tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64369845669571867492024-03-05T13:33:11.945-07:00Keeping up with the timesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.comBlogger492125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-43917102019876285272013-02-27T07:00:00.001-07:002013-02-27T07:00:24.789-07:00Please come see me...Hi friends! If you haven't seen me for a while - it may be because I've moved my blog to WordPress. There was a small name change from Keeping UP with the times to Keeping With The Times.<br />
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Please visit me at <span style="color: red;">www.keepingwiththetimes.com</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg4JWEULhF0/US4RDKTVZFI/AAAAAAAAHO4/eV9TmjX5aII/s1600/Finding-Light-Pink-Carnation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg4JWEULhF0/US4RDKTVZFI/AAAAAAAAHO4/eV9TmjX5aII/s1600/Finding-Light-Pink-Carnation.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-35593496648633375442013-02-20T17:47:00.001-07:002013-02-20T17:47:33.259-07:00A Helpful Little Blogging Tip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vZowp-pbUfI/USVtvGeSl3I/AAAAAAAAHN0/iVLV54WvSvI/s1600/squirrel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vZowp-pbUfI/USVtvGeSl3I/AAAAAAAAHN0/iVLV54WvSvI/s1600/squirrel1.jpg" /></a></div>
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PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS! SORRY - I DON'T MEAN TO SHOUT (but I guess I am...)<br />
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<a href="http://www.keepingwiththetimes.com/">www.keepingwiththetimes.com</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-26341887762108288692013-02-19T07:31:00.003-07:002013-02-19T07:31:44.273-07:00I've Moved My Blog!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3L_pKE3MX0/USOMJKdn18I/AAAAAAAAHMw/M63MrkJIsHQ/s1600/Lilacs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3L_pKE3MX0/USOMJKdn18I/AAAAAAAAHMw/M63MrkJIsHQ/s1600/Lilacs.jpg" /></a></div>
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NOTE: THIS IS JUST A SNIPPET - MY REAL POST IS AT MY NEW ADDRESS:<br />
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www.keepingwiththetimes.com<br />
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I've moved my blog to WordPress and I know I haven't been showing up in your blog rolls. If you want to follow me you will have to re-subscribe to my RSS Feed.<br />
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PS I miss you...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-31568875590748855902013-02-17T08:19:00.000-07:002013-02-17T08:19:37.956-07:00A Fresh New Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-it5E_GdvXgE/USDx0gPwPCI/AAAAAAAAHLs/dwNvRd5mWMY/s1600/Spring-Mantle-Green-Sprigs-Daffodils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-it5E_GdvXgE/USDx0gPwPCI/AAAAAAAAHLs/dwNvRd5mWMY/s1600/Spring-Mantle-Green-Sprigs-Daffodils.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've just recently moved my blog to WordPress and as a result I may no longer be showing up in any feeds or readers that you may have had me in. So sad... I miss you...<br />
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Today I'm posting from my old blog to let you know how to find your way back. I made a slight name change from Keeping <b>UP </b>with the Times to <a href="http://www.keepingwiththetimes.com/" target="_blank">Keeping With The Times</a> and you can find me here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.keepingwiththetimes.com/">www.keepingwiththetimes.com</a><br />
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You can re-subscribe using my RSS Feed, or subscribe to e-mail updates. I'm also active on <a href="https://plus.google.com/105340758642974035715/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a>.<br />
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Moving to WordPress has really shook me up :) but I'm confident that things will work out. I just have to keep working hard to find all my followers. Hope to see you soon. I want to make my way back to you too.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-72121027064058824142013-01-15T05:00:00.000-07:002013-01-15T16:14:29.727-07:00The Art of Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOIbNs-ZRQU/UPTVv6T_y7I/AAAAAAAAG9U/F3E8ccPBEZE/s1600/teacupwithwinterspices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="840" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOIbNs-ZRQU/UPTVv6T_y7I/AAAAAAAAG9U/F3E8ccPBEZE/s640/teacupwithwinterspices.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
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... make sure you heat the teapot first ...</div>
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... add the tea ...</div>
... let steep for five minutes ...<br />
... pour into simple cup ...<br />
... breathe in the winter spice scent ...<br />
... enjoy ...<br />
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does anyone else see "f art" in there? :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J19nfm6F4Y4/UPXiIbjY-RI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/6i4YKzN7_z8/s1600/teacupwithwinterspices01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="840" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J19nfm6F4Y4/UPXiIbjY-RI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/6i4YKzN7_z8/s640/teacupwithwinterspices01.jpg" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">revised version</td></tr>
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Ah, yes... we must be able to laugh at ourselves...<br />
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<a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/texture-tuesday-cuppa-love-edition.html" target="_blank"><img height="53" src="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/storage/kk_ttbutton.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1350309362685" width="200" /></a><br />
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I'm moving my little blog over to WordPress. It should be finished sometime this week. I understand that if you are following me, you will still see me in Google Reader. But if you don't see me for a while, check me out on Google+ for updates and maybe you can find your way back to my blog and I to yours.<br />
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I have a Google+ Followers Gadget on my sidebar (not the same as Google Friend Connect) if you want to follow me there. I follow back!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-31786067013090892013-01-12T15:43:00.000-07:002013-01-13T00:43:59.152-07:00A book, a cup, and a handful of hazelnuts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rizSm_kdD8/UPHdNZzGU7I/AAAAAAAAG7I/nMYtJIZIOYs/s1600/teabag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rizSm_kdD8/UPHdNZzGU7I/AAAAAAAAG7I/nMYtJIZIOYs/s640/teabag.jpg" width="740" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-DynvFa0Xg/UPHdNNbVmPI/AAAAAAAAG7E/I3jJcSr-YIk/s1600/teacup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-DynvFa0Xg/UPHdNNbVmPI/AAAAAAAAG7E/I3jJcSr-YIk/s640/teacup.jpg" width="740" /></a></div>
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Oh joy! Kim is back! giving us inspiration and cheering us on. One of our little "pushes" this week was to take a photo of a book, a cup and an unusual object.<br />
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Now, teabags are not unusual - but I think this one is. And then there are the hazelnuts...<br />
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My friend gave me this tea for Christmas. All of these cute little tea bags (boxes) were nested together in another cute little box. I was loathe to open them up and destroy the orderliness of it all. But pretty things are meant to be used, right? No use saving things and then finding them 3 years later at the bottom of the pantry all stale and tasteless.<br />
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The cookbook was my Mom's. It has dozens of yellow newspaper clippings of recipes and there are handwritten notes all over the place. A treasure if there ever was one. What would she think if she could see it here right now, out in cyberspace. I doubt she could have fathomed it.<br />
