tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87189209199494557162024-03-29T04:03:48.037-07:00Cook~Love~CraftDedicated to all things artsy, crafty, and yummy!
Look for recipes, craft ideas, photography, and reviews of other people's arsty, crafty stuff ;)AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-314650461351015862016-12-20T10:44:00.006-08:002016-12-20T10:44:52.743-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Intimate Rustic Backyard Wedding on a Serious Budget</b><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJz3SwvLUnWG-VDhXyknT2kzkr-LmR99BXt0wO7JxiFTF3lQ_Z44ihXr3QZ-VwXaZ_F-E_Ea-pHPcOxzS4S5ZBoxk6caES-t2qMT9B_v6Lh6Bd8hx-skUuZbYOZpCrHio4lNNRlNVH4W-/s1600/b.+schneider+photography+%252824+of+148%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJz3SwvLUnWG-VDhXyknT2kzkr-LmR99BXt0wO7JxiFTF3lQ_Z44ihXr3QZ-VwXaZ_F-E_Ea-pHPcOxzS4S5ZBoxk6caES-t2qMT9B_v6Lh6Bd8hx-skUuZbYOZpCrHio4lNNRlNVH4W-/s400/b.+schneider+photography+%252824+of+148%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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It's been a long time since I've posted but having the most perfect wedding in our backyard will make you want to share some tips!</div>
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I set my budget between $3,000-$4,000 and was able to keep very close to my budget.</div>
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I had some help... a neighbor lent me lights and drink troughs they had used for the recent wedding of their daughter. They also had a gorgeous wooden sign with "Ceremony" printed across the front of it in metal print.</div>
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Okay, so here's the breakdown. For about 44 people:</div>
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-Beer and wine- $280 (2 buck chuck from Trader Joes was the big saver here)</div>
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-Linens and napkins- $153 (found on Etsy from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/YourChairCovers">www.etsy.com/shop/YourChairCovers</a>)</div>
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-Flowers- $283 (I used dried flowers as an alternative to fresh flowers- not only did I save a ton of $$$ but they are gorgeous and won't die! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistryinFlorals">www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistryinFlorals</a>)</div>
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-Plates and Silverware- $78 (We used heavy duty plastic plates and plastic gold silverware from Amazon.com)</div>
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-Candles- $187 (36 assorted pillar candles and 72 votive candles from <a href="http://www.candles4less.com/">www.candles4less.com</a>)</div>
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-Food ~$900 (The food and rentals were the most expensive things. I used one of my favorite restaurants and shopped around a bit. Lots of catering services will have a minimum of about $1,000 so $900 with tax and service fee wasn't bad. We had someone who was helping with the wedding pick up the food to save about $150 for a delivery fee)</div>
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-Rentals- $995 (By far the highest expense. We had help paying for this from a family member which was a huge help. The biggest cost associated with the rentals was the heat lamps. We needed 5 of them and they were about $75 a piece to rent but it was necessary when planning an evening wedding in December!)</div>
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-Miscellaneous stuff- $300 (I bought miss-matched wine glasses from local thrift shops as well as little glass containers for individualized succulent plants. There were other things too- a vintage looking dessert table from a thrift shop for $19, clear Christmas lights from Big Lots- $30, plastic champagne flutes from Hobby Lobby- $7 with coupon, Mr. and Mrs. gold signs $12 from Hobby Lobby on sale, Wooden planks and a blow torch from Home Depot- $50). There's more, I just can't list it all....</div>
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How we saved money:</div>
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-We did our research to find the lowest prices</div>
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-We used Etsy which saved us A LOT and it's nice knowing you're supporting a small business and that you have handmade stuff!</div>
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-We made a lot of stuff ourselves</div>
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-We spent a lot of time in thrift shops</div>
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-We had wonderful friends who were willing to help and we let them (and were careful to not ask too much). We were really lucky here- we had a wedding planner, a photographer, and an electrician who helped us make the day really special.</div>
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-We kept the guest list small</div>
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-We were flexible- go with an overall theme and buy items the fit but don't get so stuck on having specific items that you fail to see things that would work well.</div>
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-We made use of what we already had. Our yard is filled with trees and plants so we let them grow in the months leading up the wedding instead of cutting them back during yard work. Then we used the leaves to make garlands for the tables!</div>
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-We had a friend officiate- in California, it's free to be ordained. It takes about 5 minutes to become ordained and that's all you need! Check your state laws to see if it's cheap or free to have a friend officiate instead of hiring someone.</div>
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Now some pictures:</div>
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Instead of renting expensive farm tables, we got plastic tables, covered them with Ivory table cloths, and opted to buy wooden planks from Home Depot and torch them to give them that rustic finish. It really is easy to torch wood and make it look really neat on a budget. </div>
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Using leaf clippings from our yard to create a beautiful garland down each table was also a huge cost saving project. It didn't take long and we used dried flowers from Etsy to accent the leaves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9atGSM6H4zLIIQLV68N8IfV1nyxGSlbfFWsszNv500ufRh4_4lmlRdiBxy-NJugrJ8ujTfQCAzi055nuwVlNWur2SIeZSlonSauFZ8E68L3ldP5tVoa0gjD6C2xUMYCn1KNuHSkvtHduI/s1600/b.+schneider+photography+%25282+of+148%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9atGSM6H4zLIIQLV68N8IfV1nyxGSlbfFWsszNv500ufRh4_4lmlRdiBxy-NJugrJ8ujTfQCAzi055nuwVlNWur2SIeZSlonSauFZ8E68L3ldP5tVoa0gjD6C2xUMYCn1KNuHSkvtHduI/s640/b.+schneider+photography+%25282+of+148%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Without the heaters, we could have cut our rental cost in half, but it was necessary since temps dropped into the low 40's/high 30's that night! We also picked up some blankets from the thrift shop and washed them in scalding water in case people were still cold.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSia7SJiHZxR8ZK5ViCQmkh2ET1VJLFBtcMjZH82SgNojVPmU6EkiCHs1vXUQMLq4DljZIwi59qeXI6Q8HQikBTuWi86m4pAoVXNHVWbbPDKEd8KvX1FFO7crBeHt3SzZDA1us_8jIQkal/s1600/b.+schneider+photography+%252817+of+148%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSia7SJiHZxR8ZK5ViCQmkh2ET1VJLFBtcMjZH82SgNojVPmU6EkiCHs1vXUQMLq4DljZIwi59qeXI6Q8HQikBTuWi86m4pAoVXNHVWbbPDKEd8KvX1FFO7crBeHt3SzZDA1us_8jIQkal/s640/b.+schneider+photography+%252817+of+148%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These signs were an unexpected purchase when I came across them at Hobby Lobby. At 50% off, they were a steal!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmUPPc8Su7FjDaxKIAIxejgLwUNmZ8mkK1GcJ9QWpdnkSDbkJXQI5cbIEBI-a9XyBe64wLeZpicx1lQm3vmoQkq_KHNYioIRr0bKApT3V_5grXdLJy7nu8gUUEPpubIZoivkxyaW_aXK3/s1600/b.+schneider+photography+%252823+of+148%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmUPPc8Su7FjDaxKIAIxejgLwUNmZ8mkK1GcJ9QWpdnkSDbkJXQI5cbIEBI-a9XyBe64wLeZpicx1lQm3vmoQkq_KHNYioIRr0bKApT3V_5grXdLJy7nu8gUUEPpubIZoivkxyaW_aXK3/s640/b.+schneider+photography+%252823+of+148%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We wrapped the napkins ourselves (me + bridesmaids) and tied twine around each one. Purchasing heavy duty plastic gold utensils from Amazon instead of a party store saved us a ton of money.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7YkXkUMKBaL87JWBHu7HieXzQJ9SZx6l6tHYMVp6hkqAefAKQd70DP29xophBYto919iv57JEsOgPaPs77QMDSlZwpdT-vyqgfjO4vIIDhWbL0kcH31BL_vHhf4mSuCfl6SJOu1d4sdA/s1600/b.+schneider+photography+%252826+of+148%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7YkXkUMKBaL87JWBHu7HieXzQJ9SZx6l6tHYMVp6hkqAefAKQd70DP29xophBYto919iv57JEsOgPaPs77QMDSlZwpdT-vyqgfjO4vIIDhWbL0kcH31BL_vHhf4mSuCfl6SJOu1d4sdA/s400/b.+schneider+photography+%252826+of+148%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We used a vintage thrift shop table to serve dessert and opted for mini-cupcakes instead of large cupcakes which saved us quite a bit of money. People also seemed excited they were mini too! who knew?</div>
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Trader Joe's Charles Shaw wine saved the day. At around $2.50 a bottle, we were able to buy more than enough and fully stock every table full of wine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXv8JxHDHJHzKK4PW8eJRPTwKNbQB1MYPwGb-CxycKhsr1-cdwTOynnIqWtTQju55rvtznrmlVAo-D-ef7oHITSlF1Rrw-8i7C74aPIeu7kWurgKCWps2zj8Kv8axSDP5TQWNvAONVOBxQ/s1600/woodburn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXv8JxHDHJHzKK4PW8eJRPTwKNbQB1MYPwGb-CxycKhsr1-cdwTOynnIqWtTQju55rvtznrmlVAo-D-ef7oHITSlF1Rrw-8i7C74aPIeu7kWurgKCWps2zj8Kv8axSDP5TQWNvAONVOBxQ/s400/woodburn.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div>
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During the wood burning process.</div>
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Party favors- Succulents from my yard clipped and placed in layered rocks and soil in miss-matched glass containers from the thrift shop. We also had some really cool little chocolate picture frames my Dad's girlfriend made us. I wish I had a good picture of them!</div>
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The dress: I found it for $65 on Amazon and it fit like a glove! I only ended up having to hem the bottom of it and have it steamed to get rid of wrinkles.</div>
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We had a wonderful time and are now happily married <3</div>
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AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-11277542596836529342014-06-02T13:23:00.000-07:002014-06-02T13:24:44.241-07:00Swordfish on the Grill<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We BBQ a lot during the summer.<br />
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And, I really mean a lot.<br />
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We do the standard hotdogs and hamburgers. But we are also a big fans of Swordfish.<br />
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I wish I had a picture, but I don't, so this will have to do (it really does look pretty much the same):<br />
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<a href="http://mikes-table.themulligans.org/2008/08/23/grilled-swordfish-with-tomatillo-corn-relish/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMtIcKyHXZsOHjPUnjCq4uq9UZMCpuWrJRV_URwWoHzsmc3GJgF_Ot00bDcx6YYmP-ebhk9jxN4cik32RDEBNIWgvXXLNF9FWW3Q62XXL403Agc1Cn2K7WZ0ClnKxaGNwA7WnrqGfGj-H/s1600/swordfish.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a really good and very easy recipe:<br />
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Swordfish on the Grill:<br />
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Serves: 2<br />
Time to prep: 10 minutes<br />
Time to marinate: 1-2 hours<br />
Time to cook: 10-20 minutes (depending on thickness)<br />
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Ingredients (these do not need to be exact since I usually throw this together without measuring):<br />
- 2 swordfish steaks (about 1/3-1/2 pound each)<br />
- Juice of 2 lemons<br />
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced<br />
- 1/4 cup olive oil<br />
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)<br />
- Salt and pepper to taste<br />
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Directions:<br />
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1. Place swordfish in a shallow dish.<br />
2. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over swordfish<br />
3. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours<br />
4. Heat grill to medium heat and place swordfish on grill<br />
5. Use brush to occasionally coat fish with more marinade juice during the first half of cooking.<br />
6. Flip fish once halfway through<br />
7. Remove fish when middle flakes easily with a fork<br />
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Oh, like the picture above?<a href="http://mikes-table.themulligans.org/2008/08/23/grilled-swordfish-with-tomatillo-corn-relish/"> Here's the link to that recipe. It is a Swordfish with tomatillo and corn relish. Yum!</a></div>
AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-45925438035102975532013-12-04T21:49:00.001-08:002013-12-04T21:49:06.305-08:00Tried and True Recipes found on Pinterest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, I've been trying lots of recipes that I find while spending hours on end on Pinterest. I pin A LOT. Most of it, I don't make. I have a fear of cooking recipes that have no rating! I know. Crazy talk. So, I decided to switch it up a bit and try recipes not because they have amazing ratings, but because they look and sound really, really good. And you know what? Lot of them are.<br />
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Here are some recipes. My modifications are written below each picture. I've listed them by how much I liked them.<br />
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<a href="http://centercutcook.com/tomato-and-basil-chicken-with-pan-sauce/">1. Tomato and Basil Chicken with Pan Sauce</a></h2>
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This is one of my favorite recipes. I use about 2/3rds of the cream cheese and boil some angel hair pasta to serve it over. In the summer, I usually have tomatoes and basil growing in my garden and it tastes even better with ingredients from the garden. YUM!</div>
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/09/grilled-ribeye-steak-with-onion-blue-cheese-sauce/?crlt.pid=camp.n9kWqzDKyXwn">2. Grilled Rib-eye Steak with Onion-Blue Cheese Sauce</a></h2>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/09/grilled-ribeye-steak-with-onion-blue-cheese-sauce/?crlt.pid=camp.n9kWqzDKyXwn"><img alt="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/09/grilled-ribeye-steak-with-onion-blue-cheese-sauce/?crlt.pid=camp.n9kWqzDKyXwn" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0Mgi-ENorximVuJpciF3bCvfo8cHhOFTL_DwQ9ZUB14nR6ZxUrQogzVf5SjaC2gj02qfYI4UhvFxUTOFSKnBgfbdbR7Do1j_ck1Z_jCo0AflqzmayZm7UHcOQgujJf3_W400vgPwPrjO/s320/Steak+and+onion+with+bleu+cheese.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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I actually made this tonight and OMG! It was AMAZING. I'm not usually much of a red meat fan, but a girl can change for food this good. I made my steak in a cast iron skillet. Salt and pepper the steaks generously. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Find your cast iron skillet and get it screaming hot. Throw some butter in there (carefully!!) and when it starts to bubble, throw your steak on. Sear on either side (1-3 minutes each side depending on the thickness of your steak) and then move the skilled into the oven for an additional 4-8 minutes (depending on thickness and desired cook). Remove from oven and move to another surface and let those babies rest for 5 minutes before you cut into perfection. Serve with that amazing onion sauce. I also made an asparagus and mushroom saute to go along and it was perfect!</div>
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<a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pork_chops_with_dijon_sauce/">3. Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce</a></h2>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pork_chops_with_dijon_sauce/"><img alt="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pork_chops_with_dijon_sauce/" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQFsHh8Wjq_qh1J-aze8fakUImlG-zK5vkzc7dJy7ntz5AxrqWViYqBODBgLTbQN7sJPOjJvgDuKJyFOiCoCQp0DD4ITiVudDjZAhSDQdhvMiL2DlukW6FNeG5c8TGA7MO_XZYV82ND1i/s320/pork+chops.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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This one is all about the sauce. Make more of it if you're a sauce person. You won't regret it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2012/10/baked-chicken-chimichangas.html">4. Baked Chicken Chimichangas</a></h2>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2012/10/baked-chicken-chimichangas.html"><img alt="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2012/10/baked-chicken-chimichangas.html" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3PNROhWm9ol_cQTxYBAjJR4YUD6cIPkLJu5QV7tS3GobkawZmNRAJPLLbkuZumaT8bQ0chcJPam4YJUmAh3P86TRAtMF-O7oNo6Cr2pBQXwR5n7_sSZJznuXu0nBWtaB3OSNI67bCXM8/s320/oven-baked-chimichangas-platter.JPG" width="228" /></a></span></div>
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I used EVOO cooking spray instead of butter to coat my tortillas before baking them to perfection. This is a quick go to meal for leftover rotisserie chicken. It's a keeper.</div>
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<a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2011/04/jalapeno-popper-grilled-cheese-sandwich.html">5. Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich</a></h2>
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I've made these several times simply because people keep asking me to! I also just use whatever bread I have. Sourdough is not necessary and I honestly haven't even tried it. I can't really imagine it actually being any better than what it already is.<br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/light-philly-20-minute-skillet-salmon/detail.aspx">6. Light Philly 20-Minute Skillet Salmon</a></h2>
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Okay, so this one is on a site that rates recipes, but I HAD to include it because it's a favorite. Yet another one of those recipes that is simple and amazing. I've used dried dill as well and it was just as good- or almost just as good.</div>
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Check out my personal recipes as well. Find them by clicking on "recipes" over there somewhere ---></div>
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AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-79548900713450930012013-10-01T15:09:00.003-07:002013-10-02T09:18:08.065-07:00Garlic and Bacon Chicken over Cheesy Polenta with Broccoli - Gourmet in under 30 minutes!! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Well hello again!</b></div>
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Yes, I know it has been far far too long since my last post.</div>
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About a million and a half things have happened though. Let's see...</div>
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It starts with getting a full time job and subsequently getting promoted a few weeks later into a position I love but that takes up a lot of the free time I used to have. It goes on to getting a female Decker Rat Terrier puppy that my fiance named Sweetpea. 6 months after that, we got a second puppy, same breed, that I named Jax. They are both the best dogs one could hope for. I only have a small handful of "terrible puppy" stories. Both have been great.<br />
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Then after getting two dogs, we decided we were done with apartment living and found the most amazing house to rent.<br />
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Sweetpea and Jax</div>
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JAX: AKA "Little Man"- He likes the mud!</div>
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Sweetpea watching the trees for squirrels </div>
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The new house!! </div>
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Okay. There are my five excuses for not posting. I apologize, and I will strive to do better.<br />
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<b>That being said, let's get to the food.</b><br />
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Now this recipe is pretty much the easiest and best tasting thing you will ever eat. It relies on a couple giant shortcuts. When it tastes as good as it does, you won't know the difference. I used to make this dish from scratch. It was inspired by one of my favorite restaurants in Claremont, CA named Union on Yale. I'd eat there everyday if I could- but that would be expensive (although far less expensive than what you'd expect to pay for such high quality food).<br />
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First thing's first; here's the base ingredients (yes that's right, a rotisserie chicken- don't hate!):<br />
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I use some other things to jazz it up, but it's pretty personalizeable from here on.<br />
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Start out by adding your polenta to a small sauce pan. Yes, I found the most amazing frozen ingredient that has probably ever been made. Thank you Trader Joes for making the poleta FOR me. I am forever in your debt. If you don't have a local Trader Joes, all is not lost. It WILL take longer than 30 minutes though. Look <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cheesy-Polenta/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=polenta&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=%2fmy%2frecipebox%2fdefault.aspx">HERE</a> for a good polenta recipe and note that you may not need to add milk or Parmesan like I do.<br />
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In a medium saute or frying pan, fry your bacon (Note: I only made one serving so you'll have to double or quadruple the recipe as needed).<br />
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Remove from heat when crispy, add chopped garlic. You can cook it just until it's slightly golden brown or you can cook it longer to add crispiness (just my personal preference for this dish).<br />
