tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37377709273694955722024-03-05T07:37:30.481-05:00CELEBRATE!!!"Celebrate" is a fun, quirky blog filled with unique, interesting, and campy information/tips for entertaining, current trends, and anything else that pops into our crazy brains. Bookmark us and come back often! Michael & KathleenCELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-40416468216235673882014-11-04T20:01:00.000-05:002014-11-04T20:02:19.841-05:00Enhance The Big Meal of The Month!Thanksgiving can be so delicious but also a huge amount of work and effort to pull off. We decided to curate a collection of quick and delicious side dish recipes to enhance your Thanksgiving feast without all the work!<br />
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Maple Orange Cranberry Sauce</h2>
2 bags (12 ounces each) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup maple syrup<br />
1/2 cup orange juice<br />
1 tbsp finely grated orange peel<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp pepper<br />
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Simmer cranberries, sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, finely grated orange peel, salt, and pepper in medium saucepan on medium-high 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.<br />
<b><i>Courtesy of Good Housekeeping Magazine</i></b><br />
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<b>Our Thought:</b> Make ahead to allow the flavors to fully combine; plus it will be one less thing to make the day of!</div>
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Spinach-and-Cheese Puff</h2>
Butter, for baking dish<br />
3x 10 ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry<br />
1 1/2 cups half-and-half<br />
3 large eggs, lightly beaten<br />
1 1/2 cups coarsely grated Gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)<br />
Coarse salt and ground pepper<br />
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a shallow 1-quart baking dish.<br />
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2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, half-and-half, eggs, 1 cup Gruyere, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg; stir to combine. Spread evenly in prepared baking dish, and top with remaining 1/2 cup Gruyere. Bake until set and top is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.<br />
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<b><i>Courtesy of Martha Stewart </i></b><br />
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<b>Our Thought:</b> We chose this because it's a "dump and stir" recipe that uses a single bowl and it only takes minutes to prepare!<br />
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Butter-Pecan Sweet Potatoes</h2>
8 medium sweet potatoes (5 pounds)<br />
2 tbsps olive oil<br />
Coarse salt<br />
2 tbsps butter, cut into small pieces<br />
2 tbsps light-brown sugar<br />
1/3 cup pecan pieces<br />
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel potatoes and halve lengthwise; slice crosswise 1/2 inch thick. On a baking sheet, toss potatoes with olive oil; season with coarse salt.</div>
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2. Transfer half the potatoes to a second baking sheet; cook both sheets until potatoes are tender, tossing occasionally, 25 to 30 minutes.</div>
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3. Sprinkle with butter, brown sugar, pecan pieces, and cayenne pepper, dividing evenly. Bake until sugar is caramelized and hard, about 10 minutes. Gently toss; serve immediately.</div>
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<b><i>Courtesy of Martha Stewart</i></b><br />
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<b>Our Thought: </b>Make this one ahead through Step 2! Save the room in the oven to finish it off before the meal starts!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420295757883747018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-78498328307927668472014-09-19T20:41:00.000-04:002014-09-19T20:46:50.423-04:00Festive Fall Libations!With the recent chill in the air, we all know that Autumn is just around the corner! We decided to curate a collection of comforting warm beverages!<br />
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<b>Melted Ice Cream Hot Cocoa</b><br />
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<i>2 sticks butter</i><br />
<i>1 cup white sugar</i><br />
<i>1 cup brown sugar</i><br />
<i>2 tsp almond extract</i><br />
<i>2 cups softened vanilla bean ice cream</i><br />
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1) Melt all the ingredients over gentle heat. Whisk until smooth. This becomes your drink base or concentrate.<br />
2) Fill your favorite mug about halfway with the concentrate mix.<br />
3) Add hot water gradually, tasting often until the drink reaches the desired sweetness. You might have to experiment a few times to get the ratio to your liking.<br />
4) Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.<br />
*Concentrate can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.<br />
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<b>Nutella Hot Chocolate</b><br />
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<i>1 cup milk</i><br />
<i>2 tbsp Nutella spread</i><br />
<i>1 tbsp hazelnut liqueur (Optional)</i><br />
<i>whipped cream to top</i><br />
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1) Heat milk to simmering and remove from heat.<br />
2) Add remaining ingredients.<br />
3) Whisk until fully incorporated.<br />
4) Top with whipped cream.<br />
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<b>Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate</b><br />
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<i>1 cup full fat coconut milk (the kind in a can)</i><br />
<i>2 cups almond milk</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</i><br />
<i>2 tbsp cocoa powder</i><br />
<i>4 oz fine chocolate of your choice</i><br />
<i>2-3 tbsp heavy cream (if you're lactose intolerant you can replace this with more coconut milk)</i><br />
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1) Mix milks, vanilla, cocoa powder and cream in a sauce pan. Heat gently.<br />
2) When the mixture is warm, add rough chopped chocolate.<br />
3) Stir often until the mixture simmers<br />
4) Turn the heat off and enjoy!<br />
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<b>Coconut Chai Tea Latte (Care of <a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/" target="_blank">The Cooking Channel</a>)</b><br />
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<i>1 tsp black peppercorn</i><br />
<i>8 cardamom pods</i><br />
<i>8 whole cloves</i><br />
<i>2 cinnamon sticks</i><br />
<i>2 inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced (optional)</i><br />
<i>6 black tea bags</i><br />
<i>1 cup whole or 2% milk</i><br />
<i>1 cup unsweetened regular or low-fat coconut milk</i><br />
<i>2 tbsp-1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed</i><br />
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1) Lightly crush the spices and place in a medium saucepan. Add ginger if being used.<br />
2) Add 6 cups of cold water to the saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.<br />
3) Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes.<br />
4) Remove tea bags and let steep for 10 minutes.<br />
5) Add milks and sugar into separate sauce pan and bring to a simmer.<br />
6) Strain tea mixture into milk mixture using a fine mesh sieve. Heat through for 1 minute.<br />
7) Whisk until the mixture is frothy. Pour and garnish with cinnamon sticks.<br />
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<b>No-Coffee Pumpkin Latte</b><br />
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<i>1 cup pumpkin puree</i><br />
<i>1 quart milk</i><br />
<i>1/4 white sugar</i><br />
<i>1 tbsp ground cinnamon</i><br />
<i>1 tbsp vanilla extract</i><br />
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1) Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat. Using a whisk to blend well.<br />
2) Heat to a simmer. Do not boil.<br />
3) Serve and enjoy!<br />
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<b>Hot Maple Apple Cider</b><br />
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<i>6 cups apple cider</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup REAL maple syrup (preferably Vermont made)</i><br />
<i>2 cinnamon sticks</i><br />
<i>6 whole cloves</i><br />
<i>6 whole all spice berries</i><br />
<i>1 orange peel, cut into strips</i><br />
<i>1 lemon peel, cut into strips</i><br />
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1) Pour cider and maple syrup into a large saucepan.<br />
2) Place spices and peels into the center of a square of cheesecloth. Fold up side and create a bundle, securing with kitchen string.<br />
3) Drop spice bundle into the cider mixture.<br />
4) Place saucepan over moderate heat until cider is hot but not boiling.<br />
5) Remove from heat and discard spice bundle.<br />
6) Ladle into mugs and add additional cinnamon stick if desired.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420295757883747018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-18283892834442280432014-08-03T19:16:00.000-04:002014-08-03T19:16:29.885-04:00Trend Alert: Chalk Paint!<br />
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Chalk paint isn't just for blackboards anymore! Chalk finish paint is becoming all the rage in home decor projects from furniture to decor items. Celebrate's own Michael painted a uninspiring cabinet in his entryway using Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint (again, not chalk board paint) in the color "Treasure." The process couldn't be more simple. First he just wiped down the cabinet with a damp rag. No additional sanding or stripping was needed. Then he removed the cabinet doors, drawer, and hardware. He removed the hardware primarily to update it to a more modern look but it did also help prevent pain splattering on it. Michael then painted the piece with two coats of the paint and finished it a coordinating creme wax. The best part is the paint and wax are water-based making clean up a breeze!<br />
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<b>BEFORE: </b></div>
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<b>AFTER:</b></div>
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Chalk paint can be used on a wide variety of surfaces such as glass! Check out these painted and distressed Ball jars in a spectrum of fun colors.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420295757883747018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-28802712184677301812014-07-13T20:01:00.001-04:002014-07-13T20:03:41.939-04:00Shedding Light on Lampshades!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lets face it, lampshades are a necessity but they rarely get noticed! You don't have to settle for how they look right off the shelf (i.e. plain Jane). Why not have them be an enhancement than just a boring blank canvas next to the sofa! Here is a list of a few ideas we have put together for you:<br />
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1) <b>Bleach Pen:</b> If you start with a colored lampshade, you can paint whimsical designs using an ordinary bleach pen found in the laundry isle of your favorite super market. Work in small sections to avoid smudges. When the design turns white, rinse away the excess bleach. Let it dry completely before use. </div>
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2) <b>Watercolors and Pin-pricking: </b>If you start with a paper shade, you can use artist watercolors to paint simple and chic designs onto it. Let your imagination guide you. Once the artwork is dry, you can use a pin to perforate along the edge of some of the painted elements so the light can twinkle through.</div>
