tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83095044690596736112024-03-18T03:47:50.454-06:00Naked Cupcakeshaileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-63707756265902971312014-01-17T08:09:00.001-07:002014-01-17T08:09:29.229-07:00I bow down to single parents ...and it's only been two days :)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/17/608.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/17/s_608.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is what happens when your husband is out of town for a couple days:<br /><br />- You let your kid play on your phone unsupervised so you can put on some makeup and tame your bedhead before work<br /><br />- You open your beautiful new purse at work and find two kids shoes, a sock, and a sippy cup. But not the snacks or lunch you meant to bring to work<br /><br />- You deliver your kid to the dayhome, in the winter, without a toque or mitts (um, its warm, right?)<br /><br />- You were up at 4:23 AM because there was no one else to push out of bed to get the kid when she started playing<br /><br />- You showed up at work yesterday in a white shirt, with yogurt on it. You didn’t change because the yogurt was vanilla and that it is practically white anyways. Spend the rest of the day smelling like vanilla dessert<br /><br />- Grilled cheese and soup is an acceptable supper, always. And lunch.<br /> <br />I’m sleepy<br />And hungry<br /><br />All you single parents out there are my hero's!<br /><br />Nap time?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/17/609.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/17/s_609.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/01/17/610.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/01/17/s_610.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Really, who doesn't love grilled cheese? Right?<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-70207701104786041622013-06-12T07:00:00.000-06:002013-06-12T07:00:02.232-06:00Swimming Lessons!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During the months of April and May Lilly and I spent 2 mornings a week at one of my favourite places, the pool! I have always loved swimming and playing in the water so I could not wait to sign us up for some Mom and Tots swimming lessons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During the month of April my best friend was also able to join us with her adorable son. It was a blast taking the class together with our two cuties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am excited to say that Lilly absolutely loves the water. At first she didn't quite know what to make of the massive body of water around her, but by May she was having a blast and splashing up a storm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She also loves her bath time at night too, I think we have a water baby! I love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am going to wait until the fall to sign her up for some more lessons, but in the meantime I hope to visit some of the indoor pools nearby (on cooler days) and hang out by the outdoor pools this summer too! I can't wait.</span>haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com91tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-70119878767796925482013-06-10T07:00:00.000-06:002013-06-10T07:00:08.218-06:00Grilled Steak with Caprese Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another Monday and another amazing meat-centered salad inspired by <a href="http://howsweeteats.com/">How Sweet It Is</a>! What can I say? That girl makes me think of flavourful summer meals so that is where I have been going lately when I need some inspiration!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is another quick meal that you can whip up and have on the table in no time. We had this with some roasted veggies and garlic peppercorn bread to round out our meal (and clean out my fridge!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In all honestly I do not usually like tomatoes, but for some reason when they are paired with fresh mozza, fresh basil, and some simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar I cannot get enough! I finished the caprese salad off the next day with some flatbread, so good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This recipe is for 2 servings so it can easily be doubled (or tripled!) depending on your family size. I used the steak marinade that from the <a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2013/04/grilled-steak-and-portobello-mushroom.html">Grilled Steak and Portobello Mushroom Salad</a>, but next time I am definitely trying the red wine marinade that was listed for this salad. How can you lose with red wine?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/04/red-wine-marinated-flank-steak-with-cherry-tomato-caprese-salsa/">super tasty recipe</a> is originally from <a href="http://howsweeteats.com/">How Sweet It Is</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Grilled Steak with Caprese Salad</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 New York strip loin steaks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Steak Marinade:</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">pinch of garlic powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">pinch of onion powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp red pepper flakes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tbsp honey</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tbsp soy sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp worcester sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tbsp olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">salt and pepper</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 green onion, sliced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup chopped fresh mozzarella</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8 - 10 basil leaves, freshly chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp balsamic vinegar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/8 tsp garlic powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mix together the marinade and place the marinade and the steaks in a ziploc bag. Let marinate for the afternoon or overnight in the fridge</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BBQ the steak until desired doneness (there is a <a href="http://bbq.about.com/od/steaks/a/aa071898.htm">great reference here</a> for grilling times based on the thickness of your steak)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While you are grilling the steak, or while it is resting, mix up the tomatoes, green onion, mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt and pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When ready to eat, place your steak on each plate and then top them with a generous serving of the caprese salad</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></li>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-70876932252145046572013-06-03T07:00:00.000-06:002013-06-05T20:02:03.218-06:00Summer Salad with Corn Salsa and Spicy Lime Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lately I am all about the quick and healthy meals. What I seem to be making most often are fresh salads that are full of variety and then topping them with some sort of marinated grilled meat. Easy and tasty!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a prime example of what has been happening at our house. Mixed greens topped with some grape tomatoes, avocado, black beans, corn salsa, homemade croutons and then finished off with some grilled spicy lime chicken. Oh man, this was a good one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The inspiration for the salad is from <a href="http://howsweeteats.com/">How Sweet It Is</a> and her <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/03/black-bean-cornbread-panzanella-salad/">Black Bean and Cornbread Panzanella Salad</a>. That girl is queen of the tasty salads! I knew that a meat-less salad for supper wouldn't go over well with my husband so I quickly marinated some chicken breasts so we could throw them on the BBQ when he came home. The chicken went perfectly with the salad and when we paired it with some fresh bread everyone was happy, happy, happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't follow a specific recipe for the corn salsa I used on this salad (which is also awesome served alone with some nacho chips!) since I make it fairly often. This recipe is how I made it this particular time, but feel free to mix it up! You will have extra corn salsa after it is all said and done, so eat it the next day as a snack :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can use a lime or citrus vinaigrette for this salad if you like. I received some amazing Mandarine Orange Olive Oil from my MIL for my birthday this year and it was perfect on this salad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This recipe makes 2 servings and was inspired by <a href="http://howsweeteats.com/">How Sweet It Is</a> and her <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/03/black-bean-cornbread-panzanella-salad/">amazing salad</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Summer Salad with Corn Salsa and Spicy Lime Chicken</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 chicken breasts (halves), cleaned</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chicken Marinade:</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp cayenne pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/8 tsp paprika</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp garlic powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp onion powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp red pepper flakes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">salt & pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tbsp olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 tbsp lime juice</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 cups cubed french bread (or whatever bread you have leftover)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tbsp olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp garlic powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 cups mixed greens</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup black beans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup corn salsa</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 cups corn kernels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 jalapeños, seeded and diced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 green onions, sliced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 medium tomato, diced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 tbsp lime juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">pinch of garlic powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 avocado, cubed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup grape tomatoes, halved</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">olive oil and balsamic vinegar for drizzling on top</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mix up the chicken marinade and add both the marinade and the chicken to a dish or plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for an hour or even overnight</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss the cubed bread with the olive oil and garlic powder and spread out on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, tossing the bread cubes halfway through. Remove and let cool</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a medium bowl mix together the corn kernels, jalapeño, green onions, parsley, tomato, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cook the chicken on the BBQ (or you can bake it in the oven) about 10 - 15 minutes per side, until completely cooked through</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On each plate, place 1 1/2 cups of the mixed greens. Top each with 1/2 cup black beans, 1/2 cup corn salsa, 1/2 the avocado, and 1/2 cup grape tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Slice each chicken breast and place on top of the prepared salads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Drizzle each salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></li>
