tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59000085119403797442024-03-12T18:22:18.943-07:00This American HomeBonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.comBlogger286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-79080873844725824562018-08-02T20:02:00.000-07:002018-08-02T20:03:20.516-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smorgasburg LA</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWGRl8GBzZ4/W2O3kr5TeuI/AAAAAAAAQp8/6K8fR68al3guLvLrdwboct9lJctQMXF-wCLcBGAs/s1600/2-pic%2Bsmorgasburg%2BLA%2Bentrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1364" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWGRl8GBzZ4/W2O3kr5TeuI/AAAAAAAAQp8/6K8fR68al3guLvLrdwboct9lJctQMXF-wCLcBGAs/s640/2-pic%2Bsmorgasburg%2BLA%2Bentrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few weekends ago, my husband and I met friends downtown at <a href="http://la.smorgasburg.com/">Smorgasburg LA,</a> the West Coast spin-off of the hugely successful artisanal, foodie event that originated in Brooklyn by the same name. It did not disappoint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a circling of the hipster wagons, both literally and figuratively, and a gourmet mash up of food, drinks, maker arts and crafts, and on that day, vintage record vendors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The year-round Sunday market plays host to 65 vendors and in the summer features Ice Cream Alley -as good as it sounds. Pictured below, the two scoops of Lemon Buttermilk Frozen Yogurt from <a href="https://shop.jenis.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw14rbBRB3EiwAKeoG_wNX-JnKd0dn9wh2kkD-1Q7_PndUs3VUl_M2Z1s3jFq1JMC7EznHJBoCv24QAvD_BwE">Jeni's Ice Cream </a>that I have been dreaming about ever since...but, I digress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Upon entering the parking lot area of </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the Alameda Produce Market (closed weekends)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> filled with pop-up tents, giant grills and food trucks -it became immediately obvious a plan of attack was in order. Where to start? What to eat? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is definitely a place to go with a group of friends -because then you can sample more food and split the bill, and er, spend quality time with said friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yummy artisanal things smoked and churned, charred and fried with local, organic ingredients do not come cheap. The good news is (in my humble opinion), the food is delicious and it feels good to support up-and-coming businesses doing what they love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's also a lot of fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Smorgasburg strategy: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bring friends + come hungry + share food (okay, maybe not the ice cream...) + carry a tote bag for purchases and to hold wet wipes (mom move here, but you will be oh-so-glad you did! #noshame) + have a central meeting spot for your group + and be aware of the madly photographing and video taping bloggers posing and live-chatting the event or you might get run over + finally, it's total melting pot of people, food and drinks -allow yourself time to linger and enjoy </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pictured above: pulled pork sandwich from <a href="http://blacksugarribs.com/">Black Sugar Rib Company</a>; hot fried chicken from <a href="http://www.eatroosterrepublic.com/">Rooster Republic</a>; and the stuffed pineapple from "stop and smell the garlic" <a href="https://www.eatshrimpdaddy.com/">Shrimp Daddy</a>...yes, I tried it all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://la.smorgasburg.com/">Smorgasburg LA</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Open every Sunday 10am -4pm </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">on the five-acre site of the weekday Alameda Produce Market</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at The Row DTLA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Park at 777 Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (2 hours free!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No pets allowed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">www.la.smorgasburg.com</span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-25580164417750046992015-07-14T09:28:00.000-07:002015-07-14T09:28:25.545-07:00Hollyhocks (and kids) In Bloom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YZIqwBC_no/VaRsUblxf-I/AAAAAAAAHFM/UNorRid3SdU/s1600/hollyhock%2Bcollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YZIqwBC_no/VaRsUblxf-I/AAAAAAAAHFM/UNorRid3SdU/s640/hollyhock%2Bcollage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As many of you know, my <a href="http://thisamericanhome.blogspot.com/2015/02/seeds.html">quest for hollyhocks began last March </a>when I ordered seeds from <a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/"><b>Rareseeds</b> </a>and <b><a href="http://www.seedlibrary.org/">Hudson Valley Seed Library</a></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's how I thought it would go: bury seeds in dirt, water and wait for flowers to pop up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Simple, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Turns out, there was a little more to it --and I found myself often drawing parallels to raising kids.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXZuuwZ5P9M/VaRsUVmn45I/AAAAAAAAHFI/m4CYaVnpLmk/s1600/hollyhock%2Bcollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXZuuwZ5P9M/VaRsUVmn45I/AAAAAAAAHFI/m4CYaVnpLmk/s640/hollyhock%2Bcollage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To say I have been feeling nostalgic lately, is a bit like saying Serena Williams knows how to swing a racket. With my oldest son heading off to college in the fall, I have been an easy mark for Hallmark commercials, sappy Facebook videos, absentmindedness (more than usual) and reflection. Or as the SNL skit used to go: Deep Thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had an idea of how I thought the process might go --and ended up learning so much along the way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luckily, both because of my efforts and sometimes in spite of them --both flowers and kids are growing up and reaching for the stars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few photos of the hollyhocks (and Dylan) doing their thing!</span></div>
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Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-31254262825556428322015-06-08T04:30:00.000-07:002015-06-08T11:34:58.688-07:00Dwelling On The Future: The showcase for modern design turns ten<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you’ve ever had the urge to step inside the pages of your
favorite magazine, you’re not alone –in fact, it’s a concept <a href="http://dwellmedia.com/">Dwell Media</a>
president and CEO <a href="http://www.dwell.com/people/michela-oconnor-abrams">Michela O’Connor Abrams</a> successfully used to breathe life
into<b><a href="http://www.dwell.com/magazine"> Dwell</a></b> magazine and the industry of home design more than a decade ago. She
may not be the mother of dragons, but Abrams is most definitely the proud
mother of the <b><a href="http://www.dwellondesign.com/">Dwell on Design</a> </b>show
and a contender in the game of media thrones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Interra Designs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In addition to celebrating the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of the annual design event for modern living at Los Angeles Convention Center
(May 25-31) boasting more than 32,000 attendees, and the largest audience to
date, Dwell on Design had yet another reason to break out the bubbly: the newly
disclosed multi-million dollar sale of the show to UK-based Informa, operated
by Informa Exhibitions U.S., Construction and Real Estate –and plans for
international expansion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Designs at Lounge 22.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Abrams said selling the live event portion of Dwell Media to
one of the world’s largest producer of design construction shows was a natural
next step, a process she likened to speed dating. “I was seeking someone to
help make us global,” she explained during a sit down at the <a href="http://www.lg.com/us">LG</a> Re-Imagination
Pavilion. “Someone to help put the scale of underpinnings that a show this big
really needs…we couldn’t possibly continue to scale this by ourselves.” Abrams
said it was only last February when she entered into discussion with Informa in
earnest. “They came to us, we went to them –it started moving very quickly because
they absolutely understood why the brand was sacrosanct.” Abrams and vice
president of content/ editor in chief of Dwell magazine, <a href="http://www.dwell.com/people/amanda-dameron">Amanda Dameron</a> will
continue their roles shaping the show to maintain its voice and integrity.
“We’re not just selling off a piece of Dwell…it’s about getting a bigger team
that knows how to do the much bigger operational piece.” Still, she admits the
move is bittersweet, “because even though this is what we wanted to happen and
we’re very excited –it is a chapter closing and another opening.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rocking modern style at Fermob.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Abrams said the journey to becoming “the largest design
event in America” began when she and Dwell founder <a href="http://www.dwell.com/people/lara-deam">Lara Hedberg Deam</a> decided to
build a media brand of the future --one she envisioned, “providing the company
mission at any time, in any place, in any form.” Not only in print, but online,
via broadcast and up close and personal –i.e., the show. Thirteen years ago,
the idea was a game changer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At that time Abrams said US design shows could be
categorized as either decorating events for the public or construction and
building shows for the trade. It was not until she traveled to Europe with Deam
that Abrams found a muse for her vision. At design shows in Milan, Cologne and
Paris, Abrams remembers although the shows were still huge, the vibe was very
different. “You were immersed in an experience, and it felt like the brands
were welcoming you into a home. They did installations,” she explained, “you
felt like you were somewhere in between a museum and a show…this was what we
had to bring to the United States.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cooking demonstration and tasting at the LG Re-Imagination Pavillion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, the Dwell in Design shows held annually in New York
and Los Angeles attract both professionals and enthusiasts and incorporate
everything from cooking and DIY demonstrations to home and loft tours, on-stage
presentations, workshops and experiential exhibits that encourage meandering,
not speed walking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Abrams admits seeing the show in action on its tenth
anniversary is, “kind of surreal”. She said, “I can tell you exactly what I was
wearing when I grabbed Lara [Hedberg Deam], our owner and founder, and boarded
a flight down here [from the Bay Area] to tour the convention center.” Abrams
said when they looked out over the expansive convention center floor in the
West Hall, the 10,000 square foot space looked daunting. “I thought how will we
ever fill it.” This year, the show covered 326,000 square feet. “My dream,”
said Abrams, “is by 2017 I want the whole convention center to myself so we can
add garden design pavilions and build out things that are resident here…I’m
still saying ’17 is possible, but it may be ’18.” Buckle those designer
seatbelts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Making you feel at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They grow up so fast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Up next, the second annual Dwell on Design New York October
2-4 at Skylight Clarkson Square; for Los Angeles, you'll have to wait until June 24-26, 2016. </span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-53161563468646727562015-05-27T04:00:00.000-07:002015-05-27T11:28:24.368-07:00Finding Prints Charming: How To Get Started Using Wallpaper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do repetitive prints of cabbage roses give you chills?