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Remove garlic, add some slices of chicken, just to heat through (this can alternatively be done in the microwave, but I like the taste it adds by heating it in the bacon grease.<br />
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At this point, check your polenta and stir until texture is creamy. I add milk and Parmesan to heighten the taste a bit. It doesn't need a lot. I just add enough milk to get a creamy texture without adding so much that it gets watery. Then I throw a palmful of grated parmesan and stir until it looks and smells amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cSbOKCsSE_yXBePzt71aLYI7w4mfJ2WE1-lwwJ9Oj2ZQYNbOrGv8BKmf0dO5iTdheikvJgsXbgChlFxUK5sXa8hdc0ckXgCyxwX-WV0S_F3tHbWho633A0h9mvVn1A_c99L5ymKIk90w/s1600/20130928-IMG_2689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cSbOKCsSE_yXBePzt71aLYI7w4mfJ2WE1-lwwJ9Oj2ZQYNbOrGv8BKmf0dO5iTdheikvJgsXbgChlFxUK5sXa8hdc0ckXgCyxwX-WV0S_F3tHbWho633A0h9mvVn1A_c99L5ymKIk90w/s400/20130928-IMG_2689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Optional: Add broccoli or brussels sprouts to the saute pan. let it soak up any residual bacon grease. Remove when just cooked through (I used frozen broccoli that I steamed in the microwave until no longer frozen and then cooked until done in the pan).<br />
<br />
Now just get a plate or two and pile it on- polenta first, followed by bacon and garlic, and then the chicken and broccoli or brussels sprouts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcAVWds2n6Sbw8vZM_u1tYTUDyewke3h4nTuPr5g9jUWTIdBica5cMHM9QTrtVlMq3a9wPv3b4FFL7VN2Nk19DCtDZN1oIKqU8Rwy-gZeau7CiVCbDemwDBSbezMjcF8h3vpJ7_LvZywV/s1600/20130928-IMG_2705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcAVWds2n6Sbw8vZM_u1tYTUDyewke3h4nTuPr5g9jUWTIdBica5cMHM9QTrtVlMq3a9wPv3b4FFL7VN2Nk19DCtDZN1oIKqU8Rwy-gZeau7CiVCbDemwDBSbezMjcF8h3vpJ7_LvZywV/s640/20130928-IMG_2705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's it. Do this when you have people over. They will come back and probably often. Unless you don't like them. In that case, do not feed them this dish under any circumstances ;)<br />
<br />
The actual Recipe?? Well, since I usually eye it, I'll do my best.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Garlic and Bacon Chicken over Cheesy Polenta with Broccoli</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>Time: </b> 30 minutes or less (with shortcuts)<br />
<b>Servings:</b> 1 or 2 (depending on if you have sides or not)<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
- Leg and thigh from a rotisserie chicken<br />
- 1-2 slices bacon or thick Pancetta (I prefer the taste of Pancetta but not the price)<br />
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped<br />
- Trader Joe's Creamy Polenta (or other prepared polenta- see above for link)<br />
<br />
<u>Optional:</u><br />
- Milk to taste<br />
- 3-4 TBSP Parmesan cheese<br />
- 1/2 cup broccoli or Brussels Sprouts<br />
<br />
<u>Directions:</u><br />
1. Add your frozen polenta to a small sauce pan and follow directions on back of bag to heat through.<br />
2. In a medium saute or frying pan, fry your bacon.<br />
3. Remove from heat when crispy, add chopped garlic. You can cook it just until it's slightly golden brown or you can cook it longer to add crispiness.<br />
3. Remove garlic, add chicken, just to heat through (this can alternatively be done in the microwave, but I like the taste it adds by heating it in the bacon grease.)<br />
4. Check your polenta and stir until texture is creamy. Add optional (although highly reccomended) milk and Parmesan. Continue to stir until cheese is melted and fully blended.<br />
5. Take your chicken off the heat.<br />
6. Add broccoli or brussels sprouts to pan and heat until just cooked through.<br />
7. Pile it on a plate- polenta first, followed by bacon and garlic, and then the chicken and broccoli or Brussels sprouts.<br />
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<br />
I usually have about 80% of these ingredients already in my fridge. I regularly buy a pack of bacon and freeze it just so I can use one or two slices at a time.</div>
AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-62933585025085630802012-09-04T21:27:00.000-07:002012-09-04T21:32:30.049-07:00Portobello Mushroom Burger Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been doing my best to cut down on red meat. However, I love a good burger. I also love mushrooms. This recipe combines the best of both.<br />
<br />
A good friend of mine, Suzanne Schneider, has an <a href="http://schneider-tablefortwo.blogspot.com/">awesome cooking blog</a>. This is one of her recipes.<br />
<br />
I have provided the ingredients and directions with my personal changes. For the original recipe, please <a href="http://schneider-tablefortwo.blogspot.com/2010/05/portobello-mushroom-burger.html">click here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://schneider-tablefortwo.blogspot.com/2010/05/portobello-mushroom-burger.html"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozCaSNL6pb_ZEyXWeiOijI_c8s_vbzsK8uqy6mDQ38gOfkD9CdsPrTm7rtzu6GP_l6FVyzoFb8Uz8Fme95nx8NyCSOQoGk_aFbtbRbVTAk1RUJkeFc-3DxhU0qF9wruob8UfQmkXAsG69/s640/20120825-IMG_0267.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Portobello Mushroom Burger<br />
2 Servings<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
- 2 Large Portobello Mushroom Caps<br />
- 1/4 Cup of balsamic vinegar<br />
- 2 TBSP olive oil<br />
- 1 tsp dried basil<br />
- tsp dried oregano<br />
- 1 TBSP minced garlic<br />
- salt and pepper to taste<br />
- 2 hamburger buns<br />
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Toppings (Pick the ones you'd like):<br />
- Onions (I use thinly sliced red onion)<br />
- Spinach, lettuce, or arugula (I use spinach or arugula)<br />
- Tomatoes<br />
- Cheese (I used provolone)<br />
- Mustard, Ketchup, Mayo (I only use a little mayo)<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Place the mushroom caps, smooth side up, in a shallow dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and
pepper. Pour over the mushrooms. Let stand at room temperature for 15-30 minutes, turning once halfway through. (I have also let these marinate all day in the fridge with great results).<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Preheat grill or saute pan for medium-high heat (I haven't tried to grill these yet).</div>
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3. Brush grate with oil or spray pan with cooking spray. Place mushrooms on the grill/pan. If on grill, reserve marinade for basting. If in pan, add to pan with mushrooms. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until
tender. Brush with marinade frequently. If in pan, cook 8-10 minutes on each side, or until tender throughout (cooking time will depend on thickness). Top with cheese during the last 2
minutes of grilling/cooking.</div>
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4. Warm up buns on grill or on stove and top with mushroom cap. Add desired toppings and enjoy. </div>
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Grab some napkins! This one's juicy!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-9062397162573103332012-08-04T17:50:00.001-07:002012-08-04T17:51:04.069-07:00DIY 3 Toned Key Necklace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, life has been crazy busy. My poor Olympus DSLR bit the dust last month. I replaced it with a Canon T3 which has been amazingly awesome. At the end of July, we moved to a new apartment.<br />
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I may be doing a post on cute decorating ideas I find around the internet since I'm going to be putting some time and energy into decorating our new place.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like it but don't wanna make it?? <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106063798/key-necklace-3-toned-key-necklace-free">Buy it HERE</a>. </span>(Please message me through Etsy if the item is sold out and you would like one).<br />
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As for now, a tutorial on how to make this necklace:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNaUQEw95pR0jiTXEoOirgjgDjaAO1SaDMuXOPE4JuY94gPUpM_BZ7xRULrtFZ7l-drZ37nc3SfTx0gpE1wssBObJfsREAzoPe98evfuZ-t1fTtWp-GMvWk586_cziKbEHeHIRt5fqIwb/s1600/20120716-IMG_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNaUQEw95pR0jiTXEoOirgjgDjaAO1SaDMuXOPE4JuY94gPUpM_BZ7xRULrtFZ7l-drZ37nc3SfTx0gpE1wssBObJfsREAzoPe98evfuZ-t1fTtWp-GMvWk586_cziKbEHeHIRt5fqIwb/s640/20120716-IMG_0190.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Materials:<br />
<br />
- Three key pendants in different metal tones<br />
- Four to five jump rings<br />
- A small metal ring<br />
- Approximately 20 to 26 inches of chain (depending on your preferred length)<br />
- A clasp set<br />
- A pair of chain nose pliers (two sets of pliers if possible but one will work too)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are the keys I found. They came in a package at </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Michael's like the one shown below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqPDNvmIuql6Pl_mOaeFl0tvUakVQgP8epB5n_Akzj74lTi-Dxn9PijisGTvIj5id90dUtJZKA2f4WQP68cf-2K7Nw7hSJ_92kqpMUfakgm8YoX9gIEpaES4NAXC6XmfyksAOpjZrCRgs/s1600/20120709-IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqPDNvmIuql6Pl_mOaeFl0tvUakVQgP8epB5n_Akzj74lTi-Dxn9PijisGTvIj5id90dUtJZKA2f4WQP68cf-2K7Nw7hSJ_92kqpMUfakgm8YoX9gIEpaES4NAXC6XmfyksAOpjZrCRgs/s640/20120709-IMG_0146.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUioQ7ylPrVHJFLDalFtq56OOK7BETPQOQOrrI8-6y-t_P7nS3duya-B6ZcyYW6aitGjXC0BpHTrGodoFPa3eml__BOR9CRuqZbLl4S5xyVAKI19fo8ryWIv0T_fLpKDuwYOaqBVlLQUE/s1600/20120709-IMG_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUioQ7ylPrVHJFLDalFtq56OOK7BETPQOQOrrI8-6y-t_P7nS3duya-B6ZcyYW6aitGjXC0BpHTrGodoFPa3eml__BOR9CRuqZbLl4S5xyVAKI19fo8ryWIv0T_fLpKDuwYOaqBVlLQUE/s640/20120709-IMG_0151.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I used about 20 inches of chain for my necklace. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a medium thick chain:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj386vMSzImw_BHytd0czS9k_NxgELquEmDBX3oUdqb-t6SRSZQ_n5tHitImocvM7Kji2pQlSoelWGEkhCh2LSXvy30C8CuXA8DBRdNpToJN9tRc8eIIwyCp0bNETwlioY32YlNC_uwZ_Np/s1600/20120709-IMG_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj386vMSzImw_BHytd0czS9k_NxgELquEmDBX3oUdqb-t6SRSZQ_n5tHitImocvM7Kji2pQlSoelWGEkhCh2LSXvy30C8CuXA8DBRdNpToJN9tRc8eIIwyCp0bNETwlioY32YlNC_uwZ_Np/s640/20120709-IMG_0152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Directions:</div>
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Step One: Open a jump ring using pliers. If you have two sets of pliers, <a href="http://www.how-to-make-beaded-jewelry.com/open-jump-rings.html">look here</a>. If you only have one, put the tip of the pliers into the center of the ring and open carefully. You only want to open them enough to allow the key and the metal ring to slip on to it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LBAnz74g710XjJYVbyaceTLplCLPw-_hktODq5SmN-j8VxawzcyDb78Qm8GOSbtahqEaOyOi48JeSaYormxKx__zv63sruqAa6FlHISuHsgRAD6pJAjgBZYOFnu8-Z3sAiJL-eSjLSFg/s1600/20120709-IMG_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LBAnz74g710XjJYVbyaceTLplCLPw-_hktODq5SmN-j8VxawzcyDb78Qm8GOSbtahqEaOyOi48JeSaYormxKx__zv63sruqAa6FlHISuHsgRAD6pJAjgBZYOFnu8-Z3sAiJL-eSjLSFg/s400/20120709-IMG_0156.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-YSBorv879q1cRbeyLUQbtUaFbDeZaPEQmBQoiXM8D2-443G5j9WlXjyUye_WCPv20Tq27dS8dYUr6wvDYUq09Vq-YKotiDEqSgDN6xGW2gU41axXi9WYNj7uy3BFmuy0tKC0CCojzSD/s1600/20120709-IMG_0157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-YSBorv879q1cRbeyLUQbtUaFbDeZaPEQmBQoiXM8D2-443G5j9WlXjyUye_WCPv20Tq27dS8dYUr6wvDYUq09Vq-YKotiDEqSgDN6xGW2gU41axXi9WYNj7uy3BFmuy0tKC0CCojzSD/s640/20120709-IMG_0157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step Two: close jump ring around key and metal ring. If you have one set of pliers, just push the ring back together so the gap closes. If you have two pliers, refer to the link above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R8KkdJvjkSK7aPKUvpclLyxm7RosdNgrQEGgoDqMJWtOPg2JvmUWwSvhMeshNDSCf92fmYN3nHydELRgAuOXXuKbqAudp_h7baNmnSdMr78WjDsu0AU1SZvVPGis4u3jM53H50cJTnMw/s1600/20120709-IMG_0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R8KkdJvjkSK7aPKUvpclLyxm7RosdNgrQEGgoDqMJWtOPg2JvmUWwSvhMeshNDSCf92fmYN3nHydELRgAuOXXuKbqAudp_h7baNmnSdMr78WjDsu0AU1SZvVPGis4u3jM53H50cJTnMw/s640/20120709-IMG_0158.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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Step Three: Repeat with all other keys until all three are on the metal ring.<br />
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Step Four: Find the middle point in the chain and lay the chain out so that there is equal length on both sides and the middle forms a U. Pull middle through metal ring:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmEhidiEBgmFcLGw17-Fx2OYkC3KVRdYsLZbuUDtpKLvGiGMUUJRd7L2kXlVG1UGYLqYHqx3ZMI7OgY58sTKxuTKWYrSrEvVMQ2TMFdp1tzHZ3bMocUylC2PejoDLqVsOAQFzgKz3J_6n/s1600/20120709-IMG_0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmEhidiEBgmFcLGw17-Fx2OYkC3KVRdYsLZbuUDtpKLvGiGMUUJRd7L2kXlVG1UGYLqYHqx3ZMI7OgY58sTKxuTKWYrSrEvVMQ2TMFdp1tzHZ3bMocUylC2PejoDLqVsOAQFzgKz3J_6n/s640/20120709-IMG_0161.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step Five: Take the loose ends of the chain and pull them through the U. Make sure you pull them through so that there is still equal length on both sides. No lop sided necklaces! =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw9ETzAIWk00EBiWeBVHndwcwqBKKmBvv1f_db7sIu3Hgx2InGyvGYwFWQwwf8n5W6tnAkzcod08gHZqdqu0L_mZon9R-LM9D4JL4B0hG1u_LuKltEoyIrPfNisBsjNsio_lYBbrTBwCz/s1600/20120709-IMG_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw9ETzAIWk00EBiWeBVHndwcwqBKKmBvv1f_db7sIu3Hgx2InGyvGYwFWQwwf8n5W6tnAkzcod08gHZqdqu0L_mZon9R-LM9D4JL4B0hG1u_LuKltEoyIrPfNisBsjNsio_lYBbrTBwCz/s640/20120709-IMG_0162.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It should look something like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIzlWIYCIEHC8aYXTeoxmntXO5eVrDBYALLZeoBwgnLbDHaLbFm10pCRhMmvP_VGjhiANFh9eVZ7CMcTNvAZsTLwoV-kErPDA2bp9r1oaXDQY7ZHew4rAzDPRYt_bB2xzrT9jXf189CW_/s1600/20120709-IMG_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIzlWIYCIEHC8aYXTeoxmntXO5eVrDBYALLZeoBwgnLbDHaLbFm10pCRhMmvP_VGjhiANFh9eVZ7CMcTNvAZsTLwoV-kErPDA2bp9r1oaXDQY7ZHew4rAzDPRYt_bB2xzrT9jXf189CW_/s640/20120709-IMG_0164.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Step Six: Attach Clasp. How you do this will depend on the clasp you choose. I had to use a jump ring to secure half of it. The actual clasp itself had a sort of built in jump ring that worked great. See below how I did mine:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwuCgKmkF4oEkGZefJcq4V-XGErxj0GuOh37QNiuGpl3BIUDkHsaZh0gm2LLgX_VMe0A65ac72BO_hlptHS-q9CwC7I0SOjUOqF2XAHvb1LzW6G6ZFOHpkokNN-55wvj1L_KCb9nLLx2l/s1600/20120709-IMG_0167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwuCgKmkF4oEkGZefJcq4V-XGErxj0GuOh37QNiuGpl3BIUDkHsaZh0gm2LLgX_VMe0A65ac72BO_hlptHS-q9CwC7I0SOjUOqF2XAHvb1LzW6G6ZFOHpkokNN-55wvj1L_KCb9nLLx2l/s640/20120709-IMG_0167.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Opened with pliers:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pqiOuTU4oGYZWOpFGaAeVc4uEPfBDr0ELV8LAwV_0DsHD4qLCUssc8c8Ozj4Zb5p30PyAOocFqAiH6oSGGEk_eMHFTvyWP3O3ahnyjKQurDjpuxNRs004VRfnqkio-EhNwZaNIDLt48-/s1600/20120709-IMG_0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pqiOuTU4oGYZWOpFGaAeVc4uEPfBDr0ELV8LAwV_0DsHD4qLCUssc8c8Ozj4Zb5p30PyAOocFqAiH6oSGGEk_eMHFTvyWP3O3ahnyjKQurDjpuxNRs004VRfnqkio-EhNwZaNIDLt48-/s640/20120709-IMG_0169.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And shut with pliers:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6quxrd3HaX_we7Lj9nqhkzd__0oXh9aaHqY2HSZwYJGpfGSe87zwx3ZryRhTo5tqP_h-anwS5X2ndbUKc5VvywfvQpxxId-JKCsULzP6PLaACd_TjZo2ILLBi3sqJZtv1utb2rKjg2nBg/s1600/20120709-IMG_0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6quxrd3HaX_we7Lj9nqhkzd__0oXh9aaHqY2HSZwYJGpfGSe87zwx3ZryRhTo5tqP_h-anwS5X2ndbUKc5VvywfvQpxxId-JKCsULzP6PLaACd_TjZo2ILLBi3sqJZtv1utb2rKjg2nBg/s640/20120709-IMG_0170.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The other part of the clasp, I attached with a jump ring. Just use instructions above on how to open and close jump rings to do that part.<br />
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And here it is with a clasp attached to it:<br />
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Okay, now go out wearing it and gather some compliments. Nothing feels better than people asking you where you got your necklace than when you can answer "I made it!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VnJAPV2OqSpdX3YITqp7VyglAj44GDRQMJyQpSmsE9p1swRaKpnLkPTXZCZFqLdNeGTezIVBZqpScOjrobnWyMN76BBfWcoI8K50JlmiqCTg9pRuyAVVR5EAgQnoKuENf0gfd_JS2WUG/s1600/20120716-IMG_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VnJAPV2OqSpdX3YITqp7VyglAj44GDRQMJyQpSmsE9p1swRaKpnLkPTXZCZFqLdNeGTezIVBZqpScOjrobnWyMN76BBfWcoI8K50JlmiqCTg9pRuyAVVR5EAgQnoKuENf0gfd_JS2WUG/s640/20120716-IMG_0194.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjC3Sep1ykeCpnaccPnj698767z97maSpn0wb8j4nELxzlldgoBCTo5IR6VVqEc5DpyE0WATbbdiNGSwu3QT_RqNThkzVVhwGmxz58de6cIta8Bf2AUABVI6Q6sOHy_oU5WAsTcIJO2wzY/s1600/20120716-IMG_0185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjC3Sep1ykeCpnaccPnj698767z97maSpn0wb8j4nELxzlldgoBCTo5IR6VVqEc5DpyE0WATbbdiNGSwu3QT_RqNThkzVVhwGmxz58de6cIta8Bf2AUABVI6Q6sOHy_oU5WAsTcIJO2wzY/s640/20120716-IMG_0185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also made this one with slightly larger keys and a longer chain:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr-3mIQLbS-nt2SkOuhFak2CqFKfW5ru7Fy6RFo1gC4nds7X8yuQXDZhReVmywDHbyc17SD_Ld2hQi_zpCXiQu2emzA4y2_BzT0WX_6Gyf7IuSJ0SxIfadTutYeFlYozJELtHB5PZsgc3/s1600/20120716-IMG_0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr-3mIQLbS-nt2SkOuhFak2CqFKfW5ru7Fy6RFo1gC4nds7X8yuQXDZhReVmywDHbyc17SD_Ld2hQi_zpCXiQu2emzA4y2_BzT0WX_6Gyf7IuSJ0SxIfadTutYeFlYozJELtHB5PZsgc3/s640/20120716-IMG_0202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like it but don't wanna make it?? </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106063798/key-necklace-3-toned-key-necklace-free" style="font-size: x-large;">Buy it HERE</a><span style="font-size: large;">. </span>(Please message me through Etsy if the item is sold out and you would like one).<br />
<br />
<br /></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-49234725590960700582012-06-08T09:22:00.001-07:002012-06-08T12:35:43.083-07:00Strawberry Cream-cheese Cupcakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sorry for the hiatus. I'M BACK!!! And with a bang too! Because these little cupcakes are by far the best I've ever made and just might be the best I've ever tasted. The best part is, they're easy!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I bought a mini cupcake maker off Groupon awhile back and decided to try it out. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. It cooks 7 mini cupcakes at a time but only takes 5-7 minutes a batch. It's great for warmer weather since it won't heat up the house.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifup-y59i2eIfjyYXDqIgFZVnhFN79AWZuBKmIhSbjjwEVMERc_04hrioGP4HqNdqRWqNsU1o7WDklfeovFmQfuZH-YtY-yz8h85-MpeylY7KKqPzG7cm-kJSgGWHZVJme17N2k9HY-lRw/s1600/20120420-P4200004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifup-y59i2eIfjyYXDqIgFZVnhFN79AWZuBKmIhSbjjwEVMERc_04hrioGP4HqNdqRWqNsU1o7WDklfeovFmQfuZH-YtY-yz8h85-MpeylY7KKqPzG7cm-kJSgGWHZVJme17N2k9HY-lRw/s400/20120420-P4200004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe62XCQVp5TAbEUcxF3P0hxMOWmiSbzWh3ltvPrYjIBd3pcHCy4kjoJn7BaFrlQsqEdq5JvcXNYEirIDyOp1LEqvc4ZerM2RedrXocVPFd3D7LdPB7UW11lVVEMnhu-e71vAvAABeiksC/s1600/20120420-P4200002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe62XCQVp5TAbEUcxF3P0hxMOWmiSbzWh3ltvPrYjIBd3pcHCy4kjoJn7BaFrlQsqEdq5JvcXNYEirIDyOp1LEqvc4ZerM2RedrXocVPFd3D7LdPB7UW11lVVEMnhu-e71vAvAABeiksC/s320/20120420-P4200002.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Ingredients: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">- 1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist yellow cake mix<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">- 2/3 cup water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">- ½ cup sour cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">- 1/3 cup vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">- 2 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">- 3 tablespoons strawberry preserves (I used frozen strawberries
thinly sliced instead)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">- 1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, cut into 24 pieces<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">- 1 container Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy cream cheese frosting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">- Sliced fresh small strawberries, if desired (for top)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. Heat
oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each
of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In large bowl, mix cake mix, water, sour cream,
oil and eggs with spoon until well blended (batter will be thick). Divide
batter evenly among muffin cups.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. In small bowl,
stir preserves until smooth. Place 1 piece of cream cheese on top of each
cupcake; press into batter slightly. Spoon 1/4 measuring teaspoon preserves on
top of cream cheese in each cupcake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;"> 3. Bake 20 to 25
minutes or until tops are golden brown and spring back when touched lightly in
center (some preserves may show in tops of cupcakes). Cool 10 minutes in pans;
remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 4. Spread frosting
over cupcakes. Just before serving, garnish each cupcake with strawberry
slices. Store covered in refrigerator.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A0sbOXi5STSsUv7odISwn5-RK5qVfoIP4MnnJESprX3KcOObp_86bZVT-y8iVky8gCnQbshzYjmqIYUJ9yxIgKnCrgyYMLUz89pf-2kYjO-8erQO1vABB2v-ylLlZb7a_CLJm-sSJuEN/s1600/20120420-P4200015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A0sbOXi5STSsUv7odISwn5-RK5qVfoIP4MnnJESprX3KcOObp_86bZVT-y8iVky8gCnQbshzYjmqIYUJ9yxIgKnCrgyYMLUz89pf-2kYjO-8erQO1vABB2v-ylLlZb7a_CLJm-sSJuEN/s320/20120420-P4200015.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><u>Directions for using cupcake maker</u>:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifup-y59i2eIfjyYXDqIgFZVnhFN79AWZuBKmIhSbjjwEVMERc_04hrioGP4HqNdqRWqNsU1o7WDklfeovFmQfuZH-YtY-yz8h85-MpeylY7KKqPzG7cm-kJSgGWHZVJme17N2k9HY-lRw/s1600/20120420-P4200004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13pt;">If you are doing this with a cupcakes
maker like mine, the process is considerably easier. Make the recipe as stated.