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3) <b>Ombre:</b> Start with a fabric shade. Mix a package of fabric dye according to directions. Submerge the entire shade in container deep enough to accommodate it. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Once your timer goes off, remove the shade and place it on an old towel or piece of wax paper. Poor off 1/3 of the dye and return the shade to the color bath. Set your timer again for 10 minutes. Once again, when the timer goes off remove the shade and pour off another 1/3 of the dye. Replace the shade and leave it in for a final 10 minutes. When finished, remove the shade and allow to completely dry before using it. </div>
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4) <b>Spray Adhesive: </b> Using spray adhesive, you can add comic book pages, maps, pages from your favorite novels, pieces of fabric, etc. The sky's the limit! Be creative as you personalize your lamp.</div>
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5) <b>Ribbons and Rosettes: </b> Using your trusty glue gun, you can embellish your lampshade with a row of sweet satin rosettes around the bottom. You can buy them at your favorite craft store. If you want a cleaner, more modern look try adding metallic strips or black patent leather trim to the top and bottom edges of the shade.</div>
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6) <b>Paint Markers: </b> Use opaque paint markers to draw geometric pattern or lines. Use your lightest color first, let dry and then use a darker color for outlining. You could also use these markers to write your favorite quotes, belief statements, poems, wishes, etc on the shade for a literary punch!</div>
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7) <b>Buttons:</b> Use hot glue to adhere a variety of buttons or plastic, magnetic alphabet letters (the brightly colored ones kids play with on the fridge) to your shade for a fun pop of color!</div>
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8) <b>Satin Ribbon for your boudoir: </b> Take wide satin ribbon in a color of your choice, anchor a piece inside using hot glue, and wrap your shape vertically. If your shade is conical, be mindful to overlap the top layers of ribbon as you wrap. Secure the end of the ribbon again using a dab of hot glue.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420295757883747018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-66677032195681085582014-07-02T20:00:00.001-04:002014-07-02T20:00:29.440-04:00CELEBRATE: The 4th of July<br />
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Here are some great ideas to help make your Independence Day a little more festive from all of us at CELEBRATE!<div>
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Life is short, eat dessert first!</div>
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<b><u>American Flag Cake</u></b></div>
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<b>1 yellow cake mix of your choice</b></div>
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<b>2 pints fresh blueberries</b></div>
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<b>2 quarts fresh strawberries.</b></div>
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<b>2 tubs of Cool Whip topping</b></div>
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1) Bake your cake mix following the manufacturers instructions for a 9x13 sized sheet cake. Allow to cool completely and remove from pan.</div>
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2) Take a large bread knife and carefully cut the cake into two layers.</div>
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3) Place the bottom layer back into your 9x13 pan. Cover in a generous layer of Cool Whip. Slice 1/3 of your strawberries. Top the Cool Whip layer with the sliced strawberries and a sprinkling of blueberries. </div>
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4) Place the top layer of your cake over the filling and "frost" this with another generous layer of Cool Whip.</div>
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5) Cut the remaining strawberries in half. Arrange the remaining blueberries in the upper left hand corner in a square. Next, create red "stripes" using the strawberry halves. You will want the end result to look like an American flag.</div>
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6) Serve and enjoy!</div>
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<b>Can't afford that expensive bunting? </b>Find some inexpensive red, white, and blue fabric and drape, tying every 24 inches!</div>
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<b>Make a festive garland!</b> Buy red, white, and blue construction paper. Cut the paper into pennant shaped triangles. Punch two holes in the wide end of each triangle and simple lace together onto cord or rope.</div>
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<b>Liven up your table! </b> Add colorful crepe paper to the edge of your table using double sided tape. </div>
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<b>Create Fantastic Rockets!</b> Fill a decorative bucket or planter with sand. Next, cover paper towel or toilet paper tubes with red paper of your choice. Cut a circle out of card stock and make a cut from the outside to the center. When you overlap the cut edges this, it will create a cone which will become the top of your rocket. Glue the top cone to the tube. Glue red, yellow, and orange curling ribbon to the inside bottom of the tube. These will be your flames! Finish by gluing your "rocket" to a small dowel. Stick dowels in the sand of your planter! </div>
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<b>Stars on your lawn! </b>Create a large star stencil approximately 9-12 inches in size out of cardboard or card stock. Place your stencil on your freshly mowed lawn. Using a spray bottle, heavily mist the grass within the stencil. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of flour over the stencil and remove. The flour will stick to the wet grass leaving festive white stars!</div>
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<b>Place settings that go POW!</b> Create a fun place setting by placing boxes of sparklers onto white napkins and bundling them together with a festive red ribbon.</div>
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<b>Jazz up ordinary bottles of water!</b> Remove the stick from miniature clothe or plastic flags. Wrap over the bottle's label and secure.</div>
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Enjoy the day and drink responsibly! </div>
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<b>HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM ALL OF US AT CELEBRATE!!!</b></div>
CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-21966048034663067292014-06-11T19:15:00.000-04:002014-06-11T19:15:29.676-04:00Meal of The Month: June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://p-ec1.pixstatic.com/5392111adbfa3f2ac0000ac5/_w.540_s.fit_/2014-06-09-Nutella-Brownies-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://p-ec1.pixstatic.com/5392111adbfa3f2ac0000ac5/_w.540_s.fit_/2014-06-09-Nutella-Brownies-20.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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2-Ingredient Nutella Brownies</h2>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ingredients</strong><br />
4 large eggs<br />
1 cup Nutella (slightly less than a whole 13-ounce jar)<br />
Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Equipment</strong><br />
8 x 8-inch baking dish<br />
Parchment paper<br />
Nonstick spray or oil<br />
Measuring cups and spoons<br />
Microwave-safe bowl or cup<br />
Stand mixer or hand-mixer<br />
Mixing bowl<br />
Spatula</div>
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Instructions</h3>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Heat the oven to 350°F with a rack placed in the middle position.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Cut a length of parchment and lay it in your baking dish with the ends hanging over the sides of the dish like flaps. Spray the parchment and sides of the baking dish with cooking spary. (A light spray of cooking spay under the parchment will also help hold it secure.)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Crack all 4 eggs into the bowl of your stand mixer or your mixing bowl. With the whisk attachment, whisk the eggs together. Begin on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high (7 on a Kitchenaid).</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Continue whisking the eggs until they become light lemon-colored and billowy, and are tripled in bulk. This will take 6 to 8 minutes (slightly longer if you're using a handheld mixer). The more billowy your eggs, the better the texture will be in your brownies and the less "eggy" they will taste.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">While the eggs are whisking, measure the Nutella and transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the Nutella for 1 minute, stopping every 15 seconds to stir the Nutella. When warmed, the Nutella should be loose and creamy.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">With the mixer on low speed, drop spoonfuls of Nutella into the egg mixture using a spatula. (With a hand-mixer, add a little at a time and mix in between.) Continue mixing until all the Nutella has been added and the Nutella is thoroughly combined with the eggs.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </strong>Use a spatula to stir the mixture by hand a few times, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl where the whisk might have missed.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Pour the Nutella mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to scrape the bowl clean.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The brownies are done when they start to pull away from the sides of the dish and a cake tester inserted into the middle of the brownies comes away clean.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Let the brownies cool as long as you can. They are delicious while still warm from the oven, but will easily fall apart. For sturdy brownies, wait until they are completely cooled before cutting or removing them from the pan.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or so.</li>
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<i>Thanks to <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/" target="_blank">The Kitchn</a> for this month's recipe!</i></h3>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-4652565224687908062014-05-28T19:57:00.000-04:002014-05-28T19:57:21.537-04:00Idiot Proof Art!<br />
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Art doesn't have to be complicated or complex! Not every piece needs to be the next Monet or Botticelli. Art should be about expression and should be fun. We have several ideas that will help you create fun wall decor and will also help to inspire and ignite your inner artist.<div>