Floral striped swags from floor to ceiling make you feel faint? You might be
suffering from what interior designer, <b><a href="http://bossycolor.com/our-team/">Annie Elliott</a></b> diagnoses as a 1980’s
Waverly wallpaper hangover. The good news? There’s a cure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“I think a lot of people haven’t used wallpaper [in decades],” says Elliott, owner of <b><a href="http://bossycolor.com/">Bossy Color</a></b> in Washington D.C., “because for years everything was just this explosion of flowers room after room…and I think today when people hear “<i>wallpaper”</i> that’s what they envision and they’re appropriately afraid.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The treatment? Think: hair of the dog. “There are several ways to dip your toe into wallpaper,” says the wallpaper fan and color expert, “one is to use wall covering that is a texture rather than a pattern…such as a grass cloth or faux silk…to add a level of depth that paint can’t always create.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elliott admits she is a big fan of <a href="https://www.phillipjeffries.com/">Phillip Jeffries</a>, who she calls the king of grass cloth wallpaper and favors <a href="http://www.cowtan.com/">Cowton & Tout </a>for their subtly striped faux silk patterns called, striae (pronounced ‘stree-yay’). “You can cover walls with a tone-on-tone striae from Farrow and Ball that’s really rich in color but might not feel as scary as painting a room dark blue.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another solution: start small. “One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to leave no powder room unwallpapered,” said Elliot. “I think powder rooms are the perfect place to start because they don’t have to relate to anything…you can really have fun with a powder room –I love it when you open the door to the powder room and it’s a real surprise.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wallpapering a single wall, especially in a bedroom, is another clever way to test drive a new wall treatment. To achieve this look, use a large wall uninterrupted by doors or windows. “You can wallpaper that wall, place the bed against it…and it essentially serves as a headboard,” says Elliott. Wallpapering the private space within a bedroom is also a safe way for nervous newbies to experiment without jeopardizing the design flow of the rest of the house.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Picking Wallflowers<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, once you have designated a space the next step is selecting the design. Although hiring a designer is one way to edit through a vast sea of options, for a DIY approach Elliott suggests befriending the professionals on staff at your local wallpaper retailer. “Say: <i>Listen, I’ve never used wallpaper before and I’d like to try. I’m thinking of using something in the blue family, but my taste is really contemporary (or whatever), which manufacturer should I be looking at?”</i> suggests Elliott. “The people who work in these stores generally know their product, and if you walk into a store and there is just wall after wall, or row after row of wallpaper you are going to be overwhelmed. The first thing you need to do is narrow your field. Tell the sales associate the color palette you’re interested in and what style you’re thinking of,” she advises. Tell them, “<i>My house is very traditional; or, I’d really like to take some risks, or try something fun</i>.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elliott says figuring out which manufacturers offer styles that suit your taste will save time and frustration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once you are headed in the right direction, Elliott has this advice for determining the size and scale of your design: “You do not have to use a small, ditzy pattern in a small space –that’s thing one.” She clarifies, “If you’re talking about a really small space and you want it to look charming, and maybe a little bit country, definitely go with a smaller, tighter pattern maybe a little stripe or flowers in a stripey pattern –but some people think you absolutely have to use a small pattern and you don’t.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the flip side, she cautions that using a too-small print in a big room can leave it looking dated. “I think that’s another hold-over from decades past.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead, Elliott recommends thinking big. “You can embrace big wallpaper in a small space,” she enthuses. “You can use a <a href="http://www.davidhicks.co.uk/wallpaper.htm">David Hicks </a>wallpaper that has a great big, gigantic pattern…I think it packs such a wallop and there’s a fun impact when you walk into a room that has a giant scale wallpaper. I think having a large scale [design] distracts you from the fact that the room is quite small.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elliott says using a geometric design with a regular repeat in the pattern works well in a small room too and may feel less scary than putting up a more zany, loose design. “I think a large scale, loose pattern is hard to pull off in a small room.”</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Ooops Factor</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bottom line, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Yes, it does
mean losing a small investment, however, it doesn’t mean you have to live with a
design misfire til death do you part. “A lot of people still think wallpaper is
irreversible, and once you put it up you’re going to have to use steamers and
scrapers and it will be a nightmare to take off --and that’s simply not the
case anymore,” says Elliott. “It goes up easily and comes down easily these
days.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a wallpaper story of your own? Share it in the comments
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All photography courtesy of Bossy Color.</span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-70391177691479553102015-03-19T04:00:00.000-07:002015-03-19T11:43:55.285-07:00Intruder Alert: Have You Checked the Sprouts Lately?<center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Remember the 2006 thriller, <b>When A Stranger Calls</b>, the scene where the sweet, unsuspecting babysitter is being terrorized by an unidentified caller only to discover that the harrassing calls are being made <i>from inside the house</i>....</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(view the above clip for a refresher)</span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is exactly what's happening with my sunflower sprouts.</span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In spite of creating lovely upcycled greenhouse condos for each of them, then gently covering the whole case at night - in the morning the little green leaves have been ravaged. </span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The assault is an inside job.</span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am not preventing the invasion, I am actually trapping the intruders inside...<i>oh, the horror</i>.</span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fellow blogger and garden enthusiast, Rita C. at <a href="http://wvpanoply.blogspot.com/"><b>Panoply</b></a> suggested I sprinkle a little red pepper on the soil, I am going to try that before resorting to a commercial repellant.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, although some leaves are being feasted upon, the remaining plants are thriving within their little greenhouse shelters. The coverage is keeping the moisture inside and clearly providing a happy space for them--and of course, the dreaded bugs. But we shall persevere.</span></span></div>
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Have you checked the sprouts lately...<br />
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(Do you think those little black specks are the culprit? Could they possibly be eating those giant holes?)</span></span></center>
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Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-62745172282178081012015-03-17T04:00:00.000-07:002015-03-17T11:54:40.290-07:00Happy St. Patrick's Day!<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Happy St. Patrick's Day!</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;">more than a smidgen Irish, and that heritage is quadrupled on March 17th! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;">No matter what your background, St. Patrick's Day celebrates the banishment of snakes (in my book always a good thing), green beer and Shamrock Shakes! May luck and love be yours today and always. Just in case though, I've also got a great recipe for <a href="http://thisamericanhome.blogspot.com/2012/03/gather-guinness-chocolate-pudding.html"><b>Guinness Chocolate Pudding </b></a>and one of my favorite Irish blessings to brighten your day...see you at the drive thru:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;">Traditional</span> Irish Blessing</span></span></span></b></div>
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May the road rise to meet you,</span></span><br />
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May the wind be always at your back.</span></span><br />
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May the sun shine warm upon your face,</span></span><br />
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The rains fall soft upon your fields.</span></span><br />
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And until we meet again,</span></span><br />
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May God hold you in the palm of his hand.</span></span><br />
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May God be with you and bless you;</span></span><br />
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May you see your children's children.</span></span><br />
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May you be poor in misfortune,</span></span><br />
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Rich in blessings,</span></span><br />
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May you know nothing but happiness</span></span><br />
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From this day forward.</span></span><br />
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May the road rise to meet you</span></span><br />
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May the wind be always at your back</span></span><br />
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May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home</span></span><br />
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And may the hand of a friend always be near.</span></span><br />
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May green be the grass you walk on,</span></span><br />
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May blue be the skies above you,</span></span><br />
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May pure be the joys that surround you,</span></span><br />
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May true be the hearts that love you.