</ol>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-9831637363938871602013-05-27T07:00:00.000-06:002013-06-05T20:02:31.507-06:00Baked Blueberry French Toast - A Mother's Day Treat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">his year was my very first Mother's Day! Both my husband and my daughter did a fabulous job of making me feel extra special, I don't think I changed a single diaper that Sunday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In addition to being spoiled myself, we hosting a Mother's Day brunch since both of our mom's (and my husband's Grandmother) are in town. We ended up with a total of 16 adults and 2 kids! But that's how my family rolls, the more the merrier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The forecast for Mother's Day was +29 and sunny, so we set up our patio set and an extra table on the deck to sit everyone together. We managed to squish 8 people per table so it was fun and cozy. A ton of dark grey clouds kept hanging over our heads, but other than a small drizzle while setting up, the weather got progressively nicer as the morning wore on and we were all able to enjoy ourselves on the beautiful day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We tried to keep our menu simple in order to get a chance to visit with everyone and not be stuck in the kitchen the whole time. Our menu consisted of Baked Blueberry French Toast, a spinach, cheese, and potato egg scramble, bacon (of course!), Pound Cake with Whipped Cream and Berries, mimosa's, and some Pomegranate Raspberry Champagne Cocktails. (I will link up to the additional recipes as I post them. Trust me, you want the champagne cocktail recipe!). </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbMcmQRhzAY/UZGbt7k1k9I/AAAAAAAADU4/fPk9oGvmo64/s1600/IMG_4692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbMcmQRhzAY/UZGbt7k1k9I/AAAAAAAADU4/fPk9oGvmo64/s400/IMG_4692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also asked my siblings to help out so my sister brought this awesome Edible Arrangement and my brother brought a meat, cheese, and cracker platter to keep everyone happy while the food was finishing up. My mother-in-law brought some fresh pineapple and my aunt brought a strawberry shortcake for dessert. When all was said and done we had an awesome collection of food!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSz3Yg2Hp8U/UZGbdJ6OckI/AAAAAAAADUw/TWOhkAe0bzc/s1600/IMG_4688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSz3Yg2Hp8U/UZGbdJ6OckI/AAAAAAAADUw/TWOhkAe0bzc/s400/IMG_4688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This baked french toast recipe was amazing! And the best part was it was super easy to prepare ahead of time. You can actually make it the night before and then throw it in the oven the next morning. We doubled it to feed our group, but the recipe below is for about 6 servings. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xI5ZPz9cbeE/UZGcH5tpV7I/AAAAAAAADVg/62uytJ2027Q/s1600/IMG_4707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xI5ZPz9cbeE/UZGcH5tpV7I/AAAAAAAADVg/62uytJ2027Q/s400/IMG_4707.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This recipe is also really versatile, you can use any fruit you want or even a bag of frozen mixed berries. We did do one dish with sourdough and the other with french bread and the sourdough did a better job of holding up so I will stick with that next time we make it. French bread totally worked if that is easier for you to get a hold of, but I would make it with a bit less milk, maybe 2 cups.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All of the mom's and their babies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found this recipe through Pinterest as prepared by <a href="http://greedygourmand.blogspot.ca/2012/05/baked-french-toast-with-blueberries.html">Greedy Gourmand</a>, but the recipe was originally posted <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/baked-french-toast-with-blueberries-recipe/index.html">on the Food Network</a>. I used some comments from people who had tried it before to come up with this version. This makes about 6 servings if being served as the main course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Baked Blueberry French Toast</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8 or 9 slices of sourdough bread that are 1" thick, cubed</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: or about half a loaf. The loaves that I used were shaped like french bread, but most sourdough loaves are a lot thicker in width. So you might want to just cut enough cubes to fill a 9 x 13" dish</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 cup maple syrup</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 1/2 cups milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp cinnamon + 2 tsp for the topping</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">zest of 1/2 lemon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 cups blueberries </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tbsp sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">butter, for greasing the dish</span></li>
</ul>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grease a 9 x 13" dish with the butter and preheat your oven to 350 F</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a large bowl whisk the eggs until frothy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add the maple syrup, milk, 2 tsp cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stir in the bread cubes and mix until coated</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add the blueberries and mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure it is spread evenly</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: If making ahead of time you can cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator at this point</span></li>
</ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mix together the 2 tbsp of sugar with the 2 tsp of cinnamon and sprinkle it over the bread</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bake for 40 - 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling looks to have set</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Serve with some maple syrup or whipped cream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></li>
</ol>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-39296741640130003442013-05-22T07:00:00.000-06:002013-05-22T07:00:00.172-06:00"Lazy" Sundays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHJE9ds9Qbk/UZkX9b6zpoI/AAAAAAAADZI/njw5A16BT38/s1600/IMG_4708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHJE9ds9Qbk/UZkX9b6zpoI/AAAAAAAADZI/njw5A16BT38/s640/IMG_4708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You know what has really changed since I became a mom? Lazy Sundays.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before we became parents our lazy Sundays consisted of laying around the house in our PJ's, getting buried in a good book, watching countless movies, eating whatever happened to be in our fridge (or takeout), and taking the dogs to the puppy park at some point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I kind of miss those Sundays! Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change my new role for anything in the world, but now my Sundays aren't so lazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For example, this past Sunday felt like a nice and lazy day to us, but compared to our old Sundays we were crazy busy! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVWlA8yWTok/UZkXsJFNUJI/AAAAAAAADZA/TVUMIvNQIBQ/s1600/IMG_4770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVWlA8yWTok/UZkXsJFNUJI/AAAAAAAADZA/TVUMIvNQIBQ/s400/IMG_4770.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made pizza dough for our supper, fresh buns to eat throughout the week (recipe coming!), prepared new baby food for Lilly (nectarines and pears are new this week! Along trying out some oatmeal, yummy), catching up on the mountain of dishes from the food prep, the never-ending laundry, going for a run with Chloe, moving down Lilly's crib mattress (sniffle, she is growing up!), and I can't even remember what else. But since I did most of it in my PJ's it still felt like a "lazy" Sunday! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And don't even get me started on everything my husband got accomplished! Busy busy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But we both got a nap in while Lilly had an afternoon nap so I consider it a lazy Sunday win! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope everyone else had a fabulous long weekend! Ours was both busy and relaxing which made it a perfect long weekend for us.</span></div>
haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-7840077114583773512013-05-20T07:00:00.000-06:002013-05-20T07:00:12.412-06:00Fluffy Cheddar Cheese Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nfC5EX8s7Q/UX8rYTl8r_I/AAAAAAAADRw/_7kaEojXnJg/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nfC5EX8s7Q/UX8rYTl8r_I/AAAAAAAADRw/_7kaEojXnJg/s400/IMG_4611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I was younger my Grandma always had fresh bread at her home waiting for us when we came to visit. It was the best thing to have for breakfast; we would toast it and then slather it with butter and peanut butter and just chow down!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sadly back then I had no interest in baking other than the occasional batch of cookies. Now that I can appreciate how delicious homemade baking really is, I regret that I never took the chance to learn how to bake from my Grandmother. Luckily my husband's grandmother lives right down the street from us (how lucky are we?) and she indulges me with my random questions when it comes to the baking basics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So for quite a while now I have been on the hunt for that perfect fluffy homemade bread recipe. In the past I have made a few different types of loaves that have turned out delicious like <a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2011/05/focaccia-bread.html">Focaccia Bread</a>, <a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2010/09/cinnamon-bread.html">Cinnamon Bread</a>, and <a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2010/07/honey-oat-bread.html">Honey Oat Bread</a>, but they were more 'fun' types of loaves. More suited to satisfying a craving or an urge to try a new technique or flavour in the kitchen. They definitely were not the kind of bread I remember waking up to and popping in the toaster to perfectly start my day.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gKVrNVtVUo/UX8rZC_AM8I/AAAAAAAADR8/lA8BxP3htf0/s1600/IMG_4609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gKVrNVtVUo/UX8rZC_AM8I/AAAAAAAADR8/lA8BxP3htf0/s400/IMG_4609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All of the other white bread recipes I had tried up until recently fell flat. They always seemed to be on the heavy and dense side. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then I finally found this <a href="http://www.robinhood.ca/recipe-details.aspx?rid=2787&prcid=0">basic white bread </a>recipe from <a href="http://www.robinhood.ca/Default.aspx">Robin Hood Flour</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh. My. God. It is amazing! It is almost embarrassing how fast my husband and I finished the two loaves. I have already made it a regular part of our lives. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And now I think that I am officially addicted to making our own bread! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This cheesy bread is a variation on the original recipe and is also from <a href="http://www.robinhood.ca/Default.aspx">Robin Hood Flour</a>. While it seems like it isn't the classic white bread I was originally looking for, my husband absolutely loves it so I know it will be made just as often as the regular stuff in our house. The basic white bread is satisfies the past memories, and this cheesy variation is going to be a part of our own family's memories to come! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This bread is a fun treat and is great both with supper and toasted up for breakfast. It also makes a tasty cheesy garlic bread when cut thick and some fabulous grilled paninis :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.robinhood.ca/recipe-details.aspx?rid=2789">This recipe</a> is from <a href="http://www.robinhood.ca/Default.aspx">Robin Hood Flour</a> and makes 2 loaves (or 2 dozen buns).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Fluffy Cheddar Cheese Bread</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups warm water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/3 cup oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp tabasco or other hot sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 1/2 cups bread flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a large bowl dissolve the sugar in the warm water and sprinkle in the yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After yeast has proofed, mix well. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add the oil, salt, hot sauce and egg and mix well. Then add the parmesan cheese and again stir well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add two cups of bread flour and mix until a wet dough forms. Continue to add more flour gradually until dough becomes to stiff to stir</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Turn onto a floured surface and knead the dough, kneading in more flour until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky (this takes about 10 minutes)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Put the dough in a greased bowl and cover with greased wax paper and a tea towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled (this took just over an hour for me)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the dough has risen, punch it down and place in on a floured surface</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Knead in the shredded cheddar cheese and then split into two portions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grease two loaf pans (grease really well, the cheese tends to stick. They recommend shortening and I wish I had listened!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shape the dough into two loaves and place seam-side down in each pan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Again cover with the greased wax paper and a paper towel and let rise until doubled again (this took just over an hour at my house)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 375 F. Once the bread has finished it's second rise, bake for 30 - 35 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When the bread is done baking, immediately remove from the pans and let cool on wire racks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ENJOY!!!</span></li>
</ol>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-47282953568971965252013-05-17T07:00:00.000-06:002013-05-17T09:25:34.137-06:00Our Baby Girl - 6 months!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can you believe that our little Lilly is already 6 MONTHS OLD? That was by far the fastest 6 months of my entire life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is really amazing how much they can grow and change in such a short amount of time. Our baby girl already has two teeth, is trying to crawl, yammers up a storm, is eating solids like a champ, and has the best giggle in the world. I know people always say this, but I don't even know what we did to keep ourselves busy before she arrived!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here are some shots of our cutie. I just can't get enough of her </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you think she has enough pink? Yeesh :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb2iAsUDpeY/UZZERtkqhVI/AAAAAAAADWA/StTTTUwjEhU/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb2iAsUDpeY/UZZERtkqhVI/AAAAAAAADWA/StTTTUwjEhU/s640/IMG_3601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">November 17, 2012</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqvMMx--A48/UZZE_dJ1WYI/AAAAAAAADWI/9CVoTF9rlbw/s1600/IMG_3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqvMMx--A48/UZZE_dJ1WYI/AAAAAAAADWI/9CVoTF9rlbw/s640/IMG_3872.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One month old, and hanging out with some friends</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwQSrjNRMFg/UZZFYDiyttI/AAAAAAAADWQ/0DET5jE201w/s1600/IMG_4075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwQSrjNRMFg/UZZFYDiyttI/AAAAAAAADWQ/0DET5jE201w/s640/IMG_4075.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Two months (with Daddy)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Three months!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Four months</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Five months! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SIX MONTHS!!</span></div>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-73637076657589978792013-05-13T07:00:00.000-06:002013-05-13T07:00:14.996-06:00Princess Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Recently I made some pretty pink princess cupcakes for a 4th birthday party :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I stuck with vanilla cupcakes and vanilla buttercream as those tend to be the favourites with a younger crowd. I used my favourite <a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/vanilla-bean-cupcakes-recipe/">Vanilla Bean Cupcakes</a> from <a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/">My Baking Addiction</a> for the cupcakes and the classic <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Buttercream-Icing">Wilton Buttercream</a> recipe (sans shortening) for the icing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The flowers and the crown were made out of fondant and the cupcakes were decorated with some fun sparkly sprinkles!</span></div>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-45158736398696201262013-05-08T07:00:00.000-06:002013-05-08T07:00:14.601-06:00Couch to 10K - Workin' it out!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our baby girl is already 5 and half months! Only a couple short weeks from the big 6 month milestone, can you believe it? This has easily been the fastest 5-6 months of our lives!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that we are starting to get things figured out around here, I've decided it is time to work some 'me' time into my schedule. Time to get myself back into shape and try to find that 'before baby' body that hasn't been seen since last February/March, (about when we went on our amazing trip to Southeast Asia). I am determined to fit into those old bikinis when the warm weather arrives :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When we found out I was pregnant, I was in some of the best shape that I had been in a long time. I was going to Pilates 3-4 times a week was so proud of what I had accomplished. Then I went to ONE advanced class and guess what? Doctors orders to no longer do Pilates (I guess that level of Pilates is too much time on your back for a preggo) for the duration of my pregnancy. We were over the moon to find out we were pregnant, but I was bummed because I wasn't sure how to keep myself in shape for the next 9 months. So I settled for more of a walking regime to keep myself in shape, walking as much as I could without aggravating the lovely puffy ankles and sore backs that come with cookin' up a little one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite my previously active lifestyle, I GAINED when I was pregnant. Sure I ate well and made sure to keep myself from too many pregnancy-induced doughnut binges, but I was so. freaking. hungry. All the time. Seriously, I could not fill myself up for the first 5 or 6 months of my pregnancy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So that lovely 25-35 lb range the doctors give you for a 'healthy' weight gain during pregnancy? Pssshhhh I whizzed by that around month 5. What can I say? I have always been a bit of an overachiever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Look at those chubby thighs! I just love them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luckily for me our little girl is a very healthy eater. With her appetite the first....cough 40 cough... pounds pretty much just fell off and I am so happy about that. But over the last 6 weeks or so I finally had to accept that in order to lose these last 10 pounds and tone myself up it is going to take some work on my part. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So back to exercising I go! I have decided to try the "Couch to 10K" program and pair it with doing Pilates twice a week at home. The running program is awesome. I just downloaded an app on my phone and it outlines everything you need to do. It is set up so that you run 3X a week and in 14 weeks you are at 10K! So far I have really been enjoying the program. It is perfect for someone starting from scratch and having the entire program ready for you really makes it hard to make lame excuses. Also it is something I can easily do with Lilly since she loves walks now that she can face forwards in her stroller.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As for Pilates, I am going to start at home until I can find a studio with classes that work with our schedule. I am pretty excited to get back into it and regain my core strength that I had worked so hard for last year :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course healthy eating goes with all of this too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I have put it out there! No going back for me now. If it is on the internets it's official, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you have any tips, ideas, thoughts, etc. when it comes to getting back into shape, I would love to hear them!</span>haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-69335921393805078612013-05-06T07:00:00.000-06:002013-05-06T07:00:15.291-06:00Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Recently I was gifted with a large bag of delicious raisins all the way from California! My husband's grandmother (my grandma-in-law?) brought them back and I was lucky enough to snag some.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And what better way to utilize these raisins than in some tasty cookies? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course the first place I looked for a delicious recipe was <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/">Two Peas and Their Pod</a>; they are the best when it comes to tasty cookie recipes! These are classic: oatmeal, raisins, and a bit of cinnamon to bring it all together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have now made these twice in the last two weeks and the second time I doubled the batch. And I still ate them all before getting any decent pictures! I think that fact alone speaks for how perfect they are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They have oatmeal and raisins, so they are practically the same as eating granola for breakfast right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is only slightly modified from the <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-recipe/">original recipe</a> from <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/">Two Peas and their Pod</a>. It makes approximately 1 1/2 to 2 dozen cookies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cookies</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup margarine, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/3 cup packed light brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/3 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 cup flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 tsp cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 cup raisins</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 350 F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a small bowl add the raisins and cover with warm water so they plump up</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a large bowl cream together the margarine and sugars until light and fluffy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add the egg and vanilla and mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add the oats and (drained) raisins and again mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Roll about a tablespoon of dough into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Repeat with remaining dough. You can fit about 12 cookies on each sheet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the middles are still soft</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let cool on the cookie sheets for a couple minutes before placing them on a cooling rack to finish cooling</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-27613008140254131462013-05-01T07:00:00.000-06:002013-05-01T07:00:12.952-06:00Photo (& thoughts) an Hour<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have seen a few of my friends take on this little project (most recently by Rachel from <a href="http://www.theavidappetite.com/">The Avid Appetite</a>) and figured I would give it a go! This is from this past Monday, enjoy this little peek into our life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6 AM - Alright you win. It's times like this that make me wonder why I don't drink Coffee</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TLgdNEEDp0/UX7gxwD2nUI/AAAAAAAADOs/JhF2H5BVl14/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TLgdNEEDp0/UX7gxwD2nUI/AAAAAAAADOs/JhF2H5BVl14/s400/IMG_4636.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7 AM - I can't seem to get Bango (the husky) up for breakfast. Even he knows it is too damn early to move. Chloe on the other hand is always hungry</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WNfspCYvwo/UX7gxrkjrrI/AAAAAAAADOo/0JqMFoonkSU/s1600/IMG_4637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WNfspCYvwo/UX7gxrkjrrI/AAAAAAAADOo/0JqMFoonkSU/s400/IMG_4637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8 AM - It never ends. Good thing her clothes are so cute :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYaau_gCPNM/UX7gw-1RvnI/AAAAAAAADOg/6OCyRg_4i6A/s1600/IMG_4638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYaau_gCPNM/UX7gw-1RvnI/AAAAAAAADOg/6OCyRg_4i6A/s400/IMG_4638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">9 AM - New magazine during nap time. Oh Martha, you make such beautiful cakes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cegP-iLNors/UX7g2PX4g3I/AAAAAAAADPA/J6mnMUZmXL8/s1600/IMG_4641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cegP-iLNors/UX7g2PX4g3I/AAAAAAAADPA/J6mnMUZmXL8/s400/IMG_4641.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10 AM - Jump!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSpSbILhlPo/UX7g1xBfaII/AAAAAAAADO4/r_aISB8VoJc/s1600/IMG_4647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSpSbILhlPo/UX7g1xBfaII/AAAAAAAADO4/r_aISB8VoJc/s400/IMG_4647.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11 AM - Dentist</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5812Kz-4lLI/UX7g1wT4yAI/AAAAAAAADO8/yajGlBv89rk/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5812Kz-4lLI/UX7g1wT4yAI/AAAAAAAADO8/yajGlBv89rk/s400/IMG_4649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">12 PM - ...still at the dentist</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zNYaWsshlk/UX7g3zaWmTI/AAAAAAAADPQ/zdSQ0OWFcHA/s1600/IMG_4650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zNYaWsshlk/UX7g3zaWmTI/AAAAAAAADPQ/zdSQ0OWFcHA/s400/IMG_4650.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 PM - Lunch time! Yum</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xJLP8s64p4/UX7g6URXK4I/AAAAAAAADPY/Zw-ToRfS8D0/s1600/IMG_4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xJLP8s64p4/UX7g6URXK4I/AAAAAAAADPY/Zw-ToRfS8D0/s400/IMG_4655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 PM - Multi-tasking at it's finest</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay3GKJSir2w/UX7g7XoBL0I/AAAAAAAADPk/UMibzkvM-ZA/s1600/IMG_4656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay3GKJSir2w/UX7g7XoBL0I/AAAAAAAADPk/UMibzkvM-ZA/s400/IMG_4656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 PM - Hot chocolate and blogging time during another nap</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXK6APQfkVk/UX7g7SXz8SI/AAAAAAAADPg/Y7a6NwgLxB8/s1600/IMG_4658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXK6APQfkVk/UX7g7SXz8SI/AAAAAAAADPg/Y7a6NwgLxB8/s400/IMG_4658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 PM - Feeding time!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OKnZQJXSKI/UX8KtmrBa9I/AAAAAAAADQg/KpYfdf3iT3w/s1600/IMG_4660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OKnZQJXSKI/UX8KtmrBa9I/AAAAAAAADQg/KpYfdf3iT3w/s400/IMG_4660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5 PM - Making dinner :) Yum, it was a gooder too. We had roasted butternut squash (on the left), and chicken filled pasta with roasted red pepper alfredo sauce (with a bunch of added veggies) that you can see on the stove</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTLpEzq9JBk/UX8KtkTzPuI/AAAAAAAADQk/PNEbP64V2Bk/s1600/IMG_4662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTLpEzq9JBk/UX8KtkTzPuI/AAAAAAAADQk/PNEbP64V2Bk/s400/IMG_4662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6 PM - Puppy scratches</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RfvOsMQrKK0/UX8LUK8xTLI/AAAAAAAADQw/W90Hm-TReo4/s1600/IMG_4663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RfvOsMQrKK0/UX8LUK8xTLI/AAAAAAAADQw/W90Hm-TReo4/s400/IMG_4663.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7 PM - Oatmeal chocolate chip cookie time!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKX1h5qMDEY/UX8caqBfJUI/AAAAAAAADRA/lEV0x79yGLY/s1600/IMG_4664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKX1h5qMDEY/UX8caqBfJUI/AAAAAAAADRA/lEV0x79yGLY/s400/IMG_4664.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">aaand shortly after bed time followed. I am hoping we can modify her schedule and get rid of these 5 - 6 AM wakings! :)</span>haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-46611248210589316092013-04-29T07:00:00.000-06:002013-04-29T07:00:02.219-06:00Grilled Steak and Portobello Mushroom Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nb4lvYDN5Hg/UXnc9FZ01-I/AAAAAAAADMI/JJnnoo5UU8w/s1600/IMG_4367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nb4lvYDN5Hg/UXnc9FZ01-I/AAAAAAAADMI/JJnnoo5UU8w/s400/IMG_4367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While Spring has decided to take it's sweet time arriving, we couldn't wait to get the BBQ warmed up and start making some of our favourite fair-weather foods. One thing we love to throw on the BBQ on a warm day are some juicy steaks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found this recipe on <a href="http://www.marshallsabroad.com/">Marshalls Abroad</a> and knew it would be a super quick and easy supper to throw together. Lilly isn't a huge fan of naps and when she finally does sleep she is a cat-napper. So any meal that I can get ready in 45 minutes or less (let's be honest, usually less) is pure gold in my books!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was such a tasty meal! We had our salads with some fresh focaccia that I picked up on a walk and we had happy tummies that night.