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So this afternoon I had a pleasant little photo shoot, a cup of (very tasty) tea, and a handful of hazelnuts. All is good.<br />
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Note:<br />
I'm moving my little blog over to WordPress. It should be finished sometime next week. I understand that if you are following me, you will still see me in Google Reader. But if you don't see me for a while, check me out on Google+ for updates and maybe you can find your way back to my blog and me to yours.<br />
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I have a Google+ Followers Gadget on my sidebar (not the same as Google Friend Connect) if you want to follow me there. I follow back!<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend!<br />
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"Chaos" by Kim Klassen at soft light.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/sts_button_final-1.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-1724912038706632872013-01-10T18:46:00.000-07:002013-01-12T10:53:42.116-07:00I'm moving...Egad! I'm taking the plunge and moving to WordPress! I've been mulling it over for so long I'm starting to get sick of myself, already.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzrFbbq6otc/UO8NBrEA69I/AAAAAAAAG3w/3dYZ53uRCo8/s1600/IMG_1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="840" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzrFbbq6otc/UO8NBrEA69I/AAAAAAAAG3w/3dYZ53uRCo8/s640/IMG_1480.JPG" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">into the wild blue yonder...</td></tr>
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My poor little blog is going to be experiencing a bit of a hiccup in the coming days... weeks maybe... but I'm optimistic that it will be worth it.<br />
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Keeping up with the times will soon be at a self-hosted WordPress site. That means I will own my content and will have full control over it. Other than that I don't know why I'm doing this except that the voice in my head telling me to do so has been so persistent - arghh! I can't shut it up!<br />
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I'm not doing it myself. Not a chance. I have enlisted the help of Kristi at <a href="http://www.linauerdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Linauer Designs</a>. Kristi specializes in Blogger to WordPress migration. I've handed the reins over to her and fully expect to wake up some morning in the near future to find that I can't find my blog...<br />
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Oh my word, what did I just say? Can't find my blog? Can my heart take it? I'm filled with anxiety. But also excitement.<br />
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I've decided that it has a lot to do with my mantra to "learn something new, try something different, blah blah blah..." I just can't seem to leave well enough alone.<br />
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So, I am going to lose my GFC gadget. Now that HURTS! But I understand that anyone who is following me will still find my posts in Google Reader. And you can still subscribe by e-mail and RSS. You can find me on Google+ too. Oh, I do hope I don't lose anyone!<br />
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If you are out there - and you don't see me for a while, please check Google+ (if you are so inclined that is) for updates.<br />
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Wish me well.<br />
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Weekly Top Shot at <a href="http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/?p=9123" target="_blank">The view from right here.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-25500410052805844242013-01-07T19:25:00.000-07:002013-01-07T19:25:15.020-07:00On my walk today...I saw deer tracks that looked like hearts...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkDm8UU6Dvs/UOuAz7SQIEI/AAAAAAAAGys/597_4dC67pQ/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkDm8UU6Dvs/UOuAz7SQIEI/AAAAAAAAGys/597_4dC67pQ/s640/IMG_1583.JPG" width="740" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqqnMxx5xNg/UOuDDN0S5BI/AAAAAAAAGz4/SX8ycjjvVj4/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqqnMxx5xNg/UOuDDN0S5BI/AAAAAAAAGz4/SX8ycjjvVj4/s640/IMG_1596.JPG" width="740" /></a></div>
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beautiful, snowy landscapes...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb2v1kQVECY/UOuAua3Dk2I/AAAAAAAAGyk/YMgNw3jIdso/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb2v1kQVECY/UOuAua3Dk2I/AAAAAAAAGyk/YMgNw3jIdso/s640/IMG_1584.JPG" width="740" /></a></div>
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and... what are the chances of this...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WxVyBTkdT4/UOuBoQAKs5I/AAAAAAAAGy0/PDQ4i-Dm6pI/s1600/IMG_1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WxVyBTkdT4/UOuBoQAKs5I/AAAAAAAAGy0/PDQ4i-Dm6pI/s640/IMG_1595.JPG" width="740" /></a></div>
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When you live like a hermit in the country this is about as exciting as it gets. I don't mind. It's a good thing I have my toys.<br />
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Hope you are having a great January so far!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-39272817636328338602013-01-04T09:11:00.003-07:002013-01-04T09:11:42.961-07:00Creating is a mystery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XPnHJqP4Bo/UOb6XazCJcI/AAAAAAAAGv8/hMwGlRfZ8_o/s1600/Trust-the-Process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XPnHJqP4Bo/UOb6XazCJcI/AAAAAAAAGv8/hMwGlRfZ8_o/s640/Trust-the-Process.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
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Today I started WORK (my word for 2013) at 6:00 a.m. I plan to keep going until noon which will mean I'll have put in 7 hours (minus this little bloggy break).<br />
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I couldn't wait to get started. Ideas were filling my head and pouring out onto my notebook.<br />
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I literally felt overtaken by some mysterious force. I don't know if it was the coffee but I felt shaky and impulsive. Weird. I wish I knew what brings this on. I've had it before so it's no stranger to me but I do know that I can't make it happen - it just does. Most times I can brainstorm all day and not come up with a single thing. I guess I won't try to figure it out - I just have to go with it.<br />
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I better go... I just thought of something...<br />
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Have a wonderful day!<br />
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"Trust the Process" brush by Kim Klassen<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-35187427279836345492013-01-03T16:26:00.004-07:002013-01-03T16:26:57.495-07:00Feels like spring today...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRdd-_joCpk/UOYSbL0-lSI/AAAAAAAAGu8/wAq2MKS5UL8/s1600/IMG_1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRdd-_joCpk/UOYSbL0-lSI/AAAAAAAAGu8/wAq2MKS5UL8/s640/IMG_1505.JPG" width="740" /></a></div>
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I had plans to WORK today but I ended up going for groceries, which led me to a clothes store where everything was 50 - 70% off... so needless to say I didn't get home in good time...<br />
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Then I decided the day was shot, so I went for a walk. It's simply gorgeous here with temperatures in the 0 - +3 Celsius range. This is what gets us northerners through our long winters - we dream of spring in January.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-57497525901126109012013-01-01T02:00:00.000-07:002013-01-07T09:27:00.118-07:00My word for 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9kJAFOXo0s/UOIfxoKjDSI/AAAAAAAAGpI/7s8Ng-LzDyk/s1600/Word-for-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="840" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9kJAFOXo0s/UOIfxoKjDSI/AAAAAAAAGpI/7s8Ng-LzDyk/s640/Word-for-2013.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