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Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-60048369729863656582015-03-16T04:00:00.000-07:002015-03-16T04:00:11.149-07:00Who's Been Snacking On My Sunflowers?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Someone's been munching on my sunflower sprouts!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I immediately Googled which unwanted guests might be coming to dinner...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">According to my research, it turns out sunflower sprouts and leaves, along with pea sprouts, are like the candy of the insect world -and the culprits could range from beetles, caterpillars and lacewings to snails</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">with a sweet tooth -and beyond.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I discovered frustrated gardeners commiserating about the many ways sunflowers don't live to see their full potential: deer were a popular predator, as were possum, birds, bugs, rats and even squirrels. One woman recounted the time she saw a squirrel working beaver-like at the bottom of a large sunflower stalk, when he felled the flower he took the whole thing in his mouth and ran off. The nerve!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For now, however, I am going to worry about one pest at a time. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_r2i8IKa6iI/VQZDKrib1KI/AAAAAAAAGzE/WlvTUFchido/s1600/DSC_0219_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_r2i8IKa6iI/VQZDKrib1KI/AAAAAAAAGzE/WlvTUFchido/s1600/DSC_0219_2.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the <a href="http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5522"><b>Helpful Gardener Forum</b></a>, one reader shared her secret for thwarting hungry bugs. She cut the bottom off plastic bottles and created little fortresses around the sprouts. She reported success: her sprout was intact the next morning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I decided to do the same.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niJdtokd6OI/VQZDQFigQ6I/AAAAAAAAGzc/ghfrxgDTdfA/s1600/DSC_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niJdtokd6OI/VQZDQFigQ6I/AAAAAAAAGzc/ghfrxgDTdfA/s1600/DSC_0220.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I rummaged through my recycling bin and got to work. In order to cut the bottoms off of the bottles I had to use my sharpest garden pruners to get started, then I used large scissors to finish cutting all the way around.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4-4LxLs-58/VQZAZ2knGNI/AAAAAAAAGyw/4JL5qRjr8h0/s1600/DSC_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4-4LxLs-58/VQZAZ2knGNI/AAAAAAAAGyw/4JL5qRjr8h0/s1600/DSC_0216.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many gardeners also advised sneaking up on the sprouts at night with a flash light and catching the perpetrators in the act. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZXvOv7-d38/VQZDQsloYKI/AAAAAAAAGzg/D18zq5HVbTU/s1600/DSC_0221_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZXvOv7-d38/VQZDQsloYKI/AAAAAAAAGzg/D18zq5HVbTU/s1600/DSC_0221_2.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I covered all the sprouts with their private greenhouses, although some had to double up inside lemonade containers, and then covered the bottles with a lightweight dish cloth. I might be getting just the teensiest bit neurotic... (getting you say?)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMHUxqxYRJI/VQZDEO2f9sI/AAAAAAAAGy8/hXey418LBiI/s1600/DSC_0217_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMHUxqxYRJI/VQZDEO2f9sI/AAAAAAAAGy8/hXey418LBiI/s1600/DSC_0217_2.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am concerned I won't be able to leave the bottles over the sprouts during the day since it has been so hot here (* North East friends, I am not complaining!) - but I am going to see what happens.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyone out there have other ideas for keeping bugs at bay? Please share in the comments below!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In other news...the foxglove have finally joined the party! Can you see the little green specks? It's amazing these grow into such large plants!</span></span><br />
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Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-74488271122687975552015-03-14T10:30:00.000-07:002015-03-14T10:33:08.202-07:00Celebrate: Marc's Super-Simple-No-Bake Lemon Pie!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My sister-in-law, Chris McCarthy-Manzelli (the one who gave us the <a href="http://thisamericanhome.blogspot.com/2012/02/simple-giving-oreo-truffles.html">Oreo Truffle </a>recipe!) is also responsible for gifting me with one of my all-time favorite, crowd pleasing recipe's: Marc's Super-Simple-No-Bake Lemon Pie! Actually, she calls it, Marc's Lemon Pie, but I wanted to be more descriptive...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I posted this recipe a couple of years ago but today, in honor of <a href="http://www.piday.org/"><b>Pi Day</b></a>, March 14 (3-14) I wanted to share again!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In case you need yet another reason to celebrate, consider that <b>Pi Day</b> is also Einstein's Birthday! How cool is that!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think it also means we each get 3.14 slices, right? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It only takes 4 ingredients and the hardest part is waiting for it to chill in the freezer!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUIm63W2rT0/T1WWVdEX3OI/AAAAAAAABSw/uNNp17zh2oI/s1600/DSC_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUIm63W2rT0/T1WWVdEX3OI/AAAAAAAABSw/uNNp17zh2oI/s640/DSC_0710.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> The recipe was included in a hand-written cookbook Chris put together for us as a wedding present. (Great idea for a very special gift by the way!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think you can always tell the best recipes by how dog-eared and messy the pages look...this one has seen some action! Good times, wonderful celebrations, great memories!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Marc's Super-Simple-No-Bake Lemon Pie</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ingredients: </span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 can sweetened condensed milk (I have used reduced fat and no one noticed!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 lemon (juice and grated rind of)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Prepared graham cracker or shortbread crust (go ahead and use store-bought...I won't judge...and I certainly haven't heard any complaints!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 container Cool Whip (must be softened in refrigerator over-night)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. Mix together the sweetened condensed milk and the juice and grated rind of one (large) lemon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. Softly scoop and swirl the softened Cool Whip into the pie pan -over top of the mixture. Swirl the peaks to look very fancy and professional!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. Freeze overnight (or at least for 3-4 hours).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sometimes I garnish with a fresh mint leaf or two on top! I think candied lemon peel would also look terrif!</span></span></div>
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Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-14854566050347525482015-03-13T04:00:00.000-07:002015-03-13T13:30:21.794-07:00Ikea Project: Operation Counter Space <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's would be an understatement to say counter space is at a premium in my kitchen, which is why I can't believe it took me so long to trade my bulky, knife blocks for a magnetic storage strip. However, when the lightbulb finally went off I wanted it done yesterday.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had the perfect spot for the storage strip and I couldn't wait to get started on what <i>appeared</i> to be an extremely simple Ikea project...do you see where this is going? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I chose the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60238645/"><b>Grundtal Magnetic Kitchen Knife Rack</b></a> ($14.99) which has a measly three pieces. How hard could it be?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unless of course you have plaster walls. </span><span style="font-size: large;">In which case, I also needed anchors, and of course my own screws since the knife rack does not come with screws, yada, yada, yada...I just wanted it up.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Done. Happily ever after.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I scrounged around in the tool box and found some hardware that looked appropriate. I read the terse directions several times and fired up the electric drill. To his credit, my husband heard the drill and remained in his office, possibly pretending that if he ignored the home improvement project it would go away. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since I had never installed anchors before and was more than a little nervous about drilling them into our wall -when they failed to screw in flush to the wall I began to panic. The holes were huge and the plaster could crack at any minute...resulting in yet another project...help.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I dragged my husband, who does not fancy himself a handyman, away from his desk and into my crisis. </span><span style="font-size: large;">He assessed the wall, the anchors, and picked up a heavy mallet. No, I assured him, force was not the answer. He pounded them anyway. It worked. Of course, they are never ever coming out of the wall and the magnetic knife strip will now live there for all eternity, sort of like the pyramids.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had no idea what this picture meant until it happened to me. OUCH (or another word)!!! When attaching the front, magnetic panel of the rack to the metal wall mounted strip -WATCH YOUR FINGERS! The magnetic strip is drawn to the metal on the wall with the kind of G-force usually reserved for jet pilots... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today, I am living the dream. The knives on the wall have been a big hit with the family and we all marvel that we didn't think of it sooner. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It kind of makes me wonder what else I am missing...I'll get back to you on that. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, please share your own DIY success stories in the comments below. I'd love to hear your story! </span></span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-29777034999203664652015-03-12T04:00:00.000-07:002015-03-12T04:00:04.611-07:00Seed Update...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I was beginning to worry but here come the sprouts! The Skyscraper Sunflowers and the Indian Summer Hollyhocks are on the move - still no sign of life from the Minibels or the foxglove, but will keep you posted.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was so much fun to check on the pots and see green!</span></span></div>