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xdbursQm2M/UXndPVFHm6I/AAAAAAAADMs/poPcx6GfBZY/s1600/IMG_4371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xdbursQm2M/UXndPVFHm6I/AAAAAAAADMs/poPcx6GfBZY/s400/IMG_4371.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This has already been requested again, so I know it will become a regular part of our supper arsenal. Also, it looks pretty impressive so it would be perfect for when you have guests over too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The recipe below is enough is for 2 hungry people, and the <a href="http://www.marshallsabroad.com/2013/03/grilled-balsamic-portobello-mushroom.html">original recipe can be found here</a> from <a href="http://www.marshallsabroad.com/">Marshalls Abroad</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Grilled Steak and Portobello Mushroom Salad</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 steaks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 portobello mushrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 cups of mixed greens</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 cup grated smoked gouda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup croutons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Balsamic vinaigrette</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Steak Marinade:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">pinch of garlic powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">pinch of onion powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp red pepper flakes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 Tbsp honey</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp soy sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp worcester sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 Tbsp olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">salt and pepper</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mix together the ingredients for the steak marinade in a shallow dish and add the steaks. Let marinate for 30 min or longer in the refrigerator</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add the portobello mushrooms and 1/2 cup of balsamic vinaigrette into a ziploc bag and set aside with the steaks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After they have marinated, grill both the steaks and the portobello mushrooms on the BBQ for at least 10 minutes (or until the steak is done how you like!). Baste the steak and the mushrooms at least once with some of the balsamic vinaigrette</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When ready to serve, place the mushrooms in the middle of each plate. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Top the mushrooms with the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, grated cheese, and croutons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Slice the steak (after allowing it to rest for 5 - 10 minutes) and arrange each steak on top of the salads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Drizzle with some balsamic vinaigrette and Enjoy!</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-55249644901844947032013-04-24T18:45:00.001-06:002013-04-24T18:45:14.058-06:00Special Birthday Buttermilk Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oV2z5vvBZqQ/UXh41XoKdhI/AAAAAAAADLo/Q-T_dyZZWoo/s1600/IMG_4421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oV2z5vvBZqQ/UXh41XoKdhI/AAAAAAAADLo/Q-T_dyZZWoo/s400/IMG_4421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hi friends! I missed you! Have you missed me? While I have been away from my computer for a while, I definitely have not been away from my kitchen :) So I have lots of fun things saved up to share with you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For starters, these awesome pancakes that I whipped up for my birthday which was in mid-April. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Buttermilk pancakes are a weekend staple at my house, but what variation you get totally depends on who is making them. If my husband is making breakfast then you get regular buttermilk pancakes which are then drenched in maple syrup. So good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But if I am making them? Well, I tend to get bored making the same thing over and over so I usually end up throwing in berries, experimenting with sour cream instead of buttermilk, adding butterscotch chips, etc.. Or in the case of my birthday weekend: rainbow sprinkles and dark chocolate chips. Amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When are sprinkles NOT a good idea?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Never. The answer is never.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WrHjDPDfC98/UXh4yLItdGI/AAAAAAAADLk/C9zw1jkLYO8/s1600/IMG_4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WrHjDPDfC98/UXh4yLItdGI/AAAAAAAADLk/C9zw1jkLYO8/s400/IMG_4420.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And I really do love everything dark chocolate! My husband is more of a white chocolate or milk chocolate kind of guy, but he indulged me this one time :) Next time he is willing to overlook the dark chocolate chips I think I am going to mix them with some fresh raspberries...yum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Anyways, these are the best pancakes I have had yet! So bright and colourful on a snowy April morning (is it Spring yet?).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This recipe is adapted from <a href="http://joythebaker.com/">Joy the Baker</a>'s <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2008/12/milk-chocolate-chip-buttermilk-pancakes/">buttermilk pancakes</a> and makes two generous servings of pancakes. This recipe is easily doubled (or tripled!) if you are feeding a group.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Birthday Buttermilk Pancakes</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 cup flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 tbsp sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 tsp baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 tbsp melted butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 egg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 cup buttermilk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp vanilla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 cup dark chocolate chips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 tbsp rainbow sprinkles</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a second bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Add the chocolate chips and sprinkles and stir a few times to distribute everything</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let the batter sit while you head up a non-stick frying pan over medium heat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Drop 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake into the pan and cook until the bottom is golden brown</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Flip the pancakes and continue cooking until the second side is golden brown and they are nice and fluffy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Serve with some maple syrup (yum!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-64068554831449639652013-02-16T20:18:00.000-07:002013-02-16T20:18:13.514-07:00Happy (belated) Valentine's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfpxgShRqB4/USBLUjytjbI/AAAAAAAADKA/JrV1hZxd2jU/s1600/IMG_4172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfpxgShRqB4/USBLUjytjbI/AAAAAAAADKA/JrV1hZxd2jU/s400/IMG_4172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I hope everyone had a Valentine's Day full of friends, family, and love!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VH8vUuAj2F4/USBLFtsFevI/AAAAAAAADJw/e-dMzYzJUGc/s1600/IMG_4178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VH8vUuAj2F4/USBLFtsFevI/AAAAAAAADJw/e-dMzYzJUGc/s400/IMG_4178.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-_Exo1cRZk/USBLWvm-wvI/AAAAAAAADKM/F4FrEpJ3Plo/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-_Exo1cRZk/USBLWvm-wvI/AAAAAAAADKM/F4FrEpJ3Plo/s400/IMG_4171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NusDxMrjfc/USBLFe7Kk3I/AAAAAAAADJs/WK0YVsWNl4g/s1600/IMG_4183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NusDxMrjfc/USBLFe7Kk3I/AAAAAAAADJs/WK0YVsWNl4g/s400/IMG_4183.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPTt1VqAQuY/USBLWYv8eAI/AAAAAAAADKI/mwIUw_iU49s/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPTt1VqAQuY/USBLWYv8eAI/AAAAAAAADKI/mwIUw_iU49s/s400/IMG_4173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Marbled Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting :)</span></div>
haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-59890350850868107292013-02-04T07:00:00.000-07:002013-02-04T07:00:03.077-07:00Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RI473rHVedQ/UQxutzPjwpI/AAAAAAAADJA/XVK5tTkGjN0/s1600/IMG_4100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RI473rHVedQ/UQxutzPjwpI/AAAAAAAADJA/XVK5tTkGjN0/s400/IMG_4100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Some of our favourite meals these days are ones that we can throw in the crock pot and forget about until dinner time. Lilly has amazing timing when it comes to dinner prep or time to eat, that is when she decides to eat as well! I guess she just wants to eat when everyone else does :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At our house we love anything related to 'buffalo chicken' and these <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/10/skinny-buffalo-chicken-potato-skins.html">Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins</a> from <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">skinnytaste.com</a> looked way to good to pass up!