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I have new and exciting opportunities brewing in my world and it's going to take a lot of discipline and hard work if I want to succeed.<br />
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That is why I've chosen the word "WORK". Just having that in my head has sent me to my computer every morning this year with the intention of getting down to business. No Pinterest, no reading blogs, no <b>fun</b>, until I have put in several hours of work.<br />
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For me, this is the best word for 2013.<br />
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/word-of-the-year-link-party-2013" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" src="http://theletteredcottage.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Word_Of_The_Year_2013.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-30580552911684779152012-12-31T08:07:00.000-07:002012-12-31T08:55:46.008-07:00Thank You, Dear Readers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFWHfUOP0zw/UOGdNWnvP8I/AAAAAAAAGnM/-OZjbLwGlrI/s1600/IMG_1395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="840" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFWHfUOP0zw/UOGdNWnvP8I/AAAAAAAAGnM/-OZjbLwGlrI/s640/IMG_1395.JPG" width="840" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, I've blogged another year away, and I want to say thank you to anyone who visited, left a comment, subscribed, followed (here and on fb and google), pinned, tweeted, and/or +1'd me! I appreciate every single one of you!<br />
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I started this blog in December of 2010 and I didn't even know exactly why... until the name 'Keeping up with the times' popped into my head. That seemed like a good enough reason - I basically wanted to keep up with the times. I didn't know the first thing about social media and felt quite out of touch. I've certainly come a long way but it's <b style="font-style: italic;">always changing!</b> however, over the past two years I've learned to not be afraid to learn something new or try something different . . . (and my tagline was born).<br />
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I'm excited about 2013 and look forward to new adventures - both in cyberspace and in my personal life. Some new opportunities are already brewing - I think I'm going to have a busy year.<br />
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I've chosen my word for 2013 - it's not pretty or idealistic, in fact I'm kind of scared of it... I'm going to reveal it tomorrow.<br />
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One more thing . . . if you like, you can f<span style="text-align: center;">ollow me on </span><a href="http://instagram.com/barbbrookbank" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Instagram</span></a><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange;"> </span>where I share bits and pieces of my (extra)ordinary days.</span><br />
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A Happy New Year to all!<br />
Barb<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-54542350604533473972012-12-30T08:25:00.000-07:002013-01-02T18:35:53.383-07:00Top 12 of 2012Once again as the year ends I've compiled a collection of my most viewed posts. This year my Vintage Paper Trees overtook what used to be the biggest hitter - my Rustic Country Whole Grain Wreath.<!-- inlinkz code start --><br />
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Linky Party at <a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/2012/12/linky-party-12-30-2012-its-party-time.html" target="_blank">Setting for Four</a>, DIY Project Parade at <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/12/30/diy-project-parade-and-diy-highlights-4/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a>, Mop It Up Mondays at <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/12/mop-it-up-mondays-48-new-years-eve.html" target="_blank">i should be mopping the floor</a>, Best of 2012 at <a href="http://www.dianarambles.com/2012/12/best-of-2012-party.html" target="_blank">Diana Rambles</a>, Clever Chicks Blog Hop at <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/clever-chicks-blog-hop-15-vetericyn.html" target="_blank">Clever Chicks</a>,Year End Review at <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.ca/2012/12/year-end-review-linky.html" target="_blank">Someday Crafts</a>, Wildly Original Link Party at <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.ca/2013/01/wildly-original-link-party-33.html" target="_blank">I Gotta Create!</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-85828439991944055872012-12-29T06:55:00.001-07:002012-12-30T07:26:32.534-07:00Seeing Through the Lens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDCwnKnz3ig/UN7yhtwm7xI/AAAAAAAAGj0/MVoHb_WFDK8/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDCwnKnz3ig/UN7yhtwm7xI/AAAAAAAAGj0/MVoHb_WFDK8/s640/IMG_1371.JPG" width="740" /></a></div>
<br />
I was looking for "patterns" for the December 28 - One Word Project (Instagram) at <a href="http://shuttersisters.com/" target="_blank">Shutter Sisters</a>. I thought I was just getting the wire fence, but I also got the two sets of branches - almost like a mirror image! I didn't even see them until I processed the photo in Picfx. I'm constantly amazed by what our cameras reveal to us and once again I am reminded that I'm missing so much that's going on around me by not paying attention.<br />
<br />
<br />
Weekly Top Shot at <a href="http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/?p=9011" target="_blank">The View From Right Here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/sts_button_final-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-70088485825213730502012-12-28T09:12:00.000-07:002013-01-03T07:25:57.031-07:00Rustic Pear TartI've discovered a new go-to recipe for a dessert that is not only easy but definitely a 10 when it comes to the wow factor!<br />
<br />
I had purchased some beautiful Bosc pears simply to photograph but when I was finished I had to find a way to use them up. As luck would have it, I was asked to bring something to a housewarming party to help welcome some friends to the neighborhood. Aha! wouldn't it be interesting to try making a pear tart...<br />
<br />
I had a pleasant afternoon making this creation. It was snowing and chilly outside - warm and toasty inside. As the mouthwatering smells of butter and almond filled the house I felt so peaceful. Baking can be a form of meditation if you choose to make it so.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOzTgSfLbIs/UN2qR0mDrPI/AAAAAAAAGiU/Jx1NAHbBG8U/s1600/Pear-Tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOzTgSfLbIs/UN2qR0mDrPI/AAAAAAAAGiU/Jx1NAHbBG8U/s640/Pear-Tart.jpg" width="740" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bojN0L0O28/UN2qSwTdGAI/AAAAAAAAGic/Ud7TR-Qegns/s1600/Pear-Tart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bojN0L0O28/UN2qSwTdGAI/AAAAAAAAGic/Ud7TR-Qegns/s640/Pear-Tart1.jpg" width="740" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJFcD2PMjsQ/UN2qT6zWnWI/AAAAAAAAGik/_TCScJEyGLM/s1600/Pear-Tart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJFcD2PMjsQ/UN2qT6zWnWI/AAAAAAAAGik/_TCScJEyGLM/s640/Pear-Tart2.jpg" width="740" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05fhg0Ns-iY/UN2qUyHfNnI/AAAAAAAAGis/B_qWSIanKyo/s1600/Pear-Tart3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05fhg0Ns-iY/UN2qUyHfNnI/AAAAAAAAGis/B_qWSIanKyo/s640/Pear-Tart3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m83OPWidRSY/UN2qV4s3A2I/AAAAAAAAGi0/ZUSAYyRWYm0/s1600/Pear-Tart4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m83OPWidRSY/UN2qV4s3A2I/AAAAAAAAGi0/ZUSAYyRWYm0/s640/Pear-Tart4.