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<br />Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-70184056684169203852015-03-11T04:00:00.000-07:002015-03-11T04:00:11.784-07:00Cooking Class: In the Raw at 118<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Several weeks ago a good friend asked if I wanted to go with her to a cooking class - I agreed immediately! Fun! After writing down the time, date and place I asked what kind of class it was...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In retrospect, most people would have probably asked that first.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was an evening demonstration on raw food preparation at the <a href="http://www.118degrees.com/"><b>118 Degrees</b></a> restaurant in Costa Mesa.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, sign me up. Healthy here we come.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On a rare rainy night in Southern California, I arrived at <a href="http://thecampsite.com/shops"><b>The Camp</b></a> in Costa Mesa, a cool outpost of shops and restaurants with a hip, healthy vibe and made my way to <a href="http://www.118degrees.com/"><b>118 degrees</b></a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michelle and I were among the first to arrive, but the rows of chairs filled to capacity before the presentation began. For a bunch of Californians to gather<i> in the rain, at night</i> -this had to be something special. And it was.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chef and raw food evangelist, <a href="http://www.jennyrosslivingfoods.com/"><b>Jenny Ross</b> </a>was charming, knowledgeable and had the kind of glowing, flawless skin that sells high priced creams and lotions. In her case, however, the big sell was nutrient rich healthful eating. I was interested.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ross said she began her raw foods journey years ago when she struggled with her own health issues. "I was very sick," she said, and looking for solutions. Thanks to the advice of a friend she transformed her diet and as it turns out, her career path. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The raw food lifestyle is based on foods that have not been heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Ross says, "This is the commonly agreed upon temperature after which plant-based ingredients begin to break down and lose essential vitamin and mineral content, as well as enzymes."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ross shared when she first tried raw foods she was desperate to alleviate her health issues and find relief no matter what was required -but she realizes such a dramatic change in lifestyle might be difficult for many. Instead, she suggests simply adding in more of what she calls, "the good stuff" to your diet -instead of focusing on taking away. I love this. "Keep in mind," writes Ross in her book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=raw+basics+jenny+ross&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=32568416911&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3595096878781626083&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_80jr66yhdt_b"><b>Raw Basics</b></a>, "this is not an all or nothing proposition. Choosing to add even one more component of living nutrition to your daily eating plan will begin the process."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That evening, for our cooking demonstration Ross and her team prepared entrees and dessert -and everyone in attendance was given large portions to sample. Delish! Really!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The food was fresh, flavorful and yes -filling.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was a believer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kitchen appliances for the raw food kitchen rely upon a high-powered blender, mandolin, food processor, juicer, chef's knife and cutting board. A dehydrator is not essential, but it does open up more menu options. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Throughout the evening, Ross sprinkled in tips and tricks for plating and presentation, preferred ingredients, shopping resources and even how to use the mandolin more easily -<i>wear a work glove!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">She also shared her recipes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since even Ross believes renovating eating habits is more fun when you start with dessert, I will do the same. The following is her recipe for Chocolate Go-Go Balls -which are healthy enough to eat for breakfast, and easy enough to tote in your bag as an afternoon snack:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Raw-Basics-Incorporating-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1401931669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426022313&sr=8-1&keywords=raw+basics+jenny+ross"> <b>Jenny Ross Raw Basics Cookbook</b></a>:</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Go-Go Balls</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"For eating on the run, these go-go balls are great, and the best part is that you'll feel like you're having dessert for breakfast. Raw cacao is high in magnesium and stimulates the creativity center of the brain, so these aid in concentration all day long."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 cups raw pecans (pieces)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup raw agave nectar or honey</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 cups raw cacao</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp. cinnamon</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Tblsp. raw coconut butter (optional)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Tbsp. maca-root powder</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Tbsp. supergreens powder 1 tsp. sea salt</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">coconut shreds for topping</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Place raw pecans in a food processor with S-blade attachment. Pulse until a coarse, flour-like mixture forms. Add the cacao, cinnamon, supergreens powder and salt. Continue pulsing until well combined. Switch to the processing setting and slowly pour in coconut butter and then sweetener. Aim for the center of the processor; and stop as soon as a dough ball begins to form. Over processing will result in an excess of oil in the mixture so this is to be avoided. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scoop out onto parchment paper lined in coconut shreds, and roll mixture until ball forms. If needed freeze mixture for 15 minutes so that balls hold their shape well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Makes twelve 2-inch balls, which will last indefinitely stored in your pantry in an airtight container.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As for me, I may not change the family lifestyle over night, but the seeds of raw inspiration have been planted -and will be coming soon to plates near me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have favorite raw recipes or tips for healthy eating, please share in the comments below -I'd love to know!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.118degrees.com/"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 118 </span></span></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>2981 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a class="fl r-rhscol-13" data-number="+17147540718" data-rtid="rhscol-13" data-ved="0CKkBEJAIKAEwEQ" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Call via Hangouts">(714) 754-0718</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cooking classes and more info is available on the website: <a href="http://www.118degrees.com/">www.118degrees.com </a> </span></span> </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3e4kWgK8J_k/VPdphEgs94I/AAAAAAAAGqw/X9zl_KpRcX0/s1600/IMG_3721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3e4kWgK8J_k/VPdphEgs94I/AAAAAAAAGqw/X9zl_KpRcX0/s1600/IMG_3721.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I finally found the time to get my seeds into the little <a href="http://thisamericanhome.blogspot.com/2015/03/garden-origami-diy-seed-pots.html">newspaper starter pots I made</a> - and realized I will probably have to make more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I began by planting a single seed inside each pot and quickly calculated (no brain cells were harmed during this exercise) that at this rate, and with my enthusiastic and ambitious seed purchase I was going to need a lot more "pots". I began adding two. Then three...four seeds at a time...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Sky Scraper Sunflowers, step one.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-88lMel9b4/VPdpjk6xaNI/AAAAAAAAGrI/Y5wIcf97C_o/s1600/IMG_3726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-88lMel9b4/VPdpjk6xaNI/AAAAAAAAGrI/Y5wIcf97C_o/s1600/IMG_3726.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Very excited about these Minibell tomatoes! They are supposed to grow about a foot tall on a tree-like stalk. My plan is to obtain maximum cuteness and full sun by planting them in individual terracotta pots! Joy! But first, they have to sprout... </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTXVY76atQc/VPdpkkFPLOI/AAAAAAAAGrY/C9qBXVFRdNM/s1600/IMG_3731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTXVY76atQc/VPdpkkFPLOI/AAAAAAAAGrY/C9qBXVFRdNM/s1600/IMG_3731.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> An artsy shot of a full box of planted seeds. I lined a long cardboard box with a garden trash bag and separated the seed types with flaps from the box. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5rbwFrtrqY/VPdpmFKcbBI/AAAAAAAAGrs/8Cd8n6x1K5o/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5rbwFrtrqY/VPdpmFKcbBI/AAAAAAAAGrs/8Cd8n6x1K5o/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> To test drive another method of seed starting I put the foxglove seeds in an empty egg carton. One blog I read suggested actually planting the seeds inside empty eggshells for added nutrients. Interesting! But my shells were long gone. Maybe next time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To gently water the seeds after tucking them into the soil I Farmer McGuyvered my own system. Using a safety pin, I punched holes all over the bottom of an empty water bottle. When I filled the bottle with water it would sprinkle out the bottom without flooding my seeds. With the cap on, you can tip the bottle upside down to stop the flow. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, sunshine do your thing!</span></span></div>