Use cover each cup with cooking spray. Preheat device until ready. Pour the
batter into each cupcake cup so that it is 2/3rds full. Lay a slice or two of strawberry
(or a ¼ tsp of preserves) and a small square of cream cheese on top of each
cupcake and push it in to the batter until no longer visible. Close cupcake
maker and check back 5 minutes later (Mine took 6-7 minutes for each batch but
I’ve heard that some will cook them in 5 minutes). Remove cupcakes carefully (I
used two spoons on either side with light pressure to carefully remove each
cupcake).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I made half the box and got 21 </span><span style="font-size: 17px;">mini</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> cupcakes out of it.</span></span></div>
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Source of original recipe: <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/strawberry-cream-cheese-cupcakes/49caf7b1-b872-430b-b32e-4d8518a0923c">HERE</a></div>
</div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-17920789800753223682012-04-05T09:51:00.008-07:002012-04-06T14:46:46.301-07:00DIY Tutorial: Chandelier Crystal Earrings<div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span>Love them but don't want to make them? </span><span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96910727/swarovski-crystal-chandelier-earrings">Click here to buy them at my Etsy shop</a><span>.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: center; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHzQVjiEUECFMc9PfHqIDZZLAN410FYpycvM2D-I0A1P_pXnb58zOlWhMcOMP_oXQ2ZlHo6PJF_msnmI-xvkNL_BtkBCOnrqfqgIGX7kQHci3yuMczWsE-SRiCBgjz25ivkNsfAn2ip6q/s400/chandelier-1-18.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span>I have A LOT of jewelry supplies lying around. Since I am trying to save money, I'm going to go ahead and use the things I already have to do tutorials with. Jewelry tutorials are the easiest for me to make since I have been making jewelry for almost 10 years now. Plus, it's pretty AND you get to wear it while having the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself (which is especially awesome when you get </span>compliments on it!).</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span>I wanted to do a pair of chandeliers for this post for a few reasons. The first is that it is not much more difficult than some of the other earrings I have done tutorials for on this site. (Check out: <a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/swarovski-christmas-tree-earrings-step.html"><span>Christmas Tree Earrings</span></a> to see what I mean). It's essentially the same thing really. It just takes longer and you have to repeat steps multiple times.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span>I chose to do my earrings with Swarovski crystal. Swarovski beads are pretty expensive though, so if you don't already have some on hand, you can use pretty much any bead as long as they will fit nicely in the frames you choose. You can also pick any frames you like. There are usually a few different types at craft stores. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx7BFB2H0z6nbV127YuTnVyX5af60ZH8ivuaWxmHPFPWJL2apVH2ClCsz5gnnJSx2m7ZTeemLgubhHcU-vJafUSn74ROZ185VsDEio_slVqXp38aPuawqCiH2voyqR8bbriA32gqtQeX-/s400/chandelier-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span>Materials:</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">- A pair o</span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">f</span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "> </span><span style="line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">chain nose pliers</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>- A pair of round nose pliers</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>- A pair of <span>cutters</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>-</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left; "> </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left; ">2 Chandelier frames</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left; ">- </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left; ">Headpins (one for each loop on your chandelier frames)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">- Beads (I used 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm Swarovski crystal but you can choose whatever you want as long as they are small enough to fit in the frames).</span> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">- 2 Earring wires</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gMCdy_MPCiH3YHqzmEYxOV0CzrDdfIL53caVrNU6cCMWGs91lVCZC8wbJXdQHCGdW87bm8ZS6W_Y1aTFzYmwhOhJ8mVxIS2EU-LTuaJ3WC3kz9i1X8wotfg8dNRZBdBWSj4CVZgSJ1ey/s400/chandelier-1-2.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdaVnhCedZepfs8Exd5RL5vPaDvsXqtkuHPaLA2akW_UeSQ8QfDbbwHznNJ83M8md3o1nvnM-1EnIn0xRPltJb1S1rSWgUAqjQfUOGRU8NZtZ90M-eG1PW6BIdywYymoI_PPXRiOu7XwZ/s400/chandelier-1-4.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlz1N-osxnhZj-UljC4XNTueQ6e0upF8WIBNXVQ5nJ9JPcdOjFLQ95uXPw6jUhIoD5BTt9XY3DCaPtARYIonGA2ylOogWp6rB905ICU8F1KY6LKIGDPIndHT9QEVtsuoVZ79r2X2qwqeE/s400/chandelier-1-3.jpg" /> </span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span>Directions:</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">Step 1:</span><span><span> Place beads you want for the center of your chandelier on an headpin. </span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Grab the end of the head pin (the end with no head) and bend it at the top of the beads. Be careful not to do it too aggressively, or the top crystal may crack. You will want to make sure that there is room for the headpin and the beads in the middle of your chandelier. If the headpin is too long, or the beads are too large, the piece will not dangle correctly.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep9HzyY0m7WG1lSI96RHQolIC8KIdBhv8d_Iujml5z33ugljlX_mjlVO_4oqkJDp02MHYvAahEENUwWx3fKLXA5QZb_W8rR34qb92AvbBMZIsvkdLStJcSWTqLJetItZSNSPIfQQ68aEL/s400/chandelier-1-5.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMQ-0ntPbjrjdIp9VB-hDGipePfRIWITsKZE_e9DXDxSUYf0cE-daCDcAYDXZae424IxB4s1zWYvmXK8U0Gxq-JH9a-7OjYe42H7zXj5BZhyphenhyphenPSYQalTzA78qwMzGE8rsel0NdfR8O0Uha/s400/chandelier-1-6.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>Step 2: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; ">Next, take the round nose pliers and grab the head pin at the top of the beads. Make sure it is as close to the beads as possible without actually touching the top bead. Grab the end of the head pin and bend it around the looping pliers, pulling to make a round shape with the wire.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdnD_U7NIVEdF9PhhEizG5qHa2WqM4_r6FOW7fampXXP8wVxcsA8lXocLC6qXA1fFHBQnq_dnUp7NDFj0cvciINmzo6nXb_4kVkLLFvZ-9ISpC9xlY6GvtSuLpfLmtxfwVfeH2H9GexZA/s400/chandelier-1-8.jpg" /> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55bwRYTR3bPQolbG-rTXDMdk8OOqlN_x2VazWXEz7UMX_esd9C7GD8Jo845BPmsAG01w_Lj2JXBknIpf2EnsLdsiiRMAIsji5qFZ9_hS1J7y4EQGAX8gQLveEhQJLjmPWwzXL-nmyywwu/s400/chandelier-1-9.jpg" /> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; ">Step 3: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; ">Next, cut off the excess wire leaving some room to complete the rest of the loop.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpwysFCMadVObzWVVgL5oCY4RZ8UM3Q3kcKt3bY5KBxydBeI9ZlBbJpl-Xpmodd1IUUZ3pL5He2oIWlGEuLX8SY-bxdSQ0pTa83DOWXMiBsNr1Nc9f6XG2DvyfML9RWtnJUQUNrFbUx-v/s400/chandelier-1-10.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Step 4: Finally, use the chain nose pliers to bend the wire into a complete loop. I find it easiest to push up at the same time as bending to make a nice even loop. This step can be difficult if you've never made jewelry before, so you may want to practice on some empty head pins before trying it. Okay, so now push the loop closed. This piece is finished.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0gKyZzNlRHMicWGcIZnVKqkxvfll2AlN_qQ2HDTlbuFIaCK0JD5QcBy9cBiuVai0uoO56XUSn38_47gJRwFN-oZgilLMljKP7NZv9D7Wo441VfqWvihR6pGKehTciMU5iQ2jnwsXWijx/s400/chandelier-1-11.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhio0l4Zvs1LO1vERolqURtFA_fKprPOyGBM-LE9p1J_UMc884TpRcZ4IoFRSSL1e_p1bz4gLYxpcn1dB7bG7T2uv9fHa3bXOwlFWVwjqC3JhIqDc0N0lbIIa6yT92NIicJygUXPJ19p2Ih/s400/chandelier-1-12.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Step 5: Repeat this process with all other dangling pieces. How many beads you put on which loop in the chandelier frames is entirely up to you. I decided to keep it simple and put two larger beads for the middle piece and one small bead on each bottom loop (see photos). You can be creative and put as many as you'd like for each loop. Just make sure they will dangle correctly and not get stuck when they hang. Attach pieces as you make them by opening the loop you made on the headpins and closing them around the loops on the chandelier frames using a pair of chain nose pliers.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIKlQ6uM-OjB17Hq-3nWkW6WTEm0zntbs9Q8K2B9Wj9NMqs1MbGhZwGctTsHUsO87poS8ctN72v4BepzmVAm50ygBgP5ppk9V82NCdKTDWDhxgEzQZtbu7EtYl2eoqE-iFXizSd_Jsrfg/s400/chandelier-1-13.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdVooMiXhaiWAwRo6qOOt55e62UmWYz5iTjr-8XS8iBdfrafB19iA-ZpX5PqXK_a4yhzxsjouqtc-Ya9u-IkrQal_fucpilyVqPUdFCuEG4cuqVqGwleZcmpiiobd8aYYB5OVS0F56Q3K/s400/chandelier-1-14.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DWk18X3bmVJ-aUgIPEHynJwxrzuAT_ShNEIi5tCtlrgwke7sThBAT0w0ltwZEeNQDpdqqZ0EQapVT7VonzhJvPLTgbjlZtrFZwxbs3TzcI9YiSGybr4rCX0lnIud-AFUeUzlWYniys8v/s400/chandelier-1-15.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Step 6: Once all your pieces are on the frames, open the earring wires and slip the frames onto them. Close them with the chain nose pliers.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmqE7j5TCORP5uyb9wP6eWW00C18wK8R4XWNUIhdvBIRFBm_3TwJJwRwPIlGRDh3j8Q1e__dgZMAbbNGs7f-rfsVHSywCPlohQZLkIsIlBGbL0ZgirKXCE0n8MpSANnLwsHizSfmAfl0t/s400/chandelier-1-16.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL5NUqZjdoHMhcI3gmLPUigTW_CVmaWcP6Tzh9-ljY11olajYsCNcO3BbWcQBYKR9NkW8NNduxV-C738_p1-8eg5fqCBUfDSH44poda5J6k0aJuoEED_1lMPh6cMYtv0NBJkpsvtXLlTA/s400/chandelier-1-20.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">You're done! </div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 28px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHzQVjiEUECFMc9PfHqIDZZLAN410FYpycvM2D-I0A1P_pXnb58zOlWhMcOMP_oXQ2ZlHo6PJF_msnmI-xvkNL_BtkBCOnrqfqgIGX7kQHci3yuMczWsE-SRiCBgjz25ivkNsfAn2ip6q/s400/chandelier-1-18.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; ">Love them but don't want to make them? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; "><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96910727/swarovski-crystal-chandelier-earrings">Click here to buy them at my Etsy shop</a><span>.</span></span> </div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-35578026744889024182012-03-28T19:02:00.003-07:002012-03-28T19:38:13.827-07:005 of My All Time Favorite Recipes<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">I know I haven't been posting much. Unfortunately, I've had to tighten my budget up and can't really spend money on materials or ingredients for blog posts right now.</span></div><div><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Today, I decided to write a blog post about 5 recipes that I have made over and over again. They have become staples in our dinner menu rotation over the past 5 or so years. These are all from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">Allrecipes.com</a> - one of my favorite recipe sites.</div></div><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Links are provided as well as a description of each recipe and the things I have done differently than the original recipe's author.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/garlic-chicken/detail.aspx">Garlic Chicken</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil19qssu04QbgKzJeSL8U-GgcU34wyq6L7GUthTxqN_K40CWd5JWl2EvRo9hJ5SlMVpUW1PvD265RpKZpQHMRQAnbGKZt5bqyj9w1_uRRGvX4tmx_Jms2FX3WXrZkKJrS7QnA1IiwKDSyF/s1600/cream+of+tomato.jpg" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: medium; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbDNM27MDZ1ZB2_9vw9hLj2deAVZ3SfgNzOGdVgA8kI69luMiQ6bju37xMIHjHiuMr-OlUG6smQXgjHLz3XNa9ORAtMYmYMhKk-3CgmXFX8Vk937Jwxjwj8NoarnT9DQYjYyjlM9mCsqM/s400/garlic+chicken.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725141708899637858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "></div></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">This is one of those recipes that's so easy, you can throw it together in just a few minutes from stuff you might already have on hand. It makes flavorful, juicy chicken breasts with a nice crunchy exterior. </span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Tip: The only thing I do different for this recipe is to pound the breasts out so they are nice and thin. I'm not a big fan of a low </span>crunchy<span style="font-size: 100%;"> outside to meaty inside ratio and pounding it thin solves the problem. If you are going to do this, you need to decrease the cooking time or it will overcook.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cream-of-tomato-soup-with-pesto/detail.aspx">Cream of Tomato Soup with Pesto</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR22WAKK5l4y9lQIl6dkOlx2nzwekGOftPhjDCm8mzcx9FIWD4dL-VAtjy3iEpClWKxGJlzCjBdTh_HYuKF4JcOr0YI1In8WcI_QuvUEL4hvJXsD11nqE0cQUPULL6Nez4vpCV3vbGaq-/s1600/catfish+tuscany.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil19qssu04QbgKzJeSL8U-GgcU34wyq6L7GUthTxqN_K40CWd5JWl2EvRo9hJ5SlMVpUW1PvD265RpKZpQHMRQAnbGKZt5bqyj9w1_uRRGvX4tmx_Jms2FX3WXrZkKJrS7QnA1IiwKDSyF/s400/cream+of+tomato.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725141706615244434" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div><div></div></div></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">I absolutely hate the way Campbell's tomato soup tastes. It's </span>sickeningly sweet and the texture is globulous <span style="font-size: 100%;"> and just all wrong. I use this recipe for my tomato soup needs and it's amazing. It tastes exactly the way tomato soup <i>should </i>taste. The pesto sets off the whole dish perfectly. </span></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">Tips: Make sure the soup is cool before blending it. This recipe once caused my blender to explode from the build up of heat within. I had burns up and down my arms. It wasn't good. Secondly, use the pesto to taste. The amount you need will </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">largely</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; "> depend on the brand you use so add it and taste it til it's perfect.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/baked-salmon-ii/detail.aspx">Baked Salmon</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPhr-1lrQQby6MUcMZcLqFWSj0qklAXPZoKf_mQxxFTUoIC-NN4PPvp2gimyCLY53mgDTFIaouFz_KQi3unobbKYOOckjNTEjJVxMQeaAsPYe96ngoEaFz-119oxyaHMeJmsl6XTL8K_u/s400/baked+salmon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725141696421369362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /><div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; ">This recipe makes you look like you really know how to cook, even if you don't. It's elegant and super tasty. It has a nice lemony flavor that complements the fish perfectly and baking it in foil keeps all the moisture sealed in perfectly.</span></div></div></div></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span >Tips: I substitute some of the butter for olive oil to make it healthier. I also top each fillet with very thinly sliced lemon with the rind still on it. The 1/8 inch slices add more flavor and make it look fancier. I also make sure to wrap each fillet in its own small foil pocket instead of putting them all in one together. Lastly, you can make rice to serve the fish over and dump the liquid from the bottom of the foil over it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; "><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/catfish-tuscany/detail.aspx">Catfish Tuscany</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR22WAKK5l4y9lQIl6dkOlx2nzwekGOftPhjDCm8mzcx9FIWD4dL-VAtjy3iEpClWKxGJlzCjBdTh_HYuKF4JcOr0YI1In8WcI_QuvUEL4hvJXsD11nqE0cQUPULL6Nez4vpCV3vbGaq-/s400/catfish+tuscany.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725141701211214994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(sorry this pic is awful, hopefully I'll have a chance to make this soon and do a post on it) </div><div><span >I've used multiple types of fish for this recipe and have discovered that any type of mild fish will work. It's soooo yummy! I've always had it with sun-dried tomatoes, not sliced or canned. This recipe produces fish that eve fish haters are likely to enjoy. It's rich and flavorful yet is still low in calories.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Tips: watch your fish carefully when in the broiler! At least 6 inches from the flame is a must! I've never tried it with Roma tomatoes and I really don't want it any other way after having it with sun-dried tomatoes on it!</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; "><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/broiled-tilapia-parmesan/detail.aspx">Broiled Tilapia Parmesan </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; "><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR22WAKK5l4y9lQIl6dkOlx2nzwekGOftPhjDCm8mzcx9FIWD4dL-VAtjy3iEpClWKxGJlzCjBdTh_HYuKF4JcOr0YI1In8WcI_QuvUEL4hvJXsD11nqE0cQUPULL6Nez4vpCV3vbGaq-/s1600/catfish+tuscany.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxRL8H_jb8kNuVzM6_pe80TvRdm77OzBrVCPfURoEfOy0OlYpzRfYCB4QJpeaox6tJqMfzQ4QS5NmUSrsbxkmJc2s3AVNcu5UQ1fGTCXQ512NzFb7g7wceyYhra5I3bC6iqSbau65ResW/s400/tilapia+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725141709873335058" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px; " /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></a></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><span >This is my fiance's favorite meal. When I first started making it, I thought the ingredients were a bit weird. Over time, I didn't care what was in it. It's yum!</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Tip: This recipe can be used on other mild fish as well. You'll want it 6 inches from the heat source when broiling.</span></div></div></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-13926244513342412082012-03-19T10:47:00.002-07:002012-03-29T12:48:21.268-07:00Balcony Container Garden<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><u><br /></u></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">I shop for groceries 3-4 times a week. I like to buy the freshest meat and produce and that requires going to the store frequently. Day after day, I am faced with the choice to buy the pricier organic or the pesticide laden conventional produce. Living on a budget is hard, especially when it's important to you to eat clean, organic food. </span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>To solve this problem, I decided to plant my own garden. I live in an apartment with a long narrow balcony. I started to research how to make a container garden. It's simple really and the materials I used, while unconventional, seem to be working out great.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>I used 3 rubbermaid type tubs along with other pots to plant my garden. The most important thing when using any type of container is drainage. Your plants need moist soil but their roots can't be sitting in water for a long period or they will rot. I cut triangular holes in the bottom of my rubbermaid containers. To get the holes started, I used a nail heated with a lighter and then pounded into the bottom of the container with a hammer. It wasn't the simplest way to do it but it did work with the limited materials I already had. Once the nail had penetrated the container, I used a sharp knife to cut the triangular holes. They were about 1/2 - 3/4 inches wide.