tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43881501052823019472024-03-13T00:35:36.578-04:00Softer Side of MeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-25144726387027321972013-02-10T15:10:00.001-05:002013-02-10T15:10:51.925-05:00Ombre Red Velvet Valentine CakeOmbre Red Velvet Valentine Cake<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you all know Ombre seems to be the knew thing and is all over the net.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I would give this little gem a try using a Red Velvet Cake and making those easy pretty roses on the outside.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_cQH3mXeqc/URftjpKjP4I/AAAAAAAACWc/YJpiJW5KODI/s1600/DSC00792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_cQH3mXeqc/URftjpKjP4I/AAAAAAAACWc/YJpiJW5KODI/s640/DSC00792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I first started out coloring my cakes to achieve the light to dark...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It wasn't that easy! I tried using the amount of food coloring the recipe </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
called for and divided it up. I was so afraid that the last cake...(the darkest one) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would not bake up right because of the "extra liquid" in it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBpa4XacXBk/URfth-khYtI/AAAAAAAACWE/KycIwfOOtQk/s1600/DSC00788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBpa4XacXBk/URfth-khYtI/AAAAAAAACWE/KycIwfOOtQk/s640/DSC00788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Off to the oven they go to bake with fingers crossed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because I didn't want to use a 9" pan and wanted a smaller version,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used these cute little mini spring form pans made by Wilton's.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just the perfect size and many, many uses with these pans!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now to the icing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like using Italian Butter Cream Icing and I used a lot!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since my cake recipe made 6 mini cakes which would become 2, and you knew that, I had to make a double batch of icing to make sure the cakes had enough filling,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's a whole lot of butter sister!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paula Dean would be proud... ;-)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used Wilton's gel coloring and pink was the choice today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can find that product at most places that cake decorating supplies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBgFk8wU_iw/URftiVv60KI/AAAAAAAACWM/hRvt7dy3buI/s1600/DSC00789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBgFk8wU_iw/URftiVv60KI/AAAAAAAACWM/hRvt7dy3buI/s640/DSC00789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just kept adding coloring until I achieved the colors I liked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was very subtle in color and thought is was just</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until.....................</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgxXZkTdRgs/URftkDRfo6I/AAAAAAAACWg/RrYabFWrqUs/s1600/DSC00791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgxXZkTdRgs/URftkDRfo6I/AAAAAAAACWg/RrYabFWrqUs/s640/DSC00791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decorated the cake! I could not tell the difference in the bottom two colors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was apparent not to be dark enough in contrast to tell so</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went back and made my darkest icing darker!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuWjSjrNDkk/URftkyegZoI/AAAAAAAACWw/j6RU-u2oaTg/s1600/DSC00794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuWjSjrNDkk/URftkyegZoI/AAAAAAAACWw/j6RU-u2oaTg/s640/DSC00794.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Better and not bad for my first attempt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think the next time it will be on a larger cake where I can use four colors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and really show case these gem!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The inside of the cake.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each of my cakes were cut in half which then left me with four cakes to fill and decorate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because my cake pans where small and the height was tall, the cakes once assembled looked</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to tall, out of proportion, so they needed to be down sized.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(please excuse my photography skills for my finger somehow managed to get in the photo)</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnyZqZBxF1s/URftmFYYlsI/AAAAAAAACXE/EFmTJ397JVo/s1600/DSC00798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnyZqZBxF1s/URftmFYYlsI/AAAAAAAACXE/EFmTJ397JVo/s640/DSC00798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can see the difference in the color of the cakes, very subtle.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CEbDelX1_A/URftmEP0w8I/AAAAAAAACXI/EQJdACEwKKw/s1600/DSC00797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CEbDelX1_A/URftmEP0w8I/AAAAAAAACXI/EQJdACEwKKw/s640/DSC00797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Making the "roses" was not hard at all and it is a good way to practice using the pastry bag.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used the tip 1M but you could use 2D.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I tried using both tips and my preference would be 1M.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXce_f-u7tw/URftkT2oRUI/AAAAAAAACWk/Lru8Ftu2_SE/s1600/DSC00793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXce_f-u7tw/URftkT2oRUI/AAAAAAAACWk/Lru8Ftu2_SE/s640/DSC00793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So give this cake a try with any of your favorite recipes and any color.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It would put a smile on anyone's face, don't you think?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtefwLq_hs4/URftovrZgKI/AAAAAAAACXU/tH-lk9-Hllo/s1600/DSC00799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtefwLq_hs4/URftovrZgKI/AAAAAAAACXU/tH-lk9-Hllo/s640/DSC00799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Bon Appetito!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-39411111934299002582013-02-03T17:49:00.001-05:002013-02-03T17:49:06.403-05:00SCRUMPTIOUS CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
CHOCOLATE CARAMEL CUPCAKE WITH A CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM ICING</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
CHOCOLATE SAUCE AND GLAZED PECANS</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cvkPzf5y6A/UQ7YNJE_zNI/AAAAAAAACUY/v48LFx34MnI/s1600/100_4597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cvkPzf5y6A/UQ7YNJE_zNI/AAAAAAAACUY/v48LFx34MnI/s640/100_4597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Let this gem of a cupcake be a favorite on your sweeties list. Get ready for your taste buds to explode with flavor.<br />
A chocolate cupcake made with Valrhona coco powder gives it it's rich chocolaty flavor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10SOk5pEYBY/UQ7YNXKDgMI/AAAAAAAACUg/KWFXJPOX-34/s1600/100_4599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10SOk5pEYBY/UQ7YNXKDgMI/AAAAAAAACUg/KWFXJPOX-34/s640/100_4599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
A homemade caramel sauce is the filling which is soaked into the cupcake which makes it super moist.<br />
The salted caramel butter cream icing cuts down on the sweetness while the drizzle of the chocolate sauce and caramel gives the cupcake a luxurious topping.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Txo0vqsDang/UQ7YOIv_kEI/AAAAAAAACUo/2E8ziuymOuo/s1600/100_4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Txo0vqsDang/UQ7YOIv_kEI/AAAAAAAACUo/2E8ziuymOuo/s640/100_4601.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Need more texture? Add some glazed pecans for that need crunch to make this cupcake an all time favorite.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq16e-Wolgs/UQ7YM_isxmI/AAAAAAAACUU/SmkH20KnHt0/s1600/100_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq16e-Wolgs/UQ7YM_isxmI/AAAAAAAACUU/SmkH20KnHt0/s640/100_4595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was playing with some molds from Wilton and added a chocolate decoration to dress it up and over the top! A chocolate heart would be romantic for Valentine's<br />
<br />
Don't be afraid to experiment with your basic recipes. Use your imagination and let your creative juices flow. You will amaze yourself in what you come up with!<br />
<br />
So, what will you come up with? I would love to see them!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-3898633710383863592012-07-23T12:04:00.002-04:002012-07-23T12:04:31.344-04:00Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes with a Limoncello GlazeLemon Blueberry Cupcakes with a Limoncello Glaze and Buttercream Icing<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bTP-OtfCM8Y/UAx0y9orM3I/AAAAAAAACQo/i0J7Zz5ZqEg/s1600/100_4559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bTP-OtfCM8Y/UAx0y9orM3I/AAAAAAAACQo/i0J7Zz5ZqEg/s640/100_4559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This cupcake is so refreshing for those hot summer days. The citrus that just brightens your taste buds and just a hint of creaminess from the buttercream makes this tasty cupcake a favorite. I candied some lemon zest and used them to decorate the cupcakes. Instead of removing the zest from the sugar mixture and coating them in sugar, I just poured everything on a silt pad, let cool so I could separate and pull the sugar lemon zest into whatever shape it created. Either way you decide to do the zest, it makes a beautiful presentation on top of your cupcake. Give them a try....you will love them!<br />
<br />
FOR THE CUPCAKES <b>Makes 12 to 15 cupcakes</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
2 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1 1/4 cups whole milk, room temperature<br />
2 1/4 tsp, pure vanilla extract<br />
8 Tbs unsalted butter, room temperature<br />
1 3/4 cups sugar<br />
2 large eggs, room temperature<br />
juice and zest from 2 lemons<br />
1 cup fresh blueberries<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSkSh6uC2k8/UAx0x-5BnHI/AAAAAAAACQc/6KE5frdWyKA/s1600/100_4558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSkSh6uC2k8/UAx0x-5BnHI/AAAAAAAACQc/6KE5frdWyKA/s640/100_4558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
FOR THE GLAZE<br />
<br />
1 1/4 cup 10 x sugar<br />
1/2 tsp lemon zest<br />
3 Tbs. limoncello<br />
1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<b>For the cupcakes:</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat the oven to 350. Line a cupcake pan with paper baking cups, or grease the pan with butter if not using baking cups.</li>
<li>Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt on a sheet of parchment paper, wax paper, or bowl (which I use) and set aside.</li>
<li>Combine the milk and vanilla extract in a liquid measuring cup.</li>
<li>In a bowl of a stand up mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for 3 to 5 minutes until it is light and fluffy.</li>
<li>Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition.</li>
<li>Slowly add one third of the dry ingredients followed by one third of the milk mixture. Mix slowly, and then add another third of the dry ingredients, followed by one third of the milk. Mix slowly until incorporated. Stop to scrape down the bowl as needed. Then, finally add the last third of dry ingredients, followed by the milk mixture. Mix slowly until fully incorporated.</li>
<li>Add the lemon juice and the lemon zest, and mix slowly.</li>
<li>Using a spatula, gently fold in the blueberries into the batter. (note: toss berries in flour so they won't sink to bottom of cupcake when baking).</li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Using a standard size ice cream scoop, scoop batter into the cupcake pan until each well is two-thirds full and bake for 16 to 18 minutes (I start checking around the 15 minute mark).</span></li>
</ul>
<b>For the citrus glaze:</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Whisk together the 10 x sugar, lemon zest, limoncello, and the vanilla extract in a small bowl, and heat in a small saucepan on low heat until fully incorporated. Let cool for 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Pour glaze over cupcakes.</li>
</ul>
<br />
CANDIED LEMON ZEST<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAV-ooahCy4/UAx0uawiDKI/AAAAAAAACQI/ImLpBb20meg/s1600/100_4555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAV-ooahCy4/UAx0uawiDKI/AAAAAAAACQI/ImLpBb20meg/s640/100_4555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #58595b; font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<li class="plain" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: none; padding-bottom: 3px;"><span class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span class="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">lemons</span></span></li>
<li class="plain" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: none; padding-bottom: 3px;"><span class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/3 cup</span> <span class="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">water</span></span></li>
<li class="plain" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: none; padding-bottom: 3px;"><span class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/3 cup</span> <span class="name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">sugar</span></span></li>
<li class="plain" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: none; padding-bottom: 3px;"><span class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">sugar to coat zest strips</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="subTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #b33b2f; font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; text-align: left;">
Directions</div>
<div class="recipeDirections" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #58595b; font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;">