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmmwQb77gWM/UQxuZ0phGyI/AAAAAAAADIY/D3H5Wkpr6_I/s1600/IMG_4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmmwQb77gWM/UQxuZ0phGyI/AAAAAAAADIY/D3H5Wkpr6_I/s320/IMG_4086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JdNIQhJPRMI/UQxuXQeGj4I/AAAAAAAADII/xet3dmTF7nQ/s1600/IMG_4096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JdNIQhJPRMI/UQxuXQeGj4I/AAAAAAAADII/xet3dmTF7nQ/s320/IMG_4096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">These can be served as a main course alongside a salad, or you can put out a platter of them as appetizers or snacks for a group of friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We ate these two nights in a row they are so good! I will definitely be making these again very soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g093XWGlzG0/UQxunlvFQtI/AAAAAAAADIw/aEr78C0wOHE/s1600/IMG_4098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g093XWGlzG0/UQxunlvFQtI/AAAAAAAADIw/aEr78C0wOHE/s400/IMG_4098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Original recipe from <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">skinnytaste.com</a> and this makes 8 potato skins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">4 medium russet potatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 celery stalk, chopped into chunks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 onion, roughly chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 clove garlic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 cans chicken broth (approx 500 mL)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/3 cup Franks cayenne pepper sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">shredded marble or cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a crock pot add the chicken breasts, celery, onion, garlic, and chicken broth and cook on Low for 6 hours (or High for 4 hours). If the chicken broth doesn't cover the chicken breasts you can add some water to cover them</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Remove chicken from the crock pot, and reserve only 1/2 cup of the liquid</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Shred the chicken, then return it with the 1/2 cup of reserved liquid to the crock pot. Add the 1/3 cup of hot sauce and cook on High for 30 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">While the chicken cooks with the hot sauce, pierce the potatoes all over with a fork then microwave each potato for 5-7 minutes and set aside</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When chicken is ready, preheat the oven to 450 F. Cut each potato in half and remove the middles (keeping the walls about 1 - 2 cm thick)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Place potatoes on a baking sheet covered in parchment and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Remove the potato skins from the oven and fill each with shredded chicken and top with shredded cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-84958887610699936622013-01-28T07:00:00.000-07:002013-01-28T07:00:03.327-07:00Chocolate Banana Pecan Bundt Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5URVuZOlvcg/UPoFJRHRT9I/AAAAAAAADHs/zSRpMcm90qU/s1600/IMG_3279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5URVuZOlvcg/UPoFJRHRT9I/AAAAAAAADHs/zSRpMcm90qU/s400/IMG_3279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of our favourite cakes to make at home is still this <a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2012/05/banana-pecan-bundt-cake.html">Banana Pecan Bundt Cake</a>. It is so moist and flavourful, every time we have some bananas sitting on the counter I seem to whip this up!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The other day I was also craving a bit of a chocolate fix, so I decided to dress up this easy bundt. Some chocolate chips and a little chocolate ganache later and we had a treat that was both tasty and pretty!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Banana Pecan Bundt Cake</span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/3 cup butter or margarine</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 1/4 cups sugar</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 tsp vanilla</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 1/4 cups mashed banana (I used 2 1/2 medium bananas)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 cups flour</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 1/4 tsp baking powder</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 tsp baking soda</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp salt</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 cup sour cream</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">3/4 cup chopped pecans</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">3/4 cup chocolate chips</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Chocolate Ganache:</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">6 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 cup heavy cream</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">extra chopped pecans for decoration</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">
<ol style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Preheat the oven to 350F and generously grease and flour a bundt pan (or spray liberally with baking spray)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Add the vanilla and mashed bananas and mix</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Add the sour cream and again mix well</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pour in the rest of the dry ingredients and mix until the batter is just coming together</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips until well distributed</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pour the batter into the prepared bundt (also called a fluted tube pan) and level the batter with the spatula</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bake for 40 - 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">While the cake bakes prepare the chocolate ganache: Place the cream in a small saucepan and heat until it just comes to a boil. Immediately pour the heavy cream over the chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Place in the refrigerator to set (the longer it is in the refrigerator, the thicker it will become)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let cool on a cookie or wire rack for 10 - 15 minutes, and then turn out of the pan to cool completely</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Top with the chocolate ganache and additional chopped pecans</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-neFSfXdTOZY/UPoFIhF8yMI/AAAAAAAADHk/ox0vNp2nKEY/s1600/IMG_3275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-neFSfXdTOZY/UPoFIhF8yMI/AAAAAAAADHk/ox0vNp2nKEY/s400/IMG_3275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-62114632698196311042013-01-21T07:00:00.000-07:002013-01-21T07:00:05.017-07:00Cheesy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hR82gke70kA/UPl7qY-rAeI/AAAAAAAADG8/wbNX0X-QHJE/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hR82gke70kA/UPl7qY-rAeI/AAAAAAAADG8/wbNX0X-QHJE/s400/IMG_3264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hi friends! Do you remember me? I promise I didn't forget you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Time has FLOWN by! I didn't realize that it had been so long since my last post, until my husband looked at me the other day and say "Uh, you know your last post was December 21st, right?" and then kind of walked away. Haha, oops! If he has noticed, then you know it has been awhile!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Life with a little one has been absolutely amazing! And so interesting: who know you could get so little done in a day and yet feel like it was so busy? I am loving it though, our little Lillian has made us happier than we could ever imagine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">With our baby girl keeping us so busy, quick and easy meals have become our favourite thing. This <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/09/skinny-chicken-pesto-bake.html">Pesto Chicken</a> is originally from <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">skinnytaste.com</a>, and I modified it based on what I found in my fridge the other day. The result? A ridiculously easy and tasty dinner! The fact that it is on the light side is perfect for the baby weight recovery as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So give this a shot! It is so full of flavour you won't believe it was so easy to make :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheesy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">salt and pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">4 tsp basil pesto</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">6 tbsp shredded cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 jar whole roasted red peppers in water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">parmesan cheese</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Slice the chicken breasts in half to make 4 thin chicken cutlets and season them with the salt and pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Remove four pieces of roasted red peppers from the jar and lightly pat with a paper towel to remove the excess water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Place the chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet, and spread each with 1 tsp of pesto</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bake for 15 minutes (or until cooked through)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Remove the baking sheet from the oven and top each piece of chicken with a piece of roasted red pepper, and then top with the cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></li>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-86119547026014912932012-12-21T13:28:00.001-07:002012-12-21T13:28:25.614-07:00Lillian <3I just want to take a quick second to introduce the amazing reason why I have been MIA :)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/21/1387.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/21/s_1387.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Little miss Lillian was born on November 17, 2012 at 7 lbs 15 oz and 21 inches, and we are so in love with her!! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/21/1388.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/21/s_1388.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />She has been keeping us very busy and we have been loving every minute of it. She changes and grows so much every day; we don't want to miss a second.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/21/1389.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/21/s_1389.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I am hoping to get back to blogging in the new year, but until then I will be getting in as many cuddles as I can over the holidays.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/12/21/1390.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/12/21/s_1390.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So from my family to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS! And have a wonderful new year! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-38718192113619137002012-12-03T07:00:00.000-07:002012-12-03T07:00:06.775-07:00Apple Cinnamon Rolls<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">**In preparation for the arrival of our little one, I have prepped some posts in advance. As soon as our lives have some semblance of order (hah!) I will get back to my regular posting and be able to respond to any questions/comments you may have :)</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">'Tis the season for company! And what company doesn't love some warm Apple Cinnamon Rolls coming out of the oven as they wake up or walk in the door?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I make these <a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2012/01/our-favourite-cinnamon-rolls.html">Cinnamon Rolls</a> very often around here. I am pretty sure they are the main requirement in my husband's diet. Not too long ago I had a pile of Granny Smith apples staring at me on the counter so I figured I would add some variety to our favourite baked item. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xkc67oCqRY/UJq3iA7UuCI/AAAAAAAADF0/aLfrgSrv6fM/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xkc67oCqRY/UJq3iA7UuCI/AAAAAAAADF0/aLfrgSrv6fM/s400/IMG_3422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I found the <a href="http://www.dulcedough.com/2012/09/caramel-apple-cinnamon-rolls.html">recipe for the filling</a> on Dulce Dough (and substituted the walnuts for pecans), but I used our favourite <a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2012/01/our-favourite-cinnamon-rolls.html">Cinnamon Roll recipe </a>for the dough. I baked these rolls in a 9" x 13" pan because I was afraid of the filling making a mess in the oven and it worked out really well. These had to bake for about 20 minutes in my oven, but since it runs hot it might take a bit longer in yours (I'm thinking 25 minutes in a regular oven to get ensure they are baked through) to make sure the inside of each roll is cooked through and no longer doughy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">These are amazing when warm, we found ourselves sticking them in the microwave the next day and they were so freaking good!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Prior to the second rise :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">This recipe makes 12 Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Feel free to top them with some cream cheese frosting! We found they were sweet enough on their own, but to be honest we rarely put cream cheese frosting on the regular cinnamon rolls these days :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oh the lovely silver winter lighting...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Apple Cinnamon Rolls</span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 1/4 tsps active dry yeast (or 1 package)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 cup warm whole milk </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 tbsp sugar + 1/2 cup sugar (separated)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/3 cup margarine (room temperature)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 tsp salt</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">4 cups flour</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Filling:</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 cup brown sugar, packed</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/4 cup butter or margarine</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 tbsp cinnamon</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a small bowl mix together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let sit for about 10 minutes to proof</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, margarine, salt, eggs, and flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When the yeast has expanded, pour the mixture into the large bowl and mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When a soft dough begins to form, knead it with lightly floured hands until smooth</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Set the dough back in the bowl, cover with a lint-free dish towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (this usually take me 1 to 1.5 hours)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">While the dough is rising, place the apples, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and chopped pecans in a saucepan over medium heat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let the apples cook while stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes. The apples will soften and the mixture will begin to thicken </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When the apples are soft, remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool (it is important to let the filling cool before you use it, this will help it thicken up some more)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12" x 20" rectangle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Spread the cooled filling over the dough, and then roll it up into a long roll and slice it into 12 equal pieces</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Place the pieces in a 9" x 13" baking dish (sprayed with cooking spray) and cover with the towel</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let rise until doubled again (about an hour) and preheat the oven to 400 F</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When ready to bake, bake for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let cool a bit, and top with some cream cheese icing if you wish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></li>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-77562154202996276722012-11-26T07:00:00.000-07:002012-11-26T07:00:07.432-07:00Our Bedroom - Final Reno's!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>**In preparation for the arrival of our little one, I have prepped some posts in advance. As soon as our lives have some semblance of order (hah!) I will get back to my regular posting and be able to respond to any questions/comments you may have :)</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bddik0u6AFc/UJqoXVEL35I/AAAAAAAADEY/gvpkQcs5iRQ/s1600/IMG_3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bddik0u6AFc/UJqoXVEL35I/AAAAAAAADEY/gvpkQcs5iRQ/s400/IMG_3438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">While we renovated the nursery, we decided to tackle our room at the same time. Our room originally had brown walls, drab beige carpet, and we had never owned a bedroom set in our lives! Once again I had taken the pictures before we had curtains, so just imagine some pretty curtains in those windows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I love how cozy the colour grey can make a room feel, so we went with grey walls and a grey bed set. My mom and I picked out the fabric for the white and the yellow/green pillows, and she was kind enough to sew them up for me too! We also went with dark bedroom furniture because we wanted our room to be nice and relaxing, and not too bright :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99734166/cherry-blossom-wall-decals-nursery-white">decals are from Etsy</a>, and once again we love them! They were so easy to put up, and brought a bit of brightness into our room with minimal effort.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5gHYxUCcds/UJqoq6Q3DWI/AAAAAAAADE4/05r0X5UB08Q/s1600/IMG_3442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5gHYxUCcds/UJqoq6Q3DWI/AAAAAAAADE4/05r0X5UB08Q/s400/IMG_3442.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I attempted being 'crafty' by putting together the vase and flowers; crafts are not my forte! But I am pretty happy with how it turned out.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42sqzTf2QF8/UJqo6b0piOI/AAAAAAAADFQ/hFHs8TkNyTU/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42sqzTf2QF8/UJqo6b0piOI/AAAAAAAADFQ/hFHs8TkNyTU/s400/IMG_3445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But the best part of our room? This gorgeous cradle my dad built for the baby!! He even got a mattress made to fit it, and then my mom sewed me some custom sheets and crocheted me a beautiful blanket too. How spoiled are we?</span>haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-80677833293910888552012-11-19T07:00:00.000-07:002012-11-19T07:00:02.529-07:00Baby Room Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>**In preparation for the arrival of our little one, I have prepped some posts in advance. As soon as our lives have some semblance of order (hah!) I will get back to my regular posting and be able to respond to any questions/comments you may have :)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Setting up the nursery was a ton of fun, but also a bit of a challenge as we didn't want to know if we were having a little boy or a little girl! While we were in Thailand last spring my husband came up with the idea to have a room with an Arctic Theme (Thailand plus snow totally makes sense, right?) and it sounded perfect for a winter baby!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Here are some pictures we took before the arrival of the little one. The only things missing when I took these pictures are the curtains for the windows and the closets, as well as a little side table for the glider. Other than that, this is pretty much the nursery!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73697723/vinyl-wall-decal-arctic-wonderland-with"> found the decals on Etsy </a>and are in love with them. They were so easy to put up, and whenever we decide we don't want them anymore all we need to do is peel them right off of the walls. Perfect!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OveqrkJKfaU/UJqlRoJcZaI/AAAAAAAADD8/7D7XeCm1MXA/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OveqrkJKfaU/UJqlRoJcZaI/AAAAAAAADD8/7D7XeCm1MXA/s400/IMG_3450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We kept the space above the crib clear of decals because we want to put up a canvas that contains all of the baby's info: name, date of birth, weight, etc. I saw some really cute ideas on Pinterest and Etsy, so I will be ordering it very soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">**We know that you cannot have bumpers on a crib with a newborn, or any toys in the crib either. But as the baby will be sleeping in a cradle in our room for the first little while, we decided to dress it up for now :)</span>haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-84153755946050066852012-11-14T07:00:00.000-07:002012-11-14T07:00:08.405-07:00Baby Prep - Meals and Desserts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>**In preparation for the arrival of our little one, I have prepped some posts in advance. As soon as our lives have some semblance of order (hah!) I will get back to my regular posting and be able to respond to any questions/comments you may have :)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In order to prep for the arrival of our little one I cooked and baked up a storm during the last month or so. I am hoping that it will make things easier when I can just grab a bag from the freezer, throw the contents in the crockpot, and let it cook away until supper time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I also baked up some treats so that it will be a bit easier to entertain the visitors as everyone comes to meet the new additions!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I didn't take a ton of pictures, but I have had a few people ask me what I have prepared and where I have found the recipes, so here is a list :) If you have any questions, just let me know!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Freezer Lasagna's</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxmXBwR3lco/UJqi67VxrRI/AAAAAAAADDM/UwV3_JK3y0Q/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxmXBwR3lco/UJqi67VxrRI/AAAAAAAADDM/UwV3_JK3y0Q/s400/IMG_3313.