tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13261493474010456542024-03-18T15:57:45.647-04:00Peachy CheekKim creates art, jewelry and accessories, loves to bake and take photos. She chronicles her adventures, creations, art, life and everything else in between.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger495125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-10893978666462800942021-12-02T13:42:00.005-05:002023-12-25T22:58:13.913-05:00My Favorite Things - Winter Beauty Edition <div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThGiIPqgah9AzRQD4D3dx_kWddkdI8O9YOnukzaoZlSnLj6NtEb1tmUWdp2nzgh51iS-s-DEYk1TvFCh_mElWKsOayYKcyX_R2IdJiJyrDTdMQUXCAQndWlXcwJ1dtreFYdm1FIukJaw/s1600/My+favorite+things+winter+edition+2020.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThGiIPqgah9AzRQD4D3dx_kWddkdI8O9YOnukzaoZlSnLj6NtEb1tmUWdp2nzgh51iS-s-DEYk1TvFCh_mElWKsOayYKcyX_R2IdJiJyrDTdMQUXCAQndWlXcwJ1dtreFYdm1FIukJaw/s640/My+favorite+things+winter+edition+2020.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Here are some of my favorite beauty items at the moment that I have been using during the colder months. During this time of year my skin is so much drier, so I moisturize a lot and ensure most of my beauty products enrich my skin with much needed moisture, so I cut back on any powders, like powdered blush or bronzers.<br />
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<a href="https://www.fresh.com/us/skincare/lotus-antioxidant-night-moisturizer-H00004742.html" target="_blank">Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Night Cream</a>.<br />
This lightweight night cream is super moisturizing and has the lightest scent of peach. I wake up with my skin feeling super soft. It is pretty intense and a small amount goes a long way.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/milk-lip-cheek-cream-blush-stick-P437097" target="_blank">Milk Milkup Lip + Cheek</a>.<br />
During the winter months I especially enjoy using creamy blush. This one is hydrating and can also be used for the lips. I also use Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks which is very creamy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.target.com/p/dr-bronner-s-organic-lip-balm-naked-15-oz/-/A-51078684" target="_blank">Dr. Bronner's Naked Organic Lip Balm</a>.<br />Dr. Bronner's Organic Lip Balm is fragrant free and made with organic beeswax. You can use it for other parts beside lips such as cracked skin; and the site even recommends using it for stray hairs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.tatcha.com/product/CL20410T.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwo2_hpeO5wIVDYiGCh0IHg0xEAQYASABEgKCyvD_BwE" target="_blank">Tatcha - The Kissu Lip Mask</a>.<br />
A Japanese peach that can be used as a conditioning lip mask. It can be a bit sticky, and I use it at night before going to bed.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/born-this-way-super-coverage-multi-use-sculpting-concealer-P432298?skuId=2084457" target="_blank">Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer.</a><br />
I wear both the Natural Beige and Nude shades depending on the season. It is hydrating, full-coverage, weightless, four-in-one formula that works very well to cover my under eye circles. Free of phthalates. This product is also cruelty-free.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/under-eye-brightening-corrector-P393661?skuId=1660547" target="_blank">Becca - Under Eye Brightening Corrector</a>.<br />
I have both the light and the medium. My skin color changes based on the season, so I alternate between the colors. This is applied under concealer as a corrector. I put it on over my dark circles to brighten up the area. Free of Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates.<br />
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<a href="https://www.target.com/p/unscented-aquaphor-healing-ointment-tube-1-75oz/-/A-13287607?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Beauty%2BPersonal+Care%2BShopping_Brand&adgroup=SC_Health%2BBeauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9003367&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247077&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI852w2peO5wIViZyzCh1bIAkvEAQYASABEgLWL_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Aquaphor Healing Ointment</a>.<br />This is an intense ointment that works wonderfully for chapped lips, dry hands, cuticles, cracked heels and feet. Really anything that is dry. I apply it on my lips and dab some on my face when it is really dry before going to sleep. Its an ointment, so <br /><br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/100-percent-pure-argan-oil-P218700?icid2=products%20grid:p218700:product" target="_blank">Josie Maran - 100 percent Pure Argan Oil</a>.<br />100 percent Argan Oil. After washing my face in the morning I usually apply a few drops of Vitamin C, and then my sunscreen, and then I apply my eye make up. After, I apply a few drops of Argan Oil on my skin to prep for my concealer, it really helps it glide when I am not using a primer. I also use this for multi-purposes for my hair; cuticles and have used it on my face under moisturizer.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/creamy-eye-treatment-with-avocado-P422000" target="_blank">Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado</a>.<br />In the winter the skin gets very dry and I especially notice it around my eyes. This is very creamy and a very small amount goes along way. I dab this around my orbital, but not near my eyes or on my eyelids. You do not want to get this in your eye. I use a very small amount because my skin is very sensitive and if I use too much of it, it can cause me personally a skin allergy as I will notice more dry spots. So I use a very tiny amount.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/agave-nighttime-lip-therapy-P443572?skuId=2188860&om_mmc=ppc-GG_1165716884_53825919780_pla-419079286482_2188860_257731948724_9003367_c&country_switch=us&lang=en&ds_rl=1261471&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk87vpJiO5wIVEJSzCh0RFQF5EAQYASABEgL91_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Bite Beauty - Agave + Nighttime Lip Therapy</a>.<br />I use this interchangeably with the kissu mask. This is a hydrating lip sleeping mask made with agave nectar. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/photo-finish-foundation-primer-P9889" target="_blank">Smashbox - Photo Finish Foundation Primer</a>.<br />This is a great primer if you are looking for one. It really gives a smooth finish and allows me to glide on my makeup. I do not wear it every day but if I have an event to attend or want to ensure my makeup stays on and has a smooth finish, I use this. Free of parabens, and phthalates. This product is also vegan and cruelty-free.<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-25231591525292455382020-12-20T15:03:00.004-05:002020-12-20T15:05:14.720-05:00Christmas Gift Tags Watercolor - Freebie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMo3mcO0XGxaGQgXAK2sgxSbSYDSI8AIPYuDkFyBzZ7n_DoKmQrtdhvUfaFBhn-tMzuJ7LqApIVcdzWpnfllCo5D9KdrzVnHRCsKSJxqePj-FxIE1Kz0LAlIJIVfYiLzaZU3g6hhWsQ4/s732/Christmas+Gift+Tags+Watercolor.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="522" height="569" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMo3mcO0XGxaGQgXAK2sgxSbSYDSI8AIPYuDkFyBzZ7n_DoKmQrtdhvUfaFBhn-tMzuJ7LqApIVcdzWpnfllCo5D9KdrzVnHRCsKSJxqePj-FxIE1Kz0LAlIJIVfYiLzaZU3g6hhWsQ4/w406-h569/Christmas+Gift+Tags+Watercolor.png" width="406" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/17eF6j4IhU-ATGCP7XhR1Cuye98FDOlBT/view?usp=sharing" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Click here to download</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">I haven't watercolored in many years, but was feeling inspired over the weekend with all the snow fall we got in Connecticut. I hand painted some watercolors inspired by a vintage Christmas recently and wanted to share them with you incase you need some last minute gift tags.</p><p style="text-align: left;">These are not for commercial, resale purposes, just for personal use to use on gifts.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Merry Christmas!</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-70208374870831979682020-08-29T14:37:00.002-04:002020-08-29T16:57:07.070-04:00Dead to Me Season 2 Judy Hale Outfits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgZQtZkA-wC63NKSz2MXj28zl4N1QtUqM8wCiBb3eSa4p039AILDlOtNsmSKZfxQk7aH6-tJD6KZlwCAOnQcehuKRe3PyGIGdzMqjZIwbYFpTOyPQ18e6BQXPzabTYcCWU6OKzrkwINs/s1600/0_SjaF5kwicyvBW03p.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgZQtZkA-wC63NKSz2MXj28zl4N1QtUqM8wCiBb3eSa4p039AILDlOtNsmSKZfxQk7aH6-tJD6KZlwCAOnQcehuKRe3PyGIGdzMqjZIwbYFpTOyPQ18e6BQXPzabTYcCWU6OKzrkwINs/s640/0_SjaF5kwicyvBW03p.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite shows on Netflix is Dead to Me. I re-watched Season 1 and watched Season 2. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini are both so phenomenal in this series. I really enjoyed watching these two work together and seeing their character's unique relationship grow. </div>
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I absolutely adore Linda Cardellini's Judy Hale character. She is so sweet, complicated, and a crystal lover like myself. And I love her outfits. So many I would wear. I thought it would be fun to I round up a few of my favorites outfits from Season 1 and 2. I now own a few of the exact dresses - I bought two of them from Amazon. Enjoy these pieces and let me know if you have watched the show and what you think about it.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Season 1</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCZ2dx6_uxnF6S4Y8Wnz11gwluEzj6c3nLlxo3CQYyICVKIPqnIp_2nDMUUKRRFY-T9OhJcCSKq1PF4MdukB4p_3RjYdADEmv8QTQM4WdGoD-wWvYSgXVNDM7DKBZy1dFJtb_FsldqPg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-08-29+at+1.58.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="956" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCZ2dx6_uxnF6S4Y8Wnz11gwluEzj6c3nLlxo3CQYyICVKIPqnIp_2nDMUUKRRFY-T9OhJcCSKq1PF4MdukB4p_3RjYdADEmv8QTQM4WdGoD-wWvYSgXVNDM7DKBZy1dFJtb_FsldqPg/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-08-29+at+1.58.21+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Zesica Dress - Under $40 - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MCTRWYX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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I really loved the print and flow of this dress. When I found out that it was from Amazon I placed an order right away. I bought it in a Medium and I think it fits true to size. It is a true wrap dress so you can make it tighter or looser. I am 5'5 and I thought the length was a little long. I am able to wear these with sandals and it barely touches the floor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZChkixyVrjcw_C9ODjmDnM1ZV9GZ6m0Wd6fWfWj7TbD_kvgLcx2w29QBF6MXIsR7Irc1zBLYfWk1p5Mf9iRQgOzYyXgrmLoqpHb5vzLmZyAPu38TQyNTpHR6-FUQ-_IevKSCTsjxwYV0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-08-29+at+1.41.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1106" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZChkixyVrjcw_C9ODjmDnM1ZV9GZ6m0Wd6fWfWj7TbD_kvgLcx2w29QBF6MXIsR7Irc1zBLYfWk1p5Mf9iRQgOzYyXgrmLoqpHb5vzLmZyAPu38TQyNTpHR6-FUQ-_IevKSCTsjxwYV0/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-08-29+at+1.41.58+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rails Ingrid Button Down Shirt - <a href="https://www.revolve.com/rails-ingrid-button-down-shirt/dp/RAIL-WS639/" target="_blank">Revolve</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rails-7020-995-097-Womens-Ingrid/dp/B0733TS16S" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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I wear a lot of denim tops and love the floral embroidery on this one. It goes with everything.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gSCmdTpiVVs49olHzfOcqi6twiahh_t3xxfc7ebaYBhbJIoUK-OK_uP70BB7ayDZMpisNgTH42xvi41D1imvo-vsobbbnGoUrq39nA9mtszAJnftutzo0K4KmiZuXp5ubC-lAUSiREc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-08-29+at+1.55.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1017" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gSCmdTpiVVs49olHzfOcqi6twiahh_t3xxfc7ebaYBhbJIoUK-OK_uP70BB7ayDZMpisNgTH42xvi41D1imvo-vsobbbnGoUrq39nA9mtszAJnftutzo0K4KmiZuXp5ubC-lAUSiREc/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-08-29+at+1.55.28+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sandro Dress - <a href="https://www.selfridges.com/AU/en/cat/sandro-ritta-contrast-panel-floral-lace-dress_786-10081-R20351H/?_$ja=tsid:32619|prd:136348&cm_mmc=AFFIL-_-AWIN-_-136348-_-0RpXOIXA500&awc=3539_1598724703_edbba29dba75b173d1f522ef0315cc32&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affil&utm_campaign=na_na_na_na_na_na&utm_term=na&utm_content=136348" target="_blank">Sandro</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2oy79OignLFESR4xuDI2CXGjfD7FydM9OW-R9HFhJQPnMfvQVzIbvthGMSLfcOuxsIVeONXr4QYhfpJ5-qyGLEPdE1Mi74Bdgt_EHIo3uG0glKunF-MoHvttEuz-NPsvpiZRNJVCAeU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-08-29+at+2.16.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1011" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2oy79OignLFESR4xuDI2CXGjfD7FydM9OW-R9HFhJQPnMfvQVzIbvthGMSLfcOuxsIVeONXr4QYhfpJ5-qyGLEPdE1Mi74Bdgt_EHIo3uG0glKunF-MoHvttEuz-NPsvpiZRNJVCAeU/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-08-29+at+2.16.10+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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R. Vivimos - Under $25 - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07868QNVF/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=kirstybell26-20&linkId=4271b8dec3c935b574371ee9e8cc2419&language=en_US&th=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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I bought this dress too on Amazon. It is really comfortable and light-weight. I read the reviews and the description recommends sizing up, so I decided to size up and bought this one in large. I probably could have gotten away with medium. I usually wear a size 8 on top. I am 5'5 and it was too long for me to wear with flat sandals, so I decided to cut a few inches and hemmed it myself. I may have gone a little too short, but for the price and just to wear for the summer and possibly fall with boots it is just fine. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Season 2</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79dEF7fhyphenhyphenqCw27GxwQI9R1oRFRYkvHxsEd9NAqVDNBnhPK1wD4HmrZTtJ9gm16gTG-PneqdVmbkK4l_HYfwppqWVfL38_qMF0RAdBBOeng0VySI7WwGHv4n8-34rRpMvPAmiU7eiIs60/s1600/Dead+to+Me+Judy+Hale+Clothes+Season+2+1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1109" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79dEF7fhyphenhyphenqCw27GxwQI9R1oRFRYkvHxsEd9NAqVDNBnhPK1wD4HmrZTtJ9gm16gTG-PneqdVmbkK4l_HYfwppqWVfL38_qMF0RAdBBOeng0VySI7WwGHv4n8-34rRpMvPAmiU7eiIs60/s640/Dead+to+Me+Judy+Hale+Clothes+Season+2+1.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://editorialist.com/p/midnight-blue-erisa-ruffled-floral-print-silk-and-lurex-blend-georgette-mini-dress/" target="_blank">Ulla Johnson Erisa Dress</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaGkkcKhMetbU2UrYQqSN7xO78lxAr6e1h3QMs9YAwyh8gy7nEfmsdyITZfCmFxtUFV7Q0TSK4YwgZiHIlw923XVkDtyN9IqLKp1Hk-7mcDeS-Ug9VoJTsBPZtrTtiHU8Z5FSGPEdYeE/s1600/Dead+to+Me+Show+Dress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="891" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaGkkcKhMetbU2UrYQqSN7xO78lxAr6e1h3QMs9YAwyh8gy7nEfmsdyITZfCmFxtUFV7Q0TSK4YwgZiHIlw923XVkDtyN9IqLKp1Hk-7mcDeS-Ug9VoJTsBPZtrTtiHU8Z5FSGPEdYeE/s640/Dead+to+Me+Show+Dress.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Similar Dress - Under $30 - <a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-floral-print-long-sleeve-dress-knox-rose-black/-/A-79854614?preselect=79713762#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target</a><br />
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Does this Knox Rose look exactly like the Ulla Johnson dress? Pair it with a wide brown belt and it is exactly the same look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPR-mpZZOYADoV0tBU2cV3PdikSZO0rJTDwAbQ6zAXVZhOpiM5XzJX5lxhZEwEyk5WRtTPb_pS8IJFWZDYL0i3f4ZVP0AOihnsFSmNgi3DNZpFSDY6gCabGolgd2_vaffPZk9UpgMhoA/s1600/Dead+to+Me+Judy+Hale+Clothes+Season+2+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1289" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPR-mpZZOYADoV0tBU2cV3PdikSZO0rJTDwAbQ6zAXVZhOpiM5XzJX5lxhZEwEyk5WRtTPb_pS8IJFWZDYL0i3f4ZVP0AOihnsFSmNgi3DNZpFSDY6gCabGolgd2_vaffPZk9UpgMhoA/s640/Dead+to+Me+Judy+Hale+Clothes+Season+2+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SXJCWGH/ref=asc_df_B07SXJCWGH1594033200000?creative=395261&creativeASIN=B07SXJCWGH&linkCode=asn&tag=shopyourtv-ssc-247119-20&ascsubtag=4616799744" target="_blank">Blanknyc Denim Corduroy Moto Jacket</a></div>
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Similar Jacket - <a href="https://www.lulus.com/products/suede-with-love-tan-suede-moto-jacket/262434.html" target="_blank">Lulus</a></div>
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I love wearing blazers and jackets over things and this Moto jacket is perfect and goes with everything. I am thinking about adding this to my fall wardrobe.</div>
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<a href="https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/kobi-halperin-kailyn-floral-v-neck-3-4-sleeve-dress-prod225310214?utm_source=google_shopping&adpos=&scid=scplpsku189350476&sc_intid=sku189350476&ecid=NMCS__GooglePLA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI66m259y-6gIVGaSzCh3WtAwqEAQYASABEgK4gPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Kobi Halperin Leila Dress</a> | Similar: <a href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/kobi-halperin-kailyn-floral-dress?ID=3544195&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=83615745302&CATCI=pla-848667689490&cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-tROAS_FOB_Campaign-_-dresses-_-889783169025USA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI--Xrlt2-6gIVBI7ICh0bWgv6EAQYAiABEgJ1zfD_BwE" target="_blank">Kobi Halperin Kailyn Floral Dress</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.elietahari.com/products/hellen-dress?variant=33549187842185" target="_blank">Elie Tahari Hellen Dress</a> or <a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-my/shop/product/elie-tahari/dresses/knee-length-dress/hellen-belted-floral-print-georgette-shirt-dress/7751388225917960" target="_blank">Elie Tahari Hellen Dress on Outnet</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/nanette-lepore-scarf-printed-long-sleeve-silk-shirtdress-prod228970023" target="_blank">Similar collar floral dress</a></div>
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How gorgeous is this blue and black dress? It was made for me, but I can't find it anywhere. I really love the belt they paired with it on the show.</div>
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<a href="https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/rebecca-taylor-blush-rose-floral-dress/product/0400011673921?ranMID=13816&ranEAID=*2nGiS3mv0Y&ranSiteID=.2nGiS3mv0Y-MCvtkD.vlxlMsJcuo3Dacg&site_refer=AFF001&mid=13816&siteID=.2nGiS3mv0Y-MCvtkD.vlxlMsJcuo3Dacg&LSoid=778426&LSlinkid=10&LScreativeid=1" target="_blank">Rebecca Taylor Blush Rose Floral Dress</a> | <a href="https://peggyli.com/products/carved-floral-heart-necklace?_pos=1&_sid=141f554dc&_ss=r&variant=29395357139038" target="_blank">Peggy Li Heart Necklace</a></div>
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Similar Blouse with Same Print: <a href="https://www.saksoff5th.com/product/rebecca-taylor-blush-rose-floral-blouse-0400012489685.html?ranMID=38801&ranEAID=*2nGiS3mv0Y&ranSiteID=.2nGiS3mv0Y-_PDmOxb0NzA.JE0FAhBDew&site_refer=AFF001&mid=38801&siteID=.2nGiS3mv0Y-_PDmOxb0NzA.JE0FAhBDew" target="_blank">Rebecca Taylor</a></div>
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<a href="https://buddhawear.com/collections/pants" target="_blank">Buddha Wear Pants</a></div>
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Similar Tie Dye Joggers - <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/topshop-tie-dye-jogger-pants/5670745?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results%2FWomen%27s%20Clothing&color=blue" target="_blank">Topshop</a> | Target Tie Dye Joggers - Under $25 - <a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-tie-dye-high-rise-vintage-sweatpants-wild-fable/-/A-79781491?preselect=79722729#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target </a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-24987228952203799192020-05-23T16:41:00.001-04:002020-05-23T16:59:20.769-04:00Homemade Banana Bread Recipe - Joanna Gaines Magnolia Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love a warm sweet treat with a glass of milk in the evening. What is great about this banana bread is you can also eat it as breakfast, snack... It is a very moist bread thanks to the 4-5 ripened mashed bananas. This recipe is f<span style="text-align: center;">rom Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Table Volume One, but I added some very small changes I did, as I have made this banana bread several times. I always have a bunch of bananas at home because I enjoying eat one for breakfast, or mashed up in my oatmeal or when I make an afternoon smoothie. I save about 4-5 to make this recipe.</span></div>
