tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52961485056861028022024-03-18T15:57:24.377-04:00PennyWise LivingChristina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-55788578188932116042020-12-29T11:35:00.001-05:002020-12-29T11:35:28.924-05:00A New Years Eve Tree! Why not?<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHIZFdbKD0qBmz_q4PXBNd_pS8s0MUdG-MxgaR5_AsJR39Q7vlHvuUt4934eJB9X1pf7hU2n0OfpyoWEh3mqtXIlhHWAU9ttwUjKvbvyNOe95L_mP-0sUbieEyKjEW90J-TMtdNwHXCg/s1000/fullsizeoutput_5303.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHIZFdbKD0qBmz_q4PXBNd_pS8s0MUdG-MxgaR5_AsJR39Q7vlHvuUt4934eJB9X1pf7hU2n0OfpyoWEh3mqtXIlhHWAU9ttwUjKvbvyNOe95L_mP-0sUbieEyKjEW90J-TMtdNwHXCg/w622-h466/fullsizeoutput_5303.jpeg" width="622" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">With the hustle and bustle of the holidays winding down, why not ring in the new Year with a little whimsical decor that can brighten the spirits but is easy on your time and budget.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> Using some holiday leftovers and a few odds and ends it's easy to create a festive tablescape to welcome the year ahead with flair.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="435" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lG3T7cV_iEs" width="523" youtube-src-id="lG3T7cV_iEs"></iframe></div><br /><p><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Check out our Video here or on our Youtube Channel</span></span></span></span></span></span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcUgoeet9CHS_DNFVBCtAjre_a4owL5JsL_L19ahjqwW-E7Gnt1uxWLRWiQtm19Vox7UJmSgpU04suiWX0rG1ymBmbXGYa_tmv1pmKTyGXjd7S0QmoPJJ28M3fCrbCDBrPe98LopHBws/s2048/fullsizeoutput_52b3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcUgoeet9CHS_DNFVBCtAjre_a4owL5JsL_L19ahjqwW-E7Gnt1uxWLRWiQtm19Vox7UJmSgpU04suiWX0rG1ymBmbXGYa_tmv1pmKTyGXjd7S0QmoPJJ28M3fCrbCDBrPe98LopHBws/w338-h451/fullsizeoutput_52b3.jpeg" width="338" /></a></div> <br /> Coming out of the box, our tree needs a little TLC<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RQ-0_nV-qnAwnmG9UmpW0vQeU8G1zxPMWnmQYWI-M3KigHhg1I7GVGwSNcrN3HFl8xDyiyAJYe5ItXkxOLCFAZTX6w8N2glNja-jDheZJWzSafpt5FCcNzkw3h_QOHJbgK-qxQ6PtYw/s5184/IMG_0525.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RQ-0_nV-qnAwnmG9UmpW0vQeU8G1zxPMWnmQYWI-M3KigHhg1I7GVGwSNcrN3HFl8xDyiyAJYe5ItXkxOLCFAZTX6w8N2glNja-jDheZJWzSafpt5FCcNzkw3h_QOHJbgK-qxQ6PtYw/s320/IMG_0525.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztah7GUr6Fqy_AvVbns-56d5Rs5jwZbesndMYCcYcB_LHS8bLSFY5-_6c4CCumZ7HyRzyaLtoJy_10b6rwaIlCFIh0dRAiidsSSQaMAsjw2VWalzOggoyL04jx1bbtdiccabv60y3e4g/s5184/IMG_0530.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztah7GUr6Fqy_AvVbns-56d5Rs5jwZbesndMYCcYcB_LHS8bLSFY5-_6c4CCumZ7HyRzyaLtoJy_10b6rwaIlCFIh0dRAiidsSSQaMAsjw2VWalzOggoyL04jx1bbtdiccabv60y3e4g/s320/IMG_0530.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but the tree looks fun and festive spruced up with party beads, a clock printout, silver ball ornament and dress-up feather boa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mHcenQI0dmGoLbbu2cW8UxwSvWpBsCIdkG8eV8hLjUxNI5ySEQTyjlBTRQ3ej9a2_6mJZeSxoN6vZ_d0Bs-_UyKacpOgc7TMpGVNYP6gAGHSdrMcLi1VFHz9oguV1sqxhHNOomgF2Cc/s5184/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mHcenQI0dmGoLbbu2cW8UxwSvWpBsCIdkG8eV8hLjUxNI5ySEQTyjlBTRQ3ej9a2_6mJZeSxoN6vZ_d0Bs-_UyKacpOgc7TMpGVNYP6gAGHSdrMcLi1VFHz9oguV1sqxhHNOomgF2Cc/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe0_ir9knzP3PWWHrUe-HT4HDEu9rpgJ_WONzbX5FIfDStrsVqksGuLgPYSRAqDyX0D9T2dY5IM4EFEfAaOyza_48AWK_QNdapllNYfiDKXGdv6J5V61NhRyTZxPtZmkxOPShJlRPmNA/s5184/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe0_ir9knzP3PWWHrUe-HT4HDEu9rpgJ_WONzbX5FIfDStrsVqksGuLgPYSRAqDyX0D9T2dY5IM4EFEfAaOyza_48AWK_QNdapllNYfiDKXGdv6J5V61NhRyTZxPtZmkxOPShJlRPmNA/s320/IMG_0560.JPG" /></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 silver ball ornament is a nod to Time's Square</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz34klRPwdZ0Pjcxl4j-LqSa-xFB_rKdIu25TefkOOpI2f8h79aHbhpPK0FmqVYaDLdX0daRhvQaMM5YJxp4W2ArgJQ7-l8NzVhxkkFfPBTMSMUyTnNJVL03HC5SWC4fPSa0zBW2SkzyA/s1000/fullsizeoutput_52f7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz34klRPwdZ0Pjcxl4j-LqSa-xFB_rKdIu25TefkOOpI2f8h79aHbhpPK0FmqVYaDLdX0daRhvQaMM5YJxp4W2ArgJQ7-l8NzVhxkkFfPBTMSMUyTnNJVL03HC5SWC4fPSa0zBW2SkzyA/s320/fullsizeoutput_52f7.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18SiJdIlwPvRUSMY0FKzBGmkc7Rll_3C79i0ZsPV6IIkCorz3f3kb6JM9ac3NCGqfHD5vnueQ9FOVhP9OiGCzS1axSyCLTmcwpERcx2KyQoJ8WZbLJGWF8jByk4SfTuddAmVv_YqiWM0/s2048/fullsizeoutput_52f9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18SiJdIlwPvRUSMY0FKzBGmkc7Rll_3C79i0ZsPV6IIkCorz3f3kb6JM9ac3NCGqfHD5vnueQ9FOVhP9OiGCzS1axSyCLTmcwpERcx2KyQoJ8WZbLJGWF8jByk4SfTuddAmVv_YqiWM0/w361-h481/fullsizeoutput_52f9.jpeg" width="361" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pSoioAa9latyrTG3eL3cXz1tsXGEth9d0c30SWN2WRPseoVNqcQA-Ffb71qW7S2mNIiaJBfZlTMtImMkvOUJudhc8MwvkaR29jFb-a_nX-e7LAawFxUw7LU4ZL4XF2FzvTDHJrI0hKY/s2048/fullsizeoutput_52fa.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1625" data-original-width="2048" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pSoioAa9latyrTG3eL3cXz1tsXGEth9d0c30SWN2WRPseoVNqcQA-Ffb71qW7S2mNIiaJBfZlTMtImMkvOUJudhc8MwvkaR29jFb-a_nX-e7LAawFxUw7LU4ZL4XF2FzvTDHJrI0hKY/w487-h387/fullsizeoutput_52fa.jpeg" width="487" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wintry accents add sparkle</div><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLEHfCOW3X0Cjza6lDkqIsBJhkbAQmjUavtOdly-2CenhnwaFTh49J71shok6iM9KEybq5AwPMP0shyphenhyphenPYdmM-zhHZ843d5m7ngCvCNCQY0vbcozewZnBPOFzXMoFPAkWaqtASsgWON8Q/s2048/newyeargnomesclock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="567" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLEHfCOW3X0Cjza6lDkqIsBJhkbAQmjUavtOdly-2CenhnwaFTh49J71shok6iM9KEybq5AwPMP0shyphenhyphenPYdmM-zhHZ843d5m7ngCvCNCQY0vbcozewZnBPOFzXMoFPAkWaqtASsgWON8Q/w437-h567/newyeargnomesclock.jpg" width="437" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">Wishing all our Readers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">A Happy New Year!</span></div><p></p><br />Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-21826846191823616112020-12-16T00:42:00.019-05:002020-12-16T22:59:02.975-05:00Five Minute Ice Globes<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmCAy4sJ7_kd0sG4hmaONqnd0mmgiuRtF0xw_tv0LfXuupFcqeTXoKR6_5uUTnYxYbU5verMs6DoHX-3UCp8p5LQAuR491EKD0uE4b_Hy9m915XdfwCEbvmvhinOlNX_U5S59KtRl10g/s2048/fullsizeoutput_5227.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmCAy4sJ7_kd0sG4hmaONqnd0mmgiuRtF0xw_tv0LfXuupFcqeTXoKR6_5uUTnYxYbU5verMs6DoHX-3UCp8p5LQAuR491EKD0uE4b_Hy9m915XdfwCEbvmvhinOlNX_U5S59KtRl10g/w718-h400/fullsizeoutput_5227.jpeg" width="718" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">Even when the weather outside is frightful, Jack Frost can surprise us in delightful ways. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Icy conditions that make a morning commute or grocery store run a dreaded chore, become magical when turning trees and landscapes into a glistening winter wonderland. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span>Of course</span><span> the holidays are the perfect time to bring a bit of this frozen beauty indoors.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;"><span> With some </span><span>inexpensive supplies you might have on hand it's easy to create wintry icy orbs without the freezing or melty mess. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXMJCaW0lQY4wgAaP2NKlW3_PiFKfL6jEns605IAeQpHqHv7_mwoYdw4yjAEWdjCWDYx0u-2dj-BaTpOZ4MkFM-cTCqLfdIWoz9USj_UQHAzVTAm4RqbwnkBmnFII3Y8HlSDBaOESWWw/s604/soap-bubble-3552239__340.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="604" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXMJCaW0lQY4wgAaP2NKlW3_PiFKfL6jEns605IAeQpHqHv7_mwoYdw4yjAEWdjCWDYx0u-2dj-BaTpOZ4MkFM-cTCqLfdIWoz9USj_UQHAzVTAm4RqbwnkBmnFII3Y8HlSDBaOESWWw/w472-h266/soap-bubble-3552239__340.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The real thing. A frozen ice bubble: pixaby.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;">By now we've all seen countless ways to craft with those clear plastic globe ornaments. Readily available at Dollar and Craft stores, they can be found in different sizes and styles</span><span style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;">(</span><i style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;">some snap together in two pieces and some have a removable hanger and small opening at the top</i><span style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;">) </span><span style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;">Either style ornament works for this almost embarrassingly easy project.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: #0088ff;"><b>You'll Need</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: #0088ff;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpH_xwx01EKfo1O1gP1CLYhpQh1M2JfxD5s-aZBbPrq1uuE3PTQMYMOyXRtUZImpWTO5DvvQYKCR9QlPuXZF7prvFZN6g-DqIQkwhFd9GFyxww9H0Dx_d3YxMaCK1QyC1K4I38VLgdOM/s2048/fullsizeoutput_51c0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="2048" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpH_xwx01EKfo1O1gP1CLYhpQh1M2JfxD5s-aZBbPrq1uuE3PTQMYMOyXRtUZImpWTO5DvvQYKCR9QlPuXZF7prvFZN6g-DqIQkwhFd9GFyxww9H0Dx_d3YxMaCK1QyC1K4I38VLgdOM/w576-h349/fullsizeoutput_51c0.jpeg" width="576" /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>for the ICE GLOBES</b></span></i></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Clear globe ornaments</div></span><span><div style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Plastic wrap (<i>yes plastic wrap</i>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-RlV5hdNR2n2pajovYifqKy0IzKUolYK_ZmMK8cSXwvxQ08MYCZka1WRiXfUm8jNtBPfrCusoljrqdnkbOJEzGWyt67UC0zy8VgVGoA8vjMmM5OGfVriDu-yDzQ5dGX0S6cYmruftv4/s940/fullsizeoutput_5220.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="940" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-RlV5hdNR2n2pajovYifqKy0IzKUolYK_ZmMK8cSXwvxQ08MYCZka1WRiXfUm8jNtBPfrCusoljrqdnkbOJEzGWyt67UC0zy8VgVGoA8vjMmM5OGfVriDu-yDzQ5dGX0S6cYmruftv4/w231-h231/fullsizeoutput_5220.jpeg" width="231" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollar Tree</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(56, 118, 29);"><b><i>Then display with</i></b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Tray, Bowl, or Stand</span></div><div style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Battery flameless lights</span></div><div style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Faux greens, Optional wintry accents</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM3_GIoMsuMu5lq2I1JP6A6rYxSe2i7CVIMixKRpRDF6Zl8HbrndVKaJGPEKN0XCdfW4eLbxRkGMz2e5_4sbm8_8rj1aU63mVAzq_TetCPxXZ3T79zMhEC4wmf2aFUBMx4IFh4vyQ7Yk/s2048/fullsizeoutput_521f.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1624" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM3_GIoMsuMu5lq2I1JP6A6rYxSe2i7CVIMixKRpRDF6Zl8HbrndVKaJGPEKN0XCdfW4eLbxRkGMz2e5_4sbm8_8rj1aU63mVAzq_TetCPxXZ3T79zMhEC4wmf2aFUBMx4IFh4vyQ7Yk/w506-h402/fullsizeoutput_521f.jpeg" width="506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Simply tear off sections of plastic wrap and insert into globe (a pencil helps arrange and loosen wrap inside for top opening ornaments) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;">Then have fun adding a little icy glow to your holiday decor</span></div></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisrz_5TUaDnw7_sDJBZ1nYbT6f8yjZWMqD8Yy-DZwwqv47w1JWF1SCY3BFwR2zbbvY7_mMHvbAF8UV7Lg4yiJMdWPGOdiaOuRzs9vJuixkrKTCkpttY7UksxvSeIa6K97wI6edZKfIe0/s2048/fullsizeoutput_5225.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisrz_5TUaDnw7_sDJBZ1nYbT6f8yjZWMqD8Yy-DZwwqv47w1JWF1SCY3BFwR2zbbvY7_mMHvbAF8UV7Lg4yiJMdWPGOdiaOuRzs9vJuixkrKTCkpttY7UksxvSeIa6K97wI6edZKfIe0/s320/fullsizeoutput_5225.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT86Q9JuonDpoIM6ZJuxpEnr03nceCtHMvEr_vw7NzLcoLE3TzppfP8_TnlVSbOCufNdhr7VZLL8d69iluil6E1_yit2v2RV7RP0GoqnYcU7CVJZJ_mwJWOpwL6AJSLiI7DzgeK4CqMYk/s3244/fullsizeoutput_51d5.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="3244" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT86Q9JuonDpoIM6ZJuxpEnr03nceCtHMvEr_vw7NzLcoLE3TzppfP8_TnlVSbOCufNdhr7VZLL8d69iluil6E1_yit2v2RV7RP0GoqnYcU7CVJZJ_mwJWOpwL6AJSLiI7DzgeK4CqMYk/w666-h199/fullsizeoutput_51d5.jpeg" width="666" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">By Day on a sunny Windowsill</span><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAXYD8QEktQks28PwCXakk1xp-YT1fhyphenhyphenIobyiaYStVYBGSWPW_Fh_D1FJq-wLeMr9dabtDWLg1mmx656m0lMN7N9eA-jN8vksLZUrrovLkRaOpWiskL0W281o82XmtrY2RRCkbMFM9NA/s2048/fullsizeoutput_51fc.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="2048" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAXYD8QEktQks28PwCXakk1xp-YT1fhyphenhyphenIobyiaYStVYBGSWPW_Fh_D1FJq-wLeMr9dabtDWLg1mmx656m0lMN7N9eA-jN8vksLZUrrovLkRaOpWiskL0W281o82XmtrY2RRCkbMFM9NA/w627-h485/fullsizeoutput_51fc.jpeg" width="627" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pop a few in a vase and display with winter white accents</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLxbcsnajHBV5E_NQak1bXj5ixxV3JAVSr7-4hLSJLdgts-foIN-HmjPAt2849iGmDPdoRx2_t6n9EpPsDbCUIdvb44qm5Ot8LFd8yeu3Sj14S_59ST23fWh2cAiROrilJEuF9phZjIo/s2048/fullsizeoutput_520a.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1694" height="648" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLxbcsnajHBV5E_NQak1bXj5ixxV3JAVSr7-4hLSJLdgts-foIN-HmjPAt2849iGmDPdoRx2_t6n9EpPsDbCUIdvb44qm5Ot8LFd8yeu3Sj14S_59ST23fWh2cAiROrilJEuF9phZjIo/w535-h648/fullsizeoutput_520a.jpeg" width="535" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or perch on a pedestal with whimsical woodland decor</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyIDZqpeT0Hl0KxDIggqUT0FCIb03Er1BAy0LvlRtAgNTm-pQU9yLeCT9r-0vDfyErij0yzF5Ei3PQoxVOIiBlh7EdqR3veKFVRIaSWSOkQZ3FtsVvS9DiFqpyMr6C-OqsrUX9YX1hI4/s2048/fullsizeoutput_5219.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1826" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyIDZqpeT0Hl0KxDIggqUT0FCIb03Er1BAy0LvlRtAgNTm-pQU9yLeCT9r-0vDfyErij0yzF5Ei3PQoxVOIiBlh7EdqR3veKFVRIaSWSOkQZ3FtsVvS9DiFqpyMr6C-OqsrUX9YX1hI4/w373-h419/fullsizeoutput_5219.jpeg" width="373" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Simply nestled in greens on a thrift shop platter</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="404" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xn-Cuy5uXkQ" width="486" youtube-src-id="Xn-Cuy5uXkQ"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pennywise is now on Youtube</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing everyone </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><div style="text-align: center;">the Beauty & Joys</div></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><div style="text-align: center;">of the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Season</span></div></span></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP8akd-ktP-dF0RoPr0kbKIWuCsE9EpMZGbLDtazyDxDipbmnSSq6bnZd1cBgzb8F2GpFb6tNuqgkhzG_9xCLxha4zXKz_ZtyR_b-cs8jHOJaz3nWl1muDO9qgAtvKbN-nSX55GIu_Do/s5184/IMG_0426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP8akd-ktP-dF0RoPr0kbKIWuCsE9EpMZGbLDtazyDxDipbmnSSq6bnZd1cBgzb8F2GpFb6tNuqgkhzG_9xCLxha4zXKz_ZtyR_b-cs8jHOJaz3nWl1muDO9qgAtvKbN-nSX55GIu_Do/w261-h348/IMG_0426.JPG" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"></h1><h2 style="text-align: left;"></h2><h1 style="text-align: left;"></h1><h1 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></h1><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-23887538854720918592020-11-26T10:58:00.002-05:002020-11-26T10:58:33.259-05:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIbv0fPQXvj4oZtdoIFMk6z_TS6PHV2m-f_5GsXEHlPW2XrZpOcCgbQaVsY6R1tu1RooTLgTLT9NSjgb5XbaSPHe0uh6SUcZtfgZIvHm7TocGkvEv3qlyhEIvPFMY4sShHZbqwn6EAxg/s1600/pennywisethnsgv14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIbv0fPQXvj4oZtdoIFMk6z_TS6PHV2m-f_5GsXEHlPW2XrZpOcCgbQaVsY6R1tu1RooTLgTLT9NSjgb5XbaSPHe0uh6SUcZtfgZIvHm7TocGkvEv3qlyhEIvPFMY4sShHZbqwn6EAxg/w525-h498/pennywisethnsgv14.jpg" width="525" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: center;"> <span> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">e are so Thankful for our Wonderful Readers and wishing everyone health and happiness for the holiday Season!</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i>We are delighted to be returning from our hiatus with new recipes, crafts and always budget friendly ideas to add a little Joie du Vivre to our lives!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuRfEozO5TU_smrNbJ_j3sKyerYSceB2DBK9ALsBKFbu728liHbf_hrIs7Ly40szQ6b5WBOBbY5Jhme4sWu9_6B-QzaLSZpMxWGthhxox44GMndB8t8BjkNriiF3uMuX81mystHqfZ24/s1217/fullsizeoutput_50c9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1217" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuRfEozO5TU_smrNbJ_j3sKyerYSceB2DBK9ALsBKFbu728liHbf_hrIs7Ly40szQ6b5WBOBbY5Jhme4sWu9_6B-QzaLSZpMxWGthhxox44GMndB8t8BjkNriiF3uMuX81mystHqfZ24/w417-h276/fullsizeoutput_50c9.jpeg" width="417" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-53021548065440744482019-05-11T23:00:00.000-04:002019-05-11T23:44:29.471-04:00Pink Champagne Petits Fours<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv2EdeCCW6T5uelwn4LaQfGywzasLQgWTmKpRDPPWcNtMkIauDDVK5fXp8Np0snvc3JHJWok34wftPD7i7H_A12kU4VaJU_k7eIGIec4r-ndKEaSJETjDjIszvM3FSfWJSEKje1gsDGk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48e0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1336" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv2EdeCCW6T5uelwn4LaQfGywzasLQgWTmKpRDPPWcNtMkIauDDVK5fXp8Np0snvc3JHJWok34wftPD7i7H_A12kU4VaJU_k7eIGIec4r-ndKEaSJETjDjIszvM3FSfWJSEKje1gsDGk/s640/fullsizeoutput_48e0.jpeg" width="534" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The phrase 'good things come in small packages' couldn't be more true for the classically </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">delightful bite size confections, petits fours.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While these dainty treats can be complicated and time consuming to make, I whipped up an easier, if not completely authentic version with store bought cake mix and splash of pink bubbly. I made mine just in time for Mother's day, but they </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">make an elegant grown-up treat for teatime or any special occasion or celebration.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG6o5I6q9zl2UyxX9y3V5qSUaBm5dFfD4-Ou3LBnQYM7cwcEpaZv2uY_DgUk0V5oRkUcM1GqMFVJha6ZYOJ42AaLwUkzPitD5Q3ls0Bt3N729gEvSUOJ599wimf59bIsticzWJNU1nwU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48c2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG6o5I6q9zl2UyxX9y3V5qSUaBm5dFfD4-Ou3LBnQYM7cwcEpaZv2uY_DgUk0V5oRkUcM1GqMFVJha6ZYOJ42AaLwUkzPitD5Q3ls0Bt3N729gEvSUOJ599wimf59bIsticzWJNU1nwU/s400/fullsizeoutput_48c2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rather than purchasing a large bottle of champange for this recipe, I bought a box of the small individual bottle sizes (using two) so, heaven forbid, no champagne went to waste and I have a mini bottle left for gifting with the petits fours.