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Pear Tart</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Butter Crust</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/4 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 tsp sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 Tbsp very cold butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 - 4 Tbsp ice water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cut the cold butter into the flour, salt, sugar mixture with a pastry cutter or food processor until the pieces of butter are no larger than a small pea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add the ice water, blending with a fork until mixture starts to stick together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Form the dough into a disc and place it on a lightly floured counter top. Roll it out like a pie shell, using small dustings of flour to keep it from sticking. Place in the tart pan, patting it down and into the edges of the pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Filling (frangipane)</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 cup </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">almond paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Tbsp unsalted butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pinch of salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 large Bosc Pears</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beat together the almond paste and sugar. Beat in the butter. Add flour, egg, and salt, beat thoroughly until light and fluffy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Core and slice the pears into 1/8 - 1/4 inch slices, sprinkling lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning. I didn't peel the pears - the skins add to the visual appeal and are not noticeable when eaten (but of course you can peel them if you like).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spread the almond mixture (frangipane) on the bottom of the crust. Arrange the pears in a circle, overlapping each one slightly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bake for 30-35 minutes until the frangipane and crust are lightly browned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remove from oven and brush with glaze.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Glaze</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a small pot, heat 1/4 - 1/2 cup apple jelly until it has melted. Set aside and let cool slightly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone at the party thought it was amazing and there wasn't a crumb left over at the end of the night - definitely a keeper!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Pear Tart, adapted from "Simply Recipes".</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linky Party at <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2012/12/linky-party-15showcasing-your-best-of.html" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a>, Linky Party at <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/12/linky-party-pity-party-120/" target="_blank">Thirty Handmade Days</a>, Inspiration Friday <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/12/inspiration-friday-no-94-welcome.html" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a>, Show and Tell Friday at <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a>, Chic and Crafty Party at <a href="http://thefrugalgirls.com/2012/12/chic-and-crafty-party-1227.html" target="_blank">The Frugal Girls</a>, Saturday Night Special at <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/12/sns-168-your-best-diys-of-2012.html" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, Wildly Original Link Party at <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.ca/2012/12/wildly-original-link-party-32.html" target="_blank">I Gotta Create</a>, DIY Project Parade at <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/12/30/diy-project-parade-and-diy-highlights-4/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a>, Mop It Up Mondays at <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/12/mop-it-up-mondays-48-new-years-eve.html" target="_blank">i should be mopping the floor</a>, Thursday Favorite Things at <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2013/01/03/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-69/" target="_blank">Katherines Corner</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-53527732571670880442012-12-18T10:07:00.003-07:002012-12-20T08:24:00.204-07:00Pine Grosbeak<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEABl7Dq1VE/UNCeIamTTkI/AAAAAAAAGfs/hmaTuQBpV_s/s1600/grosbeaks-6352-A-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="563" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEABl7Dq1VE/UNCeIamTTkI/AAAAAAAAGfs/hmaTuQBpV_s/s640/grosbeaks-6352-A-blog.jpg" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not looking...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJbYCTDqHKU/UNCeKV39t4I/AAAAAAAAGf0/KjqbMrHZQmg/s1600/grosbeaks-6353-A-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="563" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJbYCTDqHKU/UNCeKV39t4I/AAAAAAAAGf0/KjqbMrHZQmg/s640/grosbeaks-6353-A-blog.jpg" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...talk to me...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09GS8aHISzw/UNCehZH-RmI/AAAAAAAAGgU/c-mCQUq1bn8/s1600/grosbeaks-6357-A-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="563" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09GS8aHISzw/UNCehZH-RmI/AAAAAAAAGgU/c-mCQUq1bn8/s640/grosbeaks-6357-A-blog.jpg" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...I'm listening...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yA210_TqYvM/UNCeOJRdc-I/AAAAAAAAGgM/Tc_N2KoYUkA/s1600/grosbeaks-6356-A-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="563" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yA210_TqYvM/UNCeOJRdc-I/AAAAAAAAGgM/Tc_N2KoYUkA/s640/grosbeaks-6356-A-blog.jpg" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...you've got my attention...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QYJ0IuX_zRk/UNCeLK4DaYI/AAAAAAAAGf8/b_izrDWoivU/s1600/grosbeaks-6354-A-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="563" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QYJ0IuX_zRk/UNCeLK4DaYI/AAAAAAAAGf8/b_izrDWoivU/s640/grosbeaks-6354-A-blog.jpg" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...almost...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3NbqnVaPv4/UNCeNHLzbeI/AAAAAAAAGgE/a038bkRDkJI/s1600/grosbeaks-6355-A-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="563" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3NbqnVaPv4/UNCeNHLzbeI/AAAAAAAAGgE/a038bkRDkJI/s640/grosbeaks-6355-A-blog.jpg" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...alright, already...I'm looking...</td></tr>
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Look who graced our yard on Sunday.<br />
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<i>One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches."</i></div>
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<i>~All About Birds~</i></div>
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This or That Thursday at <a href="http://debduty.com/">debduty.com</a><br />
Linking up to <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.ca/2012/12/wild-bird-wednesday-23-dusky-moorhen.html" target="_blank">World Bird Wednesday</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-90567588816055475292012-12-16T08:57:00.001-07:002012-12-20T08:18:53.726-07:00A Frosty Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PaR65Erhog/UMy1wWgS8JI/AAAAAAAAGeg/qCoyyiggf-k/s1600/frostbokeh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PaR65Erhog/UMy1wWgS8JI/AAAAAAAAGeg/qCoyyiggf-k/s640/frostbokeh.jpg" width="740" /></a></div>
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(Bokeh added using Picfx)<br />
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<a href="http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/sts_button_final-1.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-75732247111616656422012-12-12T17:39:00.002-07:002012-12-12T17:39:41.329-07:0012.12.12.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wnGZq3pMAI/UMkizdd394I/AAAAAAAAGbQ/KKtRQTn86vE/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wnGZq3pMAI/UMkizdd394I/AAAAAAAAGbQ/KKtRQTn86vE/s640/IMG_1033.JPG" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosted Mini Wheats</td></tr>