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>I layered lava rock across the bottom of each container. I tried to stick to the larger rocks with a diameter of around 1-2 inches. I then topped the rocks with coffee filters before pouring organic soil on top. I also mixed in a little organic fertilizer into the top 2-3 inches of soil.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>Currently, I have strawberry plants (which are already producing fruit), a cherry tomato plant, cucumber plant, multiple types of lettuce, basil, mint, chives, and onions. The things that seem to be taking the longest to grow are the lettuces. The tomato plant is starting to bud and has shot up nearly a foot since I planted it three weeks ago! It's all going really well, and that's saying a lot for a self proclaimed plant killer. I guess I just never took the time to really research how to properly garden. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>During research, I found that these were the <b>most important things to consider:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">1) Drainage! You're plants will die if their roots sit in water for too long. They will start to rot. Drainage is not just about making holes at the bottom of the planter, it's also about making sure the holes don't get clogged with soil and that containers are off the ground where they can't drain properly. I have my large containers on bricks so that the water doesn't build up underneath. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">2) Amount of sunlight. Make sure when buying plants to check how much light they need and how much light the area you want to put them in gets. All the plants I chose were full sunlight since my balcony gets light all day long.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">3) Use potting soil! You need soil specifically for potting. If you get regular soil for planting in the ground, you won't be getting enough nutrients to have a thriving container garden.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">4) Use fertilizer. I found organic fertilizer/plant food at Wal Mart.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">5) Do your own research! This post is just to give you an idea of how to go about container gardening. Trust me when I say, I am not an expert at this... in fact, this is my first thriving garden ever.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>For some reason, these pictures came out extremely bright although it didn't appear so on my camera's screen. These are just a few photos of when I first planted the garden and then a few more of the garden after 3 weeks. There were a few lettuce plants that were a little wilted in some photos but I'd like to report that they are all doing fine now.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Arugula- week 1 </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXNITaFt2t9qBmr79DyCoFdnFuk95pYoFYhD05SMu0uFf5Yu3oROR7rwn1-6D7yKaQNeElp9ikANFd9LiKWW_UIhNDd2HDXEPM5gXHlA2kiOHpQ0LhR-m66_gk0MR9Fm7RhO9cNvp1gYk/s400/P3019710-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWq1JfbV4owL-_knxuXpHCL26oXX_mziHhAF1aJ-XXE1G2ZegF41LUqAofG9_oxqnDh_cbOQtHjzSzOHbCblmLPzvHoHzz1kADfv6u6IuUJDvRrF9T62AguSkLqx4-sM5YOWZwgb9zPn2k/s400/P3019701-1.jpg" /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Arugula- week 3</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Kv0BvEu7pqGktGAoVC7GmDB5cpUnRzxsU2IUauF_u7oBpd9zqSeBr4la0TAnjczoja6kqC8P0HbKOGdPbZOCvxgK2QU0Gn0bRoKmHYCOnXsZ5fP_YZn3KpzsLKMQzvAF4gq8_mPqEtPT/s400/week+3-1-2.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuIbqzIJAYdmeNe50bA9ybjWLeLPiu1chdNaoJf_PiFU_RrNkxXCeSutsV53ebgZASNlFZ7XTIa3WEwRdb54HUbal_pqXWXnUr8I4nIj3SVKspCypgiJsoj9TkGt-VA-lIjjUAjujEDvr/s400/week+3-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Strawberries - Week 1</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs1c5pjrDeuqHkCHKmL-rXQ8-o8UfXTOkwRxSB6u5uaiJFtt0sukxhV2jtz8iQ-MExDnK5UFyAjDNC4ZR_-RwJ49QwzRTOd10u-3U-3mdHyzBLWoovbguk5e_XLJ8qzi9JXEDWzLJ5wLO/s400/P3019717-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w4GnAyHKVjWSk9rHG3GSbHlbuoUG2rpX_gHgq6d3QnNjF5gEPM4E6CAwmzk3ZpYlwikGs-YLJwIjX06EXN3Thfafb44jh3W9zCZJ2ulJVDHpTEM_lo0NntMFUMlvzennKfAuvB0NDX3J/s400/P3019705-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Strawberries - Week 3</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzma6QCz5zZMbdbDu_hNV8h2B0RshnRpIKOPkee3mO7JaTt0JVBZhKCs7eB6P3LnhOFiUm8PL13ww08Oj0ZAB1XZ2ACY0AooV56K6_9eOaMcqUQ0Ec9S2sWMME5Tdugbl_eaS5NWtsPQl/s400/week+3-1-4.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZltNS1RQI5Unv3rEzySofAv5CKS10GN_DVsR33F3LrEGwfOgJ3VJNkJaLqIVpCvlgjVADHmnHkWVewr__ofhF81Phj958ugRaGs4KQdRlMz9amuaUmvq8qkW9ghgB0nkXRvNON5lPfrr2/s400/week+3-1-9.jpg" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQmZNijqaG92lMTgykqtZvcx_Hh4F5GrZGPAjYRVjP9nbIVrkVLXhWZduBH1dhVY-g7i_oQiSuYwBxtiRC81KXLY6kd-bVwQle5yUA5OJANCdrzHOyhFOwcaGGo2K8Xl9QSJQp0K4e4ZI/s400/week+3-1-5.jpg" style="text-align: left; " /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Lettuce - Week 1</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooQ_IhiWYSJfKDwnXC8knFGKdxI_3X55ozgxmaPpzQ3y12tz8G1jEc_xrXyOEfmuzwzZqqE5jAcd__MUA_-_nsWAu2ZlHXTT2d3XtO6NT_UV7D8ZDE_MdWBdU3KWl65LarDes884DJ4Ah/s400/P3019712-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Lettuce - week 3</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gnBTtChbGodUOqfEcmu3KfbHP02NenCsN1-a9EHntpcwvf1quryIaWdyZ_-Zy5Pu140LtSx1zTdJ0NxYEP_MBgfVfF4-7Us6kEVnFmteZByeqcpOk4Q3Od_8NEKt-L4s_NC8rQjPWRff/s400/week+3-1-7.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjoGS38u2vVPxhngyo_ifwYohYia7dDeO7X_5lueDiuG1nKI3cf_b3G6GgaPvTq2g-jxuSpTlVGHvp4gv0H1V4pwl8dy4YF_ZDXlpLUZuElU3iYLIUYf1ZsWEnYyfsP3m5MgjsdiI_dL3/s400/week+3-1-10.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Basil - week 1</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhBaX6T09zOpjQ0MTXarzbTU02Lsiiem-7v2Zi4RVbitIYSN6Cl2v7cosT3TK5eDigyzlmXxbB7n_mE7NzAlR-2xLGEASm6DidNCOljd7ysvIj3YjXbM_WABMdvHoCgqDeVEKL8klnr5m/s400/P3019721-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Basil - week 3</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIdAxKkj-HwfRI0UhR89lj-W3jBAHo7HNo60o-ytPTfSap345fVyM1kzNQy-8VMQSMqvpDM9gANYRe_-eaUgIpcgGXaleLYO6h1HBvqzYRv-d4kEngCNV14e9_BoN3zb81tQ4Szy1hPAD/s400/week+3-1-6.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Tomato - week 1</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCF8PrQNZbgQhzZVWtBRYCO7N_jRCgjbsrj8-qawztO_zCKVZhiKmCeAB3oyudcUHPE3EYaJBA743VSh1LTXbTUuzQjPx4-TKGg6vOXXKyXR5RzkvSJF2h0_dhr5VtVM9EO3Cs5IvZi8A/s400/P3019750-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Tomato - week 3</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Spljto_YiGVzrExAi8ixjum5EE-zyZeN3blGP18IpL7yX2yUznh-se5YytpcOqLRNcj6jR06s7HmrjRlpxxNOkOtYYxH79_SDA1LqXXgCI8rlz9OR_WlzX-VzrBv0ba3H120XWtL94XK/s400/week+3-1-3.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Chives - week 1</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokuIfiVZ-nPKKoGQrbhywrZkSfOWbt88oYC84vxMhbPRzKnFqJ2vmWxqJqz-ixV010drnsShjuianBa5NUBpODg6VBlMI_k9DAfoxcOQavcHraExJwV7uPjCgygilJM5hyphenhyphenwBtbutwqnX0/s400/P3019728-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Chives - week 3</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDi8m1-L8uOBNP4zCWQphLEcrPlY-KzqZsHWYiIDamMr5PiQT2l-owQYqQjL1SmGE1nc3Ja3NFhiFwrNHZH_ZkNNbuGSRvS6qr74b260PtXb3Mk3_M2SXTbw6XozB9yBWsqwgzXTGlqOE/s400/week+3-1-12.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Cucumber - week 1</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FfjeVtpMzHDpOxfJYedbWOR-FU3zz3MP3-9wHb1UmGzsi9SXQwhjLvsLLQMXdgcCJZDvtDIltEIT59VbwF3R-PQxYO5UHPJ2h1338-KnHR_uUlx-sdYZAwhqN5lJ4994NDVDpEGJrdSp/s400/P3019737-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Cucumber - week 3</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFU0IdW3_PYbECc1qfT_ABJvbrQUDI0S66d-6j67LS7oEzm6_fFmZnM8m1_GguVrr-2KbtkgPpMbwvIXNQhtCyOym3umivLijT7dypKrBf5ga54k5FsSgyNxVxd3BT-MsPN27JMA8TZNdH/s400/week+3-1-8.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Overall - week 1</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr-Wif8R3q3Zg297nv3dGghMtCSygvGoKNo-1yu1grue5bkxZpjveYsor5MqMSrWIFrxe0h3pgNPzeFm_yji0tC96l59wK9qyOtQ-rG46wRgYyV3op6m1JfrhHhRoNPe1HlhNgQFenF5J/s400/P3019731-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vCMDv-0MrqzcfvUkCfWr_fgSq1zmrmJG9cvYoPo4GVkHai9dmJwoXtyljsfSK7QZCAazxxgOb7rj84sUw0vUPcQpYCJhnQr52LWgJSaY7K-O-f6HEfjRaHtFI7TaJe_jjvRLKrK1h0gy/s400/P3019729-1.jpg" /> </b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b>Overall - Week 3</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2fHWGYzEACThvfYn3BPfuRae0q6DYfMaxpamKSWs9rVTPFtbnVOSWc6B7MrsHpKr_0cdKbxoQNZ1by87RiVXBGx4LJx8l43nbpUqzVzgIbJKYk6AK9qKKiom8gpec0ms_QuHunqZ28ka/s400/week+3-1-11.jpg" /></b> </div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; ">UPDATE: It is now week four and a half and some of my plants are ready to eat! The arugula is more than ready.</div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; ">This morning, I went outside a took a close look at the leaves of my lettuce and what did I find? Only hundreds of aphids!!! Hurdle number one is here and I'm going to do my best to correct the problem. I'll update in a few days.</div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-53898355984670643542012-03-09T21:44:00.006-08:002012-03-10T23:32:22.010-08:00St. Patty's Day<div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Ladies and Gents, we are lucky this year. St. Patty's Day is FINALLY falling on a Saturday! It's been a long time coming and I am </span>thoroughly<span style="font-size: 100%;"> looking forward to it this year. In past years, finals have always seemed to create a conflict with the holiday. This year, no finals, and... on Saturday!</span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">St. Patty's is especially important for me. It is my </span>anniversary - the day that my fiance and I became more than friends and started on the wonderful journey that is us. This year is our 6th and I'm determined to make it the best. He will also be completing his final two classes for his bachelor's in Biotechnology on the 16th. Congrats Love!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span>In honor of St. Patty's, I've found some great party ideas. Take a look at these recipes for cool looking food and drinks: (Links to each recipe are in titles)</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>St. Patty's Day Food and Drinks:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/dessert-recipes/cupcake-recipes/other-cupcakes/taste-a-rainbow-cupcakes-842128/">Rainbow cupcakes: </a></span></div><div><span><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/dessert-recipes/cupcake-recipes/other-cupcakes/taste-a-rainbow-cupcakes-842128/"><br /></a></span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4i-nh9_aGpl0B4xcz7mCBX0WfCLvBFilgh6JoO6adquXQe1TMmvCdvMeuOiembhSpdL71z5cVf8QQH15Nf0An4a3mRr4MQ5mcOtNrFlukILfM6DNQ_xCfg5zYLu_NxsUZZc5e5wLmAfH/s400/rainbow+cupcake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718145045295771362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.whisk-kid.com/2009/08/say-it-with-cake.html">Rainbow Cake:</a></div><div><a href="http://www.whisk-kid.com/2009/08/say-it-with-cake.html"><br /></a></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NNGtARcRzUZO6DHlMiKqK1BpYSB7OGdTNsEcPVRbqQhAGNtyqnIrrAEii2DJn_ViKLulE3PvQcBq8VJzrhaHLNxJY7mJnaaJGH0dMtyrJH39EdH20quoB-lmkXFEOU1NSGByxA4jHejK/s400/Rainbow_1_by_bittykate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718145047983597298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/03/14/irish-car-bomb-cupcakes/">Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/03/14/irish-car-bomb-cupcakes/"><br /></a></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH_1U014EsWUOinuJQOkn9tRKZEfsKucKYnwMadXm4oQUP87PjaX5jxioA5mODm9_2MCWj-XW3_WOgq3XjK_1m_sHXF2MuMucppb2CElKqGEDkTIF1CELwAaSttR6RdU71iLDN4iRhCUR/s400/irish-car-bomb-cupcakes-2-550.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718145055358358898" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 340px; " /></div><div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.ladyandtheblog.com/2011/03/15/st-patricks-day-drink-recipes/">St. Patrick's Day Drink Recipes:</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ladyandtheblog.com/2011/03/15/st-patricks-day-drink-recipes/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKTwNmng9blk3PM7vsdrUh5lcFimClOB8NemTOT9WeMDZIz9_hWpia1mhPUZaYmtHUyARY1qfxDxkUPPzEebHTpzSmQid1DbMjfHGbfA5Auzd2c9RQ4faQrcn_qu2dQcNk-24jojBEnMt/s400/Midori_Lucky_Charm.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/rainbow-jello-recipe.html">Rainbow Jello:</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/rainbow-jello-recipe.html"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/rainbow-jello-recipe.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0FSpWC8axfGgoV44oEDLreG4A1NpmWp-6W1qDlM1y4-IWKWY3nFMJfznjFjK4x_dWwFE_omM6mnbbXtL09hkKHzQJ98KKWtJbEVShGoG8Y7fu9QDZM6I0ETERNPQG6MTuNlp48-tP33C/s400/shindig-rainbow-jello-1.png" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-9058658686410610122012-03-01T09:40:00.009-08:002012-03-01T10:34:49.971-08:00Sushi Rice and Rolls<div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY_O_iYPflc_xxYPBNvRBOIsqw2TUEcNCjQhe96knqI0XcI5_yY8E__PpiCQBfKG9H61z5UioWwcA-MxKp5KDtQaWqwdhzYkYeu_xhug9RVxnXbkprPCTSK_tOL_gGpXCqVlbGWo8DqiM/s1600/P2239612-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY_O_iYPflc_xxYPBNvRBOIsqw2TUEcNCjQhe96knqI0XcI5_yY8E__PpiCQBfKG9H61z5UioWwcA-MxKp5KDtQaWqwdhzYkYeu_xhug9RVxnXbkprPCTSK_tOL_gGpXCqVlbGWo8DqiM/s400/P2239612-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714995056184782018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div></div><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; ">I absolutely LOVE sushi! But, as we all know, it can be really expensive. I wanted to learn how to make it on my own so I started with cucumber rolls. Sushi rice is really good and not as incredibly complicated as it might seem. I found a good recipe on Allrecipes.com and have used it many times. I find that I have to adjust the vinegar to taste and usually only put in 3/4 of what the recipe calls for at first, and then continue adding it until it's just right. Sometimes that means adding more and sometimes a little less. </span><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Now finding sushi grade fish was a more difficult task. At first, I would go to a sushi restaurant and ask them to charge me for a chunk of fish. It was expensive though- not as expensive as eating in the restaurant but still too expensive for a home cooked meal that I had to spend lots of time and energy to prepare. Then, someone told me about a store called Marukai. It's a Japanese grocery store that offers sushi grade fish at a much lower price. You have to pay a yearly membership fee of about $10, but it's totally worth it! They have tons of really interesting products that you can't find at regular grocery stores. The nearest one is about 25 minutes away from my apartment so I don't go all the time, but when I do, I stock up on Enoki mushrooms, shiso leaves, various sauces, roasted seaweed, and udon soup. </span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Here is a link to Marukai's website: <a href="http://www.marukai.com/index-e.html">http://www.marukai.com/index-e.html</a></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>If you do't have a Marukai near you, you can always order sushi grade fish off the internet: </span><a href="http://www.catalinaop.com/">http://www.catalinaop.com/</a></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Okay. Time to learn how to make some sushi. <b>Please note that I am not Japanese. There are probably things I don't do the traditional way in this tutorial. Think of this more like a born-and-raised American's attempt to make a traditional dish with the limited resources available in America. My intent is not to offend anyone or to sully the rich tradition of making sushi.</b></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>To start, I'm going to provide the link to the sushi rice recipe. Rather than retyping it, it makes more sense to give the original link so you can read the reviewers' comments at the bottom of the page:</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Sushi Rice Recipe: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/moms-sushi-rice/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=sushi%20rice&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page">http://allrecipes.com/recipe/moms-sushi-rice</a> (you will need to click on this link. It will not work to cut and paste it into you address bar.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Now. You'll need a few things for the rest of the recipe:</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Kitchen Materials:</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>- <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; ">A bamboo rolling mat (Makisu)</span></span></div><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div>- Cutting board</div></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div>- A sharp knife</div></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">- A wooden spoon or spatula</span></span><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Ingredients</span></span><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">:</span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">- Filling for rolls, cut into long strips (can be cucumber, avocado, fish, etc.) </span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">- Seaweed sheets big enough for rolls</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">- Wasabi</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">- Soy Sauce</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_dIPEgZ8cSNZch5SpbG_yTqH_qdQg9W8n0x2v7twUhlbRrkBkR3tfQceLWXZFD_8TktK9j3ANsfbLexwwQJTgYfjsPTfww9wOcIksqWmYPEmZi6zNt93QuxOWpkDLsae-FHoj8Y_qw0R/s400/P2239556-1.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiino6I6dQqlKrt3kt45TbmYIvtoRZ7V0uS31xdSUUcGbiRFzRLYn_OpXjoefuXR7DPFv_HyD_CixFZmxIUEttD5nT1eeL0jf3NRzaHxC6RJJywvqGTQSeOq8ARXNJWvfSBFQI1gdYlu2gE/s400/P2239558-1.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEQCy1Lmm7kdUXchTRd032DlX6nGKZT8BrmK8WZt39C9njpjRVpmncULo41LPzjqmdr5a_J_5G2HXaLsb5Vfn7CtNpFpIq5Ny75Z8fppx9B9DtVqa8bh_NlB9DK6JW70NWX8DCiLmINzq/s400/P2239560-1.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Directions to make rolls:</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Step 1: Make sushi rice according to directions.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Step 2: Lay bamboo rolling mat out on hard surface. Place seaweed sheet on top. Apply layer of rice to 2/3rds of the seaweed (see photos) about 1/8-1/4 inches thick. I usually combine a little rice vinegar with water in a cup and wet my hands before touching rice. It makes it really easy to spread evenly. Wet seaweed that is not covered in rice with a little of this water as well so that when the roll is completed, the seaweed on the end will stick. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHzAjSGo8tZUE3irFojb_NaAgFc1dhV0k1m3096IdqTUQvXXnFrrgbOAFZrmf1nYgduh02q3HWrqvB7SJ4oZ0XjR0AaSDYV6YF4X1WfjW372SRfq1xfDgp4D9glzyC6pfLSEyUlnK-bxu/s400/P2239561-1.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-p2viMtqMY9qR6ECNtEWygbtPb1YCuUqrSA6EYCXXm2opcVahy5b0sUViEdRD-NyAYkWHhsQWFz65xLWM7meefpOJCpV1oEcLNO80SakHdhIUpqiEu5E0-wmqGM9SsL5CnM5hR9w7uFK8/s400/P2239562-1.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT1bEtmh9FnioJjDAEgKzN1ma-I2POOGKSX-rUpa5qzIM3TsYCWWfGXnbBoPoTjcvSeG0RkC23bIhrgh6T_gZywp3mu69qGJv81DEPVjqyV8aulZdP9VDshVarGW4inYN_aZ8wOiuDkVf/s400/P2239581-1.