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 3px;">Wash lemons thoroughly. Trim zest from lemons using a vegetable peeler. Cut wide strips, being careful not to cut into the white pith layer below. Cut zest strips lengthwise to create thin julienne strips.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 3px;">Place julienne strips in a small sauce pan and cover with cold water. Cook over medium heat until the water comes to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 6 minutes.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 3px;">Remove from heat, drain strips and then return them to the sauce pan. Add water and sugar to the lemon strips in the sauce pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to cook over low heat until the lemon strips turn translucent. The water and sugar should be starting to thicken. Cooking time will be approximately 10 to 15 minutes.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 3px;">When done cooking, remove strips from the pan and spread out on a sheet of waxpaper. Separate the strips on the wax paper so they are not in clumps.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 3px;">Once they have cooled slightly, roll in sugar until they are well coated.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcx0gpdaaZo/UAx0z20uJYI/AAAAAAAACQw/7uLVvPCWauU/s1600/100_4560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcx0gpdaaZo/UAx0z20uJYI/AAAAAAAACQw/7uLVvPCWauU/s640/100_4560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-72194002430847233512012-06-24T17:19:00.001-04:002012-06-24T17:19:13.907-04:00New Age Potato Salad BitesNEW AGE POTATO SALAD BITES<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJtQgx9aGrc/T-eAQbTjOqI/AAAAAAAACP8/rZDjy4ep7Kw/s1600/100_4542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJtQgx9aGrc/T-eAQbTjOqI/AAAAAAAACP8/rZDjy4ep7Kw/s640/100_4542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello Ladies!<br />
<br />
I know, it has been since March since my last post. I have been trying to get my business up and running and have devoted all of my spare time in trying to figure out the business world!<br />
<br />
I just wanted to share with you this neat little way to present potato salad. Give them a try or put your own twist to them. I am sure that they will be a hit at your next gathering!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d7a49794d546b794d6a513d0d0a&blogview=true">HERE</a> for the recipe.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-67700800125755650402012-03-17T14:29:00.002-04:002012-03-17T14:31:29.351-04:00<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gOQDFBKi3k/T2TXOd_AVGI/AAAAAAAACPU/QZHvej9H0Tc/s1600/100_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gOQDFBKi3k/T2TXOd_AVGI/AAAAAAAACPU/QZHvej9H0Tc/s640/100_3372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">You have your green on??</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-76811010909049048932012-02-20T20:15:00.000-05:002012-02-20T20:15:23.201-05:00Yikes! Alien Invasion!Alien Invasion Cupcakes<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggEBibqJ_8Q/T0LStZlsoJI/AAAAAAAACM0/OElWIr2BSxU/s1600/101_4427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggEBibqJ_8Q/T0LStZlsoJI/AAAAAAAACM0/OElWIr2BSxU/s640/101_4427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yikes! I have been invaded by Aliens!<br />
<br />
These cute cupcakes were the wants and needs by a 4 year old neighborhood boy. Sooooo.....off to the store I went to get a few ingredients so these "neon green" Aliens could find a new home!<br />
Try them and put a smile on someone!<br />
<br />
Supplies needed:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDKqShpPGeM/T0LVr51In5I/AAAAAAAACM8/NaPB8QDGuSg/s1600/101_4409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDKqShpPGeM/T0LVr51In5I/AAAAAAAACM8/NaPB8QDGuSg/s640/101_4409.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now let's bake some cupcakes!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FUTlV7BX8g/T0LV9XI-zcI/AAAAAAAACNI/4MHO_CcuiV0/s1600/101_4410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FUTlV7BX8g/T0LV9XI-zcI/AAAAAAAACNI/4MHO_CcuiV0/s640/101_4410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Alien Invasion Cupcakes<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>24 Chocolate Cupcakes baked in silver foil liners (Reynolds) click <a href="http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2012/02/chocolate-cake.html">HERE</a> for recipe.</li>
<li>2 cans (16 ounces each) vanilla frosting (not the whipped kind)</li>
<li>Neon green food coloring (McCormick)</li>
<li>12 Marshmallows</li>
<li>24 plain doughnut holes</li>
<li>48 black candy-coated chocolate-covered sunflower seeds (Sunny Seed Drops)</li>
<li>Black licorice laces, cut into 1-inch pieces</li>
<li>24 plastic take-out containers (available at baking or party supply stores)</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Tint the vanilla frosting green with the food coloring. Using clean scissors, cut the marshmallows in half crosswise.</li>
<li>Spread a thin layer of the green frosting on top of the cupcakes and place 1 marshmallow half in the center of each cupcake, cut side down. Add a dot of frosting to the marshmallow and place a doughnut hole on top of the marshmallow, pressing it into the frosting. Spread frosting over the marshmallow and the doughnut holes to fill in the gaps and smooth.</li>
<li>Place the assembled cupcakes on a cookie sheet in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly frozen.</li>
<li>Working in batches,spoon 3/4 cup of the remaining frosting into a 1-cup glass measuring cup. Microwave for 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring frequently, until the frosting is the consistency of lightly whipped cream.</li>
<li>Holding a chilled cupcake by its foil liner, dip it into the frosting right up to the edge of the liner. Hold the cupcake above the surface and allow the excess frosting to drip off. Carefully turn the cupcake right side up and place on a cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes. When the frosting becomes too thick, reheat in the microwave for several seconds, stirring well. Add more frosting and reheat as necessary.</li>
<li>Press the black sunflower seeds onto the head area, pointed ends in, to make the eyes. aUsing a round toothpick, make 2 holes in the top of each alien and insert a piece of licorice in each hole for the antennae.</li>
<li>Carefully place each cupcake into a plastic container and top with the lid.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PA2X-_dJDZM/T0LZEnKmPXI/AAAAAAAACNQ/pK-6IZ2tZII/s1600/101_4416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PA2X-_dJDZM/T0LZEnKmPXI/AAAAAAAACNQ/pK-6IZ2tZII/s640/101_4416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05ZwjmwCUBA/T0LZF7Xt3WI/AAAAAAAACNY/7DzqCXNaMko/s1600/101_4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05ZwjmwCUBA/T0LZF7Xt3WI/AAAAAAAACNY/7DzqCXNaMko/s640/101_4418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CP4qin-24RU/T0LZG-y53iI/AAAAAAAACNg/1WRogaKH7Po/s1600/101_4419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CP4qin-24RU/T0LZG-y53iI/AAAAAAAACNg/1WRogaKH7Po/s640/101_4419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrwdRYkvnso/T0LZz3Zx0zI/AAAAAAAACNo/_ASWLGSEKOc/s1600/101_4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrwdRYkvnso/T0LZz3Zx0zI/AAAAAAAACNo/_ASWLGSEKOc/s640/101_4420.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ngXL-XgakE/T0Lc6ZXxG7I/AAAAAAAACNw/0XFy6_DVWGs/s1600/101_4421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ngXL-XgakE/T0Lc6ZXxG7I/AAAAAAAACNw/0XFy6_DVWGs/s640/101_4421.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7c-3GJL82nc/T0Lc7rkz5SI/AAAAAAAACN4/lDzNInlaWlU/s1600/101_4422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7c-3GJL82nc/T0Lc7rkz5SI/AAAAAAAACN4/lDzNInlaWlU/s640/101_4422.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6kXNGXEswY/T0Lc9DJ3KDI/AAAAAAAACOA/u7j6wSeHrEI/s1600/101_4423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6kXNGXEswY/T0Lc9DJ3KDI/AAAAAAAACOA/u7j6wSeHrEI/s640/101_4423.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLHp2zC7MXs/T0Lc_wc_L9I/AAAAAAAACOI/AUMLSgw57Jg/s1600/101_4424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLHp2zC7MXs/T0Lc_wc_L9I/AAAAAAAACOI/AUMLSgw57Jg/s640/101_4424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyXw5Zfn_4c/T0LdCc6ZRgI/AAAAAAAACOQ/7MYotm_KYEQ/s1600/101_4425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyXw5Zfn_4c/T0LdCc6ZRgI/AAAAAAAACOQ/7MYotm_KYEQ/s640/101_4425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eqqtBbbTIc/T0LdDU_eulI/AAAAAAAACOY/qo9ZgwLXg1E/s1600/101_4426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eqqtBbbTIc/T0LdDU_eulI/AAAAAAAACOY/qo9ZgwLXg1E/s640/101_4426.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4Q5fYXI2nk/T0Ldfvn5jgI/AAAAAAAACOs/gY878_I2NlA/s1600/101_4428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4Q5fYXI2nk/T0Ldfvn5jgI/AAAAAAAACOs/gY878_I2NlA/s640/101_4428.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Enjoy your Alien Invasion!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-88929406937210809822012-02-20T20:09:00.000-05:002012-02-20T20:11:55.708-05:00Chocolate CakeCHOCOLATE CAKE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cIv1Tw4tA0/T0Lt8DEFJJI/AAAAAAAACO8/H18wWdqnyN8/s1600/101_4430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cIv1Tw4tA0/T0Lt8DEFJJI/AAAAAAAACO8/H18wWdqnyN8/s640/101_4430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes two 9-inch cakes or 24 cupcakes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 1/2 cups cake flour</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 1/2 cups sugar, plus more for unmolding the cakes</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 tsp. baking soda</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/4 tsp. baking powder</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/3 cup melted unsweetened chocolate (such as Baker's)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup hot water</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">2 extra-large eggs</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup buttermilk</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li>Position a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 350 F (360 F for cupcakes)</li>
<li>Put flour, sugar, butter, cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are blended together, a few seconds, then raise the speed to low-medium and continue to mix until smooth, approximately 1 additional minute.</li>
<li>Stop the mixer and pour in the chocolate. Mix for 1 minute on low speed. With the mixer on, pour in the hot water. Add the eggs, one egg at a time, adding the next one after the previous one has been absorbed. With the mixer still running, pour in the buttermilk. Stop periodically and scrape from the bottom with a rubber spatula to be sure all the ingredients are fully integrated, and return the mixer to low-medium speed. Continue to mix for 1 additional minute to ensure the eggs are full absorbed. Before baking, be sure the batter is between 70 and 73 degrees, or the cake will crown.</li>
<li>Grease two 9-inch cake pans (2 inch deep) and flour them.</li>
<li>Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans, using a rubber spatula to scrape down the bowl and get as much batter as possible out.</li>
<li>Bake until the cakes begin to pull from the sides of the pan and are springy to the touch, 25 to 30 mins.</li>
<li>Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes, preferable 1 hour. The cakes should be at room temperature before you remove them from the pan. Put a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with sugar, and turn the cakes out onto parchment; the sugar will keep them from sticking.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyC4ZjHSGew/T0Lt6kLUQNI/AAAAAAAACO0/ItfziNamyYQ/s1600/101_4429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyC4ZjHSGew/T0Lt6kLUQNI/AAAAAAAACO0/ItfziNamyYQ/s640/101_4429.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enjoy!</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-23725423425753780042012-02-04T13:44:00.002-05:002012-02-04T13:44:29.865-05:00Old World Charm (part 3)Old World Charm (part 3)<br />
<br />
Hello, Everyone!! What have you been up to?? Share with me!!<br />
<br />
Well, the groundhog has seen his shadow which means for many of us 6 more weeks of winter. Living in WV, I have been wondering.....did winter ever start? Will we finally get some snow? My spring bulbs have emerged from the ground and have a good 8 to 10 inches of leaves on them. Crazy!<br />
<br />
I am going to continue our journey with the Old World Charm and hope that you enjoy your visit to Santorini.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bvgrIFFfbuo/Ty1z84K9bVI/AAAAAAAACJw/aCnF3CPNzhI/s1600/PICT0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bvgrIFFfbuo/Ty1z84K9bVI/AAAAAAAACJw/aCnF3CPNzhI/s640/PICT0235.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Good Morning Crete!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1fYV3AMoyk/Ty1z91XBd_I/AAAAAAAACJ4/wJQSrIgqKBw/s1600/PICT0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1fYV3AMoyk/Ty1z91XBd_I/AAAAAAAACJ4/wJQSrIgqKBw/s640/PICT0240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I believe that is snow up there on those mountains.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wNQV9CIKyo/Ty1z_a-b0FI/AAAAAAAACKA/kro8N8b-mJc/s1600/PICT0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wNQV9CIKyo/Ty1z_a-b0FI/AAAAAAAACKA/kro8N8b-mJc/s640/PICT0245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
.... with the clear blue water crashing against the rocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3V93B8b1Fkw/Ty10AgP49eI/AAAAAAAACKI/RSNGrlAM0RE/s1600/PICT0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3V93B8b1Fkw/Ty10AgP49eI/AAAAAAAACKI/RSNGrlAM0RE/s640/PICT0247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If I had a way to bring that home, I wonder how I would have showcased it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JM2ugerR07g/Ty10BwxZu2I/AAAAAAAACKQ/6rgJRI50juA/s1600/PICT0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JM2ugerR07g/Ty10BwxZu2I/AAAAAAAACKQ/6rgJRI50juA/s640/PICT0254.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The road to the shopping world. however we did not make it. I had an issue with my new bank card where all of my shopping money was and had emergency US dollars on hand. It was a big issue and the bank had no clue why it didn't work. Despite of the issue, we still had a wonderful time, just not a lot of treasure to bring back. Next time....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8bU4O-HxNk/Ty10Da-z9jI/AAAAAAAACKY/XMKELQMNA7E/s1600/PICT0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8bU4O-HxNk/Ty10Da-z9jI/AAAAAAAACKY/XMKELQMNA7E/s640/PICT0272.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Awe.....Santorini!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAFmOxTusos/Ty10EpW2TjI/AAAAAAAACKg/ejA2xb_8c-8/s1600/PICT0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAFmOxTusos/Ty10EpW2TjI/AAAAAAAACKg/ejA2xb_8c-8/s640/PICT0282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The layers in the ground from the Lava<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYJAg7aMuio/Ty10FxerVPI/AAAAAAAACKo/qH7788xgA34/s1600/PICT0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYJAg7aMuio/Ty10FxerVPI/AAAAAAAACKo/qH7788xgA34/s640/PICT0309.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OL_p7iDcuyM/Ty10HDgtW8I/AAAAAAAACKw/6UuU6XkROew/s1600/PICT0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OL_p7iDcuyM/Ty10HDgtW8I/AAAAAAAACKw/6UuU6XkROew/s640/PICT0313.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr6-NY4kwWE/Ty10IRVfEfI/AAAAAAAACK4/6_p9taRXTyA/s1600/PICT0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr6-NY4kwWE/Ty10IRVfEfI/AAAAAAAACK4/6_p9taRXTyA/s640/PICT0315.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
