPotQI/UWF_w1Vk8mI/AAAAAAAAEH0/mKGkoK5LCao/s640/blogger-image--654672104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ttOk1uPotQI/UWF_w1Vk8mI/AAAAAAAAEH0/mKGkoK5LCao/s640/blogger-image--654672104.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZgRQ9l0d-Pg/UWGAHKHMmyI/AAAAAAAAEIc/GVVJ2QJuoBc/s640/blogger-image-391465753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZgRQ9l0d-Pg/UWGAHKHMmyI/AAAAAAAAEIc/GVVJ2QJuoBc/s640/blogger-image-391465753.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zQ3XIjpBA68/UWGAAzxzFcI/AAAAAAAAEIU/C9bssitcJ6w/s640/blogger-image-981941794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zQ3XIjpBA68/UWGAAzxzFcI/AAAAAAAAEIU/C9bssitcJ6w/s640/blogger-image-981941794.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4wJ_ATqv_-E/UWF_zYQn7PI/AAAAAAAAEH8/a0snYpe0VUA/s640/blogger-image-2084128400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4wJ_ATqv_-E/UWF_zYQn7PI/AAAAAAAAEH8/a0snYpe0VUA/s640/blogger-image-2084128400.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W4yTuHhxJKs/UWF_1hGq2jI/AAAAAAAAEIE/sN2aqQf2doU/s640/blogger-image-546054332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W4yTuHhxJKs/UWF_1hGq2jI/AAAAAAAAEIE/sN2aqQf2doU/s640/blogger-image-546054332.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mry7o1h7hs4/UWF_-v9YhRI/AAAAAAAAEIM/9i2cah8cIY4/s640/blogger-image-654290255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mry7o1h7hs4/UWF_-v9YhRI/AAAAAAAAEIM/9i2cah8cIY4/s640/blogger-image-654290255.jpg" /></a></div>Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-8759425344252728972013-04-05T05:46:00.001-07:002013-04-05T05:48:27.167-07:00Yakitori mania!Two nights in a row, we have been treated to amazing yakitori. Since it is one of matthew's and my favorite foods, we have been in food heaven!! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C9BsVdeszQk/UV7HoQbVu0I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/2bzoqMRYLEg/s640/blogger-image-1185580000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C9BsVdeszQk/UV7HoQbVu0I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/2bzoqMRYLEg/s640/blogger-image-1185580000.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lu_oZghpsVY/UV7HmAa3s-I/AAAAAAAAEHI/CmRwJlPYtfQ/s640/blogger-image-1084535397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lu_oZghpsVY/UV7HmAa3s-I/AAAAAAAAEHI/CmRwJlPYtfQ/s640/blogger-image-1084535397.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CFHDZgDr2kc/UV7HkOAlj2I/AAAAAAAAEHA/QMsbvsrzSAg/s640/blogger-image--92420033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CFHDZgDr2kc/UV7HkOAlj2I/AAAAAAAAEHA/QMsbvsrzSAg/s640/blogger-image--92420033.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZiqNsupUnQc/UV7Hs-F6mYI/AAAAAAAAEHg/8_SNbyga02U/s640/blogger-image--1296090636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZiqNsupUnQc/UV7Hs-F6mYI/AAAAAAAAEHg/8_SNbyga02U/s640/blogger-image--1296090636.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2k9kLsf8vl0/UV7HqrIbJII/AAAAAAAAEHY/eQDTAzjIB24/s640/blogger-image--258149311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2k9kLsf8vl0/UV7HqrIbJII/AAAAAAAAEHY/eQDTAzjIB24/s640/blogger-image--258149311.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-shcpXj-4TWY/UV7Hh2rSEPI/AAAAAAAAEG4/1twfoFBPzu0/s640/blogger-image-1914004956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-shcpXj-4TWY/UV7Hh2rSEPI/AAAAAAAAEG4/1twfoFBPzu0/s640/blogger-image-1914004956.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OJtcZux7qQw/UV7HvNTSwQI/AAAAAAAAEHo/NdX4vY1Pdp0/s640/blogger-image--719737568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OJtcZux7qQw/UV7HvNTSwQI/AAAAAAAAEHo/NdX4vY1Pdp0/s640/blogger-image--719737568.jpg" /></a></div>Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-77292306977541467052013-04-04T08:14:00.001-07:002013-04-05T05:47:54.548-07:00So. Cali in über hip Tokyo!California has arrived in Tokyo! On this trip we have seen quite a few billboard signs for avocados, and when we went to a tiny cafe with a hand lettered menu and just a sign over the bar with the lunch specials, we encountered the BLT and the shrimp and avocado nan bread sandwich. It was a delicious combination and the avocado sandwich was flavored with Cesar salad dressing which was quite delicious and very Californian. This was our lunch today, in the super hip area, known as shimokitazawa. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g56-4ypUTI4/UV2Y2lfiQQI/AAAAAAAAEGo/czrCWikOCjs/s640/blogger-image-1663576887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g56-4ypUTI4/UV2Y2lfiQQI/AAAAAAAAEGo/czrCWikOCjs/s640/blogger-image-1663576887.jpg" /></a></div>Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-49384277454165346592013-04-03T03:22:00.001-07:002013-04-04T01:48:00.346-07:00Munching our way around TokyoMatthew and I are on our second full day in Tokyo and so far, we have eaten a lot and shopped :) it's been lots of fun. Basically, eating all day is a good way to get over the jet lag on the first day and to keep up my strength for all the walking we've done by the second day...at least, that's what I'm gonna tell myself.<br />