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Starting with a pound cake mix, I simply substituted the liquid in the instructions with pink champagne, or in this case, technically a less expensive California sparkler, baking it in a rectangular 9 x 13 parchment paper lined pan.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once cooled, I iced the top lightly with a simple buttercream. This step is optional but creates a smoother and more opaque finish for the glaze.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Simple Frosting </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #e06666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 cups confectioner's sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #e06666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 1/2 cup butter</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #e06666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2-3 tbsp's champagne</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #e06666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I omitted vanilla so as not to detract from the champagne flavor</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkwHsmhAPGeSnihYsOB2BVKoTaUcmnYR2ARB6aLlBRydZvR7ZrI78Vbn5It6Bf63j28s6xOTv3ndkgcvQUCwEk9Tvcg7Vad_RcaddHWbvOplWJxEqW_ZCaZs__LmYAPVimDWDRXs3hE8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48c6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkwHsmhAPGeSnihYsOB2BVKoTaUcmnYR2ARB6aLlBRydZvR7ZrI78Vbn5It6Bf63j28s6xOTv3ndkgcvQUCwEk9Tvcg7Vad_RcaddHWbvOplWJxEqW_ZCaZs__LmYAPVimDWDRXs3hE8/s320/fullsizeoutput_48c6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I then popped the iced cake in the freezer until icing firm. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I removed from freezer with parchment paper, turned upside down and sliced into long strips. I trimmed a bit off the the bottom to make shorter and more even and cut into squares. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">I saved the trimmings in the freezer for a future recipe- a trifle maybe?</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">Then back in the freezer while I make the glaze.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Icing glaze</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">3 cup confectioners sugar</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">5+ teaspoons Corn syrup</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">5+ teaspoons champagne</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">pink food color</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blend ingredients except coloring together until smooth and glossy. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add small amounts of extra corn syrup and champagne in turn until desired consistency if icing is too thick and more sugar if too thin. </span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.455999374389648px;">You can divide icing in separate containers and create various colors of pink and reserve some white for decorating</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wb59V4ASB8yL2Yv18N6k2t-x1DtoBl8BSlXCiM9YHCUkZedj6iD2H78TPYLxv6lb62cGfrhMUGMo04Z5JaoxskRVydP6JJSoCXMcyZvHX2-ioPWg2Bqi_PMIFfO3d5itlFAJSt0xrkI/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48c8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wb59V4ASB8yL2Yv18N6k2t-x1DtoBl8BSlXCiM9YHCUkZedj6iD2H78TPYLxv6lb62cGfrhMUGMo04Z5JaoxskRVydP6JJSoCXMcyZvHX2-ioPWg2Bqi_PMIFfO3d5itlFAJSt0xrkI/s320/fullsizeoutput_48c8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">This gets a bit messy. I set squares on wire racks set over wax paper on a cookie sheet to catch drips </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">and spooned glaze over cakes, making sure to cover sides.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEi3ETPtEN533fo88eXJIuRkRprHsYCIU5Uc_fjbMRpXIJY93IJKR_w_njRU42_u6MpQrguziuHcqnIxC4PE9AmLC6V0HZFO4PFudhYDOZ3ltMV0zsFspU2TUyH4my7xGltAXut2LO70/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4905.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1600" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEi3ETPtEN533fo88eXJIuRkRprHsYCIU5Uc_fjbMRpXIJY93IJKR_w_njRU42_u6MpQrguziuHcqnIxC4PE9AmLC6V0HZFO4PFudhYDOZ3ltMV0zsFspU2TUyH4my7xGltAXut2LO70/s320/fullsizeoutput_4905.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chill until firm and glossy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Since I ran short on glaze, on some cakes I just drizzled pink splashes across the tops which still made a lovely little treat.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOcu9MtFiu5w5XHVwep_jWbYAxJqdWGBv_1wFcwxpFfsv5gF_qlyL-9ki7UsktXIzBJ_yo2brtiOM9MyTTvCuP8fr3LzLeVViQS9eNMiANLuutNefBN3r61l2v5Yc_qQfByk-nzXr8go/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48f2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOcu9MtFiu5w5XHVwep_jWbYAxJqdWGBv_1wFcwxpFfsv5gF_qlyL-9ki7UsktXIzBJ_yo2brtiOM9MyTTvCuP8fr3LzLeVViQS9eNMiANLuutNefBN3r61l2v5Yc_qQfByk-nzXr8go/s200/fullsizeoutput_48f2.jpeg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZydQ-S3ZLMyDZj-Eze_5FwN4kSJ6AEwnh3xH94NtfJDOi5pCv_m67NhT70kgyXK_KH2rh7V3Sk5Dghtp9Gif-tgJ4w3uLOQYOQsoL9I6MEt6X2tsynjg6w-Mv9DlebPIuv8vhx5swzLM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48f0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZydQ-S3ZLMyDZj-Eze_5FwN4kSJ6AEwnh3xH94NtfJDOi5pCv_m67NhT70kgyXK_KH2rh7V3Sk5Dghtp9Gif-tgJ4w3uLOQYOQsoL9I6MEt6X2tsynjg6w-Mv9DlebPIuv8vhx5swzLM/s320/fullsizeoutput_48f0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> accent as desired with swirls of different shades of glaze, sprinkles, or candies.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rDmNHZ74JmnEKuDn0H340JdEXayvciA3LbZNmQgXf3OKbH8ilCPopII7M1-nH46YKXSNYAuHw_qk2Fr694OI-4-ZlsWIEhyphenhyphenxjWwyrJUpR1OejWJY5zwy2xxAixoWmjjqSCtnwt4mZDc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48fd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1600" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rDmNHZ74JmnEKuDn0H340JdEXayvciA3LbZNmQgXf3OKbH8ilCPopII7M1-nH46YKXSNYAuHw_qk2Fr694OI-4-ZlsWIEhyphenhyphenxjWwyrJUpR1OejWJY5zwy2xxAixoWmjjqSCtnwt4mZDc/s320/fullsizeoutput_48fd.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Serve with pink champagne. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDO4KbfFd9D81JNz7rmrvgibVKcWaK4WIxZeu7yySCgSJKaTn6auBHGbG7xR7GuMs-OAgqQ0k8tPdO3xITtA2AKESaDNTdqvTUYgw-9FhgEuOCOP31TiZDwjRtilk2iW_cpLOcinPHBQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48e9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDO4KbfFd9D81JNz7rmrvgibVKcWaK4WIxZeu7yySCgSJKaTn6auBHGbG7xR7GuMs-OAgqQ0k8tPdO3xITtA2AKESaDNTdqvTUYgw-9FhgEuOCOP31TiZDwjRtilk2iW_cpLOcinPHBQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_48e9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> or give as a gift with a mini bottle of bubbly</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIIYcf_jArmSFvJHuqDzjfQsbxj5EKAVX7d46rGANLi89TEn7nKu0ckhCQAEeSTobzPQoS5ickx2mXf-gjNQLfnB-jlInK9OGo_n03OO3SIlN3qe8VCpd-CKG71SThsD4cGzMnrMqNyw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48e8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIIYcf_jArmSFvJHuqDzjfQsbxj5EKAVX7d46rGANLi89TEn7nKu0ckhCQAEeSTobzPQoS5ickx2mXf-gjNQLfnB-jlInK9OGo_n03OO3SIlN3qe8VCpd-CKG71SThsD4cGzMnrMqNyw/s320/fullsizeoutput_48e8.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Variations on a theme</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Classic petits fours consist of layers, so if desired, cake squares can be stacked with a layer of frosting, lemon curd or raspberry jam in between. Unfortunately my last attempt at layers resulted in some wobbly, collapsing and less than picture perfect too tall cake towers, so this time, I omitted the filling and kept it deliciously short and sweet.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Short on time? Use a store-bought pound cake and skip the frosting step. Simply slice chilled cake into small squares, or cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters and ice with glaze as above. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>See link below</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have fun with flavors. Using an orange cake with the champagne and adding orange extract and coloring makes a refreshing mimosa inspired petit four.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">I made a similiar recipe on my </span><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><a href="https://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-jane-austen-grow-your-blog-tea-party.html">Jane Austen Tea Party</a> </i></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">post, using doilies and cake color spray for a lace effect</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqhIOIk2WnKk5qOixkuv5L2hyphenhyphena0eFyOOp1pgLAONWWsvoSYHujKqtNBTph-5x_wqDhBujm9tPkyTgTtPi5UG8vVjAGb_GfAuuvb3waBvBFGtJFJdXKA-2YKwLqFIyhCxKZDgSNb_9fcs/s1600/P1060591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqhIOIk2WnKk5qOixkuv5L2hyphenhyphena0eFyOOp1pgLAONWWsvoSYHujKqtNBTph-5x_wqDhBujm9tPkyTgTtPi5UG8vVjAGb_GfAuuvb3waBvBFGtJFJdXKA-2YKwLqFIyhCxKZDgSNb_9fcs/s320/P1060591.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Petit Four Fun Facts</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMHYF-YBEwLAW0qARC8Bvm0iZvDgxqsgvyqQ1XMGKyW6S-9GELDgtpp-WSkNiouioil6MQKQw2z0uymDMipfwpm80uoI87phqwoXs_QapnVFs-NPZp9euFrTUipbX40nZR2WFRNX8VMg/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48ef.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMHYF-YBEwLAW0qARC8Bvm0iZvDgxqsgvyqQ1XMGKyW6S-9GELDgtpp-WSkNiouioil6MQKQw2z0uymDMipfwpm80uoI87phqwoXs_QapnVFs-NPZp9euFrTUipbX40nZR2WFRNX8VMg/s320/fullsizeoutput_48ef.jpeg" width="241" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Petits Fours is french for <i>little oven</i>. Before modern temperature control, chef's often used coal burning ovens resulting in roughly two temperatures - very hot 'grand four' for dinners, meats and large breads and 'petits four' - when the oven was cooling when they would bake small individual sized treats. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Thus the name <i>petit four</i> was born.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">There are many varieties of petits fours including both sweet, and savory, <i>salé</i>, although today the name is mostly synonymous with the elegant sweet treats</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Petits Fours were a must on 19th century tea tables and have made a resurgence in recent years with the growing popularity of home baking.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">For more histo</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">ry on Petits Fours pop over to</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="https://www.escoffieronline.com/tiny-pastries-the-petit-four-story/">The Petit Four story</a></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZecwayXdOQDMd8BztoaR2Yz_C6ssicdqOxtZd61Tts9P9qdYMCC8j6SSB9o1KkNq0U_jsYZtVxppOgw-B9e1JaqLoln7Eto15g9fsZDqoMkZG10qs9zc8Zk3gRxFiwXhRaUAyDid8bQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_48f6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZecwayXdOQDMd8BztoaR2Yz_C6ssicdqOxtZd61Tts9P9qdYMCC8j6SSB9o1KkNq0U_jsYZtVxppOgw-B9e1JaqLoln7Eto15g9fsZDqoMkZG10qs9zc8Zk3gRxFiwXhRaUAyDid8bQ/s400/fullsizeoutput_48f6.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Merci to our Sweet Readers for Stopping by</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">and Happy Baking!</span></span></div>
Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-38110465302989816532019-04-12T16:06:00.003-04:002019-04-12T16:06:58.328-04:00Wedgewood Inspired Easter Egg Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYOGJaTT-gQ87T0m_IADsbmj-H0dZXUg_ThBvDEPzyH-0CPbpo62wp3onZIfsPGnb0cMgEzyctpeVAu7eSZys0ozzl89GkzZNfHh4M3YB7RSTKwf46BKZx2AaUHJnwQqGGkvCaT9bWsk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4867.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="927" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYOGJaTT-gQ87T0m_IADsbmj-H0dZXUg_ThBvDEPzyH-0CPbpo62wp3onZIfsPGnb0cMgEzyctpeVAu7eSZys0ozzl89GkzZNfHh4M3YB7RSTKwf46BKZx2AaUHJnwQqGGkvCaT9bWsk/s640/fullsizeoutput_4867.jpeg" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">hile purple and yellow are the traditional "official" colors of Easter, this year I thought I would veer off palette in my kitchen endeavors. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">Taking inspiration from the elegant and timeless <i>Jasperwear</i> made famous by Josiah Wedgewood in the late 1770's, I opted for the cheerful and classic color duo of "Wedgewood" blue and white for this holiday's Spring treats. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These cookie creations are easy to put together and make whimsical and unique hostess gifts or sweet </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">additions to your table </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">or Easter baskets.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloAFn143QrPKTqIRuNZXRDHOA2o73eujfuwXZv5HalWgeWIBRtnTc7sz_AdDo7lrgRG1bQRISVAyplY1ZYBA76dmBA-KT2J7rH7fEBFF9jtr77fNcNZpdLwoNDfDFNiXFUvVU859vr_0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4830.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1223" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloAFn143QrPKTqIRuNZXRDHOA2o73eujfuwXZv5HalWgeWIBRtnTc7sz_AdDo7lrgRG1bQRISVAyplY1ZYBA76dmBA-KT2J7rH7fEBFF9jtr77fNcNZpdLwoNDfDFNiXFUvVU859vr_0/s400/fullsizeoutput_4830.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">above images from Pinterest</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>You'll need</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plain Easter Egg Shaped Cookies</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>homemade or store bought</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">blue candy melts</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">white candy melts</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>reserve some for piping borders</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">assorted candy molds</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">candy melt squeeze bottles</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrlPov0v_E6vjv_J2ZMxYopmbOb1R77grgFBEyT6xSYx_c9oHxLL2aif9igZinePoNKySTL8e5eTtwG8G_u57xQhNr9FcA-b-7CY_DzROrScjIOgU6gqdI-FFQ4LgwLexpjdk5myV79c/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4842.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrlPov0v_E6vjv_J2ZMxYopmbOb1R77grgFBEyT6xSYx_c9oHxLL2aif9igZinePoNKySTL8e5eTtwG8G_u57xQhNr9FcA-b-7CY_DzROrScjIOgU6gqdI-FFQ4LgwLexpjdk5myV79c/s400/fullsizeoutput_4842.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I admit it. I saw these cute Easter cookie kits in several shops and due to schedule and "cookie skill" constraints (I have yet to be able to bake a decent sugar cookie), I sprung for them, using the perfectly shaped cookies and saving the included icing and decorations for project some later date. Of course skilled bakers might want to use their own homemade recipe.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKl5-KOa1VCDnGTqhY0ASGlBwtWHtlTN1mBkDu-IrXOnNHTskG3n5ThesGBcPSeoqfouAabIOPmhz1O6T8oqldKbixUv_mYhdFj6AhY6sfFKAqRxqSdBCT6DjazyCKnvEGQvLKhZLXgc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4843.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1411" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKl5-KOa1VCDnGTqhY0ASGlBwtWHtlTN1mBkDu-IrXOnNHTskG3n5ThesGBcPSeoqfouAabIOPmhz1O6T8oqldKbixUv_mYhdFj6AhY6sfFKAqRxqSdBCT6DjazyCKnvEGQvLKhZLXgc/s200/fullsizeoutput_4843.jpeg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first step was to make the white accents. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I chose molds of bunnies (really a lollipop mold without the stick), leaves, swirls and tiny flowers which would fit the cookie size nicely and then made </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">according to package directions.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I set them in the refrigerator until cold and firm.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMYBTa4vCqvkLDjz9dY3QVQUdb3QYzgPBdcvtG7A_p6hI57pNkIOxACXb-ymngFzmuR8WgaxlNqrc0_Asrh2HhbeqJ39qezrWGABlmhSvK4veTqUoWQDU1axlJmvYuht1P6ogYS3l9wM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4846.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMYBTa4vCqvkLDjz9dY3QVQUdb3QYzgPBdcvtG7A_p6hI57pNkIOxACXb-ymngFzmuR8WgaxlNqrc0_Asrh2HhbeqJ39qezrWGABlmhSvK4veTqUoWQDU1axlJmvYuht1P6ogYS3l9wM/s320/fullsizeoutput_4846.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cookies from the kit had cute decorative imprints but I flipped them over for a smoother surface.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWahZSjtTACTQGjAfEu1VLCa80lhbMTEPKqu5IzuGW0-EgWbBQObtsmyo2EsvctXlXFc5EZYzCVYbYFZXoqRfQq1ocT6aReU9I9npAzSAOmF1tMEfwWFNeCF_zmA912ycSJrZCA_l3tk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_484c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1435" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWahZSjtTACTQGjAfEu1VLCa80lhbMTEPKqu5IzuGW0-EgWbBQObtsmyo2EsvctXlXFc5EZYzCVYbYFZXoqRfQq1ocT6aReU9I9npAzSAOmF1tMEfwWFNeCF_zmA912ycSJrZCA_l3tk/s320/fullsizeoutput_484c.jpeg" width="286" /></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsNigBwWefAZxOj9vTGCLp8Sz20MCfV4B7MCVBmILB-m8sdWQQH1Pfs8krD02y3f0iqa0osICvXcjiYAvCnCgqfWhpoBrxJjlQvFeUCkHO8LsRFtwAoNlvElQrMHPuIqVAtn0Vz8BChc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4849.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsNigBwWefAZxOj9vTGCLp8Sz20MCfV4B7MCVBmILB-m8sdWQQH1Pfs8krD02y3f0iqa0osICvXcjiYAvCnCgqfWhpoBrxJjlQvFeUCkHO8LsRFtwAoNlvElQrMHPuIqVAtn0Vz8BChc/s320/fullsizeoutput_4849.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I then melted the blue melts and covered the cookies as evenly as possible.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">While still slightly warm, I added the white accent candies from the refrigerator, pressing firmly.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">After melting the remaining white chocolate I used a squeeze bottle (designed for candy melts from my craft store), adding swirls and borders around the cookie edges. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">While unable to work in any great artistic detail, the simple scrolls and dots added flare and that "wedgewood" touch to the treats.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wEOe-06QgxzgZVVzTOhn_zbrY08K35i_WctPls39B1YKWjrK5xUBM_RXDQsvfAZdmWYS4gzRyDDOMYM63GJ2XeATPIPEMarBkRC1kVlJnJ1T3eTdN6prm8F-WO1d77WcHx_Lpg131s4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_484e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wEOe-06QgxzgZVVzTOhn_zbrY08K35i_WctPls39B1YKWjrK5xUBM_RXDQsvfAZdmWYS4gzRyDDOMYM63GJ2XeATPIPEMarBkRC1kVlJnJ1T3eTdN6prm8F-WO1d77WcHx_Lpg131s4/s640/fullsizeoutput_484e.