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<b>Homemade Banana Bread</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Makes 8 Servings</span></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b></div>
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+ 8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, melted and cooled <i>(I used 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons olive oil)</i></div>
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+ 1 cup packed light brown sugar</div>
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+ 2 large eggs, beaten</div>
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+ 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract <i>(I substituted with maple syrup, as I did not have vanilla)</i></div>
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+ 4 to 5 very ripe bananas, mashed </div>
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+ 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour</div>
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+ 1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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+ ½ teaspoon kosher salt</div>
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+ ½ cup chopped pecans <i>(I substituted with 1 cup of chocolate chips)</i></div>
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+ 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar as needed<i> (this will be used on top of the batter once in the pan)</i></div>
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<b>Directions</b></div>
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8 x 8-inch pan with nonstick baking spray or line it with parchment paper. I always line my pans with parchment paper, such an easy way to clean up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns-9COrkHAtV18v_zt8MPADy4jYR8aCEJd9mKqNyruQlNWpmpAmCtXCuvO86AQ1NR2JS4JXFDCZi2f236pSvTeYhYThKJSoQySyDcHCfjwgVWiMtcx9CQaydvawFPBQHLYpG2u7BQ20Q/s1600/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns-9COrkHAtV18v_zt8MPADy4jYR8aCEJd9mKqNyruQlNWpmpAmCtXCuvO86AQ1NR2JS4JXFDCZi2f236pSvTeYhYThKJSoQySyDcHCfjwgVWiMtcx9CQaydvawFPBQHLYpG2u7BQ20Q/s640/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In a in a large bowl beat together the butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended. Next, add the baking soda and salt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd_zXPu2dnMe45uwq1w6gTJqaVXA-mpmnHzJvd1bLMLblHlWBtbjI4f7FuUFdBDC13ng1BzlyYE7u_WVIvvHpY3TNiOboW6hNCFJwMf06Ky-oVeDrK47mUZaOFMwwnju-_cl3sVXn-vk/s1600/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd_zXPu2dnMe45uwq1w6gTJqaVXA-mpmnHzJvd1bLMLblHlWBtbjI4f7FuUFdBDC13ng1BzlyYE7u_WVIvvHpY3TNiOboW6hNCFJwMf06Ky-oVeDrK47mUZaOFMwwnju-_cl3sVXn-vk/s640/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add the mashed bananas and mix until combined.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgBhphwKIrWrM8cqRIqZCiMdPGtPlPV_SLW7aydTpmZVRTBuL-BPlWGXRP2nEkGV_TDygJG6eAN1S0JSepzWlUsj2rmiTQukAQ9bdOxhXr6nMLf2xBaOEWsvOWgCWOJPXsWF48jKKY4k/s1600/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgBhphwKIrWrM8cqRIqZCiMdPGtPlPV_SLW7aydTpmZVRTBuL-BPlWGXRP2nEkGV_TDygJG6eAN1S0JSepzWlUsj2rmiTQukAQ9bdOxhXr6nMLf2xBaOEWsvOWgCWOJPXsWF48jKKY4k/s640/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add the flour to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveMKQpXgYTi8dYpOFhTs_3My4kh8K_N93S5q7PuAgINo7FB8D-PW5hl9X2hNM6cPrloowd7INn-CxKnAAuA6hdDLvoFFVkA64O2pBKtKxW8WQPGmI4cBLwXtpsemwO-J-NJqb8B3lemk/s1600/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveMKQpXgYTi8dYpOFhTs_3My4kh8K_N93S5q7PuAgINo7FB8D-PW5hl9X2hNM6cPrloowd7INn-CxKnAAuA6hdDLvoFFVkA64O2pBKtKxW8WQPGmI4cBLwXtpsemwO-J-NJqb8B3lemk/s640/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+14.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add the pecans or chocolate chips if you are using either, and mix until combined.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAkMhAwmtGwV3kYxn5wvqMsC6BZzmNagXUpgxw6y4YcfRGYHsvuz_XeLp0KImFtq6fllCYOPFV9lKPXp0wcihaZelP4N-ECuL8XYhNMWy4KxMSUbftNRy0Fljc-0TkfrVgo6jJYAcexc/s1600/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAkMhAwmtGwV3kYxn5wvqMsC6BZzmNagXUpgxw6y4YcfRGYHsvuz_XeLp0KImFtq6fllCYOPFV9lKPXp0wcihaZelP4N-ECuL8XYhNMWy4KxMSUbftNRy0Fljc-0TkfrVgo6jJYAcexc/s640/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+18.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the sugar over the entire surface.</div>
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Bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. </div>
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Let the bread cool slightly in the pan on a rack. When completely cooled, cover the pan with foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Makes 8 servings. I usually eat a slice right away because I enjoy a freshly baked bread. I enjoy it with a cup of milk while reading a book. Such as delightful treat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFOjjsia2_-swShH5o_FnIJXWWjMEa3H_s2AC985t1GDDr14ALTg38AIZdEpPDDjqlr0CDJmbBQ1H0kIL9PSDx895RxCpTGIoY42zAamvTVnr-1clF2OJzel6U_SiIxGZkCYYwEWTW2I/s1600/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFOjjsia2_-swShH5o_FnIJXWWjMEa3H_s2AC985t1GDDr14ALTg38AIZdEpPDDjqlr0CDJmbBQ1H0kIL9PSDx895RxCpTGIoY42zAamvTVnr-1clF2OJzel6U_SiIxGZkCYYwEWTW2I/s640/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQfearlaLc_MQyLX64J9mBFK-t9RGCPVEeGiUqbh2Y3ifRpG2NiWqBjuJsd0-6lwL6AExbVcbxJHQYIBe_I4nEGf4bFqT13F1VmXwsIrGv9-_KYqUXM4q6mEDc7CoCCEp-35tJJ0i178/s1600/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQfearlaLc_MQyLX64J9mBFK-t9RGCPVEeGiUqbh2Y3ifRpG2NiWqBjuJsd0-6lwL6AExbVcbxJHQYIBe_I4nEGf4bFqT13F1VmXwsIrGv9-_KYqUXM4q6mEDc7CoCCEp-35tJJ0i178/s640/joanna+gaines+cookbook+Banana+Bread+Recipe+24.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So good. I have tried many banana bread recipes, and this one is my go to. It is a favorite and I highly recommend it. I have not tried it with pecans, but I have tried it with chopped walnuts and it is equally delicious, but I love chocolate, so chocolate chips is my go to. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-49926968283919185702020-04-27T22:03:00.000-04:002020-05-06T22:14:10.985-04:00Sephora Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY5o7QtpEQRjDQJrrb0TbJteP1ooapVAqplss3C0rWUS-GlBpUzRhZcZ9S14VwQGuWwZxMb0nYINwZ6c22gkIVcNvvEOd5WvXqG79m6gjDEh9wb9dNlTDwYgaZGAI8kSzU1G343xDyfA/s1600/Sephora+Sale+Rouge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY5o7QtpEQRjDQJrrb0TbJteP1ooapVAqplss3C0rWUS-GlBpUzRhZcZ9S14VwQGuWwZxMb0nYINwZ6c22gkIVcNvvEOd5WvXqG79m6gjDEh9wb9dNlTDwYgaZGAI8kSzU1G343xDyfA/s640/Sephora+Sale+Rouge.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
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I wanted to share what I currently own and what I just recently purchased from the Sephora Sale.</div>
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<b>What I own:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/iconic-photo-finish-foundation-primer-mini-P422463?" target="_blank">SMASHBOX Photo Finish Foundation Primer</a> - I didn't use primer before, but I received a small sample of this and put it on over my sunscreen/moisturizer, but under my makeup and it completely changed my makeup. It lasted longer and really gave it a clear canvas to start on and it really does smooth and blurs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/born-this-way-super-coverage-multi-use-sculpting-concealer-P432298?skuId=2084424" target="_blank">TOO FACED Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer</a> - I have two, one in Nude and the other in Natural Beige. I wear the nude in the winter and the Natural Beige in the summer or mix them together. It is a thicker concealer and for me provides a lot of coverage which I need because I have dark circles under my eyes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/agave-lip-scrub-P443573" target="_blank">BITE BEAUTY Agave+ Weekly Vegan Lip Scrub</a> - In the winter I have really dry lips and I use this scrub 2 times a week and I notice a huge difference.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/brow-wiz-P202633?skuId=1621937" target="_blank">ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brow Wiz</a> - I have tried many eyebrow pencils and though this is a bit costly, I keep going back to this one. I have had issues of the brush breaking off in my makeup bag, which has frustrated me, but the retractable pencil is so good, I haven't found a better replacement.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/monsieur-big-mascara-P419848" target="_blank">LANCÔME Monsieur Big Mascara</a> - My absolutely favorite mascara. I have tried so many, but I keep going back to this one. It lengthens and makes my eyelashes look thicker. I also use the waterproof version, I use one coat of it over this mascara and that keeps the curl in my eyelashes when I use the below eyelash curler.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/the-eyelash-curler-P404820" target="_blank">KEVYN AUCOIN The Eyelash Curler </a>- Like many things on this list, I have tried quite a bit of varieties, but these are ones I have been using for a long time and love. I have used so many eyelash curlers, I have tried the "very best" to some reasonably priced ones, and this one has been my favorite for over a year.<br />
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B<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/hoola-matte-bronzer-P290636?skuId=513234" target="_blank">ENEFIT COSMETICS Hoola Matte Bronzer</a> - I use the color "Hoola", which is a natural bronze color. I also use it for contouring. I have also tried many bronzers and this one is always highly recommended. I really like and it does the job, and I haven't found one to replace it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/bareminerals-original-foundation-broad-spectrum-spf-15-P61003?skuId=1922509" target="_blank">BAREMINERALS Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15</a> - I wear it in Tan Nude 17, and it is perfect for my skin tone to give me a little natural sun kiss look. It also is a buildable foundation. I use it over my concealer, and it gives my skin a natural and luminous finish. I love that it has SPF 15, so I use this again mid-day to re-apply my sunscreen.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/the-face-illuminating-self-tan-drops-P424988?skuId=2012334" target="_blank">TAN-LUXE THE FACE Illuminating Self-Tan Drops </a>- I have been using these drops for over a year. I have it in Medium/Dark color. And I can honestly say these are amazing. I use about 5-6 drops in my sunscreen moisturizer in the morning and I have a sun tan glow by late morning and it lasts for days. The first few times I used it, I was asked by several people "Where did you go?" They thought I just came back from vacation. Now they are just used to me being tan, because I use these drops every few days. A bottle lasts as you just need a few drops, at least I do because I am naturally olive.<br />
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<b>What I just bought:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/self-tanning-drops-P431180?skuId=2078327&icid2=products%20grid:p431180:product" target="_blank">ISLE OF PARADISE Self Tanning Drops</a> - I bought this in Dark to try it out because I heard such great things about it. I am a Tan-Luxe devotee and have been using it for over a year and love it. Isle of Paradise is almost half the cost of Tan Luxe for about the same amount, and works the same way, add a few drops to your moisturizer. I add it to my sunscreen. I also love that it is clean and green.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/microdermabrasion-age-defying-exfoliator-P45503" target="_blank">DR. BRANDT SKINCARE microdermabrasion age defying exfoliator</a> - I tried exfoliator in a mini and it is gentle. I use it to exfoliate 1-2 a weeks, usually a day or two before I use the Tan-Luxe Self-Tan drops. I also love that it is free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/naked-petite-heat-P429049?icid2=products%20grid:p429049:product" target="_blank">URBAN DECAY Naked Petite Heat</a> - I love the colors of this palette. They are perfect for fall and summer. I have not used it yet, but I am looking forward it. I have a lot of Urban Decay palettes and their mini versions are my favorites.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/tatcha-the-kissu-lip-mask-P453225" target="_blank">TATCHA The Kissu Lip Mask</a> - I plan on using this right after the Bite Agave lip scrub I use twice a week.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/creamy-eye-treatment-with-avocado-P422000?skuId=1988823" target="_blank">KIEHL'S SINCE 1851 Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado</a> - This is a hydrating eye cream made from avocado oil and shea butter. I have used this in the past and loved it. It says you can use this a a five-minute under-eye mask and then wipe it off, but I put it on a night before bed and leave it on under my eyes all night.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/retractable-waterproof-eyeliner-P230234" target="_blank">SEPHORA COLLECTION Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner</a> - I got this in Black. I have been trying to find a good retractable eyeliner to use on my waterline. All the ones I have used usually fade after a few hours. I am hoping this one has the staying power I need.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/stay-all-day-waterproof-liquid-eye-liner-P253818" target="_blank">STILA Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner </a>- I have a mini sample in Intense Black, which is a jet black, and it is such a great eye liner to make a cat eye, which I wear consistently. It is long lasting and has a perfect size to make a wing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/kush-mascara-P429903?icid2=products%20grid:p429903:product" target="_blank">MILK MAKEUP KUSH High Volume Mascara</a> - I tried a sample of this and this is the closest to the Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara. It has a lot of volume, it really lengthens the lashes. I also love that it is clean and green.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-50232346444359980882020-04-18T20:27:00.000-04:002020-05-06T22:22:35.507-04:00My new favorite cookie - Alton Brown's Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yrwMP7bPgL4KsnVVJF2C41JEfP81-VqzljOkTVp6NsmkwW-1CBfGTAKDJ5CesTq6Dg0Q7PIXGYrQGHTtZ9NqyA6SxDyCmXyA-0ujNQW8CV7vIMOva_zjQWG3R_Q4BQo_9z9ezwOXSho/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yrwMP7bPgL4KsnVVJF2C41JEfP81-VqzljOkTVp6NsmkwW-1CBfGTAKDJ5CesTq6Dg0Q7PIXGYrQGHTtZ9NqyA6SxDyCmXyA-0ujNQW8CV7vIMOva_zjQWG3R_Q4BQo_9z9ezwOXSho/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+34.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW3iOUL5wJrUrAtvAMjHY_wKqSb8uSqPtn52Yacm7yPW4dVMJnP_YRIdLLLPhKyO6xeNMySYRl811f2q_6taQ5Bc8u6Nu6VjqTS6-9DqckDimP68NR5Bh-g0eb8roX75YrjWXJYIM248/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW3iOUL5wJrUrAtvAMjHY_wKqSb8uSqPtn52Yacm7yPW4dVMJnP_YRIdLLLPhKyO6xeNMySYRl811f2q_6taQ5Bc8u6Nu6VjqTS6-9DqckDimP68NR5Bh-g0eb8roX75YrjWXJYIM248/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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During Covid-19, we have been staying at home. I have the essentials, luckily, flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. And with those you can make lots of things. Mostly baked goods. This has been a time for me to experiment and try new recipes. And I thought this would be a good time to find the ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie.<br />
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I have had my share of chocolate chip cookies. I have always loved cookies. I have quite the sweet tooth. As a child, like most, I would enjoy eating my cookies with milk. Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, graham crackers, and all cookies alike would be dipped in milk and thoroughly enjoyed while I sat on the floor watching a movie.<br />
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Not much has changed. I still love eating cookies and my boyfriend absolutely loves chocolate chip cookies. He likes them soft, chewy and filled of chocolate chips. As I have gotten older, I like my cookies crisp on the outside and soft and chewy in the inside.<br />
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I have tried countless recipes over the years searching for the perfect cookie. For years I used the recipe on the back of the Ghirardelli chocolate chip bags. It was our favorite cookie for years. It was classic and still is. It is one of my favorites. It can be a soft and chewy cookie if left in the oven for a short amount of time or crispy if left in the oven longer.<br />
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Yet, I have always been on the hunt to see if there could be even a better recipe. And I found it! It is from Alton Brown and if you love a soft, chewy cookie filled of chocolate chips this is the recipe for you. His recipe differs then moust<br />
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<b>Ingredients </b><i>(Adapted from <a href="https://altonbrown.com/the-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe/" target="_blank">Alton Brown</a>)</i><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 sticks unsalted butter <i>(Sometimes I just use 1 and half sticks)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 1/4 cups of bread flour <i>(I didn't have bread flour, so I used 2 cups of all-purpose flour. He indicates that bread flour will be even more chewy. I had great success with using all-purpose. If you try this with bread flour, let me know how this goes.)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 egg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 egg yolk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup white sugar </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup brown sugar <i>(His <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vph5hJTvnP8" target="_blank">video</a> shows 1 and 1/4 cup, but his site says 1 cup. I used 1 cup)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span><i> (I didn't have any, so I substituted with maple syrup)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons milk <i>(I used non-fat milk or 2%. milk and both worked perfectly)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups of chocolate chips <i>(I added dark chocolate and semi-sweet milk chocolate chips)</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<b>Instructions </b><br />
<i>Makes about 24 cookies (depending on the size of your cookies).</i><br />
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- Heat oven to 375 degrees.<br />
- Melt the 2 sticks of butter in a saucepan (remember I usually just use about 1 1/2 sticks, your preference) or in a microwave bowl. It doesn't have to be completely melted, but very very soft.</div>
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- In a large bowl mix the 1 cup of brown sugar and the 1/4 cup of white sugar, then pour all the butter in the bowl and mix it with the sugars very well until creamy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-ce6Qrgmn13o3Wx01ZwvasP9RD92VPp3Y7yohCoUfwr5DOg_5FBH8Zs3-I4_MZiyXnnhjdLi0CjbqawY4c1xude4tdF5NSxIm0jloE3OASMsiEfNoTmp3WavhNK9a8i6AwXl4P_ajtk/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-ce6Qrgmn13o3Wx01ZwvasP9RD92VPp3Y7yohCoUfwr5DOg_5FBH8Zs3-I4_MZiyXnnhjdLi0CjbqawY4c1xude4tdF5NSxIm0jloE3OASMsiEfNoTmp3WavhNK9a8i6AwXl4P_ajtk/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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- Add the 1 egg and 1 egg yolk and mix it, add <span style="background-color: white;">1 1/2 teaspoons of </span>vanilla extract (I used maple syrup) until well blended with the sugars and butters, as shown in the above photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HhKMQLiwtKcH0dhOqcJBPrKyF0B9tbCxJfqmFa1vYcxIL2eGqb5y9ldfVmUPpgNi8ko4XvXbLCubtAjYmX9OLtosC0o1Buj_ZS6ZmvwRj6Pjo20jxlVqebAUzxOwQ3zHMc0aGVErkgY/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HhKMQLiwtKcH0dhOqcJBPrKyF0B9tbCxJfqmFa1vYcxIL2eGqb5y9ldfVmUPpgNi8ko4XvXbLCubtAjYmX9OLtosC0o1Buj_ZS6ZmvwRj6Pjo20jxlVqebAUzxOwQ3zHMc0aGVErkgY/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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- Add the 2 tablespoons of milk and add the 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt to the bowl and mix it.<br />