A view of Santorini Caldera Cliffs<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qASV7yw49xA/Ty10J3DPfaI/AAAAAAAACLA/3-MHmKIOquE/s1600/PICT0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qASV7yw49xA/Ty10J3DPfaI/AAAAAAAACLA/3-MHmKIOquE/s640/PICT0317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGFC294uOQU/Ty10LHWqYmI/AAAAAAAACLI/D-vhFEhyGGE/s1600/PICT0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGFC294uOQU/Ty10LHWqYmI/AAAAAAAACLI/D-vhFEhyGGE/s640/PICT0320.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Imagine creating a tablescape here... What would you serve?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1HhTXftDB8/Ty10MXnPxjI/AAAAAAAACLQ/3SPzVFEFbqk/s1600/PICT0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1HhTXftDB8/Ty10MXnPxjI/AAAAAAAACLQ/3SPzVFEFbqk/s640/PICT0321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOVKVbt7js0/Ty10Nq3_0iI/AAAAAAAACLY/vz-n6IqwgGY/s1600/PICT0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOVKVbt7js0/Ty10Nq3_0iI/AAAAAAAACLY/vz-n6IqwgGY/s640/PICT0327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A wall made out of the volcanic rock<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83hqCRL5ol8/Ty10PTL7-vI/AAAAAAAACLk/d1LyrTChvDI/s1600/PICT0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83hqCRL5ol8/Ty10PTL7-vI/AAAAAAAACLk/d1LyrTChvDI/s640/PICT0341.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIWfk9PCOCQ/Ty10QucgOTI/AAAAAAAACLs/ko5Q1By3O8k/s1600/PICT0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIWfk9PCOCQ/Ty10QucgOTI/AAAAAAAACLs/ko5Q1By3O8k/s640/PICT0343.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvwXY1wNV_U/Ty10SjV1qDI/AAAAAAAACL0/hTc8rV7npLA/s1600/PICT0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvwXY1wNV_U/Ty10SjV1qDI/AAAAAAAACL0/hTc8rV7npLA/s640/PICT0357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is not such a good picture because we were on the bus...moving but it is there grapevine vineyards. They said because of the soil that the vines produce a better product in "wreaths" instead of growing up on trellises. I don't know but the wine was good and it was a great visual.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3knSQ0SB7VU/Ty10UMGHMpI/AAAAAAAACL8/MTvhMhe1t7U/s1600/PICT0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3knSQ0SB7VU/Ty10UMGHMpI/AAAAAAAACL8/MTvhMhe1t7U/s640/PICT0361.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2J5_ZRFyr8/Ty10V1GqhzI/AAAAAAAACME/3fvDtjXdyg0/s1600/PICT0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2J5_ZRFyr8/Ty10V1GqhzI/AAAAAAAACME/3fvDtjXdyg0/s640/PICT0362.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A view of the volcano from the caldera cliffs. Our cruise ship awaits us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw4rUaaFvU4/Ty10XJDu0tI/AAAAAAAACMM/T8bOFVlwboI/s1600/PICT0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw4rUaaFvU4/Ty10XJDu0tI/AAAAAAAACMM/T8bOFVlwboI/s640/PICT0364.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUtdUfdDjvY/Ty10YtgzdoI/AAAAAAAACMU/muKjxmEXyhU/s1600/PICT0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUtdUfdDjvY/Ty10YtgzdoI/AAAAAAAACMU/muKjxmEXyhU/s640/PICT0369.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, you can take donkey ride to the bottom of the cliffs or ride them to the top to get to the villages. They say if you are going to ride, ride up because they get fed at the bottom of the cliffs! I elected to do neither. I was on a tour which a bus took me to the top.......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7I20GiKK0Sk/Ty10Z_90kkI/AAAAAAAACMc/--P_01WA96U/s1600/PICT0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7I20GiKK0Sk/Ty10Z_90kkI/AAAAAAAACMc/--P_01WA96U/s640/PICT0373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
....and the cable car took me to the bottom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcRabcFgUTY/Ty10barO3yI/AAAAAAAACMo/Oakyaioh2ps/s1600/PICT0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcRabcFgUTY/Ty10barO3yI/AAAAAAAACMo/Oakyaioh2ps/s640/PICT0382.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bye Santorini for now..... I hope to visit you again!!<br />
<br />
Next on our Old World Charm.....Athens, Greece! Our final destination~<br />
If you missed part 1 and 2, click <a href="http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2012/01/old-world-charm-part-1.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2012/01/old-world-charm-part-2.html">HERE</a> to take the journey.<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-27130220950054224172012-01-25T13:58:00.000-05:002012-01-25T13:58:08.280-05:00Chocolate and Bacon Truffles<br />
<br />
Chocolate and Bacon Truffles<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-TfH0wuk0E/Tx8rzy0T6jI/AAAAAAAACIs/SAFD77hE1DQ/s1600/IMG_7410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-TfH0wuk0E/Tx8rzy0T6jI/AAAAAAAACIs/SAFD77hE1DQ/s640/IMG_7410.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
1/2 lb. Smoked Bacon (I like applewood, but any smoked flavor will do)<br />
1/2 cup Brandy<br />
1 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream<br />
1 1/2 lbs. Semisweet Chocolate (4 cups, chopped)<br />
3 cups Dark Chocolate, chopped (I use Ghirardelli Chocolate)<br />
Reserve Bacon Fat<br />
1/4 cup Turbinado Sugar<br />
<br />
1/2 lb. smoked bacon - cut into 1/2" pieces<br />
Cook bacon until crisp. Strain off fat and set aside for use in coating. Return bacon bits, (saving out 1/4 cup for the brickle topping!) to the pan and deg laze over low heat with 1/2 cup of brandy, be careful!!!<br />
When most of the liquid has evaporated, add 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream. Heat cream over med-low heat until it boils, stirring up the brown bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.<br />
Turn off the heat and let sit for 20 mins.<br />
Before straining, turn heat back on and bring just to a slight simmer.<br />
<br />
Strain this mixture into a large stainless bowl. Whisk in 1 1/2 lbs. (4 cups) of chopped semisweet chocolate.<br />
Whisk until well combined. Cover and chill overnight.<br />
<br />
Roll chilled chocolate into bite-size balls. Lay out on parchment covered sheet pan and freeze while you are melting the coating.<br />
<br />
Coating: melt in a double boiler 3 cups chopped dark chocolate and 1/2 cup of the bacon fat over simmering water until smooth.<br />
<br />
For Brickle topping: heat together reserved bacon bits with 1/4 cup turbinado sugar and 2 tbs. water in a small heavy bottom saucepan. Boil gently until mixture is caramel colored and thick. Pour onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and spread out to cool. When completely cool, cover with a piece of parchment and break up brickle until its in very small pieces, almost powder looking.<br />
<br />
Assembly: Drop chilled truffles one at a time into the chocolate coating mixture... remove with large fork, tapping the sides of the bowl to remove excess chocolate as possible. Immediately decorate your truffle with the bacon brickle. Chill flat on parchment and move to a decorative paper cups once they harden. <br />
<br />
Best enjoyed at room temp but keep refrigerated otherwise.<br />
<span style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-13611580459638647942012-01-24T17:07:00.000-05:002012-01-24T17:07:29.916-05:00Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut SauceChicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvsknSTufE0/Tx26eDxkJ3I/AAAAAAAACIU/Y5-lR9nlYSM/s1600/Picture+2110+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvsknSTufE0/Tx26eDxkJ3I/AAAAAAAACIU/Y5-lR9nlYSM/s640/Picture+2110+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These Indonesian-style skewers or may be in tasting spoon as shown here, are a great way to start a barbecue, and they're equally good cooked and eaten indoors - either at the table, or as a pre-dinner nibble.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>3 skinless boneless chicken breasts</li>
<li>1 garlic clove, crushed</li>
<li>1 tsp. grated fresh ginger</li>
<li>Grated zest and juice of 1 lime</li>
<li>1 tsp. Thai fish sauce</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>For the peanut sauce</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>2 tbsp. coconut milk</li>
<li>4 tbsp. crunch peanut butter</li>
<li>Juice of 1/2 lime</li>
<li>1/4 tsp.dried chili flakes (optional)</li>
<li>Black sesame seed for garnish</li>
</ul>
<div>
Slice each chicken breast into 4 long strips. Combine the garlic, ginger, lime zest and juice, and fish sauce, and pour over the chicken. Cover and marinate for about 1 hour. Meanwhile, soak 12 bamboo skewers in cold water.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Preheat the broiler. Thread a strip of chicken onto each skewer. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Meanwhile, stir the coconut milk into the peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in the lime juice and chili. Serve immediately with the chicken satay.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For tasting spoons: Remove chicken from skewer. Cut each slice of chicken into2 or 3 bite-size pieces (depends on the size of your chicken strip). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Presentation on tasting spoons: Place a little of the peanut sauce in the spoon. Place a chicken piece in the spoon. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and a green garnish if desired.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
makes 12 skewers or 24-36 tasting spoons</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIBOXAXDb9A/Tx29-XAl1XI/AAAAAAAACIc/OwMHr4vn42U/s1600/Picture+2104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIBOXAXDb9A/Tx29-XAl1XI/AAAAAAAACIc/OwMHr4vn42U/s640/Picture+2104.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh0Uc3JaobQ/Tx29_HApZ1I/AAAAAAAACIk/-00c2cDWO2I/s1600/Picture+2113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh0Uc3JaobQ/Tx29_HApZ1I/AAAAAAAACIk/-00c2cDWO2I/s640/Picture+2113.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-27496629601574615382012-01-23T19:00:00.000-05:002012-01-23T19:00:00.968-05:00Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Walnut DipRoasted Red Bell Pepper and Walnut Dip<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7MYaN4-1mg/Txznay7bLoI/AAAAAAAACIE/Z4GQkCA1EZ4/s1600/101_4379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7MYaN4-1mg/Txznay7bLoI/AAAAAAAACIE/Z4GQkCA1EZ4/s640/101_4379.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Richly flavored with walnuts and smoky bell peppers, and served with chilled white wine, this is the perfect dip for those summer barbecues.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 large red bell peppers</li>
<li>1/3 cup walnuts</li>
<li>1/2 tsp paprika</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. ground ginger</li>
<li>Good pinch of cayenne pepper</li>
<li>1 garlic clove, crushed</li>
<li>2 tbsp. olive oil</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>2 tsp. lemon juice</li>
<li>2 tsp. chopped fresh mint</li>
</ul>
<div>
Preheat the oven to 450. Place the peppers on a baking sheet and roast them for about 30 minutes, until blackened. Put the peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand for about 20 minutes, until they are cool enough to handle and the skins have loosened.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peel and seed the peppers, then put the flesh in a food processor with the walnuts, paprika, ginger, cayenne pepper, garlic, and oil. Season with salt and process to a smooth puree.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Transfer the dip to a bowl, stir in lemon juice to taste, and adjust the seasoning, Leave to cool, then stir in the mint and serve at room temperature.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Serves 4</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHf2xFEfyF8/TxzpTebInsI/AAAAAAAACIM/WMjzhtlkXfU/s1600/Picture+2132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHf2xFEfyF8/TxzpTebInsI/AAAAAAAACIM/WMjzhtlkXfU/s640/Picture+2132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-66790582097075447272012-01-23T17:00:00.000-05:002012-01-23T17:00:01.662-05:00Phyllo Tartlets with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and RicottaPhyllo Tartlets with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and Ricotta<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2VB8YZoY44/TxziOwN4HGI/AAAAAAAACH0/13-xiBctvQY/s1600/101_4378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2VB8YZoY44/TxziOwN4HGI/AAAAAAAACH0/13-xiBctvQY/s640/101_4378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These crisp, golden tartlets filled with baked ricotta and garlic-flavored tomatoes make an elegant start to a special meal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>8 sheets phyllo pastry</li>
<li>3 tbsp. butter, melted</li>
<li>28 cherry tomatoes</li>
<li>1/2 cup ricotta cheese</li>
<li>2 tbsp. olive oil</li>
<li>2 garlic cloves, crushed</li>
<li>Handful of fresh basil leaves</li>
<li>Salt and ground black pepper</li>
</ul>
<div>
Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a baking sheet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a board and brush with melted butter. Lay a second sheet on top and brush with more butter. Place one-quarter of the tomatoes in the center of the phyllo. Add dollops of ricotta, nestled around and among the tomatoes. Gather the phyllo around the filling and twist the edges together to make an open tart with a firm collar around the edge. Combine the oil and garlic and drizzle this over the tomatoes and ricotta. Season with salt and pepper.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Repeat with the remaining pastry sheets and filling. Bake the tartlets on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, until crisp and golden. Serve immediately, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Serves 4</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EggjLXrO2LA/TxzjyWwryhI/AAAAAAAACH8/ASGgrp22Fqc/s1600/Picture+2134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EggjLXrO2LA/TxzjyWwryhI/AAAAAAAACH8/ASGgrp22Fqc/s640/Picture+2134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-33431650571760564772012-01-23T12:00:00.000-05:002012-01-23T12:00:10.322-05:00Walnut toasts with Warm Goat Cheese and FigWalnut toasts with Warm Goats Cheese and Fig<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hub4DRT09tg/TxzgCbpNaII/AAAAAAAACHo/m7DgMXIebvU/s1600/101_4377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hub4DRT09tg/TxzgCbpNaII/AAAAAAAACHo/m7DgMXIebvU/s320/101_4377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Tart, piquant goats cheese and sweet juicy fig are a natural partnership for a simple, elegant canape on rich walnut toast. Any other good bread can be used instead of walnut bread if desired.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>4 slices walnut bread</li>
<li>4 oz. goats cheese</li>
<li>2 tbsp. toasted pine nuts</li>
<li>2 figs, each cut into 6 wedges</li>
</ul>
<div>
Preheat the broiler. Cut each slice of bread into three bite-size pieces and toast on one side.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Meanwhile, slice the goats cheese and into 12 bite-size pieces. Turn the toasts, uncooked side up. Top each toast with a piece of cheese and broil for about 2 minutes, until golden and bubbling.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sprinkle the pine nuts over the toasts, top with a wedge of fig, and serve immediately.<br />
<br />
Makes 12</div>
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-14491761546564218802012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:002012-01-23T06:00:03.972-05:00Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus with Lemon MayoProsciutto-wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Mayo<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQQ0m1wxtY4/TxzcXIuIXfI/AAAAAAAACHQ/DYNH-O_psTA/s1600/101_4376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQQ0m1wxtY4/TxzcXIuIXfI/AAAAAAAACHQ/DYNH-O_psTA/s640/101_4376.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These sophisticated bites make an irresistible nibble with aperitifs or as a more formal appetizer. You can prepare everything ahead, then simply pop them in the oven when your guests arrive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup mayonnaise</li>
<li>Grated zest of 1 lemon</li>
<li>1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice</li>
<li>1/2 tbsp. snipped fresh chives</li>
<li>8 asparagus tips</li>
<li>8 wafer-thin slices prosciutto, cut into strips</li>
<li>Olive oil, for drizzling</li>
<li>Ground black pepper</li>
</ul>
<div>
Preheat the oven to 375. Combine the mayonnaise, lemon zest, juice, and chives in a serving dish. Cover and place in the refrigerator.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wrap each asparagus tip in a strip of prosciutto, arrange on a baking sheet, and drizzle with the oil. Sprinkle with a little black pepper and roast for 6 to 7 minutes, until tender.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Transfer the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus to a platter and serve with the lemon mayo.<br />
<br />
Serves 4</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgucMsK0Jgc/TxzeNpWpyrI/AAAAAAAACHY/DVC5BEyYZ5I/s1600/Picture+2129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgucMsK0Jgc/TxzeNpWpyrI/AAAAAAAACHY/DVC5BEyYZ5I/s640/Picture+2129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LF4e2YWHvC8/TxzeOgcTb1I/AAAAAAAACHg/N617trzzMow/s1600/Picture+2142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LF4e2YWHvC8/TxzeOgcTb1I/AAAAAAAACHg/N617trzzMow/s640/Picture+2142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep Inspiring!</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-81957262659894253632012-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:002012-01-23T00:00:06.595-05:00Bocconcini with Mint and ChiliBocconcini with Mint and Chili<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkgrPoTORtI/TxzZ1i_sjEI/AAAAAAAACGw/-53jWQuuOhI/s1600/101_4375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkgrPoTORtI/TxzZ1i_sjEI/AAAAAAAACGw/-53jWQuuOhI/s320/101_4375.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You can buy bocconcini, bite-size balls of mozzarella, in most good cheese shops, larger supermarkets, and delis. Alternatively, buy a block of regular mozzarella and cut it into bite-size pieces.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>9 oz. bocconcini mozzarella</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. dried chili flakes</li>
<li>1 tsp. chopped fresh mint</li>
<li>1 1/2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Drain the bocconcini and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with the chili and mint and drizzle with the oil. Toss to coat each ball well.<br />
<br />
Cover and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for a least 1 hour. Allow the cheese to return to room temperature before serving.<br />
<br />
Serves 4<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pIJ1-ZlqRQ/TxzbEUKDBzI/AAAAAAAACHA/VaOrHaH7vc8/s1600/Picture+2136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pIJ1-ZlqRQ/TxzbEUKDBzI/AAAAAAAACHA/VaOrHaH7vc8/s640/Picture+2136.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4vHj_ik5Jg/TxzbFeBOJ8I/AAAAAAAACHI/QQdMJ8OyFIA/s1600/Picture+2144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4vHj_ik5Jg/TxzbFeBOJ8I/AAAAAAAACHI/QQdMJ8OyFIA/s640/Picture+2144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-83551436661761469362012-01-22T22:51:00.000-05:002012-01-22T23:43:44.287-05:00Caramelized Onion and Prosciutto SquaresCaramelized Onion and Prosciutto Squares<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VI5Q5Hn_Blk/TxyLMdGuAjI/AAAAAAAACGU/EPrFhGyNg2M/s1600/101_4374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VI5Q5Hn_Blk/TxyLMdGuAjI/AAAAAAAACGU/EPrFhGyNg2M/s640/101_4374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Based on the classic French <i>pissaladiere</i>, these melting squares of puff pastry make a chunky, satisfying appetizer to hand around with drinks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 tbsp. olive oil</li>
<li>1 large Spanish onion, halved and thinly sliced</li>
<li>Salt and black pepper</li>
<li>1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish</li>
<li>2 tsp. brown sugar</li>
<li>13 oz. package ready-rolled puff pastry</li>
<li>4 slices of prosciutto, cut into pieces</li>
</ul>
Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with thyme. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until the onion is soft and tender.<br />
Sprinkle in the brown sugar and cook for a further 10 minutes, stirring more frequently, until the onion is golden and sticky. Check the seasoning.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375. Unroll the pastry onto a large baking sheet. Spread the onion on the pastry, then arrange the anchovies in a lattice pattern over the top. <br />
<br />
Bake for about 25 minutes, until the pastry is crisp and golden. Cut the pastry into 12 squares or rectangles and serve hot, warm, or at room temperature, sprinkled with more fresh thyme.<br />
<br />
Makes 12<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9M3XjhTYqgE/TxyLLraYmAI/AAAAAAAACGM/ayhh5xaoIWc/s1600/101_4373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9M3XjhTYqgE/TxyLLraYmAI/AAAAAAAACGM/ayhh5xaoIWc/s640/101_4373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOXzA2YWJ5M/TxzYlTRcL_I/AAAAAAAACGo/oJ2EKFP7guI/s1600/Picture+2145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOXzA2YWJ5M/TxzYlTRcL_I/AAAAAAAACGo/oJ2EKFP7guI/s640/Picture+2145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bon Apetit!<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-64399979107936084652012-01-22T16:16:00.000-05:002012-01-22T16:16:17.162-05:00Old World Charm (part 2)OLD WORLD CHARM (part 2)<br />
<br />
Hello Everyone!<br />
<br />
As some of you are experiencing "winter" with the crisp, cold air and may even had some snow, we are going to continue to take a journey with me and take a break from the everyday life.<br />
<br />
I hope you can capture the character from the old world charm and incorporate some of it in your decorating designing. So, here we go! Off to Turkey and Rhodes<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dQIWmny_2s/TxxW2JnEYkI/AAAAAAAACBo/lpt2p0nPzYo/s1600/PICT0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dQIWmny_2s/TxxW2JnEYkI/AAAAAAAACBo/lpt2p0nPzYo/s640/PICT0081.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Kusadasi</b> (pronounced kujadasw) is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast and the center of the seaside district of the same name in Aydin Province. Kusadasi lies at a distance of 95 km (59 mi) to the south from the region's largest metropolitan center of Izmir, and 71 km (44 mi) from the provincial seat of Aydin situated inland. Its primary idustry is tourism.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpnKsF6Y2H0/TxxW3aZuGzI/AAAAAAAACBw/mI5F7H-394Y/s1600/PICT0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpnKsF6Y2H0/TxxW3aZuGzI/AAAAAAAACBw/mI5F7H-394Y/s640/PICT0082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uiFYNQVb9ZU/TxxW4q_L9PI/AAAAAAAACB4/UBlXve4hasU/s1600/PICT0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uiFYNQVb9ZU/TxxW4q_L9PI/AAAAAAAACB4/UBlXve4hasU/s640/PICT0083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2aM4HmKV0dM/TxxW7CQMkaI/AAAAAAAACCA/0Nen8orxj0s/s1600/PICT0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2aM4HmKV0dM/TxxW7CQMkaI/AAAAAAAACCA/0Nen8orxj0s/s640/PICT0084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I remember walking around wearing a turquoise necklace and this Turkish man followed me all around the shopping complex holding this turquoise necklace wanting me to bargin and buy! As you can see, the sellers hang in the middle and then snatch you up as you are walking and lure you in their shops to buy their merchandise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-y3ZGZRlgs/TxxW8yBfkbI/AAAAAAAACCI/Qtw3LZ7R4I8/s1600/PICT0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-y3ZGZRlgs/TxxW8yBfkbI/AAAAAAAACCI/Qtw3LZ7R4I8/s640/PICT0085.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The streets in Kusadasi. (We went to Epehsus and the House of Virgin Mary but I can't seem to locate those pictures. Sorry! However, two must places to visit if you ever get to go!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_xd3KvIkKU/TxxwQr2m9-I/AAAAAAAACCQ/XzoNdGy8ZZE/s1600/PICT0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_xd3KvIkKU/TxxwQr2m9-I/AAAAAAAACCQ/XzoNdGy8ZZE/s640/PICT0086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaving Turkey<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxYLRG-Fxak/TxxwR_x93gI/AAAAAAAACCY/uz8IKNz9QVI/s1600/PICT0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxYLRG-Fxak/TxxwR_x93gI/AAAAAAAACCY/uz8IKNz9QVI/s640/PICT0130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Arriving to Rhodes<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W78Ks4wxlD4/TxxwTGHqnfI/AAAAAAAACCg/r52FRlM_l1g/s1600/PICT0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W78Ks4wxlD4/TxxwTGHqnfI/AAAAAAAACCg/r52FRlM_l1g/s640/PICT0131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The castle wall surround the island<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FxiRYptj94/TxxwUZnQ1rI/AAAAAAAACCo/u1sV_XXEfro/s1600/PICT0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FxiRYptj94/TxxwUZnQ1rI/AAAAAAAACCo/u1sV_XXEfro/s640/PICT0145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Entering a shopaholics paradise!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgprzcRtDfQ/TxxwVwdbfeI/AAAAAAAACCw/LG9MDlGk2Go/s1600/PICT0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgprzcRtDfQ/TxxwVwdbfeI/AAAAAAAACCw/LG9MDlGk2Go/s640/PICT0146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue2o79LiwbE/TxxwXI5ssmI/AAAAAAAACC4/oBHKj0e3r48/s1600/PICT0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue2o79LiwbE/TxxwXI5ssmI/AAAAAAAACC4/oBHKj0e3r48/s640/PICT0150.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A very welcoming friend...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnRh9ioADwo/TxxwYQpDHII/AAAAAAAACDA/UNWmqQ-yukk/s1600/PICT0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnRh9ioADwo/TxxwYQpDHII/AAAAAAAACDA/UNWmqQ-yukk/s640/PICT0153.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
....as we stroll through the streets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tP-ZBOuHx64/TxxwZm3e1iI/AAAAAAAACDI/24RjkXwCUs0/s1600/PICT0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tP-ZBOuHx64/TxxwZm3e1iI/AAAAAAAACDI/24RjkXwCUs0/s640/PICT0154.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Household chores among the early hours of the day.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAM3e0Nz0YE/TxxwbPd3LEI/AAAAAAAACDQ/p8tv_AWMl-w/s1600/PICT0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAM3e0Nz0YE/TxxwbPd3LEI/AAAAAAAACDQ/p8tv_AWMl-w/s640/PICT0157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
..... while others demonstrate their talent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHUVVzR9uLo/TxxwcVkMIjI/AAAAAAAACDc/AMATKaA59VA/s1600/PICT0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHUVVzR9uLo/TxxwcVkMIjI/AAAAAAAACDc/AMATKaA59VA/s640/PICT0160.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqcT0Wf_wYE/TxxwdymNdwI/AAAAAAAACDk/i13YeNbRGb8/s1600/PICT0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqcT0Wf_wYE/TxxwdymNdwI/AAAAAAAACDk/i13YeNbRGb8/s640/PICT0162.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTYyrNIfAKk/TxxwfCNoUPI/AAAAAAAACDs/h9kqNrxMUZE/s1600/PICT0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTYyrNIfAKk/TxxwfCNoUPI/AAAAAAAACDs/h9kqNrxMUZE/s640/PICT0174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A welcoming store mat....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YP3D-fuT_XE/Txxwgew1KKI/AAAAAAAACD0/YboKNfo3CXg/s1600/PICT0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YP3D-fuT_XE/Txxwgew1KKI/AAAAAAAACD0/YboKNfo3CXg/s640/PICT0176.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