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Creating border patterns was lots of fun and gave the cookies more a finished look.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9roowEmUZe4AuEqmlRF0VowRBJgKIgoGRi863D46I6TyiSGs8G1m5k-wjWr_4f2d7OhPbckzVROOax1QF-JfhabQnKsfrCY4oUVK9iP2DKiLBqdRNUDceJ7JJwiBjyjKOQzNqIM7RITk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4853.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9roowEmUZe4AuEqmlRF0VowRBJgKIgoGRi863D46I6TyiSGs8G1m5k-wjWr_4f2d7OhPbckzVROOax1QF-JfhabQnKsfrCY4oUVK9iP2DKiLBqdRNUDceJ7JJwiBjyjKOQzNqIM7RITk/s400/fullsizeoutput_4853.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">bunnies and carrots add some whimsy</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD0FdsVJ65YnLt5E7tybcfRbqo0qBvozLrNw04yT0maxexnp6n-oHqBZoU493CF0kRVVhjKyskv2R6WrS9pv2JuUAsLTVG8lO0sKwIP0Jyt59Ekiwy6GHFaTVYxCMhdXyrEPsp-4WrWU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_486e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD0FdsVJ65YnLt5E7tybcfRbqo0qBvozLrNw04yT0maxexnp6n-oHqBZoU493CF0kRVVhjKyskv2R6WrS9pv2JuUAsLTVG8lO0sKwIP0Jyt59Ekiwy6GHFaTVYxCMhdXyrEPsp-4WrWU/s640/fullsizeoutput_486e.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Display with Spring and Easter themed and decor </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLeZ5J7r1PV0EXpCqU9VifB7P8xl8HdxGeAphcqS4btyrOqszDSXnpgLA6OpjVm7K_fAohZzp-AX17caVzzF7Gj31kBxE3EUxcQpHmvt69XicY0kh3K6i6Yd_BgH_SoOmCG1njbjWwH0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4859.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLeZ5J7r1PV0EXpCqU9VifB7P8xl8HdxGeAphcqS4btyrOqszDSXnpgLA6OpjVm7K_fAohZzp-AX17caVzzF7Gj31kBxE3EUxcQpHmvt69XicY0kh3K6i6Yd_BgH_SoOmCG1njbjWwH0/s320/fullsizeoutput_4859.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">makes a lovely snack with a cup of tea</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those who don't celebrate Easter or for other times of the year, "Wedgewood" cookies can be made for </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">any festive </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">occasion. Simply substitute round, square or heart shaped cookies for the egg shapes and use different themed candy molds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Though most famous for blue, why not try other lovely Wedgewood inspired candy colors like pink or green for variety.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZpAJgBha6PlRGZzsTFTPMR7sG4PXmlX7A_9ETYaJgmDLTauow_Yd65zu68PMIkCiD19MReX8pN9RCiEu4DYykeqhQw4GHQfU1fSfTJVmnjocJBPN_7iB1LphBpK_Wg_qtaOZ33neTtk/s1600/Vintage-Easter-Card-GraphicsFairy-1024x656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="1024" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZpAJgBha6PlRGZzsTFTPMR7sG4PXmlX7A_9ETYaJgmDLTauow_Yd65zu68PMIkCiD19MReX8pN9RCiEu4DYykeqhQw4GHQfU1fSfTJVmnjocJBPN_7iB1LphBpK_Wg_qtaOZ33neTtk/s320/Vintage-Easter-Card-GraphicsFairy-1024x656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Wishing everyone all the </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-large;">joys</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"> of</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;">Easter </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">and </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Spring</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div>
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Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-62881749175024938542019-03-05T11:10:00.000-05:002019-03-05T11:19:16.984-05:00Tipsy Leprechaun Cakes: St. Patrick's no-bake tiny treats <script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0OXwY318SsZYKfnMTrZuufJeajKQDffg9-Z5lXfYygqr8yIF7x6pGKdfVRSPJZE50yp7ZpdJAyVf8gysDA2N70FNe6eJIODIDKV5DYfHozbJ3tw8s7SSw6x4j1UWAWvRhUOKcUA9hIQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_475f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1000" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0OXwY318SsZYKfnMTrZuufJeajKQDffg9-Z5lXfYygqr8yIF7x6pGKdfVRSPJZE50yp7ZpdJAyVf8gysDA2N70FNe6eJIODIDKV5DYfHozbJ3tw8s7SSw6x4j1UWAWvRhUOKcUA9hIQ/s640/fullsizeoutput_475f.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="font-size: large;">hile St. Patrick's Day celebrations offer all variety of vividly green treats, hearty Irish stews and generously spirited drinks, this year I thought I'd think small and whip up some tiny but tasty little leprechaun cakes, a perfect sweet treat for Ireland's Wee Folk.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU90Rh5yezq0MfSeYWKvENuVQVBs3IoXJ2QPTttPsdGPztKAdrzNgsIddEInO11B7YWwVjoSHyBoW62CjN-k3OF2Rm7F8djyT8MzbVVNXXkyJFb2lTZjc_QoDmiYh9gDaK11bOSeKr_bA/s1600/fullsizeoutput_471f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU90Rh5yezq0MfSeYWKvENuVQVBs3IoXJ2QPTttPsdGPztKAdrzNgsIddEInO11B7YWwVjoSHyBoW62CjN-k3OF2Rm7F8djyT8MzbVVNXXkyJFb2lTZjc_QoDmiYh9gDaK11bOSeKr_bA/s320/fullsizeoutput_471f.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Classic chocolate wafer cake, made from whipped cream and the delightfully old fashioned Famous chocolate wafer cookies (born in 1924!) has been an ice box favorite for years.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yFhDTFDtXEgvLKeLnl3zJU9qqIrmrqNpNnQ5nT2swCG8gAIk4NJVK2yZIoZ4fOCqNKmR4fVad4_hA4Gv4lJVSRWSFuwoN6vFpKkwoalLPMyU5U1R7DPzNPw2_G9e1Tpd4cK8PbEUzEc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_476a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="450" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yFhDTFDtXEgvLKeLnl3zJU9qqIrmrqNpNnQ5nT2swCG8gAIk4NJVK2yZIoZ4fOCqNKmR4fVad4_hA4Gv4lJVSRWSFuwoN6vFpKkwoalLPMyU5U1R7DPzNPw2_G9e1Tpd4cK8PbEUzEc/s320/fullsizeoutput_476a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I found a fun modern mini sized version of the famous dessert on the wonderful site<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(166, 77, 121);"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span><a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/classic-recipe-american-icebox-cake-recipes-from-the-kitchn-187328" style="color: #a64d79;">thekitchn</a><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(166, 77, 121);">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I simply adapted the easy recipe w</span><span style="font-size: large;">ith a hint of cocoa and a splash of Irish Cream in honor of St. Patrick's Day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(166, 77, 121);"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Like the classic original, these mini stacked cakes use the same simple ingredients and transform with elf like magic from cookie to cake-like layers overnight in your refrigerator, no oven required. They're a perfect Irish inspired confection for any friends or hungry leprechauns who might drop by.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3wZQxRkRvJ3RKYY1Rfl98qV3imdS_8nQ47h286gEo2c2gNJDGL7EX_zd8IRjvMV9A-EL0OlREOlYWXNV51CCy0Zn7QXnwsvW61WFD007b5NCvTadeOQJS-6MtVnvgGJubCD_0EzuwG0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4755.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1600" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3wZQxRkRvJ3RKYY1Rfl98qV3imdS_8nQ47h286gEo2c2gNJDGL7EX_zd8IRjvMV9A-EL0OlREOlYWXNV51CCy0Zn7QXnwsvW61WFD007b5NCvTadeOQJS-6MtVnvgGJubCD_0EzuwG0/s400/fullsizeoutput_4755.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>You'll Need</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>1 box Famous chocolate wafers</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b> 1 1/4 cup whipping cream</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b> 2 tbs sugar</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>2 tbs cocoa or to taste</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>3 tbs Irish cream liqueur </b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for a non alcoholic version simply omit the liqueur </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">or try Irish Cream flavored coffee creamer, or any flavor extract to taste</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>garnishes: mint, green icing and berries or candy </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whip the cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">gradually add sugar, cocoa and liqueur, whipping until firm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Arrange wafers on tray lined with parchment paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spoon or pipe whipped cream mixture evenly onto wafers and top with another wafer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Repeat until the stacks are five wafers high.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXgC5X4M-Qb5TVsDy61_Ku7iX1aaIwXXWugxsYERkoGvGZU9mvekQtRvP02KrISJ5qWOWY2KSB5cKgMq4q5jK-qWG__pHzivNDtDwvEcVpkUrjU1t5__4nV9eVmwNMPaZrPP1P7X4I4I/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4713.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXgC5X4M-Qb5TVsDy61_Ku7iX1aaIwXXWugxsYERkoGvGZU9mvekQtRvP02KrISJ5qWOWY2KSB5cKgMq4q5jK-qWG__pHzivNDtDwvEcVpkUrjU1t5__4nV9eVmwNMPaZrPP1P7X4I4I/s400/fullsizeoutput_4713.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> F</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rost tops and</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> chill six hours or overnight.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSC19f_bZqR5_X6VIHhL_lwRHrZfoRC0fKs3NLxGRKwa5tsBOdE7FAqnoQwIAJUEA4s2JCYXB36I8vROXbLJodCdBiCIb6SHAKiIrnZd6wHIkgo9Up6BrOCpxo-QeG088PyUQDNFAZFcE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4708.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSC19f_bZqR5_X6VIHhL_lwRHrZfoRC0fKs3NLxGRKwa5tsBOdE7FAqnoQwIAJUEA4s2JCYXB36I8vROXbLJodCdBiCIb6SHAKiIrnZd6wHIkgo9Up6BrOCpxo-QeG088PyUQDNFAZFcE/s400/fullsizeoutput_4708.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next morning they are ready to decorate!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I stored a bit of the leftover whipped cream overnight in the fridge </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">for adding some decorative piping the next day.</span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-t4Y_PNW32JzqIVg6YK5PFIIYD594OgA6WpSLB8ywfglc70xPTnARjKs7jzjgZCEcFFEhfIvlwcPQCb6sFb4L2V2z41FlbmhOYv6PhXI7VPvlfQxjLgHTSU_Gc07EUQn4EBfWdWy4iM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_471c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1600" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-t4Y_PNW32JzqIVg6YK5PFIIYD594OgA6WpSLB8ywfglc70xPTnARjKs7jzjgZCEcFFEhfIvlwcPQCb6sFb4L2V2z41FlbmhOYv6PhXI7VPvlfQxjLgHTSU_Gc07EUQn4EBfWdWy4iM/s640/fullsizeoutput_471c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now for the fun part! I used chocolate chips, blackberries (a popular Irish pick), green mint M&M's and gel icing but any of your favorite candy, nuts or sprinkles will do. Or simply pipe a swirl of whipped cream and serve as is.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rJa5ZzLVDKzVLQhIsnvnMvPS9p_ePMU4oIf7ZNRX-1Q-m3RaCKvW8b9qPVYyPXZ95gi5Ncabb7nC4-CSU6L_T1P0StjJbPbrmx5kn_Np0IKol-CQAe8nGTEJXt64LkPZEac8mjlU0yc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4722.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rJa5ZzLVDKzVLQhIsnvnMvPS9p_ePMU4oIf7ZNRX-1Q-m3RaCKvW8b9qPVYyPXZ95gi5Ncabb7nC4-CSU6L_T1P0StjJbPbrmx5kn_Np0IKol-CQAe8nGTEJXt64LkPZEac8mjlU0yc/s320/fullsizeoutput_4722.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
A variety of toppings add interest</div>
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Display with a palette of greens and items inspired by the Emerald Isle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPOTvj9A3HGoOJ32wtx-n1VuYE6E01NmxJW8YWbxHVnCMpZoTQvmYy_-4R-wx3OCX1usyAbtPKewMyvdtSHnCjtromHIhCBXkDFpjz_GXixDLl-JGebtHdBkGwgIPiwH_L7mAQXiriZ0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1191" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPOTvj9A3HGoOJ32wtx-n1VuYE6E01NmxJW8YWbxHVnCMpZoTQvmYy_-4R-wx3OCX1usyAbtPKewMyvdtSHnCjtromHIhCBXkDFpjz_GXixDLl-JGebtHdBkGwgIPiwH_L7mAQXiriZ0/s320/fullsizeoutput_4753.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div>
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tiny doilies and a cupcake stand add festive flare</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWmRl29F5P0PgN1t3C6gTeMdwlo7fvEW_Lq4PVyI5jSJZN2ttBsD8gPHaT6pOt22PeKmUw4Dt-3fhZSz52JWyj8dpqOLYlHIXr5x_gsHpW7J2VFExKIY6vRmrG7SnQ3E5P8616-wg5vU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_475c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1600" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWmRl29F5P0PgN1t3C6gTeMdwlo7fvEW_Lq4PVyI5jSJZN2ttBsD8gPHaT6pOt22PeKmUw4Dt-3fhZSz52JWyj8dpqOLYlHIXr5x_gsHpW7J2VFExKIY6vRmrG7SnQ3E5P8616-wg5vU/s640/fullsizeoutput_475c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> <b> I brought last year's St. Patrick's Day Paper figures "Wee Folk" </b></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b> out from their winter slumber for the celebration -</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyaLEZlWK9-r1XpXneUQku2xqku-MPE2odmL5kxVCblhuCVJ0iTSYtMiP9YB5y1WOfGEgSp9Xh140-nCPR0l_aqIXS119Tl1oR2Lerw3t9YIZhEN5PRjVI8bi3_6AQyXBqk11Lg2zBMg/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f28.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="400" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyaLEZlWK9-r1XpXneUQku2xqku-MPE2odmL5kxVCblhuCVJ0iTSYtMiP9YB5y1WOfGEgSp9Xh140-nCPR0l_aqIXS119Tl1oR2Lerw3t9YIZhEN5PRjVI8bi3_6AQyXBqk11Lg2zBMg/s400/fullsizeoutput_3f28.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #666666;">instructions to make your own here</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/st-patricks-day-whimsical-wee-folk.html"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"> St. Pat's Wee Folk </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SQ0pzhrt21SVZMNDqpe4xaCV9NvYi4omN_5J4aLdqKrL6h6VY-5RM_yTEmDsWgqXaeeknEJa6MKD7mNJEesL5OwoXO6usZ2uyrR4A616so72CIL6MUCf2lNS_vEJ1HTWuZs24QJpQjw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SQ0pzhrt21SVZMNDqpe4xaCV9NvYi4omN_5J4aLdqKrL6h6VY-5RM_yTEmDsWgqXaeeknEJa6MKD7mNJEesL5OwoXO6usZ2uyrR4A616so72CIL6MUCf2lNS_vEJ1HTWuZs24QJpQjw/s640/fullsizeoutput_4729.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> These are perfectly sized for individual sweet treats with a cup of coffee or Irish Tea</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator two - three days</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpYUNeHsbJXeAsQo-gUEazHIkE4XYycY7Su9dJFFsSie6ziqaL1pcbifvU3avC-pdQHihLkiFkteIqQIAHPawt0r6JXA96mdAvyWNugz7C45poSkI2UBP03WLNsTReW5iY_yp7i-PhUI/s1600/Stock-Image-St-Patricks-Day-GraphicsFairy-1024x655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1024" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpYUNeHsbJXeAsQo-gUEazHIkE4XYycY7Su9dJFFsSie6ziqaL1pcbifvU3avC-pdQHihLkiFkteIqQIAHPawt0r6JXA96mdAvyWNugz7C45poSkI2UBP03WLNsTReW5iY_yp7i-PhUI/s320/Stock-Image-St-Patricks-Day-GraphicsFairy-1024x655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Wishing Everyone </span></span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">a Sweet St. Patrick's Day</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-8434442758457635792018-10-19T10:51:00.000-04:002018-10-19T12:09:14.352-04:00Decorating for Halloween: Black & White Magic<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEG3mnP5hqp6exPDmRQp3QJnqAskbdakT_FJH4lPP9XBKcObNY_TnBSIGrxT61n4Bxb0Ut6eZR45R2uHucpe-Q6M4ktV_0dQ1BDHd16N1EnsTBkKokYKY9SK53VArN7GH70bUPQIJ8DA/s1600/IMG_4956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEG3mnP5hqp6exPDmRQp3QJnqAskbdakT_FJH4lPP9XBKcObNY_TnBSIGrxT61n4Bxb0Ut6eZR45R2uHucpe-Q6M4ktV_0dQ1BDHd16N1EnsTBkKokYKY9SK53VArN7GH70bUPQIJ8DA/s640/IMG_4956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It seems some things one never outgrows. For me, the enchantment and magic of Halloween is something I still admittedly look forward to with child-like, (if not immature) anticipation.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although I can't abide horror movies and shy away from ghoulish and gory decor, I eagerly embrace the elegantly mysterious, mildly eerie and slightly gothic school of Halloween design.</span><br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While recent years has seen lively purples and even fun neon greens added to the traditional black and orange go-to palette of the haunting season, I thought I'd shift into neutral this October, keeping the ubiquitous blacks and grays but forgoing the bright orange and vivid yellow tones for softer ivories, mellow creams, and touches of muted old world metallics.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">a dollar store raven, natural elements and embellished mini tombstone become</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">a fun focal point </span><span style="color: #444444;">under a glass cloche. I borrowed the crown from my Christmas decorations.</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course Halloween just isn't(!) without some sweet treats. Black licorice, white mini meringues and cookies in dark chocolate and cream fit the color scheme. Just beware of mischievous mice.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmdJfw3M4ueu7ULQyusiAkTBGzQ9FqS2CUEhC5rgsFcZkrcGMfkjC7oTcqAX7YE_bcGj7x3S79sjJrzCwJgL1movnQt-ErDimRtE4IDbrA2GcABoIJcJpaWM5xeWaJoEtq6tXQtsicrs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4365.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmdJfw3M4ueu7ULQyusiAkTBGzQ9FqS2CUEhC5rgsFcZkrcGMfkjC7oTcqAX7YE_bcGj7x3S79sjJrzCwJgL1movnQt-ErDimRtE4IDbrA2GcABoIJcJpaWM5xeWaJoEtq6tXQtsicrs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4365.jpeg" width="614" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">a black and white playful pumpkin and</span></span></div>