<i>Note: In Alton's recipe he says to mix the baking soda and salt in the flour. In my experience, when I mix the baking soda and salt in the flour, even with the most mixing and using a mixer, I sometimes can taste the baking soda in the baked cookie, so I include the salt and baking soda with the wet ingredients and never had a problem again. The other difference is that Alton used a table mixer, but I just used mix it with my spatula by hand.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-d4zeM-DzoyH_Tv9hDNJlEd4mL_Boqd7DLLg1gK_-mdicocGmpRh_WfV56jwB7BO_dVNqRsHcMfA-P4liTV0XX1acIa6tjg7odpEt6z0QBzpSbA7o01mCWPTmloWLVilLPgHPgPL57k/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-d4zeM-DzoyH_Tv9hDNJlEd4mL_Boqd7DLLg1gK_-mdicocGmpRh_WfV56jwB7BO_dVNqRsHcMfA-P4liTV0XX1acIa6tjg7odpEt6z0QBzpSbA7o01mCWPTmloWLVilLPgHPgPL57k/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5Lnz-F5u3krHeG9gsxXHlsawUD6V92cjcbDCdX4oBjO10S3gwEifOGGegSA3XUyuU8qUhRhjOw_gQDXRRS3tpaOS5GsUXb2HGYjgxyz9miwCsI0GS6mLh-ja34WWJ80QoQYGgDIKtok/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5Lnz-F5u3krHeG9gsxXHlsawUD6V92cjcbDCdX4oBjO10S3gwEifOGGegSA3XUyuU8qUhRhjOw_gQDXRRS3tpaOS5GsUXb2HGYjgxyz9miwCsI0GS6mLh-ja34WWJ80QoQYGgDIKtok/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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- Next add the 2 1/4 cups of flour little by little until completely combined.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOa8B9ptcuVcqURMxwD6IkbM6Yqx-GMDUM_dJXBWD9v0Ac6DKPAyIt_FWNcC0O0TSddnIjrDAq5NP3Z260_oLQdeMxMgO5gLOT1q5zQQ2q5xhZX4BlBb_rzOLUHEIVZNYQJGfUNrHQlXs/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOa8B9ptcuVcqURMxwD6IkbM6Yqx-GMDUM_dJXBWD9v0Ac6DKPAyIt_FWNcC0O0TSddnIjrDAq5NP3Z260_oLQdeMxMgO5gLOT1q5zQQ2q5xhZX4BlBb_rzOLUHEIVZNYQJGfUNrHQlXs/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+chip+Cookies+14.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />- Add the 2 cups of chocolate chips and combine it. I sometimes use a little more. I make sure it looks even. Chill the dough in the fridge for about an hour. If you do not have an hour, at least chill it for 20-30 minutes. This holds the cookie up in the oven, so it does not go completely flat, unless you want the cookie to spread quickly in the oven - it's your cookie, you do what you want to do : ) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfw7ALgY57p05AB0a42E_ST-PTEpJ3Mdb5oa0e18jA0aZdn2AoQDlG5Cx6IWsBuAk4TSjH805nijkIMgdneAt-J7jMOQeBT7Xr3CddgvP4WPXZ7JdCWbU81xvYZbgeBhMSvtJzj-F2BI/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfw7ALgY57p05AB0a42E_ST-PTEpJ3Mdb5oa0e18jA0aZdn2AoQDlG5Cx6IWsBuAk4TSjH805nijkIMgdneAt-J7jMOQeBT7Xr3CddgvP4WPXZ7JdCWbU81xvYZbgeBhMSvtJzj-F2BI/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq2XQO8VtdlVOYZgWpHJ2YTsuLeYvjXFlKj-t-SUwAy1CLF9YwumZ7t_u-cWnXB6u-ULwEBXggXR585ACcwp06_NYTc-2n9TqrOgDPYe8NcLiQcHpbo_6thwaPsJ3tE7tGywvSkgaSuQ/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq2XQO8VtdlVOYZgWpHJ2YTsuLeYvjXFlKj-t-SUwAy1CLF9YwumZ7t_u-cWnXB6u-ULwEBXggXR585ACcwp06_NYTc-2n9TqrOgDPYe8NcLiQcHpbo_6thwaPsJ3tE7tGywvSkgaSuQ/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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- Once chilled, scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheet (it is okay if you do not have parchment paper), 6 cookies per sheet. I used a small ice cream scooper (a large rounded tablespoon).<br />
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- Bake for about 9-10 minutes. This is what worked in my oven, but it might alter on yours. Alton recommends checking after the 5 minutes. He said it might take up to 15 minutes. For me 9 minutes is usually the sweet spot for soft cookies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlokPOFE0k2W-oMk0DEKmHcRGIft5wjYOMJxeM6ohgswlpFuZRQezqg68o7-JaIqMw0dQEbkGAq-AWkO2qZxug8rlgK90gYnQD8LMU03-G4Lxnjz1yBuVVE8K7NTWgjQJblqLNLcDwxVU/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlokPOFE0k2W-oMk0DEKmHcRGIft5wjYOMJxeM6ohgswlpFuZRQezqg68o7-JaIqMw0dQEbkGAq-AWkO2qZxug8rlgK90gYnQD8LMU03-G4Lxnjz1yBuVVE8K7NTWgjQJblqLNLcDwxVU/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwAx-cTwoHa8bVWlhMJ1uLkYk3byGezPg821UJ5DrD7ZRSNMszxRaMREmOQr8JbMN4-9XXB2-cYaeTprY3lrPU4QoSBfJTFCs8E6cGze7BCRb6IoLCLs2ZvjCW5ib39m4qIAYG7QNzLU/s1600/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwAx-cTwoHa8bVWlhMJ1uLkYk3byGezPg821UJ5DrD7ZRSNMszxRaMREmOQr8JbMN4-9XXB2-cYaeTprY3lrPU4QoSBfJTFCs8E6cGze7BCRb6IoLCLs2ZvjCW5ib39m4qIAYG7QNzLU/s640/Alton+Brown+Chewy+Chocolate+Chip+Cookies+42.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is a delicious, soft and extra chewy cookie. It comes out as a golden brown perfection. They lasted a few days and even on the last day they were still delicious and chewy. The best homemade cookie I ever made!!<br />
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I recommend taking the first bite after it has cooled for a few minutes out of the oven, so you get to experience the softed melted chocolate chips.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-79701153010763207512020-04-02T09:51:00.000-04:002020-04-02T09:51:45.674-04:00Homemade English Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFV8_v3ZncyyHtkaEBqnNHcE-3Podx8j1VvD77UcG7kiPukW-qqUeYrEEjkAW1_NHzN7g6rlxLmFniLB9nCPmtPwGIwbOWF8aA2cCInk1YCGcCe0Qg5JYA9dkSP2XnfqYSLemy_93n_Y/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFV8_v3ZncyyHtkaEBqnNHcE-3Podx8j1VvD77UcG7kiPukW-qqUeYrEEjkAW1_NHzN7g6rlxLmFniLB9nCPmtPwGIwbOWF8aA2cCInk1YCGcCe0Qg5JYA9dkSP2XnfqYSLemy_93n_Y/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3Oizz_ldzvOfIjOWvvSHgwfLRXTI47ZAMMaqwBW-bcUM_FzROVuASHZ1eiX6i6qnVcYLWk7Nj324w6JCODwQI5irG44Type5zRm5hy7gOkNA-jPvfWzEX7ZQcYh3DA17sARvy4RcOig/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3Oizz_ldzvOfIjOWvvSHgwfLRXTI47ZAMMaqwBW-bcUM_FzROVuASHZ1eiX6i6qnVcYLWk7Nj324w6JCODwQI5irG44Type5zRm5hy7gOkNA-jPvfWzEX7ZQcYh3DA17sARvy4RcOig/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love english muffins. I usually start my morning toasting a store bought english muffin and spreading once slice with jam and the other slice with peanut butter. They are so versatile, they can used for breakfast, think egg sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, toasted with butter, or as a quick lunch with avocado or mini pizzas. The ideas are endless. </div>
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Recently, I was not able to purchase english muffins, and it finally motivated me to make my own. I have been wanting to for the longest time. I found a video from Living Traditions Homestead and tried out their recipe. It was so quick and easy. I shared their recipe and video below. I only make homemade english muffins now.</div>
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Recipe from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tY0qlIt8s4M" target="_blank">Living Traditions Homestead</a></div>
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1 ¼ cup warm water</div>
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1 Tbsp. Sugar</div>
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1 Tsp. Yeast</div>
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2 Tbsp. Melted Butter or Oil</div>
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2 ¾ Cups flour (Plus a little extra)</div>
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1 tsp. Salt</div>
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Cornmeal for dusting (optional)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsKLmlFj5yB2TPOpgbXLW_4hCrpqgU0Q1MPuHdZk0UXgSBQiI12wGILvPdZ79woPGaMdfDp0LRjJo3iWZr8vIzDyxxgDli4NaOCAQ7ChDYdAYS2hNfv7fhEmxCv4TZkrmsVrYNDk8C60/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsKLmlFj5yB2TPOpgbXLW_4hCrpqgU0Q1MPuHdZk0UXgSBQiI12wGILvPdZ79woPGaMdfDp0LRjJo3iWZr8vIzDyxxgDli4NaOCAQ7ChDYdAYS2hNfv7fhEmxCv4TZkrmsVrYNDk8C60/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mix warm water and sugar in a large bowl and sprinkle yeast on top. Let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqVHCTVjpbOyAuZw1LFU4I8Wd6kxcObvzNE_lbdioaebPuUzObSbprvkN1TjUselEm9qt2kR2MbLKqKEjRWcqEJQUwLZu4OCz9yshcAxTmUukZmtA_ssvlLiDF93mNcXfKI04rVXE5eA/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqVHCTVjpbOyAuZw1LFU4I8Wd6kxcObvzNE_lbdioaebPuUzObSbprvkN1TjUselEm9qt2kR2MbLKqKEjRWcqEJQUwLZu4OCz9yshcAxTmUukZmtA_ssvlLiDF93mNcXfKI04rVXE5eA/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add oil and salt to mixture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKFTww_UOUSV-VyENASp28ZAA-xWKiPlOl90jlDA0Kxkn68IRN1LPmaxGF1NxtjJ1VehUq70WxhTwgEAQaFSAck5kx8ze3fbZCFESej1_h787AcKFj5DARJiJNfu8dsQ70q6WnbXh2aU/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKFTww_UOUSV-VyENASp28ZAA-xWKiPlOl90jlDA0Kxkn68IRN1LPmaxGF1NxtjJ1VehUq70WxhTwgEAQaFSAck5kx8ze3fbZCFESej1_h787AcKFj5DARJiJNfu8dsQ70q6WnbXh2aU/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then add in the flour until it is only slightly sticky. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy_QaBrvmaIQ3SadlfZMAxgPAJ0dBQduLxNWHiTNrcJybGaNAqHnDPJEhXAspwAivDRPrP-CYLjYH584aUZU52Grzh8FPUC-sosIpZCv0dQxqR1qoVHwTn6y1uBMBCoaMHPlUfzRx3sE/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLy_QaBrvmaIQ3SadlfZMAxgPAJ0dBQduLxNWHiTNrcJybGaNAqHnDPJEhXAspwAivDRPrP-CYLjYH584aUZU52Grzh8FPUC-sosIpZCv0dQxqR1qoVHwTn6y1uBMBCoaMHPlUfzRx3sE/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can put the dough on floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes. I left it in the bowl and continued to knead it in the bowl. Add flour if necessary to stop dough from sticking to kneading surface.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKXWopuezGyUNg2UlrbdavQHvq2SoGy_3v7pebQ-TbtjEggszOPH84XNLdvJaT69tU3RS4Hze2RhnvS7Erj97Vt6U-XQxdEINsjHfbYYvjSqiCd2wguEh4IGg1JJ7CzR_ke0TpuoOolE/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKXWopuezGyUNg2UlrbdavQHvq2SoGy_3v7pebQ-TbtjEggszOPH84XNLdvJaT69tU3RS4Hze2RhnvS7Erj97Vt6U-XQxdEINsjHfbYYvjSqiCd2wguEh4IGg1JJ7CzR_ke0TpuoOolE/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Using another bowl, put the dough into an oiled bowl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElu7x6ZI1ueV6vP9i-2lhcGQygPi-mU2fZ73xP6unxmUOdbk0vMIqPxZTzWPmUH-tK_GrnYS3wcqLDeO-FbRXrXnS7F-lG_Nv-jdVRE2qNckmPS98BG6QAM9dtIeYjBAW_QKuEuPwwfw/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElu7x6ZI1ueV6vP9i-2lhcGQygPi-mU2fZ73xP6unxmUOdbk0vMIqPxZTzWPmUH-tK_GrnYS3wcqLDeO-FbRXrXnS7F-lG_Nv-jdVRE2qNckmPS98BG6QAM9dtIeYjBAW_QKuEuPwwfw/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+28.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cover with a towel until the dough has doubled in size. About 1 hour. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqzQP4nGIY1xD75ZUvtyrp-ihP153n_HghxQFmDEG1vP1X6fT3VKfR1ibGxSczU7Lal1btLeBQ2yGrQF5xBKIRtVKYh6HqtUbXSabzCjSCZj1BCebs37CQs5DuZ3kIXZgEKIz__UBLnA/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqzQP4nGIY1xD75ZUvtyrp-ihP153n_HghxQFmDEG1vP1X6fT3VKfR1ibGxSczU7Lal1btLeBQ2yGrQF5xBKIRtVKYh6HqtUbXSabzCjSCZj1BCebs37CQs5DuZ3kIXZgEKIz__UBLnA/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Make sure the room is nice and warm while it is rising. As you can see from the above photo, it doubled in size.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHagk04Xq4jof2rzlJFMIKpbVMy4fwFo_Jk0kX2MpxL1FvCrE18KX4OqFVrmAOd3ejfg1ZdkyddBiXuieNr0tSEhzba8fGhRtqn1QW1Q7BVEQ_FZxvSsxRouvE5Z1Tdo2fraH-LuXvWkM/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHagk04Xq4jof2rzlJFMIKpbVMy4fwFo_Jk0kX2MpxL1FvCrE18KX4OqFVrmAOd3ejfg1ZdkyddBiXuieNr0tSEhzba8fGhRtqn1QW1Q7BVEQ_FZxvSsxRouvE5Z1Tdo2fraH-LuXvWkM/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlOV3RFoiV29Jx5gTl4T-jbNV-5fVH7oxU38b46HMv4RajHP5Sf9Epbu7PJ3Jd9BBWkD00xcvOUyZurlK5yUU2MqZqxlR3CsqesdJrPye4e8NxGqWA7abT7D6ueOyiDHX8omezAg-MBo/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlOV3RFoiV29Jx5gTl4T-jbNV-5fVH7oxU38b46HMv4RajHP5Sf9Epbu7PJ3Jd9BBWkD00xcvOUyZurlK5yUU2MqZqxlR3CsqesdJrPye4e8NxGqWA7abT7D6ueOyiDHX8omezAg-MBo/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After it has risen, knead the dough a couple times and then using my hands I flattened the dough, not completely, it was still thick. I then used a cup to cut the circles out. I made exactly 10 with the dough, no left over dough.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKzHSLB4P0Xu3shD1Cbx8oFr1pO_xfwGHgkhrozoAJhYckbIQRyJ3Lp-sro1AEbMIZGI0qYK81KBWOlXgCmQKONbSVTqFNhtfj6ESgPw3K2U61S3IxLpw0guyoFjlPgzoWeK7DNAO4II/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1000" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKzHSLB4P0Xu3shD1Cbx8oFr1pO_xfwGHgkhrozoAJhYckbIQRyJ3Lp-sro1AEbMIZGI0qYK81KBWOlXgCmQKONbSVTqFNhtfj6ESgPw3K2U61S3IxLpw0guyoFjlPgzoWeK7DNAO4II/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sprinkle corn meal on a piece of parchment paper and place the dough balls on top. Flatten each ball to about 1 inch tall. Cover with a dish towel, as shown in the above photo, and let rest for 20 more minutes. I did not add corn meal to mine because I did not have any, so it is optional.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kvMs7e_1Wy02DQ0LUfHUfBuAPBALw4OL5RMBy4zXLa5vMvIacDBr_xsQmA-ar2K6OTD_ti_RsXZLRerpoGHt28b3XDaDFOBBeVxB1-L5sQxS2zar0CGMvcBK_jAxxgTqaCD9Mk7qShc/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kvMs7e_1Wy02DQ0LUfHUfBuAPBALw4OL5RMBy4zXLa5vMvIacDBr_xsQmA-ar2K6OTD_ti_RsXZLRerpoGHt28b3XDaDFOBBeVxB1-L5sQxS2zar0CGMvcBK_jAxxgTqaCD9Mk7qShc/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Heat a frying pan on low heat and lightly oil. You may need to adjust the heat, but you want to leave them in there slowly "baking" / "cooking". I had to increase the temperature to go them dark brown on each side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rLBlHzLJswmZrI2jJ7hoXnkomhMV5CNTMSzvDbGURhCdMRElevY7x56RyZvViC2Yzg5QJS2H4tre1B5mt-wFYmLiaMN-3Mo9eGGs6fqhda2ybLQS8iz8OsPH_yWC_p8_7lx0_2gUdhs/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1000" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rLBlHzLJswmZrI2jJ7hoXnkomhMV5CNTMSzvDbGURhCdMRElevY7x56RyZvViC2Yzg5QJS2H4tre1B5mt-wFYmLiaMN-3Mo9eGGs6fqhda2ybLQS8iz8OsPH_yWC_p8_7lx0_2gUdhs/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+19.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilei2hmyTxNye0qsPN1mxka66qJzY_DGsvbFCslmixRHcg44PUk7mUDRiy5S_Cc24uXD7knXBwIQv7RPHAx2pWfjW8WhYGy6M3cKcVK8-6Vq8JEB6vmRyftc6X7EuVDkhS0cawiVRuzzw/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins+23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1000" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilei2hmyTxNye0qsPN1mxka66qJzY_DGsvbFCslmixRHcg44PUk7mUDRiy5S_Cc24uXD7knXBwIQv7RPHAx2pWfjW8WhYGy6M3cKcVK8-6Vq8JEB6vmRyftc6X7EuVDkhS0cawiVRuzzw/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins+23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Place as many of the muffins in the pan as you can and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until brown </div>
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on the bottom. Flip and cook another 5-7 minutes or until done. Some recipes recommended browning for a few minutes on each side using the skillet and then baking them in the oven at 200 degrees for 10 minutes, to ensure the inside is baked. I simply cooked them on the skillet for about 10 minutes on each side and if the bottoms did not brown, I cranked the heat to medium so that they could get brown.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr645SCHngWGiiq2apdf4ZPFXB2ZUTbC9ZLa29P9LmqBHN0NspSTQXg0mt1qCZyfL2ivWY6hURSRdtaH-C7fnZiftwnLkMnMszPB8AiHfjCQhfXbRKbpnVhiWpILfy3pfqxBpkXHIO4U/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr645SCHngWGiiq2apdf4ZPFXB2ZUTbC9ZLa29P9LmqBHN0NspSTQXg0mt1qCZyfL2ivWY6hURSRdtaH-C7fnZiftwnLkMnMszPB8AiHfjCQhfXbRKbpnVhiWpILfy3pfqxBpkXHIO4U/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I cooled them off on a cookie rack. And this is how they look.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dlqhUZ3J3MnP_WhDWvGHkvqACJBzMB16GPE_8BL8dhw-MOdoIScPe6eRxuX6cw9_UFivAt74XIa95lwvwaWyqIYiBp8GF2k2GSCJ5Z7wf-YG64dn_fB0lXa7hGC8tTsyEmnvRa-cRbg/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1000" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dlqhUZ3J3MnP_WhDWvGHkvqACJBzMB16GPE_8BL8dhw-MOdoIScPe6eRxuX6cw9_UFivAt74XIa95lwvwaWyqIYiBp8GF2k2GSCJ5Z7wf-YG64dn_fB0lXa7hGC8tTsyEmnvRa-cRbg/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+18.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once completely cooled, use a fork to split them open. I read that you do not want to use a knife to slice them open. Using a fork to split them open provides the "english muffin" appearance with the nooks, as seen in the photo above. You can toast them in a toaster and serve them with your choice of toppings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlR-gBsoB-ait4QKXd_C6OzwH9W1L9-o_p0zA4ze8kohxsWhj-_MDBVwo8t56DGQYBeA1pJ5gzh1rPgmXhs1GLHhUYA3kLHc0-uHhMito2SHgY67kJXEKTjLc4A382dgw02yFF3gguA8/s1600/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlR-gBsoB-ait4QKXd_C6OzwH9W1L9-o_p0zA4ze8kohxsWhj-_MDBVwo8t56DGQYBeA1pJ5gzh1rPgmXhs1GLHhUYA3kLHc0-uHhMito2SHgY67kJXEKTjLc4A382dgw02yFF3gguA8/s640/Homemade+English+Muffins++Skillet+30.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoy! I hope these come out great for you. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-1866001921891496102020-03-28T16:14:00.000-04:002020-04-02T09:53:30.789-04:00Women Denim Overalls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvfhD3BcYaMiaMsDz5_MfHiL1hErUhWLg6RPWCQgtIFTdAhLT6c0J-0OJRMRAR3sOXpVGuH8FSSiy9FBdbafy-RQvzTJAkBKqVUqOgtzxfRdzudDYTJWgSawzNNLG37C23CjU0HfnOug/s1600/Review+Women+Denim+Overalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvfhD3BcYaMiaMsDz5_MfHiL1hErUhWLg6RPWCQgtIFTdAhLT6c0J-0OJRMRAR3sOXpVGuH8FSSiy9FBdbafy-RQvzTJAkBKqVUqOgtzxfRdzudDYTJWgSawzNNLG37C23CjU0HfnOug/s1600/Review+Women+Denim+Overalls.png" /></a></div>
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For years I've been searching high and low for denim overalls; looking at photos and reviews online, trying on pairs I would find at the store, but not quite finding "the one". I made it a tiny mission to find one I loved, had good reviews, and had the style I was looking for.</div>
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I wanted them to have a medium wash, have a comfortable/relax fit to them, fitted on top but relaxed on the hips, possibly a few tears to give it a "I've had these forever" look. And I finally found a few pairs that I liked and ordered a few to try on and found some at the store.</div>
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For reference, I am 5'5" and usually wear a size 10/12 for bottoms and 8 for tops, considering this, I have more of a pear shape, I have larger hips and small shoulders. This combination is tough to find good overalls that are flattering because many denim overalls have buttons on the hips that sit right at the largest part of the hips and accentuate them. </div>
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I ended up purchasing denim overalls from the Gap, Target's Universal Thread line and American Eagle (AE) to try on. Below I included my reviews and a few recommendations of other overalls I have found.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLKp3bpUpVjrXCs7xIcZW1Ip1odH5AtnCacHR_c45Vyp6BC0FiV4Y-XWmL8YTflNW9yvy2L50xmnMIKFSv5NrZc8eAmQ8Cd-AX9vmhJn9vBAROB6olkvYJ_fp149C_YLGfoZwhRL1gYY/s1600/American+Eagle+Denim+Overalls+Woman.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLKp3bpUpVjrXCs7xIcZW1Ip1odH5AtnCacHR_c45Vyp6BC0FiV4Y-XWmL8YTflNW9yvy2L50xmnMIKFSv5NrZc8eAmQ8Cd-AX9vmhJn9vBAROB6olkvYJ_fp149C_YLGfoZwhRL1gYY/s1600/American+Eagle+Denim+Overalls+Woman.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/women/bottoms/overalls/stretch-tomgirl-denim-overall/0436_2170_943?nvid=srp%3Adenim%2Boveralls&menu=cat4840004" target="_blank">American Eagle Stretch Tomgirl Denim Overalls</a><br />
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First, I ordered a pair from AE that were constantly sold out, had raving reviews, and was looking forward to their arrival. About a week later I received an email from American Eagle saying they cancelled the order due to not having the inventory to fulfill the order. I never got to try those on, about a year later I found these, pictured above, on their website. I also ordered their 90s Boyfriend Denim Overall in Large, and it was too big and not flattering.</div>
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I got the Stretch Tomgirl in Medium because that is the largest size they had left online and I absolutely love these. They are perfect, so I am keeping them. The adjustable straps aren't too long, so I don't have to move it all the way back like I usually have to and the hips were not too tight. The rips are not overly ripped and are super comfortable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV731Bwtr0t__VlMdk2IDZL8us7I5RajCVpj2fzfKYaDMQs4dHrc2bOv2zMpuB56_oPW-D4Wzl9o6btm5OcabOjSYJ2JHT_vO_0gKLoJxOs06hhcq0-ddihMYDIhis6vofBDoMVtheXM/s1600/Relaxed+Denim+Overalls+Gap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV731Bwtr0t__VlMdk2IDZL8us7I5RajCVpj2fzfKYaDMQs4dHrc2bOv2zMpuB56_oPW-D4Wzl9o6btm5OcabOjSYJ2JHT_vO_0gKLoJxOs06hhcq0-ddihMYDIhis6vofBDoMVtheXM/s1600/Relaxed+Denim+Overalls+Gap.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=256628002&CAWELAID=120280880001522473&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=59544516397&CATCI=pla-531501968098&tid=gppl000013&kwid=1&ap=7&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI96LYmZSD4QIVx5-zCh02NgdqEAQYAyABEgJze_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Gap Relaxed Denim Overalls</a><br />
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In the 90's Gap overalls were No.1 and I remember my sister would create the perfect rips in jeans and denim overalls. She would do it for all her friends. She was the jean whisperer.</div>