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To celebrate this auspicious day I created a list of 12 things that made me merry:<br /><br />1. Seeing Santa...<br /><br />2. Finding a nice pair of black dress pants that fit me perfectly.<br /><br />3. Buying the last Christmas present on my list.<br /><br />4. Free peppermint hot chocolate at Starbucks!<br /><br />5. A ham and cheese croissant.<br /><br />6. The wintry wonderland that I drove through to get to the lake.<br /><br />7. Listening to Christmas music all the way home.<br /><br />8. My camera and my iPhone<br /><br />9. The attendant at the gas station washed my windows and my lights (I didn’t expect that).<br /><br />10. Finding another package from Devon Consulting in the mail with 3 more boxes of Burt’s Bees Products!<br /><br />11. Driving into the garage and being thankful for arriving home safely.<br /><br />12. A cup of hot tea.<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-11694443888749100672012-12-09T11:49:00.003-07:002012-12-30T13:18:59.093-07:00Hot Cocoa!Hot cocoa is definitely one of the simple joys of life! Yesterday I made some for hubby and myself after we came in from the cold (minus 19C) brrrrrr......<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xbh4YzVv-w/UMTXQp6xufI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/Kih9LfTAL9E/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xbh4YzVv-w/UMTXQp6xufI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/Kih9LfTAL9E/s640/IMG_0975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Hot Cocoa</u></span><br />
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1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Dutch processed)<br />
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1/4 - 3/4 cup sugar - I would suggest starting with less than 1/4 cup then adjust to taste later</div>
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Pinch of salt</div>
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1/3 cup water</div>
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3 1/2 cups milk</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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1/2 cup whipping cream</div>
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COMBINE cocoa, sugar, salt and water in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring constantly.</div>
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ADD milk and heat, stirring constantly - don't boil. Here is where I suggest you add more sugar if desired - heating until dissolved.</div>
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REMOVE from heat, stir in cream and vanilla. Top with marshmallows.</div>
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mmmmm, yummee!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/sts_button_final-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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Free For All Friday at <a href="http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/12/feature-friday-free-for-all-45.html" target="_blank">Five Days... 5 Ways</a><br />
DIY Project Parade at <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/12/30/diy-project-parade-and-diy-highlights-4/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-15231307579575456772012-12-07T08:07:00.000-07:002012-12-07T12:29:38.132-07:00Burt's BeesI work hard on my blog. I love it, but I work hard.<br />
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I spend countless hours working on some aspect of it whether it is a blog post, networking, or the actual design of it.<br />
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That's why I am so thrilled about my two packages of <a href="http://www.burtsbees.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Burt's Bees</b></span></a> products that arrived in the mail this week.<br />
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Earlier, I was contacted and asked if I would accept some products to try out and maybe blog about them. Well, umm, yes, I'll take a little gift! Why not? As I said, I work hard on my blog and I'm going to think of this as a bit of a reward! And the thing is, I already had a love affair going on with their products, so thank you, Burt's Bees!<br />
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When I opened up this little jar of hand cream, I was treated to the sweetest, soft almond smell ever. Mmmmm, the yummiest!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eep7kwHcWTk/UMH76uE_-kI/AAAAAAAAGUw/jB6UJNTkaC4/s1600/Burt's_Bees-6102-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="569" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eep7kwHcWTk/UMH76uE_-kI/AAAAAAAAGUw/jB6UJNTkaC4/s640/Burt's_Bees-6102-web.jpg" width="850" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream</td></tr>
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Everything was packaged up in neat little boxes but I quickly opened them so I could sniff and sample my way through it all. Look at this cute little collection of products designed to keep my skin and lips from shriveling up in this dry old Alberta winter. I must say I love that lip balm - it's smooth and silky and makes my lips feel fab!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bycN6vRK3pY/UMH-pIkJVKI/AAAAAAAAGVs/fEN5fJw5fBY/s1600/Burt's_Bees-6115-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="569" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bycN6vRK3pY/UMH-pIkJVKI/AAAAAAAAGVs/fEN5fJw5fBY/s640/Burt's_Bees-6115-web.jpg" width="850" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handy little bag to carry around in my purse.</td></tr>
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Next up was this Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I had to stop everything and go give myself a manicure (yes, I do live the life O'Reilly). This cream came just in time for me to have decent looking nails for Christmas. Oh, and the lemony smell...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-1VUC1FpBQ/UMIBJhuEmsI/AAAAAAAAGWo/rrZ69mSHFzM/s1600/Burt's_Bees-6097-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="569" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-1VUC1FpBQ/UMIBJhuEmsI/AAAAAAAAGWo/rrZ69mSHFzM/s640/Burt's_Bees-6097-web.jpg" width="850" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream</td></tr>
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So, here is my little collection of goodies. I love how each and every one of these products makes my skin feel so soft and silky. I truly do love their products.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnINvQ1D-D8/UMIC8KDYOJI/AAAAAAAAGWw/zSd_WsGF6fg/s1600/Burt's_Bees-6090-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="569" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnINvQ1D-D8/UMIC8KDYOJI/AAAAAAAAGWw/zSd_WsGF6fg/s640/Burt's_Bees-6090-web.jpg" width="850" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O happy day--a gift to me from Burt's Bees!</td></tr>
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From <a href="http://www.burtsbees.ca/c/company/about-us.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Burt's Bees</b></span></a>:<br />
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<i>Your well-being is affected every single day by the personal care products you use. Our goal is to create and educate people on truly natural products that have a positive effect on both you and the world you live in for the good of your well-being, for the good of the environment and for The Greater Good. Simply put, we strive to make people's lives better every day — naturally.</i></div>
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Ya gotta love that!</div>
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Have a silky soft day!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-19776444591139156512012-12-06T10:30:00.001-07:002012-12-14T20:37:19.360-07:00Recycled Paper Twiggy TagsWe're putting our Christmas tree up on Saturday and I wanted something new to hang on it. Since I'm going to keep the rustic re-cycled look of last year where I used the <a href="http://keepingupwiththetimes.blogspot.ca/2011/12/oh-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Dictionary Page Garland</span></a> and the cardboard snowflakes I wanted to make something similar. Re-used, re-cycled, and cheap!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0BshrOz7ifM/UL-0h12qamI/AAAAAAAAGSI/x7fWy8sRITs/s1600/paper_tags-6049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="840" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0BshrOz7ifM/UL-0h12qamI/AAAAAAAAGSI/x7fWy8sRITs/s640/paper_tags-6049.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