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Step 3: Add fillings (see photos). Apply small amount of wasabi to finger and run finger over rice you that you have the faint taste of wasabi in every bit of roll. Roll bamboo mat over so that seaweed starts to roll. You'll want your fillings to be at the beginning of the roll. Curl back bamboo mat and continue to roll so that bamboo mat does not go into seaweed roll (see photos). Continue to roll until all seaweed is incorporated then give one last tug on the bamboo mat, holding bottom of mat and pulling the portion still around the sushi tightly. Please note that this step takes practice. Unless you are just meant to be an amazing sushi chef, your first rolls will likely come out lop sided and sad looking. It took me some time to figure it out and my rolls are still not perfect. No worries, they still taste awesome! Below are photos of how to roll the sushi but be aware that I put too much rice on this one. The photos above are a better guide to how much rice shout be in the roll.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcid9CV2dEZtXujh91c8lU3tdzqAFMsUBKPftB4h_VD9RjE0szHsAe_BKKlCqW9MIxGplcm5L7V6mQJ1QS6zgBieiF1WNPdJS1zX4aRnWevdZgGezVv0Wtl0aqKIaHQj0JH4iwNwWKbnsX/s400/P2239567-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLlmOpHaMOFnY-lKwdDBE3Jiei9-1pI6XNy3t_5m0IahAQCxWSiVUqHSUuqO43Pl4gmsTkq-8-4Xph0kPkjrsyB56eSsDbvTpNisklcn0q3Ofpd3ORRgy2jai3agwpK-JTL41dOtk1JP9/s400/P2239570-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgpY1tUglMHMMJh49nMdphCemu5C_K0bT2mK02utEX1dnRLY9wG7gHvsoN6JmV3OHXgU6MRRrjHrTUd29YFxiXD0tWNL_MXCtgoVA8HxpgH5XT-48gl-bqhvoj9dy2dPMri9usAoif_LO/s400/P2239569-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzC3ah-f8ml5PSbNUs2T1jXccENPW6x__1K_4PN-qZi2kz1eVDhKzJ3iHX3DI1q_bTLa0RHq1_GbO6C3ZpBxkh3O9Mh3Rafwty6iuFWXWolbqHsHxEwgkRR7LfI4A8ZNSP5IBH8c8tbVF/s400/P2239572-1.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Step 4: Remove from bamboo mat and place on cutting board. Wet a very sharp knife with some vinegar water and cut through rolls to make bite sized pieces. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLcOKw-3CtafbLcpAcxiPKJmW5m4xWPf0_hCafxAHp8K0BkNT_uCu28MXd0ZwJHHOn5lSapFtGW9WD3oItfQA01ice0_39snagoj2r3qjOdUNMP9teq8T1HyMmS_UA72cikPuCPrS8iFj/s400/P2239573-1.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6P436Ud39yrCv3a9KuB6728kxqVzYyA9yRpPxAof-ngHtHYDuAgoP8y6NqrqaHj2a-kY5sNXRiEFCMsntlwcTeaxBoNgjHLd5hQN3xTQT3lmeJ072KtQ5ErNf79BSddJJJ-HwRsO8GR_/s400/P2239575-1.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumjsLKTOFD5CcVULpwUV9v9RrUBsabhgBpatilb12J14rguMDARPRIwiriGjGkY4oKjKto0iQN3y8DQ5_PxY_tO5n7EaK6G4UNZ8H9t6CZYpdHhr1hrQhc8MvqK8jXW56B3sNS9mB4lw7/s400/P2239584-1.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA3VDfgEW5kKDcMhkI_PXw5VY01tlVrTdPorRiW6et9xRWHiOz-FI2UFBPwqjS0jPA0T2ZJ9DBm3IC9UnJ5a-bXtgG00RLUk4sDUPAX8qnKDwdnW3VzzOCpAzb23NZwg0bPGBgV_E2okm/s400/P2239616-1.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Directions to make Sushi Bowls:</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Step 1: Add sushi rice to bowl. Cut up fish or other toppings into 1 inch pieces. Place on top of rice. Add other ingredients if desired (strips of seaweed, sesame seeds, seasonings, etc.). Serve with wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce on the side.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrFPXnreVF12selhqMSGO1IWudRYywlbFVDTJXaaFAEKo-tLBIoRbDgkk9gRyaSz0dneTUqbz9M-u07V26sGW1Tvro6R6xh22QvQV8_1jlKlelkP0BpCih9CMjY505xZMCbwIyCepDbAW/s400/P2239618-1.jpg" /> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxg3ZlfmeYZXgVjdYj5jTrCW3_WjGDpH_yzUy5nyI4-tHjYI0p3U4tjHB5UbsPjMaH-MDUE4XM6rVL3Z1XCHTQ5bQ5wRbiWJ_ZuAvM8tXNzAyPAftSaQNB5Y9WhjrUhGZNAkufzoyGzlPp/s400/P2239630-1.jpg" /> </span></span></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-14471433110626384992012-02-22T19:23:00.002-08:002012-03-16T10:44:09.860-07:00DIY Themed Earrings<div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OroZt1PjdAPPD1abgjlTkB3bPsvspRRFGQr4TE5G84cMqRYjkW_0WJmE6RtSS0gtAmNzqogkQE9o3Awkcb8K8sjDIndTNP7bPox2LpJd9SrvqeWu82R4Mtzr1KUiXCacAQzuLXIUvrgH/s1600/P2239673-1.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OroZt1PjdAPPD1abgjlTkB3bPsvspRRFGQr4TE5G84cMqRYjkW_0WJmE6RtSS0gtAmNzqogkQE9o3Awkcb8K8sjDIndTNP7bPox2LpJd9SrvqeWu82R4Mtzr1KUiXCacAQzuLXIUvrgH/s400/P2239673-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712537217987447714" /></a><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Okay. So this is super easy and you can make some really neat earrings with this idea. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Generally, you find the main material for this project in the </span>scrap-booking<span style="font-size: 100%;"> section </span>although it could be anywhere there are buttons. These earrings are made from specialty buttons which are so freaking cute, I just had to find something to do with them! I made the cupcake earrings for to wear to birthday parties and other celebrations. I made the clovers because St. Patty's Day is quickly approaching and because they were sparkly ;)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdmqkZcx35iTkms8PWKPV0uoiHxDoKkfo-RFyq8S3AKCaJwbM3bCIqMb6lwzE6jV-5lSGTQRu5QvWrKb0qonhg0C22S5g0IuUUR3oa9dMsrpVU96uJdXE7dJChshmL4plyQ2dpjGc-wCl/s400/P2209539-1-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712171738407481362" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 99px; " /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> Materials:</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">- Plastic specialty buttons, can have flat backs or plastic button loop (usually found in scrap-booking section at craft stores)</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">- A pair of nippers (if you pick buttons with loop on back. If you pick ones that have flat backs, you don't need nippers)</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>- E6000 glue</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>- Earring posts with flat metal piece for gluing</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphEYHRY3p7S4l6ranCx-W3ZptntlmVW1hQ4iGmJ7IS9tFK4jx8EV9OFpetXMdt-EAxJTMNo5bnt0Ucssjutfumg0m8qhjTlNeTwL03fKo9DDSGf37k4SoMib7Rr_RGv2exGgnGI8hi1Wz/s400/P2209510-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoFi8RS5q45YAMlKN9MZ46OiTaR09OyS8s0ec6FY7tggn3ppaNClVCSMWf8qErpKT_iYpZXDIs0gKpzP5aCPe5-hbRudszaK2vDUodc_udxuc1sowzPPWLLvgiQm5BDMQfI9pcJjXOhhk/s400/P2209514-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZKq4aBKtZXp21ihbVkubMczLR3khQb0NyBROMvlNPX5kznPb0XwE3V5NtGPtvUxYnxJVdOeTCeXOVZcDA6WVOdnvPR3K0ydbqEh3Ci54-LbQNeqy-qMwslrBFW2S2rSFNGAniFYP0Yk7/s400/P2209519-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5fzXV2uoT7feveVcUVYdY3GhXTg-ClmRAt4QoM2NXgeHP-bJtZmrCG6yUHBelbuPwKmsmnXRUjSlfMgup6z1B_34SM2hxjJFTpmMckINZl6FSgSRllX89DbLNESgjJGgDNvjrzD_JFoZ/s400/P2209520-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Directions:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Step 1: If you bought buttons with loops on the back, you will need to cut them off using nippers. Get the nippers as close to the back of the button as possible and squeeze hard. You want the back to be as flat as possible so the earring post will glue on nicely. If the buttons are more than one piece held together by backing, they may fall apart. It's okay- just glue the pieces back together and wait about 10 minutes before moving to step 2.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQAHFXSzjW3b_fRx5jyHA05iOsvY43Tr5x2KPSic9SQXatEke_WlHhcw4R2Wg8y7_o7hJ9wT-MYNj2EFbTy_XWTZKh0k_XNkAuSgk-QmsQhXVP5Nnf1NmvpPNAGObKqIVZ3mC5TA-rYvW/s400/P2209523-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0q0wYtg1R0ZkCnKrknpYO36hLszDycsjpMzi9rbK4nO0ewajAL5OArjjMAl2cc_PcVd5cubY8qZgYH0OIt0t6pKvpxD_DuHmz0hJrk7525ERApNi_ztlv3AKKqFZ9jmn2bdlTqeL-8Bf/s400/P2209526-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Step 2: Put glue on back of earring post and glue to back of button. Think about where you glue the post and how the earring will look on your ear depending on where you put it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImCu2wISa_zYlLW1RcMw_ut7auRDsOyeRv1ZhAze-orhtTa83kRw5LvtIl3ZNIsYZvMYQlkom5-EfzFC9l6gRlEDphoZFxdRP5gK0hRh9TtJkj3mxam6zptqDRZh7IKGVhsLhuLeoCpaO/s400/P2209531-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FmT0_DyyabksUV3hnkoLpG1-IhnDTQR7Wj2hKEQM1hTEJCJTU2YMx8wbJ0OiSCm2xOwgbTUwiVo7YZfwVX-700mXzXnrzh5VyYzXaTnnHnsYCkkz2yUODsgyMqg4nQeNwmMruuOjENAo/s400/P2209541-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QKSJvrEVrdIX1gXYNsUs3KS0NpKnqG0do_cT507FlCkZ0eqN-DegDdUu3gBO1uokja4OEQp4E_C5bw17TJxq1fzoUtsh7qmEv6pdfKByXaJILVvXUmUp38ZYrcMkh7fmbLVxLJcH46OD/s400/P2209534-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Step 3: Wait for glue to dry for about an hour and then try them on. It's that easy! </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS78Dx9k8r7xANvY3B1pD-PNW7T2NenVtZ3IfJh-_jN2FN7OUFTDbTAcSfskgTo3axMWhrxhXSVSrR7yGHxcB7G405Gg-j2dsE21pMfF9SH358CKl_-JFvWhIptKSfsbMAvqjcKkEKIJP7/s400/P2209535-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFQfNs_uMiUleKirspwi2XHXz5yCounA9I_bPofcze8z_bde_KdnLmnVkdFED1QJTwZwVMlTHq719l75Hsq15gUYOwqUVzTCzJS6VFC0cXm2tXpx7Ftb8gl0btdTi3f4VQ9g1ei77vG7Y/s400/P3159841-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIF8qRpChNCsR2Mng46EU2cmfF_ND9sXcsgqMYp96ppNc05WHayYmZFPAnrgH1Jt9JzFpryFe5cDkovgGwZK40PDdi3Lds4Fwk5-KOPw2bOzE-erjd6uRm2ZKkkghIomH3sTqjXOObMlxS/s400/P2209538-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYiKBnFvzJBS3yqmGSabYqUSbkdwi51XXyyGD3PzUSwjENk-NHxeieYqZd_R17KC_4N5pMut4kwoEevwiu7WN5jJlkqZPBKfzQnBLKLa87c6DjTUqTFC9qtJaCGp5rG2F4lv1vh5gld_9/s400/P2209537-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-29174315051667566002012-02-15T22:34:00.000-08:002012-02-15T23:03:53.762-08:00Mediterranean Pizza<div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div>I found this recipe <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pizza-without-the-red-sauce/detail.aspx">HERE on Allrecipes.com</a> and it has become one of our favorite routine dinners. Not only does it taste amazing but it's also relatively healthy. It's got a ton of veggies including an entire bag of spinach dumped on it. Healthy never tasted so good.<div><br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvW2wMOnTjhyphenhyphenNw_4Lp-2GAmZFv9YxnN0qNHpyGXIkV6bq9DDHrz2MgAJtk78pxFEBFZdrpSeWSQBnhbVJsuha4u-IS-SUcmlqjB0E_qFO1YKrQTKoABOF1tkqVPkzUJ4bKcSvdWjkssue/s400/Steampunks-5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709625133284900770" /></div><div>In addition, it doesn't use any pizza sauce or any heavy cheeses. Replacing the sauce is a mixture of pesto sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, a little bit of Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Then you just pile on the toppings and bake! I'm going to provide the original recipe below with my healthy alterations in parenthesis.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mediterranean Pizza (Originally: Pizza Without the Red Sauce)</div><div><br /></div><div>Servings: 8 (More like 4 to be honest)</div><div>Time: To Prepare- 10 mins To bake: 15-20 mins</div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>- 2 TBSP butter, melted (I use margarine and cut to 1-1/2 TBSP)</div><div>- 1 TBSP olive oil</div><div>- 3 TBSP minced garlic</div><div>- 2 TBSP sun-dried tomato pesto (or 1 TBSP sun-dried tomato in oil and 1 TBSP pesto)</div><div>- 1 tsp dried basil leaves</div><div>- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves (I use an Italian herb blend instead)</div><div>- 1 TBSP freshly grated Parmesan cheese </div><div>- 1 unbaked pizza crust (I use wholewheat crust from Fresh and Easy)</div><div>- 1 tomato sliced (I omit because I don't care for tomatoes much)</div><div>- 1 (6-ounce) bag of spinach (I use organic prewashed)</div><div>- 1 sweet onion (I use half or so of a red onion)</div><div>- 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped (This tastes kinda weird. If you want heat, used crushed red pepper instead- about 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp depending on desired level of heat)</div><div>- 1 6-ounce container crumbled feta cheese (I use about 4-5 ounces)</div><div><br /></div><div>Directions:</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 1: Preheat oven according to pizza crust directions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 2: In a bowl, combine butter, oil, sun-dried tomato pesto, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs (if using crushed red pepper instead of jalapeno, add to mix as well). Lay out pizza crust and spread mixture evenly over it. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3163vQjWxiuQ6s6PyNR2QrJ69YD0nkvoqe2SZWYuOHxWTy9qiAO9WIQ6l-I4sb2bjkUPxPNEqXE8IvE9lBw3dloVI-mzY_I1uCzDQKBK7ZlLdfS1W_fbv5epD2AtyCJAgb6vTKlCY3fXn/s400/Steampunks-3.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Step 3: Arrange tomato, onion, feta, spinach, and jalapeno on top of pizza. I like to place the toppings at different levels, some on top and some under the other toppings. It will look like a heaping mess but don't worry, it bakes down nicely. </div><div><br /></div><div>Step 4: Bake according to directions on pizza crust container.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9RNr3IcRWUG76Oq8uLuybPeKnqmLvb509T_hplsdmniKUMws7jGzKrtOA9bwzBHCRlHkfcmOtOpjGxzgGJ5RZbbcy4uYqR4o-ycMHdHFDmkfwUVu9yN_a44hqv1TaGyqE0Wl-9N3P0gl/s400/Steampunks-4.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj_TqJYMzdKhXftw9yrvS64ZEvRgUwMI6bLZ6GLvy4GHKrCuray3beBd3ry4DXzhKsDzHstx4Ap35Ujq15HEqYmXetCDT9WR5pbTwONdohdS38ISbu_rXzm8kHcftWlsTO8eGZjP_bkcT/s400/Steampunks-6.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-49413023814298671432012-02-08T22:02:00.004-08:002012-03-15T11:18:29.596-07:00DIY Steampunk Gears Necklace<div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; ">Like it? Love it? But don't wanna make it? <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92636545/steampunk-gears-necklace-free-us">You can buy it HERE. (If sold out, let me know if you'd like another and I will create a special order for you).</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I have always been obsessed with watches, clocks, and gears, so when "steampunk" jewelry started to come into style, I was enthralled. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I had found a small package of these thin gear shaped metal pieces at Michael's and just had to have them. They sat in one of my craft supplies boxes for a few months while I thought long and hard about what to do with them. I bought some actual watch gears as well and added them to my box. A long time friend, Jolee, and I, had a craft night a couple months ago and came up with the idea to make necklace pendants using the gears. This necklace was the result:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgDX2uNJM-4zX6nFtt4HRu3VE54CQZfc7WQ0DZ6MnWTvJ3UTbsBHdVKKSZloAjLZ7MrmubQrpsht3QLbYx5IAYQFooeToItNAhoTnbKKvkGV4ZZNb1fvtij721VxH7W-moXba647YUISF/s400/P1159366.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">This necklace is not difficult to make. Expensive? Well, kinda. I suppose that if you want to make a really cool one of a kind necklace, the price of materials might be worth it. If you want to make a bunch of these babies, it's also worth buying the materials. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Materials:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">- Thin metal gear pieces (the ones in the photo range from about 1/3 inch to 1 inch. Unfortunately, I could not find a photo of these on Michael's website but I got them in the jewelry making section of Michael's). <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-45-vintage-small-and-large-clock-brass-gears-wheels-Steampunk-art-/230740900488?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item35b93aba88#ht_1512wt_1392">Here's an auction on EBAY</a> of something that would work but if you want to keep this project cheap, find them at Michael's.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">-<a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0053GA0DI%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>"> </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Pavelka-2-Ounce-Crafting-Silver/dp/B0053GA0DI/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1328767854&sr=1-1">A few actual small gears from a watch. Click for link to a similar product.</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">- Chain (between 14 and 24 inches depending on how long you want the necklace to be. See steps below for general guide on necklace lengths).</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Open-Rings-Gauge-Silver-Plated/dp/B002JAOPUK/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1328767874&sr=1-1">4 8mm jump rings.</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Plated-Spring-Ring-Clasps/dp/B003HN7IMK/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1328767892&sr=1-1">Clasp for necklace</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Making-Memories-Schwartz-Vintage-Groove/dp/B003HMAJAY/ref=sr_1_11?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1328767910&sr=1-11">A pair of Chain nosed pliers</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-E6000-Multi-purpose-Adhesive-2-Ounces/dp/B002OJX1GU/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1328767924&sr=1-1">E6000 glue</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">- Toothpick or other pointed object to apply and remove excess glue</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beadsmith-Jewelry-Cutters-Nippers-Pliers/dp/B000SN9Z3W/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1328767940&sr=1-2">A pair of Side Cutters </a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiVh4kcVxy8VFpxhYmKJPU3sB0E8ExWpQC1mQsRhuMLtq0JDWcsPcWUI7ab3kbPzsdSp72US-MEy3GLszYq99ZZnIQxYz8fY4OVqJ_p-Lks4nqa6-_K5KWQltb3jUqUehnntOU3IOB_XE/s400/P1159348.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AkNJFpQ3x_Ek4eu8RS7-pYdSO4u_XjhuuIYlxY6fGxp6DBoyZy10OxY3c3EzSI5pyqH7sTjguQkYWrTNId9ne7iwqbWy06BCVR1q8pIzRhbQMNMVFnMaHUmHj_hQYMEzzbzazujJAfLP/s400/P1159358.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxFfAhBajphBasjtjIt51c_r7K4r2-QkuSkP17zD2bCgHKbTpi9II8EK1f6z026CeKV2JwXtsm5p_2uvG5sauxOELi79SwLQWY-zIsVl0iv8mdmlkHvCsaNRPMZRR60GI4mxkUFeMuLX7/s400/P1159347.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK5mLycq0nJR2yk7XS27BLRhIowHNPw5EtpvU1uTnGdQhBaT1iAslM8hNa8yO3d8pQgxKFKYF_gmJQu3T02B0IRMJ_w5yKztzjMBKnLMB8hnYpod9r8NKkWA8hhXaPH0B-ismSJ6daRPK/s400/P1159350.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Directions:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Step 1: Lay out your large gears in a formation that you like on a large piece of paper. Play around with the formation until you are happy with it. The gears need to be overlapping each other in a way that offers enough surface area to apply glue.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxFfAhBajphBasjtjIt51c_r7K4r2-QkuSkP17zD2bCgHKbTpi9II8EK1f6z026CeKV2JwXtsm5p_2uvG5sauxOELi79SwLQWY-zIsVl0iv8mdmlkHvCsaNRPMZRR60GI4mxkUFeMuLX7/s400/P1159347.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0IZjg_xFTAwMkA5bc2yCwPHecSKCOJERVVQYPD5Dz1MoDXfZAxUKA2LAyld6sh5kWmRSPEG9IvFSOHKbfMGgZiOAKKRIuoHYiuXAX963zEAgyKIc4UVubUtLo6-98qJ0qWQklSdGEOPh/s400/P1159352.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Step 2: Apply a small amount of E6000 to the end of a toothpick or other pointy object. Use toothpick to evenly spread glue on back of one gear and overlap on top of another gear. Press down and continue with all other gears until your formation has been completely glued together. Glue small gears on top of main formation. I tried to add these pieces to places that had too much glue bubbling out. Wait for about an hour to dry.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAdNk4CuF79mZwRHU8VGfubzsGDnjM93Ur1MIoLW0RNIjL53pJgiafVDZAKNsMQcyOqVtVdkOPiq-LHhLrHCe3GIzjQ2OKhBWDr5p0nhInqKk6HFz5gd5GpDx1JM58J0Jp6UM_nJJcxtP/s400/P1159354.