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This one did not have any rips. These came in xs - xxl and available petite, regular and tall. I bought these in a regular large as some of the reviews said it ran snug. I tried it on and was not impressed. While the hip was relaxed, which is what I was looking for, the ran short. They are definitely cropped, so regular is a cropped pair to the ankles as I am only 5'5. The problem was that torso area is too long and I had to move the straps all the way up so the back looked funny and lastly the buttons are right on the hip area, and if you have large hips like me, they make them look even bigger. For me, it wasn't flattering at all, but I do have to say they are super comfy. I wish I could keep them just for the comfort, it definitely has a relaxed feel, and I think a medium might improve the overall fit, but I wasn't satisfied enough to try another pair. I think the fit will still not be right. There is something about the long torso and where the hips lays that I don't think will be right at all. If you have a long torso and not big hips then these are for you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFotCc5KQ5f5NubXIDqKgCC_UrZ2wwJ_OZaDI6oIUhhTkPpM3bBA9YpEyGDCsAGNaRV4Eu34TaJcKjNklD4LoVhWH_U7RAd4QZ47MECSGmPUYebeI72aqxYj8-FHO5khAeDBXvEfi3xg/s1600/Target+Universal+Thread+Woman+Denim+Overalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="603" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFotCc5KQ5f5NubXIDqKgCC_UrZ2wwJ_OZaDI6oIUhhTkPpM3bBA9YpEyGDCsAGNaRV4Eu34TaJcKjNklD4LoVhWH_U7RAd4QZ47MECSGmPUYebeI72aqxYj8-FHO5khAeDBXvEfi3xg/s640/Target+Universal+Thread+Woman+Denim+Overalls.png" width="526" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtMN_7vA4vPgQgSVyESuCaWCRkWWkJvq7AaYHSG-mTouglulDNcX2JIOsz8pdsGazhdph4HgbWAnUIvEXUgnXazaXoE8d_yfrGKs4VlqkolXlGfI_3P6bxNWrU5aqUBAZEltgAIMjUoM/s1600/Target+Univeral+Thread+Denim+Overalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtMN_7vA4vPgQgSVyESuCaWCRkWWkJvq7AaYHSG-mTouglulDNcX2JIOsz8pdsGazhdph4HgbWAnUIvEXUgnXazaXoE8d_yfrGKs4VlqkolXlGfI_3P6bxNWrU5aqUBAZEltgAIMjUoM/s640/Target+Univeral+Thread+Denim+Overalls.png" width="544" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-high-rise-cropped-raw-hem-overalls-universal-thread-medium-wash/-/A-77615434?AFID=targetfinds&lnk=finds_targetstyle_B8Sj4-oFBqI" target="_blank">Target Universal Thread High-Rise Cropped Denim Overalls</a><br />
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These are the definite winner. These are my absolute favorite from all the ones I tried. I usually wear a size 10/12 in pants and tried both the 10 and 12 at the store. The 10 is a bit fitter, but not tight and still comfortable and flattering. The size 12 is bigger, and I am thinking of keeping for days I want something really roomy and comfy to relax in. These, surprisingly, got some bad reviews on the Target website, but I am so happy with them. After trying countless denim overalls these are the best looking on my body type. They don't look like they would flatter larger hips and thighs, but I was surprised how flattering they look on my hips. These are frayed and cropped.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQJOJWiZJEKhG6JR4AYl93MHSm4RqVPSZsalwTBM42QxsXo3bZXq7bFYsZVSBcJh_k1JTXu_IEe51nJeJZ01VXAMVaJKMUt89TuNnxcaHeSn31JT4pOemUgq2V1KrQ0k33Egyc-QTSI0/s1600/City+Chic+Denim+Overalls+Plus+Size.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="780" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQJOJWiZJEKhG6JR4AYl93MHSm4RqVPSZsalwTBM42QxsXo3bZXq7bFYsZVSBcJh_k1JTXu_IEe51nJeJZ01VXAMVaJKMUt89TuNnxcaHeSn31JT4pOemUgq2V1KrQ0k33Egyc-QTSI0/s640/City+Chic+Denim+Overalls+Plus+Size.jpeg" width="417" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/city-chic-over-it-all-distressed-denim-overalls-plus-size/3849671?country=US&currency=USD&mrkgcl=760&mrkgadid=3313968836&utm_content=37863773418&utm_term=pla-70093094513&utm_channel=shopping_ret_p&sp_source=google&sp_campaign=697367274&rkg_id=0&adpos=1o4&creative=158292041909&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI96LYmZSD4QIVx5-zCh02NgdqEAQYBCABEgKptvD_BwE" target="_blank">City Chic Denim Overalls (Sizes: 14-24)</a></div>
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I wish these came in my size, because these look like the perfect denim overalls with the right wash color, just enough rips to give it an edgy look, and the relax fit I am looking for. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-58962554945664833522020-03-24T16:03:00.004-04:002020-03-25T15:18:38.449-04:00Gluten Free Chocolate Brownies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCls8-6ML-WU0XKhtJArw8tFXmXg6ReOcfUwQddBT0LAB0oujFgTp4o2RgQ3ViEQ2fE4kLMEhCeAlx55NVV9n38ffkDVh_S1k-ulumdmgGA2i6oEQuhpABRxJsuDlEmFTrzphdXmHP3E/s1600/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+67.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCls8-6ML-WU0XKhtJArw8tFXmXg6ReOcfUwQddBT0LAB0oujFgTp4o2RgQ3ViEQ2fE4kLMEhCeAlx55NVV9n38ffkDVh_S1k-ulumdmgGA2i6oEQuhpABRxJsuDlEmFTrzphdXmHP3E/s640/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+67.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love a good fudgy chocolate brownie. I have a favorite local spot that makes the most delicious triple chocolate brownies, but they recently closed temporarily due to Covid-19. So I have been back to baking my favorite things as my state has put into effect a "Stay at Home" order. </div>
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Luckily, I have lots of flour, eggs, sugar, and tons of chocolate chips, all things I can live off of, maybe not the most nutritious of things, but definitely will make me happy.</div>
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I had a huge bag of gluten-free flour, so I used it to make this recipe, or you can use regular all-purpose flour. I didn't taste a difference, nor was the texture that different.</div>
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Let's make some brownies!</div>
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<i>This recipe is from <a href="https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/fudge-brownies-recipe" target="_blank">King Arthur</a></i></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b></div>
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4 large eggs</div>
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1 1/4 cups Double-Dutch Dark Cocoa or Dutch-process cocoa</div>
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1 teaspoon salt</div>
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1 teaspoon baking powder</div>
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1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional for enhanced flavor</div>
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract</div>
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1 cup unsalted butter (I used 1 1/2 sticks of butter)</div>
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2 1/4 cups sugar (I only used 1 1/2 cups of sugar)</div>
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1 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour<b> or </b>Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour (I used 1 cup of flour - I adjust a little because I cut out a bit of butter)</div>
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2 cups chocolate chips</div>
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan or do what I usually do - just cover my brownie pan with parchment paper (easier clean-up).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzN7ptLC7ZMwSUQ73pVcmwKzJfx91F3CFaTtphenYR7ncNi2q67PPtDHpR19XLddjYzErRt9eWQvY2USWzgoK6n_xeyLguWGoCkjjhRpLF1sii1-7zwQJwOVvcyr9FUAhDs1hwvWc1hE/s1600/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzN7ptLC7ZMwSUQ73pVcmwKzJfx91F3CFaTtphenYR7ncNi2q67PPtDHpR19XLddjYzErRt9eWQvY2USWzgoK6n_xeyLguWGoCkjjhRpLF1sii1-7zwQJwOVvcyr9FUAhDs1hwvWc1hE/s640/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Crack the 4 eggs into a bowl, and beat them. Add the cocoa, salt, baking powder, and vanilla for about 1 minute, or until smooth. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZlWej7hr2zUQ0QfCs7-SdBTHBSAy95eFyo0onB08LmxD6whFLtiJAVz7pFjFZogUrq7AoK2BC_hWLL2Nl2kpz9sQYs4hstSMD3-uU17qrvzoLPrlLzf7dFSQKv5jxSKAnjK0UHH3Kuo/s1600/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZlWej7hr2zUQ0QfCs7-SdBTHBSAy95eFyo0onB08LmxD6whFLtiJAVz7pFjFZogUrq7AoK2BC_hWLL2Nl2kpz9sQYs4hstSMD3-uU17qrvzoLPrlLzf7dFSQKv5jxSKAnjK0UHH3Kuo/s640/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can also add the espresso powder, but this is optional. Blend until smooth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZHMzVrfOKcg4DtHbHI_GncYWNzezQE1NozNjqqJPT0K6YESTsRzerC2JMhSVLRjka8_xACpXE1EI0eyluDlGd4A7Ad0DleN_0Orc0EXqKUmKumgLEV-lzhhShgq9r6gYmmcGI4WEBOc/s1600/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZHMzVrfOKcg4DtHbHI_GncYWNzezQE1NozNjqqJPT0K6YESTsRzerC2JMhSVLRjka8_xACpXE1EI0eyluDlGd4A7Ad0DleN_0Orc0EXqKUmKumgLEV-lzhhShgq9r6gYmmcGI4WEBOc/s640/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, or in a saucepan set over low heat, melt the butter, then add the sugar and stir to combine. Continue to heat (or microwave) briefly, just until the mixture is hot (about 110°F to 120°F), but not bubbling; it'll become shiny looking as you stir it. Heating the mixture to this point will dissolve more of the sugar, which will help produce a shiny top crust on your brownies.</div>
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Add the hot butter/sugar mixture to the egg/cocoa mixture, stirring until smooth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbPB5xK6zf11qmVV0h6CFY2eQyEsRdlcmw66I_ZNOxy0R-0-2_efT42n1cFpdGxGRXpO30wLBUNVn-jldiScJAA3a-zR33z3a6AiMt6s_OOYXkXKA85qTYxSNdv0KBLfpC48OiwxKQ2M/s1600/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbPB5xK6zf11qmVV0h6CFY2eQyEsRdlcmw66I_ZNOxy0R-0-2_efT42n1cFpdGxGRXpO30wLBUNVn-jldiScJAA3a-zR33z3a6AiMt6s_OOYXkXKA85qTYxSNdv0KBLfpC48OiwxKQ2M/s640/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+18.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add the flour and chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Again, adding the chips helps produce a shiny top crust.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0h8aIyiYDNfgTYQr05TE4Hpoy_MihjPJmbn2XkZo4lca7_aNkW6xVpSuxqsAFJjBu1pDP8pRh-XeXCIfM3FyugGQbaq503Lm2eHBq9Ekq_jsbeZCa5_FLFCYjX6lqHPBNfYU-8rI5s4/s1600/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1000" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0h8aIyiYDNfgTYQr05TE4Hpoy_MihjPJmbn2XkZo4lca7_aNkW6xVpSuxqsAFJjBu1pDP8pRh-XeXCIfM3FyugGQbaq503Lm2eHBq9Ekq_jsbeZCa5_FLFCYjX6lqHPBNfYU-8rI5s4/s640/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+24.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Spoon the batter into a lightly greased 9" x 13" pan, or one covered in parchment. The brownie batter feels a bit heavy, I did not pour it in to the pan, I had to spoon it in.</div>
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Bake the brownies for 28 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The brownies should feel set on the edges, and the center should look very moist, but not raw batter. Remove them from the oven and cool on a rack before cutting and serving. </div>
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As a note, I overcooked these. When I inserted the knife to test, I kept getting chocolate and was worried it did not bake, turned out I was inserting it in the melted chocolate chips, yup, so I kept putting it back in the oven. The brownies still tasted moist and delicious, so I was lucky, but I baked it an additional 7-9 minutes that it did not need, and this batch would have been ever more moist.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXy6dAIJcdh9uaYxrgyxp4jRSHz12MEcJksDf-1k65MKVSd8DtH1HJgV4EEq83MU13xUtbEjjy0KSqNmrqxLycXz3xAEQJ9qRy8kGly-Shebo5rRaDSIRrrTcfWCNRlGJOYrqNpRBrSdk/s1600/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1000" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXy6dAIJcdh9uaYxrgyxp4jRSHz12MEcJksDf-1k65MKVSd8DtH1HJgV4EEq83MU13xUtbEjjy0KSqNmrqxLycXz3xAEQJ9qRy8kGly-Shebo5rRaDSIRrrTcfWCNRlGJOYrqNpRBrSdk/s640/Homemade+Gluten+Free+Chocolate+Brownies+%257C+Gluten+Free+Brownies+58.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you are enjoying your favorite little things if you are staying indoors. These made quite a few brownies, and I am enjoying one with a small cup of milk every night. Cheers!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-88964980749178235062020-03-20T17:19:00.002-04:002020-04-23T22:18:12.832-04:00Working from Home Essentials - During COVID-19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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As someone who managed an Online Support team and provided virtual support for years and is now working remotely, due to Covid-19, I have a few tips on some essentials needed to make working from home emotionally, physically, and mentally healthy and productive.<br />
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<b>Here are some things to think about:</b><br />
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1. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Getting dressed and ready in the morning</b></span> - This includes your normal morning routine, shower or washing your face, brushing your teeth and ensuring you are putting on sunscreen. Even if your inside rays seep through the windows. Some of you might know, sunscreen is very important to me. So I always wear it, even if I am inside all day. Change out of your pajamas and put on comfortable clothing but clothing you look presentable in (incase of virtual meetings) and this will get you in the mindset of "going to work", even if that means staying inside.<br />
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<b><i>Buy indoor only shoes - </i></b>I also recommend buying supportive shoes that you use just for indoors. I don't wear shoes that I wear outside indoors. After a research study came out a while back,showing what we track inside with the shoes we wear outside I take my shoes off before heading in. Trust me, it is scary - <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/435ymn/wearing-shoes-inside-house-bacteria" target="_blank">Here is an article covering the research study.</a><br />
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While wearing your slippers all day while working at home may be comfortable at first, wearing them all day indoors can quickly lead to some discomfort. For me, personally, they didn't offer the right support I needed for the entire day. I still wear them at night. I recently bought an inexpensive pair of sneakers to put on just to wear inside the house to provide me the proper foot support and back support. And I can walk around the house and even jog a little bit with support for my feet and ankles.<br />
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2. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Stretch -</b></span> I stretch every morning. If you have a dog or cat, right after they get up you will see them stretch their legs. We need to learn a thing or two from them. I stretch my legs, my arms, I rotate my hips, knees and ankles. It is a great way to start the day, especially if you plan on being in front of the computer most of the day. You should also do this throughout the day. More on this below.<br />
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3. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Breakfast</b></span> - Make sure you eat breakfast. I know you hear "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day" and it sounds like a cliche, but trust me, it is so important to start the day off with a foundation of energy and nutrients, and a well balanced breakfast can do that.<br />
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I went for years without breakfast and would be drained and famished by lunch. I would end up overeating at lunch and drained again from overeating.<br />
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Breakfast can be light, it can be a banana, maybe an english muffin with some peanut butter and jam. I just posted a <a href="https://peachycheek.blogspot.com/2020/04/homemade-english-muffins.html" target="_blank">homemade english muffin recipe here</a>.<br />
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Oatmeal is another quick, easy, and filling breakfast. I love mashing a banana in mine, little honey and a tablespoon of peanut butter and I sprinkle cinnamon in it. Make sure you have a little something and I always start my morning with a full cup of water. Hydrate as much as possible, you now have easy access to the bathroom, so there is no excuses not to drink and re-fill your water bottle or cup.<br />
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4. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Set Rules -</b></span> If you live with other people or have children in your home, you need to set some rules about what you need to do and what they can and cannot do during work time. Establishing rules is important so that you are not interrupted while you are working and your time is respected, especially if you have others at home, like spouses, family members, and kids.<br />
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Rules vary depending on your situation, so I cannot provide you specific rules, but I can tell you what I do. I have a room in the house I go to and I ask that I am not disturbed if my door is closed and if it is open then I can have visitors.<br />
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This might be a challenge if you have children under the age of 9, and for that I commend and respect you and I wish you the best and the best of luck. Make rules that help you as much as possible.<br />
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I have seen others designate certain areas as free-zones, such as the kitchen, dining room and living room being off-limits for work, because those are neutral areas that others should be able to easily access. So some people stay in their bedrooms/office to do work, this doesn't work for me, because I move around the day, but set-up rules that work for you and your roomates, family and significant others.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnpRINBpCQfdavpHHFZ10iTBC-cmn6HeRh69Ulb2IkdhkBkLcyVNGUsWdbebgCjfkeXVsg9qOIelZI-ThGbxNb71gPqgYKJiQr2Yv4Jbn4_E44G7W5vdi0ZiYAEglaawuhNx0WcAps2g/s1600/Ergonomics+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="648" height="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnpRINBpCQfdavpHHFZ10iTBC-cmn6HeRh69Ulb2IkdhkBkLcyVNGUsWdbebgCjfkeXVsg9qOIelZI-ThGbxNb71gPqgYKJiQr2Yv4Jbn4_E44G7W5vdi0ZiYAEglaawuhNx0WcAps2g/s640/Ergonomics+.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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5. <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Now that you are ready for the day - Prep your Workstation </span><span style="color: #073763;">-</span></b> See the above image for an example of a good workstation set-up. This does not mean you have to set it up this way. Make sure to set up a workstation that is comfortable for you. My partner has a traditional work station, this works for him, but I prefer standing up. Just ensure that whatever your work station set-up is, you do not strain your eyes, neck and shoulders with your set up.<br />
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If you are using a laptop make sure to use a mouse and not the touchpad, as over time you will feel fatigue in the fingers and wrists. The touchpad is not intended for long-term use. Ensure the mouse and any accessory is as ergronical as possible. I have symptoms of Carpal Tunnel, so setting up my computer, mouse and keyboard are important to me and so are periodic stretches. More on that below.<br />
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I also recommend a clean space. The simpler and cleaner the desk/table the better. I like to keep my set-up clutter free, as I don't want any physical or mental distractions. A clutter-free environment does wonders for your mind.<br />
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<b>My personal set-up includes</b> a laptop, an ergonomic mouse, at times an additional monitor, an external hard drive (yes I still use an external hard drive, and I also use One Drive to back-up my files/computer), I sit/stand next to a window (I open it to get some fresh air), a plant (love my little succulents they make happy), my re-usable water bottle, and sometimes a table top humidifier, like this one from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NSJWYQM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.<br />
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I also suggest changing your settings on your display for "night shift" on the Mac and "night light" on Windows. This will change the "blue" on the screen to a warmer tone so that it is easier on the eyes.<br />
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Though I don't use one, my colleagues use noise-cancelling headphones/headset. Most monitors and laptops have built-in webcams, but if you do not have one, I recommend purchasing a webcam for video conferencing, more on that further down.<br />
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The next tip, is eye stretches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pwzMeq_d6AleBhECz_mbmXdRprn2N-gNhmV2sBWEi4V1wz2FBKdso3VaMP8yxqDMxcmhNORFJLKnP2_dKzY9bmZxWs9IQa19adHVQqZq-Ok8nkYP2mdwdDGDzgdbL5q2IMKNZcz0S58/s1600/eye+workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="632" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pwzMeq_d6AleBhECz_mbmXdRprn2N-gNhmV2sBWEi4V1wz2FBKdso3VaMP8yxqDMxcmhNORFJLKnP2_dKzY9bmZxWs9IQa19adHVQqZq-Ok8nkYP2mdwdDGDzgdbL5q2IMKNZcz0S58/s640/eye+workout.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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6. <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Take Eye Breaks</span> </b>- Long-term blue light exposure has been linked to cause skin and eye damage. Rest your eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look away from your screen and focus your eyes on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. See the image above for some eye stretches to do as well.<br />