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">masked mice add whimsy to a mini dessert bar display</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqOyvpqzIZccSbDlxhwMI1TTRm0uwGJyQOt6Wz0zr4tv4ryG_-nAweUf34L8kGEEbLnZEzagg3xjJ04eSoFtsvQZ4Aa9dLC619jaIb6OTSxwfNxVkbNgZYlpSFyNq06S0isMEIRErcX8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4350.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqOyvpqzIZccSbDlxhwMI1TTRm0uwGJyQOt6Wz0zr4tv4ryG_-nAweUf34L8kGEEbLnZEzagg3xjJ04eSoFtsvQZ4Aa9dLC619jaIb6OTSxwfNxVkbNgZYlpSFyNq06S0isMEIRErcX8/s400/fullsizeoutput_4350.jpeg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FYDh6oFYE81Q5qbW058-O7yFTXHx4OryNJan4L_JMBMnuQ6XICaX8hPZ33uvwJg70ANWeccA4j48RVLlYbW1JhQlRLhT12h3oSWi7L15G4zKnurwdUx9eNHoaO20dIKTnCQjuzotVaY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_435d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FYDh6oFYE81Q5qbW058-O7yFTXHx4OryNJan4L_JMBMnuQ6XICaX8hPZ33uvwJg70ANWeccA4j48RVLlYbW1JhQlRLhT12h3oSWi7L15G4zKnurwdUx9eNHoaO20dIKTnCQjuzotVaY/s400/fullsizeoutput_435d.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having vowed to scale down my growing stash of holiday treasures taking up residence in my basement, I went with a '<i>use what I already have and make do</i>' approach this holiday, s</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">couring through my rubber bins and repurposing trappings from Halloweens past, so longtime readers may recognize some familiar faces and feathers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBrxQzF-fiW1diSrwRkmeM93MX3KSL4FZhEw-MqByCLz2GZaJvqOZb4V1s0h4ioCj5BYK6vTr_hdgq5CbAoYxeQ5c2KJNcPflSxO-BEshGtgGU_lIA3u2sjs0ZTCz5HHyg_lQ8Gv_D7k/s1600/4b7f875768a2141d454af83ced7aaf13a7bb7b54.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="731" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBrxQzF-fiW1diSrwRkmeM93MX3KSL4FZhEw-MqByCLz2GZaJvqOZb4V1s0h4ioCj5BYK6vTr_hdgq5CbAoYxeQ5c2KJNcPflSxO-BEshGtgGU_lIA3u2sjs0ZTCz5HHyg_lQ8Gv_D7k/s640/4b7f875768a2141d454af83ced7aaf13a7bb7b54.jpeg" width="464" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">mini battery operated lights add a magical glow to an urn of faux cobwebs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">the ever popular raven is perched with vintage costume pearls and old books </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvsVOUkagbglF1zVtIqbKfiSaOX8f1kT1JKfvL608RCF8v04je5h0HHdpQZR8dOfu0XWifM3eySESpgRFa7tOFj7YDddsmq2s2brtAyC4Qlr6XLY2ii4H9Z4uIPGo1-Sp4-xSX2j4Ih4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4325.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvsVOUkagbglF1zVtIqbKfiSaOX8f1kT1JKfvL608RCF8v04je5h0HHdpQZR8dOfu0XWifM3eySESpgRFa7tOFj7YDddsmq2s2brtAyC4Qlr6XLY2ii4H9Z4uIPGo1-Sp4-xSX2j4Ih4/s400/fullsizeoutput_4325.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">an eerie faceless, flea market photo adds spooky seasonal flair</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4oqF_Qq5uEyycFFGNMCyXQUY_dZpujgeNiHDjFR4F3IKFJltls7qo2wNgGL705-TUJzf12qaId96yuHsDch_KHJJZj30DTsH5sgFPI0hMBi9BRJbAfCVM7y2GCzO-8iyzi_QzaWvOMs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4370.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="786" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4oqF_Qq5uEyycFFGNMCyXQUY_dZpujgeNiHDjFR4F3IKFJltls7qo2wNgGL705-TUJzf12qaId96yuHsDch_KHJJZj30DTsH5sgFPI0hMBi9BRJbAfCVM7y2GCzO-8iyzi_QzaWvOMs/s640/fullsizeoutput_4370.jpeg" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> glittering black ravens mark the witching hour</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">For our crafty Trick or Treaters,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">I thought I'd share some spooky samples of downloadable printables from </span></span><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">my </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Etsy Shop</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lebeauchaton"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Le Beau Chaton</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: large;"><i>Fun for tags, scrapbooks and paper crafting</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleaobN95bsPQNWgANi7miIkl9GxLO7u_vtN7bBumXWR3TYJ6Fv9HRngdXCBQseJsNBbhWIrwvR6UY0-gZqhhDlKGZYjwlUhzXml0Xkhg8mosPlcSZPigLvbEeQdHHwNpdJVwRDDwqH4o/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4305.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleaobN95bsPQNWgANi7miIkl9GxLO7u_vtN7bBumXWR3TYJ6Fv9HRngdXCBQseJsNBbhWIrwvR6UY0-gZqhhDlKGZYjwlUhzXml0Xkhg8mosPlcSZPigLvbEeQdHHwNpdJVwRDDwqH4o/s320/fullsizeoutput_4305.jpeg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfT6JvRhNRqp321rUenKn6UK1A-d-3NHqjPnV4mrRd-C07HKA7cm8QwknwuIfgx6BW8iowY8Fw-RwpywOAfvpeUT0J4XZGPZQ1HqRI-132h3L1BQbsuW-syJ1O1XqmokE2L8lzgN9KwE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4302.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1019" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfT6JvRhNRqp321rUenKn6UK1A-d-3NHqjPnV4mrRd-C07HKA7cm8QwknwuIfgx6BW8iowY8Fw-RwpywOAfvpeUT0J4XZGPZQ1HqRI-132h3L1BQbsuW-syJ1O1XqmokE2L8lzgN9KwE/s320/fullsizeoutput_4302.jpeg" width="203" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXX7MogzVw6kh9oCZZ9Q3fJUEkf9N_ve7UErAqgJXcd9mTDxDsTaditxCu4o2FRYGGfU-_llQsRuPir28JS-IyjAxLyRtPmJiq3oAznvLmF1PNdDWNyfZMdiwpJScAKPuIiHA1DzoAueg/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4343.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXX7MogzVw6kh9oCZZ9Q3fJUEkf9N_ve7UErAqgJXcd9mTDxDsTaditxCu4o2FRYGGfU-_llQsRuPir28JS-IyjAxLyRtPmJiq3oAznvLmF1PNdDWNyfZMdiwpJScAKPuIiHA1DzoAueg/s320/fullsizeoutput_4343.jpeg" width="253" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/476317171/gothic-wings-instant-digital-download?ref=shop_home_active_3"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Gothic Wings</b></span></a> features designs using copyright free vintage images and original photography by CPaul, from Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France.</div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Halloween Hauntings</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">from </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">PennyWise</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-12098169917307769062018-07-12T19:41:00.000-04:002018-07-12T20:09:24.415-04:00Bastille Day: Vive Les Cream Puffs<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkCa2edYJO-Sv9FDJglGswXv9tj7e7lZj-nMnOB6_RJ-VrWXMzeqfHtYcrH6K3Bk4GS-pFC8RecaU03xNTF4jW1pq-iioYOyZNw47Bpl8DEMGacx_suLAG_e9R6za0K1nx9F0PHBFmoY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_41e9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1582" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkCa2edYJO-Sv9FDJglGswXv9tj7e7lZj-nMnOB6_RJ-VrWXMzeqfHtYcrH6K3Bk4GS-pFC8RecaU03xNTF4jW1pq-iioYOyZNw47Bpl8DEMGacx_suLAG_e9R6za0K1nx9F0PHBFmoY/s640/fullsizeoutput_41e9.jpeg" width="632" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It seems summer is the perfect season for celebrations. While our own nation proudly boasts many festive patriotic holidays, why not also join our longtime french friends across the pond in a toast to their independence this July 14th with your own fete for Bastille Day?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With some similarities to our Fourth of July, Bastille Day, or Le Fete Nationale, marks the famous storming of the bastille prison and fortress in 1789 and what could be called the kick-off to the french revolution. Spurred by an oppressive regime, excessive lavish spending by the royals and country wide food shortages (the infamous "Let them Eat cake" quote was attributed, now controversially, to the queen at the time Marie Antoinette), the people of France revolted, eventually overthrowing their monarchy and establishing their own democratic republic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Much like festivities in the U.S., Bastille Day is marked with historic military parades, lots of wonderful parties, firework displays and of course fabulous food, all adorned in red, white and bleu.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwaZFarTDpzxcFIIRZlaiqxIX7ZHWxKl5dAkz2YE50jsz7Zeb8R_JzvQHt4OW1-kUnRFOUZRI8KAHG4P9mn8VkVG8Jxpc427Rp0IEKAd3ylSruwU7fTPfDi5MM8cWMRv-Wn_5XlxMcmU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_413d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1137" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwaZFarTDpzxcFIIRZlaiqxIX7ZHWxKl5dAkz2YE50jsz7Zeb8R_JzvQHt4OW1-kUnRFOUZRI8KAHG4P9mn8VkVG8Jxpc427Rp0IEKAd3ylSruwU7fTPfDi5MM8cWMRv-Wn_5XlxMcmU/s640/fullsizeoutput_413d.jpeg" width="545" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Versailles and Paris, France all photos CPaul</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As an avid francophile with a serious sweet tooth, naturally my first instinct was to whip up some sort of french inspired dessert in honor their historic holiday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pastry is an art form in France and as I perused the elegant delectable recipes in my various cookbooks, I soon realized that my limited time and my less than stellar culinary talent might prove an obstacle. How could I concoct something simple yet party worthy?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0stJKDAj9mW7a3Zwor8ABtchhsCqp6qJuaRBi-59Bzh9eFKXifFbG80iThl7c4Ue4E9ESJZrXAJexIG9zV3njraMUDEMrk1kNFVyxl6CGUkS6zC5_-BDATGx9L6vv6BglwkTdiUxA_rs/s1600/2f28d25f96db2575950d36849dc6f7ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0stJKDAj9mW7a3Zwor8ABtchhsCqp6qJuaRBi-59Bzh9eFKXifFbG80iThl7c4Ue4E9ESJZrXAJexIG9zV3njraMUDEMrk1kNFVyxl6CGUkS6zC5_-BDATGx9L6vv6BglwkTdiUxA_rs/s200/2f28d25f96db2575950d36849dc6f7ac.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8L6fk_Pc_8xbbgbfrmiD9hvTjkGHq7ahhbEe0l99AXAH3JuHz7Kbxjwhl7G0B0iCXnzgm2G_yiAAA2ktyocvP79aC9CvoVV1V-9RWzlM1fdWtaCeiXp6Jb7bBQrp4LD1KnJZMy_R2Qc/s1600/f018f2c25b067deaa2033a2d849d3549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="564" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8L6fk_Pc_8xbbgbfrmiD9hvTjkGHq7ahhbEe0l99AXAH3JuHz7Kbxjwhl7G0B0iCXnzgm2G_yiAAA2ktyocvP79aC9CvoVV1V-9RWzlM1fdWtaCeiXp6Jb7bBQrp4LD1KnJZMy_R2Qc/s200/f018f2c25b067deaa2033a2d849d3549.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-6NiHwYwa5u32Ga7h-9ui0r4oIsl2BE_7U7W-W1El5MY9MU4XPA5OyMRBQYur2_ItuAU1ZaFrZC_svUvdfDVuV8G57-SKjNrH2TFrcpkWue6Ch0Zu0ThFnfh0uJTUG_hf7NaXOuIKj0/s1600/0f8819b092af1068c74a21bb2605c77b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="564" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-6NiHwYwa5u32Ga7h-9ui0r4oIsl2BE_7U7W-W1El5MY9MU4XPA5OyMRBQYur2_ItuAU1ZaFrZC_svUvdfDVuV8G57-SKjNrH2TFrcpkWue6Ch0Zu0ThFnfh0uJTUG_hf7NaXOuIKj0/s200/0f8819b092af1068c74a21bb2605c77b.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RZUhIhifyCBx6MGepCk5vkQIg8CNItgK-muhRnEI6d_ibEaNFiz5UfPO09nycZR-_ZZDfEF4gE4GJrRMqfA9RN5UZWCKM2Vd5FJGHNvNsMaCSCj3ReQJuANo9xxNZyrR_kWhF7b_a2o/s1600/725bf6e20d2b375ae78362984dd07874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="360" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RZUhIhifyCBx6MGepCk5vkQIg8CNItgK-muhRnEI6d_ibEaNFiz5UfPO09nycZR-_ZZDfEF4gE4GJrRMqfA9RN5UZWCKM2Vd5FJGHNvNsMaCSCj3ReQJuANo9xxNZyrR_kWhF7b_a2o/s200/725bf6e20d2b375ae78362984dd07874.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #666666;"> Assorted Croquembouche images found here on</span></i> <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tanyakovarsky/croquembouche/"><b>Pinterest</b></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One dessert which caught my eye was a <i><span style="color: #666666;">croquembouche</span></i>. Translated as "crunches in one's mouth", this show-stopping tower of cream puffs is constructed with crisp caramel and adorned with wisps of crackling spun sugar. Especially popular at weddings and birthdays, I thought I'd create a my own simpler scaled down variation of this very french confection for July 14th. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Previous efforts in making caramel has not gone well. Since the last attempt resulted in ruined pans and a kitchen spattered with cement-hard scorched sugar, I thought I'd try a quick and easy white chocolate alternative to construct my more modest dessert "masterpiece". </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6ahIf5jBXRZookDn9purrQ6T-PZhEGxGEhDW8jzQ8TEFshanhMjH6rWpmwOhW3b4qMlZigWFg3SnGkLPF7hSo4j9axnhYWeZn8_nAvN1fGXu7_5vHnRhSHW3V8DYnEq_6zJ7m-HjVJ0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_41cd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6ahIf5jBXRZookDn9purrQ6T-PZhEGxGEhDW8jzQ8TEFshanhMjH6rWpmwOhW3b4qMlZigWFg3SnGkLPF7hSo4j9axnhYWeZn8_nAvN1fGXu7_5vHnRhSHW3V8DYnEq_6zJ7m-HjVJ0/s320/fullsizeoutput_41cd.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using store bought frozen cream puffs, white chocolate melts and a garnish of red and blue seasonal berries this is more of an assembly project than recipe but makes a surprisingly easy yet festive focal point on your french inspired table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thaw cream puffs slightly. Having them still semi-frozen makes working with the warm chocolate easier. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN864ZfsWXAkQ-MPF8YDhCoaRdc1MjHwRW0K_uAAPVRep1GXfF4qfAiXKp9alYJfGlqFG9PUp_RVf-VZbpZXet5cMTM7suxa8dxQ03cz4a2CZDmSvtZ_mSZiMK79IxsMWRXkx-gjvt1aw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_41d1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN864ZfsWXAkQ-MPF8YDhCoaRdc1MjHwRW0K_uAAPVRep1GXfF4qfAiXKp9alYJfGlqFG9PUp_RVf-VZbpZXet5cMTM7suxa8dxQ03cz4a2CZDmSvtZ_mSZiMK79IxsMWRXkx-gjvt1aw/s200/fullsizeoutput_41d1.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWcNLxOcM7GBWhnjKTLJUKdUjt7rKQ4JuicJ2cuAjcZB3tanyaQeq0OQJx1J7iRFsImTvRszJC-USLrxC8b3vjV3ShKWW96or3JoVnGRQFaexevJl2MxfeJRojgta7YoCGowYfdo4apk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_41d2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWcNLxOcM7GBWhnjKTLJUKdUjt7rKQ4JuicJ2cuAjcZB3tanyaQeq0OQJx1J7iRFsImTvRszJC-USLrxC8b3vjV3ShKWW96or3JoVnGRQFaexevJl2MxfeJRojgta7YoCGowYfdo4apk/s200/fullsizeoutput_41d2.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8PFDhFBsHApFwh-h24zVw_GwxPkw9hDKHOfC9hBwZs20y4T5GlLfEdQEdR72-VKEpb-aYRZkZgxLhrsVEBZYmDExTZi_pawYl-j4pu13t8epq8y9GKKRMAIMSMbkVaq1KyjF74HGifI/s1600/fullsizeoutput_41d7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8PFDhFBsHApFwh-h24zVw_GwxPkw9hDKHOfC9hBwZs20y4T5GlLfEdQEdR72-VKEpb-aYRZkZgxLhrsVEBZYmDExTZi_pawYl-j4pu13t8epq8y9GKKRMAIMSMbkVaq1KyjF74HGifI/s200/fullsizeoutput_41d7.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melt white chocolate according to package directions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dip bottom of cream puffs in melted chocolate and arrange in large circle on a plate or platter. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Continue dipping and "building" layers of cream puffs making circles smaller with each level creating a large cone-like shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Place a puff or two in the center for support if needed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using melted chocolate adhere berries to tower and give a final generous white chocolate drizzle over puffs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unlike the creation by the talented gentleman pictured above, this embarrassingly easy process took less than ten minutes</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCYfJ_mpCGff1hVVn7m5P6wVdxOz5O8w06iXqQp444ul6V6K81vklIkoq5NQ8J69x8MU03wF95AYErux6OLuOJHRycB7-4_uIcG2js9C_tPSwBRdqCxDcyyPYtHj2FoKuLBCmi908h3Q/s1600/fullsizeoutput_41e2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCYfJ_mpCGff1hVVn7m5P6wVdxOz5O8w06iXqQp444ul6V6K81vklIkoq5NQ8J69x8MU03wF95AYErux6OLuOJHRycB7-4_uIcG2js9C_tPSwBRdqCxDcyyPYtHj2FoKuLBCmi908h3Q/s640/fullsizeoutput_41e2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Garnish with additional fruit, berries and mint leaves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I added a bit of festive flare with mini battery operated fairy lights, costume pearls, some leftover Fourth of July ribbon and gold accented table ware.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWDoBaFziySdZ7TETUpw8qkLuczOa7W1vo2ylHKD9hkc3RD-2lHiIhyC7Dem8eFXjjGmcmeuIodc-br37jr3TKeHUvhLvXbagADOgcT8X9cVBnzjwl7KhIk3bh_Ao7-bkgLv7O7ZthmY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_41df.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWDoBaFziySdZ7TETUpw8qkLuczOa7W1vo2ylHKD9hkc3RD-2lHiIhyC7Dem8eFXjjGmcmeuIodc-br37jr3TKeHUvhLvXbagADOgcT8X9cVBnzjwl7KhIk3bh_Ao7-bkgLv7O7ZthmY/s400/fullsizeoutput_41df.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Serve with sparkly champagne, after dinner coffee or tea</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuv-L-joOo1WVPmkQ4154sVhKfvTSkeyD7f1hW0gHR5QcSfryM-PM8KThz9pYxIfUHjIQjhQU7HJYc2oKh0xbUn8E16hCEh59UvRXjzskc7qhaP9WaX8Q7-vyOmoSiH2SSgho9z_xW3I/s1600/fullsizeoutput_41b9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuv-L-joOo1WVPmkQ4154sVhKfvTSkeyD7f1hW0gHR5QcSfryM-PM8KThz9pYxIfUHjIQjhQU7HJYc2oKh0xbUn8E16hCEh59UvRXjzskc7qhaP9WaX8Q7-vyOmoSiH2SSgho9z_xW3I/s640/fullsizeoutput_41b9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">printout created with vintage frame image from <a href="https://thegraphicsfairy.com/">thegraphicsfairy.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and add a festive printable</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpXlG-Pryp3QhcmQDx7VNDhAzBmSODBknzDo-KdQSo_9CbcZSqOoEemF4qF9rl9FIUbRQGKRJcgIy49ct7CYikAMxN5VxtNhe2Fl-kndnClJVR2kU48Hc6h7y0GdRoMhhM8JDiFYqi6I/s1600/fullsizeoutput_41db.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpXlG-Pryp3QhcmQDx7VNDhAzBmSODBknzDo-KdQSo_9CbcZSqOoEemF4qF9rl9FIUbRQGKRJcgIy49ct7CYikAMxN5VxtNhe2Fl-kndnClJVR2kU48Hc6h7y0GdRoMhhM8JDiFYqi6I/s400/fullsizeoutput_41db.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Bastille Day Fun Facts</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The extravagant 1889 Paris World's Fair which included the construction of the Eiffel Tower, marked the 100th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The famous parade, or Fete de la Federation, which travels down the Champs Elysees is the oldest military parade in the world</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Only seven prisoners were being held in the bastille at the time who were freed in the event but large amounts of ammunition and weaponry were confiscated by the french people</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">According to records of the time the Bastille's prisoners were described as four forgers, two "lunatics" and a deviant aristocrat, one of which allegedly refused to leave the prison until he had finished his dinner of roast pheasant </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">F</span><span style="font-size: medium;">or for a whimsical Marie Antoinette Cake pop over to our 2016 Bastille Day post</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></i></span><a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/let-them-eat-cake-marie-antoinette.html" style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Let Them Eat Cake</span></a><br />