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1) Simple images created on Microsoft Paint (which comes pre-installed on every computer) can be printed, cut out and pasted onto colorfully paint canvases. The examples below were created for a bathroom and were super easy to create. We suggest using latex, acrylic, or spray paints to color your canvas. These paints are easy to use, dry quickly, and have great coverage. Be sure to apply a coat of clear acrylic sealer such as Modge Podge over the top to seal the work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxstSA5sqAmZjv97D4Ws5v4AOuHWORH0pGFlCFJeXvAzkpSnLUIt2kTQktRWfNgT2Pyl67lWQvL_MbwUIMkT9Lx4VQM53gm3WLFZ0vvr4V1Lj1e6gpu-aHYIvQD2mgclhHkxHJpIz_wMp6/s1600/Shampoo-Conditioner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxstSA5sqAmZjv97D4Ws5v4AOuHWORH0pGFlCFJeXvAzkpSnLUIt2kTQktRWfNgT2Pyl67lWQvL_MbwUIMkT9Lx4VQM53gm3WLFZ0vvr4V1Lj1e6gpu-aHYIvQD2mgclhHkxHJpIz_wMp6/s1600/Shampoo-Conditioner.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lDOBBjVnBy76cKJBbyGLY9-4J5rb7tkEIrMpoSqlCRlRJK1o0BRIPD2zLzghb5R9gyMvXU_KJbSwdrhcGzuefVxLQdCMLV26w2FNJ68M3YPYmLrhJ0ydhf1LSLJRYV58RK0MGLqn5eH5/s1600/Soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lDOBBjVnBy76cKJBbyGLY9-4J5rb7tkEIrMpoSqlCRlRJK1o0BRIPD2zLzghb5R9gyMvXU_KJbSwdrhcGzuefVxLQdCMLV26w2FNJ68M3YPYmLrhJ0ydhf1LSLJRYV58RK0MGLqn5eH5/s1600/Soap.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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2) Circles Two Ways. Don't hesitate to play around with geometric shapes. Take your canvas, draw a line from one corner to another, dividing the canvas into two triangles. For the picture below, one triangle was painted grey and the other was painted black. Once this is dry, use a circle template or various size cups to trace concentrically smaller circles from one corner to the next. Paint the circles yellow and voila! To achieve this look, you could also start by painting the whole canvas yellow. Next, cut out various sized circles from contact paper. Apply the circle "stickers" to the canvas, press the edges tightly. Finally, paint each triangle, black and grey using a small foam roller. If you are spray painting, be sure to cover the first painted side before spraying the next to avoid paint misting. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4i-w6cDhjeIYlC38ES6A1P7CwhBQ0CIcKkILrntTZd5_VWQcPhLiutHmS9qjmxrdFqC1zM1ccizzq1C7xR8cL1p7Gn6QE9KJAYQuxdcyom3Kd9EFekchSMWYs60y2LyLcHYdwpiJr9JT/s1600/blogpics+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4i-w6cDhjeIYlC38ES6A1P7CwhBQ0CIcKkILrntTZd5_VWQcPhLiutHmS9qjmxrdFqC1zM1ccizzq1C7xR8cL1p7Gn6QE9KJAYQuxdcyom3Kd9EFekchSMWYs60y2LyLcHYdwpiJr9JT/s1600/blogpics+003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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3) Stencils! Don't be afraid to use them. You can find a wide selection in your local craft store, at yard sales, etc. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiRQkxzVgPOCjpAy_LXSmoOPjdRnUhp7lysANx7prkgaus3w01Cp9phyKiS4pvML6CJgIpwiNEb3tpkCjed0R131LyNun8ppGIy-ns03ecaamX0iPCXOGDHURtBJUvED0O8gLb37UGzYI/s1600/blogpics+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiRQkxzVgPOCjpAy_LXSmoOPjdRnUhp7lysANx7prkgaus3w01Cp9phyKiS4pvML6CJgIpwiNEb3tpkCjed0R131LyNun8ppGIy-ns03ecaamX0iPCXOGDHURtBJUvED0O8gLb37UGzYI/s1600/blogpics+004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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4) Tape Art! Its super easy. Cover your canvas randomly with tape, again press the edges firmly to avoid bleeding. Paint over the canvas as you see fit. In the painting below, the tape was applied to an unpainted canvas to create white lines. You could paint your canvas first, then tape, then paint again to create colored lines. If the edges aren't crisp, just use a ruler and a permanent fine tip marker to clean up the edges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGQLcXrASe9GgkIufFwHuisuCA5UkhPFd5d9G8Rgd0JtplJk46NZ7tz0v02XQCsUkY4kEHzGu3stCTuiFKYzQw6KKhn7ZnjlJys3pUCqYJNb-UZHGs3CVtLCr1xaoJywCe1nLPondCrKZ/s1600/blogpics+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGQLcXrASe9GgkIufFwHuisuCA5UkhPFd5d9G8Rgd0JtplJk46NZ7tz0v02XQCsUkY4kEHzGu3stCTuiFKYzQw6KKhn7ZnjlJys3pUCqYJNb-UZHGs3CVtLCr1xaoJywCe1nLPondCrKZ/s1600/blogpics+006.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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5) Bubble Art! Its just like blowing bubbles in your milk as a kid and just as fun. Mix 2 tbsp of tempera paint, 2 tbsp of liquid dish soap, and 1/2 cup of water in a shallow ball. Using a straw, blow bubbles into the mixture until they reach over the top. Next, lay the paper or canvas over the top of the bowl to pick up color from the bubbles as they pop. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNsPxQodf9q2bkFmUDqH7Z6am77PBqHQ3XQJmCOrBGsO6fTfTLr_JNdYRob96zMsVAEqIqjci6vi2-84xHAd8lvEXJNU4hY0fB1QCeHiFtezMmkejtySPY6ainBgv_xZ6NSDaAbZA9WbF/s1600/BHG+Bubble+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNsPxQodf9q2bkFmUDqH7Z6am77PBqHQ3XQJmCOrBGsO6fTfTLr_JNdYRob96zMsVAEqIqjci6vi2-84xHAd8lvEXJNU4hY0fB1QCeHiFtezMmkejtySPY6ainBgv_xZ6NSDaAbZA9WbF/s1600/BHG+Bubble+Art.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Better Homes and Gardens for this image!<br /></td></tr>
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6) Get sticky! Paint your canvas a color of your choice. Next, apply stripes of patterned washi tape, large circle stickers, etc onto your canvas. You can then seal your masterpiece with a clear coat! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IyPjpuDmSx0QxPIT-Cq-K7EzXGZdOAjj6QPoyuAsYNoN305_SweszYj0_LU68NkTQrWPFZL6QXpmz-gsNvIMh_FdHpZvuX8Y1Re6dxtBfytoI4pcygAIM0jhpXmlRqfXD4uxCzWz5P7p/s1600/washi_tape_art8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IyPjpuDmSx0QxPIT-Cq-K7EzXGZdOAjj6QPoyuAsYNoN305_SweszYj0_LU68NkTQrWPFZL6QXpmz-gsNvIMh_FdHpZvuX8Y1Re6dxtBfytoI4pcygAIM0jhpXmlRqfXD4uxCzWz5P7p/s1600/washi_tape_art8.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-46364651987067013672014-05-18T17:28:00.000-04:002014-05-18T17:31:01.436-04:00Happy Spring!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">HAPPY SPRING FROM ALL OF US AT CELEBRATE!!!</b></span><br />
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<br />CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-49709594318188839152014-05-18T17:16:00.000-04:002014-05-18T17:17:41.453-04:00Meal of The Month: May 2014<br />
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<h1 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Raleway; letter-spacing: 0.2rem; line-height: 1.625; margin: 1rem 0px 0.5rem; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<span style="font-size: small;">GINGER, TURMERIC SPICED SPRING CARROT SOUP</span></h1>
Courteousy of <a href="http://gourmandeinthekitchen.com/">gourmandeinthekitchen.com</a><br />
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-ingredients" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Muli; font-size: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Ingredients</div>
<ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Muli; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: none; margin: 1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.4em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Tablespoons coconut oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 to 3 small green onions, white and light green parts only, cleaned and chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A pinch of red pepper flakes</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 ½ pounds young carrots, sliced 1/2 inch thick</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tsp fine sea salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">¼ tsp ground cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1-inch piece of turmeric root, peeled and grated (or use ½ tsp ground)</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Freshly ground pepper to taste</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 cups (1 quart) filtered water</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-11" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">¼ cup plain yogurt or full fat coconut milk for serving</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-12" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chopped flat leaf parsley or carrot fronds for garnish</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-13" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></li>
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<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Muli; font-size: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Instructions</div>
<ol class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Melt coconut oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sweat the green onions, garlic, minced ginger, and pepper flakes for 1 to 2 minutes or just until glossy. Do not brown or develop color.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Add carrots, salt, cinnamon and turmeric and cook another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until carrots are very soft, 20-25 minutes.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Puree soup in batches in a high speed blender.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If serving cold, chill soup for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-4" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Divide soup between 4 to 6 bowls and place a spoonful of yogurt or drizzle of coconut milk in center of each and finish with chopped parsley or carrot fonds and a pinch of additional salt and freshly ground pepper if desired.</li>
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<ol class="instructions" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Muli; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<img alt="Ginger Turmeric Spiced Carrot Soup Recipe from gourmandeinthekitchen.com carrots soup ginger Ginger, Turmeric Spiced Spring Carrot Soup Recipe" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6043" src="http://gourmandeinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Ginger-Turmeric-Spiced-Carrot-Soup-Recipe-from-gourmandeinthekitchen.com-carrots-soup-ginger.jpg" title="Ginger, Turmeric Spiced Spring Carrot Soup Recipe" /></div>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-18624626276513845802014-04-20T08:13:00.000-04:002014-05-07T08:15:52.673-04:00Eye Sore No More!Here are a few ideas to camouflage those ugly, household necessities!<br />
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1) The fuse box in your apartment or condo is very important, but not very attractive! Create a hinged door using a chalkboard, painting, or large framed photo. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTTt9n4e1Z5mm4NVlsONvXdLq8AQdMXZDS89cZByNuqdMQ7Tv6lgxgYUc9q0hEGZe57PqPhv1uFqYccuhtYHRX7ybNqFGzeuJRBwirBjPD4jGHDBTvv2OWZ0nQemjYT2cGxfd3upLUvR0/s1600/photo+1+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTTt9n4e1Z5mm4NVlsONvXdLq8AQdMXZDS89cZByNuqdMQ7Tv6lgxgYUc9q0hEGZe57PqPhv1uFqYccuhtYHRX7ybNqFGzeuJRBwirBjPD4jGHDBTvv2OWZ0nQemjYT2cGxfd3upLUvR0/s1600/photo+1+%25282%2529.JPG" height="320" width="280" /></a></div>
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2) Your thermostat is essential to daily life but it typically isn't a style object. Try covering up with a press-board "cigar" box. Cut a hole in the box's lid large enough for the thermostat. Next screw the lid to the wall around the unit allowing the box to act as a cover that can be flipped up! You can decorate the outside of the box as you would like to match your decor! You can also cover your thermostat with a deep stretched canvas. Using a level, measure and place two nails on either side of the wall next to the unit. You could even use push-pins if you're a renter. Next hang the appropriate sized, decorated deep canvas over the thermostat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nQsg_9oxemWsRzpyrC9LLQZuN-H_bSv-YA2K1EolT9CCKcrs-GerArew8jC696pDskl__feufV_Ss-lk8OfqEGgKoz1cT5W948LKItRlGjqSX4VkM8m3MTV_G3XQKcyI7jSJbkkv18-d/s1600/photo+2+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nQsg_9oxemWsRzpyrC9LLQZuN-H_bSv-YA2K1EolT9CCKcrs-GerArew8jC696pDskl__feufV_Ss-lk8OfqEGgKoz1cT5W948LKItRlGjqSX4VkM8m3MTV_G3XQKcyI7jSJbkkv18-d/s1600/photo+2+%25282%2529.JPG" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiK4bNQ0v9YEC7OCGs99BQ5yllvZpRsPbZFP4gQZXuQfhCfTb9kZ4zionKCZA3RhtJqdyqzX3nwtS00f-aVYvPdKh4GPJ3hNZQnRgEljo8CXL7ajTlKlHPyFf-yzJozC8NUmIKGlJbWfM/s1600/photo+3+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiK4bNQ0v9YEC7OCGs99BQ5yllvZpRsPbZFP4gQZXuQfhCfTb9kZ4zionKCZA3RhtJqdyqzX3nwtS00f-aVYvPdKh4GPJ3hNZQnRgEljo8CXL7ajTlKlHPyFf-yzJozC8NUmIKGlJbWfM/s1600/photo+3+%25281%2529.