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7. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Move </b></span>- When I am not in my room I set up my laptop at the kitchen counter because I rather stand than sit down most of the day. The kitchen counter is a pretty good length for my arms to be at a 90 degree angle and my arms sit comfortably at my waist. My chiropractor recommends not just standing but to change your position throughout the day. Sit down, stand, one leg up on a stool, one leg down. At the kitchen counter I even stretch one leg out on the counter. I will also kneel on a comfortable chair while doing work. Throughout the day I take breaks and walk around the house. Sometimes I jog around too. I will jog around the dining room table, do some jumping jacks, anything to get the blood flowing. See the stretches above that you should do during the day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4c31cUoZ25qLytQA98-DJ2DDx_wSfXgsBYMan5yKgAXI4dJpQ_uXrwNSeIMquIA1HEbSEa6oL4L9pW6jPKGGmhwKM2ydB4FY9rDsGQI4L6ppZaEyI7gdM3tUBUCJbk4GM256Wh-3CO8/s1600/Wrist+exercises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="759" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4c31cUoZ25qLytQA98-DJ2DDx_wSfXgsBYMan5yKgAXI4dJpQ_uXrwNSeIMquIA1HEbSEa6oL4L9pW6jPKGGmhwKM2ydB4FY9rDsGQI4L6ppZaEyI7gdM3tUBUCJbk4GM256Wh-3CO8/s640/Wrist+exercises.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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8. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Stretch your hands</b></span>, fingers, and neck periodically - The above image shows some hand stretches I do during the day, that helps release some tight muscles in my wrists, hands and fingers. I am seeing signs of carpal tunnel, numbness in my arms, wrist and fingers due to overuse and repetitive use on the computer due to the nature of my work. The stretches above have helped me tremendously. </div>
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9. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Hydrate</b></span> - Drink fluids. Feel hungry, but already ate? Could be thirst. Feel tired? Could be your thirsty. Drinking water and fluids is so important. Make sure you have adequate fluids. Hydration keeps your mind sharp and not cloudy, it is also said to improve cognition and mood, among many other benefits. I am not much of a coffee drinker, but I occasionally make a homemade ice vanilla latte, the only thing I can say is that I recommend that you should not have any caffeine after 2 PM, I have read research on this and I have personally found that drinking it after 2 PM can affect my sleep.</div>
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10. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Set a Schedule</b></span> - Set a work schedule, and ensure to follow it. I need to follow this rule more too. I find that people are very productive at home. There is no more casual "water cooler" conversations or interruptions. But I also see that people work longer hours. Especially in these times. Because I provide technology support, support can almost be 24/7. People need tech support at all hours of the day and night. If it is hard for you to step away, put it in your work calendar and/or set a timer so you take a much needed break, even if it is for 15 minutes. This gives you time for your eyes to not look at a screen, you can use this for a snack break, re-fill your water, check the mail, start a load of laundry, and some stretches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt-pwkdU3wlTRse5JD_ai51J6VpnY1EjEpTX-B4pjsz35WxdHbpTxsRMx-ZSYxaaH_7Gz7-Ed2iw2MpDdm693kQ6gfyycsxaZWf01b5-ZJBVZWtPYzX-83y7piSYG9Gbdyj1Y7Yk2Tqc/s1600/exercise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1050" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt-pwkdU3wlTRse5JD_ai51J6VpnY1EjEpTX-B4pjsz35WxdHbpTxsRMx-ZSYxaaH_7Gz7-Ed2iw2MpDdm693kQ6gfyycsxaZWf01b5-ZJBVZWtPYzX-83y7piSYG9Gbdyj1Y7Yk2Tqc/s640/exercise.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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11. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Exercise</b></span> - In the beginning when I was practicing social distancing, I would still step outside and go for walks and keep away from people completely. Not by 6 feet, I am talking I wouldn't see a soul. But then quickly it became a parade. The amount of people that began walking in my neighborhood multiplied significantly. I never seen anything like it before. I have never even seen these people before. Where did they come from?<br />
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I thought I would be able to go for some quick runs and walks early in the morning, but one morning I was looking at the window, making sure the coast was clear, I found a man right outside my home strolling by, stopping right in front, and begin coughing, severely, not covering his mouth, just coughing and coughing and standing there as he spoke on the phone. After that day, I didn't go outside for my daily walks.<br />
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Not wanting to eliminate my walks or jogs, I've been doing it inside. I will put a timer on for 30 minutes and after work I walk or jog around the house. During the day I move as I outlined above. I do squats, push ups on the kitchen counter, back leg lifts, and even dance just to move the body and get the blood flowing. At night I can do core exercises (such as sit-ups, plank, russian twists) I also can do arm and leg training.<br />
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12. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Virtual Meetings </b></span>- Depending on your job you may need to communicate with clients or colleagues. I use Zoom Video Communications: <a href="https://zoom.us/">https://zoom.us/</a> and they have free basic licenses. <br />
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You can set up a meeting and send the link to anyone (they do not need to have a zoom account) or a group of people. You can all meet in a virtual room. Within the room you can share audio, video, and screens. It has been a game changer. I use it for virtual support, meet with colleagues, and provide training sessions. I find it easy for me and the attendees to use. All you need is a webcam and microphone, and it is pretty safe to say that all laptops are equipped with both. Zoom can also be used on your mobile phone.<br />
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13. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Have fun</b></span> - There are a few things you can do at home that you might not have been able to do or chose not to do at work, but you can do them now!<br />
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- Blare music while you are working, okay that might be a little distracting, but I will turn the music on and dance while I am in front of my computer all while I am typing and getting work done. I am a multi-tasker. If and when possible try to incorporate something you love doing.<br />
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- Paint my hair a crazy fun color - I have been wanting to paint my hair a crazy color, and now I can without worrying about any judgement. Purple hair anyone?<br />
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- I can wear jeans or any other outfit I want to wear every day and not just on "casual friday".<br />
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I hope working from home is an option for you and if it is, I hope that it works well for you and without too much complications. If you have any questions or need some advice, I will be happy to provide what has been working for me. We are in this together. Hang in there!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-14361600947091596042020-01-28T11:41:00.003-05:002020-01-28T21:58:23.687-05:00Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Men<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.gamestop.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">GameStop Gift Card</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span>& Video Games<br />
If he loves gaming, I recommend buying him some gifts cards for his favorite gaming system(s). Depending on his system of choice, you can purchase a "Steam" card, "Nintendo eShop", or "Playstation Store" gift card for him to buy his games online or a Game Stop gift card so he can buy physical games. I still buy physical games.<br />
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I have heard mixed messages about Game Stop, but I have always had great experiences at my local Game Stop. The employees have always been super friendly with us. I bought a few games this past Christmas for my brother and my boyfriend. And, I love to play video games too! I mostly play on Nintendo Switch. Maybe I should make another post in the near future with some of my favorite video games?<br />
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Because this is a Valentine's Gift Guide I will recommend a fun game we loved playing together. <b>I highly recommend for couples to play "Overcooked 1 and 2" together, which is a multi-player game that requires teamwork, communication, and patience with each other. </b> In "Overcooked", you and your teammate, both of you are chefs, must work together to prepare, cook and serve different types of foods in certain orders under a time limit. You get to prepare foods like sushi, hamburgers, salads and much more. One of you chops and the other serves and cooks. Each kitchen you play in switches things up and makes a real fun and interesting game. You earn tips and money for each order which helps you advance to the next game. It was my favorite game.<br />
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<a href="https://www.masterclass.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">MasterClass</span></a><br />
MasterClass offers online classes taught by actors and renowned experts in their field. For example, Stephen Curry teaches ball handling and shooting for basketball; Steven Martin teaches Comedy; Martin Scorsese teaches Filmmaking...and the list goes on. There are classes on science, poker, business, acting, writing, cooking, guitar lessons and so much more. And all taught be well-known experts. Each class is a mini video with different lessons. I bought this as a Christmas gift and the package came with another login, so I can watch my own classes, and he watches his own.<br />
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<a href="https://www.kiehls.com/mens/shave-for-men/ultimate-brushless-shave-cream---white-eagle/236.html?dwvar_236_size=5.0%20fl.%20oz.%20Tube#q=white+eangle&start=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Kiehls's Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - White Eagle</span></a><br />
One of my boyfriend's favorite shaving cream. He loves it because it is smooth and spiked with Menthol and Camphor.<br />
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<a href="https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=515675022&pcid=999#pdp-page-content" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Banana Republic Sweater</span></a><br />
My boyfriend loves a good sweater and some of his favorites are from Banana Republic. I have also found some great comparable ones at <a href="https://www.target.com/p/men-s-standard-fit-shawl-pullover-sweater-goodfellow-co/-/A-54538803?preselect=54440957#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target</a>. I like to get him unexpected colors, so he doesn't just have grays and browns. I bought him a few red and green ones for Valentine's Day.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackfeather" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mens Bracelets</span></a><br />
I have quite a few men's bracelets in the shop and I also have some crystals and stones. The men in my life love hematite, apatite, labradorite and tiger's eye. These make great gifts for rock collectors and for anyone who loves minerals. And if you believe in metaphysical properties, depending on the crystal they are known for luck, calming energy, love; and if you don't they look great on a desk and beautiful pieces of natural art.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="https://www.ulta.com/sandalwood-body-value-kit?productId=pimprod2005704" target="_blank">Every Man Jack Sandalwood Body Kit</a> & <a href="https://www.ulta.com/speed-shower-face-body-wipes-sensitive-skin?productId=xlsImpprod17071343" target="_blank">Face and Body Wipes</a></span><br />
I bought this kit for my boyfriend for Christmas. He loves Every Man Jack Deodorant because it is aluminum-free and he likes the Sandalwood scent. I wear Every Man Jack Deodorant too.<br />
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He has tried many aluminum-free deodorants and this one is by far his favorite and works for him. The kit comes with a body wash, 2-in1 shampoo & conditioner, and the aluminum-free deodorant. I got it for an amazing deal, $19.99 on Amazon and they have it online at Target and Ulta too.<br />
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After the gym or when he needs to wash his face quick, he uses these face wipes, and they can be used on the body too. It has Aloe + Vitamin E hydrate. And there is no need to rinse. He also loves Burt's Bee's Facial Wipes.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marshall-Stockwell-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B016WA1V22/ref=asc_df_B016WA1V22/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312150546687&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1612251060501103273&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003352&hvtargid=pla-404919094682&ref=&adgrpid=70581793188&th=1" target="_blank">Marshall Stockwell Portable Bluetooth Speaker</a></span><br />
I bought this a few Christmas' ago and he loves it. He is a fan of Marshall products and this portable, wireless bluetooth speaker really has a great and loud sound and looks vintagey, which we both love. Comes with a USB port to charge your while you're on the go.<br />
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<a href="https://www.angrygoatpepperco.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">AngryGoat Pepper Sauce</span></a><br />
My boyfriend is a huge fan of hot sauces. Right now his favorite is the Armadillo sauce from AngryGoat Pepper, which he drizzles on his tacos.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HZLHPKP?ref=ODS_v2_FS_AUCC_cs&th=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Amazon Echo Show</span></a><br />
We recently got one as a gift and we have been enjoying it. We use it to listen to music, read and watch recipes, to get the weather, quick news highlights, and watch movies while we are in the kitchen cooking. And it does so much more. I especially love that when I ask it to play a song, I can follow along and sing with the lyrics displayed on the screen, instead of me just pretending I know the words : )Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-80477243977390106202019-10-14T23:08:00.002-04:002019-10-16T15:37:36.540-04:00Ghostly Double Coconut Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October is here and it is my favorite time of year. Leaves are changing colors here in New England, the mornings are brisk and cool with a fresh scent in the air. I love sweater and boot weather. Lots of cozy sweaters. And for me fall means lots of baking. I found this yummy Double Coconut Cake in my favorite magazine, Rachel Ray's Everyday and had to make it with a Halloween twist. I provided the ingredients and step by step instructions below with photos, because this is how I learned how to cook and bake, I need lots of pictures and progress photos to help me along the way, and I hope it helps you. This is a very easy recipe and absolutely delicious to enjoy on a beautiful fall morning with a cup of tea or iced vanilla lattes, which I will be posting how to make your very own Starbucks iced vanilla lattes at home.</div>
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<b>Double Coconut Cake (Rachel Ray Magazine October 2019)</b></div>
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<b>Serves 8</b></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b></div>
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<li>1 stick unsalted butter, melted (I used about 75%, I always try to cut butter when I can)</li>
<li>1 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut</li>
<li>1 cup flour</li>
<li>1 tsp. baking powder</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. salt</li>
<li>3/4 cup of sugar (I only added 1/2 cup of sugar and think it tastes great)</li>
<li>2/3 cup of unsweetened coconut milk, stirred well</li>
<li>2 large eggs, at room temperature (I removed some of the yolk in both eggs to cut the cholesterol), I think olive oil could replace an egg.</li>
<li>Confectioners' sugar, for dusting on top of cake and for the ghost (or you can use shredded coconut for the ghost)</li>
<li>Mini chocolate chip morsels for the ghost eyes.</li>
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Arrange a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat to 350 degrees.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8NYzgcIGkC7-uAMKcZge7S2Kb9ta-ztzcR6s0YmCXvPJVuoWl5AxL3POOFxG4DkBVUCdBnW_WI6DvXraPP4LeZAxjtaYZURPQ0JU8oxB3uk1b4dams5nnbXZ74i53PUCpNhZnqUXvxE/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8NYzgcIGkC7-uAMKcZge7S2Kb9ta-ztzcR6s0YmCXvPJVuoWl5AxL3POOFxG4DkBVUCdBnW_WI6DvXraPP4LeZAxjtaYZURPQ0JU8oxB3uk1b4dams5nnbXZ74i53PUCpNhZnqUXvxE/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88HpOtaNNjPqF8YOzKr9ENRosqgS1KH6JAAePgOG_5GTsuA7cMM5Ibh4PR-quKUirJn5EpDWp-2_vMps58XCMA9pcHELK6QG8Zj9pAAmhbw6XuVxQ8ZdEOtq2K1R7gwKNNBNrYYDo0YU/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="800" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88HpOtaNNjPqF8YOzKr9ENRosqgS1KH6JAAePgOG_5GTsuA7cMM5Ibh4PR-quKUirJn5EpDWp-2_vMps58XCMA9pcHELK6QG8Zj9pAAmhbw6XuVxQ8ZdEOtq2K1R7gwKNNBNrYYDo0YU/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whisk in 1 cup of shredded coconut and the sugar. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciPbjmCfi6ZfOYtdV6v3mphVAQ5L6N_LobVXz8k1IXzAdRP8KxnOAWgoTp5Xn0qPqigbgsUyWGmxEDHrWk4c7pQ_M-ggl6JrafNEgS3mprL1S0ZNQmXkoGM3vlJl_yrF_WF_aZO3UNHI/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciPbjmCfi6ZfOYtdV6v3mphVAQ5L6N_LobVXz8k1IXzAdRP8KxnOAWgoTp5Xn0qPqigbgsUyWGmxEDHrWk4c7pQ_M-ggl6JrafNEgS3mprL1S0ZNQmXkoGM3vlJl_yrF_WF_aZO3UNHI/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I bought the unsweetened coconut milk at Target in the international food aisle (I couldn't find unsweetened coconut milk anywhere) In a small bowl, whisk the coconut milk and eggs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rcCo69VeL0sv1tlz4PWNtuL9u95WKEFr1T9IvSSGCHLOlveh0N07ehXgJxmN9Eu1nAtl7eLmy2jl3nhDtaiKKS7IXRduT_dU3PNutJ2pUCCsX5JFKyo3DcSTPiqXXAU0WyQ0SO6ec-0/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rcCo69VeL0sv1tlz4PWNtuL9u95WKEFr1T9IvSSGCHLOlveh0N07ehXgJxmN9Eu1nAtl7eLmy2jl3nhDtaiKKS7IXRduT_dU3PNutJ2pUCCsX5JFKyo3DcSTPiqXXAU0WyQ0SO6ec-0/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until blended. Stir in the melted butter into the bowl, as shown above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H1oDL_EMxJSsQa-9f5Ijpx0M3bG74D9HTAREYXiWmkqUAKBa08r5OKTaRGHoObEnbfmZ8i1G754EwN6RlqeuHkRmisIXXLUuzzU6kTrReUQNvfbbirGiSsgjWGEcyzWwFaOoFC2Zm9c/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="800" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H1oDL_EMxJSsQa-9f5Ijpx0M3bG74D9HTAREYXiWmkqUAKBa08r5OKTaRGHoObEnbfmZ8i1G754EwN6RlqeuHkRmisIXXLUuzzU6kTrReUQNvfbbirGiSsgjWGEcyzWwFaOoFC2Zm9c/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with 2 inch high sides with butter. I used the leftover melted butter I pour into the bowl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_U5Fsp6I0VuJvMgqQV4ZjbMuqgdQ908Ev9ShBBIaus1zXKIgc6TxW_1dJJ0Wb7KyEM8cm39o3T0R5ZyeKUiQTkTPY26olREjOXL6fd2SQ4VDp9VNkFQEP2gRbfTMUM8BExgyT7jLSFKk/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="800" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_U5Fsp6I0VuJvMgqQV4ZjbMuqgdQ908Ev9ShBBIaus1zXKIgc6TxW_1dJJ0Wb7KyEM8cm39o3T0R5ZyeKUiQTkTPY26olREjOXL6fd2SQ4VDp9VNkFQEP2gRbfTMUM8BExgyT7jLSFKk/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+18.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper, then grease the paper, as shown above. Parchment is not mandatory, you can simply grease the pan and dust the pan with 1/3 cup of shredded coconut, but I went with the parchment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2LM9BIOeays9r1hl2ty_KP7pB_RsybDYsp50xkO8Z1Qdyjm-MwDY1cfPN6yXVGcUbOE4l48L2Soo37CzIfXM7VXWzpKLXKpHL8GAMQ4URSdzbD_X0VYXA0Oxhlrt9oViRV2h6VcyAzY/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="800" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2LM9BIOeays9r1hl2ty_KP7pB_RsybDYsp50xkO8Z1Qdyjm-MwDY1cfPN6yXVGcUbOE4l48L2Soo37CzIfXM7VXWzpKLXKpHL8GAMQ4URSdzbD_X0VYXA0Oxhlrt9oViRV2h6VcyAzY/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+20.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top, as shown above. I thought the batter looked a little dry, because it didn't pour right in, but that is the texture you are looking for.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnj4ZzoAzCFmXP1-fmQZlQpEP7awmp8-yCSnkZbE83akAht56aLocjDe99wYJzhxCaYtUyV_jBm_y9SskymS598eTl1fpra0YouCRcpWGoJ6HOB6Ye69zKI0lUk5_R7Sk5H36VWqOq8c/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="800" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnj4ZzoAzCFmXP1-fmQZlQpEP7awmp8-yCSnkZbE83akAht56aLocjDe99wYJzhxCaYtUyV_jBm_y9SskymS598eTl1fpra0YouCRcpWGoJ6HOB6Ye69zKI0lUk5_R7Sk5H36VWqOq8c/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+22.