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Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-90815033075246642062018-07-03T08:53:00.000-04:002018-07-03T14:38:11.622-04:00Tea with George Washington: a 235 year old carrot cake recipe<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As someone with a serious sweet tooth, come The fourth of July, while others may be scouting out firework displays, picnic sites or new gas grills, I find myself considering what sort of delicious cake would be worthy of celebrating our country's birthday. Of course, all of the usual desserts featuring fruits and confections in patriotic tri-color red, white and blue predictably came to mind. </span><span style="font-size: large;">For many a past year, I admit to carefully arranging rows of berries in neat flag-like patterns on a bed of whipped cream covered cake, but this summer, I thought I'd try something a bit different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Being a holiday celebrating our nation's history, I found myself wondering what sort of desserts were popular as our country was just getting it's start? What treats did our founding fathers and mothers enjoy centuries ago? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happily there are countless resources available, from books to websites to video tutorials, featuring authentic American recipes from the colonial era. After a fascinating online search, I thought I'd try a rather simple and admittedly bit unglamorous favorite of George Washington himself: a carrot tea cake.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXL_lpXKkLSs2meUA4mQbF_40_gTwjhiDkyfiTbWHReP4lfkZg741iLXjK4e8ukknqN6yKPdxyKZ7XqG8ZGoLQPl_3dKZqO7zhCPF8NfcLUsUYm5d2lQo4tqlAzs9FTH9Nyiqpk7t3Urc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_412b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXL_lpXKkLSs2meUA4mQbF_40_gTwjhiDkyfiTbWHReP4lfkZg741iLXjK4e8ukknqN6yKPdxyKZ7XqG8ZGoLQPl_3dKZqO7zhCPF8NfcLUsUYm5d2lQo4tqlAzs9FTH9Nyiqpk7t3Urc/s400/fullsizeoutput_412b.jpeg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apparently this is a cake Washington enjoyed at a farewell feast for his officers in Fraunces Tavern in 1783 in New York City after our victory in the Revolutionary War. Washington, who would become president six years later, was so smitten with his meal that he hired the tavern's owner Samuel Fraunces as his personal steward at Mount Vernon.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboDvtns63b0f4DE0IHW1S7BCw3OaaTSXnXP6nUzhGXgQrNM0nhVEFrPCmWuf3clNtoqTxRY2jPRBrLJfW6PGVK8b4dHe7Gj40SYtgX7F4gtjNyi2oa8HmE4JN0wQdsbmTx0kF2MEazJU/s1600/fraunces-farewell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboDvtns63b0f4DE0IHW1S7BCw3OaaTSXnXP6nUzhGXgQrNM0nhVEFrPCmWuf3clNtoqTxRY2jPRBrLJfW6PGVK8b4dHe7Gj40SYtgX7F4gtjNyi2oa8HmE4JN0wQdsbmTx0kF2MEazJU/s400/fraunces-farewell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Washington's Farewell to his Oficers, Alonzo Chappel c1866</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/samuel-fraunces/">mountvernon.org</a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">"With a heart full of love and gratitude,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> I now take leave of you."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">George Washington</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><b>Carrot Cake Recipe</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While carrots naturally play a starring role, this more basic treat omits the heavy handed helping of raisins, nuts and cloyingly sweet cream cheese icing we associate with today's version.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found several sources for this historic recipe all very similar to this one from <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><a href="http://www.inerikaskitchen.com/2009/03/george-washingtons-carrot-tea-cake.html" style="color: #3d85c6;">In Erikas kitchen</a>.<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></i></b></span>I tweaked it slightly by using a bag of matchstick carrots (which I roughly chopped) rather than grating my own 2 cups out of sheer summer laziness. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since I noticed several of the other recipes called for cooking the carrots first, I quickly microwaved mine about two minutes, loosely covered on 50% power to soften before baking.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXPouBdCLDggNhHFnpJyvkk7lWZFQXJfVS8JD9-Pz71GtCuwQ_nsm_CMUmPGPSxIbRhq6mhGU96yXpd3-icE3ZBK-9QLw9hapPa_4_wwOL9up0gIJKdrGLYjjez9ooeNfHW85FiDP1YU/s1600/georgewashingtoncarrotcakerecipecard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXPouBdCLDggNhHFnpJyvkk7lWZFQXJfVS8JD9-Pz71GtCuwQ_nsm_CMUmPGPSxIbRhq6mhGU96yXpd3-icE3ZBK-9QLw9hapPa_4_wwOL9up0gIJKdrGLYjjez9ooeNfHW85FiDP1YU/s640/georgewashingtoncarrotcakerecipecard.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">patriotic image above from The Graphics Fairy</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfNuD5jN7ph2TuchGkkY8qqqxv4l34nv-YUHP5QU0oekowoJBgcczy5_no1vqZ0lGadb-XUXKagPbitC5WGvHByLs804l-a3i-IS5mkLXHd0JW55LuqjgYiqEogrUVKNjG3WgHv7Gn9s/s1600/fullsizeoutput_412f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfNuD5jN7ph2TuchGkkY8qqqxv4l34nv-YUHP5QU0oekowoJBgcczy5_no1vqZ0lGadb-XUXKagPbitC5WGvHByLs804l-a3i-IS5mkLXHd0JW55LuqjgYiqEogrUVKNjG3WgHv7Gn9s/s320/fullsizeoutput_412f.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Unable to find my bundt pan (how does one lose a bundt pan?) I opted for two layers; a round for the base and square which I trimmed into a circular shape for smaller second layer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw-ckSaugCyZx7pzBsyr3dI0KRxDrzvbOJ9Ub-knIVMLllWnAg_1w4QlpC0Ov_xQ3OZ2SVUO8torLsSzOzKXmSADfT9rIs651vXSShbAeZ2kg9H4gyKsY4RKt8YDDX22OgFtlVKJoSuQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw-ckSaugCyZx7pzBsyr3dI0KRxDrzvbOJ9Ub-knIVMLllWnAg_1w4QlpC0Ov_xQ3OZ2SVUO8torLsSzOzKXmSADfT9rIs651vXSShbAeZ2kg9H4gyKsY4RKt8YDDX22OgFtlVKJoSuQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_4111.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While hardly a beauty, a generous dusting of confectioners sugar, fruit and fresh mint leaves help camouflage imperfections and add flare. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilu7UiwuHJ-r2QV_GjSEbv04AiZof71LWwIDxZgbxZXVBanQJChpoARseCoegBLtSdEk70sblTR5Se0frNDjtDwxIseuXPWstE2e3dlxBZcl0phw8NX4uy8h680SPZGd3zjFuaeOOEh1w/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4128.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilu7UiwuHJ-r2QV_GjSEbv04AiZof71LWwIDxZgbxZXVBanQJChpoARseCoegBLtSdEk70sblTR5Se0frNDjtDwxIseuXPWstE2e3dlxBZcl0phw8NX4uy8h680SPZGd3zjFuaeOOEh1w/s640/fullsizeoutput_4128.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;">I served</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;"> fresh blueberries and, appropriately for George, cherries. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;">adding some must-have red, white and blue</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOMZhmtkJ2DPB18J9c5fiPHO1Nk57ktPb8FJPr2I4pAJ92qPEScuUrMyr1z7djFcV8aZ6FPJAYcMEyU7p-WMxULyTH6hN8RkecB4VEtPOW_ZMnotHcvTexYKRntXn0xNDu0qGGnvKtJs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4124.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1206" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOMZhmtkJ2DPB18J9c5fiPHO1Nk57ktPb8FJPr2I4pAJ92qPEScuUrMyr1z7djFcV8aZ6FPJAYcMEyU7p-WMxULyTH6hN8RkecB4VEtPOW_ZMnotHcvTexYKRntXn0xNDu0qGGnvKtJs/s400/fullsizeoutput_4124.jpeg" width="301" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">While maybe not a crowd pleaser for a lively Fourth of July picnic, this historic cake makes a rustic but flavorful breakfast or afternoon tea treat to enjoy during the holiday week.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJpctQll-zg0PzuqWYbxUJVnaIwQ4M2wup5g5cz0urycpC3dgyI2huXC7FrgXVeVbNVQUITx_BHK8xbGBAH9xcJ_G1Wm7Y0v1w_25Lk7ooNgWEXQWcWmhb9QjysFyfY2WZS2F1IIwteU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_412d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJpctQll-zg0PzuqWYbxUJVnaIwQ4M2wup5g5cz0urycpC3dgyI2huXC7FrgXVeVbNVQUITx_BHK8xbGBAH9xcJ_G1Wm7Y0v1w_25Lk7ooNgWEXQWcWmhb9QjysFyfY2WZS2F1IIwteU/s400/fullsizeoutput_412d.jpeg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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just add a dollop of whipped cream and brisk cup of tea</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>For more July Fourth ideas and recipes simply type "July" into our search box</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 83, 148);"><i>or for some patriotic decor </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i> pop </i></span><i style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">over to our post <a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-red-white-and-blue-birthday.html">a-red-white-and-blue-birthday</a> for our easy vintage inspired decorative candy cones </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86gZxm5jq9jQEOj6gw1CdZayYwZor_42MDocL-76-GO0dwzgvhg-CaF1R8rF4Mf4gdOTCilU-0fB9SUWLaCZaDwu0M8Coop_LTgFYhA0WWAW4cRxMXnYT4mzZ9IQ6_5Dg40PliV7c2jk/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="640" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86gZxm5jq9jQEOj6gw1CdZayYwZor_42MDocL-76-GO0dwzgvhg-CaF1R8rF4Mf4gdOTCilU-0fB9SUWLaCZaDwu0M8Coop_LTgFYhA0WWAW4cRxMXnYT4mzZ9IQ6_5Dg40PliV7c2jk/s400/IMG_0291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Wishing our US Readers</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">A Very <b>Happy July Fourth</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">and</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"> our friends overseas</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">A <b>Happy Summer</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-44291446439000015222018-03-29T09:52:00.000-04:002018-03-29T11:42:09.184-04:00Naturally Beautiful Easter Eggs<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYGTF9vKUn0drV1najAVRPoYFIVvk4zauaRw6QuCK6SVPjm3JDJQrbPsbl5ReDp2-UzdL-ybHAGGuoZpwytR4NeVuZOdpdvkjHxB66qf8zhBM0yxDgRLOpw6q5eKPHCQ387ZvfA4dAd0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f93.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1003" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYGTF9vKUn0drV1najAVRPoYFIVvk4zauaRw6QuCK6SVPjm3JDJQrbPsbl5ReDp2-UzdL-ybHAGGuoZpwytR4NeVuZOdpdvkjHxB66qf8zhBM0yxDgRLOpw6q5eKPHCQ387ZvfA4dAd0/s640/fullsizeoutput_3f93.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How many fondly remember the magic of dying Easter eggs as a child? Simply dropping a store-bought pellet into a glass of water and vinegar produced vivid colorful concoctions in mere minutes. While admittedly quick and convenient, I thought I'd go with natural hues this year and dye my eggs with recipes using vibrant veggies, spices and fruits. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few attempts in the past have garnered murky lackluster results but after some more research I felt confident to give it another go and share the results, for better or worse. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A trend for many years now, recipes for natural dyes are all over the internet and while they involve more intensive dying time, the formulas are fun and easy to whip up with many ingredients you may have on hand.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdUp9cwZ8cY4R8Gki4H85pw5cqnAB461Qf11-mtoYtE_let4nPaSsHLYF7q3x3RSN4rzHQYbly7dvFGNdyBEMGSz9faX_cms3eNxSKaJ61jUQaEmlhB-Oj-p4Q_IsCXMCCicBQkHRcpQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f9f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="704" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdUp9cwZ8cY4R8Gki4H85pw5cqnAB461Qf11-mtoYtE_let4nPaSsHLYF7q3x3RSN4rzHQYbly7dvFGNdyBEMGSz9faX_cms3eNxSKaJ61jUQaEmlhB-Oj-p4Q_IsCXMCCicBQkHRcpQ/s640/fullsizeoutput_3f9f.jpeg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">I started with a limited palette of blue, pink and yellow from recipes I discovered on the delightful sites </span><span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://www.kaleyann.com/naturally-dyed-easter-eggs/" style="color: #a64d79; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Live Well Travel Often</span></a><b style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"> </b><span style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;">and</span><b style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"> </b><a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-vibrant-naturally-dyed-easter-eggs-holiday-projects-from-the-kitchn-112957" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">thekitchn</span></a><b style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"> </b><span style="color: #444444;">which used </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">used beets, red cabbage and turmeric.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I t</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">weaked the pink formula by substituting a can of sliced beets for fresh. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FGSq2R49HyKSwRKyJYAAaTyryIokNpssx6h_KyGnh1-O-1zyggJE4FNeyCc8tmm2BOXMh6LEd72EZpOKt78QUy7M6yDNMfSWXKN_V7Ur8uw-L3xtBEnb2HASKhUvBeb4_-J8aYVmjVs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f67.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1402" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FGSq2R49HyKSwRKyJYAAaTyryIokNpssx6h_KyGnh1-O-1zyggJE4FNeyCc8tmm2BOXMh6LEd72EZpOKt78QUy7M6yDNMfSWXKN_V7Ur8uw-L3xtBEnb2HASKhUvBeb4_-J8aYVmjVs/s640/fullsizeoutput_3f67.jpeg" width="560" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Most of the formulas I discovered simply involved boiling water, salt and the colorful natural ingredient of your choice, pouring the dye into large containers to cool, adding vinegar, and popping in the hard boiled eggs to soak in the refrigerator. Various sites recommend dying times of several hours to overnight for different results- (I dyed mine in the morning and let set in fridge for about eight hours) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5msujdJqENhH_gVXoddcXLAMrfG6FSX8Dv2xDGYm_DBjDqvwPiQ9bUm-fxV5622eHqRQmfFfXxMHfEM-DlG7ih0fxNG7htmijwoafaKnqkqgPzmBGD3Rql3C_AorYTnwywXi3Qjt-j9I/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f69.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5msujdJqENhH_gVXoddcXLAMrfG6FSX8Dv2xDGYm_DBjDqvwPiQ9bUm-fxV5622eHqRQmfFfXxMHfEM-DlG7ih0fxNG7htmijwoafaKnqkqgPzmBGD3Rql3C_AorYTnwywXi3Qjt-j9I/s320/fullsizeoutput_3f69.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The dye colors were surprising vibrant </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OaWuQD1dBmrMg30UIFx3IH_-RCenbE3yMnZO21ruc3ZciC8IDzcKVOhzlC6i1sCUeoQlpryVev-pDAWJArDyFBf5F63bXytX8Ht9NGbe9aYAfZdnbZG9ZqNZzNrrwoZV6301KOHhk6U/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f87.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OaWuQD1dBmrMg30UIFx3IH_-RCenbE3yMnZO21ruc3ZciC8IDzcKVOhzlC6i1sCUeoQlpryVev-pDAWJArDyFBf5F63bXytX8Ht9NGbe9aYAfZdnbZG9ZqNZzNrrwoZV6301KOHhk6U/s400/fullsizeoutput_3f87.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The results are in and the winner is Turmeric with a bright vivid yellow and smooth finish! The cabbage yielded a lovely speckled blue and sadly the beets a drab khaki brown- (maybe I should have used a fresh beet instead of canned after all)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My eggs did seem to scratch easily while still wet, so next time I'll handle with more care and clean surface gently prior to dying.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjRUVLtxwVXrNMv24TyaeGejQbcdr-tzCE9TKWa0wogXtM_YCAJBKDnQGK-Zgpbxa8UwY6sj5eRCAIqTyVbLJg1vIqQlJQ8EctD6EKSz9scnJ_pilxFYIQO78ABTVHPThYZzafpyirVY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f6c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1018" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjRUVLtxwVXrNMv24TyaeGejQbcdr-tzCE9TKWa0wogXtM_YCAJBKDnQGK-Zgpbxa8UwY6sj5eRCAIqTyVbLJg1vIqQlJQ8EctD6EKSz9scnJ_pilxFYIQO78ABTVHPThYZzafpyirVY/s400/fullsizeoutput_3f6c.jpeg" width="253" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5XvOyU7FUjzDPc5zAyTi2oSvnI_WEJIZ-snKyBihVc0JzK28zGE8MIrBakYicwxVJY996xzBn5UXMyOeK5hzu5t0-jfWdkyTAL27Rtj-JrMcmmlrmXGgDnwqmNacJhjpwtGZyxq3OM8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3fa4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1119" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5XvOyU7FUjzDPc5zAyTi2oSvnI_WEJIZ-snKyBihVc0JzK28zGE8MIrBakYicwxVJY996xzBn5UXMyOeK5hzu5t0-jfWdkyTAL27Rtj-JrMcmmlrmXGgDnwqmNacJhjpwtGZyxq3OM8/s400/fullsizeoutput_3fa4.jpeg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">On a few eggs, I tried a resist technique with letter stickers for a monogram and wax crayon swirl to add some flare. Several of these didn't turn out as the stickers floated off in the long dying process but I was pleased with this blue version with my husband's initials.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Either way, my "helper" Bijou was fascinated!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTdYGdMDaWJEhe9NkorAJE1hnIvwDZmwa7Z86rThyTxXVcKmwgX1Qn7GOi48KQzODUT6hyphenhyphenGzJ23aQWf8hxfHnflo5aZQomd-om4wsK_FX0ZmrtZcdjhkb4YjeXDggXViC0u4PZxvPXh8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3fa2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1022" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTdYGdMDaWJEhe9NkorAJE1hnIvwDZmwa7Z86rThyTxXVcKmwgX1Qn7GOi48KQzODUT6hyphenhyphenGzJ23aQWf8hxfHnflo5aZQomd-om4wsK_FX0ZmrtZcdjhkb4YjeXDggXViC0u4PZxvPXh8/s400/fullsizeoutput_3fa2.jpeg" width="255" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns_S595IDx7O2DiJfprQXwOmu9QfzVn5ODc_PuB0j7rk-6zhd1IzzjB-4KuwcnNTTVQFJ4Y_L_D_P472V66bLxqVHpi516L3zaP-QP3bQdwxFy6xCmS64OPWeUUUfKJbwoMv2LtoI4go/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f9c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns_S595IDx7O2DiJfprQXwOmu9QfzVn5ODc_PuB0j7rk-6zhd1IzzjB-4KuwcnNTTVQFJ4Y_L_D_P472V66bLxqVHpi516L3zaP-QP3bQdwxFy6xCmS64OPWeUUUfKJbwoMv2LtoI4go/s400/fullsizeoutput_3f9c.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bright Blue-red cabbage and Sunny Yellow- Turmeric</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixACrnNXsSmM1B9ppA975os-unFO5qXzOaUjFtVvGhqyJgPkndHPFo-TGsSTYJ-vBHMx86o_REjGIXH0vqiWJVWO98cwNGKE52y6jWo9hYHZfxY0cG15Ruc8QMCCwq7Q2dXpp50xJSqmo/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f9e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixACrnNXsSmM1B9ppA975os-unFO5qXzOaUjFtVvGhqyJgPkndHPFo-TGsSTYJ-vBHMx86o_REjGIXH0vqiWJVWO98cwNGKE52y6jWo9hYHZfxY0cG15Ruc8QMCCwq7Q2dXpp50xJSqmo/s640/fullsizeoutput_3f9e.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since the blue and yellow hues were the most vibrant I thought I'd use them as my models and set them among some sunny yellow flowers in blue and white pots.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The conclusion</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">:</span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This activity was lots of fun and a nice way to get creative in the kitchen- next time I would love to experiment with some new and different ingredients - (</span><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">cherries, berries and bright herbal teas come to mind</span></i></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkaeVMMuAGLKw_EeNrD0cqAZ5wMQxYV9JvQLs7UO1X0N4k36gZWWoYisEs6h356s8weYm3uzd2abrLf1hnWyR2HeltujzI2rYbtTJvQXwrvkEFJG9ih_eticV_ZmOb7eaZet0ckUIl7s/s1600/Vintage-Easter-Bunnies-Gnome-GraphicsFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkaeVMMuAGLKw_EeNrD0cqAZ5wMQxYV9JvQLs7UO1X0N4k36gZWWoYisEs6h356s8weYm3uzd2abrLf1hnWyR2HeltujzI2rYbtTJvQXwrvkEFJG9ih_eticV_ZmOb7eaZet0ckUIl7s/s400/Vintage-Easter-Bunnies-Gnome-GraphicsFairy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage image from the Graphics Fairy</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Egg Fun Facts </span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Egyptians and Persians are among the people of many ancient cultures who decorated eggs in vibrant colors to symbolize Spring's season of rebirth</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Early Christians dyed eggs red- often using onion skins - to represent Christ's blood</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In medieval Europe pretzels with two hard boiled eggs were hidden for children to find on Easter, an event much like modern egg hunts today</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first Faberge Egg was created in 1885 for Tsar Alexander the third for his wife and opened to reveal an enameled yellow yolk, golden hen and small diamond and ruby crown</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The world's largest chocolate egg measures eight feet tall and weighs 176 pounds. The sweet treat boasts pink and yellow polka dots and has a whopping 436,000 calories. It was created at the Fairmount Hotel in Dubai</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">for more eggstraodinary Easter facts visit the fun site </span></i><a href="http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/history/icons/easter_egg.htm" style="color: #444444;">theholidayspot</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Wish</span><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;">ing e</span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">ve</span><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">r</span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">yo</span><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;">n</span><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: x-large;">e al</span><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;">l t</span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">he </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Jo</span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">ys </span><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;">of S</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">pring!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirivT8ZTQJJ5Py6KEjm3xq8-SApj3P4DprVVXtFxG9N0XtND-GmZeMP9l3qoU08AI2WOoDgKX70qN3Xy4FJ2RM9NjImcGssSSC2T_n09mp6pL51BVKGJoErdyaoNJqkqb9M7VmCmq9rMk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3fa7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirivT8ZTQJJ5Py6KEjm3xq8-SApj3P4DprVVXtFxG9N0XtND-GmZeMP9l3qoU08AI2WOoDgKX70qN3Xy4FJ2RM9NjImcGssSSC2T_n09mp6pL51BVKGJoErdyaoNJqkqb9M7VmCmq9rMk/s640/fullsizeoutput_3fa7.jpeg" width="492" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">For links to more Easter recipes and crafts hop over to </span><a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/easters-on-its-way-diy-recap.html"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Easter at Pennywise</span></a></span></div>