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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3) We all have speakers these days with surround sound systems for our TVs and other speaker systems for other audio systems. These speakers are getting more eye pleasing but they often times still do not blend into your decor. For small wall mounted speakers, you can create a deep box from pine framing. You can then stretch any light weight fabric over the frame like an artist canvas and staple it into place. The sound will pass through the fabric easily. If you have larger, floor speakers from older stereo systems you can also spruce these up. Create a box from 1/4 inch plywood and add a piece of lattice to the front of the box. Of course the back of the box would be left open to allow you to slide the cover over the speakers. Paint the cover to match your home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhWKR0_nomZvQ6TxOkNRmVVGVVtP8tfTdCV8gPXEZn4BEeUJjatmB0HThVWLpy49d9q4C0ZRBXcyKhRKUuJPxq94di0wyzf3hn2khPUYoXEyGCx5Qk4ILtoO5SNvOtuoTdQ1INh4a5y6m/s1600/photo+5+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhWKR0_nomZvQ6TxOkNRmVVGVVtP8tfTdCV8gPXEZn4BEeUJjatmB0HThVWLpy49d9q4C0ZRBXcyKhRKUuJPxq94di0wyzf3hn2khPUYoXEyGCx5Qk4ILtoO5SNvOtuoTdQ1INh4a5y6m/s1600/photo+5+%25282%2529.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ_o0H-zlzw-Z7jaeNAxRqLalu1oP7DNyw7kncDdl-3V0lRvyh4_skZdzZBjEgMJlsvEQk8qIpr1aC3ist0kduuZ_4tS8nP1V5t3qsVP6z53bA4_3n-X10VqD4jaBbCPha6A9KN-ssDm7/s1600/photo+4+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ_o0H-zlzw-Z7jaeNAxRqLalu1oP7DNyw7kncDdl-3V0lRvyh4_skZdzZBjEgMJlsvEQk8qIpr1aC3ist0kduuZ_4tS8nP1V5t3qsVP6z53bA4_3n-X10VqD4jaBbCPha6A9KN-ssDm7/s1600/photo+4+%25282%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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4) The wireless router is fundamental in today's home but like speakers they are not always attractive. You can hide your router in a wooden or press-board "faux" box. You see these storage boxes disguised as books a lot at home decor stores. Simply make sure to drill or cut holes for heat ventilation and for cords to pass through. If you are ambitious, you can hollow out a large book you might find at early spring yard sales.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XmI8cGufuBYj6M-cs-sU41k6t7VNSJLWDajg0v3_gWZYIMY7m17rfBfyO8h3heJQviSzgyS4QaMQe1GbeFG_0oNccM9xXQ2Sh1eIBes2wpB5DL3EEZUODNuZhcBZgzlqpUhGloo6-zT5/s1600/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XmI8cGufuBYj6M-cs-sU41k6t7VNSJLWDajg0v3_gWZYIMY7m17rfBfyO8h3heJQviSzgyS4QaMQe1GbeFG_0oNccM9xXQ2Sh1eIBes2wpB5DL3EEZUODNuZhcBZgzlqpUhGloo6-zT5/s1600/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsUli0loQKdIXbkpmh7-Y4HfIvrsD1wJa9bHc3Y5g3S3SfbGB_49Fx6SP2-LMuXEt6ylm3eluVRQiATxx3M7KOLRo0xWGfrW4w43mD8NGj9rdHfHWt3kwlVH86nyzD_NURSeBXNIgIwQ6/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsUli0loQKdIXbkpmh7-Y4HfIvrsD1wJa9bHc3Y5g3S3SfbGB_49Fx6SP2-LMuXEt6ylm3eluVRQiATxx3M7KOLRo0xWGfrW4w43mD8NGj9rdHfHWt3kwlVH86nyzD_NURSeBXNIgIwQ6/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
5) Finally, we can all agree that we can not live a civilized life without toilet paper but it just isn't visually attractive when sitting on the back of your toilet! Try wrapping spare rolls of toilet paper in decorative tissue. The tissue can be customized to your decor and can even be switched out during holidays!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vtNRggHeZC4aSEtBfTW3soi36iWmqai6dAKWtdm7Q8d0n0mXRalp9c_IJJz8KeaZEKB6-yZNIytZBc-5xdH7xI_oSqa1HHNCIievyP4hDKhk1NapjwC5CRaiNu1eKxaekaBb7eR8OkOb/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vtNRggHeZC4aSEtBfTW3soi36iWmqai6dAKWtdm7Q8d0n0mXRalp9c_IJJz8KeaZEKB6-yZNIytZBc-5xdH7xI_oSqa1HHNCIievyP4hDKhk1NapjwC5CRaiNu1eKxaekaBb7eR8OkOb/s1600/picstitch.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-63728986594839097542014-03-26T19:33:00.000-04:002014-03-26T19:33:46.610-04:00What a great idea! Innovative Organization IdeasThis afternoon, we were organizing the Vanna White Fiber Crafts Room at our Colchester headquarters and the ideas just began to flow like sap in the spring time (a little Vermont humor)!<div>
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<li>We were organizing our extensive thread inventory into drawer units and realized we could only see the tops of each spoil. How can we tell them all apart? We raced to our antique jam jar filled with magic markers and began color coding. We colored all the blues blue, yellows yellow, etc. Now we can quickly spot color groups and locate the exact color we are looking for quicker!</li>
<li>Marking the thread inspired us to take a look at our craft paints which were also stored in drawers. Similar to the thread, we had to pull out several bottles before finding the right color. Our solution? We painted the top of each bottle cap with a dab from it's contents. Now we can easily locate that bottle of Moss green! </li>
<li>After organizing our thread and craft paints, we became tired and needed a caffeine boost. We went to the staff kitchen to grab a cup of coffee to go and couldn't seem to find the coordinating top for the travel mugs. How do we solve this dilemma? Nail polish! Once you have paired each set together, color code each set with a dab of nail polish...red dot bottom, red dot top, pink dot bottom, pink dot top and so on. </li>
<li>We took our coffee back to the craft room to continue our organizing quest. We found a bunch of embroidery floss. Most of it was partially used and getting tangled. Our solution? A photo album with pages that have multiple pockets. We separated the colors and slipped them into each pocket. This now allows us to flip through and locate the perfect floss quickly.</li>
<li>We have ALOT of button, don't ask, don't judge. We had been keeping them in a wholesale pickle jar. We ever we needed a button, we would task Timmy, our intern to search for it. He would have to dump out the entire jar and it took a lot of overtime. Our solution? Small matching buttons are now threaded onto large safety pins. Others are sorted by color and placed in zip-lock style bags and stored in plastic shoe boxes. Now Timmy can find the buttons in a flash!</li>
<li>We had several full and partial skeins of yarn. They had all been tossed in a large plastic bag. Again the whole bag would need to be dumped out and untangled to find that perfect shade of fushia. Our solution? Sturdy file boxes which stack nicely and are not heavy when filled with yarn. We snipped a piece from each skein and taped them to the top of the box. Each skein was then placed in a zip-lock bag to keep them from tangling or picking up fowl odors from the lab. Now when we need four yards of chartreuse yarn all we have to do is check the box top to see which holds which color.</li>
<li>After all this organizing, we were exhausted but we couldn't figure out what sizes all the different sheets in the lab's dormitory closet were. Our solution? Label with a fabric marker and fabric paints. T for twin, F for full, and so on. We marked the sheets in an area that would be tucked in and hidden from sight. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://artsandcatsmovement.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/kitten-with-yarn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://artsandcatsmovement.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/kitten-with-yarn.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-68536276564989658602014-03-19T08:48:00.000-04:002014-03-19T08:48:39.898-04:00Meal of The Month: March<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Spaghetti Carbonara </i></b><b><i>Casserole</i></b></span></div>
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<b> Ingredients:</b></div>
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<a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/southernfood/1/0/l/y/2/ham-pasta-bake-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/southernfood/1/0/l/y/2/ham-pasta-bake-3.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a><i>6 oz spaghetti broken into short lengths</i></div>
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<i>2 C diced cooked ham</i></div>
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<i>3 TBS Butter</i></div>
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<i>4-6 oz sliced mushrooms</i></div>
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<i>4-6 thinly sliced green onions</i></div>
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<i>4 TBS flour</i></div>
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<i>1C chicken broth</i></div>
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<i>1 C milk</i></div>
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<i>1/2 tsp seasoned salt </i></div>
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<i>1/4 tsp garlic pepper, </i><i>dash of cayenne or other hot pepper as desired </i></div>
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<i>1C shredded cheese</i></div>
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<b>Preparation:</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Cook spaghetti following package directions. Drain and rinse and mix with ham in large bowl.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Melt butter over medium low heat and add the mushrooms. Cook until tender. </li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Add the green onions. Stir in flour until blended thoroughly.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk. Add seasonings.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Keep stirring until thickened. When ready, combine it with the ham and spaghetti.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Stir in the cheese.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Bake at 325 for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.</li>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-58857377321122181112014-03-02T17:26:00.000-05:002014-03-02T17:26:20.462-05:00Can't Escape The Tape!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9g3MNuy0V0HXip6F7Asi62j8pBf62WHQmR3mevmvDPK6aOpEqbD0Y2e8Mq3gAddhuN70t8pbYcuaGbdjHDotI1NOYE6VAQiomcBKYiB06dEGXPBgskD8r37Gov29Y7RpMsYBSW0R_ih1/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9g3MNuy0V0HXip6F7Asi62j8pBf62WHQmR3mevmvDPK6aOpEqbD0Y2e8Mq3gAddhuN70t8pbYcuaGbdjHDotI1NOYE6VAQiomcBKYiB06dEGXPBgskD8r37Gov29Y7RpMsYBSW0R_ih1/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washi Tape</td></tr>
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If you haven't discovered the wonder of washi tape, then you must get on your Magellan boots and start sailing to your local craft shop! Washi tape originated in Japan and is a decorative, paper tape that is available is an endless variety of colors and patterns! Here four ideas to help you get started:<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Wine Glass Identifiers.</b> Never mix up your wine or cocktail glasses at your next soiree; wrap each glasses' stem with a different color or patterned tape!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimG8zmRlGWyWNaaxe0iXElKUEJLD8eS3OS3rxONz90Pz05pr2pS6F74vgl3_JWkgtzFTjASR-8nXJLcwahO2T554uMzajCDoFLp1cgw-003-ZisiFFisfQBeADm97vlDGuflULo96EBru0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimG8zmRlGWyWNaaxe0iXElKUEJLD8eS3OS3rxONz90Pz05pr2pS6F74vgl3_JWkgtzFTjASR-8nXJLcwahO2T554uMzajCDoFLp1cgw-003-ZisiFFisfQBeADm97vlDGuflULo96EBru0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<li><b>Cord Keeper.</b> Don't toss out those toilet paper tubes when you finish the roll. Save them, decorate them in washi tape, and use them to wrangle power cords and other cables.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLhGhWIGSmHvn5pHJ_J3TFeWOHNckf6BD51zi8k35CAjOLrh90q-3Glcerlw-biI_RQ28NKN_HGM48kN7xOA3Zrh2694B6uaUydQNzN-0JvLF1M1HQyoe5MUlP5axQUVz3uMwNn2CNdmN/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLhGhWIGSmHvn5pHJ_J3TFeWOHNckf6BD51zi8k35CAjOLrh90q-3Glcerlw-biI_RQ28NKN_HGM48kN7xOA3Zrh2694B6uaUydQNzN-0JvLF1M1HQyoe5MUlP5axQUVz3uMwNn2CNdmN/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><b>Jazz up anything, even your office supplies! </b> Wrap binder clips, staplers, paper clip dispenses, keyboards, file cabinets, etc to make your cubicle survivable! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnCU3RBaS1K2j0zGcvd5tV613Yf7U4dWdlQoOo84zXjjxY6X1DY-OuP9HQATbG3EXVVqLKCFXyCM7kQM8uT06BZCiEsWmm_jEdmwP4KsPl3yrrvAHFi09gWJhVvQMMU0PwHl76CYD4KjK/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnCU3RBaS1K2j0zGcvd5tV613Yf7U4dWdlQoOo84zXjjxY6X1DY-OuP9HQATbG3EXVVqLKCFXyCM7kQM8uT06BZCiEsWmm_jEdmwP4KsPl3yrrvAHFi09gWJhVvQMMU0PwHl76CYD4KjK/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExU6QamUu4Kmo3G_cyPjkpXyLSWRk75lcBW5XLDWPSCwlD6kfEhZWx3Z1gstCyj5n9ihPE_LRAa1HLeMx_4FVt2Z3-FId_0b3RPK-1wruGv6fULb2iFEclqWwDbU2mWuLNGkz5XlOEbMN/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExU6QamUu4Kmo3G_cyPjkpXyLSWRk75lcBW5XLDWPSCwlD6kfEhZWx3Z1gstCyj5n9ihPE_LRAa1HLeMx_4FVt2Z3-FId_0b3RPK-1wruGv6fULb2iFEclqWwDbU2mWuLNGkz5XlOEbMN/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><b>Coordinate cords.</b> Never unplug the wrong thing or waste time searching for the right charging cable. Add small "flags" to your cables and wires. You either label the flags or place a piece of matching tape on the coordinating piece of technology (iPhone, Kindle, etc).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowl5m64LXEGuz2hFl5lrZTP3PPT0n9Tns0WEVMOasuMdcGTJsU5QT25V2xKByw7SEHd9wX2r1tIhKNqeWwfCiN54h9001TRuVt8PNPxghiRG-zo_hVp4_hb9zNDFgZIC_izf21LEWo7PH/s1600/Washi+tape-cables+cords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowl5m64LXEGuz2hFl5lrZTP3PPT0n9Tns0WEVMOasuMdcGTJsU5QT25V2xKByw7SEHd9wX2r1tIhKNqeWwfCiN54h9001TRuVt8PNPxghiRG-zo_hVp4_hb9zNDFgZIC_izf21LEWo7PH/s1600/Washi+tape-cables+cords.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<br />CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-69004101949933336742014-02-23T17:48:00.000-05:002014-02-23T17:52:47.378-05:00We're Going to The Dogs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the CELEBRATE home office, we have a large black Labrador retriever named Panini (don't ask). As we got used to Panini's demands and quirks, we realized we could make our lives and the lives of thousands of pet owners lives easier if we wrote down some of the interesting tips and tricks we have used, created, thought of over time! Here are a sampling of them!<br />
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<u><b>TIPS FOR BETTER CO-SPECIES COHABITATION:</b></u><br />
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<ol>
<li>Pet's absorb through their paws whatever you wash your floors with. To save puppy pain, rinse your floors using a mixture of vinegar and water.</li>
<li>Beware the following foods and plants are hazardous to your pooch: chocolate, garlic, chicken bones, sugar free gum with xylital, aloe, ivy, and amaryllis.</li>
<li>Keep your dry dog food in an airtight container. It keeps out bugs, prevents spills, and stops pup from raiding the pantry.</li>
<li>Panini has a crate but she used to whine watching the busy goings on in the DIY Lab so we draped a light blocking blanket over the crate to create a comfy cave. Now at nap time, she is happy a grilled sandwich! </li>
<li>Give your dog it's own plump bed, not yours! You can make it yourself. Sew or use iron-on bond tape to create a rectangular pocket the appropriate size of your dog and fill with a mix of fiber-fill and cedar chips. The cedar chips repel fleas! Make it soft and plump and your dog will think he's on cloud nine. Here is another thought for small dogs. Just use an old pillow of yours you were going to throw away. Your dog will love how it smells like you. You can even open the seam a bit to add those handy cedar chips. In that case, a pillow case would be an easy to wash cover.</li>
<li>When we first gave Panini a bath, we clogged the labs test tub with her fur. Our solution, we took a small piece of window screening, placed it over the drain, and held it down with a couple pieces of masking/duct tape. The screening catches the loose fir and makes it easy to remove. You could also glue heavy washers or small stones to each corner of your screen to weight it down so that you wouldn't need to use the tape.</li>
</ol>
<u><b>EASY DIY TOYS:</b></u><br />
Dogs like Panini that like to chew things should have their toys rotated frequently to avoid boredom which can lead to chewing of furniture or important experiments that may being going on it the lab. Oh yea, we learned the hard the way!<br />
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<b>Socks: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Take an old sock and add a handful of dog treats to it. Roll it up, similar to how you would when doing your laundry. Put the rolled sock inside another. It will take the dog a while to get through to the treats. </li>
<li>Take a soda bottle (remove the cap), slide it inside a sock and tie the end. The dog will love the crinkly sound the empty bottle.</li>
</ul>
<b>Tennis Balls:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Take three strips of old t-shirt or fleece (which is incredibly strong) and braid them together into a rope of sorts. Next, take a tennis ball and cut a hole just large enough to push the braid through tightly. Knot the braid on both ends. You can toss this around like a fox tail toy.</li>
<li>Place several tennis balls in a deep muffin tin. Your pup will spend hours trying to figure out how to free the balls from their enclosures.</li>
</ul>
<b>Paper Towel Tube/PVC Pipe:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Put snacks inside a paper towel tube. Press the ends of the tube flat. Cover the whole thing with duct tape and give it a toss! The dog will love trying to get at the snacks.</li>
<li>Take a PVC pipe, place dried beans inside and cap both ends. It makes a great rattle!</li>
</ul>
<b>Plastic:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A plastic milk jug that is rinsed and has the cap removed makes the cheapest and quickest dog toy.</li>
<li>A large plastic jar from your local wholesale super store that would normally have held nuts or candy makes an excellent toy! Remove the lid and give it a toss. Your pup will take time to realize she can only grab it from the open end and will have fun chasing it around as you toss it and bounce it all over! </li>
</ul>
<b>Ice/food:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Try making "doggie pops"! Freeze beef or chick broth in plastic containers. You can even suspend treats or meat scrapes in the broth for added treat value. We recommend using low or no sodium broth if you are buying from the supermarket. Make them in the size that is appropriate for your breed. They will LOVE them as a treat on a hot day!</li>
<li> Take slices of sweet potato about 1-1.5 inches thick, using a hand held corer put a hole in the center of each slice, and then bake the slices on a lined cookie sheet at 200 degrees for several hours or until the slices have dried and are leathery. Next, thread the dried potato "rings" onto a length of thick nylon rope. Knot both end and give it a toss. Your pooch will love gnawing on this treat. </li>
</ul>
Please note, be responsible and monitor your dog at all times while he or she plays especially with these toys!</div>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-80061013588548836152014-02-09T10:40:00.000-05:002014-02-16T10:42:46.742-05:00Meal Of The Month: February<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; max-width: 100%; word-wrap: break-word;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box; word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; word-wrap: break-word;">Apricot-glazed Cornish hens for two</strong></em></h3>
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<span id="goog_1930480458"></span><span id="goog_1930480459"></span><img height="259" src="http://www.essexreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/4479421398_e118412bcd_o-e1392302110351.jpg" width="320" /></address>
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2 Servings</address>
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Prep: 15 min. Bake: 65 min. plus standing time</address>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; word-wrap: break-word;">Ingredients:</strong></div>
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1/2 tsp salt</address>
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper</address>
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2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)</address>
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2 tbsp butter, melted, divided</address>
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1/4 cup apricot preserves</address>
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1 tbsp honey</address>
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1 tbsp grated onion</address>
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1/8 tsp ground nutmeg</address>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; word-wrap: break-word;">Method of preparation:</strong></div>
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Combine the salt and cayenne. Rub a third of the mixture inside hens.</div>
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Brush 1-tablespoon butter over hens; sprinkle with remaining seasoning mixture. Place on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 F for 30 minutes.</div>
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Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the preserves, honey, onion, nutmeg and remaining butter. Cook and stir until preserves are melted.</div>
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Brush over hens. Bake 35-40 minutes longer or until golden brown and a meat thermometer reads 180 F. Cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.</div>
CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-50792707130178779782014-02-02T17:41:00.000-05:002014-02-02T17:41:16.271-05:00Romantic Dinner 101: Valentine's Day<br />
<ol>
<li>Location, location, location! Anyone can make a reservation at the local French restaurant, but we are going to help you create the perfect ambiance in your own home. Find a non-traditional and unexpected spot to enjoy dinner within your house or apartment. If you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate, utilize your outdoor space as well. For example, the formal dining room, an intimate nook in the bedroom, the garden, etc.</li>
<li>Use your nicest dishes, flatware, and glassware. This helps set the "special" feeling of the evening!</li>
<li>Mood music is key. Put on a classic artist such as Eric Clapton or Sinatra. Play a record for a special feeling.</li>
<li>Avoid scented candles around your dining area. Stick with unscented, white candles for a classic look. Make sure however the house does smell pleasant and the temperature is comfortable. Take out the trash, change the litter box, etc.</li>
<li>For romantic lighting, cluster your pillar candles for the perfect glow. Be sure they are no higher than 12 inches tall. Scatter votive candles around the room to add ambiance and mood.</li>
<li>Keep your menu fairly simple and prepare as much in advance to save your attention for your special guest. This also keeps the kitchen relatively neat. No one wants to spend the evening stuck doing dishes or looking at the mountains of dishes made from the meal.</li>
<li>Make the meal three courses: appetizer, entree and dessert. This makes it feel more special than just a snack.</li>
<li>Make sure you have a pitcher or glasses of ice water flavored with citrus fruits, cucumber, or even basil/mint in addition to wine or cocktails.</li>
<li>Avoid messy and overly rich foods for the meal. No one feels sexy when they are bloated or if they have greasy fingers from tacos.</li>
<li> Make sure your timing on the food is just right so everything is served at the correct temperature and time. Be ready when your guest arrives.</li>
<li>Before your guest arrives, go and dress up in a special outfit. A nice dress or shirt and tie. Remember this is a special evening, no PJs or baseball caps.</li>
<li>Make sure to eliminate all distractions including technology, phones, pets, etc. Send your cats or dogs for an overnight at the kennel or grandma's house.</li>
<li>After your dinner is finished, dance together, watch a romantic movie, or maybe hand dip strawberries together.</li>
<li>Our last tip, our favorite way to start and end a romantic, Valentine's dinner: Chocolate.</li>