.... and the relaxing side streets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvtZnssQTHo/TxxwhnU4nyI/AAAAAAAACD8/0uTZDfTFRZM/s1600/PICT0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvtZnssQTHo/TxxwhnU4nyI/AAAAAAAACD8/0uTZDfTFRZM/s640/PICT0183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56qiM1QiRAA/TxxwjEl_CVI/AAAAAAAACEE/WPskng3QBn4/s1600/PICT0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56qiM1QiRAA/TxxwjEl_CVI/AAAAAAAACEE/WPskng3QBn4/s640/PICT0184.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-dvlTVqOoU/Txxwks9Jx2I/AAAAAAAACEM/utnbN6CGtE8/s1600/PICT0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-dvlTVqOoU/Txxwks9Jx2I/AAAAAAAACEM/utnbN6CGtE8/s640/PICT0188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The usage of barrels....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrSz470GqAo/Txxwl3eSVJI/AAAAAAAACEY/QXuTjfJ7NOM/s1600/PICT0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrSz470GqAo/Txxwl3eSVJI/AAAAAAAACEY/QXuTjfJ7NOM/s640/PICT0191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_fY7HsdMPo/TxxwnFhhJ-I/AAAAAAAACEg/jQgBA37H9go/s1600/PICT0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_fY7HsdMPo/TxxwnFhhJ-I/AAAAAAAACEg/jQgBA37H9go/s640/PICT0197.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
.... and a quite spot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G14HSwy1-E/TxxwoUDxGNI/AAAAAAAACEo/tOysrtvcllQ/s1600/PICT0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G14HSwy1-E/TxxwoUDxGNI/AAAAAAAACEo/tOysrtvcllQ/s640/PICT0200.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSGNaYkLYqM/Txx0iBz7jBI/AAAAAAAACE0/U-8a6E9xcAE/s1600/PICT0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSGNaYkLYqM/Txx0iBz7jBI/AAAAAAAACE0/U-8a6E9xcAE/s640/PICT0202.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ73a6tiOfQ/Txx0jR-zU9I/AAAAAAAACE8/Ahw5FEqnB_o/s1600/PICT0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ73a6tiOfQ/Txx0jR-zU9I/AAAAAAAACE8/Ahw5FEqnB_o/s640/PICT0204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The castle....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bG46g_GKP9c/Txx0kxx_rbI/AAAAAAAACFE/7UXMpDfnr3s/s1600/PICT0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bG46g_GKP9c/Txx0kxx_rbI/AAAAAAAACFE/7UXMpDfnr3s/s640/PICT0207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
... the gardens<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfV2fkX1FZc/Txx0mDTNyZI/AAAAAAAACFM/DADvkuYT5-I/s1600/PICT0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfV2fkX1FZc/Txx0mDTNyZI/AAAAAAAACFM/DADvkuYT5-I/s640/PICT0230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and a beautiful sunset to end the perfect day!<br />
<br />
Our next destination....... Crete and Santorini!<br />
<br />
I hope you will continue to follow me on this journey.<br />
If you missed part 1 click <a href="http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2012/01/old-world-charm-part-1.html">HERE</a><br />
<br />
Parties I will be linking up to:<br />
<a href="http://seasonal%20sundays/">Seasonal Sundays</a><br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-35437809095998546072012-01-16T15:52:00.002-05:002012-01-16T15:59:57.242-05:00Old World Charm (part 1)I have found out through reading some of my favorite blogs that Google friends will be discontinued in March. On my side bar you will notice that I have put up a button for Newwork Blogs. I would love to have you sign up and be my friend and follow me on my journeys in traveling, cooking, tablescapes, and decorating. Join me and have some fun!!<br />
<br />
<br />
OLD WORLD CHARM (part 1)<br />
<br />
As we start to re purpose and refine our homes, I struggle through this transition. If only we had a store in the basement to go shopping, wouldn't that just solve our decorating dilemmas? Yes, it is fun to move things from one room to another, but I have trouble with that sometimes..... don't you?<br />
<br />
I though that I would just take a break from my overloaded brain in refining and go exploring. So, let's have some fun and join me!! Let's go and take a journey to the European country and absorb their culture, textures......the simplicity of life.<br />
<br />
As I was in the midst of this cleaning/organizing, I found a SD card that had my trip to Greece and the Greek Isles on it. Reminiscing of the year 2006 was just so relaxing to explore all those pictures again that I thought I would share them with you. The simplicity style, the use of textures and colors is why I fell in love with the old world charm.<br />
(In 2006, I do believe that was the year that Greece hosted the Olympics. So we got to see some of the construction of the stadiums and thought that there was NO way they were going to have everything completed. Roads, rail systems and some stadiums had not even been started! As the months unfolded and the progress of their construction in completion, Greece hosted the Olympics!) After writing this, Greece hosted the Olympics in 2004 which now explains why my photos were focused on details and not the whole picture. You will see that in following posts on this journey. I will locate my 2004 trip to Greece and share them!<br />
<br />
So lets go cruising and hope as you take this journey with me, you can capture some ideas for your next decorating project!!<br />
<br />
Leaving the port of Athens, Greece<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lf_HVaiG48E/TxNBBixibdI/AAAAAAAAB8g/IiG_F7uBfY4/s1600/PICT0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lf_HVaiG48E/TxNBBixibdI/AAAAAAAAB8g/IiG_F7uBfY4/s640/PICT0003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8GEk7r1jI2Y/TxNBC1bhjbI/AAAAAAAAB8o/ckq__rmWCkQ/s1600/PICT0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8GEk7r1jI2Y/TxNBC1bhjbI/AAAAAAAAB8o/ckq__rmWCkQ/s640/PICT0004.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoo4Q6pvaL8/TxNBEAJ8i3I/AAAAAAAAB8s/EuYSdKzPAHk/s1600/PICT0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoo4Q6pvaL8/TxNBEAJ8i3I/AAAAAAAAB8s/EuYSdKzPAHk/s640/PICT0005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruYzEe-ybq8/TxNBFM5kZjI/AAAAAAAAB84/yH_zGgzMfiw/s1600/PICT0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruYzEe-ybq8/TxNBFM5kZjI/AAAAAAAAB84/yH_zGgzMfiw/s640/PICT0006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bye Athens........ for now<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--o4aBGv-STE/TxNBGfLkqgI/AAAAAAAAB9A/rTSZb8aG6T4/s1600/PICT0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--o4aBGv-STE/TxNBGfLkqgI/AAAAAAAAB9A/rTSZb8aG6T4/s640/PICT0007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-laezAr-uYG8/TxNBHt1M5PI/AAAAAAAAB9I/wsQ9WoSDeZc/s1600/PICT0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-laezAr-uYG8/TxNBHt1M5PI/AAAAAAAAB9I/wsQ9WoSDeZc/s640/PICT0008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6x10pB-MuB0/TxNBIjKuPuI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/Woh90TJeL1k/s1600/PICT0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6x10pB-MuB0/TxNBIjKuPuI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/Woh90TJeL1k/s640/PICT0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yq02N3tV_lg/TxNBJ2ThNpI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/mxeq9KNg9dM/s1600/PICT0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yq02N3tV_lg/TxNBJ2ThNpI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/mxeq9KNg9dM/s640/PICT0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our 1st destination will be: Mykonos This island is known as the "Little Venice" with bars and cafes that give on to the most beautiful sunset and people who give in to the most alluring temptations.<br />
...The white windmills dominate the island... A church...as old as the hills, which in reality..is five in one!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TnIWIEtbWbw/TxNECxYnV6I/AAAAAAAAB9k/8rPYlT_hVGA/s1600/PICT0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TnIWIEtbWbw/TxNECxYnV6I/AAAAAAAAB9k/8rPYlT_hVGA/s640/PICT0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpkboXxuBfs/TxNED_C2FII/AAAAAAAAB9s/InF3yln-4SI/s1600/PICT0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpkboXxuBfs/TxNED_C2FII/AAAAAAAAB9s/InF3yln-4SI/s640/PICT0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our ship has docked and it is a 30 min. walk to Mykonos. I chose to take the shuttle bus because we didn't have but maybe a couple of hours to explore this wonderful Island.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6X8r9Hzb7lk/TxNEFTNYcAI/AAAAAAAAB90/ISCLAxCvtXQ/s1600/PICT0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6X8r9Hzb7lk/TxNEFTNYcAI/AAAAAAAAB90/ISCLAxCvtXQ/s640/PICT0028.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
White washed buildings with a touch of blue and red......<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXF8GWcWJYE/TxNEG1_oILI/AAAAAAAAB98/lOmr5WzIg9I/s1600/PICT0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXF8GWcWJYE/TxNEG1_oILI/AAAAAAAAB98/lOmr5WzIg9I/s640/PICT0029.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
....and the foliage billowing over the facade of the church walls with just a splash of color.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXcqMlyvsGg/TxNEIDQU7FI/AAAAAAAAB-E/DU385RzhvIo/s1600/PICT0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXcqMlyvsGg/TxNEIDQU7FI/AAAAAAAAB-E/DU385RzhvIo/s640/PICT0030.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Street corner shops explode with the mediterranean blue...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NI47QS1y-uc/TxNEJRIkjpI/AAAAAAAAB-M/Qk_LGvZLxRQ/s1600/PICT0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NI47QS1y-uc/TxNEJRIkjpI/AAAAAAAAB-M/Qk_LGvZLxRQ/s640/PICT0032.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
...that brings a sense of purpose of where and why you are here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jckwWp9K7xE/TxNEKnHPnZI/AAAAAAAAB-U/dT3uOYG-xSw/s1600/PICT0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jckwWp9K7xE/TxNEKnHPnZI/AAAAAAAAB-U/dT3uOYG-xSw/s640/PICT0033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Imagine these thatched roof structures, the arms extending out, covered with canvas, twirling in the warm summer breezes.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0vtUV6VfVY/TxNEMN4VbMI/AAAAAAAAB-c/pWAOPrktdW8/s1600/PICT0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0vtUV6VfVY/TxNEMN4VbMI/AAAAAAAAB-c/pWAOPrktdW8/s640/PICT0034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xo446JiR5SU/TxNENpNuHPI/AAAAAAAAB-k/BagBzcgDuO8/s1600/PICT0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xo446JiR5SU/TxNENpNuHPI/AAAAAAAAB-k/BagBzcgDuO8/s640/PICT0035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4WHPvCBSJg/TxNEPLxnheI/AAAAAAAAB-s/9q8CIJDl9gk/s1600/PICT0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4WHPvCBSJg/TxNEPLxnheI/AAAAAAAAB-s/9q8CIJDl9gk/s640/PICT0037.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
....while enjoying a refreshing local cocktail on this secluded deck.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNW4Rb2ODVc/TxNEQibWN0I/AAAAAAAAB-0/X4qiuo62-6U/s1600/PICT0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNW4Rb2ODVc/TxNEQibWN0I/AAAAAAAAB-0/X4qiuo62-6U/s640/PICT0038.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The simplicity of solid colored pillows and a sprig of flowers in an odd shaped glass vessel made this a very cozy place to sit and watch the sunset.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiAJhFLRsx4/TxNER3ArxUI/AAAAAAAAB-8/hswdQhjr0qc/s1600/PICT0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiAJhFLRsx4/TxNER3ArxUI/AAAAAAAAB-8/hswdQhjr0qc/s640/PICT0039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Fresh caught seafood for you dining delight appetite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLZAGl1Rn1g/TxNETDSLtbI/AAAAAAAAB_E/_XkjuCOOhmA/s1600/PICT0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLZAGl1Rn1g/TxNETDSLtbI/AAAAAAAAB_E/_XkjuCOOhmA/s640/PICT0041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpqT6kLqL7o/TxNEUnuarOI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/Lm2tJ4oPSYc/s1600/PICT0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpqT6kLqL7o/TxNEUnuarOI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/Lm2tJ4oPSYc/s640/PICT0042.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw13MVxiRa8/TxNEWDkkFaI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/Kbd1uOWGYKQ/s1600/PICT0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw13MVxiRa8/TxNEWDkkFaI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/Kbd1uOWGYKQ/s640/PICT0044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...You can see why this would remind you of Venice..<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdMQ5ZKDsNk/TxNEXkwvGtI/AAAAAAAAB_g/mrtYHQMw8rE/s1600/PICT0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdMQ5ZKDsNk/TxNEXkwvGtI/AAAAAAAAB_g/mrtYHQMw8rE/s640/PICT0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohoCQEtpAb4/TxNEZKjZJeI/AAAAAAAAB_o/hRwHWCrFEcU/s1600/PICT0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohoCQEtpAb4/TxNEZKjZJeI/AAAAAAAAB_o/hRwHWCrFEcU/s640/PICT0049.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Those famous windmills getting ready for the sunset hour<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mia7r-VII4s/TxNEak0_SrI/AAAAAAAAB_w/TotsSd3X1g8/s1600/PICT0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mia7r-VII4s/TxNEak0_SrI/AAAAAAAAB_w/TotsSd3X1g8/s640/PICT0050.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVxfkNI_QaU/TxNEcPD-GKI/AAAAAAAAB_4/U54GZwPK3e0/s1600/PICT0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVxfkNI_QaU/TxNEcPD-GKI/AAAAAAAAB_4/U54GZwPK3e0/s640/PICT0052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nothing like a little stroll through the streets in Mykonos, to be lost and absorbed in their way of living.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hE5RS0KByVw/TxNEdYLS3II/AAAAAAAACAA/ZmRYKq2sIkc/s1600/PICT0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hE5RS0KByVw/TxNEdYLS3II/AAAAAAAACAA/ZmRYKq2sIkc/s640/PICT0053.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The decorative trim work around the windows on the door, the unevenness of the stone walk way which has no rhyme or rhythm and yet the calmness that is created with the white washed buildings and soft lighting makes your want to explore more....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IDTvqdSJBM/TxNEfLpB7lI/AAAAAAAACAM/fYSGrF3UGZI/s1600/PICT0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IDTvqdSJBM/TxNEfLpB7lI/AAAAAAAACAM/fYSGrF3UGZI/s640/PICT0055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKpf4cSx4Y4/TxNEgxKLbCI/AAAAAAAACAU/NWJUNSwUKS4/s1600/PICT0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKpf4cSx4Y4/TxNEgxKLbCI/AAAAAAAACAU/NWJUNSwUKS4/s640/PICT0056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QeGUvBKjNvM/TxNEidyQ0HI/AAAAAAAACAc/iL2Izj13cLA/s1600/PICT0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QeGUvBKjNvM/TxNEidyQ0HI/AAAAAAAACAc/iL2Izj13cLA/s640/PICT0058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