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<br />Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-26292135860827569192015-03-05T11:14:00.003-08:002015-03-05T11:15:20.811-08:00Garden Origami: DIY Seed Pots!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4sWHrnlZis/VPdo9xFr6LI/AAAAAAAAGpk/O47I6rmqGCk/s1600/IMG_3716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4sWHrnlZis/VPdo9xFr6LI/AAAAAAAAGpk/O47I6rmqGCk/s1600/IMG_3716.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Things are gettin' busy here at the urban farmstead and I am thinking I may need to kick my game up a notch and name my house something befitting a working estate...Martha has <a href="http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Inside-Martha-Stewarts-Connecticut-Home-Video">Turkey Hill</a>, I'm thinking maybe Opossum Corner? If It Flies Farm? Grammar Manor? Doodle Downs? Lazy Acres? I'm open for suggestions! Give me your best in the comments below...and in my first ever blog contest the winner will get a prize!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, here's what I've been up to since the seed delivery: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After a little Internet research, I used <a href="http://learningandyearning.com/2011/03/06/seed-starting-pots-from-newspaper/">the tutorial</a> on the <a href="http://learningandyearning.com/2011/03/06/seed-starting-pots-from-newspaper/"><b>Learning And Yearning</b></a> blog to make seed starter pots out of newspaper. It was easy and a great way to recycle the Sunday paper.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's the process:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Cut the newspaper into four pieces along the folds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Layer the pages so you are cutting more than a single sheet at a time.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nONqm4WdzWc/VPiSX1FKnvI/AAAAAAAAGsA/2PXJVEO9dYg/s1600/IMG_3636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nONqm4WdzWc/VPiSX1FKnvI/AAAAAAAAGsA/2PXJVEO9dYg/s1600/IMG_3636.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Using one of the quarter-page pieces, fold it length-wise into thirds. Doesn't have to be perfect. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's sort of garden origami...</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UT8txJ0Hz0/VPiVkOdJpGI/AAAAAAAAGso/5BQAD7r8zYs/s1600/IMG_3639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UT8txJ0Hz0/VPiVkOdJpGI/AAAAAAAAGso/5BQAD7r8zYs/s1600/IMG_3639.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Next using a small juice glass, wrap the band of folded paper around the glass and tape on one side to hold.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEGBGmgGOfA/VPiVliVaYTI/AAAAAAAAGto/htpAEUC6xmE/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEGBGmgGOfA/VPiVliVaYTI/AAAAAAAAGto/htpAEUC6xmE/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Now, fold down the paper snugly on the bottom of the glass and tape closed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Excuse sad lack of manicure...</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SnbUfZNNdI/VPiVn7TYWAI/AAAAAAAAGtk/DrdIGJl4chw/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SnbUfZNNdI/VPiVn7TYWAI/AAAAAAAAGtk/DrdIGJl4chw/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I made a bunch and used most of the Sunday paper since I bought so many seeds. It's a project that could easily be done in less than an hour -unless you are like me and keep stopping to read the articles...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next up: seed pots in action. Stay tuned!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> They're heeeere!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My seed orders from <b><a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/store/flowers/">Rareseeds</a> </b>and the <a href="http://www.seedlibrary.org/new-for-2015.html"><b>Hudson Valley Seed Library</b></a> have arrived!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beautifully illustrated little packets of springtime goodness containing these... </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-_vHUfus9A/VOz4ecUHu1I/AAAAAAAAGms/44u-fUdXGJA/s1600/IMG_3627_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-_vHUfus9A/VOz4ecUHu1I/AAAAAAAAGms/44u-fUdXGJA/s1600/IMG_3627_2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Hollyhocks, the before picture.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Imagine if the packet didn't have a picture or a label? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Is it just me, or is it mind blowing that these tiny plain brown flakes will completely transform into tall, gorgeous flowers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a pretty strong argument in favor of change and transformation. Butterflies, flower seeds, people...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe if I'm more like the plain brown seed than the flowering hollyhock today that's okay. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, I'm going to make cool little DIY starting pots I found on a great blog called <a href="http://learningandyearning.com/"><b>Learning and Yearning</b></a> and start planting seeds. Stay tuned, I can't wait to show you! </span></span><br />
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Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-19433527788780290242015-02-16T12:06:00.000-08:002015-02-16T12:07:30.251-08:00Spring Fever: Heirloom Flower Seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MemJA1l1Hvc/VOI4k54y4hI/AAAAAAAAGlk/DZbz_5VOLSk/s1600/Flower-Hollyhock-Indian-Spring-Alcea-FL420-rosea-Indian-Spring---close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MemJA1l1Hvc/VOI4k54y4hI/AAAAAAAAGlk/DZbz_5VOLSk/s1600/Flower-Hollyhock-Indian-Spring-Alcea-FL420-rosea-Indian-Spring---close-up.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Many years ago when we took the kids to see the mission in <a href="http://www.missionsjc.com/">San Juan Capistrano </a>(the one where the swallows return every year) I met and fell in love with <b>hollyhocks </b>-kind of like Frank Lloyd Wright devotee, heiress <a href="http://thisamericanhome.blogspot.com/2015/02/sweetheart-of-deal-free-hollyhock-house.html">Aline Barnsdall</a> -only without the oil money, but I digress...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The tall cottage-style flowers with sturdy stems and happy, colorful petals dotted the pathways like wildflowers and I immediately went home and planted my own.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Along with sunflowers, foxglove, and delphinium (Wow, I am realizing a clear penchant for tall flowers!) they have been in and out of our garden for years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This year, I am craving them. About a week ago, I went to the seed section at one of the big box home improvement stores and -nada, nothing. So this morning, while many of my friends and relatives are shoveling their way through an epic storm of legendary proportions - I began browsing heirloom flower seeds from online companies.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCLI8xOz7HM/VOJMbsn1dkI/AAAAAAAAGmU/9o70Tasy7yo/s1600/Flowers-Bells-of-Ireland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCLI8xOz7HM/VOJMbsn1dkI/AAAAAAAAGmU/9o70Tasy7yo/s1600/Flowers-Bells-of-Ireland.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> For my snowed in friends, I humbly suggest from my sunny room in Southern California -that the process of browsing and planning for spring and summer (yes, it really is coming) is like a working daydream -completely absorbing and a whole lot of fun for very little money. Spring fever as the cure for cabin fever?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/store/"><b>Rareseeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds</b></a> was the catalog I spent the most time looking at because it was one of the first ones I found, and they had a large variety of hollyhocks -of which I ordered several. I also ordered several other cottage-garden flowers and a few vegetables. I'll show you all the packets when they come in! (I might have gone a teensy bit crazy...)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For more online browsing/dreaming check out the <a href="http://www.seedsavers.org/onlinestore/Flowers/"><b>Seed Savers Exchange</b></a>, the<b> <a href="http://www.seedlibrary.org/flowers/sunflowers/skyscraper-sunflower.html">Hudson Valley Seed Library</a></b> (I ordered the <a href="http://www.seedlibrary.org/flowers/sunflowers/skyscraper-sunflower.html">Skyscraper Sunflower</a>: <i>"Nearly a tree in one short season!"</i> although not sure where to plant it yet...), and<a href="http://www.victoryseeds.com/"><b> Victory Seed Company</b></a>. If you have a favorite heirloom seed supplier I would love to know! Please share the name in the comments below!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The photo above is the I<a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/indian-spring-hollyhock/">ndian Spring Hollyhock</a> I ordered from Rareseeds...</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpmyeY0Ru7U/VOI4iRhDtWI/AAAAAAAAGlc/lzHRgBD8Yp0/s1600/Flower-Fig-leafed-Hollyhock-FL428-Alcea-rosea-single-flowered-Ficifolia-Mixed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpmyeY0Ru7U/VOI4iRhDtWI/AAAAAAAAGlc/lzHRgBD8Yp0/s1600/Flower-Fig-leafed-Hollyhock-FL428-Alcea-rosea-single-flowered-Ficifolia-Mixed1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/fig-leafed-hollyhock/">Fig-Leafed Hollyhock</a> at Rareseeds</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-BrcuIY4Uw/VOI5AjwWpPI/AAAAAAAAGls/ODZFkcmYyFg/s1600/fl192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-BrcuIY4Uw/VOI5AjwWpPI/AAAAAAAAGls/ODZFkcmYyFg/s1600/fl192.