</ol>
<ul><ul><ul>
<li>Chocolate Martini: Take a martini glass and drizzle hard shell ice cream coating on the inside of the glass. Use both milk and white chocolate varieties to create a pattern. Next, in a shaker combine 3/4 cup half and half or light cream, 1 cup dark chocolate liquor, 1/4 cup vodka, with ice. Shake to combine. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with a conversation heart.</li>
<li>Flourless Fudge Cookies (<i>Courtesy of King Arthur Flour</i>): </li>
<ul><ul>
<li>2 1/4 cups confectioners sugar</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 tsp espresso powder (optional but divine)</li>
<li>1 cup dutch process (preferred) cocoa powder</li>
<li>3 large egg whites</li>
<li>2 tsp gluten free vanilla extra (most pure vanilla extracts should be gluten free)</li>
</ul>
<li>Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease two cookie sheet, or line them with greased parchment paper. Stir together all ingredients until smooth. Scrap the sides and bottom of the bowl and stir again until smooth. Drop the soft, batter like dough onto the prepared baking sheets in 1 1/2 inch circles. Bake the the cookies for 8 minutes. They should spread, become slightly shiny, and develop faintly crackly tops. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the cookie sheets. The result is an ultra chewy, rich chocolate cookie with no additional fat or gluten!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-24568087427725425742014-01-05T16:38:00.001-05:002014-01-05T17:28:01.743-05:00Unconventional Wine RacksBefore you start this project, take a look around your home and decide what style of wine rack will accent your decor the best! Often the first idea many of us think about when considering building an unconventional wine rack is to somehow gather a bunch of PVC piping together in some fashion using glue or screws. This idea is wonderful but instead of just joining four tubes together in a square shape, give stab at something more artistic! See the picture below! The following ideas we have assembled take a more unexpected course!<br />
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1) If you would like to go for the PVC pipe look but want to try other materials, give these a try: black sub-pump lining, shiny aluminum duct, or coffee can with both ends removed. You can gather these tubes together using airplane cable, large belt, rope, etc.<br />
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2) You could create a more organic wine holder by assembling terracotta chimney liners, bricks, or cinder blocks into a unique order!<br />
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3) Create a sling or hammock! Use fabric such as canvas or duck cloth to create pockets in which bottles can be nestled. You could also do this with belts!<br />
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4) Use wood! Find the space you would like to hang a wine rack in and determine whether you will need a 8-12 inch width board (the length of the board will be determined by your space). Next, purchase several large hose clamps and gather several large coffee cans or soup cans (with both ends removed). Draw parallel lines in several places along the length of board (approximately 6-8 inches apart). Screw the hose clamps (two at a time) to the board at each end of the parallel lines. Secure the clamps around the cans and voila! A vertical wine holder! You can also drill smaller holes into a plank and stick the necks of the bottles in these smaller holes. <br />
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5) Try Tinker Toys or Legos for a fun, whimsical look!<br />
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6) A leather or canvas firewood carrier hung from the ceiling with chain or a sturdy pipe or rod could be slid through the handles.<br />
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7 ) A sturdy, in and out style mailbox/paper organizer. Be sure the one you select can bear the weight of several wine bottles. Check junk stores or antique shops for sturdy metal or wood ones.<br />
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8) A spare drawer will work! Have an extra drawer in your kitchen or buffet (or ANYWHERE)? Line it with foam and slip some wine bottles in it.<br />
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9) A wooden crate, antique or from the local craft store! Paint, decorate, and divide!<br />
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10) Try an antique metal pail! Stencil, design, and voila!<br />
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Check out some pictures of other great ideas below!<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hetDGStS3RcZt7mvWQX-kvz7Wv4yGnMw4RKAS6R05KUcKOU0JScJg6z26_75M6d5sdXdzXrDjDMo4f0qm_7ogn-I7uxsYMrC7JMTfXIlcmrfMFBMklGfx8WbrPhoGb9DuNNxAfFbjd1l/s320/IMG_3389.jpg" width="240" /><br />
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<img height="193" src="http://www.wineracksblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/diy1.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<img height="240" src="https://outlook.office365.com/owa/service.svc/s/GetFileAttachment?id=AAMkADU2MTRkNzEyLTljYmUtNDgyMS05Yjg2LTdiY2RhNzhlNWYxZABGAAAAAADByzt%2FIt4ETYN3CXeWMM2QBwAUiyM%2BRuLzRY4vl1Q5oRaWAAAAJ9T2AADy0RAsppQcS4cAyBkTyDMRAABQmSooAAABEgAQABTUzKX3XqJPvkds0Hbhuhc%3D&isImagePreview=True&X-OWA-CANARY=NTxchbtbZ0-Xr2-sVrwVmswhPal42NAIn_wubQ-PhclhAL85azoq0UL4TovTeLnAVf4DfHgFeUE." width="320" /><br />
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<img height="320" src="https://outlook.office365.com/owa/service.svc/s/GetFileAttachment?id=AAMkADU2MTRkNzEyLTljYmUtNDgyMS05Yjg2LTdiY2RhNzhlNWYxZABGAAAAAADByzt%2FIt4ETYN3CXeWMM2QBwAUiyM%2BRuLzRY4vl1Q5oRaWAAAAJ9T2AADy0RAsppQcS4cAyBkTyDMRAABQmSooAAABEgAQAN1TmBDH9kRBuvFRsPcW4qA%3D&isImagePreview=True&X-OWA-CANARY=NTxchbtbZ0-Xr2-sVrwVmswhPal42NAIn_wubQ-PhclhAL85azoq0UL4TovTeLnAVf4DfHgFeUE." width="240" />CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-5048447298091897642013-12-05T11:05:00.000-05:002013-12-05T11:15:46.378-05:00Meal Of The Month: Turkey Left Over Ideas from Funky to Fancy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>FUNKY: Turkey Spring Rolls</b><br />
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<i>(Thank You Ree Drummond from the Food Network for the recipe)</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">2 cups shredded leftover Thanksgiving turkey</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">3 tablespoons soy sauce</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 teaspoon sesame oil</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 teaspoon rice vinegar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1/2 teaspoon hot chile oil</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 package cellophane noodles</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Eight 8 1/2-inch rice paper wrappers</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">3 leaves green-leaf lettuce, torn into pieces</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 carrot, cut into julienne</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 cucumber, cut into julienne</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><b>Dipping Sauce:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 cup leftover cranberry sauce</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">2 tablespoons soy sauce</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Hot chile oil</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Directions</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Place the turkey in a bowl and drizzle in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and the hot chili oil. Stir to combine and give it a taste. If you'd like a stronger flavor, add a little more of any of the ingredients.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Next, place the cellophane noodles in a large bowl. Cover them with boiling water and let them sit according to the package directions.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">When they are tender but still have a nice bite, drain and set the noodles aside.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Soften the rice paper wrappers by placing them one by one into a bowl of warm water and taking them out when they're soft but still hold together.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">To assemble each spring roll, lay a wrapper on a plate. Lay a small line of noodles in the center. Add a small amount of lettuce, turkey, alfalfa sprouts, a few carrot and cucumber strips, and top with a sprinkling of cilantro.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Fold in the sides of the wrappers and roll it into a tight roll. Repeat to make the rest of the rolls.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">For the dipping sauce: Combine the cranberry sauce, soy sauce and a few dashed chile oil.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Dip the rolls into the sauce and dig in! Best if eaten within 1 hour of preparing.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #efebdf; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/turkey-spring-rolls-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback" target="_blank">Food Network</a></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6038/6414248149_fca51ab06a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6038/6414248149_fca51ab06a_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ree Drummond</i></td></tr>
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<b>FANCY: Leftover Turkey Pate</b></div>
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Ingredients:</h2>
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<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #454545; float: left; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 35px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 278px;">
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14oz cold cooked turkey</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 large onion, chopped</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3oz butter</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 tablespoons single cream (or light cream)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tablespoons dry sherry</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">chopped parsley</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">salt and black pepper</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">lemon (as a garnish)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><h2 style="border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
Directions</h2>
<ol style="border: 0px; line-height: 14px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="directionsSteps" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 20px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the onion and fry until transparent.</span></li>
<li class="directionsSteps" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 20px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Remove pan from the heat and add the turkey meat.</span></li>
<li class="directionsSteps" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 20px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Place the mixture in a food processor and finely chop.</span></li>
<li class="directionsSteps" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 20px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Add the cream and sherry and beat until it is a smooth consistency.</span></li>
<li class="directionsSteps" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 20px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Place the mixture into a serving dish or individual ramekins and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours.</span></li>
<li class="directionsSteps" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 20px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To serve, sprinkle with chopped parsley and place a lemon slice twist on top.</span></li>