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Here are a few photos from our wanderings: <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0MLNdt5vL7w/UVwC6Y_wQZI/AAAAAAAAEGY/03RM_pso9Iw/s640/blogger-image--1893426546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0MLNdt5vL7w/UVwC6Y_wQZI/AAAAAAAAEGY/03RM_pso9Iw/s640/blogger-image--1893426546.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HPKz5Q3VXOM/UVv5_3ogB7I/AAAAAAAAEFI/BuaXVoX0t90/s640/blogger-image--805572764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HPKz5Q3VXOM/UVv5_3ogB7I/AAAAAAAAEFI/BuaXVoX0t90/s640/blogger-image--805572764.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cqGlPJsBNHE/UVv6kNVQB7I/AAAAAAAAEFw/_l-LuXK7X_o/s640/blogger-image--1561455941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cqGlPJsBNHE/UVv6kNVQB7I/AAAAAAAAEFw/_l-LuXK7X_o/s640/blogger-image--1561455941.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1Bv4QPnp0OM/UVv6YDsOUqI/AAAAAAAAEFo/yL_QplvmAMU/s640/blogger-image--1163247282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1Bv4QPnp0OM/UVv6YDsOUqI/AAAAAAAAEFo/yL_QplvmAMU/s640/blogger-image--1163247282.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LLV4enR4gQ0/UVv63OWquEI/AAAAAAAAEF4/LTJBvnT3Cdg/s640/blogger-image-1767764547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LLV4enR4gQ0/UVv63OWquEI/AAAAAAAAEF4/LTJBvnT3Cdg/s640/blogger-image-1767764547.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fzBSvnJTcNA/UVv6KGZ9EGI/AAAAAAAAEFY/ZWLJRQmQ5CE/s640/blogger-image-250219780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fzBSvnJTcNA/UVv6KGZ9EGI/AAAAAAAAEFY/ZWLJRQmQ5CE/s640/blogger-image-250219780.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aot4_uTKh2s/UVwC0L_kIWI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/7AvXFxcldmA/s640/blogger-image-1851083123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aot4_uTKh2s/UVwC0L_kIWI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/7AvXFxcldmA/s640/blogger-image-1851083123.jpg" /></a></div>Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-21450011739111084862013-03-26T21:42:00.002-07:002013-03-26T21:50:22.356-07:00A picture post: happy spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDd9T5HSHw8/UVJzIZoFegI/AAAAAAAAEEE/0HNdQ0cLnf4/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDd9T5HSHw8/UVJzIZoFegI/AAAAAAAAEEE/0HNdQ0cLnf4/s400/IMG_1052.JPG" width="322" /></a></div>
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Okay, so this post will just be a quick blast of photographs. All the fun and adorable things that have been keeping me so very busy in these recent months. So busy, but so happy!! =)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhspRsIU7pQ/UVJzJY0ykXI/AAAAAAAAEEY/pVoG5MWTEAc/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhspRsIU7pQ/UVJzJY0ykXI/AAAAAAAAEEY/pVoG5MWTEAc/s400/IMG_1065.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips (c/o Jessica) to welcome spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ntCFi3ZNCg/UVJzILXPYYI/AAAAAAAAEEA/Cr3gv4Pkzyo/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ntCFi3ZNCg/UVJzILXPYYI/AAAAAAAAEEA/Cr3gv4Pkzyo/s400/IMG_1063.JPG" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such perfect bud vases, I need to make a serious effort to find some of my own (if for no other reason, then that I stop coveting Jessica's).</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ntCFi3ZNCg/UVJzILXPYYI/AAAAAAAAEEA/Cr3gv4Pkzyo/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQaD60fLdhE/UVJzKNE4vII/AAAAAAAAEEo/uwAimusbpWs/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83pkT61QipU/UVJzHNhz1sI/AAAAAAAAEDw/cry34ewE9iw/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83pkT61QipU/UVJzHNhz1sI/AAAAAAAAEDw/cry34ewE9iw/s400/IMG_1048.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentine's day mushroom bouquet- What could be more romantic? Is it any wonder that Matthew loves me when I offer him such fabulous gifts :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QO2fF6mgDyo/UVJzG1TwmpI/AAAAAAAAEDo/LA_WWsGq55g/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QO2fF6mgDyo/UVJzG1TwmpI/AAAAAAAAEDo/LA_WWsGq55g/s400/IMG_1046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyGmECCgsdo/UVJzHHpEkLI/AAAAAAAAEDs/IwgEtkfVB40/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyGmECCgsdo/UVJzHHpEkLI/AAAAAAAAEDs/IwgEtkfVB40/s400/IMG_1049.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln-lQiMLvbE/UVJzItS9XfI/AAAAAAAAEEM/QtuzE1c80eg/s1600/IMG_1053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln-lQiMLvbE/UVJzItS9XfI/AAAAAAAAEEM/QtuzE1c80eg/s400/IMG_1053.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But really, why doesn't every card come packaged with such a perfect bow?