<br />Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-45721910689656121592018-03-13T14:16:00.001-04:002018-03-13T15:17:26.492-04:00St. Patrick's Day: Whimsical Wee Folk <script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlmMVs3Ij0OqkrS2m9Jrub_Wau6u87sgQckMaA4KDj5MLIwY0c7BAS1y4Oe83B1JZwkjBmJBjwfxTj0EZrYAdebIhmYD2SAITJrO9_NVRmz09bsQvDKGwhKebxioGnF7FFXATzk5J5Fs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f09.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1000" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlmMVs3Ij0OqkrS2m9Jrub_Wau6u87sgQckMaA4KDj5MLIwY0c7BAS1y4Oe83B1JZwkjBmJBjwfxTj0EZrYAdebIhmYD2SAITJrO9_NVRmz09bsQvDKGwhKebxioGnF7FFXATzk5J5Fs/s640/fullsizeoutput_3f09.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">N</span><span style="font-size: large;">o matter one's heritage, the seventeenth of March is always a day to celebrate all things Irish. Whether whipping up authentic recipes from the Emerald Isle, imbibing in a hearty Guinness or adopting the wearing of the green, embracing a touch of Ireland, however small, on St. Patrick's Day is a fun way to brighten those wintry grey (at least here on the East Coast) not-quite-Spring days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe it's the mystical magic of the Irish landscape, or its rich storytelling tradition, but few cultures share such an enchanting passion for whimsy and folklore, fairies and fantasy. This year I thought I'd create some Wee Folk of my own to join me in celebrating their homeland and add a little luck of the Irish to my day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can always count on <a href="https://thegraphicsfairy.com/?s=irish"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Graphics fairy</span></a> for delightful vintage images to use in my projects and her collection of Irish images did not disappoint. While leprechauns are the norm, I chose some cheerful ladies in green along with the little seated gent.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgEaSrnyltdlTR_6FR-MRCB4ybYKYXb03iETwURgOC6elZrASwm8-tuaKd2tU-UdFshAafaCwCO4JkzcrQx1O2RJsj634wVrQxgbsQpjSFhjyiVwgDEo9ISnjDUwGufqwcGC_8YHUg0M/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3e40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgEaSrnyltdlTR_6FR-MRCB4ybYKYXb03iETwURgOC6elZrASwm8-tuaKd2tU-UdFshAafaCwCO4JkzcrQx1O2RJsj634wVrQxgbsQpjSFhjyiVwgDEo9ISnjDUwGufqwcGC_8YHUg0M/s640/fullsizeoutput_3e40.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRZ05SDTbkxsxIElw4hxi-pITQSfWdJmEhruT_B2ym5-x0oKp8UkcQ8DIgBU_E8UlUrvScnhgbTVM44joTTUGiEPZabL90qN4AN300qoKEp-hAgPeHEg5FNZX2Go4-xsbdL06XFt7VT4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3e74.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRZ05SDTbkxsxIElw4hxi-pITQSfWdJmEhruT_B2ym5-x0oKp8UkcQ8DIgBU_E8UlUrvScnhgbTVM44joTTUGiEPZabL90qN4AN300qoKEp-hAgPeHEg5FNZX2Go4-xsbdL06XFt7VT4/s400/fullsizeoutput_3e74.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Simply print out image and use as is or if desired embellish with your favorite craft or scrapbooking supplies you might have on hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lEPQBaZxCIFF6Lbsbbfnjudl3-N3slxKEGEzwUlu-qlPHOZqHO5cR9YNtnYTjxy9aARNHax7bwQn1a7h9iBZpJ45naLBV7FuYXWPtVVsR_mVZy9XLODZ-r7I2iTZIwm58NmbdBMrAN4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f28.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lEPQBaZxCIFF6Lbsbbfnjudl3-N3slxKEGEzwUlu-qlPHOZqHO5cR9YNtnYTjxy9aARNHax7bwQn1a7h9iBZpJ45naLBV7FuYXWPtVVsR_mVZy9XLODZ-r7I2iTZIwm58NmbdBMrAN4/s400/fullsizeoutput_3f28.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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after their makeover- I opted for gold and green puffy paint, stick on jewels and a dose of some glittery sparkle<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ_RTkinH5_Akbxh759q2-vpH4rCS3SXKIyECcGqYBIgAt7nC4JASwUT2kyUEnVw3D37QzT4ntWkv4CQzSCMPaOX2R0nRAXBYZXtYynKwuZgwoR5Fg6BOE1fto5LC6mM5Ndg0BLCaoLw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f2f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="872" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ_RTkinH5_Akbxh759q2-vpH4rCS3SXKIyECcGqYBIgAt7nC4JASwUT2kyUEnVw3D37QzT4ntWkv4CQzSCMPaOX2R0nRAXBYZXtYynKwuZgwoR5Fg6BOE1fto5LC6mM5Ndg0BLCaoLw/s200/fullsizeoutput_3f2f.jpeg" width="106" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjoNDW64NaBFetcUqtp1djNlMFbf3FPk9ju3KyXeUncGrz8QTzq4Wqf-BtRq46fOuopPfQ5nPvrWdFbZX8r7i69R6mcsluKPEuUfK6e34L9iS8mNoQglboyaQwS9K6CMsuGAJpPldteo/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f36.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjoNDW64NaBFetcUqtp1djNlMFbf3FPk9ju3KyXeUncGrz8QTzq4Wqf-BtRq46fOuopPfQ5nPvrWdFbZX8r7i69R6mcsluKPEuUfK6e34L9iS8mNoQglboyaQwS9K6CMsuGAJpPldteo/s320/fullsizeoutput_3f36.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I attached these Wee Folk to foam board for support. Impossible to cut neatly, I glued on a rough shape smaller than the image, adding a triangular prop. Not pretty but this works just fine to hold up these lightweight figures and remains unseen in the back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PoKQI1r436Rac-5oycqd-Qk4Sc57itRG7efvakJTj4UCUJOJBvJmlcP6RKUtyT2Dhyk3I6dh7C7QI2EnTUDJnubRRTgZdTN9O7Sn3D3msNi3A_91owhyphenhyphenmpJi_SwMC16Jz2RYRWqY6VY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3ef6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1370" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PoKQI1r436Rac-5oycqd-Qk4Sc57itRG7efvakJTj4UCUJOJBvJmlcP6RKUtyT2Dhyk3I6dh7C7QI2EnTUDJnubRRTgZdTN9O7Sn3D3msNi3A_91owhyphenhyphenmpJi_SwMC16Jz2RYRWqY6VY/s400/fullsizeoutput_3ef6.jpeg" width="342" /></a></div>
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Then simply set among your decor,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-stlJUgMWAVfsdPkQCmLDVIgkh8_3AFdvSG2VzAF1tYwN5ArIJ9nUndEQldxRJPrfkl99p7iWqgoL15Iby39Am8h7s1izQKrrCMkP1rbhyphenhyphenOG76dM9tDAs2WjqlUmZXpKT5vG_aNSxdbs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f0d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="833" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-stlJUgMWAVfsdPkQCmLDVIgkh8_3AFdvSG2VzAF1tYwN5ArIJ9nUndEQldxRJPrfkl99p7iWqgoL15Iby39Am8h7s1izQKrrCMkP1rbhyphenhyphenOG76dM9tDAs2WjqlUmZXpKT5vG_aNSxdbs/s640/fullsizeoutput_3f0d.jpeg" width="531" /></a></div>
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or add some Irish magic to teatime.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTw8IzZ2qx8zqhR2CyTs6ccrAZJ9jmoLEzpkSpQXVVbneJML712Jn7xE1Uus735nkevQ6XnuDuFlvMz-q2IFx01buKUfjgmxjjsf2E1qxZ7ZU-MXU0uc5rO579GQVRB1e7tUr-iPeDrQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f41.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1000" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTw8IzZ2qx8zqhR2CyTs6ccrAZJ9jmoLEzpkSpQXVVbneJML712Jn7xE1Uus735nkevQ6XnuDuFlvMz-q2IFx01buKUfjgmxjjsf2E1qxZ7ZU-MXU0uc5rO579GQVRB1e7tUr-iPeDrQ/s400/fullsizeoutput_3f41.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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with classic soda bread of course</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIiPl_HpDsTfYHSrMMp4dZm6qILBl6qJC_zQ1W5q-8afCwYs_w2H5EiD08NXq4mJtVdVsy7MS8S8AsdrMPCugEwyz8vzsqooxn2B2jWyaVjtneWbp2C4UOr-Y5xacatu7n6QVl2u8aPA/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3f3c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIiPl_HpDsTfYHSrMMp4dZm6qILBl6qJC_zQ1W5q-8afCwYs_w2H5EiD08NXq4mJtVdVsy7MS8S8AsdrMPCugEwyz8vzsqooxn2B2jWyaVjtneWbp2C4UOr-Y5xacatu7n6QVl2u8aPA/s640/fullsizeoutput_3f3c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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or make a mini scene: One lass plays shepherdess under a cloche with some tiny white lambs</div>
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(a wooly staple of the irish landscape) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl8heGGNSestSlCZgMEDJ9tMBipzFy6cL5xHLeywKYngOA54M9KSooB5QFzvC97-ienq-a6-SaST-wYaGne41BzJnqCubxMUppsa1yQ1MsZwZYpCKJpRewkUhpcxHWcqRKRMlsJD8zGs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3e47.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1590" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl8heGGNSestSlCZgMEDJ9tMBipzFy6cL5xHLeywKYngOA54M9KSooB5QFzvC97-ienq-a6-SaST-wYaGne41BzJnqCubxMUppsa1yQ1MsZwZYpCKJpRewkUhpcxHWcqRKRMlsJD8zGs/s640/fullsizeoutput_3e47.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Short on time?- The original images feature charming sayings and backgrounds and can be printed out for quick cards, labels for baked treats, or festive decor. Find these and more on <a href="https://thegraphicsfairy.com/?s=irish"><span style="color: #38761d;">The graphics fairy </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUzytFsTylBa7ISdpA3ePv2XEApW2xJYqczlg4kg-3uSf7OzoidAFpqpcpioGThCzfhLqT7VSMngl9Aqz8BHKA6tWnbhQE5Hqydu2urCj34DWjmsLed-04JI_o1lF-7GMPyo01e4wUIA/s1600/760396e8d5451de584fbf084458a0f37d37b046b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="919" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUzytFsTylBa7ISdpA3ePv2XEApW2xJYqczlg4kg-3uSf7OzoidAFpqpcpioGThCzfhLqT7VSMngl9Aqz8BHKA6tWnbhQE5Hqydu2urCj34DWjmsLed-04JI_o1lF-7GMPyo01e4wUIA/s400/760396e8d5451de584fbf084458a0f37d37b046b.jpeg" width="366" /></a></div>
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You might recognize the same little gentleman in our<b> </b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/lucky-leprechaun-shoe-st-patricks-day.html"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Lucky Leprechaun Shoe</b></span></a> </span>craft from our past St. Patrick's post<br />
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<blockquote style="border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 2px 14px; text-align: start;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ireland, it's the one place on earth</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That heaven has kissed</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With melody, mirth,</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And meadow and mist.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Irish Saying </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy St. Patrick's Day!</span></div>
Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-49597866825183253372018-02-08T15:08:00.001-05:002018-02-08T15:10:09.130-05:00Italian Cherry Cream Sodas: An Easy Sweet Valentine treat<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNb7P9gtNEpp2E4Kz792ZmRG0Ke6Pd_X3RoEec9xwGbq-68v04eYYy5zEZvgDiQdhBeSIJduTDWQYrPpwy0h11Aly8sLEc0cMPFrGq7WDng9FJtZx-XvGifH3vla5_OQ7QBIGH8_rWXo/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3e32.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="883" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNb7P9gtNEpp2E4Kz792ZmRG0Ke6Pd_X3RoEec9xwGbq-68v04eYYy5zEZvgDiQdhBeSIJduTDWQYrPpwy0h11Aly8sLEc0cMPFrGq7WDng9FJtZx-XvGifH3vla5_OQ7QBIGH8_rWXo/s640/fullsizeoutput_3e32.jpeg" width="563" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">M</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">any among my friends and family have mixed reactions to Valentine's Day. For some it can be a holiday of grand romantic gestures complete with roses, proposals and champagne, for others a simple fun card or box of candy will suffice, and I know several who opt to forgo the "stress" of this "commercial" holiday altogether. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> However you celebrate, it's always fun to add an easy but sweet treat to your day as a nod to the occasion. I thought this year I'd say "Te Amo" with an aptly rosy colored Italian cherry cream soda for a quick Valentine's afternoon break.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsnN8XA2vPnVqqZ1apGdh0ArTCeyi_hgFkJoTIkQ9_qwflkcc6OhJw0rENcudqsVrH8JQ6ryzNsG5Te6Z8ResP9XKoCohrBMQx4wzQXHMt3cd4xS5n668aqnpK8kPrzRdX_UnPgsVoFs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3e39.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsnN8XA2vPnVqqZ1apGdh0ArTCeyi_hgFkJoTIkQ9_qwflkcc6OhJw0rENcudqsVrH8JQ6ryzNsG5Te6Z8ResP9XKoCohrBMQx4wzQXHMt3cd4xS5n668aqnpK8kPrzRdX_UnPgsVoFs/s640/fullsizeoutput_3e39.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Delicious Italian style sodas have been popular at coffee bars and cafes for quite a while now but also are fun and simple to whip up yourself at home. A quick online search lead to countless recipes for cream sodas which all basically consist of a mix of a sweet flavored syrup and carbonated water topped with whipped cream or half and half. That's it!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elegant flavored syrups for these sodas are easily available in shops and online but as some can be a bit pricey and contain artificial colors or flavoring, I thought I'd experiment a bit with other options. I found a natural cherry juice from my local supermarket worked wonderfully. It was also easier than the cooking, straining and cooling involved in making your own syrup from berries and sugar.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Italian Cherry Cream Soda</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Really a non-recipe recipe, ingredients can be adjusted to suit your taste.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOzwZdvxO9Rjz6h0Xq47-OMDAoGaIQzigHyEqiWJ5f7kmygJpDwdyTTlY_qOaiCUGIxfFfH0vJ9i2csIHNuoeg7vqnNKFYu1mOJfw_rfRmrxD2TqVE_hTddwS7oK8uGqoc8uyyCn42LE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3e2b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1254" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOzwZdvxO9Rjz6h0Xq47-OMDAoGaIQzigHyEqiWJ5f7kmygJpDwdyTTlY_qOaiCUGIxfFfH0vJ9i2csIHNuoeg7vqnNKFYu1mOJfw_rfRmrxD2TqVE_hTddwS7oK8uGqoc8uyyCn42LE/s400/fullsizeoutput_3e2b.jpeg" width="312" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b>I used:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">natural cherry juice blend - <i>store brand, 100% juice</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">carbonated or mineral water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #e06666;"><i>(some prefer club soda's milder taste but any bubbly water will do)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">canned whipped cream</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since juice is less concentrated than soda syrups I used more than you normally might in this recipe. I started with about 3 parts juice to one part chilled sparkling water and simply topped generously with whipped cream and popped in a straw. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These drinks tend to appeal more to "grown ups" as they are less sugary sweet than the traditional canned variety.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5pmdByaKRng202X9D4lO5DUm8Cyi31jLpIBTldEfWDID1WMbdPV9ywhzZBiFhA62kvrZGEponx2jY2Nc9Gdn2jwJv3tv413c2QFpu7PK5siNCcVjyg1vI-5hcJZ4SRalD_4szf3l-H8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3e25.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5pmdByaKRng202X9D4lO5DUm8Cyi31jLpIBTldEfWDID1WMbdPV9ywhzZBiFhA62kvrZGEponx2jY2Nc9Gdn2jwJv3tv413c2QFpu7PK5siNCcVjyg1vI-5hcJZ4SRalD_4szf3l-H8/s640/fullsizeoutput_3e25.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I served in tall stemmed glasses for a festive flare</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCBeIbDMVqkzeRainGITLXyCGpXRZjAek3iwGcWerHfduF0s-ZfE-o3raoGkvbwu07LaO5Ki6gzL5CdbD6m81PSyQTaHN4HUgYitadsq8rAQLBFl_L-tWIXRE-JGqKfRRwlpgMF9WlTg/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3e15.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1170" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCBeIbDMVqkzeRainGITLXyCGpXRZjAek3iwGcWerHfduF0s-ZfE-o3raoGkvbwu07LaO5Ki6gzL5CdbD6m81PSyQTaHN4HUgYitadsq8rAQLBFl_L-tWIXRE-JGqKfRRwlpgMF9WlTg/s400/fullsizeoutput_3e15.jpeg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">send some love: image made with vintage photo from the <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="https://thegraphicsfairy.com/?s=venice">the graphics fairy</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTikzw7EM8G5zVc8Jpuc1VDrmLG24AGeoCIr5fzFTHCj9tNL47WB-K8Clw6Ol8YzW7uBYRrviyshtn3yRWsHmVV6_Zh_BM7r7tC1OgyLFccINBsca84X3vMr2Fp9xtGP-YCnnKRqGKBZ4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3e2f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTikzw7EM8G5zVc8Jpuc1VDrmLG24AGeoCIr5fzFTHCj9tNL47WB-K8Clw6Ol8YzW7uBYRrviyshtn3yRWsHmVV6_Zh_BM7r7tC1OgyLFccINBsca84X3vMr2Fp9xtGP-YCnnKRqGKBZ4/s400/fullsizeoutput_3e2f.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I served with a store-bought berry biscotti and fruit</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wishing everyone</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">a </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sweet</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Valentine's Day!</span></div>