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So in keeping with the theme I took some cardboard tags and covered both sides with paper from an old dictionary (what else) then I sanded the edges and "inked" them with a brown scrapbook ink pad to add a bit of antiquing.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EiLt0pGIpA/UL-0coVCo-I/AAAAAAAAGR4/nR0Q4gtRcAM/s1600/paper_tags-6043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="840" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EiLt0pGIpA/UL-0coVCo-I/AAAAAAAAGR4/nR0Q4gtRcAM/s640/paper_tags-6043.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
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I made a twiggy little tree from some dry old willow branches and cut out a small brown star for the top.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xaCn6FyHDI/UL-0aTk00BI/AAAAAAAAGRw/2GGHFtFM01E/s1600/paper_tags-6041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xaCn6FyHDI/UL-0aTk00BI/AAAAAAAAGRw/2GGHFtFM01E/s640/paper_tags-6041.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
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Easy as one, two, three.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWqAVPwpLPs/UMDTMCfHbtI/AAAAAAAAGTk/fU8s-2ln3tE/s1600/Tags-6060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="563" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWqAVPwpLPs/UMDTMCfHbtI/AAAAAAAAGTk/fU8s-2ln3tE/s640/Tags-6060.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
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The old Hoosier cabinet keeps everything in order.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jR9Bcz06p0/UL-0fLw0RzI/AAAAAAAAGSA/cMtzDZZjo7Q/s1600/paper_tags-6048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jR9Bcz06p0/UL-0fLw0RzI/AAAAAAAAGSA/cMtzDZZjo7Q/s640/paper_tags-6048.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
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I plan to use a few as gift tags as well.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPIKeh4ISC4/UMDTOzbL1dI/AAAAAAAAGT0/ZkWuZxf23aI/s1600/Tags-6084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPIKeh4ISC4/UMDTOzbL1dI/AAAAAAAAGT0/ZkWuZxf23aI/s640/Tags-6084.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbjdzajNzYI/UMDTNZJZxNI/AAAAAAAAGTs/mz6VCJSlt0s/s1600/Tags-6066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbjdzajNzYI/UMDTNZJZxNI/AAAAAAAAGTs/mz6VCJSlt0s/s640/Tags-6066.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
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I used a glue stick to glue the paper to the cardboard and white glue to glue the twigs on. White glue takes a bit longer to dry than a glue gun but it just seemed to work better for me.<br />
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Such a quick and easy decoration! and I'm all for <i>quick and easy and cheap and re-cycled</i>.<br />
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Have a wonder filled day!<br />
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<br />
Blog Linky Party at <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/blog-link-party-with-gifts-for-guys/" target="_blank">Somewhat Simple</a>, A Crafty Soiree at <a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/2012/12/crafty-soiree-119-a-crayola-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Yesterday on Tuesday</a>, Thursday Favorite Things at <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2012/12/06/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-65/" target="_blank">Katherines Corner</a>, Link Party at <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2012/12/clay-filigree-ornaments-link-party/" target="_blank">Centsational Girl</a>, Inspiration Friday <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/12/inspiration-friday-92.html" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a>, The Best Christmas and DIY Crafts Ever at <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/12/the-best-christmas-diys-and-crafts-ever.html" target="_blank">The Nesting Place</a>, Link Party at <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2012/12/linky-party-12.html" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a>, Feature Friday at <a href="http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/12/feature-friday-free-for-all-44-winner.html" target="_blank">Five Days 5 Ways</a>, Clever Chicks Bog Hop at <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/clever-chicks-blog-hop-10-rural.html" target="_blank">The Chicken Chick</a>, Pity Party at <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/12/linky_party_117/" target="_blank">Thirty Handmade Days</a>, Simply Link Party at <a href="http://simplydesigning.blogspot.ca/2012/12/simply-link-party.html" target="_blank">Simply Designing</a>, Create and Inspire at <a href="http://littleinspiration.com/2012/12/create-inspire-party-127.html" target="_blank">Little Inspiration</a>, Saturday Night Special at <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/12/sns-165-diy-mini-christmas-trees.html" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, Holiday DIY Party at <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/12/12/diy-holiday-highlights-party-5/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a>, Wildly Original Link Party at <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.ca/2012/12/wildly-original-link-party-30.html" target="_blank">I Gotta Create!</a>, Feathered Nest Friday at <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.ca/2012/12/feathered-nest-friday_13.html" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a>, 12 Days of Christmas at <a href="http://www.inspiredbycharm.com/2012/12/12-days-of-christmas-link-party-and.html" target="_blank">Inspired by Charm</a>, Christmas Craft Linky Party at <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2012/12/christmas-craft-linky-party.html" target="_blank">Shanty 2 Chic</a><br />
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<script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-40587992901969946962012-12-05T08:53:00.000-07:002012-12-05T08:53:45.797-07:00Refrigerator CookiesI just love.love.love. refrigerator cookies at Christmas time. Such convenience! Whip up a batch of dough, roll into logs, wrap in parchment paper. You can store the logs in the fridge for a day or two or freeze for a month. Take them out any old time and you can have fresh baked cookies in an instant!<br />
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They also make an awesome little hostess gift if you wrap them up in a cellophane bag and add a pretty Christmas topper with a tag.<br />
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After countless years of using an old family recipe, I decided to try something new. I couldn't have been happier with the results. They are buttery, light, and tender with a bit of chewy goodness from the cherries. They are also <i>prettier</i>!! And we all know it's all about how it looks, right? OK, maybe not, but it's nice.<br />
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I like to bake these cookies just before guests arrive so that the buttery sweet smell fills the house and makes me feel like Mrs. Claus herself...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Refrigerator Cookies</u></b></span><br />
PREP 20 MIN | TOTAL 1 HOUR<br />
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1 cup <i><b>unsalted </b></i>butter<br />
1 cup white sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract<br />
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2 2/3 cup flour<br />
1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
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3/4 cup very finely chopped red and green glace cherries<br />
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds<br />