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmOyLOPUOiQ/UVJzJwsms0I/AAAAAAAAEEg/jHfmzu9XBSw/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmOyLOPUOiQ/UVJzJwsms0I/AAAAAAAAEEg/jHfmzu9XBSw/s400/IMG_1124.JPG" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrot Cake Cupcakes- in anticipation of Easter. Somehow, I don't think there will be any left to offer the Easter bunny when he hops by on Sunday. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HC3puwWVO8s/UVJzK4TLM_I/AAAAAAAAEEw/-Ufal88RITs/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HC3puwWVO8s/UVJzK4TLM_I/AAAAAAAAEEw/-Ufal88RITs/s400/IMG_1125.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ULddG9sPO4E/UVJzKaa8yEI/AAAAAAAAEEs/N7ytjqqedhA/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ULddG9sPO4E/UVJzKaa8yEI/AAAAAAAAEEs/N7ytjqqedhA/s400/IMG_1100.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly, for the sake of cuteness (but happily for the sake of my sanity), I did not use these tiny baby carrots in the cupcakes. These are so sweet and tender that I couldn't bear to do too much with them, just sauteed them in loads of butter and a sprinkling of fresh mint for the simplest and tastiest preparation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQaD60fLdhE/UVJzKNE4vII/AAAAAAAAEE4/u7DTWp2zGwk/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQaD60fLdhE/UVJzKNE4vII/AAAAAAAAEE4/u7DTWp2zGwk/s320/IMG_1085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, last picture, because it's a little ugly compared to all the pretty little things in the photos above: this is my very first little baby lettuce shoot of the spring. I was so delighted to see it just a couple days after planting the seeds. Now the planter is full of baby lettuces. I really should take another photo to post. I love the freshness of seeing green lettuces growing right outside my front door.</td></tr>
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Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604287592513822656.post-60514430575314533262013-02-05T17:40:00.001-08:002013-02-05T17:41:06.359-08:00A Valentine's Day Tea<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7DtMynEPrI/URGyt6QwBVI/AAAAAAAAEC8/KinBDj0cnZc/s1600/vdaytea2013%234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7DtMynEPrI/URGyt6QwBVI/AAAAAAAAEC8/KinBDj0cnZc/s1600/vdaytea2013%234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7DtMynEPrI/URGyt6QwBVI/AAAAAAAAEC8/KinBDj0cnZc/s1600/vdaytea2013%234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7DtMynEPrI/URGyt6QwBVI/AAAAAAAAEC8/KinBDj0cnZc/s1600/vdaytea2013%234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7DtMynEPrI/URGyt6QwBVI/AAAAAAAAEC8/KinBDj0cnZc/s320/vdaytea2013%234.jpg" width="191" /></a> <br />
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So, it may be fairly apparent that life has pretty much had me struggling to stay afloat for the past two months, considering that I haven't even posted an I'm-sorry-I-haven't-posted-recently post. I will say, though, that I am looking forward to unflummoxing my life in February now, rather than in January, like I had originally planned. And, I think this past Sunday's incredibly lovely (and ridiculously filling) tea party was the start of that new plan.<br />
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Our lovely Valentine's Day tea party forced me to sit down for four hours straight (something that rarely happens) and just enjoy munching on treats and chatting with friends. It was really delightful. Perhaps, I won't log quite as many hours jogging or as many laboriously healthful meals in February as I did in January, but I will have eaten more cake and celebrated the best holiday of the year(who can possibly hate a holiday that celebrates eating candy, is decorated with my favorite color and promotes the best possible feeling, that of love).<br />
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For the tea party, I made a Strawberry Mousse recipe from one of Donna Hay's magazines. It was absolutely fluffy and delightful; such a treat. Also, I tried to make petits fours and felt it to be quite a failure but, to be honest, I hadn't worked out the recipe before hand, which I knew was a mistake. Some of the components that I had been planning to use for the petits fours were either not usable or not ideal, but that's what happens when one doesn't take the time to plan ahead! =)<br />
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Over all, I just adored everything we ate; the table setting was just stunning, and the day couldn't have been more perfect for a tea party.<br />
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(I should mention that all photos were "borrowed" from Cat's Facebook page =) I totally forgot to take any photos!! Pretty crazy, considering all the work that went into this tea party. But, thank goodness for friends who take photos of absolutely everything they ever eat ;)) Lynneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16270343546799812162noreply@blogger.com5