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a knife comes out clean and the cake bounces back when pressed lightly (You can see I pierced it a few times to make sure) Let cool for 10 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7V86FLxtFGtN7ybslzBcYpuwgJAVpG3pFccpGg1MHRKrMtsPplzCDsBjYy6P7XaPEHyQkKKTqq3C2ngpHXf0ha58phXDxwEjGUR1wYgeD4Vhtpu3V-NbvnhNmVYlerouytHm0HESx7Q/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7V86FLxtFGtN7ybslzBcYpuwgJAVpG3pFccpGg1MHRKrMtsPplzCDsBjYy6P7XaPEHyQkKKTqq3C2ngpHXf0ha58phXDxwEjGUR1wYgeD4Vhtpu3V-NbvnhNmVYlerouytHm0HESx7Q/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+24.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, invert the cake onto a wire rack and remove the parchment. Turn the cake right side up and let cool on the rack.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQ3Upz3JzYSQobcVz2Bv1sGIR0PK4evtnl-_48ex8o82EaPxj6-FnG1bfCbJWOuuK4rNMEpptT16Vhfwr59NHkTIkaDdncqf5vwnj6fuKOQRMHfgz9P8AiN5CjQP68Zp2xP0KsCWMdic/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+40b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQ3Upz3JzYSQobcVz2Bv1sGIR0PK4evtnl-_48ex8o82EaPxj6-FnG1bfCbJWOuuK4rNMEpptT16Vhfwr59NHkTIkaDdncqf5vwnj6fuKOQRMHfgz9P8AiN5CjQP68Zp2xP0KsCWMdic/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+40b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dust with confectioners' sugar. Next, I got a ghost cookie cutter and poured confectioners' sugar in the cookie cut, that's it and super easy. When I lifted the cookie cutter I had to clean up the edges a bit with a butter knife. Shredded coconut can be used instead of confectioner's sugar. I added mini chocolate morsels for the eyes and mouth. I also had a skull cookie cutter that I think will look equally cute.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxwKrlBeTt1fn8wheB1ckoug4fEmXvEst5k5zk_Rg7-LkICtOYyuvLkQW_veID84LCe3MIBMfOYoFEXrXn26IprshLn_stLpnxR5mfUjh0zXSNxxJ3UUUYZ8SvWYn5qcg4skXIkQIRuI/s1600/Double+Coconut+Cake+45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxwKrlBeTt1fn8wheB1ckoug4fEmXvEst5k5zk_Rg7-LkICtOYyuvLkQW_veID84LCe3MIBMfOYoFEXrXn26IprshLn_stLpnxR5mfUjh0zXSNxxJ3UUUYZ8SvWYn5qcg4skXIkQIRuI/s640/Double+Coconut+Cake+45.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoy! Stay tuned for a few more Halloween themed recipes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-65558439469727808212019-07-24T00:11:00.002-04:002019-07-24T00:47:06.289-04:00The Perfect Summer Espadrille<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCorU2E2l7nMwiM-FTingcRMCiBILZSXeX-xVgrPa9XycfViS1CsmP6I8orcxFlAKhDfMFu4fdNQ_dfcRPGGBDpRmMG6aVxmH6cL5QTramlHmpUnLiNIGr5ZVWtWaSu9UtL6wNGBRsttk/s1600/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="1600" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCorU2E2l7nMwiM-FTingcRMCiBILZSXeX-xVgrPa9XycfViS1CsmP6I8orcxFlAKhDfMFu4fdNQ_dfcRPGGBDpRmMG6aVxmH6cL5QTramlHmpUnLiNIGr5ZVWtWaSu9UtL6wNGBRsttk/s640/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+34.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been on the hunt for the perfect summer espadrille. I envisioned a wedge espadrille with clear straps and the right amount of heel.</div>
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My dreams were answered when I found <a href="https://andreassous.com/products/andre-anfisa-aa-clear?variant=14329396985905" target="_blank">André Assous' "Anfisa" Espadrille</a>. The company started in the 70's and started with the original espadrille. They still make espadrilles to this day with a variety of other styles such as espadrille wedges and sneakers. They make the cutest sandals.</div>
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Each one is made and hand sewn in Spain with traditional jute.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVgNaNKcwVkDdcRw6dsqpVmUNqpo9KXxpurCeAU-aW4wzpKEYEkq1e-OoxpM31hz7Ka_BO9CYtRRMbUrTz8FDIwvu5R_WiDxZnM7_iEjw9YteXYsaJt5ZSJNKxiG-68elufugZ0pRde4/s1600/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVgNaNKcwVkDdcRw6dsqpVmUNqpo9KXxpurCeAU-aW4wzpKEYEkq1e-OoxpM31hz7Ka_BO9CYtRRMbUrTz8FDIwvu5R_WiDxZnM7_iEjw9YteXYsaJt5ZSJNKxiG-68elufugZ0pRde4/s640/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In my quest to find the perfect summer shoe it had to fun, be able to wear inside and outside of the office, comfortable (comfort is key), look polished, and to go with many outfits. </div>
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This shoe fit the bill. They are extremely well made. The leather footbed has a comfortable cushion; the heel height is 3 1/4" and has a 1/2" platform in the front, which gives it an overall height of 2.75, which for me is the perfect amount of heel to walk around in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jN6lA_I0qqOddlcXobOsYy0qlQyG5UvE-0YiWSVE7OJEl47_7tEdbrtOUYi7caxg8VOuc0Rw0ymYnb_ltU-1OyrsYf814ea35G4OhHqgpcaqP3vNomPg7R8mwGsaAXMhpd28C1dHdYs/s1600/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1500" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jN6lA_I0qqOddlcXobOsYy0qlQyG5UvE-0YiWSVE7OJEl47_7tEdbrtOUYi7caxg8VOuc0Rw0ymYnb_ltU-1OyrsYf814ea35G4OhHqgpcaqP3vNomPg7R8mwGsaAXMhpd28C1dHdYs/s640/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I normally wear an 8 1/5. I was told the shoe runs "True to Size", but if you fall between sizes they recommend you order the closest size up. I ordered a size 9 and it fit me perfectly.<br />
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They practically are invisible as you can see from the above photos, which is one of the biggest reasons why I wanted these. They go with everything. I wear mine with dresses, jeans, and it gives even the most casual outfit a sense of polish. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jEWv2MxIUVUvjJUsZ-c19RYl2IInmcSJg4O9Tk85FY2aO-S5brHeG34VMasdibFKO1KpJVcft5wFvkXad-QgXDkI5YU7UZHMJoUhjCUOO8oENlw5smUPTUqZ2T6TUrTJ7tku4eDTWDc/s1600/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1500" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jEWv2MxIUVUvjJUsZ-c19RYl2IInmcSJg4O9Tk85FY2aO-S5brHeG34VMasdibFKO1KpJVcft5wFvkXad-QgXDkI5YU7UZHMJoUhjCUOO8oENlw5smUPTUqZ2T6TUrTJ7tku4eDTWDc/s640/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I didn't need to break these in at all. I wore them to the office the first time and they were comfortable all day. I was worried that the clear straps might dig in or feel uncomfortable and I was wrong to be worried. I didn't experience any issues with the clear straps. I do recommend that on an extra hot sunny day that you put a little bit of baby powder on the areas of the foot that straps will come into contact. Feet swell in the summer, so it's preventive. I also noted that after wearing them for a long period of time that the leather footbed color did transfer a bit to under my foot. This happened the first 1-2 times I wore the shoe and hasn't happened since.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBIsJo1Th88glnqAsrc7WDvMEm2ialHVXNWUeuOBCcgcq_S0jx0cp0rUV5IY4rMdWb-mG2DwyBrMAwRTSMq1rh-_D0LqpvCRS5nckMQh9FEuZqjQI7Y3x5x5UbsPRw1K496GE4Jpx8O8/s1600/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBIsJo1Th88glnqAsrc7WDvMEm2ialHVXNWUeuOBCcgcq_S0jx0cp0rUV5IY4rMdWb-mG2DwyBrMAwRTSMq1rh-_D0LqpvCRS5nckMQh9FEuZqjQI7Y3x5x5UbsPRw1K496GE4Jpx8O8/s640/Espadrille+Wedge+in+Clear+Anfisa+Espadrille+Wedge+ANDRE%25CC%2581+ASSOUS+37.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am so happy I found these clear strap espadrille beauties right in time for the beautiful sunny weather. They really are the perfect summer espadrille.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-18293405703008021312019-07-18T01:08:00.000-04:002019-07-18T01:18:59.036-04:00Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-oacU-AkMdxJnRTbgzfeMOp61XFS6zWr6IO0FQCSD42uRkeBttosndzqSncR2c9pjr2hnJzfaEWlWeGQfrbpffyiJF8lS7MezkHIPyaOerg1QHC2tZxBXOoj0QsZ_wH3kt6sMKfGB-0/s1600/Women+Gift+Guide+2019+Nordstrom+Annual+Sale+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-oacU-AkMdxJnRTbgzfeMOp61XFS6zWr6IO0FQCSD42uRkeBttosndzqSncR2c9pjr2hnJzfaEWlWeGQfrbpffyiJF8lS7MezkHIPyaOerg1QHC2tZxBXOoj0QsZ_wH3kt6sMKfGB-0/s640/Women+Gift+Guide+2019+Nordstrom+Annual+Sale+1.jpg" width="541" /></a></div>
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On Friday, July 19, public access to the Annual Nordstrom Anniversary sale begins and I have my eye set on a few things for the fall. </div>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chelsea28-surplice-twist-front-top/5205191?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FClothing&fashionsize=2%3Aregular8~~6&color=pink%20hero" target="_blank">Chelsea28</a> - Surplice Twist Front Top - Comes in Black, Red, White and a Funky Stripe print. This is a perfect top to go from work to out for dinner. I love the twisted front. I wear a lot of black, so I appreciate a twist/an added element to change of the texture in my black tops.</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gibson-lace-trim-camisole-regular-petite/5080438?origin=coordinating-5080438-0-4-PDP_1-recbot-also_viewed&recs_placement=PDP_1&recs_strategy=also_viewed&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=product&recs_seed=5313419" target="_blank">Gibson Lace Camisole</a> and <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/1-state-chiffon-inset-camisole/5363432?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FClothing&fashionsize=2%3Aregular8~~6&color=rich%20black" target="_blank">1.State Chiffon Inset Camisole</a> - I am loving these camis they are perfect under everything. I wear them under my blazers for work and under cardigan. They are perfect all year long.</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-felt-panama-hat/5228487?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FHandbags%20%26%20Accessories%2FHats&color=black%20combo" target="_blank">Halogen</a> - Felt Panama Hat - I love wearing hats and this one is black with a stripe of navy which will go perfect with all my denim that I will be wearing in the fall.</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/treasure-bond-mock-neck-sweater-regular-plus-size/5197516?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FClothing&color=red%20ochre" target="_blank">Treasure & Bond </a>- Mock Neck Sweater - Super cozy mock neck sweater in "Burgundy Stem or a bright red. I love the burgandy color of this and it has slits on the side which gives it a little touch of something unique.</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mother-the-hustler-two-step-fray-high-waist-ankle-bootcut-jeans-thunderstruck/5268233?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=thunderstruck" target="_blank">Mother - The Hustler Two Step</a> Fray High Waist Ankle Bootcut Jeans. I am loving high rise/high waisted jeans and I like how they are boot cut. I am also wearing a lot of High waisted "mom jeans".</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/thread-supply-wubby-fleece-pullover/5276971?origin=coordinating-5276971-0-3-FTR-recbot-recently_viewed_snowplow_mvp&recs_placement=FTR&recs_strategy=recently_viewed_snowplow_mvp&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=product&recs_seed=5247879" target="_blank">Thread & Supply - Wubby Fleece Pullover</a> - You must have seen these everywhere. There is a reason why everyone loves these. This year they are lined in fleece too!</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/clinique-chubby-color-lip-balm-set-35-value/5259767?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FBeauty%20Exclusives&color=none" target="_blank">Clinique Chubby Lip Set</a> - You receive 6 mini chubby lip colors. I have these in various colors and I love the tiny size of these. I keep different ones in different bags. They are very moisturizing and have the sweetest colors.</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eileen-fisher-tote-bootie-women/5247405?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FShoes%2FBooties&color=black%20nubuck%20leather" target="_blank">Eileen Fisher Tote Bootie </a>- I really like Eileen Fisher booties. They are really comfortable and these block heel bootie are comfortable with a 2.5 inch block heel, and true to size.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_OPPmBZJXicKQpOufr5JHvbJR6VJB0xrAP8hwohNCA4WggKP_qfdl_ptqhy_XmDXlTSU4UfqJfnMy1mHhD5itc9ZhAXdPISJyPymOo3h19XykkhFsq-D58DGcjXAsdfNIaoSbp0pEwc/s1600/Women+Gift+Guide+2019+Nordstrom+Annual+Sale+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_OPPmBZJXicKQpOufr5JHvbJR6VJB0xrAP8hwohNCA4WggKP_qfdl_ptqhy_XmDXlTSU4UfqJfnMy1mHhD5itc9ZhAXdPISJyPymOo3h19XykkhFsq-D58DGcjXAsdfNIaoSbp0pEwc/s640/Women+Gift+Guide+2019+Nordstrom+Annual+Sale+copy+2.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li> <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/astr-the-label-lace-midi-dress/4565648?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FClothing&color=light%20orchid" target="_blank">Astr the Label - Lace Midi Dress </a>in "Red Tannin" - This is a such a pretty dress. I can see myself wearing it in the fall and with the right cover up into the holidays. It has adjustable straps, thank goodness. It runs small, so order two sizes up. It comes in a lot of different colors, but I am feeling the burgundy color for fall.</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-flutter-sleeve-belted-satin-jumpsuit/5252502?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FJumpsuits%20%26%20Rompers&color=navy" target="_blank">Eliza J - Flutter Sleeve Belted Satin Jumpsuit</a> - I love jumpsuits and this dark green one is so sweet with its flutter sleeves. And Pockets!!</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/astr-the-label-floral-long-sleeve-midi-dress/5265893?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=black%2F%20mauve%20multi%20floral" target="_blank">Astr The Label</a> - Floral Long Sleeve Midi Dress - I love midi dresses and I especially love flower boho dresses. This one is definitely going to be worn on repeat all fall with different booties and knee high boots.</li>
<li>T<a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ted-baker-london-manyap-sandal-women/5252092?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FShoes%2FHeels&color=snake%20leather" target="_blank">ed Baker London Manyap Sandal</a> - These block heels sandals come in a snake print, which is all the rave currently. It has a 2 3/4 block heel. </li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-welles-bootie-women/5247484?origin=coordinating-5247484-0-3-PDP_1_INSIZE_VIP-recbot-frequently_viewed_snowplow_v1&recs_placement=PDP_1_INSIZE_VIP&recs_strategy=frequently_viewed_snowplow_v1&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=product&recs_seed=5245726" target="_blank">Sam Edelman Welles Bootie</a> - These booties also come in Black Leather and Red Suede. Also very comfortable with a 2 1/5 block heel.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUutqPgkySZ-aVI4d6KqZt629VYDYw5VDlGzHqb1u_4eflMwX91gHTrTWRujFIGeDuzk93_ANLcjWqurkxIpuOHePBdhElKOqDVCclQ5ak27UXiJQx1BCNlzmS6aQj7tsuxJ3ybfvB06Y/s1600/Women+Gift+Guide+2019+Nordstrom+Annual+Sale.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUutqPgkySZ-aVI4d6KqZt629VYDYw5VDlGzHqb1u_4eflMwX91gHTrTWRujFIGeDuzk93_ANLcjWqurkxIpuOHePBdhElKOqDVCclQ5ak27UXiJQx1BCNlzmS6aQj7tsuxJ3ybfvB06Y/s640/Women+Gift+Guide+2019+Nordstrom+Annual+Sale.png" width="530" /></a></div>
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<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/caslon-faux-leather-faux-fur-moto-jacket/5200000?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FCoats%20%26%20Jackets&color=black%20ivory%20combo" target="_blank">Caslon Faux Leather & Faux Fur Moto Jacket</a> - I love moto jackets and this faux leather and faux fur is definitely up my alley. </li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/blanknyc-onto-the-next-faux-leather-drape-front-jacket-regular-plus-size/5270862?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen&color=night%20shift" target="_blank">BlankNYC</a> - Onto the Next Faux Leather Drape Front Jacket - This one too! I love the burgundy color. </li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kenneth-cole-new-york-double-breasted-teddy-bear-coat/5265663?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FClothing&color=red" target="_blank">Kenneth Cole New York </a>Double Breasted Teddy Bear Coat in Red. This coat is so soft and warm. I will feel like a muppet, but that is alright with me, because it is so warm and fun! And fashion should be fun! It runs large, so order one size down.</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bb-dakota-revolution-drapey-boucle-trench-coat/5270696?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAnniversary%20Sale%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FCoats%20%26%20Jackets&color=olive%20green" target="_blank">BB Dakota - Drapey Boucle Trench</a> - This boulce trench has structure yet no structure at the same time. It's perfect with black leggings or jeans for the fall. Comes in Black, Oatmeal and Olive Green.</li>
</ol>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-55436375090301931242019-07-07T22:21:00.000-04:002019-07-08T00:39:46.138-04:00Stretching my toes with YogaToes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW_zX173Mr-_0g6TzblQz0O1-pZ68Y_BuD-RjWNDcCF4CHqHo6aoaTuVvGmUqC0Y2nP3sdRPDVt7LWCA3cDEjhSq9xZYQJBeZZiSVwjQuCZ-XEsNeySpCYqGS21fvAEEACHykq_hCRR0/s1600/Yoga+Toes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW_zX173Mr-_0g6TzblQz0O1-pZ68Y_BuD-RjWNDcCF4CHqHo6aoaTuVvGmUqC0Y2nP3sdRPDVt7LWCA3cDEjhSq9xZYQJBeZZiSVwjQuCZ-XEsNeySpCYqGS21fvAEEACHykq_hCRR0/s640/Yoga+Toes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I recently read an article in the May issue of Women's Health about the importance of stretching your feet. Stretching and flexibility training has always been important to me, especially with Taekwondo, flexibility is necessary for kicking. I foam-roll, stretch all my muscles (arms, legs, stomach, back....you name it, I stretch it), but I discovered after reading the article that I have been completely ignoring my feet. This article came right at a time I needed to read it because I have taken up running again. And after running long distance my feet and toes ache. I also feel pain on the bottom of my feet and the the tendons on the top of my feet feel tight. My pinky toes have been broken in Taekwondo. And I wear heeled shoes during the day (I know..not healthy for my feet). So my feet have been a mess.<br />
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Our feet carry our entire weight, they are tired, sometimes in pain, so stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility that can help with exercise, walking, balance, and providing some pain relief. It is important to do sets of foot therapy, at least twice a day:<br />
<ol>
<li>Move big toe up and other toes down; pause, then reverse. Do this 10 times, then switch feet.</li>
<li>Using toes, pick up 10 small objects (like marbles) and place in a cup nearby. Repeat with other foot. </li>
<li>Sit and rest ankle on opposite thigh. Bend toes back toward shin; pause, then release. Do 10 times, switch feet.</li>
</ol>
This has led me to the use of <a href="https://yogatoes.com/collections/all-yoga-toes-products/products/gems-toe-stretchers" target="_blank">YogaToes</a> Gems spacers. YogaToes are supposed to help create some space between your toes, stretch your toes, and helps with circulation.<br />
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You pull each gem in between each toe, which gently spreads them apart providing relief while your toes are stretched.<br />
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This has become a nightly ritual for me. Once I put them on I feel instant relief. It is recommended to start wearing them for about 10 minutes at a time and work your way up to 1 hour. When I first started, I experienced some pain as my toes were not used to being spread apart, but now I can wear them up to an hour.<br />
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I highly recommend these. Wearing the Gems along with the stretches above, I have noticed a big difference in the way my feet feel and look. My toes were tightly crammed, and now there is some comfortable difference between each toe. Wearing the Gems helps relieve pain after my long runs or a long day wearing heels. I feel like I negate what I do during the day during the night when I wear these.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-27420401701765227112019-03-12T18:30:00.001-04:002019-03-12T18:34:18.039-04:00St. Patrick's Day Pot-O-Gold Chocolates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrFFzqYyWr9TJEBna1hNd2Q9wHZgg7E8mhsk5XGQsUxHYyJedqT36MPKtc9NgZrcfkP4mmyKAMpqCoflGvm2eKq2wVM-cc5b8bV-dik6NYL9ntR5BMdAc0qBYk7-vRRXel2PV1Z4tnOw/s1600/St+Patricks+Day+Crafts+DIY+Oreos+Chocolate+Cauldron+29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="750" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrFFzqYyWr9TJEBna1hNd2Q9wHZgg7E8mhsk5XGQsUxHYyJedqT36MPKtc9NgZrcfkP4mmyKAMpqCoflGvm2eKq2wVM-cc5b8bV-dik6NYL9ntR5BMdAc0qBYk7-vRRXel2PV1Z4tnOw/s640/St+Patricks+Day+Crafts+DIY+Oreos+Chocolate+Cauldron+29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi guys! I know I haven't been posting as much as I would like to. I have been busy with work and also working on my jewelry and crystals over at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackfeather" target="_blank">Black Feather</a>.<br />