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CREAM butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.<br />
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SIFT together dry ingredients. Add to the butter/sugar mixture. Mix well. Fold in the cherries and almonds.<br />
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DIVIDE the dough into thirds, place each on a separate piece of wax or parchment paper. Shape into 7" rectangular logs. Wrap the paper around each one and chill for several hours.<br />
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SLICE the logs into 1/4" slices and bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Watch closely--you don't want to brown the bottoms too much.<br />
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*The uncooked logs can be frozen for one month. When you want to make cookies, remove logs from freezer and let sit for a few minutes to warm up before slicing.<br />
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*Adapted from The Joy of Baking<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1I5DZHTSzc/UIgxVOC7TtI/AAAAAAAAFmE/IewjSH4JnWw/s1600/Refrigerator-Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="850" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1I5DZHTSzc/UIgxVOC7TtI/AAAAAAAAFmE/IewjSH4JnWw/s640/Refrigerator-Cookies.jpg" width="569" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slice into 1/4 inch slices.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aX5eAq0PLCQ/UIgxWS-YdJI/AAAAAAAAFmM/r_bsIAnttKQ/s1600/Refrigerator-Cookies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="569" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aX5eAq0PLCQ/UIgxWS-YdJI/AAAAAAAAFmM/r_bsIAnttKQ/s640/Refrigerator-Cookies1.jpg" width="850" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch the bottoms so they don't burn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Package up for gifts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aI0qYrWPeU/UIgxYUevgPI/AAAAAAAAFmc/VYSngtjSnZY/s1600/Refrigerator-Cookies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="569" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aI0qYrWPeU/UIgxYUevgPI/AAAAAAAAFmc/VYSngtjSnZY/s640/Refrigerator-Cookies3.jpg" width="850" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add a pretty homemade tag.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-58201904149362441022012-12-03T06:59:00.000-07:002012-12-19T07:21:53.960-07:00A White Christmas Mantel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUho3LiKjRQ/ULyhVgSSopI/AAAAAAAAGPs/ubdsDThJCi0/s1600/Christmas_Mantel-5888-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUho3LiKjRQ/ULyhVgSSopI/AAAAAAAAGPs/ubdsDThJCi0/s640/Christmas_Mantel-5888-web.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted to design a different type of wreath this year and and when I came across a square wreath on Pinterest I knew I wanted one!<br />
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Willow for the frame was an obvious choice for me - I have a <b><i>mega </i></b>abundance of it growing in my back yard and I really love working with it. In the past I've made baskets, planters, and even a bench using willow. I love the way the branches seem to roll into place and fit together snugly - no matter how crooked they are.<br />
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To make the frame I cut four pieces of willow into 20" pieces, put two on top of the other two (top and bottom) and secured them together with nails. Then I added two small pieces to create the panes. As I mentioned, willow falls together seamlessly and it's rustic so perfectionism is not allowed here.<br />
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I also absolutely love the wild look of birch branches so out I went again to gather some up. I feel very fortunate that I live in the country and have all this natural material around me.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mh8lQZUJ_XI/ULyhTeTaahI/AAAAAAAAGPc/J2kauRGey28/s1600/Christmas_Mantel-1-5878-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mh8lQZUJ_XI/ULyhTeTaahI/AAAAAAAAGPc/J2kauRGey28/s640/Christmas_Mantel-1-5878-web.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
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I simply wove the birch around the frame and the panes. No glue, nails, string or wires were used. As I added branches they all kind of held each other together - it's really quite sturdy.<br />
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Then I added a few birch branches along the the mantel and put a couple of strings of teeny tiny white lights throughout. I already had the big white wooden frame, the bird picture, the tall white wooden bird and the "Let It Snow" sign. The only thing I spent money on was the paint for the wooden frame.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKYqN76x6XM/ULyhWfGMYVI/AAAAAAAAGP0/8wGokrJCnB4/s1600/Christmas_Mantel-Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="533" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKYqN76x6XM/ULyhWfGMYVI/AAAAAAAAGP0/8wGokrJCnB4/s640/Christmas_Mantel-Web.jpg" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my starting off point.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQUTpZqO4QM/ULyhUfkUOmI/AAAAAAAAGPk/aZd13D9TF_o/s1600/Christmas_Mantel-5770-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQUTpZqO4QM/ULyhUfkUOmI/AAAAAAAAGPk/aZd13D9TF_o/s640/Christmas_Mantel-5770-web.jpg" width="840" /></a></div>
I wanted my wreath to contrast with the frame and the grey was just not cutting it. So I covered it using this paint I found in my favourite antique/collectible/junk store. First time I've come across chalk paint. I was inspired to say the least. It took no time at all to get it done - it dries extremely fast so 2 coats took about 1 hour - perfect for someone so impatient as me. I decided not to use the antiquing wax since I wanted an overall white and dreamy effect on my mantel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txQ2Sdrz30I/ULytGZmpdJI/AAAAAAAAGQw/Daa2YerqSqs/s1600/Gathering-branches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txQ2Sdrz30I/ULytGZmpdJI/AAAAAAAAGQw/Daa2YerqSqs/s640/Gathering-branches.jpg" width="840" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am - in my element...</td></tr>
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I'm really loving the simple, rustic and clean look to my mantel this year. Hope you do too!<br />
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Sunday Showcase Party at <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/12/the-sunday-showcase-party-no-129.html" target="_blank">Under The Table and Dreaming</a>, A Homespun Christmas at <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2012/12/a-homespun-christmasvignettes-and.html" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a>, Christmas Mantel Decorating Ideas at <a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/christmas-mantel-decorating-ideas-link-party/" target="_blank">The Lettered Cottage</a>, Wow us Wednesdays at <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2012/12/wow-us-wednesdays-95.html" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a>, Saturday Night Special at <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/12/sns-165-diy-mini-christmas-trees.html" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, 'Tis The Season Holiday Linky Party at <a href="http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.ca/2012/12/tis-season-holiday-link-party-2012.html" target="_blank">Embracing Change</a>, 12 Days of Christmas at <a href="http://www.inspiredbycharm.com/2012/12/12-days-of-christmas-link-party-and.html" target="_blank">Inspired by Charm</a>, 2012 Christmas Tour of Homes at the <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/12/2012-christmas-tour-of-homes.html" target="_blank">Nesting Place</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-11094101412311219282012-12-01T06:59:00.002-07:002012-12-01T06:59:38.811-07:00Cream Cheese Walnut Cookies*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofVx25WxdDY/ULoJz1W5cEI/AAAAAAAAGOg/iWyLiJMQH6w/s1600/Cream-Cheese-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofVx25WxdDY/ULoJz1W5cEI/AAAAAAAAGOg/iWyLiJMQH6w/s640/Cream-Cheese-2012.jpg" width="744" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Cream Cheese Walnut Cookies</u></span><br />