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Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-76365488161424471512018-01-30T18:57:00.001-05:002018-01-31T19:59:04.027-05:00La Chandeleur: French Crepe Day<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> All Photos CPaul</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">'ve always been fascinated by the way different holidays are celebrated in cultures around world. It seems on almost any given day of the year, there is a festive occasion of some sort going on somewhere . </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I was delighted to learn recently that throughout France, Candlemas, also known as La Chandeleur or Jour de Lumieres, is traditionally celebrated on February 2nd by the lighting of candles and by eating that french favorite, crepes! Not as familiar stateside, this celebration of La Chandeleur seemed the perfect respite from the lengthy drab winter weeks following fun and frenzied holiday festivities and was a good excuse to try my new crepe pan! (a steal at Homegoods)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZA620pcumGncDFLYSm-tPHYW6O-zj6PrmHkHoc7Kc6eWvxd5JMQTUvvAQXi9FOwRozGJ0iOd5K8aVgdvQjIGMwqDRsIDnbwRdxjLLuY6PaOJlHDH2LMh-OsQ90IrJw_PwMsBkjg8_Tp8/s1600/5868d950eaed06ce39ec9fa9813b5e0f0970859a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZA620pcumGncDFLYSm-tPHYW6O-zj6PrmHkHoc7Kc6eWvxd5JMQTUvvAQXi9FOwRozGJ0iOd5K8aVgdvQjIGMwqDRsIDnbwRdxjLLuY6PaOJlHDH2LMh-OsQ90IrJw_PwMsBkjg8_Tp8/s400/5868d950eaed06ce39ec9fa9813b5e0f0970859a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> For many Christians, this February date, marks the day Jesus was presented to the Temple in Jerusalem, but the holiday can also be traced much further back to older pagan roots, honoring the eventual return of Spring and longer sunlit filled days.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">But why candles and crepes?</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some say Pope Gelasius established the tradition in the 400's by distributing crepe like treats to pilgrims in Rome during annual candlelit processions. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The round shape and golden color of crepes was thought to represent the welcoming return of the sun as well as, more practically, a good way to use up surplus flour, a staple that time of year.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9D2IMKDG6I-pa19ZfaW-4fiCH2OURZfN3bdpsYaJPO8q2txyOEahHbGLx_-dhUROIi_5pMJyQ9_BO-s2137U1SCR2iSHHnWE5yiDQVhYIai5Z84UbiIoOxC8zNAER6QzFoYTP3VZs0Y/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3de9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9D2IMKDG6I-pa19ZfaW-4fiCH2OURZfN3bdpsYaJPO8q2txyOEahHbGLx_-dhUROIi_5pMJyQ9_BO-s2137U1SCR2iSHHnWE5yiDQVhYIai5Z84UbiIoOxC8zNAER6QzFoYTP3VZs0Y/s640/fullsizeoutput_3de9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I displayed with (flameless) candles and french and Spring inspired props</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">As someone who loves to enjoy these delicious and very adaptable treats, I have had limited success in making them at home. Sadly, more stacks of rubbery ill-shaped crepes have wound up in the garbage can than on the dinner table. So for my first celebration of Candlemas, I thought I'd attempt one of the easiest recipes I was able to find online at the wonderful blog</span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><a href="https://www.savorytooth.com/easiest-crepes/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">savorytooth</span></a>.</b></span> <span style="color: #444444;">With a few additions (vanilla and sugar), I was able to whip up some surprisingly tasty, flourless versions of these classic treats.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wonderful as sweet desserts or savory meals, crepes can be reinvented with endless fillings or toppings from chicken and spinach to chocolate or applesauce.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I opted for sweet toppings for my customizable easy crepe bar including morello cherries in natural syrup, tangy lemon curd and fresh berries. Of course butter, honey and whipped creme are welcome additions as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwToD04gfs1Y6-_TJDom4LGj-7QEB_8DJnxglrHzWtVFE9A_8UCdVT-QM54OYqJGJC8OokZzLCSlRZCib46fCykddmFMYGjQTd3JhQ3bvlkPCAvAruaboJebg0AKeP6UqIAK2mqRr6LA/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3df4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwToD04gfs1Y6-_TJDom4LGj-7QEB_8DJnxglrHzWtVFE9A_8UCdVT-QM54OYqJGJC8OokZzLCSlRZCib46fCykddmFMYGjQTd3JhQ3bvlkPCAvAruaboJebg0AKeP6UqIAK2mqRr6LA/s400/fullsizeoutput_3df4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Easy Flourless Crepes</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">3 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">1 oz package cream cheese softened (I used Neuchatel)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or other desired flavor)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">2 tablespoons fine sugar</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Simply pop ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour a pancake sized amount onto a warm skillet or crepe pan and swirl until it forms an (almost) even circle. Cook over low-medium heat until golden brown, flipping once. Dot with butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Legend says if you hold a coin in one hand and successfully flip the crepe with the other, you will have good luck in the coming year. I admit I didn't attempt this.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw291ekbqPsLhtLAMSY9oOV4Ng7FVlN0_b9yWfykEB6hn__5M3Q6w0Dap5ViW9-_JocQGLwkWoWs4Grf9p6VmZl6kDjiIgJdhgwvJJRms96ZTRKAOgqi5nt1F1i7P-HVGYkWbxj2dfC0s/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3dcd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1151" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw291ekbqPsLhtLAMSY9oOV4Ng7FVlN0_b9yWfykEB6hn__5M3Q6w0Dap5ViW9-_JocQGLwkWoWs4Grf9p6VmZl6kDjiIgJdhgwvJJRms96ZTRKAOgqi5nt1F1i7P-HVGYkWbxj2dfC0s/s640/fullsizeoutput_3dcd.jpeg" width="459" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bon Appetite!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For more on Chandeleur click on <a href="https://www.thelocal.fr/20170201/why-do-the-french-eat-crepes-on-le-chandeleur"><span style="color: #a64d79;">why-do-the-french-eat-crepes-on-le-chandeleur</span></a></span></div>
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Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-81738014601165083762017-12-24T10:40:00.000-05:002017-12-24T10:40:04.755-05:00Wishing our Readers a Merry Christmas and Happiest of Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMHjj02WXA6B_yJPaVm_cDdMlEoYR9kCXj2uvwDqPSrazcjbI7BsoOj-pkskTn4TPHXPqTZ8YGBM2afSAbfz1vl4oNozWY1sb4z6FhrYwG2_yerW4Tid1MbfbgX_gW3bbSK43WoUB3Co/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3d22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="995" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMHjj02WXA6B_yJPaVm_cDdMlEoYR9kCXj2uvwDqPSrazcjbI7BsoOj-pkskTn4TPHXPqTZ8YGBM2afSAbfz1vl4oNozWY1sb4z6FhrYwG2_yerW4Tid1MbfbgX_gW3bbSK43WoUB3Co/s640/fullsizeoutput_3d22.jpeg" width="556" /></a></div>
<br />Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-29524036764827124002017-11-14T21:17:00.002-05:002017-11-14T21:17:51.448-05:00Autumn Antler Tablescape<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC6_PyrAf6Kn6duwvP5KFLnHK_rmp-ObZ9gq_fbSOKEJQ3nJ1KCgfCGcIac1aGx_KlxyzcjK2aztwgSQ2YPB_awXEa_Vikh98Gga_j-vEJc_nSuSic5tQ4FnJYw74xBUwEWv5AqKjcBU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3c34.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC6_PyrAf6Kn6duwvP5KFLnHK_rmp-ObZ9gq_fbSOKEJQ3nJ1KCgfCGcIac1aGx_KlxyzcjK2aztwgSQ2YPB_awXEa_Vikh98Gga_j-vEJc_nSuSic5tQ4FnJYw74xBUwEWv5AqKjcBU/s640/fullsizeoutput_3c34.jpeg" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While turkeys understandably take center stage at Thanksgiving, it can be fun to include nods to other wildlife in your seasonal Autumn displays as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> With my Halloween props and pumpkins still on display, I thought I'd use what was on hand to create a quick and easy Fall centerpiece.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pumpkins and Fall foliage are natural holdovers from the previous holiday and since this year my "costume" consisted of plastic antlers from Walmart (and some stick on deer face stickers from the drugstore) I thought I would play to the still popular antler trend this Thanksgiving.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m-onNV7whnieWqCNNk39KcE1RvIMDjQKB4SzZojkdBd_W1MvgwcqKOwokJlru1vHw6LqrdNcU4BmKc1Z98Cp4P3QACVdhxFtoxXaumWieEPfBF34bN_UDixVmbnlSXa87QlTnjF76Bk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3c0a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m-onNV7whnieWqCNNk39KcE1RvIMDjQKB4SzZojkdBd_W1MvgwcqKOwokJlru1vHw6LqrdNcU4BmKc1Z98Cp4P3QACVdhxFtoxXaumWieEPfBF34bN_UDixVmbnlSXa87QlTnjF76Bk/s320/fullsizeoutput_3c0a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Birds, a fox mask and deer made for a woodland twist on Halloween</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKZQ9LYiIeEfVqacwzecXRwyjMRaiv6igq4bD5hA56K_0aU6k8EBexYHNe443yt0jFpfiCwlJDhmZ4OHttryZ4cL7mK8B_Uy3kjJeHQwvlD69_QNTmB7gScl5J_0s348ozuA7awD2DdQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3c40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1096" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKZQ9LYiIeEfVqacwzecXRwyjMRaiv6igq4bD5hA56K_0aU6k8EBexYHNe443yt0jFpfiCwlJDhmZ4OHttryZ4cL7mK8B_Uy3kjJeHQwvlD69_QNTmB7gScl5J_0s348ozuA7awD2DdQ/s200/fullsizeoutput_3c40.jpeg" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">deer friendly plastic antlers</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I simply arranged the costume antlers with mini pumpkins, dried corn, faux leaves and Fall foliage in an old soup tureen base.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nature inspired tableware, touches of gold and flameless candles complete the warm Fall palette </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Admittedly smitten with these forest friends, last year I opted for Thanksgiving deer decor as well with a vintage stag image and easy pumpkin redo.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5BnyWdWeuaKrpDNztYvAbzwty5yFUyOlR4Ip4_cj-UQVDMQmvrbxUn6J13U4jBUhbEBTdvzuhR_7ZXNrfTjCzoWIGZ3AK3y_Eb33LQVM8mk85lVvi0pr_TRxCr4GJGHd8ka95RrfAvo/s1600/P1150483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="330" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5BnyWdWeuaKrpDNztYvAbzwty5yFUyOlR4Ip4_cj-UQVDMQmvrbxUn6J13U4jBUhbEBTdvzuhR_7ZXNrfTjCzoWIGZ3AK3y_Eb33LQVM8mk85lVvi0pr_TRxCr4GJGHd8ka95RrfAvo/s400/P1150483.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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simply click link for details<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/quick-thanksgiving-pumpkin-makeover.html">quick-thanksgiving-pumpkin-makeover</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Give Thanks for Unknown Blessings already on their way</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> Native American Saying</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Wishing our U.S. followers </span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">a</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Joyous </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Thanksgiving</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">our friends worldwide a </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Autumn!</b></span></div>
Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-60768528627827604072017-10-26T07:00:00.000-04:002017-10-28T20:33:17.696-04:00Thrift Benefit for Animals, Last Chance Ranch and a Halloween Black Cat Shoe<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><a data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuX-qMsoC00ck_RCoXwze4h_SNAZI7fX_hYNWergx36nL4G7yZt-qmzt4P9fdCu7QNC1HTyGRT5-9640uKoFs-AVjiMobS5CWOMBDX19Tvii-EkLXQH7ppb36H4NO_wKJ8EN1_raccy0/s1600/ee87e1fdc2e0eee86d9be60c903bee2b20f54f94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="723" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuX-qMsoC00ck_RCoXwze4h_SNAZI7fX_hYNWergx36nL4G7yZt-qmzt4P9fdCu7QNC1HTyGRT5-9640uKoFs-AVjiMobS5CWOMBDX19Tvii-EkLXQH7ppb36H4NO_wKJ8EN1_raccy0/s640/ee87e1fdc2e0eee86d9be60c903bee2b20f54f94.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">If, like me, you love a good browse through a thrift shop, you know your purchases are all the more special when the proceeds go to a charitable cause close to your heart. A few years back, the talented blogger and animal lover Jeannette Cheney, from <a href="https://countrydesignstyle.com/">Country Design Style.com</a> created an event to highlight those resale shops who specifically benefit our beloved furry, four footed, or feathered friends. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The mission</b>:</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> M</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">ake a purchase from a thrift store that benefits animals or animal charities.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Makeover the item (large or small) in a fun new way.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Then join up with other bloggers in sharing it all in a post on October 26th. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;"><i>This way bloggers from across the country can help promote these worthy causes and their big hearted shops. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lucky for me there is a delightful thrift shop in my area run by <i>Last Chance Ranch, </i>a wonderful organization that helps foster, care for and lovingly re-home countless abandoned or abused animals from horses to dogs to parrots and even lizards! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico6nN3Ybqa4koj001N1wxiHaRfZb_3SLJY_PZ7d6IVO3SBItmbnTR8D765tOnrfh6s3HBMryNVWyxXgbH-tlSpTibtkBHLhVpDs8J_R_y0qXRDGdPxokFDeSnGJbsoltwSuuTmsfo0hY/s1600/header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="756" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico6nN3Ybqa4koj001N1wxiHaRfZb_3SLJY_PZ7d6IVO3SBItmbnTR8D765tOnrfh6s3HBMryNVWyxXgbH-tlSpTibtkBHLhVpDs8J_R_y0qXRDGdPxokFDeSnGJbsoltwSuuTmsfo0hY/s640/header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA8O4EEyylLkjI9QMwwsdvM3K4yHfu93dxpd_LuucuFjtn1RNh6dcFPrmLx7GCDFENajHSfrLAtbEqvCbWuIIJAVPdPr_yNYzsODCqq5aIBVrP5kQ4uy_OSB7OqALCteOMFQfcJ9QYfM/s1600/289270328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkyCtxekOFdu6j-2yccoeh1IYfPv64G87we_truI827qjwrDAdiV1HnRzPgxCJHXaRmxytpcKjsDUhGjH0REKYJBEPKFa0bwgz-wIVzWLtiXkvTc2RCd79OMaV3qfEKsM986RPdrFwWM/s1600/animal+header_300x170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="336" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA8O4EEyylLkjI9QMwwsdvM3K4yHfu93dxpd_LuucuFjtn1RNh6dcFPrmLx7GCDFENajHSfrLAtbEqvCbWuIIJAVPdPr_yNYzsODCqq5aIBVrP5kQ4uy_OSB7OqALCteOMFQfcJ9QYfM/s200/289270328.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkyCtxekOFdu6j-2yccoeh1IYfPv64G87we_truI827qjwrDAdiV1HnRzPgxCJHXaRmxytpcKjsDUhGjH0REKYJBEPKFa0bwgz-wIVzWLtiXkvTc2RCd79OMaV3qfEKsM986RPdrFwWM/s1600/animal+header_300x170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="300" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkyCtxekOFdu6j-2yccoeh1IYfPv64G87we_truI827qjwrDAdiV1HnRzPgxCJHXaRmxytpcKjsDUhGjH0REKYJBEPKFa0bwgz-wIVzWLtiXkvTc2RCd79OMaV3qfEKsM986RPdrFwWM/s400/animal+header_300x170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lastchanceranch.org/">Last Chance Ranch.org</a></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">click link above to learn about this organization's history, mission and amazing work on behalf of animals</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Their Shop</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The ranch's bright and cheerful shop features a wide variety of well displayed and fabulously priced items. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsuaSNS9DhBN0I3xqljHGjQkz8P22F5Z5hwAa44qlDjWDFT4ewtTduQBeu7A6wzl7d_XN5Uc0es653Th6f56xzPRCSGUx8bWmQ0CaQGN5jrj5W3O-GkUyipBGQd0S-9RMqAKPpJlmmvw/s1600/lastchanceranch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="587" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsuaSNS9DhBN0I3xqljHGjQkz8P22F5Z5hwAa44qlDjWDFT4ewtTduQBeu7A6wzl7d_XN5Uc0es653Th6f56xzPRCSGUx8bWmQ0CaQGN5jrj5W3O-GkUyipBGQd0S-9RMqAKPpJlmmvw/s640/lastchanceranch3.jpg" width="585" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It boasts an extensive array of pet supplies for dogs, cats, horses, fish and birds as well as gently used clothing, accessories and jewelry for their human friends. Also not to miss, are books, furnishings and home decor items. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR9p8XiZwxPyRpKjV8-PVAgIxlDSEwJbk5fx0jYfp884ga7VLHEhhyphenhyphengqtbA4Oz3_RskHXK3Rf0eiox5cOK-g4_B02dxCMip0pmv0c40YDBNpj2pjeCgfAIfZydNadvvKt64aoVN60ZZw/s1600/IMG_4274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR9p8XiZwxPyRpKjV8-PVAgIxlDSEwJbk5fx0jYfp884ga7VLHEhhyphenhyphengqtbA4Oz3_RskHXK3Rf0eiox5cOK-g4_B02dxCMip0pmv0c40YDBNpj2pjeCgfAIfZydNadvvKt64aoVN60ZZw/s320/IMG_4274.jpg" width="224" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDBEtVo_Vz-HcHYsLP-ooJ-97aQhwX72bn8mMrmMUAmADvqcFki1aJTogAxPjn6Ah9gB8eW8D89lc0AS0QaelRUsOw54Zvu6gvYnlMwZU3X4qnEADQ3Xsca9MKMasEJr7LBJfvL2di00/s1600/IMG_4273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDBEtVo_Vz-HcHYsLP-ooJ-97aQhwX72bn8mMrmMUAmADvqcFki1aJTogAxPjn6Ah9gB8eW8D89lc0AS0QaelRUsOw54Zvu6gvYnlMwZU3X4qnEADQ3Xsca9MKMasEJr7LBJfvL2di00/s320/IMG_4273.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">S</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">ince this thrifty blog challenge coincided with Halloween time, I thought it would be frightfully fun to do an easy project in the spirit of the season and happily wandered the charity's shop until inspiration hit, in of all places, the shoe section.</span></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYbn8qxVUToNpjlRpnbwsiFj1dQtSaQeBVtxLm6ZtNtnywwgdR8G_TN6W5oDvAagzmnNxDaE6SCivwWiIqrZg7mx9JwY9SXe0_Rq0u64oU854YuiUD19oPDPKlag-MTMm6Y9tWkybXCI/s1600/buroch-cat-face-embroidery-ballet-flat-shoes-red-black-faux-suede-charlotte-olympia-kitty-look-a-likes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYbn8qxVUToNpjlRpnbwsiFj1dQtSaQeBVtxLm6ZtNtnywwgdR8G_TN6W5oDvAagzmnNxDaE6SCivwWiIqrZg7mx9JwY9SXe0_Rq0u64oU854YuiUD19oPDPKlag-MTMm6Y9tWkybXCI/s200/buroch-cat-face-embroidery-ballet-flat-shoes-red-black-faux-suede-charlotte-olympia-kitty-look-a-likes.