.... And as night falls upon this remarkable island and gets ready for the night life, we get to vision the splendors of it all on our journey back to our ship. You can hear in the distance how this island comes alive with the sounds of laughter, Greek music welcoming fun, and the cool warm breezes that just sucks you in for an adventure of a life time.<br />
(my night time pictures are not the greatest, but wanted you to see the port of Mykonos at night with the hills dotted with lights.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mo-C-sEUwk/TxNKqrC8_bI/AAAAAAAACAw/Cp_odppvIBI/s1600/PICT0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mo-C-sEUwk/TxNKqrC8_bI/AAAAAAAACAw/Cp_odppvIBI/s640/PICT0065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJIsaZ7Mmbw/TxNKrl6vZ_I/AAAAAAAACA4/NDBo2gwe5cQ/s1600/PICT0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJIsaZ7Mmbw/TxNKrl6vZ_I/AAAAAAAACA4/NDBo2gwe5cQ/s640/PICT0066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
.... how the light dances across the water<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyj_DOS7jbE/TxNKs2gtleI/AAAAAAAACBA/aPkkXtxe-s4/s1600/PICT0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyj_DOS7jbE/TxNKs2gtleI/AAAAAAAACBA/aPkkXtxe-s4/s640/PICT0067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-seijCoLGac0/TxNKuMnOvFI/AAAAAAAACBI/I4jq2PrfzJo/s1600/PICT0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-seijCoLGac0/TxNKuMnOvFI/AAAAAAAACBI/I4jq2PrfzJo/s640/PICT0068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJzUp4MNtMc/TxNKvTpBWOI/AAAAAAAACBQ/PRcYC5I0-DM/s1600/PICT0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJzUp4MNtMc/TxNKvTpBWOI/AAAAAAAACBQ/PRcYC5I0-DM/s640/PICT0069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hTNGkAkfH1c/TxNKw63WXNI/AAAAAAAACBY/qOmqJjseir8/s1600/PICT0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hTNGkAkfH1c/TxNKw63WXNI/AAAAAAAACBY/qOmqJjseir8/s640/PICT0073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
As the sun has set and our cruise ship awaits, another adventure in the Aegean Sea....Turkey and Rhodes, Old World Charm (part 2)<br />
<br />
Please come back and take this incredible journey with me!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am joining the parties: <a href="http://seasonal%20sundays/">Seasonal Sundays</a><br />
<a href="http://metamorphosis%20monday/">Metamorphosis Monday</a><br />
<a href="http://table%20top%20tuesday/">Table Top Tuesday</a><br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-77452931731578500892012-01-01T00:57:00.002-05:002012-01-01T00:57:53.794-05:00Happy New YearHAPPY NEW YEAR!! WELCOME 2012!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onpSZsj-6oE/Tv_1sXlOS_I/AAAAAAAAB7E/BK9zYjwGTRE/s1600/toast-to-new-year-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onpSZsj-6oE/Tv_1sXlOS_I/AAAAAAAAB7E/BK9zYjwGTRE/s640/toast-to-new-year-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Would like to wish each and every one of you a wonderful New Year!<br />
Thank you for all of your support, lovely thoughts, and just being you! You are truly very special friends that I have come very fond of and hope to continue seeing you in your own special way, inspiring me!<br />
<br />
Soooo, with that being said, lets get cooking and decorating!<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-31616958058177104462011-12-27T20:06:00.002-05:002011-12-28T12:33:36.937-05:00Holiday Mini Shot Cocktails<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holiday Mini Shot Cocktails</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOvVzyU1b0o/TvpW1evRSuI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/gme8yEnMVQs/s1600/456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOvVzyU1b0o/TvpW1evRSuI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/gme8yEnMVQs/s640/456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
White Cocktail: Candy Cane Martini</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 shot vanilla vodka</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 shot <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">white chocolate liqueur</span> (recommended; Godiva)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 shot <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">peppermint schnapps</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
add all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a candy cane or rim your glass with the crushed candy cane. Enjoy!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhUJParRlOU/TvpXYIHhQ3I/AAAAAAAAB2k/o_KCAWY4Ck0/s1600/457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhUJParRlOU/TvpXYIHhQ3I/AAAAAAAAB2k/o_KCAWY4Ck0/s640/457.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Blue Cocktail: Blue Snowball Martin</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 shot of Limoncello</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 shot of Blue Curacao</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
pour all liquids into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a martini glass rimmed with fresh coconut.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="text-align: left;">to make this drink a little frozen..... makes a nice presentation.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 shot <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">vodka</span> (recommended: <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Blue Ice</span>)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 shot <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">blue fruit and cognac liqueur</span> (recommended: <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Envy</span>)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 shot <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">orange liqueur </span>(recommended: <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Cointreau</span>)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup ice cubes</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Add all ingredients to blender and blend on high until smooth. Pour into martini glasses rimmed with fresh coconut and serve with straw.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKNx6cKYeus/TvpYsJ6XjJI/AAAAAAAAB2w/d3C1G2rNRBU/s1600/462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKNx6cKYeus/TvpYsJ6XjJI/AAAAAAAAB2w/d3C1G2rNRBU/s640/462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
( I apologize that the drink pictures are a little blurry. Tasting was fun....need I say more?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Brown Cocktail: Pumpkin Spice Martini</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 oz <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Pumpkin Spice Liqueur</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 oz <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Hazelnut Liqueur</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 oz <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Vanilla Vodka</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 oz <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">White Chocolate Liqueur</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 tsp. freshly grated <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Nutmeg</span> or ground <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Nutmeg</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Ginger Snaps ground</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Cinnamon Sticks</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Note: If you can't find Pumpkin Spice Liqueur, you may use this combination:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2oz. <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Buttershots</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 oz. <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Captain Morgan Spiced Rum</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dip you martini glass in honey and then in the grounded ginger snap cookies.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Combine all liquids into a martini shaker.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Add ice to the shaker and shake</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Strain and pour into a martini glass</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Grate with fresh Nutmeg or sprinkle with ground Nutmeg</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Garnish with Cinnamon Stick</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Enjoy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One more blurry picture?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUhogpPiNVY/TvpfMyGiPDI/AAAAAAAAB28/Zzrio5FHLmY/s1600/460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUhogpPiNVY/TvpfMyGiPDI/AAAAAAAAB28/Zzrio5FHLmY/s320/460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(laughing) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There you go! However, it did make a nice presentation if you are not looking at them cross eyed! I guess I was just so excited in taking the pictures that I could not hold my hand still AND everyone wanted to taste!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hope you get to try these!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Keep Inspiring!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-74178495229831631242011-12-27T18:35:00.000-05:002012-01-21T19:25:34.972-05:00Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Parfaits<div style="text-align: center;">
Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Mini Parfaits</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4sFLLYno2I/TvpPDpSvLNI/AAAAAAAAB0w/All2jl8C1NM/s1600/101_4290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4sFLLYno2I/TvpPDpSvLNI/AAAAAAAAB0w/All2jl8C1NM/s640/101_4290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Need a quick dessert with a special elegance to it? These Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Mini Parfaits were soooooo easy!<br />
<br />
Everything here is semi-homemade. I used a chocolate mousse mix which required 3/4 cup of skim milk. I didn't have any skim milk but had 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and regular milk. So much for watching the calories, uh? Mixed it together until it had a thick consistency and placed it in a pastry bag.<br />
<br />
<br />
Next I had a package of Dream Whip and just enough milk to make up my whipped cream. Placed the whipped cream in a pastry bag.<br />
<br />
Took the mints and smashed them in a bag and placed them in a bowl.<br />
<br />
Assembly Time!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9EhnLlXh6w/TvpQmiwBSWI/AAAAAAAAB08/HRNdVfjcqHI/s1600/101_4286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9EhnLlXh6w/TvpQmiwBSWI/AAAAAAAAB08/HRNdVfjcqHI/s640/101_4286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I started with the chocolate mousse....... then a layer of whipped cream....... sprinkled the whipped cream with the crushed peppermint candies. Repeated the layers until my vessel (which I used tall shot glasses) was filled to the brim!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8l22TC1RPk/TvpRI91MtSI/AAAAAAAAB1I/sVRQfYx61jw/s1600/101_4295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8l22TC1RPk/TvpRI91MtSI/AAAAAAAAB1I/sVRQfYx61jw/s640/101_4295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I just love using these glasses! So many different ways of making an elegant dessert and a grab and go party.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3X5UIaAv-Ts/TvpRdfqsDeI/AAAAAAAAB1U/KGOR-_jbUSw/s1600/101_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3X5UIaAv-Ts/TvpRdfqsDeI/AAAAAAAAB1U/KGOR-_jbUSw/s640/101_4288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These mini gems was such a special treat to the guests.........<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQkmLL5khzs/TvpReCBijMI/AAAAAAAAB1c/-CwI9kAs-5w/s1600/101_4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQkmLL5khzs/TvpReCBijMI/AAAAAAAAB1c/-CwI9kAs-5w/s640/101_4289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnLMJjb0U5o/TvpRgDbyk6I/AAAAAAAAB1s/GOU9x0vbvuY/s1600/101_4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnLMJjb0U5o/TvpRgDbyk6I/AAAAAAAAB1s/GOU9x0vbvuY/s640/101_4293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
....... and a very pretty presentation, don't you think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Jo8w_OjWr8/TvpRhPvfJII/AAAAAAAAB10/1tUvC19f--Q/s1600/101_4296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Jo8w_OjWr8/TvpRhPvfJII/AAAAAAAAB10/1tUvC19f--Q/s640/101_4296.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6W4zKwV2mk/TvpRh2luWWI/AAAAAAAAB18/lbNQU-JajxY/s1600/101_4299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6W4zKwV2mk/TvpRh2luWWI/AAAAAAAAB18/lbNQU-JajxY/s640/101_4299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I saved this one just for you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWNenYHFDfY/Tvp-d4LcFNI/AAAAAAAAB3I/rjFGMNP6Nng/s1600/101_4304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWNenYHFDfY/Tvp-d4LcFNI/AAAAAAAAB3I/rjFGMNP6Nng/s640/101_4304.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
They also went well with the mini shots!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2i_JDSgLsg/TvpTD-axrCI/AAAAAAAAB2M/AiyxpI5qdZc/s1600/456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2i_JDSgLsg/TvpTD-axrCI/AAAAAAAAB2M/AiyxpI5qdZc/s640/456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Click <a href="http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-mini-shot-cocktails.html">HERE</a> for the recipes.<br />
<br />
Come join the parties <a href="http://savvy%20southern%20style/">Wow us Wednesdays</a><br />
<a href="http://the%20tablescaper/">Seasonal Sundays</a><br />
<a href="http://bnotp/">Tablescape Thursday</a> <br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-4128677956394560112011-12-26T20:07:00.001-05:002011-12-29T16:53:51.664-05:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
WARNING........... PICTURE OVERLOAD<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Merry Christmas!<br />
<br />
OK, I know, day late.....dollar short. I hope that each and everyone of you had a wonderful Christmas!<br />
Things here in WV are starting to settle down. We did the Mother/MIL exchange yesterday and had a wonderful time just spending time with families. This year I hosted both Christmas Eve and Christmas day, so I was quite busy!<br />
<br />
I didn't get to share with you the rest of my Christmas tour, so please, grab a libation and enjoy the pics.<br />
<br />