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNoBK8vsBylZlr_H3fcfJQIczCSBWSqc0yLCclPAbvSl0ceuj2UGcHdwu2s7FPR02UbMnE68dPhAcYke6VALB4kfqB3fldKYw73sX-uXgLr4GraGFo5fffwNqzPZpEqZ1axRpx8jjKbrU/s400/P1159351.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0IZjg_xFTAwMkA5bc2yCwPHecSKCOJERVVQYPD5Dz1MoDXfZAxUKA2LAyld6sh5kWmRSPEG9IvFSOHKbfMGgZiOAKKRIuoHYiuXAX963zEAgyKIc4UVubUtLo6-98qJ0qWQklSdGEOPh/s400/P1159352.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Step 3: While waiting, prepare chain by using side cutters to cut two equal length pieces that will be secured to either side of your pendant. A 14 inch chain (two 7 inch pieces) will yield an extremely short necklace but you have to add in the size of the pendant. If the pendant is 2 inches wide, you'll end up with a 16 inch necklace which is a pretty standard length. It should fall at the collar bone. If you want something longer, do a 16 inch chain (8 inches on each side). With the addition of a 2 inch pendant to the length, you'll end up with a standard 18 inch necklace. Please see the photo below for more lengths.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMs7cXuh_w8hxMbFo6rvKKAL9ZVq_iNM6T6P0yweY3YZlVJRvh2hncUkZaaUMpwOlZ8y1RszcWPwJ5N8gILunWQms_I6SIf4kwXJpXY-Zwn3R7yYwqnfLnqoeGYaMAmN_XqrWTCkceVt2/s400/chain+length.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Step 4: Attach clasp to end of chain by opening jump ring with chain nose pliers, adding clasp and end of chain onto the jump ring. Close using pliers by squeezing it shut. Make sure the jump ring is fully closed. I swear half of the jewelry I fix is due to jump rings being slightly open. Repeat steps with other part of clasp and other half of chain. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1iyDyyJ5FX6VLKohAkF0Z81JflVla7VECaY4eby-twJ1Hf0uS0fiakM7GXN3DzX_hm2-c-3rWGvx40KJDd5tKKHZPuJfNdEamRYSoMrjZfL99BQplQe5v9KrSyDE2U91HLvrsT5IGuNT/s400/P1159363.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; ">If you have two sets of pliers, </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><a href="http://www.how-to-make-beaded-jewelry.com/open-jump-rings.html">click here for an easier way to do this.</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOVZKwpGVHokNTqlXhg47yIEas2QDiB8LJRnLe97aC5u8badgHr-dSQMihLDoypJa4-4f9GvIc20Hd3Bw3qegmuhInhmVopmvR6rXFey0a7pEcqPqKicAquh2ecg6fWAndyDrP7r0saPi/s400/P1159361.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Step 5: After gears are completely dry, remove from paper. Pull any excess paper off back carefully so that no paper can be seen from the front. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Step 6: Open 2 jump rings and find holes on either side of the pendant to put them through. Add one side of chain to each jump ring and close using pliers. Wait 24 hours before wearing to ensure glue is completely dry. Enjoy! Oh! And watch out for sharp parts that might protrude out of the small gears. You can clip off any sharp pointy parts with your side clippers. Don't say I didn't warn you!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6GoLXiJzd2rAdSnWNohwXjOzLC6z6PbhQ7eTyqWUXvyj__TwmBleQRC1Bb9ZmY7IVFyT3TozavVPk93WBT1mhyJkvt5q6EIpQbjVQRWc3e7kSJO1LoPLYusRi2eJJcR9swQmMOYGHodj/s400/P1159364.jpg" /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U6NzDew3yrxn3NjaZmmVpnysuEOWnINrL5b9N82Mz8vSjKXwawT_nyUqeDJSczh5EZ0Z5I1YWc_rJFc0bMribWKFCmli-VILbnCfX9PYu9pIhva-PxBwxD5ndZ6QnuKPn3lgsvPwnR_q/s1600/P1159369.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U6NzDew3yrxn3NjaZmmVpnysuEOWnINrL5b9N82Mz8vSjKXwawT_nyUqeDJSczh5EZ0Z5I1YWc_rJFc0bMribWKFCmli-VILbnCfX9PYu9pIhva-PxBwxD5ndZ6QnuKPn3lgsvPwnR_q/s400/P1159369.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702745713159757186" /></a><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><div style="text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline">Like it? Love it? But don't wanna make it? <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92636545/steampunk-gears-necklace-free-us">You can buy it HERE. (If sold out, let me know if you'd like another and I will create a special order for you).</a> </div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; ">Here's another one I made:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZQwbvu-21eElfA8HWI5cFguO2NUFsXGpcgdxfUWRDdfAOryP33kDg4F8H-WK0UUsrqqUtTjbDFMYD-4UvdqIt_bek8q5SQxhStl9v-ThXb0IVcVa_y6WGl8nqONspk_N3NPV7gqsirsi/s400/P2099458-2.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnLS8eEr4zs3uLtJ3MJKnqLQYPJ9rDT6GVmhE2VHkKLbEmtK9Sfb9jjesr7iYI2Ez5ESnh7YxMTc2iQQ4IRrlRJrG0J-ULp1oOz46mKNjInccaTijqmV79OI6uJ9sGmzbxrKwxh9qUZSD/s400/P2239645-1.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; ">Check out my other DIY tutorials:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2012/01/diy-pearl-bracelet.html">Pearl and Crystal Bracelet</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/chalkboard-necklace.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">How to make a Chalkboard Necklace</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/magnetic-chalkboard-spice-rack.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Tutorial on how to make a magnetic chalkboard Herbs/Spice rack!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/ink-blot-art.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Make Ink blots into Framed Art</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/swarovski-christmas-tree-earrings-step.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Swarovski Christmas Tree Earrings</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/fish-bowl-succulent-garden.html">Succulent garden… in a fish bowl!</a></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/beaded-peacock-feather-earrings-diy.html">DIY Beaded Peacock Earrings</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-feather-headband.html">DIY Feather Headband</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-memory-wire-crystal-bracelet.html">DIY Memory Wire Crystal Bracelet</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-87179701762197511642012-02-02T13:03:00.000-08:002012-02-16T14:49:42.254-08:006 Five-Ingredients or Less Appetizers<div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div>Super Bowl is coming up and if you're planning a party, you've probably got a lot to think about. These appetizers are perfect for laying out for Super Bowl Sunday and they all have 5 ingredients or less. Plus, they are pretty elegant. Who says you can't have a Super Bowl party with style?<div><br /></div><div>Here's a list with amazing recipes. The links are in the picture and title description:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/bacon-wrapped-dates-stuffed-with-blue-cheese/detail.aspx">- Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese:</a></div><div><br /></div><div>So if you've never had bacon wrapped dates, YOU ARE MISSING OUT!!! They are amazing! Here we've got bacon wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese. I have never tried them but plan to make these to take to my father's house for his annual Super Bowl party. I think I will make half with blue cheese and half without since there are many people who don't care for bleu cheese. I will stuff my face with these babies, seriously. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF98Go9mtECmp-M5D_tk1wnO0-Oj5ABPITDQwrm7sUv0sIeCsBUQWVlFr7q3lLwuOem3BMtDHANtYJDYj4t8a1UmHLK158yWDTjreoYr5rbnEO-m74uxPiBqIs2dexWL9Sp9CoDXO0ATG3/s400/bacon+dates.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704650338339346002" /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wrap-party-apps-recipe/index.html">- Wrap-Party Apps:</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is pretty straight forward. It isn't even really a recipe as much as it is a description. Buy some mozzarella cheese balls and wrap basil leaves around them. Then wrap thin deli meat or thin pieces of roasted red peppers. Secure with toothpick. Easy enough for a last minute appetizer!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wrap-party-apps-recipe/index.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenA_E5clZTw2b8OI3S8f1TL03L4_mj_aubyFIUP7_Z4dldDgLRmnnGe-IxXVN9v1HFzswH-2JA-uplAQprMl4al47ryrKWS4yH38Ul6UruCVAPLOqNPJQulCPT7YhvMFImgpawESd_WDg/s400/FNmag_Mozzarella-Wrap-Par_s4x3_lg.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://low-cholesterol.food.com/recipe/mini-pigs-in-a-blanket-79715">- Pigs in a Blanket</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This appetizer is just a must. It's so good and so freakin' easy, you'd be crazy not to serve it. Now why it's categorized under "low cholesterol" foods on the site is a mystery. Don't be fooled, these babies aren't low anything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://low-cholesterol.food.com/recipe/mini-pigs-in-a-blanket-79715"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmGVHXBorsYIDUQzrtxmGfxKC5cIiY8z3Rr3XY48K2E3Jv6NU4BvAIVWmZpj6vHHPb-VVMnksJr-di1enXsjpyrclEIdvOLLoqPAsa49YgYbS9H-3TGpjfDG7myloJX2SJ8FgCXh7_8jp/s400/pigs+in+blanket.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/monster-meatball-sandwiches-10000001842417/">- Monster Meatball Sandwiches:</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I included these for two reasons. First they look good and they are easy to make. Second, they have the word "monster" in the title of the recipe. Enough said.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/monster-meatball-sandwiches-10000001842417/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCmT0z9XPUHz644k1Eab5CXo4xmXaW5jyCh4_zbZHeb071iIhdUOh8G9S2QCcSCjMGJgJ0-VZPx-hEuxhmiwYLPFpWGMleucWW2MgztlXuFXBRolmJlNrqWpk9f_gkTqDKznOgolpKB7E/s400/monster-meatball-sandwiches-sl-1842417-x.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/peach-and-blue-cheese-bites-10000001731436/">- Peach and Blue Cheese Bites</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay, so I really like blue cheese. Is that a crime??? I'm sorry, but the combination of blue cheese and sweet fruit is amazing. Even if you don't typically enjoy blue cheese, you MUST try it with the sweetness of honey, fruit, or fig spread before you make the final decision to never eat it again. It's truly an experience. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/peach-and-blue-cheese-bites-10000001731436/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCdhOLUseXoFw6nmy5fE3kU3-j3SQ85YgEcKbytIFDnuFMJ5OQFDKYB53Acs061R-uCU1Jdj-eZ_rrGTPMt7zUrUltsq_YII0XsqVql654bev_OC34Y3tfdt7zaiTngvpysojjBf-jXeM/s400/peach-bites-sl-1731436-x.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/crostini-combinations-to-die-for.html">- Crostini Combinations to Die for:</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I admit that this is from this blog but it fits the post so I'm adding it in. Click on the link to find a few different combinations to top crostinis with- all five ingredients or less!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/crostini-combinations-to-die-for.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX1zhMuH8OBFFKdcZBShGnbiUbM4vMyj_Ac-j2I9i0lYg1ZQcrVVVQgGq4TEWAJlNlNdVEW_cu4xoWWXBML4q48tdZs7ZIovjdfUlawtg0qbaHpHpfWUzHNifA5vhmMCBb-cq_WPqZ_qt/s400/PC299247.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">UPDATE: I made the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese and they were amazing. However, next time, I'd probably leave the blue cheese out. To be honest, the flavor of the cheese gets lost in the overpowering taste of bacon and the dates. One thing that I did differently was to sprinkle a little brown sugar over the bacon before baking these. It added a little extra something that made them ever-so-slightly better.</div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-88382788130395473672012-01-28T09:55:00.001-08:002012-02-26T20:47:58.961-08:00DIY Glass Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Bracelet<div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; ">I love pearls. It's too bad they are so ridiculously expensive. Luckily, there are an array of glass pearls that are available. They range in quality from extremely poor to the oh-so-gorgeous Swarovski glass pearls. The ones I used in this project were lower quality glass pearls and they still look pretty darn good.</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DWOUc1rRXUxy4IwbyZGpocE-mOgHgeI9tGRYCtO6jCK-f2NuefJp4bpu_FrEpCxJRoyEJn6DPm0dof4tzj2yd6MMND8JdqVJJz4q9kmWf3sh3O7buFzA14u4UXooHQ9CUY4-ZTpJ2MEt/s400/P1159395.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a fairly easy project. It's great if you're trying to learn simple jewelry making techniques. Here, I show you how to use beading wire and crimp beads to create a bracelet. Once you have this technique down and all the tools needed, you can pretty much make any single stranded beaded bracelet you want. If you want to learn more simple techniques, I also have tutorials on how to use <a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-memory-wire-crystal-bracelet.html">memory wire to make bracelets</a>, how to <a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/beaded-peacock-feather-earrings-diy.html">use feathers in jewelr</a>y, how to cut and use <a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/chalkboard-necklace.html">chain for necklaces</a>, and how to make <a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/swarovski-christmas-tree-earrings-step.html">simple eyepin earrings</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, here we go:</div><div><br /></div><div>Materials needed:</div><div><br /></div><div>- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0029M41WK%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">8mm-10mm Strand of glass pearls</a></div><div>- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000XVKQV4%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">15-20 4mm Bicone Swarovski crystal beads</a> (number depends on how long you want it)</div><div>- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00181WUQ2%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">Toggle Clasp set</a></div><div>- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B001141EU4%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">Beading wire</a></div><div>- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000XZUCPK%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">Crimp pliers</a></div><div>-<a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000Y3D60O%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>"> Crimp beads</a></div><div>- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000SN9Z3W%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">Wire Cutters</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWN3YmdV6TpOitsy0R8Ouf3yj-VkWkhczUKv52mmgehmeVwO1QL6-ECXqZs7I9RJV9-VQg_Y8vQa4y3XbFfjA_2XBGqWI3XoHw0RhysxcE1ZRUo_LpeWP6M730HFlrdhAh_1d53dgdSK9/s400/P1159377.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Directions:</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 1: Cut about 9-11 inches of beading wire off of spool using cutters. You'll want to have a few inches of extra wire beyond your wrist size. I have really small wrists, less than 7 inches, so I usually cut about 9 inches off. You'll want to do more for larger wrists.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 2: thread crimp bead through one end of wire. Follow by adding one side of toggle clasp. thread wire through crimp bead again, making a loop around toggle clasp. See pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszvdoOVcgS7O0JufWSwn7NUdoHxOUzVDO8Fj72i3RClFdREPM2R8Cp3Sta-critMjY-KJqIg8a7neOVLSpy0wdfTiXEmbPUicgutdwe6v2Q31Q5RYkAOtmmjlBO95yUu4R2lOvh6sSC4U/s400/P1159380.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHLelF-BeVp0qOe9hn05ZquNzpjkTetOcn0GOp5kLS8fuKnS_0mLOgY_0BXXkYiYGl-ixCut64cNxvtqx0xgX1Ab1rALiDwiZ0yYlSy9IDMRuJTGTA5fvmjx-8ug7G0o-i-239IqDv9_w/s400/P1159381.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Step 3: Use crimp pliers (location 1) to secure crimp bead. The crimp bead will look like it has been bent in half. Turn crimp bead 90 degrees and use location 2 to compress crimp bead. This will result in crimp bead folding over on top of itself where the original bend was formed. SEE PICTURE BELOW!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJDxtu8rmYCyFmPNtsvAKLWjaPKEm5GYQkx4LtmQtSZORnKwgCbC6gW1TzP_P8VkJc5SLt38aVU4p6_ksM12QMnAZqZtqtaej03IAI4R5yJPKu0Mp1VMBqZMIfYITwDLSWT_RQsapBvuh/s400/Crimp+Pliers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702746720659374370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 400px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>Step 4: Add beads. I did a simple pattern as you can see, but if you want to do something a little more unique, go right ahead. Continue to thread beads on until it fits your wrist. You can check by looping the unfinished bracelet around your wrist to see if it will fit, just be careful to hold on to the unfinished side so the beads don't fall off. Remember that the addition of the rest of the crimp bead will add on a few centimeters.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis_qQNTHweCeno2b5iUopnNkNrlMDuSTO1Zd4sVPMcTCx5mblU1No745v6YyH_ZOiJ1foJXzv1hw3bhR8Ir9ZoC1Vf6mx1Fi24xPEv8eZ4Q3a2Oi677pfmuFH_nRlpxdDMCa0jlccm56n/s400/P1159386.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBX_rprAIa97MQM2n_DLa-MpXBMugMJeHcNO06dqeLep0ExlliJcLBbdUu0lUJLxDrhZb40DZQoXrcYpG219ANuNRPSjjWH5Ege-g2afkH6tNeCPuPap1PwkM1tccZTdE6mlUVJtlr1eC/s400/P1159392.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZowM7AxtYCY-qxArC9LoN2XAIu0nJ9TSCsspUbuRVrIZssn76WDeHiwuFL1ODgveNhvOns8FHP4uGxarC3Sbp39ypo-pMbSfkYAYFR7QcybS5Tflv-35pQVsxHl_zzIvNrTDInwZU64gi/s400/P1159388.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 5: Okay, this is the most difficult part. When you're done threading your beads, add a crimp bead on to the end followed by the other piece of the toggle clasp. Just as in step one, loop around the clasp and back through the crimp bead. Here's the trick. You don't want to crimp it too tight. If you do, you'll have a couple problems. First of all, your bracelet will be inflexible and a bead might crack or break when you try to wear it. Second of all, you won't be able to tuck the end of your wire into a bead leading to an unsightly wire sticking out of your bracelet. So, you'll need to leave a little room. I try to leave about 2-3mm between the last bead and where I secure the crimp bead.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Using the steps outlined in step 3, secure the crimp bead with a small amount of space left between last bead and crimp bead. Use cutters to trim wire so that there is about 3mm of wire left. Tuck wire into bead at end of bracelet. This is difficult, but keep trying until you get it in there. If you have a pair of chain nose pliers, you can use them to make this step easier by grabbing the end of the wire and forcing it down into the bead hole.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div>The photo below shows what it should look like after you trim the wire. Note that it looks as if there is no space between the crimp bead and the crystal bead but there actually is. The beads have just loosened up to fill the whole space but are still movable enough to push down and shove the wire into the last crystal bead.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDoYbq0UE4Ya5oTu8QYsjYOlqyMOK5jt5_ya8gfBDC2YWemlYZzfNXFXBJ7Q9SHjuA8xWr7DyE89WC02Ax_nbCMNJRqaSKJSS1wTjS0LtoMHnlGgzdkFcdmJSX3XFuiRSvnXxF6IttKtG/s1600/P1159393.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDoYbq0UE4Ya5oTu8QYsjYOlqyMOK5jt5_ya8gfBDC2YWemlYZzfNXFXBJ7Q9SHjuA8xWr7DyE89WC02Ax_nbCMNJRqaSKJSS1wTjS0LtoMHnlGgzdkFcdmJSX3XFuiRSvnXxF6IttKtG/s400/P1159393.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702744024244612322" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Once the wire is pushed in, you're done! I think the addition of a small ribbon bow would be adorable somewhere on this bracelet. Any ideas?