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I used my <a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2011/02/lasagna.html">go-to lasagna recipe</a> to make four smaller lasagnas to keep in the deep freeze. I made two full recipes, and then split them between four smaller dishes (you can get these freezer pans at the grocery store). I froze them before cooking the lasagna's, so when we are ready to eat I will pop them in the oven at 375F and bake until cooked through and the cheese is all bubble on top! Each lasagna should be good for dinner and enough leftovers for lunch and an additional dinner as well for the two of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Freezer Crock Pot Meals</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I spent a lot of time browsing Pinterest and came up with a list of crock pot meals I thought we would enjoy. Each recipe makes two meals worth (fills two large freezer ziploc bags) so with a few hours worth of chopping and measuring I was able to come up with 8 meals that are ready for the crock pot! I also wrote any final instructions on the bags to make it as easy as possible. The meals I made were (click on the names for the original links):</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">S<a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-meals-part-2.html">low Cooked Beef Fajitas</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-cooking.html">Teriyaki Chicken</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I added 4 chopped celery stalks to this recipe as well</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/341088/chicken-curry">Coconut Chicken Curry</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/zesty-slow-cooker-chicken-barbecue/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=crock%20pot%20bbq%20chicken&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page">Crock Pot BBQ Chicken</a></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I also chopped up a small onion and 4 stalks of celery for this recipe. This chicken is awesome in sandwiches, on nachos, on BBQ chicken pizza, etc!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cookies for Guests (and when we need a treat!)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LVVEKt7lHM/UJqjJUddsUI/AAAAAAAADDU/7bissSEkb3g/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LVVEKt7lHM/UJqjJUddsUI/AAAAAAAADDU/7bissSEkb3g/s400/IMG_3402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I wanted to make sure we had some treats on hand that I could take out in a pinch when guests came over. Also, I wanted to make sure we had access to something tasty and home-made when we need a pick-me-up too! For every batch I kept a dozen out for ourselves to enjoy while we wait, and then froze the rest in batches of 1 dozen. Here are the different cookies I prepared:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2010/07/chocolate-chip-cookies.html">Chocolate Chip Cookies</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2010/07/chocolate-chip-cookies.html">Butterscotch and Chocolate Chip Cookies</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2012/11/maple-pecan-shortbread-cookies.html">Maple-Pecan Shortbread Cookies</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Milk Chocolate Cookies (please see previous post)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.naked-cup-cakes.com/2010/07/peanut-butter-smartie-cookies.html">Peanut Butter M&M Cookies</a></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So hopefully this will help make mealtimes easier as we get used to life with a newborn! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Have a great day everyone!</span></div>
haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-61632783348641764512012-11-12T07:00:00.000-07:002012-11-12T07:00:07.259-07:00Milk Chocolate Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo2-l8nZy7g/UJBZOmPJ_ZI/AAAAAAAADA0/kKYvbmt8ywo/s1600/IMG_3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo2-l8nZy7g/UJBZOmPJ_ZI/AAAAAAAADA0/kKYvbmt8ywo/s400/IMG_3415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Another dessert that I made in preparation for our new arrival were these ridiculously chocolatey and delicious cookies. These are absolutely perfect for when those chocolate cravings hit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">First milk chocolate is melted and mixed into the batter, and then you go and add even more milk chocolate chips, yum! These also have a fabulous texture, soft in the middle and a crispy/chewy edge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Again I found these cookies in Martha Stewart's Cookies, but you can also find the <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/316712/double-chocolate-chunk-cookies">original recipe on her site here</a>. This batch makes 3 dozen large cookies, but you could easily double it if you have a crowd or want to stock up your freezer for the holidays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mmmm, these cookies are calling me from the freezer right now!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Milk Chocolate Cookies</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 cup flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 cup cocoa powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">8 oz milk chocolate chips (divided in half)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 cup unsalted butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 1/2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Preheat the oven to 325F and line a couple baking sheets with parchment paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a microwave-safe bowl, place 4 oz of milk chocolate chips with the butter. Microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and well mixed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a large bowl, add the chocolate-butter mixture, sugar, eggs, and vanilla and mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and again mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fold in the remaining chocolate chips, and drop the batter by the tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bake for 10 - 15 minutes,or until the cookies are flat and the surface has cracked</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let cool completely on the cookie sheets before storing in an airtight container or freezing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></li>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309504469059673611.post-67455457981555531942012-11-07T07:00:00.000-07:002012-11-07T07:00:13.912-07:00{Skinny} Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Scones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hello everyone! Today I am rocking it out at 39 weeks...and yup that means there is still no baby. Yeesh, the kid is really taking their sweet time, aren't they? So keep the '<span style="color: blue;">boy</span>' and '<span style="color: magenta;">girl</span>' predictions coming (currently '<span style="color: blue;">boy</span>' is in the lead!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I know the 'average' pregnancy is 40 weeks and that most first pregnancies result in babies AFTER the 40 week mark, but a person can hope for a bit of an earlier appearance, right? Right! So I am keeping my fingers crossed that we finally get to meet this busy little baby in the next few days instead of maybe two weeks from now :) I don't know if my body can take another two weeks of waddling! It's an attractive look, trust me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the meantime, I have been baking up a storm. Some people clean when the nesting instinct hits them, apparently I bake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Shocking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So if you need an easy treat that you can enjoy for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, these chocolate chip buttermilk scones are absolutely perfect. It also helps that I found the recipe on <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">skinnytaste.com</a>, so they are good for you! So you should probably eat two while they are still warm just to get the full 'good healthy choices' experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oh, and here is a pic of me at 39 weeks that I took yesterday, don't I look like I should pop soon? Please?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/01/skinny-chocolate-chip-buttermilk-scones.html">The original recipe</a> is from <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">skinnytaste.com</a>, and makes 12 delicious scones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">{Skinny} Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Scones</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">3/4 cup cold buttermilk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/4 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 tsp vanilla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 egg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 cup flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 cup whole wheat flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 tbsp baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2 tbsp cold butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">3/4 cup chocolate chips (I used mini semi-sweet chocolate chips)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 large egg white, lightly beaten</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 1/2 tbsp sugar</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Preheat the oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a medium bowl whisk together the buttermilk, sugar, vanilla, and egg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Using a cheese grater, grate the cold butter into the flour and mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Add the chocolate chips and mix until well distributed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until the dough just comes together</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Knead the dough lightly a few times in the bowl to ensure it is all mixed, and then make a 9" circle of the dough on the baking sheet (about 3/4" thick)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cut the dough into 12 wedges using a sharp knife</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lightly brush the dough with beaten egg white and then sprinkle with the remaining sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. They are awesome while they are still warm!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oh! And here is my halloween 'costume' from last week (rocking the 38 week belly, and apparently zero make-up):</span></div>
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haileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18078649387987362538noreply@blogger.com8