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But I just had to share these cute mini St. Patrick's Day cauldrons I made for family and friends.<br />
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I found these cute small black cauldron's at the Target dollar area at the front of the store. A bag of six cost $3.00. These are mini, about 4 inches tall and 2 inches wide. I wish I took a photo of all the cauldrons I made, but didn't realize I should until I had only two left...<br />
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These are q quick and easy gift to make - Very small chocolates can fit the inside of the cauldron, so it is easy to stuff it with gold foiled rolos or hershey kisses. About 12 or so small chocolate can fit inside. I took the longer approach and dipped mini oreos in chocolate and wrapped each one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MG-cE9fFjVjlTywOXcfpmo4xdM97fDkwSYWn5K1v_iBfouW_UzL54eP-Y8-ArlElthQLjhq_dL5_jFtYhSfyCmtt4X9-85zieriXA0H51DfNthNqQ64fA7uieg1Mx8OXDp_1apmgwOI/s1600/St+Patricks+Day+Crafts+DIY+Oreos+Chocolate+Cauldron+53.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="750" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MG-cE9fFjVjlTywOXcfpmo4xdM97fDkwSYWn5K1v_iBfouW_UzL54eP-Y8-ArlElthQLjhq_dL5_jFtYhSfyCmtt4X9-85zieriXA0H51DfNthNqQ64fA7uieg1Mx8OXDp_1apmgwOI/s640/St+Patricks+Day+Crafts+DIY+Oreos+Chocolate+Cauldron+53.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, I bought a few bags of these mini oreos. I melted some chocolate chips in the microwave and I got to work by dipping my oreos in melted milk chocolate. Placed each one on parchment paper and once the chocolate hardened I wrapped them in gold foil. And that is it - You can wrap the cauldron with colorful ribbon and add a sweet note.<br />
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Enjoy! And if you make these please let me know as I would love to see your version of them.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-6325430874693381432018-08-17T22:53:00.000-04:002018-09-23T00:13:41.117-04:00My Favorite Things - Beauty Edition 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I decided to put together a list of some of my favorite beauty products that I am using right now.<br />
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<a href="https://www.olay.com/en-us/skin-care-products/complete-all-day-moisturizer-spf-30-sensitive-skin" target="_blank">Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with SPF 30</a> (Not in Image).<br />
I have been using Olay's moisturizer with SPF 30 for over 15 years every day. Before using this, I used Pond's moisturizing cream for years, but unfortunately it did not have SPF. Olay's Moisturizer with SPF is not only moisturizing, but it is also light, so I don't feel like it is clogging my pores. I use it as soon as I finish washing my face in the morning. I wait about 15 minutes and then apply my makeup over it. It also has Vitamin E, B3, aloe, and it is oil-free and my face feels so soft.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/truth-serum-P42343?skuId=1910488" target="_blank">OleHenriksen Truth Serum</a></span>. <br />
Olehenriksen truth serum contains vitamin c, collagen, orange, and green tea extracts. Since using it I noticed my face looks brighter and more hydrated. I use it right before I put my Olay Moisturizer on and I also put it on after I wash my face before I go to bed.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/water-drench-hyaluronic-cloud-hydra-gel-eye-patches-P423254" target="_blank">Peter Thomas Roth Hydra-Gell Eye Patches</a></span>.<br />
These Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches come with 60 patches (30 pairs) are so hydrating and cooling. I only use them about once or twice a month or when needed. These eye patches are perfect for hydrating under the eye, crow’s feet, and under-eye darkness. It contains ceramide NP, collagen, and marshmallow root extract to help smooth and soften the look of fine lines. Caffeine helps de-puff the look of the eye area. Arnica helps diminish the appearance of dark circles. </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Kopari Coconut Melt</span>.<br />
I heard great things about Kopari's Coconut Melt. It is 100% pure, organic, and unrefined coconut oil. And I use it for pretty much everything. I use it as a hair mask, my skin, cuticles, lips.<br />
And I love that it is sustainably source, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and organic.<br />
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<a href="https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1418327/essie-sheers-nail-polish-blanc.jsp?color=Imported%20Bubbly&prdPV=21" target="_blank">Essie Nail Polish</a>.<br />
Essie's brand of nail polish is one of my favorites. I found a great deal on some of my favorite colors for my hands, such as Limo-Scene, Ballet Slippers, Mademoiselle, Vanity Fairest, and Marshmallow. I usually wear light colors on my hands and dark or fun colors on my toes.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Coola-Suncare-Environmental-Recovery-After-Sun/dp/B00CZFA1HU?th=1" target="_blank">Coola Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion</a>. </span><br />
It's an ultra-moisturizing lotion that uses organic aloe vera and lavender oil to defend against environmental aggressors and calm sunburns. I do my best to be very careful when I am out in the sun to avoid sunburns. I wear hats, sunscreen, long sleeves, but sometimes, even I get burned on certain areas that I missed. I use Coola's Radical Recovery After-Sun lotion right after and have found that I have quicker recovery and it hydrates the skin.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/becca-x-chrissy-teigen-glow-face-palette-P17897458?skuId=1937846" target="_blank">Becca X Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette</a></span>.<br />
This is a limited-edition palette, created in collaboration with model Chrissy Teigen.<br />
I love that it is for the entire face, there is a highlighter, blush, and bronzer. The are two Pressed Highlighters, one in Rose Gold (subtle gold with rose) and the other is Beach Nectar (bronzy apricot with gold). The Blush is Hibiscus Bloom, which is a golden-pink coral color. The Bronzer is Malibu Soleil, which is a medium amber. I use this palette almost every day and absolutely love it. I might get one more to have as it is limited edition and I don't want to be without this one.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/monsieur-big-mascara-P419848" target="_blank">Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara</a>. </span><br />
My absolute favorite mascara. I have tried countless mascaras and this one is the best one I have ever tried. It elongates, thickens, and curls my eyelashes.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://express.google.com/u/0/product/10021744748624573963_6343170555978956688_8175035?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=tu_cu&utm_content=eid-lsjeuxoeqt,eid-fuowqbwzks&utm_campaign=8175035" target="_blank">Not Your Mother's Blonde Moment Treatment Shampoo</a>. </span><br />
During the summer months I lighten my hair a bit and this is a great shampoo to neutralize brassiness and hydrate. It is infused with dark violet pigment to prevent brassiness & and gives a cooler tone to brassiness that happens to my hair.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-3964454856691850142018-08-12T17:33:00.004-04:002018-08-12T17:33:59.492-04:00Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Almost every morning for breakfast I make the yummiest treat with organic oatmeal (1/2 a cup) that I put in the microwave for about 2 1/2 minutes with water (I just eye it and make sure that all of my oatmeal is submerged in. Next, I add the toppings. </div>
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My current favorite toppings are Trader Joe's Crunchy Peanut Butter with Flax and Chia Seeds. It is not as sweet a traditional peanut butter and I love it.</div>
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Next, I add a half of a banana, dab of honey, shredded coconut, fresh fruit (if I have any), and top it with chocolate granola.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuY-26NDyzmjAStCAmakrHmUhilbXQIVkoKR-c3Q7rQVPZ_VER5d6P7G7jjKUcuuR9ILUlHALPxXNxNIpQb54CvD1jTjrCD_Vqv0BkSUS6bl8qOvjrJzm0VzCF7fgpfkhLGF-JDiNVag/s1600/Archer+Farms+Double+Chocolate+Chunk+Granola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="950" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuY-26NDyzmjAStCAmakrHmUhilbXQIVkoKR-c3Q7rQVPZ_VER5d6P7G7jjKUcuuR9ILUlHALPxXNxNIpQb54CvD1jTjrCD_Vqv0BkSUS6bl8qOvjrJzm0VzCF7fgpfkhLGF-JDiNVag/s640/Archer+Farms+Double+Chocolate+Chunk+Granola.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I buy Target's Archer Farms "Double Chocolate Chunk" granola. It is so delicious. I look forward to breakfast every morning. Isn't that what life is all about, enjoying what makes us happy and this my friends bring a smile to my fave every morning.</div>
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It is very filling and has lots of protein and fiber. I have tried quite a bit of granola and many times my stomach hurts a bit after eating it. I don't have that problem with this granola.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-11947787306991479392018-07-21T17:59:00.000-04:002018-08-12T12:51:04.176-04:00My Favorite Things - Summer 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpn0glUHxcwT2E2Zh1nADgCOltDSRD5Rnf7ZzfO8yzytk5mzX8POEq2nPvkPLXtKnqlRfDtVrmdZ66jJHEcuhNykPMxqt8ZI-42Banz9-NTIhGCwHwwwvb2q3muIG8tS4ddJVpDuW_EGs/s1600/My+favorite+things.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpn0glUHxcwT2E2Zh1nADgCOltDSRD5Rnf7ZzfO8yzytk5mzX8POEq2nPvkPLXtKnqlRfDtVrmdZ66jJHEcuhNykPMxqt8ZI-42Banz9-NTIhGCwHwwwvb2q3muIG8tS4ddJVpDuW_EGs/s640/My+favorite+things.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's time for another round of my favorite things. And these items have been my go to this summer:<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Grace and Frankie and Santa Clarita Diet TV Series.</span> In my spare time I have been finishing up on the Waylon biography that I have been reading off and on and catching up on some tv series. A few of my favorites are:<br />
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<b>Santa Clarita Diet</b> stars Drew Barrymore, and she is an absolute doll and love her in so many things, like Miss you Already, 50 First Dates, Wedding Singer. Drew Barrymore plays Sheila, and Timothy Olyphant plays Joel, they are married realtors, and have a teenage daughter in Santa Clarita, California. Their life is picture perfect, until Sheila goes through a sudden and very scary change, causing her eat human flesh. I know it doesn't sound like something you might want to watch, but it's very funny, clever, yet gruesome. If you like a good scare, not afraid of obscene amount of bloods and a little dash of human flesh and body parts eating, then this is the show for you. I will be honest, I watched the first episode and wasn't so sure if I was going to love it, but I gave it a second chance and watched the second episode and they got me hooked. I really enjoyed all the characters, I especially loved the character actor Skyler Gisondo is playing, he plays the "nerdy" teenage boy next door. He is so funny, and his comedic timing really is spot on and he is very fun to watch, he is absolutely adorable. I am really looking forward to seeing Season 3, which is coming out sometime in 2019.<br />
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Another show I binged watched was <b>Grace and Frankie</b>. I never really understood binge watching until I found some amazing shows that you just can't stop watching at one episode. I would watch 3-4 at a time. Grace and Frankie is an amazing show. It really is one of the best out there right now. It reminds me of Sex and City meets Golden Girls. And I absolutely adored the Golden Girls and this. It was funny, sad, and sweet all at the same time. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, you laughed and sympathized with the characters and they really made you love them. Grace and Frankie star Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin (They both also starred in 9 to 5 together). The show starts with Grace and Frankie learning that their husbands have fallen in love with each other and leaving them both. Frankie and Grace are complete opposites, from their personalities, to their wardrobe, to the way they live their lives, sharing absolutely nothing in common accept that both of their husbands are leaving them for each other. The show revolves around how Frankie and Grace's relationship grows after they are both thrown together after the news.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/dandelion-dew-soft-matte-liquid-blush-P406053?skuId=1790435" target="_blank">Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion Dew Liquid Blush</a></span>. Dew Baby-Pink Liquid Blush is not only my favorite summer blush but my go to blush all year round. It is a liquid blush and it's a flattering light baby pink, it's the perfect flushed colored and I think it would work for various skin tones. It is very natural looking. I also use it on my lips.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LALAVAVA-Piece-Racing-Training-Swimsuits/dp/B07CBMSYT9/ref=sr_1_16?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1531799827&sr=1-16&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1" target="_blank">LaLaVaVa Zip Front One Piece Swimwear</a></span>. I have been looking for the right swimwear and honestly I have never found one, until now. I had a strapless black bathing suit, but I kept having to pull it up. I have a trip coming up and wanted something I could throw on and not even think about, so I knew I needed wider straps. I also knew I wanted a zip front, just because I like the sporty feel and look of it. I knew I didn't want to go to the store to try a million of them on. My sister recommended that I find one on Amazon, which I didn't even think about. I quickly found one, read the reviews and looked at the pictures countless times and decided to get this one. The price was ridiculously inexpensive, so I bought two, one in black with pink and one in black with aqua blue and I love them. They arrived 2 days later and I tried them on and love them. They are super flattering and comfortable.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-tie-front-dress-universal-thread-153-black/-/A-53221394" target="_blank">Target's Universal Thread Tie-Front Dress</a></span>. There was only one of these dresses in a size too big at the store, but I loved it when I tried it on. They were sold out online and everywhere near by, I happened to find one as I was browsing. While it is a little big on me, I still love the way it feels and looks. This is definitely on repeat for summer dinners and strolls.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.urbandecay.com/born-to-run-eyeshadow-palette-urban-decay/ud907.html" target="_blank">Urban Decay Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette</a></span>. I try not to buy too many palettes because I end up only using a few shades, but the Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette offers so many beautiful colors to pass up. It has 21 shades and a full-size mirror, but unfortunately doesn't come with a eyeshadow brush like their other palettes do.<br />
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The colors range from jewel tones, neutrals to fun colorful shadows. It is very versatile with shades of pink, purple, orange, neutrals, blues and greens, and I have already been using it on repeat everyday.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/E3721?color_name=gold&srcCode=AFFI0001&siteId=CJ_4441350_rewardStyle&utm_source=rewardStyle&utm_medium=affiliate&cjevent=6168ab3583fc11e8808100ca0a240613" target="_blank">J.Crew Aviator Sunglasses</a></span>. These are my favorite go to sunglasses. I have always loved the aviator style, thank Sylvester Stallone. I have high cheek bones and the bottom of the aviators always touch my cheeks, so it has never worked out for me, until I tried these on. These were the perfect size and super comfortable. Unfortunately, they are sold out at J.Crew :( but <a href="https://www.macys.com/shop/product/ray-ban-jr.-sunglasses-rj9506s?ID=4875617&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&CAWELAID=120156340016494147&CAAGID=23710817421&CATCI=pla-336429408718&CATARGETID=120156340018335901&cadevice=c&cm_mmc=Google_Mens_Accessories_PLA-_-Men%27s+Accessories_Kids%27+Sunglasses+-+GS_Ray-Ban-_-100099590741-_-pg1998041_c_kclickid_ac52a236-f968-4b23-bbce-aa7f841c34eb&trackingid=417x1998041&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv6WA7pux3AIVxEwNCh0N7w0dEAQYCSABEgKCqvD_BwE" target="_blank">Here is a similar pair</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-michaela-pumps-a-new-day-153-taupe-9-5/-/A-52728760?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Shoes+Shopping_Brand&adgroup=SC_Shoes&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9003373&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-Lvd_Z-l3AIVA4nICh2tUg1mEAQYASABEgJd5vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Target's A New Day Michaela Block Heels</a></span>. I have these in beige and black and wanted to find them in a fun summer color. They also come in sky blue, lavender and red. They are super comfortable and have a 2.5” block heel. I bought the black and beige pair in my size, but I decided to go up a half size in these and I think going up a half size is more comfortable for me as these squeeze a bit in the toe area.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.nubianheritage.com/coconut-papaya-with-vanilla-oil-24-hour-all-natural-deodorant">Nubian Heritage Deodorant</a></span>. I am all about all natural deodorant with no Aluminum. I saw a documentary about the correlation between breast cancer and deodorant and there is just too much data out there that it is not worth the risk. I have tried quite a few and most of them I started out liking, but then they weren't holding up. This Nubian Heritage Deodorant is one of the best of I have tried out there. It is all natural and made with vanilla extract, coconut, and papaya. When I have this on my underarms smell like coconuts, the more I sweat the more I smell like coconuts, not a bad problem to have at all.<br />
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So these are a few of my favorite things right now. All of these things have been putting a little smile on my face, and I can't urge that enough, it is important to do and be surrounded by things that you like and love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-90903152068874996002018-03-26T07:34:00.000-04:002018-03-26T09:28:42.367-04:00Bunny Pinata<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97gIZ2hrVnUVNfq-vlX26CWAsgJAUN5KSWVnxdN9kQixTESIrYlY9fT3y2YYAW6LqSaXsooA-TFj1_4c9rBulEmkgYr-DUQqxFDdkyhmC9yc-iJ4VIBWSTgL3eO2DnzMCTYvGukbOXrI/s1600/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="690" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97gIZ2hrVnUVNfq-vlX26CWAsgJAUN5KSWVnxdN9kQixTESIrYlY9fT3y2YYAW6LqSaXsooA-TFj1_4c9rBulEmkgYr-DUQqxFDdkyhmC9yc-iJ4VIBWSTgL3eO2DnzMCTYvGukbOXrI/s640/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+18.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Spring!! Easter is right around the corner and I was inspired to make this bunny pinata by <a href="https://www.theartdream.com/blog/bunny-pinata" target="_blank">The Art Dream</a>. It is so cute and sweet, and I needed a new friend to add to my <a href="http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/search/label/pinatas" target="_blank">Pinata pals</a>.<br />
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He isn't too hard to make, as he is mostly one large oval shape, the hardest part for me was figuring out how to cover the top of his ears. To get started you need:<br />
<ul>
<li>Cardboard</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Tape</li>
<li>Glue</li>
<li>White Crepe Paper (Streamer paper)</li>
<li>White, Pink, Black paper</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfebei1P-CCmg7eat8XQj8jZ4CWlko1-4VK-G1it6ouMbUYGmNXPXUkLuA-wefagxJGXfTlQllSQOleEsUrrD-LjdS5pD3g3CGDbMJzMW5ius_kXSGYW3B0QChfn7yBSPsXBmRaSeDug/s1600/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="700" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfebei1P-CCmg7eat8XQj8jZ4CWlko1-4VK-G1it6ouMbUYGmNXPXUkLuA-wefagxJGXfTlQllSQOleEsUrrD-LjdS5pD3g3CGDbMJzMW5ius_kXSGYW3B0QChfn7yBSPsXBmRaSeDug/s640/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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First, cut out the bunny shape in the cardboard, two pieces have to be identical in shape/size.<br />