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JzkB-vbwUZpce8dEGAf-JJ_DXAYVsrD2R0AxDecQr5w0wgbNfOmCEdPMIupQFPujYZgPG95DZrfw4ecX0IKXJ7izBhIOgUWpNIbQJZzMgMMJ6i8BKrL_JrQuxzu2oN9vxegaX2r2sKTR/s400/P1159398-2.jpg" /> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; ">For more DIY fun, Check out these posts:</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/stocking-stuffer-earrings.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">DIY stocking stuffer earrings. Cheap and easy to make</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/chalkboard-necklace.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">How to make a Chalkboard Necklace</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/magnetic-chalkboard-spice-rack.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Tutorial on how to make a magnetic chalkboard Herbs/Spice rack!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/ink-blot-art.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Make Ink blots into Framed Art</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/swarovski-christmas-tree-earrings-step.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Swarovski Christmas Tree Earrings</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/fish-bowl-succulent-garden.html">Succulent garden… in a fish bowl!</a></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/beaded-peacock-feather-earrings-diy.html">DIY Beaded Peacock Earrings</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-feather-headband.html">DIY Feather Headband</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-memory-wire-crystal-bracelet.html">DIY Memory Wire Crystal Bracelet</a><o:p></o:p></p></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-89001154604822208482012-01-22T21:37:00.000-08:002012-01-22T22:25:29.778-08:00Southwestern Falafel Pita with Avocado SpreadWhether you are a big falafel fan or not, this is a great recipe to try. It's an amazingly tasty and unique take on a Mediterranean favorite. I made it last week for dinner one night. I made 5 serving sizes and the two of us ate them all. Luckily, they are pretty healthy and low in calories.<div><br /></div><div>I got the recipe out of Cooking Light Favorites 7. I have to say that Cooking Light has to be my favorite cooking magazine. I've never made anything out of an issue that I've disliked (although every once in a while there are things I don't love) and Cooking Light Favorites are even more awesome. Plus, they try to make everything healthier without compromising on taste.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLavFQbfdDE4QMtUHjhp2MuEJHq7On_3qt2_hcrofoiC6PoPHI2BW5DCYtAsqOfNwGNmNwgCMw7rub2FhdVd7hrnFcYVa3FxUaG0PurGt1guuh0uS2L75kOub498B_C6XHnrjyFtxgKRV/s400/P1129298.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700708056029243714" /><div><br /></div><div>Southwestern Falafel Pita with Avocado Spread</div><div><br /></div><div>Servings: 4 (one half pita each)</div><div>Time: To prepare: 15-20 minutes To cook: 10 minutes</div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients: </div><div><br /></div><div>Patties:</div><div>- 1 (15 Ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained</div><div>- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese</div><div>- 1/4 cup finely crushed tortilla chips</div><div>- 2 TBSP finely chopped green onions</div><div>- 1 TBSP finely chopped cilantro (I omitted because cilantro reminds me of chemicals or soap)</div><div>- 1/8 tsp. ground cumin</div><div>- 1 large egg white</div><div>- 1-1/2 tsp oil</div><div>Avocado Spread:</div><div>- 1/4 cup mashed peeled avocado</div><div>- 2 TBSP finely chopped tomato</div><div>- 1 TBSP finely chopped red onion</div><div>- 2 TBSP fat free sour cream (I used low fat)</div><div>- 1 tsp fresh lime juice</div><div>- 1/8 tsp salt</div><div>- 2 (6-in) pitas, cut in half crosswise</div><div><br /></div><div>Directions:</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 1: For patties- partially mash pinto beans in a medium bowl with a fork. Add cheese and chips, green onion, cilantro, cumin, and egg white. Stir until well combined. Form into four 1/2-inch thick oval patties.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 2: Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add patties and cook 3 minutes on each side (or until browned and cooked through). </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpRIpBUn_Wgpe19ItKIhVuWTfTJbZoC1bIqwjCiVZys74kB8600NthXnM2vK6yz8-LkovsjMK1fwV5MPm4apUIYN4aqRzrH-FW-p0-2AGUsQFT6bF4aBs4zepzk4fXdNuTuqFBlyC1lzt/s400/P1129295.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Step 3: prepare spread while patties cook by combining avocado, red onion, sour cream, lime juice, and salt. Carefully open each pita half. Place one patty in each half and spread 2 tablespoons of avocado spread in each. Serve immediately.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEKgN_WazUt1lLBFilnvAsSaBykUJuAxFEatw4KGnHWX9NM0tx5zqWsF8UYqHeifyR247_Ec5FFHTJSLQIOXNncJGK-YwyFF4e6XOcJLEeEd0jO54nuEKD1PXEFpxU7guaNgDCq1dirxX/s400/P1129296.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Nutritional Information: Cal: 281, Fat: 9.5 g (3.4 g sat.), Protein: 12.2 g, Carbs: 37.4 g, Fiber: 5.9 g, Chol: 13 mg, Sodium: 625 mg.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLavFQbfdDE4QMtUHjhp2MuEJHq7On_3qt2_hcrofoiC6PoPHI2BW5DCYtAsqOfNwGNmNwgCMw7rub2FhdVd7hrnFcYVa3FxUaG0PurGt1guuh0uS2L75kOub498B_C6XHnrjyFtxgKRV/s400/P1129298.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check out my other recipes: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/broiled-herb-rainbow-trout-with-creamed.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Herb Broiled Rainbow Trout with Creamed Spinach</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/banana-cinnamon-bread-muffins.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Banana Cinnamon Muffins! Yum!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/better-than-sex-cupcakes.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Better than Sex Cupcakes… the name speaks for itself!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/swedish-pancakes-with-strawberries-and.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Swedish Pancakes with Berries. Great for breakfast or dessert!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/fruit-dip-recipe-made-dessert.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Fruit dip that can be used to make a wonderful dessert or appetizer!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/curry-chicken-pot-pie-for-two.html">Curry Chicken Pot Pie. A personal Favorite</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2012/01/cheesy-chicken-pasta-bake.html">Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake. My fiance'e favorite!</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/award-winning-chili.html">Award Winning Chili </a></p></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-84927429768218814012012-01-15T17:28:00.000-08:002012-01-16T21:01:02.718-08:00DIY Loop Earrings<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Like them, Love them, but don't wanna make them?? <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90643314/beaded-loop-earrings-free-shipping-in-us">You can buy them here.</a> (If sold out, feel free to request a special order by messaging me via Etsy).</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JOt8CKwsEQ3Ws_Zk2kTOi9OirAwUKALtMaaoHCmGJ2AdkdXDv9jfzj5By7yQtATGlxZHy6gWDlEdZo-0DCax8XE-D0Nqfhq-wqVAeYdTWYkcDSW8DbEr23Du_DoT_z50r-FeitWVwR1o/s1600/P1159336-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JOt8CKwsEQ3Ws_Zk2kTOi9OirAwUKALtMaaoHCmGJ2AdkdXDv9jfzj5By7yQtATGlxZHy6gWDlEdZo-0DCax8XE-D0Nqfhq-wqVAeYdTWYkcDSW8DbEr23Du_DoT_z50r-FeitWVwR1o/s400/P1159336-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698044098022577778" /></a>Making jewelry is one of the more rewarding types of crafts because you get to make everything exactly the way you like it and then wear you get to wear it!<div><br /></div><div>Here we've got some great loop earrings that are simple enough to make quickly. You can use whatever colors you want and whatever beads you love. I used pastels and an assortment of Chinese rondelle crystal beads. I bought the loops at Michael's but pretty much any round metal piece will work.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUCm222HIuf5ReLRcer1fUzbUn6V_U711NLk2YhKA4pGLGbAkBad0QRK0Pd2gxBV5l9hUqrrseUPe9tZNk1qaSiQu6zC64zyOSwIh8Qkag8Oo6-Ua314w1dGCAY0XtTG_ZWw9sLr8iyx0/s400/P1159325.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Materials:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>- 2 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00115ENH4%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">earring wires</a></div><div>- 2 metal loops</div><div>- 5 pairs of matching beads</div><div>- 10 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B002959J3S%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">head pins </a></div><div>- A pair of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0027ILOQC%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">chain nose pliers</a></div><div>- A pair of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00177X9OO%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">round nose pliers</a></div><div>- A pair of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/<iframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cookloveblogs-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0012NI7W2%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22></iframe>">cutters</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcQlEZBlmy2_Md6EINpTrsSAmZ1cbGQjuiA9ncrxxFHeh9BL-97gnRP0rRqGea09ec7LdaQoYxfC_wedGwXW_q4msXUWB3Au8BpGFH6MN_sHzDsaM2F_KtCoDCMCKPMVBtEBZX2aM2Vbz/s400/P1159302.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698041935607383618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>Directions:</div><div><br /></div><div>Step one: insert one headpin into first bead. Using round nose pliers, grasp the head pin and bend around one side of pliers (see photo). Snip head pin so there is just enough metal left to finish the loop by grasping end of metal with chain nose pliers and pushing inward to complete loop. Repeat with all other head pins/beads.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvMDUCYD91u05hskr8HMwMrkrV6WTiVqxwWZqCaA69SvKZFt2goXFC3AyBMJqCkwAjnsM_IAX8P8tpVjuBBu1-48X4msQA2dHTNLdO3PLHBQ2zD9g6eJAs5qbpbyMpnjFMfvNRRZZJBqg/s400/P1159303.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovRrHz2hrtPg-5F8Rm-UzeZlifP9TsJwNg8CLqz_KafIaIIdecjfBPWCmbNe_swsHhduvSAeQHjlibHz_EriMHkZkzxnbdhqqIVnz9blwuwGPTzyC9WaWBXeS9Wc8nZbor84jKX_OgeM4/s400/P1159308.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Step two: open loops of beads and place them on metal loop. Make sure you like the arrangement and then close loops again using chain nose pliers.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTL8IDMUunqY05Ir6AAHLEycVCzr3LT37qWkGlzwMYQg1Wv1-pG0DX2sQ8t7ismF6EVSSET6h7fBm1-Ozquecp3F_mI7EOriNK3nxz6J5oVNuDZFydhpDHsk-rabfEvsBfNzs_ylPdUnGg/s400/P1159310.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodT6hwKvdU6zw-FAz_44GsRiXGflQHSx6ud_2hLXfk6M_CgizjAN3H2M0vUqdIK0T5_-V9XABpp59L9Vz8A8U9IdkHpebgV6EaAOTeHtfiaNrMlcmqhlKzF4caCKz7Ok94MK-DpVOFnty/s400/P1159313.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD1FROjuJXgWZ6jL6ny7aS5TC3umtZxdO6asVF0ZB8mt1OAqKLGmaal8SJFQGgpPQTZ6bbvPcaESla0KQ7P4QaCmjMCC0EdEM2-qGp5LhWLBH34IJtDeB49KddtKkh4IiP5ULQv4Ulfe8/s400/P1159315.jpg" /> </div><div>Step Three: Using chain nose pliers, open earring wire loops and hang metal loops on earring wires. Close earring wire loops. You're done!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyhGZOcU5YKH2E6gghmARCGMrd7RAN0k_3UbIHeSni2FtG6HXXIp-n8zsqw8liCpBaLfhcMgWvY9ACFAp9Bvf3Biz4GNpTzzwCJFMTKJ5CgrPhFVBIZuzSeGmTA2SFep89jOQZ9rIHLZD/s400/P1159345.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJPx9qJkEvh78BE1zIwGC6Qch5ZClEtq1MeFXHFkVTRiRmQzZplLCLQbw8B8a-fO0XwSg_TNQxgPPt7kyPoqvkqW_mJhmwAiKtxMIWutHgZk54csmZuJFGKzLov5C_nftkVtHm4QUlEMk/s400/P1159336.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Like them, Love them, but don't wanna make them?? <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90643314/beaded-loop-earrings-free-shipping-in-us">You can buy them here.</a> </b><b>(If sold out, feel free to request a special order by messaging me via Etsy).</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); ">I'm providing a 20% off code good for any item in my Etsy shop!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); ">CLC2012</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlishaMichelle" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(128, 128, 128); ">www.Etsy.com/shop/AlishaMichelle</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); ">AND...</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; ">For a limited time, a previously featured shop is offering a discount for CookLoveCraft readers. Use the co</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; ">de <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">CLC10</span> for<b> 10% </b>off products in</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/curiouscreaturesshop?ref=seller_info" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(128, 128, 128); ">CuriousCreaturesShop</a></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; ">Check out some of my other DIY tutorials:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 247, 233); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/chalkboard-necklace.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">How to make a Chalkboard Necklace</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/magnetic-chalkboard-spice-rack.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Tutorial on how to make a magnetic chalkboard Herbs/Spice rack!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/ink-blot-art.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Make Ink blots into Framed Art</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/swarovski-christmas-tree-earrings-step.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Swarovski Christmas Tree Earrings</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; "><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/fish-bowl-succulent-garden.html"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Succulent garden… in a fish bowl!</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; "><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/beaded-peacock-feather-earrings-diy.html" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">DIY Beaded Peacock Earrings</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-feather-headband.html">DIY Feather Headband</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-memory-wire-crystal-bracelet.html">DIY Memory Wire Crystal Bracelet</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></span></div></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-82797327938818685732012-01-09T22:16:00.000-08:002012-01-09T22:59:58.530-08:00Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake<div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div>Sorry for the small hiatus in posts. I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately-first a sore throat, then a migraine, and now some nasty allergies kicked up by the Santa Ana winds. Okay, on to the food.</div><div><br /></div>I originally threw this simple dinner together one night with ingredients I had on hand. It was incredibly easy and extremely tasty. The second time I made it, I tried to cut the calories by using the heart healthy version of cream of chicken soup and it was just as good.<div><br /></div><div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfHtnHizAOJbPmLgwylnlO4OZI_UkmRFZH6tdcAZhxP7inukOpDZUiRI0k73lz9dlL3b6SXuN75VedrEfk-C0OZpie1dDtBVeA5-r4C48EJ18ZI8ofm7LizY6RN92q-qUteF_c5tCbvC9/s400/PC128606.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695889533894368882" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake</div><div>Serves: 3-4</div><div>Time: Preparation: 5-10 mins Bake time: 35-40 mins</div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><br /></div><div>- 1 can cream of chicken soup (heart health Campbell's if preferred)</div><div>- 3/4 C. shredded Cheddar cheese + extra for sprinkling on top</div><div>- 3/4 C. chicken, cut into small pieces</div><div>- 1 C. frozen broccoli</div><div>- 1 1/2 C. cooked pasta</div><div>- 1 tsp. garlic powder </div><div>- 1/4 tsp. pepper or to taste</div><div>- Water, if needed</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdehjOLkFmaBd_l-JlqjiuYMxKmts6HKgEh9QzfnjHasFCxOJdrVZsjR-JckziDiUDIDhPFmuZ3IqcFZWUC4B1Wf0BYQhu2KZV7FSNGfRJ6wt1YTyJxBvrtwEdTwBppPiVle9uctsrJGxV/s400/PC128628.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Directions:</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 2: in a large baking dish, combine all ingredients together minus some cheese for sprinkling on top. Mix thoroughly, making sure all ingredients are moist, add a little water if mix is too dry. Top with remaining cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 3: bake for 35-40 minutes or until topping is brown and chicken is cooked through.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbQ6YvSVY3btglGWhDCgYYOqViTcwQTtdN4WdpJ90bZ2r168GEOWn5J46GiO7ynLqaKe8RvR0Tk5FB0kxVXljfzJ8CgOrxm0AYgBPsg5UorshMELWFacw8XPI_XXsCJS8JRva6eHek3Ew/s400/PC128635.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out my other recipes:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/broiled-herb-rainbow-trout-with-creamed.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Herb Broiled Rainbow Trout with Creamed Spinach</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/banana-cinnamon-bread-muffins.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Banana Cinnamon Muffins! Yum!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/better-than-sex-cupcakes.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Better than Sex Cupcakes… the name speaks for itself!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/swedish-pancakes-with-strawberries-and.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Swedish Pancakes with Berries. Great for breakfast or dessert!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/fruit-dip-recipe-made-dessert.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Fruit dip that can be used to make a wonderful dessert or appetizer!</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/curry-chicken-pot-pie-for-two.html"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue">Curry Chicken Pot Pie. A personal Favorite.</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-64033154689667853872012-01-02T12:04:00.000-08:002012-01-06T11:49:03.817-08:005 DIY Winter Warmth Projects<div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div>You gotta love the internet.... How else would you know how to make your own personal fire pit?</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like I should post some sort of disclaimer stating that if you try one of these, and it catches you or your house on fire, then it's not my fault. That being said, fire is cool and these DIY projects allow you to play with fire the adult way- with <i>some</i> amount of carefulness. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take a look.... (links are posted in the photos and descriptions)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://b3hd.blogspot.com/2011/10/project-1-rock-bowl-flame-31-diy.html">DIY Fire Rock Bowl</a></div><div><a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/11408-how-to-make-a-rock-bowl-flame"><br /></a></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 390px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDetsSnw_PK4xwaSN6mGJMW6vUy9cPJnvkEMD6FSaqHkW5OM-hPgwy7aHUetpZEszSKMIHJ_gJ3-QG1sqwQR196TOaxzF50taQYD6o8XRr1IMjCCgUWN1uPaxVVUxYyKKp1mKFbB_u9tEE/s400/firebowl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693136588351958674" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.judyofthewoods.net/diy/lamp.html">DIY Oil Lamp</a></div><div><a href="http://www.judyofthewoods.net/diy/lamp.html"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.judyofthewoods.net/diy/lamp.