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<a href="http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/8690/leftover-turkey-pate.aspx" target="_blank">UK/Ireland All Recipes</a></div>
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<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Celebrate Food Tip:</b></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/8690/leftover-turkey-pate.aspx" target="_blank"></a>For this recipe, you can place some of your leftover, cooked turkey in the freezer to have on hand in case you have unexpected holiday company or if you have to bring something to a soiree!</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 3px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgeFMVTWUzc/ToEhoLkF1qI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/eGeYfXThJ3w/s640/beef+liver+pate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgeFMVTWUzc/ToEhoLkF1qI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/eGeYfXThJ3w/s320/beef+liver+pate.jpg" width="320" /></a></li>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-34832803522674140392013-11-26T11:36:00.000-05:002013-11-26T11:36:56.639-05:00Everyday Hair Gourmet!Turn your bathroom into a salon with a trip to pantry (or fridge)! Try this wonderful list of at-home hair treatments we have compiled for you.<br />
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1)<b> Carrots:</b> Who would have thunk it?! If you have scarlet locks, you can revitalize and deepen your color with this produce staple! Cut 2 large carrots into big chunks and boil in 2 cups water. Turn down the heat and simmer until the water has a lovely orange glow. Cool the water and remove the carrot chunks (We dying to know what would happen if you pureed it and used it as a hair mask including the carrot chunks!). Pour the carrot water over dry hair. Put on your favorite shower cap and wait 20 minutes. Rinse and then use a mild shampoo and conditioner. You'll look as radiant as your Christmas Tree!<br />
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2)<b> Milk:</b> Add 1 tsp honey to 2 cups of warm milk. If you have coarse hair use whole milk and if you have fine hair use skim milk! Mix the ingredients until the honey dissolves and pour over dry hair. After 15 minutes rinse with warm water and shampoo and condition as usual.<br />
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3) <b>Almond Oil:</b> Frizzy hair? This tip is for you! To make a hair mask, combine a 1/4 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, and a 1 tbsp of almond oil. Blend the mixture and work it into your hair from the root to the tip. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse and shampoo.<br />
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4) <b>Mayonnaise:</b> To thicken your hair try a Mayo Mask! Slather on approximately a 1/2 cup of plain mayo over your hair from root to tip. Let it sit for 30 minutes before shampooing.<br />
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5) <b>Egg and EVOO:</b> Here is a tip to help prevent future split ends. Make a hair mask by beating 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsps of olive oil, and 1 tsp of honey. Massage in hair thoroughly. Put on your trusty shower cap and let the mixture soak in for 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo.<br />
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6) <b>Avocado:</b> Have a spare sitting around after making guacamole? Here is a great hair mask idea. Mix mashed avocado with 1 tsp of olive oil and 1 tsp of honey. Apply to your hair and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse and shampoo.<br />
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7) <b>Beer, Lemon Juice, or Vinegar: </b> Mix any <u>ONE</u> of these items with water (do not combine the three). Apply <u>AFTER</u> shampooing as a rinse. This will make your hair shine!<br />
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8) <b>Papaya or Banana:</b> Both of these fruits are excellent for split ends! Take the flesh of a fresh papaya (remove the skin and seeds) or a ripe banana. Blend the fruit in a blender with 1/2 cup of yogurt, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp of olive oil, and 1 tsp of honey. Massage the mixture into hair and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo. <br />
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9) <b>Epsom Salts:</b> Remove that greasy buildup with this great tip. Mix 1 tbsp of salts with 1 cup of water. Massage into hair. Let sit and rinse well!<br />
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10) <b>Coconut Oil:</b> Coconut oil is absorbed the best by your hair so try this tip. Take a generous handful of coconut oil and work it through your hair root to tip. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the oil sit for 30 minutes.<br />
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*Use these recipes immediately after creating them so they won't spoil.<br />
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**Christmas is around the corner! As a great gift for the hair lover in your family gather these ingredients into a gift basket and print or transcribe this list onto lovely paper to include with the present.<br />
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<br />CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-84580003407091022882013-11-14T10:00:00.000-05:002013-11-14T10:00:17.292-05:00Unconventional Cornucopia Corner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our office challenge this week was to create a cornucopia out of unconventional materials. Everyone took a stab at it! Timothy attempted to construct his cornucopia out of cooked and braided spaghetti. He failed. Connie tried create a festive paste from glitter and craft glue. She failed. Wendell gave Lincoln Logs a try. He failed. Michael, who always answers "paper" when asked "paper or plastic?" destroyed several brown paper bags in his attempts. While he came the closest of all the staff, he failed. Finally Kathleen while pondering all the previous failures had a light bulb (compact florescent not incandescent of course, we're green) moment and drew a boxer cutter from her boot and cut the screen from the office outside door. She then rolled it into a cone shape. She secured the seams with staples (be careful). Next, she trimmed the opening to make it even. Kathleen then rolled the opening of the cornucopia to create a "cuff" to hide the rough ends and add structure to the opening. Finally, she twisted the the narrow end into iconic upward horn shape of a cornucopia. To help distract form any seams or overlap, she used striped jute strapping to create a rustic ribbon effect. She finished her creation by rummaging through the office "Fall" Files for all sorts of appropriate fillings and fauna. Needless to say the rest of the office staff was green with envy over Kathleen's creation and decided that it should be featured on the blog this week! Below see pictures of her creation!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfnFaS59eirG4VnQYmqHsSdW9hzpDxOdx53ZcP4JDJDdZaAgjDLRCy82Dv-G4i2k-jybQ_04PYIQJd9mjUeLb9i6IIMQvXhac9zFl3vtemo9EuqS1t5rN-O1Ygk4cGTIO4W1npUjpWrfr/s1600/Cornucopia+Collage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfnFaS59eirG4VnQYmqHsSdW9hzpDxOdx53ZcP4JDJDdZaAgjDLRCy82Dv-G4i2k-jybQ_04PYIQJd9mjUeLb9i6IIMQvXhac9zFl3vtemo9EuqS1t5rN-O1Ygk4cGTIO4W1npUjpWrfr/s400/Cornucopia+Collage.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-17322443549865692852013-11-06T12:22:00.000-05:002013-11-06T12:22:14.871-05:00Thanksgiving Tablescape Extravaganza! First, start off by collecting a supply of interesting fall bounty from Mother Nature like acorns, tiny pine cones, and dried leaves. Add to this collection by picking up walnuts, gourds, corn husks, etc from your local grocery store. Next, spray paint everything metallic gold or if you have a specific color story whatever fits! With these supplies you can make any of the following:<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Napkin Rings:</b> Glue acorns and leaves onto a small branch and affix a satin ribbon is a dot of hot glue. You could also glue two acorns onto each end of a length of ribbon and tie into a casual bow. You could affix star-anise (found in the spice aisle of your local grocery store) to lengths of ribbon as well. These ideas are especially festive if your fold your napkin into a cornucopia/cone shape!</li>
<li><b>Place Cards:</b> Tie a ribbon with a name "tag" onto a gilded gourd or mini pumpkin stem. Take a fresh pomegranate (you don't have to gild this one) and pin a leaf shaped name tag to the fruit. Take your gilded walnuts and wedge flag/pennant shaped card stock name tags into the seam between the shells. Write the names in script for an extra fancy look. </li>
<li><b>Trivia Turkey Place Cards: </b> Find a turkey pattern online. Cut out the appropriate number for your expected guests from card stock. Create a base by making a one inch cut into the bottom of the turkey cut outs and slip a corresponding cross piece into it. This will create your traditional cross bar base. Next create feathers by cutting colorful card stock with pinking shears and on each card write a Thanksgiving trivia question. You can write the answers on the back side of each feather. Affix card stock "feathers" to the turkey bodies with a brass paper fastener. </li>
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<i>Use any of your leftover gilding supplies to scatter around your table or group together on other surfaces such as your side board or entry table.</i></div>
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Try making these other festively fall table decor items!</div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Basket of Small White Gourds with Gold Stems:</b> Wrap each stem in painters tape and spray paint the gourds white (or any color really). Next remove the tape, and hand paint the stems metallic gold. Arrange in a cornucopia, a rustic wooden bowl, or woven basket (turn it on it's side and "spill" the gourds out for a creative touch).</li>
<li><b>The Modern Approach to Painted Small Gourds/Pumpkins:</b> Wrap the stems of your gourds or mini pumpkins in painters tape and spray the surface in an array of matte colors. You can go primary and bold or stick with modern takes on fall colors. You can stack these colorful beauties in a glass cylinder. You can also arrange them in a free standing tower. First, collect 4-5 gourds or pumpkin in progressively larger sizes. Next, remove all the stems of the gourds except the smallest which will serve as the top of your tower. Make sure the base gourd/pumpkin is flat bottomed to ensure your creation is steady. Take a wooden skewer and press it through the center of the largest gourd, slide the next largest onto the skewer, and so on. Finish with the smallest gourd/pumpkin with the stem intact on top. You can make these in varied heights and cluster them in modern trios.</li>
<li><b>Sheaf of Wheat:</b> Gather approximately 100 stalks of dried wheat (This can be found at your local craft store). Place a piece of floral wire down first onto your work table. Next, place your bundle of wheat on top of the wire making sure the wire falls towards the top but below the grain pods. Tap the top of the wheat pods gently to ensure they are even. Next, secure the wire around the bundle. Stand the bundle upright and begin to spread and turn the stems until you have a comfortably large base. Tie a beautiful satin ribbon over the wire and let it drape along the stems. </li>
<li><b>Gilded Turkeys:</b> Buy wooden or resin turkeys and spray paint with metallic gold paint.</li>