Be safe for the remaining holiday season and Happy New Year! (in case I am a little LATE in telling you)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4I6ft8sjJ0s/TvjoIbxC7ZI/AAAAAAAABr4/Ol34TI7BS_I/s1600/100_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4I6ft8sjJ0s/TvjoIbxC7ZI/AAAAAAAABr4/Ol34TI7BS_I/s640/100_4240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
During the fall if you remember, I had decided to clean out my china hutch and had found a NEW decorating place. Here it is all displayed for the Christmas Season. I am really glad I decided to do this. You can find that post <a href="http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2011/11/china-closet-makeover-for-thanksgiving.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJtJTo2n4QQ/Tvj2fT2O1bI/AAAAAAAABtI/n8vRS6X0bvI/s1600/100_4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJtJTo2n4QQ/Tvj2fT2O1bI/AAAAAAAABtI/n8vRS6X0bvI/s640/100_4238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5afhl8CevU/Tvj2g3pxUII/AAAAAAAABtQ/AdRcu9g0IDk/s1600/100_4239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5afhl8CevU/Tvj2g3pxUII/AAAAAAAABtQ/AdRcu9g0IDk/s640/100_4239.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_763492425"></span><span id="goog_763492426"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sngGQga8Z4w/TvkJz2iRu0I/AAAAAAAABtc/87b8JwSQOMY/s1600/100_4241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sngGQga8Z4w/TvkJz2iRu0I/AAAAAAAABtc/87b8JwSQOMY/s640/100_4241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZSUJL9FWV4/TvkJ6k7ApBI/AAAAAAAABto/dCfq2QrxThc/s1600/100_4242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZSUJL9FWV4/TvkJ6k7ApBI/AAAAAAAABto/dCfq2QrxThc/s640/100_4242.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This mushroom soup tureen was a new added item to the collection. I think it is just adorable. It blends well with the Hope, Peace. Believe and Grace plates along with the Morgantown Rub Red Golf Ball Stemware.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVtriGrr5NI/TvkKe6xkQxI/AAAAAAAABt0/N6VSi2hor-8/s1600/100_4234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVtriGrr5NI/TvkKe6xkQxI/AAAAAAAABt0/N6VSi2hor-8/s640/100_4234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This year I had decided to do a more casual, simple table. All of the elegance was in the living room and my family are solo cup/plastic plate type of people. When they had seen the plates, it put them in the world of "tense moment". Growing up is what my family used and really didn't understand why the china was put away...why we didn't use it. For that matter, why have it if you are not using it. I use mine all the time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDV_RdHQNH4/TvkMDhmNU4I/AAAAAAAABuA/I3ToZszS0pw/s1600/590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDV_RdHQNH4/TvkMDhmNU4I/AAAAAAAABuA/I3ToZszS0pw/s640/590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These are Christmas Ornaments that I used as place markers. This one was for Mother (MIL). I also used them as gift tags. ( I did these cut outs with my cricut machine. It is an awesome machine..great investment)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTayLRNq-X4/TvkMEyEyh-I/AAAAAAAABuI/SZu6YtQbL6I/s1600/591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTayLRNq-X4/TvkMEyEyh-I/AAAAAAAABuI/SZu6YtQbL6I/s640/591.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Their place marker was around a bottle of olive oil that I covered with jute and this was their gift.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gq-DhfuaGRI/TvkMGPYp8vI/AAAAAAAABuQ/95dVt5JQIVo/s1600/592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gq-DhfuaGRI/TvkMGPYp8vI/AAAAAAAABuQ/95dVt5JQIVo/s640/592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I found these acorn ornaments at PB and thought they would make some sparkle to the napkins. You girls know I like bling!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQOBrxrXybE/TvkMHxOwWaI/AAAAAAAABuY/r_rYT4dFfC0/s1600/593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQOBrxrXybE/TvkMHxOwWaI/AAAAAAAABuY/r_rYT4dFfC0/s640/593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone had a cheese board that had an appetizer on it. Each plate from Johnson Brothers "School House" was sitting on a 12 x 12 tile. Click <a href="http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2011/01/tuscan-evening.html">HERE</a> to see the cheese plate idea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCrlzICMdfE/TvkMJGKmULI/AAAAAAAABug/5x8ZyCk0uLw/s1600/594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCrlzICMdfE/TvkMJGKmULI/AAAAAAAABug/5x8ZyCk0uLw/s640/594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZtY9S5vzJo/TvkMKUTp9QI/AAAAAAAABuo/avor3bHt7yw/s1600/595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZtY9S5vzJo/TvkMKUTp9QI/AAAAAAAABuo/avor3bHt7yw/s640/595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had some red wind stemware that I also frosted to match my brandy snifters. Click <a href="http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2011/11/tutorial-frosted-stemware.html">HERE</a> to see the tutorial of frosting stemware.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axXaopwIfmY/TvkMLxi-U_I/AAAAAAAABuw/c4Qm2a7-QpM/s1600/596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axXaopwIfmY/TvkMLxi-U_I/AAAAAAAABuw/c4Qm2a7-QpM/s640/596.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WXJdOsqXDY/TvkMNDX4vxI/AAAAAAAABu8/EAkUKODAjPA/s1600/597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WXJdOsqXDY/TvkMNDX4vxI/AAAAAAAABu8/EAkUKODAjPA/s640/597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5FQrDyE1gQ/TvkMOnkq_DI/AAAAAAAABvE/iYvk4wQ6gV4/s1600/598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5FQrDyE1gQ/TvkMOnkq_DI/AAAAAAAABvE/iYvk4wQ6gV4/s640/598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9tMmQ4wAAk/TvkMPr9JJcI/AAAAAAAABvM/xUoryrQ5Bd8/s1600/599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9tMmQ4wAAk/TvkMPr9JJcI/AAAAAAAABvM/xUoryrQ5Bd8/s640/599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A Christmas Ornament was used at each place setting to hold some fresh greenery. Here I used Rosemary.<br />
I hot glued a washer on the bottom so the ornament would not roll around once filled with water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnaeAtpny8w/TvkMQ6RbI-I/AAAAAAAABvU/I2NUZA-n_tE/s1600/600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnaeAtpny8w/TvkMQ6RbI-I/AAAAAAAABvU/I2NUZA-n_tE/s640/600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvCYK22N2Fs/TvkMSHZgRBI/AAAAAAAABvc/nHibf3QEGos/s1600/601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvCYK22N2Fs/TvkMSHZgRBI/AAAAAAAABvc/nHibf3QEGos/s640/601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YwcC30_1m1g/TvkMTM7lP5I/AAAAAAAABvk/fM41VZNdC6U/s1600/602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YwcC30_1m1g/TvkMTM7lP5I/AAAAAAAABvk/fM41VZNdC6U/s640/602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1gjhTe4ACs/TvkMUkyzU3I/AAAAAAAABvs/Qbt9m_ykj4c/s1600/604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1gjhTe4ACs/TvkMUkyzU3I/AAAAAAAABvs/Qbt9m_ykj4c/s640/604.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgBle2iD3_k/TvkQEWAD2lI/AAAAAAAABv8/V1Fz5BmFPWc/s1600/177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgBle2iD3_k/TvkQEWAD2lI/AAAAAAAABv8/V1Fz5BmFPWc/s640/177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My Christmas Tree in the dining room. It is a candy theme and will use this theme until the lights blow, and then I will change the theme on it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sk33m9d_xU/TvlAoizaQHI/AAAAAAAABys/sxnNtOehjFY/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sk33m9d_xU/TvlAoizaQHI/AAAAAAAABys/sxnNtOehjFY/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Appetizers for Christmas Eve was my Cheese ball Snowman and Cajun Crab Dip......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9HneDyaj0c/TvlYw17GnxI/AAAAAAAAB0A/nFX9CMvVes4/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9HneDyaj0c/TvlYw17GnxI/AAAAAAAAB0A/nFX9CMvVes4/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
..... and a Cheese ball Tree<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWlDHr-6kOo/TvlawjVuiWI/AAAAAAAAB0U/M7d1KDPGHdY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWlDHr-6kOo/TvlawjVuiWI/AAAAAAAAB0U/M7d1KDPGHdY/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Lots of fresh veggies....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN42d6st25w/TvlCDu1xKcI/AAAAAAAABzQ/4CDkADGqjZk/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN42d6st25w/TvlCDu1xKcI/AAAAAAAABzQ/4CDkADGqjZk/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and some Bacon Wrapped Bread Sticks.. YUM YUM!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-femYP21Ph6o/TvlJMeM37mI/AAAAAAAABzg/cfD9v2kJ2e8/s1600/663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-femYP21Ph6o/TvlJMeM37mI/AAAAAAAABzg/cfD9v2kJ2e8/s640/663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-syfYv9tZkuY/Tvlb6fqlwGI/AAAAAAAAB0o/TWC2oo8RRRg/s1600/664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-syfYv9tZkuY/Tvlb6fqlwGI/AAAAAAAAB0o/TWC2oo8RRRg/s640/664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPegb7_ShLY/TvkROkEctKI/AAAAAAAABw4/BYLffo2urcA/s1600/665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPegb7_ShLY/TvkROkEctKI/AAAAAAAABw4/BYLffo2urcA/s640/665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dinner we had Ham and Turkey, Mac n Cheese, Cocktail Meatballs, and Green Bean and Potatoes.<br />
On Christmas Day I added a Stuffed Pork Tenderloin wrapped in Puff Pastry and Roasted Potatoes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6AHHRm6dlc/TvkRP4qtIPI/AAAAAAAABxA/i-QQGwT5wsU/s1600/666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6AHHRm6dlc/TvkRP4qtIPI/AAAAAAAABxA/i-QQGwT5wsU/s640/666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A little blurry but the salad and dessert table and beverage station.<br />
There were potato salad, deviled eggs, water gate salad, jello salad, home made cookies and candies AND a coconut cake. With lots of wine and eggnog to tantalize our taste buds to the max.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7AHYQD07ek/TvkUG6T5JeI/AAAAAAAABxQ/GhxpNr1JQNY/s1600/456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7AHYQD07ek/TvkUG6T5JeI/AAAAAAAABxQ/GhxpNr1JQNY/s640/456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ7twXJy9jc/TvkUH9QvJ8I/AAAAAAAABxY/7UVa_W1r-QY/s1600/457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ7twXJy9jc/TvkUH9QvJ8I/AAAAAAAABxY/7UVa_W1r-QY/s640/457.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVRi-Jx6LAk/TvkUIvBWFRI/AAAAAAAABxg/6XAl-ubDh5w/s1600/458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVRi-Jx6LAk/TvkUIvBWFRI/AAAAAAAABxg/6XAl-ubDh5w/s640/458.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cWerfaS0us/TvkUJnSY8WI/AAAAAAAABxo/1UqWoRzHoow/s1600/459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cWerfaS0us/TvkUJnSY8WI/AAAAAAAABxo/1UqWoRzHoow/s640/459.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lF6iljYDQqI/TvkULpMX-gI/AAAAAAAABx4/LU25pa-OFhE/s1600/461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lF6iljYDQqI/TvkULpMX-gI/AAAAAAAABx4/LU25pa-OFhE/s640/461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
AND some mini shots if you dared.... (did you notice that once we got to the drink pictures that they got blurry?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njV2NFSPe44/TvkVWjeavtI/AAAAAAAAByY/DVFaqRrd2Lc/s1600/100_4248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njV2NFSPe44/TvkVWjeavtI/AAAAAAAAByY/DVFaqRrd2Lc/s640/100_4248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This little vignette is by the coffee station. I didn't do a whole lot on the counters for the simple reason is that I don't have much room here. Just something a little simple.<br />
<br />
Phew! I think that wraps up the kitchen/dinning room tour. If you missed the living room tour. please click <a href="http://andrea-softersideofme.blogspot.com/2011/12/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and took time to enjoy family and friends. We all are so blessed that we have each other for there are so many who don't.<br />
I have a few days before the New Years so hopefully I will get the outside pics posted.<br />
<br />
I am joining: Marty's party <a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2011/12/96th-table-top-tuesday.html">Tabletop Tuesday</a>. <a href="http://seasonal%20sundays/">The Tablescaper</a>, <a href="http://bnotp/">Tablescape Thursday</a><br />
<br />
Until the next time,<br />
<br />
Keep Inspiring!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-90820863720830137072011-12-13T22:43:00.001-05:002011-12-28T12:34:44.986-05:00It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas!Well....Hello There!!<br />
<br />
Has everyone got their decorating done??? How about shopping??? I know I haven't got that done yet! And that baking, have we begun??? You know, I would love to be your taste tester if you need one. just send them to me!!<br />
This is the week that is ALWAYS the busiest for me. My MIL arrives Friday and so does my son! So for me,<br />
everything must be in tip top shape so I can relax, enjoy the wine with MIL, but I am not ready!!!<br />
<br />
I wanted to share my "Platinum Christmas" living room with you. With all of those different color ornaments that I have, I changed my theme to Platinum Winter Wonderland and had to purchase.......well, just a fewwwww items!!<br />
<br />