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Next, cut out long pieces of cardboard, all of these pieces must be the same width, about an 1.5 inches, this will be the width and sides of your bunny. Tape these cardboard strips all along the two identical cardboard cutouts. Here is a video of me creating a <a href="http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-to-make-sugar-skull-pinata.html" target="_blank">skull pinata</a>, it will show you how to tape the two pieces together. Next, you will want to begin gluing the streamer paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4kwvvs8NRUXab7bFYD_Z_II0kFDMIGRK8FJI0GYmXQFeTTBhcESkGxPNG1bv1CdxTEYJKPskK-E9MPbYtJb5k5Jnf0wgijZ6GMz4RdT9S0EeGVmfVJsRYOX3Dlmg4laLx3bMPAjAcZE/s1600/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="680" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4kwvvs8NRUXab7bFYD_Z_II0kFDMIGRK8FJI0GYmXQFeTTBhcESkGxPNG1bv1CdxTEYJKPskK-E9MPbYtJb5k5Jnf0wgijZ6GMz4RdT9S0EeGVmfVJsRYOX3Dlmg4laLx3bMPAjAcZE/s640/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Using white streamer paper cut small slits on the bottom side. I usually roll a bunch together and cut the little slits, this saves a lot of time. I then glue the strips starting at the bottom until you go all the way to the top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjU9HefOhyphenhyphenR5vffo7aDxeFsgt-R4Jj6deF5N8WoX25WfPWz0Ls58GLQc_phDN45lk357Dy5iiIHbl4DTwFWFII9nwygvbRk_34GsrA2YEHg3-7H0onfy3rhinclAjLrpyUPQwA_0xGwVY/s1600/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="680" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjU9HefOhyphenhyphenR5vffo7aDxeFsgt-R4Jj6deF5N8WoX25WfPWz0Ls58GLQc_phDN45lk357Dy5iiIHbl4DTwFWFII9nwygvbRk_34GsrA2YEHg3-7H0onfy3rhinclAjLrpyUPQwA_0xGwVY/s640/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, using pink construction paper cut out two large bunny ears, a nose, and two circles for the cheeks. I then cut out a smile (half circle) and eyes with black paper. Lastly, I cut out strips of white paper and two teeth and I glued them on. Your bunny pinata can look however you would like. So feel free to change his face up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWqHxEgSRNgPBNdZNeuuTmgoRvC9PQ8oJJn0rvHF6goFvygIfQsX7AlmITFA7Mk5jYurU-K4JnTL4FijzDspuawUlPMX_mlK639WsuxnqEdeySdcI_inHRqZNP83iEzDGLlJfTrrJ8-s/s1600/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="700" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWqHxEgSRNgPBNdZNeuuTmgoRvC9PQ8oJJn0rvHF6goFvygIfQsX7AlmITFA7Mk5jYurU-K4JnTL4FijzDspuawUlPMX_mlK639WsuxnqEdeySdcI_inHRqZNP83iEzDGLlJfTrrJ8-s/s640/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+14.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaYirGJC_FmiiyP_HBmpPSk3gMxwj7LHj3QtnMnsXEtq-BUEF0i-kyEg8wBzsjXVUHXi8x-bLeWipinBBtEjK4BHf1McHnld3PKOGAKEYuDzMLQv6o3dyjBS0kswBmLRaJ2aMZJWJon0/s1600/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="700" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaYirGJC_FmiiyP_HBmpPSk3gMxwj7LHj3QtnMnsXEtq-BUEF0i-kyEg8wBzsjXVUHXi8x-bLeWipinBBtEjK4BHf1McHnld3PKOGAKEYuDzMLQv6o3dyjBS0kswBmLRaJ2aMZJWJon0/s640/Bunny+Pinata+Easter+Bunny+Pinata+11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I won't be filling him up with candy, he is just going to be my companion and bringing a smile to my face. I am thinking about giving him a little bow tie.<br />
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I hope you get a chance to make this little guy. He stands about 2 feet tall with his ears, and you can make it larger or smaller. And these would also be super cute as mini ones to give as gifts on Easter. Enjoy!!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-13575275286224396242017-12-04T14:38:00.000-05:002017-12-04T14:54:58.130-05:00Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUQ3l6oSn5wh2AaaXBKhmOtofwUuteM0X4cp9fDJozIQIpabqDPB1VPA-ugNYZ9gIqwlGRu9bGZaX4hqp24asqcrWpf9LZ2i-nNMlEHBDXFdhdJjGXlPVsV3SFms79QMtwiP6gpaWV0c/s1600/Jordan+Marsh+Blueberry+Muffins+24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUQ3l6oSn5wh2AaaXBKhmOtofwUuteM0X4cp9fDJozIQIpabqDPB1VPA-ugNYZ9gIqwlGRu9bGZaX4hqp24asqcrWpf9LZ2i-nNMlEHBDXFdhdJjGXlPVsV3SFms79QMtwiP6gpaWV0c/s640/Jordan+Marsh+Blueberry+Muffins+24.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As a child I loved going to the Jordan Marsh Bakery, it was a bakery within the Jordan Marsh stores in the Boston area. Not until I was an adult did I learn that the Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins were so well known and famous.<br />
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About a year ago, the baker, John Pupek, who original made these shared the recipe and I was so excited to try them. Here is the original <a href="http://www.wcvb.com/article/legendary-boston-baker-shares-recipe-techniques-for-making-jordan-marsh-s-blueberry-muffins/8233615" target="_blank">broadcast</a> of his interview.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter, at room temperature<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I used maple syrup as a substitute as I ran out of vanilla)<br />
2 cups of flour<br />
1/2 cup of whole milk (I used non-fat)<br />
2 1/2 cups frozen blueberries<br />
1-2 Tablespoons of sugar, for topping<br />
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I<b>nstructions</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin; or line with muffin paper cups. You can use 10 if you want larger muffins.</li>
<li>In a medium-sized bowl, cream the butter and sugar until well combined.</li>
<li>Add the eggs one at a time.</li>
<li>Add the vanilla and beat for a few moments.</li>
<li>Mix the flour, baking powder and salt to combine.</li>
<li>Add the flour mix alternately with the milk, beating gently just to combine. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Do not overmix.</li>
<li>Mash 1/2 cup of the blueberries and sprinkle with flour. </li>
<li>Add the mashed and whole berries to the batter, stirring just to combine and distribute.</li>
<li>Scoop the batter into the muffin pan.</li>
<li>Sprinkle granulated sugar atop each muffin, if desired.</li>
<li>Bake the muffins for about 25-28 minutes, until they're light golden brown on top.</li>
<li>Remove the muffins from the oven, loosen their edges from the pan, and after about 5 minutes transfer them to a rack to cool.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9gqqjB2ui2H33VTd5ciB-Oc7tGqbZTt0Ia7oUMZjDZ5zub-ie4KyX31dVp21ibPi1GcSlrkA02lQePcbx6XkbX86oQpuXw51pbg_uhNeWOvjaWt6jhscyYvFdIULXItG8cYQpZ8J248/s1600/Jordan+Marsh+Blueberry+Muffins+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="850" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9gqqjB2ui2H33VTd5ciB-Oc7tGqbZTt0Ia7oUMZjDZ5zub-ie4KyX31dVp21ibPi1GcSlrkA02lQePcbx6XkbX86oQpuXw51pbg_uhNeWOvjaWt6jhscyYvFdIULXItG8cYQpZ8J248/s640/Jordan+Marsh+Blueberry+Muffins+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q-9_O_RaZ9gwlsjgLAxbM1j-1pG_r0Du6OjLYVlHKA7UkqhCG7ORMV8Jx0VuY9PeKAelOv956CF54urI6VhkYz2dPkNx7-x9O_3B7dtFq88lh7vMXMQaLY4o5sRv26-SEY4_6UMiLnY/s1600/Jordan+Marsh+Blueberry+Muffins+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="850" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q-9_O_RaZ9gwlsjgLAxbM1j-1pG_r0Du6OjLYVlHKA7UkqhCG7ORMV8Jx0VuY9PeKAelOv956CF54urI6VhkYz2dPkNx7-x9O_3B7dtFq88lh7vMXMQaLY4o5sRv26-SEY4_6UMiLnY/s640/Jordan+Marsh+Blueberry+Muffins+13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaSAlfn0pjqLmb6bBdb6tZ6AB57Rtl1Odxvz8DtN5Nm7sYTgdZMUu26loP2JYTYHbM-mkZ3riirNLb91TEkBdQVQnD1x4eGlP9CBkWxVM4xySACDfmJuu6dz5Sqeq9ZMQvEAKbjYv314/s1600/Jordan+Marsh+Blueberry+Muffins+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="850" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaSAlfn0pjqLmb6bBdb6tZ6AB57Rtl1Odxvz8DtN5Nm7sYTgdZMUu26loP2JYTYHbM-mkZ3riirNLb91TEkBdQVQnD1x4eGlP9CBkWxVM4xySACDfmJuu6dz5Sqeq9ZMQvEAKbjYv314/s640/Jordan+Marsh+Blueberry+Muffins+17.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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These came out so moist and delicious. They were so easy to make. I will definitely be making these again. Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-59179428373919286612017-08-08T08:16:00.000-04:002018-08-12T17:56:14.638-04:00Lemon Pie <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY55hjmfp51bOefN5RwJ8ReCJ0eiozC0K35O6MkOrQl0nhMJTNeZ4OFW78FqBS_xQGphsUqMTHXlO2IVCJMDLMChbSlfymifD1WKU89EylMuJwnpNd2NPmxmC6s39RWQcxHznnrUsfO0s/s1600/Magnolia+Lemon+Pie+Joanne+Gaines+5+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1000" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY55hjmfp51bOefN5RwJ8ReCJ0eiozC0K35O6MkOrQl0nhMJTNeZ4OFW78FqBS_xQGphsUqMTHXlO2IVCJMDLMChbSlfymifD1WKU89EylMuJwnpNd2NPmxmC6s39RWQcxHznnrUsfO0s/s640/Magnolia+Lemon+Pie+Joanne+Gaines+5+a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love a good sweet treat and my go to sweet treat for weeknights are dark chocolate covered almonds or I bake chocolate chip cookies once in awhile.<br />
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With the warm sunny days I have been craving fruit and something fresh and light. When I saw this <a href="https://magnoliamarket.com/lemon-pie-recipe/" target="_blank">Lemon Pie recipe</a> from Joanna Gaines from HGTV's Fixer Uppers I knew it was exactly what I needed. I altered it just a bit due to what I had, for example, I didn't make the crust nor did I make or have any whipped cream and it made no difference. This pie was delicious, easy to make, and I will definitely be making this lemon pie a few more times before the end of summer.<br />
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<b>Pie Filling Ingredients: </b><br />
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<ul>
<li>2 cups Eagle Brand “sweetened condensed” Milk ( I used about 1 can and half and it didn't change the recipe at all)</li>
<li>3 egg yolks </li>
<li>⅔ cup lemon juice </li>
<li>1 dash salt </li>
<li>1 lemon (I added this so that you could cut thin slices for decoration)</li>
</ul>
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<b>To Make Pie Filling: </b>Mix Eagle Brand Milk, egg yolks, lemon juice and salt in a bowl. Mix well with mixer or whisk.<br />
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Pour into pie crust and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Place pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQowsVFSKRTmyONfcALKdUmK51kE7TSyBgIt3KDWRTLXdznauZhX9jldz_ZoFUz13Sy-decROXe9EMo4jkdXEevJcA0qXKrL7BEthz_V0Yl4HRjRjFn2k-5BAwIgNGq-TlryO9LSnA4E/s1600/Magnolia+Lemon+Pie+Joanne+Gaines+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQowsVFSKRTmyONfcALKdUmK51kE7TSyBgIt3KDWRTLXdznauZhX9jldz_ZoFUz13Sy-decROXe9EMo4jkdXEevJcA0qXKrL7BEthz_V0Yl4HRjRjFn2k-5BAwIgNGq-TlryO9LSnA4E/s640/Magnolia+Lemon+Pie+Joanne+Gaines+7.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Crust Ingredients ( I didn't make a crust, I had a store-bought graham cracker crust)</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers </li>
<li>6 tbs butter ⅓ cup sugar </li>
</ul>
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<b>To Make Crust: </b>Combine crushed graham cracker, softened butter, and sugar. Mix well and press into greased (I use Baker’s Joy non-stick spray) pie dish. Bake for 8 minutes at 350.<br />
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<b>Whipped Cream Ingredients (I also didn't make the whipped cream or have whipped cream, and it tasted marvelous anyway)</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 small carton of heavy whipping cream </li>
<li>2 tbsp sugar </li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract </li>
</ul>
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<b>To Make Whipped Cream: </b>Mix whipped cream, sugar, and vanilla. Whip until fluffy, and add to cooled lemon pie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OHSjFGe4DrvRuXYoeZ-UpwdtBzbhARZeW2kRGgsA_iMM7XY1WAapYCG_FixSSkpKeUX8Pl3yAojwvEoymygEzQHKcGGn1TrycLfhOZT9mqIYksrU24Pykzy1Vs6Lf8EC1oOgD7mowwI/s1600/Magnolia+Lemon+Pie+Joanne+Gaines+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1000" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OHSjFGe4DrvRuXYoeZ-UpwdtBzbhARZeW2kRGgsA_iMM7XY1WAapYCG_FixSSkpKeUX8Pl3yAojwvEoymygEzQHKcGGn1TrycLfhOZT9mqIYksrU24Pykzy1Vs6Lf8EC1oOgD7mowwI/s640/Magnolia+Lemon+Pie+Joanne+Gaines+14.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was a fresh, light and sweet pie, and the graham cracker crust added the perfect crunch to the light airy pudding like texture of the lemon pie. </div>
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I hope you enjoy making it and eating it on a beautiful sunny day.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-39443480285677864242017-03-15T12:45:00.002-04:002017-03-15T14:32:33.135-04:00Saint Patrick's Day Treats<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0EvReoxDPHY8kRYJKuWWAeEBmCAp61pQOtvydYK7XGH6KuEh227h0XmUqD5a3eOEtFVIR3aJBhemxmbwLOdf-5hu3yZLmwPtJoz6UVtgv3Q2y_zDgbaU6WOMqAQvj2oEAeG-cr7dIxI/s1600/Clover+Shamrock+Shaped+Egg+in+Toast+for+Saint+Patricks+Day+04a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0EvReoxDPHY8kRYJKuWWAeEBmCAp61pQOtvydYK7XGH6KuEh227h0XmUqD5a3eOEtFVIR3aJBhemxmbwLOdf-5hu3yZLmwPtJoz6UVtgv3Q2y_zDgbaU6WOMqAQvj2oEAeG-cr7dIxI/s640/Clover+Shamrock+Shaped+Egg+in+Toast+for+Saint+Patricks+Day+04a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I listed a few of my favorite easy Saint Patrick's Day treats to make the day before or day of Saint Patrick's Day. You are going to love how simple and easy these are to do.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.</span> </span></b>I love a good peanut butter and sandwich. I usually eat one before I work out and sneak in some slices of bananas in it too. I simply toast the bread and use a shamrock shaped cookie cutter to cut one toast and then I fill the shamrock cut out with jam. I used a peach jam so it looked like a gold shamrock.<br />
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Here is the full step by step: <a href="http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/2015/03/saint-patricks-day-peanut-butter-and.html">http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/2015/03/saint-patricks-day-peanut-butter-and.html</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOizLftH1bjziCW5-deaC2J4mX1kih7obYICpRNT_iiiTeEGvm_4xngLdXYxzlddTZV7SnamXlvcEZWtKosaXUQLYHP5rA-XfIe7g6qUerEaSopqBOtHDmeImrpVu0sDH7Ye6PisbdNY/s1600/Clover+Shamrock+Shaped+Egg+in+Toast+for+Saint+Patricks+Day+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOizLftH1bjziCW5-deaC2J4mX1kih7obYICpRNT_iiiTeEGvm_4xngLdXYxzlddTZV7SnamXlvcEZWtKosaXUQLYHP5rA-XfIe7g6qUerEaSopqBOtHDmeImrpVu0sDH7Ye6PisbdNY/s640/Clover+Shamrock+Shaped+Egg+in+Toast+for+Saint+Patricks+Day+02.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN88ibi9YAHPK2v9zjpMUfx30DVkJYlSkWr6PmGSibJ6kgHh-hwbCg6YbYBzAQRaVxAwzX8ThZ645qPl_3q3lybLb_VAKG4T131omBzV5ZCV8NxPfYeZNvJ5R3EydceMgJV1ws00iXS-o/s1600/Clover+Shamrock+Shaped+Egg+in+Toast+for+Saint+Patricks+Day+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN88ibi9YAHPK2v9zjpMUfx30DVkJYlSkWr6PmGSibJ6kgHh-hwbCg6YbYBzAQRaVxAwzX8ThZ645qPl_3q3lybLb_VAKG4T131omBzV5ZCV8NxPfYeZNvJ5R3EydceMgJV1ws00iXS-o/s640/Clover+Shamrock+Shaped+Egg+in+Toast+for+Saint+Patricks+Day+06.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>2.</b></span> Leprechaun hats made with chocolate covered marshmallows and Keebler's fudge stripe cookies.<br />
Recipe and Photo from: <a href="http://blog.hwtm.com/2012/03/diy-tutorial-leprechaun-hat-smores/">http://blog.hwtm.com/2012/03/diy-tutorial-leprechaun-hat-smores/</a><br /><br />Tip: To make this easier, I recommend dipping the marshmallows in chocolate (or buying chocolate rolos) putting them over a chocolate cookie and simply adding a mini cut out green shamrock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJe9Uramqc8t0nM1Y4e6tJ04kNxd-In9OPwSxBLF8OHcdiEC4Dpg4KVxWnewfKesNFLji11Lu2l9IBKSilulUGUDHzYZ7bgs6_1krBAYEd1-C0oBZbrh3mHLp4R1wa9SOmpVLmQuq4Wg/s1600/leprechaun_hat_smores_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJe9Uramqc8t0nM1Y4e6tJ04kNxd-In9OPwSxBLF8OHcdiEC4Dpg4KVxWnewfKesNFLji11Lu2l9IBKSilulUGUDHzYZ7bgs6_1krBAYEd1-C0oBZbrh3mHLp4R1wa9SOmpVLmQuq4Wg/s640/leprechaun_hat_smores_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>3.</b> </span>These are easy peanut butter shamrock cookies using the same shamrock cookie cutter. I also use it to make chocolate chip shaped shamrock cookies.<br />
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Here is the recipe: <a href="http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/2014/03/shamrock-peanut-butter-cookies.html">http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/2014/03/shamrock-peanut-butter-cookies.html</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X0Zc22q5sZChTWIdME8JboZA259vdIpP8EFIKqPYQZ1-AmeD-4FOvxgbdPzd7C41SRUZCb0OtmEdl1AxJnwkYJNWTtf3nI0L77Pn0ClG-OW_6KEFtxRRhSDUMTnl3YGorHEfSx9FUZM/s1600/Shamrock+Cookies+St+Patrick+Peanut+Butter+Cookies+26a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X0Zc22q5sZChTWIdME8JboZA259vdIpP8EFIKqPYQZ1-AmeD-4FOvxgbdPzd7C41SRUZCb0OtmEdl1AxJnwkYJNWTtf3nI0L77Pn0ClG-OW_6KEFtxRRhSDUMTnl3YGorHEfSx9FUZM/s640/Shamrock+Cookies+St+Patrick+Peanut+Butter+Cookies+26a.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">4.</span> </span></b>Rainbow Veggies. This is such a cute and quick idea. All you need is a slice of green, yellow, orange, red pepper and cauliflower put it over a mini bowl of salsa, guacamole or my favorite hummus (<a href="http://www.parents.com/recipes/holidays/st-patricks-day-snacks/?socsrc=pmmpin130219HnCRainbowVeggies" target="_blank">recipe and photo via parents.com</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrPZ59d9Ild1CUrvR531qglXG3y8y_YR-S-JIxHnPKpDswYdf8Dt3mSB2n7CN05j6eaxoztiTDs_CexYjlDeCvNdiRDN8fGOEThfbGrkwswl3xLMqgK7aAxCVISpeSc-wOqvUBYtxVuA/s1600/Rainbow+Food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrPZ59d9Ild1CUrvR531qglXG3y8y_YR-S-JIxHnPKpDswYdf8Dt3mSB2n7CN05j6eaxoztiTDs_CexYjlDeCvNdiRDN8fGOEThfbGrkwswl3xLMqgK7aAxCVISpeSc-wOqvUBYtxVuA/s640/Rainbow+Food.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope these little fun treats bring a smile on your face.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-68959258536726270292017-03-01T09:01:00.000-05:002017-03-01T09:01:03.709-05:00Saint Patrick's Day Oreo Treats - You're the Gold at the End of my Rainbow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateFinch" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VfiNlOwRHpCICQrI4veDuj-QZETB_e-a2P_DxRumeNL_oDri05xhrv9J1d40PV2Uqzq3tXXlL1RrEhh0JLgv1y88rrsvJAJADY9TD5rNxU1QSaD9g25ZtPd5PuUbMoJgObq2Z2KrKFs/s640/Your+the+pot+of+gold+at+the+end+of+my+rainbow+oreos+7_blog.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateFinch" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateFinch</a></div>
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Top of the morning to you! For Saint Patrick's Day I made these Milk Chocolate Covered Oreos and wrapped them in gold and rainbow colors. They are available in packs of 9, 6, or 4 and each one comes wrapped in a matching bow with a rainbow note to give to your loved one that says "You're the Pot of Gold at the end of my Rainbow".<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateFinch" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8neLvG2AAiuWRXHPGYvllj58rzbN4G0j4_7QM2Dzu6LnOXACMez4gh8TWeSJt2F3Epyz-EDbXXUNTfPOy_0zQjNb6m9K_wKdgcUZSW0kBkn3jCZPGlwmjjcGUbGXQwZ6OlRt1nwV9kw/s640/DSC_0373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They all are milk chocolate covered oreos, but you can request dark or white chocolate too.<br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateFinch" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EUQ1XMLpawqN_-oevbRFlZAHCccCD1sdz1E7xDomSMpPY2TXRFwnYBOnGaGV1CRFcAftyjcrGVxbrW-j8Nc571RX5sKXad25EXo5EeutpKRXufeoNSWHxaSLBa_Gp19NFBZPlvTtgQE/s640/You+are+the+pot+of+gold+at+the+end+of+my+rainbow+oreos+1_blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Shop ChocolateFinch below. Happy Saint Patrick's Day. I wish you a day filled of joy and luck.<br />
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<script src="https://www.etsy.com/assets/js/etsy_mini_shop.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">new Etsy.Mini(7694241,'gallery',3,3,0,'https://www.etsy.com');</script>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1326149347401045654.post-40328356865770069272017-02-15T15:44:00.000-05:002017-02-15T16:21:32.862-05:00Chocolate Chip Banana Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrF0OdvVtD7uJnLwQsmcvhm4LluNlu8kVlYWFe63OZ2hdDebHlE_0lD67x3w8toUvmqHq1p-3AvbSYg2EvnUdRZn673vXiC23T5tPpox8PlSuoQ06NsSTz8mxj5xMJJW5RegGTYR_-4_w/s1600/Chocolate+Chip+Banana+Bread+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrF0OdvVtD7uJnLwQsmcvhm4LluNlu8kVlYWFe63OZ2hdDebHlE_0lD67x3w8toUvmqHq1p-3AvbSYg2EvnUdRZn673vXiC23T5tPpox8PlSuoQ06NsSTz8mxj5xMJJW5RegGTYR_-4_w/s640/Chocolate+Chip+Banana+Bread+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do you have bananas that look way past due? Heavy dark brown and black stains? <br />
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Back away from the trashcan, do not throw them away, and make this easy chocolate chip banana bread today! <br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or substitute with olive oil)<br />
1 1/2 cups flour<br />
3/4 cup sugar (or 1 cup of sugar)<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
2 eggs, lightly beaten<br />
3 bananas, mashed<br />
1 cup chocolate chips (I used mini chocolate morsels)<br />
1/2 cup of walnuts (optional)<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F .<br />
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Grease a 8 1/2-inch x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan.<br />
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In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. <br />
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Mix in the oil, bananas and eggs. <br />
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Stir in the chocolate chips and pour into the greased loaf pan.<br />
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Bake for about 50-60 minutes, until golden brown, or a butter knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out and cool completely, right side up.<br />
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