PREP 45 MIN | TOTAL 1 HR 30 MIN<br />
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4 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 1/4 teaspoons salt<br />
1 pound unsalted butter, softened<br />
6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature, not whipped<br />
1 1/4 cups sugar<br />
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 1/2 cups walnuts, toasted and chopped<br />
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped<br />
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Sift together flour and salt. Cream butter and cream cheese on medium until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in sugar and vanilla. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture, and mix until just combined (do not over mix). Mix in toasted walnuts.<br />
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Divide dough into two equal amounts and shape each piece into an 8 1/2 inch long log (about 2 inches in diameter). Wrap each log in parchment and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees with racks in upper and lower thirds. Remove one log from freezer. Roll in 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts. Cut log into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Transfer to baking sheets.<br />
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Bake, switching positions of sheets and rotating halfway through, until cookies are golden around the edges, 18 - 20 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; let cool. Repeat the process with remaining dough using cooled cookie sheets.<br />
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*I posted about these cookies last year but thought they deserved another turn in the limelight!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478738702507038796noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436984566957186749.post-78124095373629072352012-11-28T09:40:00.000-07:002012-12-13T16:02:05.035-07:00Hazelnut and Chocolate PinwheelsI always admired the pinwheel cookies that other people made but never considered trying it myself. I thought it was just too much work. But wait a minute... I'm the person who has made hundreds of perogies, cabbage rolls and <a href="http://keepingupwiththetimes.blogspot.ca/2011/03/pyrizhky.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">pyrizhky </span></a>and I can tell you it doesn't get any pickier than that.<br />
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These do take a bit of patience but the satisfaction of having these pretty little delicacies is so worth it! Just take your time and don't give up if the first ones aren't perfect... they taste as delicious and because you won't want to display them on your Christmas cookie plate, you'll just have to eat them...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Pinwheel Refrigerator Cookies</u></span><br />
PREP 45 MIN | TOTAL 1 HR 30 MIN<br />
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1 cup unsalted butter<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
2 1/2 cups flour<br />
1/8 tsp salt<br />
1/3 cup toasted ground hazelnuts*<br />
2 Tbsp cocoa powder<br />
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CREAM together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and blend well.<br />
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SIFT flour with salt and add to the butter mixture--blend well.<br />
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DIVIDE dough into two balls - making one ball about 1/3 cup smaller.<br />
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MIX the hazelnuts with the cocoa and add to the smallest ball of dough. Return to mixer and blend well.<br />
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DIVIDE the white dough and form into two flat rectangular shapes about 8 inches long. Divide chocolate dough and form into two flat rectangular shapes about 8 inches long. Wrap in plastic film and chill for 30 minutes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egeJhRv0Z68/ULY3QxX1zQI/AAAAAAAAGM0/LHP8mfKUyRE/s1600/Pinwheel-Cookies-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egeJhRv0Z68/ULY3QxX1zQI/AAAAAAAAGM0/LHP8mfKUyRE/s320/Pinwheel-Cookies-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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ROLL out one piece of the white dough to about a 10 x 8 inch rectangle (rolling it on parchment paper will help to lift it off the counter). Repeat with one chocolate piece.<br />
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PLACE one piece of rolled out chocolate dough on top of one white one. With a piece of parchment paper on top, roll gently over the top with a rolling pin to help stick the two pieces of dough together.<br />
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START from the 10 inch edge and roll tightly into a 2 inch diameter log and chill again for 30 minutes.<br />
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SLICE into 1/4 inch slices, place on cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes.<br />
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*Toasting hazelnuts adds a richer, nuttier flavour. Spread nuts out on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven at 250 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes--stirring several times. Let cool and then grind.<br />
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Wow us Wednesdays at <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2012/11/wow-us-wednesdays-94.html" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a>, Whatever Goes Wednesday at <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.ca/2012/11/whatever-goes-wednesday-146.html" target="_blank">Someday Crafts</a>, DIY Holiday Highlights at <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/11/28/diy-holiday-highlights-3/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a>, Wildly Original Link Party at <a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.ca/2012/11/wildly-original-link-party-28.html" target="_blank">I Gotta Create!</a>, Thursday Favorite Things at <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2012/11/29/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-64/" target="_blank">Katherines Corner</a>, Blog Linky Party at <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/blog-link-party-with-lds-wall-art/" target="_blank">Somewhat Simple</a>, Transformation Thursday at <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/11/transformation-thursday-no-180.html" target="_blank">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a>, A Crafty Soiree at <a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/2012/11/crafty-soiree-118-the-holidays-are-here.html" target="_blank">Yesterday on Tuesday</a>, Creative Juice Link up at <a href="http://www.momnivores-dilemma.com/2012/11/creative-juice-features-and-link-up.html" target="_blank">Momnivore's Dilemma</a>, Inspiration Friday <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/11/its-inspiration-friday-no-91-welcome.html" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a>, Happy Hour Link Party at <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2012/11/happy-hour-linky-party-11.html" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a>, Friday Flair at <a href="http://whipperberry.com/2012/11/friday-flair-link-party-christmas-star-edition.html" target="_blank">Whipperberry</a>, The Great Cookie Exchange at <a href="http://littleinspiration.com/2012/11/the-great-cookie-exchange-linky-party.html" target="_blank">Little Inspiration</a>, Feature Friday at <a href="http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/11/feature-friday-free-for-all-43-signs-by.html" target="_blank">Five Days 5 Ways</a>, Saturday Night Special at <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/11/sns-164-hand-built-furniture.html" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, Holiday Recipe Linky Party at <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/holiday-recipe-linky-party" target="_blank">Thistlewood Farm</a><br />
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