So please, by all means, get yourself a libation of your choice, get all cozy, turn the volume on and enjoy my version of a Platinum Christmas!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeiTdmQlUiU/TugWIZymjZI/AAAAAAAABnk/_xlECdEBoFU/s1600/100_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeiTdmQlUiU/TugWIZymjZI/AAAAAAAABnk/_xlECdEBoFU/s640/100_4219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnaSajzOnBo/TugXCeBYVGI/AAAAAAAABoA/Rk7a3agl_h4/s1600/100_4186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnaSajzOnBo/TugXCeBYVGI/AAAAAAAABoA/Rk7a3agl_h4/s640/100_4186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XX24nDESz5s/TugXDi4RpoI/AAAAAAAABoI/ZmEJ9xCnl0g/s1600/100_4190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XX24nDESz5s/TugXDi4RpoI/AAAAAAAABoI/ZmEJ9xCnl0g/s640/100_4190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBUQsy-TcM8/TugXGW6m8pI/AAAAAAAABoY/x4ADkzb41S0/s1600/100_4198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBUQsy-TcM8/TugXGW6m8pI/AAAAAAAABoY/x4ADkzb41S0/s640/100_4198.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5n4GiyBTK_Q/TugXHofiIvI/AAAAAAAABog/XL4-xs3h2-s/s1600/100_4199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5n4GiyBTK_Q/TugXHofiIvI/AAAAAAAABog/XL4-xs3h2-s/s640/100_4199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xs7LYzdZXd0/TugXIn8O5zI/AAAAAAAABoo/fmLkD5NA5PE/s1600/100_4200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xs7LYzdZXd0/TugXIn8O5zI/AAAAAAAABoo/fmLkD5NA5PE/s640/100_4200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOYD0YHFKCs/TugXKPLlKAI/AAAAAAAABow/7X17piAPuoI/s1600/100_4201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOYD0YHFKCs/TugXKPLlKAI/AAAAAAAABow/7X17piAPuoI/s640/100_4201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFHxOlz2oYg/TugXLhKolaI/AAAAAAAABo4/afbA1xW9Vqg/s1600/100_4212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFHxOlz2oYg/TugXLhKolaI/AAAAAAAABo4/afbA1xW9Vqg/s640/100_4212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-932WJQf4z4o/TugXMyQVUII/AAAAAAAABpA/UmLm9HFmmWI/s1600/100_4213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-932WJQf4z4o/TugXMyQVUII/AAAAAAAABpA/UmLm9HFmmWI/s640/100_4213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2DQTbnJKvs/TugXOD0IfDI/AAAAAAAABpI/JJ952I8w8XM/s1600/100_4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2DQTbnJKvs/TugXOD0IfDI/AAAAAAAABpI/JJ952I8w8XM/s640/100_4214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GyqsRAG5I8/TugYnZl5HLI/AAAAAAAABpU/vfFnkmPNamk/s1600/100_4224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GyqsRAG5I8/TugYnZl5HLI/AAAAAAAABpU/vfFnkmPNamk/s640/100_4224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPyeEgp4FVw/TugYodcLFjI/AAAAAAAABpc/ZORr8C7_Osk/s1600/100_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPyeEgp4FVw/TugYodcLFjI/AAAAAAAABpc/ZORr8C7_Osk/s640/100_4225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuPg0q7k6O8/TugYpV-dd4I/AAAAAAAABpk/5w654gJfbME/s1600/100_4226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuPg0q7k6O8/TugYpV-dd4I/AAAAAAAABpk/5w654gJfbME/s640/100_4226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA4wIiwTyEg/TugWFqqSW1I/AAAAAAAABnM/TMSnp7D1eaM/s1600/100_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA4wIiwTyEg/TugWFqqSW1I/AAAAAAAABnM/TMSnp7D1eaM/s640/100_4215.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueJGPJbTy0o/TugWGvdWMNI/AAAAAAAABnU/i7TeNQVUXmc/s1600/100_4216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueJGPJbTy0o/TugWGvdWMNI/AAAAAAAABnU/i7TeNQVUXmc/s640/100_4216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ouzla3pUhg/TugWHrNnAxI/AAAAAAAABnc/YQZyr_aobF4/s1600/100_4217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ouzla3pUhg/TugWHrNnAxI/AAAAAAAABnc/YQZyr_aobF4/s640/100_4217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoWttd0ydO0/TugZYaFLCFI/AAAAAAAABps/BCwnlPuGPog/s1600/100_4227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoWttd0ydO0/TugZYaFLCFI/AAAAAAAABps/BCwnlPuGPog/s640/100_4227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2uc9Ep3cYw/TugZZVRqiZI/AAAAAAAABp0/Z6fXubbGmSQ/s1600/100_4228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2uc9Ep3cYw/TugZZVRqiZI/AAAAAAAABp0/Z6fXubbGmSQ/s640/100_4228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4qtVIrBTYU/TugZa62PobI/AAAAAAAABp8/bvmfJThhqsg/s1600/100_4229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4qtVIrBTYU/TugZa62PobI/AAAAAAAABp8/bvmfJThhqsg/s640/100_4229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCBpE0TP_lM/TugZcO6KJ7I/AAAAAAAABqE/OL57Zp9tWTg/s1600/100_4230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCBpE0TP_lM/TugZcO6KJ7I/AAAAAAAABqE/OL57Zp9tWTg/s640/100_4230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3i0Ua2BJJSE/TugZdSF2fHI/AAAAAAAABqM/v9AJXQ7crEE/s1600/100_4231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3i0Ua2BJJSE/TugZdSF2fHI/AAAAAAAABqM/v9AJXQ7crEE/s640/100_4231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl5x_U12YCM/TugWp-77-lI/AAAAAAAABn4/MzFWiJw9mQQ/s1600/100_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl5x_U12YCM/TugWp-77-lI/AAAAAAAABn4/MzFWiJw9mQQ/s640/100_4222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxUlzMLhW20/TugWovx0RsI/AAAAAAAABnw/kJWTxf5boqI/s1600/100_4221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxUlzMLhW20/TugWovx0RsI/AAAAAAAABnw/kJWTxf5boqI/s640/100_4221.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember, He's making a list, checking it twice, to see if you are going to come back and check out the kitchen and dining room next!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Parting with <a href="http://seasonal%20sundays/">Seasonal Sundays</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keep Inspiring!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-12727377244567811532011-12-08T22:40:00.000-05:002011-12-28T12:45:06.910-05:00The Covered BridgeHello My Friends,<br />
<br />
I don't know about ya'll but it is getting crunch time!! I am sure you have been busy getting your home all decked out for the holidays. I know I have!! My goodness where did the time go?<br />
I have been checking out all of your holiday inspirations, and WOW! Your homes are beautiful!!! For some odd reason I have not been able to leave comments on some blogs that I get to choose my profile, but I have been admiring all of your magical touches!!<br />
<br />
Here is just a "touch" of my decorating in my dining/kitchenette room. I have LOTS more to show you and anxious to see yours!<br />
<br />
This plate reminded me when Mr. Me and I went up north to NH for vacation. I can just imagine that bridge covered in snow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE COVERED BRIDGE</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYPWG0n6cJs/TvtURG46fcI/AAAAAAAAB6o/jm5s-_eEvzA/s1600/188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYPWG0n6cJs/TvtURG46fcI/AAAAAAAAB6o/jm5s-_eEvzA/s640/188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="background-color: green;">
<b><span style="color: white;">Untitled<br />author Unknown</span></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="background-color: green;">
<b><span style="color: white;">"What stories could these bridges tell<br />If they could only talk?<br />They'd tell us of the ones who rode<br />And those who had to walk,<br />The rich, the poor....those in-between<br />Who used their planks to cross,<br />The soldiers, farmers, businessmen<br />In buggies, sleighs, by "hoss",<br />Like sentinels these bridges stand<br />In spite of flood and fire,<br />Their rugged, stalwart strength remains<br />Our future to inspire."</span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNFhV5xJdIw/TuGAE6y2xYI/AAAAAAAABm0/utzpS-rn8Cg/s1600/100_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNFhV5xJdIw/TuGAE6y2xYI/AAAAAAAABm0/utzpS-rn8Cg/s640/100_4243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fXiR6qIgUqc/TuGAF6hfAxI/AAAAAAAABm8/k0k5eor30i0/s1600/100_4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fXiR6qIgUqc/TuGAF6hfAxI/AAAAAAAABm8/k0k5eor30i0/s640/100_4244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Y70Dd0Pt4Y/TuGAGwhIwTI/AAAAAAAABnE/OiDb77J9n78/s1600/100_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Y70Dd0Pt4Y/TuGAGwhIwTI/AAAAAAAABnE/OiDb77J9n78/s640/100_4246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keep Inspiring!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388150105282301947.post-47432742981239937732011-11-20T16:00:00.000-05:002011-12-28T12:48:00.193-05:00Over The River and Through The Wood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFRzaGdlUqo/TslW8KM-IQI/AAAAAAAABjA/QAwvA-Tcy0A/s1600/100_4117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFRzaGdlUqo/TslW8KM-IQI/AAAAAAAABjA/QAwvA-Tcy0A/s640/100_4117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over The River and Through The Wood</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the river, and through the wood,<br />
to Grandfather’s house we go;<br />
the horse knows the way<br />
to carry the sleigh<br />
through the white and drifted snow.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4g6PIBoPp8/TslXkQUGjMI/AAAAAAAABjI/kOZo0yvCFT8/s1600/100_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4g6PIBoPp8/TslXkQUGjMI/AAAAAAAABjI/kOZo0yvCFT8/s640/100_4101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzd7gmDEJlg/TslboRlKsfI/AAAAAAAABlI/S94EA7h4IP8/s1600/100_4103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzd7gmDEJlg/TslboRlKsfI/AAAAAAAABlI/S94EA7h4IP8/s640/100_4103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cgX4u1F0LY/Tslbw75vcoI/AAAAAAAABlQ/LWoSv-4Oo7o/s1600/100_4104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cgX4u1F0LY/Tslbw75vcoI/AAAAAAAABlQ/LWoSv-4Oo7o/s640/100_4104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the river, and through the wood,<br />
to Grandfather’s house away!<br />
We would not stop<br />
for doll or top,<br />
for ’tis Thanksgiving Day.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HMeARjfS-E/TslX0Ti6-QI/AAAAAAAABjQ/cKtc_MEeS_I/s1600/100_4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HMeARjfS-E/TslX0Ti6-QI/AAAAAAAABjQ/cKtc_MEeS_I/s640/100_4102.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the river, and through the wood—<br />
oh, how the wind does blow!<br />
It stings the toes<br />
and bites the nose,<br />
as over the ground we go.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F856Em-3eUY/TslYO880hhI/AAAAAAAABjY/fnLljKDsSuc/s1600/100_4105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F856Em-3eUY/TslYO880hhI/AAAAAAAABjY/fnLljKDsSuc/s640/100_4105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the river, and through the wood,<br />
with a clear blue winter sky.<br />
The dogs do bark<br />
and the children hark,<br />
as we go jingling by.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjPKGt7k8K0/TslYfwZuuWI/AAAAAAAABjg/otAsd34N17k/s1600/100_4106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjPKGt7k8K0/TslYfwZuuWI/AAAAAAAABjg/otAsd34N17k/s640/100_4106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSUIAdS2fBE/TslcE5N7W7I/AAAAAAAABlY/7LoL0arYnJE/s1600/100_4110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSUIAdS2fBE/TslcE5N7W7I/AAAAAAAABlY/7LoL0arYnJE/s640/100_4110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Over the river, and through the wood,<br />
to have a first-rate play.<br />
Hear the bells ring,<br />
“Ting a ling ding!”<br />
Hurray for Thanskgiving Day!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SBz-IQrQ_s/TslYzM6Ac1I/AAAAAAAABjo/0o5O9gGGf0k/s1600/100_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SBz-IQrQ_s/TslYzM6Ac1I/AAAAAAAABjo/0o5O9gGGf0k/s640/100_4115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Over the river, and through the wood—<br />
no matter for winds that blow;<br />
or if we get<br />
the sleigh upset<br />
into a bank of snow.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJxb21Y1Lxo/TslZJdhISzI/AAAAAAAABj0/B239sjgc3UU/s1600/100_4116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJxb21Y1Lxo/TslZJdhISzI/AAAAAAAABj0/B239sjgc3UU/s640/100_4116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the river, and through the wood,<br />
to see little John and Ann;<br />
we will kiss them all,<br />
and play snowball<br />
and stay as long as we can.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdjYlbXMq_4/TslZZsPVZ8I/AAAAAAAABj8/ZKcnjCSoqQ4/s1600/100_4117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdjYlbXMq_4/TslZZsPVZ8I/AAAAAAAABj8/ZKcnjCSoqQ4/s640/100_4117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Over the river, and through the wood,<br />
trot fast my dapple gray!<br />
Spring over the ground<br />
like a hunting-hound!<br />
For ’tis Thanksgiving Day.</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS3LimNsSko/TslZst1hRpI/AAAAAAAABkE/cbvr8ZbK_kc/s1600/100_4119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS3LimNsSko/TslZst1hRpI/AAAAAAAABkE/cbvr8ZbK_kc/s640/100_4119.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the river, and through the wood<br />
and straight through the barnyard gate.<br />
We seem to go<br />
extremely slow—<br />
it is so hard to wait!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bldOinBoJL4/TslaCy04fnI/AAAAAAAABkM/-gqOUG3YQnE/s1600/100_4120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bldOinBoJL4/TslaCy04fnI/AAAAAAAABkM/-gqOUG3YQnE/s640/100_4120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Over the river, and through the wood—<br />
old Jowler hears our bells;<br />
he shakes his paw<br />
with a loud bow-wow,<br />
and thus the news he tells.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9UryGo44E8/TslaRvKjUKI/AAAAAAAABkU/IbctZJHx5d8/s1600/100_4121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9UryGo44E8/TslaRvKjUKI/AAAAAAAABkU/IbctZJHx5d8/s640/100_4121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Over the river, and through the wood—<br />
when Grandmother sees us come,<br />
she will say, “O, dear,<br />
the children are here,<br />
bring pie for everyone.”</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtTUNmMsPSM/TslakNApoEI/AAAAAAAABkc/fCKBfpXuHlI/s1600/100_4118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtTUNmMsPSM/TslakNApoEI/AAAAAAAABkc/fCKBfpXuHlI/s640/100_4118.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the river, and through the wood—<br />
now Grandmother’s cap I spy!<br />
Hurrah for the fun!<br />
Is the pudding done?<br />
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yliE_6tV9Qo/Tsla2kfetNI/AAAAAAAABkk/85Q4bzRVRMw/s1600/100_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yliE_6tV9Qo/Tsla2kfetNI/AAAAAAAABkk/85Q4bzRVRMw/s640/100_4122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sO-8JZP4KVY/Tsla9zAjJ2I/AAAAAAAABks/JaSph1CI2KU/s1600/100_4123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sO-8JZP4KVY/Tsla9zAjJ2I/AAAAAAAABks/JaSph1CI2KU/s640/100_4123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zpmNCrpHWsc/TslbHTEln5I/AAAAAAAABk0/P42qaav2MZE/s1600/100_4126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zpmNCrpHWsc/TslbHTEln5I/AAAAAAAABk0/P42qaav2MZE/s640/100_4126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRLrguGnZAE/TslbYakL9FI/AAAAAAAABk8/xAGv4j5Uzy4/s1600/100_4127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRLrguGnZAE/TslbYakL9FI/AAAAAAAABk8/xAGv4j5Uzy4/s640/100_4127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Would like to wish each and everyone of you a Happy Thanksgiving!!<br />
<br />
Dedicating this post to my Grandmother Mom Mom, for who is missed dearly!!<br />
<br />
Look for me on these posts:<br />
<a href="http://seasonal%20sundays/">Seasonal Sundays</a><br />
<a href="http://tablescape%20thursdays/">Tablescape Thursdays</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/346/3F530CAEAB2B0459AEC059CC981D2392.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you all so much for visiting! If you would like to leave a comment, PLEASE DO! I read each and everyone of those sweet comments and because of you, it keeps me inspired!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06904059511277336159noreply@blogger.com4