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/double-carnival-rosy-red-hollyhock/"> Double Carnival Rosy Red Hollyhock</a> at Rareseeds</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcwkfCy37ts/VOI5Aq9pswI/AAAAAAAAGlw/ef3GZss6n78/s1600/Summer-Carnival%2C-Mixed-Hollyhock-flowers-web-fl426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcwkfCy37ts/VOI5Aq9pswI/AAAAAAAAGlw/ef3GZss6n78/s1600/Summer-Carnival%2C-Mixed-Hollyhock-flowers-web-fl426.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/summer-carnival-mixed-hollyhock/"><span style="font-size: large;">Su</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/summer-carnival-mixed-hollyhock/">mmer Carnival, Mixed Hollyhocks</a> at Rareseeds</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Photography and illustration from the Rareseeds Website.</span></span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-2234149446448157902015-02-12T09:33:00.000-08:002015-02-12T09:33:17.658-08:00Working Holiday: Craftcation<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First came the <i>stay</i>-cation, now behold <a href="http://dearhandmadelife.com/craftcation-conference/"><b><i>Craftcation</i></b></a>, a four-day getaway designed to inspire, support and educate creative, passionate souls in the process of pursuing their entrepreneureal dreams.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phbTDy329Vc/VNv0UirXxwI/AAAAAAAAGkw/WdbQ8VfihIg/s1600/craftcation-conference-schedule1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phbTDy329Vc/VNv0UirXxwI/AAAAAAAAGkw/WdbQ8VfihIg/s1600/craftcation-conference-schedule1-1.jpg" height="220" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Craftcation, now in its fourth year, is a spin off of the wildly successful Patchwork Show festivals created by artistic muses on a mission <a href="http://dearhandmadelife.com/about/"><b>Delilah Snell</b> </a>and <b><a href="http://dearhandmadelife.com/about/">Nicole Stevenson</a></b>. "</span><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve always wanted to inspire fellow business people to take that chance and just do it!" says Snell.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sEBNwOeGaQ/VNv0xY5dzxI/AAAAAAAAGk4/y89_4WY6SBY/s1600/craftcation-conference-register-1024x351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sEBNwOeGaQ/VNv0xY5dzxI/AAAAAAAAGk4/y89_4WY6SBY/s1600/craftcation-conference-register-1024x351.jpg" height="218" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Creative entrepreneurs themselves, Snell and Stevenson have designed a conference that blends hands-on craft worshops with bottom line business sessions and networking opportunities. This <a href="http://dearhandmadelife.com/craftcation-conference/presenters/">spring's list of presenters include</a>:<b> <a href="http://karichapin.com/">Kari Chapin</a></b>, best selling author of <i>Grow Your Handmade Business</i> and <i>The Handmade Marketplace</i>;<a href="https://www.frenchgeneral.com/"> <b>Kaari Meng</b></a>, former jewelry designer for Anthropologie and owner of French General an ultra cool vintage craft boutique and workshop in L.A.; <a href="http://nancysoriano.com/"><b>Nancy Soriano</b></a>, the former editor in chief of Country Living Magazine and co-founder of the Creative Connection Event; <a href="http://www.kimwerker.com/"><b>Kim Werker</b></a>, the author of <i>Make It Mighty Ugly</i>, a handbook for banishing creative demons by confronting them head on; along with a host of highly talented bloggers, artists, retailers, financial experts, educators, marketing pros and many more. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZpPdos-16E/VNv1Mz55rdI/AAAAAAAAGlA/JpjmQgq8A1c/s1600/craftcation-conference-gallery-video-1024x351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZpPdos-16E/VNv1Mz55rdI/AAAAAAAAGlA/JpjmQgq8A1c/s1600/craftcation-conference-gallery-video-1024x351.jpg" height="218" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For a complete <a href="http://dearhandmadelife.com/craftcation-conference/presenters/">list of presenters</a>, a <a href="http://dearhandmadelife.com/craftcation-conference/schedule/">schedule of events</a> and <a href="http://dearhandmadelife.com/craftcation-conference/register/">registration info</a>, check out the website, <a href="http://dearhandmadelife.com/">DearHandmadeLife.com</a>. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://dearhandmadelife.com/craftcation-conference/"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Craftcation</span></span></b></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">March 26-29 - Ventura, California </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crown Plaza Ventura Beach</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Early bird registration (until Feb. 15) is $365</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Registration prior to March 7 is $400 </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Images from the Dear Handmade Life Website.</span></span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-30106743905075852832015-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:002015-02-10T09:50:10.324-08:00Tempting Read: 50 Shades of Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"...He's clearly not into me. I wait quietly on the counter and watch his skillful, knowing hands work. Desire pools way down in my cavity and in spite of myself I start to daydream while he preps a radish.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>He cocks an eyebrow. "Penny for your thoughts Miss Hen?" He appears focused on his task but there's a sly glint in his eye.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I flush. Oh, I was just imagining your hands traveling up my thighs and your teeth nibbling my breast..."</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, boy. After reading the clever cookbook parody, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fifty-shades-of-chicken-fl-fowler/1112252163?ean=9780385345224"><b>Fifty Shades of Chicken by FL Fowler</b></a> you<b> </b>may never again prep a chicken without blushing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the days leading up to the much anticipated premiere of the film, 50 Shades of Grey (in theaters Feb.13), based on the book by the same name - I am re-posting my scintillating review of a cook book that gives new meaning to the adage: "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen..."<i> </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You don't have to have read the original best-selling Adult novel to get the gist.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Miss Hen </i>narrates a saucy seduction tale that takes place between herself and a young, good looking chef, <i>Mr. Blades</i>, in the privacy of their own kitchen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Offering 50 recipes with names like Mustard Spanked Chicken, Bacon Bound Wings, Coquettish Croquettes and Spread Eagle Chicken this steamy read encourages fowl play. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although many of the recipes look seriously tasty, not every home chef will appreciate the titillating take on whipping up dinner. This racy parody cranks up the heat and leaves no innuendo unused.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For a sexy chef with a sense of humor, Fifty Shades of Chicken might be just the thing for Valentine's Day. On the other hand, however some sweethearts may still prefer the romance of a pretty bouquet of flowers and chocolates that don't talk back. </span></span></div>
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<br />Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-10155180308929209252015-02-09T12:49:00.001-08:002015-02-09T12:49:46.206-08:00I Heart Granola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDtHX28mwm8/VNj7aTEb-pI/AAAAAAAAGj0/stQOCAmMID0/s1600/DSC_0339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDtHX28mwm8/VNj7aTEb-pI/AAAAAAAAGj0/stQOCAmMID0/s1600/DSC_0339.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Following a recent business trip to the Seattle area, my husband brought home the most amazing homemade granola given to him by <a href="http://www.greatergoodgranola.com/about-ggg/">Mandy Levenberg</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">, </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">chief cook and bottlewasher of <a href="http://www.greatergoodgranola.com/the-granola/"><b>Greater Good Granola</b></a> a small business based on the honor system and created with a mission for giving back to the community. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every week, the baker/mother/business consultant whips up batches of granola goodness, packages them in mason jars and leaves them in a fruit crate on her front porch. The idea: take a 1 or 2lb jar, leave your cash. You can also subscribe to the granola service and bring back your jar each week for a refill. Simple as that. Profits are donated to hunger-based charities in the Seattle area. If you don't live in the neighborhood, Levenberg <a href="http://www.greatergoodgranola.com/where-to-buy/">will also ship</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Inspiring on so many levels. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I kept meaning to photograph the cute bag of Greater Good Granola tied up with string for the blog...but I ate it. I couldn't help myself. It was irresistible on my banana every morning...on yogurt, ice cream, as a snack... I kept thinking: <i>Okay, just one more scoop -then, I'll photograph it</i>...You get the idea.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once it was gone, I suffered homemade granola withdrawal -and decided it was time to take matters into my own kitchen mitts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With Valentine's Day coming up, it could also make a great gift! But I have to warn you, like any great love affair, it may be habit forming... </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AERxxCoQ384/VNj7MmXEH8I/AAAAAAAAGi4/kpyNllmAbBA/s1600/DSC_0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AERxxCoQ384/VNj7MmXEH8I/AAAAAAAAGi4/kpyNllmAbBA/s1600/DSC_0268.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Leaning heavily on the<a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/30062-basic-granola"><b> Basic Granola Recipe</b></a> by Roxanne Weber, I also incorporated elements of the granola recipe in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Barefoot-Contessa-Cookbook-Garten/dp/0609602195"><b>The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook</b></a> and took inspiration from the Vanilla Almond Granola recipe I found on <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/06/17/vanilla-almond-granola/"><b>Sally's Baking Addiction</b></a>.