<li><b>Squash Gourd Candles:</b> You can use things like acorn squash or other small round (like acorn) gourds. Next, cut the top off of these gourds and then scoop out as much of the meat and seeds as possible. You can use a melon-baller or sturdy spoon to achieve this. Keep the inside smooth and follow the contours of the gourd because this will become your candle mold. Next, melt old candles or wax with crayons for color and pour this into your gourd molds. Sink a wick into the candles and drape excess wick over a knife or skewer placed across the opening of the gourd. This will keep the wick centered. Candle wicks can be purchased at your local craft store. Let the wax harden completely (this may take several hours) and then break away the gourd mold.</li>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-26406030360973756002013-10-31T16:25:00.000-04:002013-10-31T16:25:01.764-04:00Solving The Too Much Candy Blues!If you use Google, you will find dozens of sweet ideas to use up the excess booty from your little one's candy raid such as toppings on ice cream or cupcakes, chopped up into cookies, or swirled in cake batter! (Don't forget, candy freezes well and perfect for midnight snacks) We assembled a list of some not so typical uses for that left over candy.<div>
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<ol>
<li>Save small candies such as Smarties or Life Savers to decorate holiday gingerbread houses.</li>
<li>Save hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers or Worthers Originals to infuse vodka or rum. Use 1 liter of vodka and a 1/2 cup of hard candy. Let it steep for a few weeks or until the candy dissolved. We haven't tested this idea but you could also try melting the candy with a little water in a saucepan and pouring the mixture into the vodka. WARNING: Melted sugar is extremely hot!</li>
<li>Save Hershey's Kisses and Peanut Butter Cups to infuse in bourbon (or vodka as well). Let 2 1/2 oz of chocolate steep for 24 hours in the booze.</li>
<li>Donate extra candy to a non-profit to enhance holiday dinner.</li>
<li>Put extra candy treats in a food basket for the needy</li>
<li>Use for prizes at a bazaar or holiday sale.</li>
<li>Use the candy in special treat bag for the baby sitter or retirement home.</li>
<li>Emeril Lagasse's Chocolate Biscuit Puffs</li>
<ol>
<li>Ingredients: 1 package of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, 1 milk chocolate candy bar or 4 mini almond joys cut in half, 2 tsps cinnamon and sugar.</li>
<li>flatten each biscuit into a 3 inch circle.</li>
<li>Break the candy bar into pieces</li>
<li>Place the pieces into the center of the dough circles and bring up the edges pinching to seal.</li>
<li>Place on un-greased cookie sheet and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.</li>
<li>Bake at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.</li>
</ol>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-23649145007588825362013-09-25T17:34:00.003-04:002013-09-25T17:36:48.787-04:00MEAL OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER<b>Roasted Cauliflower Soup With Bacon & Thyme</b><br />
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2 heads cauliflower<br />
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
1 quart chicken broth<br />
1 pint half and half<br />
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme<br />
10 slices apple wood smoked bacon (or 3 slices country ham) minced & cooked<br />
Pinh of white paper<br />
kosher salt<br />
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Heat your oven to 400 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil lightly misted with cooking spray.<br />
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Cut out and discard the core of each head of cauliflower and then cut off the heads into large florets.<br />
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Drizzle florets with olive oil and toss to evenly coat. Next, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of salt and toss again.<br />
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Arrange florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes. Flip the florets and roast for an additional 30 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden.<br />
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Transfer roasted florets to blender and add 2 cups of broth. Puree and then add half and half. Puree for an additional 3 minutes or until smooth. At this point the puree will be very thick. With the blender running, add the remaining both, thyme, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.<br />
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The soup can be transferred to a saucepan and gently heated. It can also be refrigerated and reheated easily. The flavor is best when allowed to rest overnight.<br />
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<b>Gluten-Free Nutella Cheesecake Pots</b><br />
<i>(This recipe is in grams so use a kitchen scale)</i><br />
<i>Makes 6-8 ramekins.</i><br />
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<b><u>Crust:</u></b><br />
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150g gluten-free graham crackers<br />
50-60g butter, melted<br />
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<b><u>Cheesecake:</u></b><br />
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390g cream cheese, room temperature<br />
50g light brown sugar<br />
90g Nutella<br />
40g chocolate chips<br />
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In a food processor, pulse the butter and graham cracker until they form crumbs.<br />
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Scoop spoonfuls of the crust mixture into small ramekins or mugs. Press down lightly, but not as much as you would a normal cheesecake.<br />
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Clean food processor thoroughly.<br />
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Next, pulse together the cream cheese, sugar, and Nutella until smooth. Take a taste and add additional Nutella if you wish.<br />
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Add chocolate chips and pulse until ground into fine bits.<br />
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Divide the cheese cake between the ramekins. Cover and chill for six hours or until set.<br />
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Remove from fridge and let set on the counter for 20 minutes before serving.<br />
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(Thanks to <a href="http://www.glutenfreescallywag.com/" target="_blank">The Gluten Free Scallywag</a> for this epic recipe.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://most.themost10.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Nutella-621x325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://most.themost10.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Nutella-621x325.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's that good!</td></tr>
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<br />CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-48715332450934589712013-09-16T18:25:00.000-04:002013-09-16T18:25:55.169-04:00Roll The Tape, Timmy!Here are a few EXCITING new uses for tape!!!<br />
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1) Electrical tape comes in a variety of colors these days, so when your are having guests over use your collection to tag drink cups to avoid awkward mix ups!<br />
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2) When you tighten your belt does the tail hang low? If it does, try some double sided "fashion" tape to keep it in place.<br />
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3) Protect your plaster! When hanging your next family photo or piece of artwork place a piece of scotch tape on the spot where the nail will be driven. It will prevent cracking and chipping.<br />
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4) Did you eat your Triscuits over your keyboard and now it is full of crumbs and stuff? Try sliding a long piece of transparent tape between the rows of keys. The sticky side will pick up dust and food particles in a jiff!<br />
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5) Does your luggage look like everyone else's at the airport? Help make baggage claim easier by adding a unique strip of colorful or patterned duct tape to your bags to help them stick out!<br />
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6) Next time you have spare screws left over from assembling your latest IKEA find, try storing them between layers of clear packing tape. You can even label your packets to make finding them in the future easier!<br />
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Bonus Random Tip: Connie was trying to pour the glitter from our glitter station back into its respective containers. It took her a week to organize the particles into color groups and she didn't want to mess up her work. The office was fresh out of funnels that day so Wendell (always willing to be Connie's mindless slave) quickly folded over and rolled a piece of aluminum foil from our foil station into a gleaming, silver funnel! Connie was thrilled and the next three months of glitter sorting was avoided. Thank you Wendell! We know what a snit Connie gets in when she is assigned glitter sorting duties.<br />
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<br />CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3737770927369495572.post-45514831477930326932013-08-07T17:00:00.000-04:002013-08-07T17:00:49.439-04:00Food Tip Round Up!!!Here are some wonderful food/kitchen tips our research and development department have come up with!<br />
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<ol>
<li>Flatten chicken breasts by placing them between two thin cutting sheets and pounding with a heavy skillet or sauce pan.</li>
<li>A potato ricer works just as well if not better for juicing limes or lemons.</li>
<li>Before juicing aforementioned citrus fruit, pop them in the microwave for ten seconds to optimize the juice!</li>
<li>When cooking on the grill, place meat and veggies about 4" from the heat source and poultry 6"-8" away. Don't forget dark meat takes longer to cook then white meat.</li>
<li>Need to serve soup to the masses but don't have the proper serving dish, try pouring into an insulated ice bucket. It works great for hot or cold soups.</li>
<li>Contrary to popular opinion, do not add oil to your pasta water. It will prevent the sauce from sticking! You need the extra starch in the water, stir frequently for the first few minutes to keep the pasta separated.</li>
<li>Don't overcrowd the pan when sauteing and searing meats and veggies. You will end up steaming them instead of the desired effect.</li>
<li>Fresh herbs, such as basil keeps better and longer at room temperature with stems in water.</li>
<li>Season in stages to bring out the best in your ingredients and produce the most flavor.</li>
<li>When cooking cauliflower add a splash of milk to the water. It will keep the cauliflower bright white. Shock it immediately by soaking it in ice water.</li>
<li>Extend the life of your salad greens by wrapping them loosely in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic, resealable bag.</li>
<li>Store your onions and potatoes separately. The gases released from onions will spoil your potatoes faster.</li>
<li>For mashed potatoes, boil them, drain them, and return them to the hot covered pan for 5 minutes. This steams them and dries them out. When you mix in your butter and cream/milk, the texture will be perfect and the absorption spot on!</li>
<li>Cook the perfect hard boiled egg every time! Place your eggs in a pan of cold water just high enough to cover the eggs. Next, bring the water to a boil. As soon as the water boils, turn off the heat and cover the pan. Set a timer for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, place the eggs in an ice bath for approximately 5 minutes or until the eggs are cool enough to handle. Crack the shells completely on the counter. The shells will peel off like butter and the yolks will be sunny yellow with no ugly greish green ring.</li>
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CELEBRATE!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09049665792194195546noreply@blogger.com0