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNoI-y7YJoLdlvFz-F-L_SVyHjHVkStrstkS-NxdeOVFrZ_6y7ZeW4L-g92ChjJI4LKOFLEFcJqLqUkKdPRHyzmC2piDubV7FMxMa9_yo4GfmgcKcy3RUsdFKO2WbY0ITtvHMC32ivPkK/s400/lamp_659.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/chrisjob/posts/9394-how-to-make-diy-fire-starters-from-pine-cones">DIY Pine Cone Fire Starters</a></div><div><a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/chrisjob/posts/9394-how-to-make-diy-fire-starters-from-pine-cones"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/chrisjob/posts/9394-how-to-make-diy-fire-starters-from-pine-cones"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH1Jsb7GubrQsWEyVHJpCnXRjsBoD_kt3Sxvv3wXit8MLer_yeZh-dKr3UpHjJhmaO71GY8zY1yx7sERmmS-WsRiHmUfFcvISs7K9Uhcley3-UL33z6laD14o8ZBMrcJEyV1M7lOORbkm/s400/pinecone+starters.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.shelterness.com/diy-portable-outdoor-fire-pit/">DIY Outdoor Fire Pit</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.shelterness.com/diy-portable-outdoor-fire-pit/"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shelterness.com/diy-portable-outdoor-fire-pit/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXBa7aMPE8QgvSCu33Sf_mjFtefB4_iNOrjc5KQFFisJC4XZFsNTuAk606IqQzDpXrmd2ZOfVW-BjdYwCOTLXAKxid7FK2ECRYPqIajpjG2xIZkv1FoZBMePjitm_VIwFITmlJMg6BC6l/s400/diy-portable-outdoor-fire-pit-1-500x354.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">D<a href="http://makeprojects.com/Project/The-Flame-Tube/706/1">IY Flame Tube (Advanced Project - but think of the things you could do with this awesomeness)</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://makeprojects.com/Project/The-Flame-Tube/706/1"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://makeprojects.com/Project/The-Flame-Tube/706/1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLfSHrPIhnyQ9eG4V-VSf2rEtdGbKPIkskLQ1-3BrRFu2LtqF7DBuOevhFemif0Zrj8KQ8RDhyx6rbIADyIltOWv-yLE6MAetnJJ5dMIu8R873KLXdwoN6A0_5BtWC7bGOzeWR82YLxsp/s400/falme+tube.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We won't be needing any of this in So. Cal this week. It's supposed to be over 80 degrees today!!! I want winter back!!!</div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-71002828560222741292012-01-01T23:31:00.000-08:002012-01-01T23:36:30.274-08:00Happy New Year!<div style="text-align: center;">Happy 2012 everybody! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To celebrate new year's, I'm providing a 20% off code good for any item in my Etsy shop!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">CLC2012</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlishaMichelle">www.Etsy.com/shop/AlishaMichelle</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AND...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; ">For a limited time, a previously featured shop is offering a discount for CookLoveCraft readers. Use the co</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; ">de <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">CLC10</span> for<b> 10% </b>off products in</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/curiouscreaturesshop?ref=seller_info" style="text-decoration: none; ">CuriousCreaturesShop</a></span></span> </div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-83720944059340067162011-12-29T23:04:00.000-08:002011-12-30T20:48:39.957-08:00Crostini Combinations to Die For!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUdGluO_BVXuLQmC4PDOxyLmBecZh4XRWfVWLCpxWjuYgf8IE-tp0XXgUuyIP60NQyxIQ3aj3vmRnbHPYiK0Ad5Zf4mC42magy8WjAtWyaqpBrTyUbZJtWYJsLOKvFuG4b0nOrB0mSx23/s1600/PC299285-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUdGluO_BVXuLQmC4PDOxyLmBecZh4XRWfVWLCpxWjuYgf8IE-tp0XXgUuyIP60NQyxIQ3aj3vmRnbHPYiK0Ad5Zf4mC42magy8WjAtWyaqpBrTyUbZJtWYJsLOKvFuG4b0nOrB0mSx23/s400/PC299285-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692149815812111266" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div>Okay, New Year's Eve parties are coming up and I've already provided some ideas for jello shot cocktail concoctions. Now that the drinks are taken care of, time for the food. These little crostinis are easy to make, look super classy, and are amazingly yummy.<div><br /></div><div>I used goat cheese and bleu cheese (because they are my favorites in terms of matching them with toppings). </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvnH13nPRvTDGGMX7rDedJTI_T-bzpjQtJkXNAyWOHSKswNr-YzMN-K-Wv9Vcpk3H3_JIGA74Mz70aa4oLdpp_plVw2VYtjc4akGlAYqrLBrR_R9yoB1rDkbH6GvhcDZwbc1ZmpX-eMnn/s400/PC299224.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691817515054957282" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>You could do a few combos with just these ingredients:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Like:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>-Roasted garlic + goat cheese (roasted garlic how-to below)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITWTmrEGDTOd00EGsH91veOEWSinrVRaUN65PxokhNW0Ii2dFHNkPkmxRtMEMKrOOi6SBhiAI28JTTaBaC6bLf8cSDY4ESgePSHw4A9lVdvGqjgfYZ46QTublNbbNhogopDNaJsJ10j7g/s400/PC299234.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX1zhMuH8OBFFKdcZBShGnbiUbM4vMyj_Ac-j2I9i0lYg1ZQcrVVVQgGq4TEWAJlNlNdVEW_cu4xoWWXBML4q48tdZs7ZIovjdfUlawtg0qbaHpHpfWUzHNifA5vhmMCBb-cq_WPqZ_qt/s400/PC299247.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>-Roasted grapes + Crumbled Bleu cheese +drizzle of honey (roasted grape how to below)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXA2kMvSQe1DgpnH8peBbRdrs9OFxzBR8NGReMypYGb-j2EI-66kveII-tamvT3TF8lljUv4C6O3T_gpsin697CVBOSytoldXPVun3OpHYIx_7uCCc5b5mj-ueFQN1rYGkv-7epDMnB1T0/s400/PC299237.jpg" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDNSL3Bl9mQSAomSkxfyrtiruKXaoTnVz-hvdHYQwF9zYD76qZnzKSacE42HA8WGFhNaKOWDM2irYXYbDDaM_ibbD_AJxQcWwHlZrWTeHOTcTIxGXJuCl5zLPczF1t9gsSIdIRR2sl_kn/s400/PC299277.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>-Bleu cheese + Fig spread (always a winner)</div><div>-Goat cheese + Fig spread</div><div>-Bleu cheese + honey</div><div><br /></div><div><b>You'll need:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>- Baguette sliced thinly and toasted</div><div>- Cheeses of choice</div><div>- Toppings of choice</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>How to Roast Garlic:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>1. Cut off top of garlic head with sharp knife. Make sure all cloves are cut through. You can cut some on the sides shorter if need be. They just all need to be exposed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wIcm3st6WNpxqkIfwPmCxAeJEAkfSarX5D3XAhwjMxufRv-AoBvPuri4uoPpgcGhkv4iVe3oA2kt3znyM2IzLLjAr3Y1a4pmvboVjtgYbYEdS3IjyfEG3UqqE2yGSSGeaadXl5qLmzKf/s400/PC299230.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>2. drizzle top with olive oil</div><div>3. Wrap in aluminum foil and seal top by folding over multiple times</div><div>4. Bake at 375 degrees F for around 30-40 mins</div><div>5. Remove from foil. To extract cloves, either use a fork to pull them out, or break apart the garlic head and squeeze them out by pinching lightly at the base of each clove. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03WXPo8CCanORklGvCNKQIkqJmFTs1lY3ZWIrOYB41xUDZUUCYHmSXQB5CyUhGhSFg5bRwoQYXanrX8JKBJ-ocuCWU3iFbbhceDrlAF8sxA7DuOZmnk076B8ERYtfmjO5Iya6LefUH1PX/s400/PC299245.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>How to Roast Grapes:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>1. Follow steps 2 and three from above using about 10 grapes. Line them up on foil and wrap tightly.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbigTPiTyKaKOv0qL3Hcgo8TMjFRI8c2I_ir50hyphenhyphenruJ7IWSrKSVqKa0brlsROfxo2TCTct9nBAmFgiABD_mSQDJMJzNwmE9cM3Pcd8iQXQUHevTmsPLbtkKMgIIUCQMRZfgazJaNJDkR_/s400/PC299242.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0Jter9TMVhj5ceaYBk78mPTC9oe_WwvwNCV59jQWaGIOORRu2dg5Oaknk21uRLPvIXzfrfKKEN6_boXxRxh7f5eGqQpU3yJeuUV1YCZYnSF_PNJ2kzN3ks0ZTDzgBcOrFHLd0jS9Yv1I/s400/PC299276.jpg" /> </div><div>2. Unwrap and slice in half. Add to desired crostini topped with cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Alternatively...</div><div><br /></div><div>You can use pretoasted little toasts. I found these at my local Sprouts/Henry's. They are awesome since they are so easy to use and are miniature (which automatically makes them fall into the 'cute' category!).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmj6tp2HqDvWhxwkVZFAdg8706aNIJRi-_kKRLt1Zv0aJxhRmpf74XkdHCcuZkxST2WKWp7Xr7PFIacdjqau9d0WU3JWCIH8gRvGXbaqMlLhzgRDhosEoJYEfLlXPBmpjUq3Ia17QVCNU/s400/PC299288.jpg" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-muP5Eu4DW1yzN92Mo2XBToMRE-Rws8dBOBOq-WD0TkwF_8sCQ7DuY-XKEUBN2B0MH_AZhTD1wS8Dv9IeGR23utTI-V1YHpRcH5-Qu-XKazMU1CGJXphD8rzD-IIOqe4XlJErkVJRjlm/s400/PC299292.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">YUM!!! ENJOY!!!</div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-90103698220356376012011-12-26T18:22:00.000-08:002011-12-29T12:37:46.650-08:0011 Jello Shots to Bring in the New Year!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div>I've searched the internet wide and far to find the neatest looking jello/jelly shots. Cocktails are an absolute must have at any New Year's Eve celebration and what better way to serve them up than in super cool looking jello shots?!? Find the links to these jello shot recipes by clicking on pictures.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jelly-shot-test-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/05/bramble.html">Bramble Jelly Shots</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJK6HYNMrNsJ1vsw0jRtf2suJpu5rjacfiKf6Dhl4bSu9X5qwvzUPkUnRMVUAvdjtL_kFGEDz26bvmNttqRe8tj_n_-lpGB8LPLxx4FVN8qP2qMuuvPPn_zjSFtlH5-k4e37eOp3UhvZS/s400/jelloshot+blackberry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690629812824355554" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bionicbites.com/2008/08/blueberry-martini-jello-shots-nyc/">Blueberry Martini Jello Shots</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpKC99dVpUiJIFrVxWUd1y9IDiHpDNa14M-BJcVcAjBIQn94rcWX8sOQReY06rAZzcgPwOLXhS8FOYqboyDQQnwrb1n-zg0LF3ymjOiS7-63wUJjDcXnzuGwJVplbolBWVKNw0hUnuUGX/s400/jelloshot+blueberry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690631421066839698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/39209/orange-slice-jello-shots.html">Orange Wedge Jello Wedges</a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50Pi00DPcZE2eaTnAtX2mq-qdDXxg0rJbC6U4_tYo5AL9PKITIWg-ZSNG0FcOV3hWJq5L0ar9ItjuobcVqjzt2dLBvdUw96Z0lyfVOCLoGDGrW16iukcMPWJT620W4ZxqKH1c9uofcfck/s400/jelloshots+oranges.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690631980838466834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dessert Wine Jello Shots</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/223930/dessert-wine-gelees-citrus-fruit"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9zPZp-t6V0c5LQLM9qZJh8OAaHNfCszLKqRgcOk8jQWQiwYv4LbAUdiju2UfsXM0YrflsxpteUDRxGnIOzR2UVqK_mOJrkmPEGVzO0a32zdAAKHrViOXt1FmXMhX9KZEazL1cRgakJgQ/s400/jelloshot+dessertwine.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Double Rainbow Cake Jelly Shots</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rock-ur-party.tablespoon.com/2011/08/31/double-rainbow-cake-jelly-shot/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpX3zEOsFxZKyvT6AAfYoBQx0R1SZmR4F5EbCTqyyIm2wtVkeldlLaPtoXF7J8K9YFHfl5SC15nmrvr7wxzJBKQyyGEBJgAhZ6SC9S1jsa6WzPVcRZzU9MKAGCBWirkL0aYzndRvS9qPy/s400/jelloshot+rainbow.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sugar Cookie Jello Shots</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://drink.betterrecipes.com/sugar-cookie-jello-shots.html#"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLDHma4FJg3lZZV8dhNggPmF-JeMimW-WpD9RIG1_-wzPKU0w6GtU6AkcRybhSqG25lvEzF5tjadCtgIid5qGV2bQeaMN7XmJtekXMs9du-aLooAOFJt9r1WpS5849ZGnTMxme7AVS7ej/s400/Jelloshot+sugarcookie.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mimosa with Orange Jelly Shots </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jelly-shot-test-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/end-of-summer-jelly-shots-mimosa-with.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Deu4XxhyizTE6gBDHNeWJ1W1wZ30nMxhIIBs4eGyH5Bznkrhpy_l7cIEK27WSlk_fPTphySWPtJMfjHxdhyphenhyphenoa28qd1SF_7VwLXFgSArGey1Vl2BITrdgYFBkq8dGemnMc885qwIa_0v8/s400/jellyshot+mimosa.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cucumber Lime Jelly Shots</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mintlovesocialclub.com/2011/07/highly-refined-jello-shots.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2UAlDjzTgorKzbHafYpuJANCBWY8MzR2AtNidCdsbwB-OC4Uav8c9b3fr4iOIzz0K1f5I2bkHquMzDZaL2RJKNOMMM6B1DBBTdzxinPKe-afwjhyzphB27uYZoJYuyAoj1HUme-LJIkz/s400/jelloshot+cucumberlime.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bakersroyale.com/fruit/strawberry-margarita-jell-o-shooters/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIpoXq778RhEp931oS67BwnPIU-k3_zRj16CzQiwuPCc_ASavrlWrBGOgqneZTyjRa8BKV7p4P1BZwvTsTduBzMoFBlf9Y-50hxfj9LKZxTz3Df0WrZiZQPyMJFD_XM7o6cex7j9bqqNB/s400/jelloshot+strawberrymargarita.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dragon Flower Jelly Shots</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://myjelloamericans.blogspot.com/2011/05/dragon-flowers.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRJmakGaSy7PhDH4-_X6h3sByXffD3yH6XvkSLQFSITK47UdbO-AVg68vUUzqFSI5vE3Kwjpa-u2zKtZnVATRGvaSULiZRrj3v-G-mFO4bqEEKLgaELjnGCZWKkaYNcDvZXsTganiEFd4/s400/jelloshot+dragonflower.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Butterbeer Jelly Shots (for the Harry Potter lover in you)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rock-ur-party.tablespoon.com/2011/07/12/butterbeer-jelly-shots/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONFN353e4L5ftwh_3SA7D2FMIqQ8zRvTcOSv9cUvmCQdoWkhmTV2xStzaQ_M053nQsGuBXgxFRsNJdkJSv13CQgrzYkA2Nc_xFrJmIB1cbwnsbED2wNHB5TQDiWHEVwtNywvt_yXpWVNn/s400/jelloshot+butterbeer.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); ">For a limited time, a previously featured shop is offering a discount for CookLoveCraft readers. Use the co</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(240, 255, 226); ">de <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">CLC10</span> for<b> 10% </b>off products in<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/curiouscreaturesshop?ref=seller_info" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">CuriousCreaturesShop</a></span></span></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718920919949455716.post-66271100231597691872011-12-22T22:19:00.001-08:002011-12-22T22:52:42.759-08:00Chocolate Spoons for Hot Cocoa<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKE9oXlgPnOR2bNm_rd9X3uA-4BYYIXUSzZGJG5c3gT8B1FDNrwC58l-fC0rC3GgATmxkRHCVvcNX0KD1-VGhrhHNw7iOSYL6GbZB-ZLEHMxKg8JyGZz5BQPwySGlF_aU3XICAlRT4B4p/s1600/PC188728.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKE9oXlgPnOR2bNm_rd9X3uA-4BYYIXUSzZGJG5c3gT8B1FDNrwC58l-fC0rC3GgATmxkRHCVvcNX0KD1-VGhrhHNw7iOSYL6GbZB-ZLEHMxKg8JyGZz5BQPwySGlF_aU3XICAlRT4B4p/s400/PC188728.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689207139353281618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div>I had seen this idea a couple of times but I'm not sure that they were meant to be swirled in hot milk for the purpose of making hot cocoa. Instead, they were made to be eaten like candy. I am not a big fan of candy myself (although, I do occasionally eat candy if it's the right kind). I am, however, a big fan of hot cocoa. I will go for the chocolate mix in the package if I absolutely have to, but, if given a choice, I'd rather have real chocolate (not some processed powder) in my warm cozy beverage. <div><br /></div><div>These spoons are a great way to give the gift of truly great hot cocoa and they look pretty as well! I gave a couple of tins of assorted baked goods to some friends and I included a few of these spoons with directions on how to use them written on the back of the tag I attached.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went at this project rather ambitiously by buying a ton of random candies and chocolates. I loved the ones that were made with Hersey's miniatures that were various mint flavored. I tend to favor dark chocolate for these spoons because it gives the drink a richer and fuller taste that is much more difficult to achieve with milk chocolate.</div><div><br /></div><div>There really is no recipe. Instead it's kind of a wing-it-as-you-go type of situation. What I can provide are tips to make the process more fool-proof and some ideas on what kind of spoons you can make. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the ingredients I had on hand (Although I didn't use most of them):</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLrlqhvc1gIGQzkr6aQbCa44rSeGTy5Uimwkbhvg5IJFdKhsTZbE1oV_J4ASRGxVISVQhuPjlFAjh5NtjlDgkyQmCgCVrMqMRu_ojYBB0p3nc7fa1jrAa0Yxn3TvQ19F_21k_EkfweC4-/s400/PC188704.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay, so here we go:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tip 1: Melting the chocolate. You really, really don't want to overheat the chocolate. I filled a mug with chocolate and placed it in the microwave for twenty second intervals, stirring between each heating. Do this until the chocolate is nearly lump free. It really doesn't need to be absolutely and completely smooth, it just needs to be warm enough so that if there are any lumps left, they eventually melt.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tip 2: when you dump each spoon in to the chocolate, make sure it is overflowing and don't be concerned with neatness. Less chocolate will make for a neater looking spoon but a weaker taste. That is a trade-off I'm not willing to make.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tip 3: USE WAX PAPER to set filled spoons on. This is kind of a no-brainer for those who bake or cook a lot. For those that don't... seriously, you want to follow this suggestion.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tip 4: Chill finished spoon in fridge. I placed my spoons on top of wax paper that was spread out on a cookie sheet and slid the cookie sheet on to the bottom shelf of the fridge.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tip 5: Specify the amount of milk to be used for each spoon to whoever you give it to. I used the ration of one spoon to one cup of very hot milk. Obviously if you use more milk, it will result in a weaker taste.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tip 6: This is probably pretty common sense, but I'll say it just in case this post is confusing. You'll want to add any toppings to chocolate while chocolate is hot. I added marshmallows, sprinkles, and crushed candy canes to mine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5xP2BJDsX6nZKmH5wKsnpF5qBCjCRpF_Xogkpooks_fPygety2Y8N4ZN5y25AgosNOPhVW68moEMZpQLO9QLDKcwphAIee6goeit1R-05FwQjgeOZj6Sb-2s_lsXhCEGhTUDxd9050nY/s400/PC188705.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I made three different kinds of spoons. The first used dark chocolate melties as the base and marshmallows and sprinkles as the toppings. The second was the same dark chocolate but with crushed candy canes as the topping. The third, I used Hershey's dark chocolate miniature mint</div><div style="text-align: left;">squares as my base and added little red sprinkles to the top. The third was by far my favorite and gave the richest taste of them all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy spoon making!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06u7xwp8oPPNe65InmN2gYhByFQYLqDJIVV285iwCOOUSnz1b9tZe-3LCEv69iSl_aXNyQPXWgTSbhVhV0SNhPZAJWwqHLNvDOW_FshzRjGZ39gxl1dkE_8UOM_qSRl9K2pchOHVstIG_/s400/PC188748.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div>AlishaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030544224536216164noreply@blogger.com4