</span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3 cups rolled oats </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 teaspoon kosher salt</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup honey</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup coconut oil</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add-ins: (note, these are suggested amounts add more or less to your heart's desire!) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup dried cherries</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup dried cranberries</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup coconut </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup diced dried figs</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup diced dried apricots</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup chopped cashews</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup sliced almonds</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup pistachios</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Preheat oven to 300 and move rack to center position.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Combine all dry ingredients in one big bowl: oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix together. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RND6YBCJltM/VNj7NI60QaI/AAAAAAAAGjA/1AJB6Mo5a2c/s1600/DSC_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RND6YBCJltM/VNj7NI60QaI/AAAAAAAAGjA/1AJB6Mo5a2c/s1600/DSC_0282.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Next, combine honey, oil and vanilla in a smaller bowl, stir to combine. Then, pour over the dry ingredients </span><span style="font-size: large;">and mix until oats are thoroughly coated.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtAFQWRdExU/VNj7MqyhGHI/AAAAAAAAGi8/r0VzVnLzSTU/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtAFQWRdExU/VNj7MqyhGHI/AAAAAAAAGi8/r0VzVnLzSTU/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Spread the oat mixture in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then stir and continue baking until the granola has turned a light, golden brown -about 5-15 minutes more. For me, it was another 15 minutes.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcGArzEMnB0/VNj7Nwj9tII/AAAAAAAAGjQ/WEBJYYtgJZc/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcGArzEMnB0/VNj7Nwj9tII/AAAAAAAAGjQ/WEBJYYtgJZc/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. When you take the pan of golden brown granola out of the oven, place it on top of a wire rack and allow it to cool to room temperature. Stir occasionally. It's hard to wait. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFpds45gDW8/VNj7ZAE5pfI/AAAAAAAAGjo/5TIm9Yi3ZXo/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFpds45gDW8/VNj7ZAE5pfI/AAAAAAAAGjo/5TIm9Yi3ZXo/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. While the granola is cooling, about 20 minutes, prepare your add-ins. Dice up larger dried fruits and chop nuts if necessary. I chose dried apricots, cherries, figs, cranberries, shredded coconut, sliced almond and chopped cashews and pistachios - but you could use almost anything - even chocolate chips! In the future, I want to experiment more with seeds. If you have any favorites, please let me know in the comments below so I can try!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29YMuPVIWcg/VNj7Zw4sRnI/AAAAAAAAGj4/6IWdr5EU8ug/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29YMuPVIWcg/VNj7Zw4sRnI/AAAAAAAAGj4/6IWdr5EU8ug/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. Finally, gently mix everything together in the big bowl. Woohooo! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The granola will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks...if it lasts that long.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DXAViBw9YQ/VNj7Z-yBX_I/AAAAAAAAGjs/9f6pdIeuLkc/s1600/DSC_0328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DXAViBw9YQ/VNj7Z-yBX_I/AAAAAAAAGjs/9f6pdIeuLkc/s1600/DSC_0328.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnlgyiPuJjI/VNj7O1cnSxI/AAAAAAAAGjc/Bhp5UGisXKc/s1600/DSC_0327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnlgyiPuJjI/VNj7O1cnSxI/AAAAAAAAGjc/Bhp5UGisXKc/s1600/DSC_0327.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To give as a gift, consider using decorative cellophane bags; baggies placed inside of brown paper lunch sacks and tied with twine or ribbon; or mason jars tied with a ribbon.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uorfId9vQqk/VNj7bc02PyI/AAAAAAAAGkM/L3r205Catc8/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uorfId9vQqk/VNj7bc02PyI/AAAAAAAAGkM/L3r205Catc8/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy, healthy Valentine's! xo</span></span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-55125706895311465722015-02-05T04:00:00.000-08:002015-02-05T04:00:02.182-08:00Sweetheart of a Deal: Free Hollyhock House Tour<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJnvXHPbCOQ/VNJ1QD4s3XI/AAAAAAAAGiI/2aX5pl2FSwI/s1600/hollyhock%2Bhouse%2Bdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJnvXHPbCOQ/VNJ1QD4s3XI/AAAAAAAAGiI/2aX5pl2FSwI/s1600/hollyhock%2Bhouse%2Bdetail.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking for something romantic (and free) to do with your Valentine? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For lovers of modern design, architecture and <a href="http://www.franklloydwright.org/"><b>Frank Lloyd Wright</b></a>, the <a href="http://www.barnsdall.org/visit/hollyhock-house/history/"><b>Hollyhock House </b></a>in Los Feliz, Calif is <a href="http://www.barnsdall.org/visit/hollyhock-house/tours/">waiving admission fees</a> for self-guided tours beginning at 4pm on Friday, February 13 -- and ending at 11am on Saturday, February 14. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Following the event, regular visiting hours and fees will resume.)</span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a sweetheart of a deal -and a night to remember.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Recently nominated by <a href="http://en.unesco.org/">UNESCO</a> for consideration on the <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list">World Heritage List</a>, the home designed by Wright and commissioned by oil heiress Aline Barnsdall in 1919 would be the first example of modern architecture in the U.S. to earn a place on the highly esteemed list.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Named for Barnsdall's favorite flower, a motif Wright interpreted throughout the home, the residence had 17 rooms, seven bathrooms and a style some describe as:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Mayan meets medieval.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In spite of ground breaking design and the cache of not only Wright, but his famously talented contemporaries <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/architecture/2011-04/richard_neutra_article">Richard Neutra</a>, <a href="http://www.ncmodernist.org/schindler.htm">Rudolph Schindler </a>and his son, Lloyd Wright, who also contributed to the project - it turned out the structure was not a place Barnsdall wanted to call home and she never lived there. In 1923, Barnsdall donated the building and the surrounding property of Olive Hill to the city to be used as a library and public park. In 2007, the site was designated as a National Historic Landmark. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This month, following a lengthy, $4.3 million renovation that began in 2010, the Hollyhock House will celebrate by opening it's doors, revealing its painstakingly detailed restoration --and sharing the love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you go, the <a href="http://www.barnsdall.org/support/foundation/">Barnsdall Art Park Foundation</a> hopes you'll share pics online using the hashtag: #WrightAtNight. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To make the most of what promises to be a memorable stroll through one of Los Angeles' architectural treasures, be sure to read the <a href="http://www.barnsdall.org/visit/hollyhock-house/history/">History of the Hollyhock House </a>written by Cheryl Lee Johnson (read <a href="http://www.barnsdall.org/visit/hollyhock-house/history/">here</a>). Like any good Hollywood story it's got glamour, money, power, fame and heartbreak.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hollyhock House is ready for its closeup. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XZkNl4_wvU/VNJ1QNsKyUI/AAAAAAAAGiM/XIJ9tyM-G8M/s1600/hollyhockhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XZkNl4_wvU/VNJ1QNsKyUI/AAAAAAAAGiM/XIJ9tyM-G8M/s1600/hollyhockhouse.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Photography courtesy of the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation.</span></span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-69602820877118712602015-01-05T11:19:00.001-08:002015-01-05T12:11:10.174-08:00Get Organized, Then Head to Antiques Roadshow!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year! </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What if your new year's resolution to get organized led to big bucks? It could happen -and<a href="http://thisamericanhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/behind-scenes-antiques-roadshow.html"><b> Antiques Roadshow</b></a> may be just the ticket. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHo5yexAiRk/VKYoDJ9Q6mI/AAAAAAAAGgU/hBiGAwkvSWI/s1600/Dunbar_Baseball2(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHo5yexAiRk/VKYoDJ9Q6mI/AAAAAAAAGgU/hBiGAwkvSWI/s1600/Dunbar_Baseball2(1).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tonight, the PBS favorite kicks off their 2015 season in New York City with an appraisal that will knock your sox off: A collection of Boston baseball memorabilia estimated to be worth $1,000,000 dollars.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KJB13e49Ac/VKYoDYhS36I/AAAAAAAAGgY/XqN4NjDfcEg/s1600/Dunbar_Baseball(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KJB13e49Ac/VKYoDYhS36I/AAAAAAAAGgY/XqN4NjDfcEg/s1600/Dunbar_Baseball(1).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reported to be the largest sports memorabilia find in the 19-year history of the
series: Appraiser<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/appraisers/leila-dunbar/"> </a><b><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/appraisers/leila-dunbar/">Leila Dunbar</a> </b>reviewed an archive of rare photographic baseball cards with a
handwritten letter from the 1871-1872<b> Boston Red Stockings</b>. The letter
was addressed to the owner's great-great-grandmother, who ran the
boarding house that homed the team and features notes from pioneering
Hall of Famers Harry Wright, George Wright and Albert Spalding.
Roadshow's visit to New York City also included appraisals of a Joseph
Kleitsch painting valued at $500,000 and another baseball card
collection worth $200,000.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is there a home run hiding in your attic? Kind of makes you want to start going through those old boxes and reorganizing the closet doesn't it...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you do discover Roadshow-worthy treasure the new dates and locations for <b>Antiques Roadshow Summer Tour</b> tapings were released today:</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/index.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 2015 tour dates: </span></span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Tucson, AZ - May 30, 2015</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spokane, WA - June 6, 2015</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Omaha, NE - June 27, 2015</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cleveland, OH - July 11, 2015</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Little Rock, AR - July 25, 2015</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Charleston, SC - August 8, 2015 <span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To apply for free tickets, <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/index.html"><b>click HERE</b>.</a> Good luck, and remember --even if you don't hit the appraisal jackpot at least you'll be organized. Happy hunting. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Photos courtesy of Antiques Roadshow.</i></span></span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-81141804756975517662014-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:002014-12-28T04:00:02.358-08:00Next Issue: Year-In-Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQfrGmK4bTQ/VJ9HfnzB6fI/AAAAAAAAGf0/lHlPkd7v8oM/s1600/country-living-gardener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQfrGmK4bTQ/VJ9HfnzB6fI/AAAAAAAAGf0/lHlPkd7v8oM/s1600/country-living-gardener.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Year-in-review pictorials always make me misty. Where did the year go? Trite, but true.<br />The good news: looking back is a great reminder of how far we have come and everything that has carried us to the brink of a brand new year.<br /><br />The folks at <b>Next Issue</b>, the online magazine provider I came to love this year asked me to review my favorite mags and submit articles I found inspiring. The covers I've featured here provide a glimpse of a few unforgettable stories I found beautifully written, artfully photographed -and brimming with ideas worth imitating. Links to the articles are on the <b><a href="http://bit.ly/1zn4iA5">Next Issue blog</a></b>. <b><a href="http://bit.ly/1zn4iA5">Click here </a></b>to read if you missed them the first time around. </span></span></div>
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<br />Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-49429131156320262772014-12-23T13:53:00.003-08:002014-12-23T13:53:33.501-08:00Got Gift Wrapping? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dPMvC_H8qw/VJnXpirHlYI/AAAAAAAAGfc/yOF_YCoLWAM/s1600/IMG_3191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dPMvC_H8qw/VJnXpirHlYI/AAAAAAAAGfc/yOF_YCoLWAM/s1600/IMG_3191.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I recently interviewed <b>Wanda Wen</b>, founder and creative director of the fine stationary and gift wrapping studio, <a href="http://www.soolip.com/"><b>Soolip</b></a>, in West Hollywood for the </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/home/la-hm-gift-wrap-20141220-story.html">Los Angeles Times</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the author of The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Gift-Wrapping-Innovative/dp/0307408477"><b>Art of Gift Wrapping</b></a>, Wen offers a wealth of tips and tricks for wrappers of all abilities. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My favorite: use double-sided tape and gently crease the corners, folds and edges of the package for a finished look! For more inspiration, read the article <b><a href="http://www.latimes.com/home/la-hm-gift-wrap-20141220-story.html">here</a></b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The countdown is on...happy wrapping! xo </span></span></div>
Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-3032937248200617682014-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:002014-12-19T09:07:08.526-08:00MADE: in Long Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My friend and I steered the sleigh over to the new pop-up shop, <a href="http://www.madelb.com/"><b>MADE</b></a>, in downtown Long Beach the other day to browse the work of local artisans. The loft-styled space featured everything from handmade jewelry and knits to gourmet olive oil, granola, coffee, pottery, candles, t-shirts, tote bags, handmade furniture, bird houses and beyond -all of it made in the LBC! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">All is bright!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9N2em54SH2I/VJIShOWzZpI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/5eXfUMxE0-M/s1600/DSC_0918_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9N2em54SH2I/VJIShOWzZpI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/5eXfUMxE0-M/s1600/DSC_0918_2.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://gatsbybooks.com/"><b>Gatsby Books</b></a> represented.</span></span></div>
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<b> </b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>LBC Home Kitchen</b>! Just like we would make...if we were crafty like that, and had the time, and weren't just the teensiest bit afraid of canning... </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt-SMVXnEA0/VJISjD6quJI/AAAAAAAAGds/1n6dH1HWnDM/s1600/DSC_0924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt-SMVXnEA0/VJISjD6quJI/AAAAAAAAGds/1n6dH1HWnDM/s1600/DSC_0924.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9k-tG9EObR0/VJPBckwq6PI/AAAAAAAAGfE/2wmxdpcNdP0/s1600/logo-long-beach-creamery-black-and-white-with-filling-converted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9k-tG9EObR0/VJPBckwq6PI/AAAAAAAAGfE/2wmxdpcNdP0/s1600/logo-long-beach-creamery-black-and-white-with-filling-converted.png" height="504" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The folks from <a href="http://longbeachcreamery.com/about/"><b>Long Beach Creamery</b></a> were also on site, and this weekend (Dec.20-21) they will be heading over to <b>MADE </b>for a final Kickstarter fundraising push! The gourmet ice cream enthusiasts are trying to raise enough capital to open a storefront creamery in Bixby Knolls -seems like a perfect fit for a town ranked first as the Ice Cream Loving Capital of America! To donate towards this very worthy goal, check out their <b><a href="http://longbeachcreamery.com/2014/11/29/kickstarter-lets-build-a-dairy-room-together/">Kickstarter video here</a></b>.</span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Ho! Ho! Ho!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I caught owner Rachel Potucek restocking her shelves for <a href="http://peoplessoap.com/"><b>The People's Soap Co.</b></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good clean fun!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stocking stuffer perfection! </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">These shortbread cookies made by local baker/artisan Traci De La Torre for<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saintsandsinnerscrafted">Saints & Sinners Bakeshop</a></b> were absolutely darling -and looked delish too!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Got milk?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Localvore shopping...that's a thing, right?</span></span></div>
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<br />Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-71655765486534422032014-12-09T04:00:00.000-08:002014-12-09T04:00:07.290-08:00Field Trip: Bauer Pottery Showroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Located in a corrugated metal warehouse in an industrial area of Glendale, the <a href="http://bauerpottery.com/lastore"><b>Bauer Pottery</b> <b>Showroom</b></a> borders the Forest Lawn cemetery on the far side of a dead-end road -the perfect pilgrimage for bargain hunting pottery lovers. I finally made the trek myself last weekend...just in time for the holiday sale.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In addition to browsing shelves full of slightly imperfect seconds, I also met, Janek Boniecki, the clever entrepreneur who purchased trademark rights to reproduce Bauer Pottery in 1998. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">While staying true to Bauer's original aesthetic, Boniecki has introduced a few new designs as well as several new colors. Another change: he uses glazes free of the lead and uranium once used to achieve the collection's happy signature colors -making the new pottery food safe. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good idea.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Boniecki uses vintage Bauer pottery to create molds for new production. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Prices were dangerously reasonable...also, I found that tags for the same item varied depending on the imperfection --so be sure to look around. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For December, the showroom is hosting their<a href="http://bauerpottery.com/lastore"><b> annual holiday clearance</b></a> sale every weekend until Christmas. Last weekend, everything was 20 percent off. Next Saturday/Sunday 13-14 everything will be 25 percent off; and on Saturday Dec. 20 pottery will be 30 percent off.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After that seconds will be for sale online Dec.22-January 9. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Warning: shopping may result in unexpected purchases for your-very-own-self. Gifts? Ooops... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSwjDrb0Xiw/VIYNSwaryDI/AAAAAAAAGa4/oySnJImoHkw/s1600/DSC_0795_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSwjDrb0Xiw/VIYNSwaryDI/AAAAAAAAGa4/oySnJImoHkw/s1600/DSC_0795_2.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> In many ways, the spirit of J.A. Bauer, the original founder of the pottery company lives on --in fact, you can almost feel his presence. Literally. As fate would have it, J.A. Bauer is buried in the cemetery next door to the showroom and they say if you look, you can see his final resting place from the second floor window.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Coincidence? Maybe. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imS7czTQNGI/VIYNUIZB5LI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/5BL0nRrxyU8/s1600/DSC_0820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imS7czTQNGI/VIYNUIZB5LI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/5BL0nRrxyU8/s1600/DSC_0820.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900008511940379744.post-89699438869131643532014-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:002014-11-18T07:55:07.188-08:00Literary Inspiration: Great Expectation Scones (spoiler alert!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTN2E1SvzkU/VGrnHHwifoI/AAAAAAAAGZM/O8JwVogFEP0/s1600/IMG_2973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTN2E1SvzkU/VGrnHHwifoI/AAAAAAAAGZM/O8JwVogFEP0/s1600/IMG_2973.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXWh82KPLlo/VGrnHMFrTXI/AAAAAAAAGZU/eei9YiMyhOY/s1600/IMG_2976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXWh82KPLlo/VGrnHMFrTXI/AAAAAAAAGZU/eei9YiMyhOY/s1600/IMG_2976.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> A few weeks ago at back-to-school night I signed up to bring scones for a wake the English teacher was planning to give on the occasion (celebration?) of Miss Jo's demise in <i>Great Expectations</i>. It sounded like a good idea at the time...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I decided to check the blogosphere for a good scone recipe and found <a href="http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/the-best-scones-ever"><b>The Best Scones Ever</b></a> on<b> Karlynn Johnston's </b> <a href="http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/the-best-scones-ever"><b>Kitchen Magpie</b></a> blog. For my purposes, I have renamed them, <b>Great Expectation Scones</b> - but the rest is all Karlynn - and she's pretty cool.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">She has done a terrific job of walking us through the recipe with <a href="http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/the-best-scones-ever">step-by-step photos</a> and tips, including her endorsement of the<a href="http://www.target.com/p/kitchenaid-stainless-steel-gourmet-pastry-blender-black/-/A-14296035?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=14296035&CPNG=Kitchen&kpid=14296035&LID=26pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14296035&kpid=14296035&gclid=Cj0KEQiA1qajBRC_6MO49cqDxbYBEiQAiCl5_H6sgaSIzBGm1oCSrh761oMpkKBHpkdknc06x67dmSUaApqE8P8HAQ"> <i>pastry blender</i></a>: a handheld gadget that slices the butter into the dry mixture in lieu of using two knives in a scissor technique. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I went out and bought one on her recommendation and am happy to report she was spot on. Worked like a charm! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also appreciated her suspicion that her husband married her for her baking...after trying her recipe, I wouldn't blame the guy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now bring on the literary luncheon...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sprinkled a little sugar on top before baking...</span></span></div>
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<br />Bonnie McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08980174448056196356noreply@blogger.com1