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte Olympia Cat Shoes $495.00</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I remembered a while ago these "cat" shoes had taken the internet by storm, appearing on celebs and "cat walks" and while undeniably charming, the $495.00 price tag was not. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course crafty cat fancier fashionistas everywhere immediately took to making their own less pricey versions and I thought Halloween would be the perfect time to follow their lead and recreate this whimsical feline footwear. After all, what could be better for the well dressed witch this October season?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-Q4LloVbwLbqtfo4VtVlq6mjFymTh816k3qEYUBk5OykY-UHmjhUKi1r5kHj7rpYWpsjNhhdeU9JvZsEmdAb2-WsET9hQYv5Z2hPXlF_BagKvUkyGRj03Mv-Ca8VBQAZYK20dlyZ0qQ/s1600/P1160101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1103" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-Q4LloVbwLbqtfo4VtVlq6mjFymTh816k3qEYUBk5OykY-UHmjhUKi1r5kHj7rpYWpsjNhhdeU9JvZsEmdAb2-WsET9hQYv5Z2hPXlF_BagKvUkyGRj03Mv-Ca8VBQAZYK20dlyZ0qQ/s320/P1160101.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I found these black pumps with "kitten" heels on a display for $2.99 and was delighted to find they had been marked down to a mere $1.00</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhB_p3LyQqkBel3b6kMpiEbSZUZu94GK7LvFsV4P83WTxLDR55dY_weMEBiX5hQLcqFEzLVwjKdTXNMuVJvO_sMXNQ0-EfopqaeHFmrOOHV5GrO3qeFsSiyo8po1WqyAJpk_ht1YP8EHM/s1600/P1160099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhB_p3LyQqkBel3b6kMpiEbSZUZu94GK7LvFsV4P83WTxLDR55dY_weMEBiX5hQLcqFEzLVwjKdTXNMuVJvO_sMXNQ0-EfopqaeHFmrOOHV5GrO3qeFsSiyo8po1WqyAJpk_ht1YP8EHM/s320/P1160099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">My other fab finds (I had to share) also included an almost new good sized pet carrier, pet dish, picnic basket, lace up riding boots (for my occasional lessons), classical CD, and a beautiful coffee table book on dogs - all for $17.00!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">DIY Kitten Heels</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IsnOlaOxRGoReekBAG-bd0VXhVsKX1Ft2KDTW-lzIa7_zyHJSOCqBcsPEfZqs8lKNOYagt0oqQMp1_4NqeqAlcKWyCrluDoyM9bEPLLYOodqj37c0aFeFqJ8KApaMK2tOE1OfZ3IupA/s1600/P1160125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IsnOlaOxRGoReekBAG-bd0VXhVsKX1Ft2KDTW-lzIa7_zyHJSOCqBcsPEfZqs8lKNOYagt0oqQMp1_4NqeqAlcKWyCrluDoyM9bEPLLYOodqj37c0aFeFqJ8KApaMK2tOE1OfZ3IupA/s400/P1160125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With some basic crafting supplies, this was a fast and easy redo. Since I would only be wearing them for the "witching hour" as costume wear, I opted to quickly hot glue and paint on accents instead of more complicated sewing. Being fairly dainty, of course, these would not be good shoes for long walks, for children or for dancing the night away, but for a few hours handing out candy, I figured they would serve me in seasonally spooky style. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM_8h8v9HfsOmk6TfKi3-STR3Kq7gcLwph3fME0oHJjS7Ecb3dBvUC_mO6Fak_5Hp7fkX4sG4MlIlVqaHEcNlcHHSzbvSI51vOzYMeH1HQvBVz3LfflycfTaqgdMdl8xuwU1hzKEmC7E/s1600/a69e42363f4e8f760361a4c8bde916495c2aceb5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM_8h8v9HfsOmk6TfKi3-STR3Kq7gcLwph3fME0oHJjS7Ecb3dBvUC_mO6Fak_5Hp7fkX4sG4MlIlVqaHEcNlcHHSzbvSI51vOzYMeH1HQvBVz3LfflycfTaqgdMdl8xuwU1hzKEmC7E/s640/a69e42363f4e8f760361a4c8bde916495c2aceb5.jpeg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjOk8pGZshUMNiFqVgkgKJbRtTt0RDtp9dsuUt0pDtCFD29K3jvp7iXoYBvZaj9edYGGyH45RBqUd4zMTTeqNMO0XJbqeS9VzO6e_SpiQage22JKmzC1uU8ew-B9LVNSEm55Hm4ZOXkU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-24+at+9.46.03+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="511" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjOk8pGZshUMNiFqVgkgKJbRtTt0RDtp9dsuUt0pDtCFD29K3jvp7iXoYBvZaj9edYGGyH45RBqUd4zMTTeqNMO0XJbqeS9VzO6e_SpiQage22JKmzC1uU8ew-B9LVNSEm55Hm4ZOXkU/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-24+at+9.46.03+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I began by removing the decorative pearl accents and saving them for some future project down the line (one adorns the hat on my bewitching faux feline friend above). </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">For the eyes, I used beads from a strand found at Joann's Fabrics in a sale bin, but you could opt to use buttons, paint, or for those talented in needlework, embroider eyes on as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Scraps or a sewing patch kit in a coordinating color is perfect for the small amount of fabric needed for the ears and squeezable fabric paint makes quick work of the simple ear accents, pink nose and silver whiskers. S</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">imply glue and paint accents as desired to create your own fabulous feline, no great artistic skills needed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Quick tips: a paper template keeps ears uniform in size. Depending on the brand, squeezable fabric paint can sometimes take hours to dr</i></span>y <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>so be careful to avoid smudges while waiting for paint to set</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I then popped in a pair of inexpensive leopard insoles for comfort and a chic touch.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivptqSOh_RgKSJm9Jj2hbW-Xq9dh75CFIVMy_PgSb2SSOaca_9771NK5S8GSh_kAowlL-50JJzZAJvb38inZIKnZn-adgTkgW6Pm0iH_8NqpmjKlrO2HG1gMoYW31NRehVBxXFxZcjz1A/s1600/P1160116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivptqSOh_RgKSJm9Jj2hbW-Xq9dh75CFIVMy_PgSb2SSOaca_9771NK5S8GSh_kAowlL-50JJzZAJvb38inZIKnZn-adgTkgW6Pm0iH_8NqpmjKlrO2HG1gMoYW31NRehVBxXFxZcjz1A/s320/P1160116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I chose black low heels for my project but any style shoe and combination of colors from tabby to tortoiseshell would be fun!</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Wishing all of our friends, on two feet or four,</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"> a bewitching </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Fall Season!</span><br />
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Last Chance Ranch resident and four footed </div>
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volunteer Mugsy and friends bring </div>
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smiles to seniors in assisted care</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">For more on thrifty DIY's and Animal Charities, please pop over and visit these other creative bloggers participating in this fun benefit!</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">or</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Pennywise's previous benefit posts on the Ranch, Animal Lifeline and Animals in Distress, click <a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/search?q=thrift+benefit+blessing">HERE</a></span><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-57229180093894810562017-08-25T10:29:00.002-04:002017-08-25T10:29:48.907-04:00Summer memories: forever sand castle clay recipe<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" data-pin-save="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Although summer doesn't officially end until September 22nd, it seems the season is already winding to a close. Store shelves are brimming with backpacks, pens and pencils and even festive pumpkins are making an appearance, all marking the inevitable approach of fall and end to those carefree Summer days.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So in a last ditch nod to beach season, I thought I'd craft a fun and easy sand castle that won't be washed away by the rising tide. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">With some easy homemade clay, shells and ocean inspired accents you can channel childhood memories and build your own mini tabletop grown-up castle for a fun centerpiece or summery decorative accent.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A variety of recipes for "sand clay" can be found everywhere online and ready to use versions of it are available for sale at many craft and art supply stores.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #444444;"> I opted to make my own, and after some rather messy trial and error, found this DIY clay recipe used for delightful sand ornaments from </span><a href="http://www.localfunforkids.com/home/easy-seashell-craft-for-preschoolers.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Local Fun for Kids</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. It was quick and simple using staples you most likely already have on hand in your kitchen and craft supplies.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o_KbxttyVvfTdRjd478Vh33Ourp8mQ_G_atR3_tcPaButY07Wv4TC8_EbBooxwHHcaoc92z1WA7zBe8guVZJnTSt6vw6vNbxrWfdcUUfcn-LP1i9Lkl9C7yoYD4qm72_u-Ouam7Kimc/s1600/IMG_4809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o_KbxttyVvfTdRjd478Vh33Ourp8mQ_G_atR3_tcPaButY07Wv4TC8_EbBooxwHHcaoc92z1WA7zBe8guVZJnTSt6vw6vNbxrWfdcUUfcn-LP1i9Lkl9C7yoYD4qm72_u-Ouam7Kimc/s400/IMG_4809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">You'll Need</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">2 parts whole wheat flour</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"> 1 part salt</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1 part water</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;">dash of glitter and </span><span style="font-size: large;">craft sand (optional)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">shells</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">paper towel rolls</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">plate or saucer as base</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">moss or small faux plants (optional)</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">patience (these can take several days to dry)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is sort of a "non recipe" recipe. Simply mix flour, water and salt to a clay like consistency, adjusting ingredients until the mixture is neither not too sticky or too dry. I added a handful of sand leftover from another project and generous sprinkling of gold and clear glitter, but these are optional. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WEO6RsMA_E9jGBLMD2r2FRYPJgb98AHcLMcjyAbxkgevVVzdstNyRlPQoSh6xybtfS0mXx4FDsb41iFm4-Ipnz43jq87uxBoGcp7mPV4tbm4HGpWfyjMYPTJjjsUnpF3wVb1yLt1_RI/s1600/IMG_4811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WEO6RsMA_E9jGBLMD2r2FRYPJgb98AHcLMcjyAbxkgevVVzdstNyRlPQoSh6xybtfS0mXx4FDsb41iFm4-Ipnz43jq87uxBoGcp7mPV4tbm4HGpWfyjMYPTJjjsUnpF3wVb1yLt1_RI/s320/IMG_4811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then get creative and design your castle. I made a clay base and then created towers by covering a cardboard rolls with the sand mixture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made a quick cardboard cone base for one for a pointed roof</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Adorn with your choice of shells, faux pearls, sea glass or dried moss or faux greens. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo CPaul</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The clay may droop slightly when drying but that just gives it that authentic beachy look. My husband joked that it reminded him of Gaudi's famous cathedral in Barcelona</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I built mine on a terra cotta saucer and perched it atop a smaller saucer to add a little height. Glass disks from a dollar store simulate water </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I then decided to give the saucer a quick light wash of pearly craft paint to work better with the sandy palette, an afterthought but an easy fix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simply display with shells a picnic basket or any beachy accents</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-IqcP5Fty3I0OYsb3CmDNeFahC1mlB7SoJWX-xH_9Z8FX1L-rb4oaha4WPhvbjlp54a_GfAisYl4Te15_yW3Zw5u2pUGz2GvlTWbNKW03mVptFK6jJV5nQ6iDrk6dFqwbPsrezzIE8A/s1600/pennywisesandcastleelvis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-IqcP5Fty3I0OYsb3CmDNeFahC1mlB7SoJWX-xH_9Z8FX1L-rb4oaha4WPhvbjlp54a_GfAisYl4Te15_yW3Zw5u2pUGz2GvlTWbNKW03mVptFK6jJV5nQ6iDrk6dFqwbPsrezzIE8A/s640/pennywisesandcastleelvis.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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vintage image from the Graphics Fairy</div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Thanks for Visiting!</span></div>
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Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-84506042802629394602017-08-06T18:44:00.003-04:002017-08-06T18:59:58.406-04:00Afternoon Tea at Tilly Mints <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6g6_ItzuYljsEAb0yBmmQxDjjmInC-gyfX3ySnOXWIFZyO_dJDQWc0YrxrCaRsZJDQ-cGwGmE4boHoj_naM5M3EvZ0Qca4mFi9Y6nFTZJ3QkPrAccegc0CjXRYha5uiNie172CDNPVU/s1600/pennywisetillymints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6g6_ItzuYljsEAb0yBmmQxDjjmInC-gyfX3ySnOXWIFZyO_dJDQWc0YrxrCaRsZJDQ-cGwGmE4boHoj_naM5M3EvZ0Qca4mFi9Y6nFTZJ3QkPrAccegc0CjXRYha5uiNie172CDNPVU/s640/pennywisetillymints.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In an age, when drive-thru dining and mocha lattes in paper cups are sadly the norm, sitting down to a leisurely afternoon tea is truly an all too rare luxury. A cherished tradition in merry old England, finding a good cup of tea on this side of the pond can be a challenge. Imagine my delight to discover that a mere few minutes drive from my home was the most charming of Tea Rooms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">N</span>estled on a quiet side street in Souderton, Pa, Tilly Mints, embraces all the charm of an English Tea room (complete with red phone booth) offering wonderful menu options, friendly attentive service and even an on site gift shop for all of your tea needs.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">P</span>op over to their website <a href="http://www.tillymints.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">tillymints.com</span></a> for their menu, hours, and the delightful story of how Tilly's got it's name.</div>
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We opted for the full tea, and it did not disappoint. Our tea included a soup or quiche and salad to start, followed by three classic tiers of elegantly prepared treats (Yes those are tiny ladybug tea sandwiches!) and they gladly provided delicious vegetarian options for our table as well. </div>
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Tea aficionados will revel in the extensive Tea menu with whimsical names for their blends like "across a crowded room" or "last mango in Paris".</div>
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Love that the shop is named for the owner's "saint-like" patient husband</div>
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The gift shop brimming with delights for tea lovers</div>
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Trish offers genuine warm hospitality and an enthusiasm that only comes from doing something you truly love</div>
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Of course, there was a delightful collection of teapots</div>
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Hope to get back again soon</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ch</span><span style="color: #999999;">ee</span><span style="color: #990000;">rio!</span></span></div>
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<br />Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-82894265140402761722017-05-29T11:35:00.001-04:002017-05-29T11:35:14.885-04:00Easy Summer Dessert in Red, White and Blue<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Savoring the fresh picked fruits and berries of summer is one of the season's most delightful and simple pleasures. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what better way to kick off the unofficial start of the summertime than with a quick and easy dessert highlighting their ripe juicy flavor and naturally patriotic colors, perfect for a variety of summer holidays and entertaining.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For this sweet treat, I used my version of a Charlotte Russe dessert recipe from a previous post on Downton Abbey, substituting a vanilla yogurt in keeping with the red, white and blue theme. You can add your favorite flavor of clear extract - vanilla, lemon or orange to enhance the flavor. For a topping, I used blueberries and strawberries but raspberries or pitted cherries would work wonderfully as well.</span></div>
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simply line a bowl with clear plastic wrap, arrange lady fingers, fill with yogurt mixture and chill</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">for full instructions and more photos click the link below</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/ring-carson-for-teawelcome-back-downton.html">Ring Carson for tea</a></span><br />
<i style="font-family: '"verdana"', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> (just scroll down the Downton post for the recipe):</span></i><span style="font-family: '"verdana"', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjyIzTN5MwoH8597EhQTEMiY90BEm3KYgQpfeYPuxkgTlSx8rW0RmEMd8j1y6Vk6W_eFmfXbvsX81HkGuAkGk-Un-eZx6xeSSEO_gd4zzct8OAn1dHGPFGMRN_9K6sfPu07Vj8cI68qk/s1600/P1150978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjyIzTN5MwoH8597EhQTEMiY90BEm3KYgQpfeYPuxkgTlSx8rW0RmEMd8j1y6Vk6W_eFmfXbvsX81HkGuAkGk-Un-eZx6xeSSEO_gd4zzct8OAn1dHGPFGMRN_9K6sfPu07Vj8cI68qk/s320/P1150978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once chilled invert onto plate and garnish with berries and mint</span><br />
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serve with icy lemonade</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>For more Fruit Inspired Summertime Sweets visit our previous posts</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">starting top left: watermelon cake, summer berry basket, watermelon meringues, berry easy meringues, cherry ice cream floats</span></div>
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Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-49824669924561734982017-03-23T14:42:00.001-04:002017-03-23T14:42:38.691-04:00Thinking Spring Tablescape and Arhaus inspiration<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" data-pin-save="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKs2TjYimqzYz8ySnnoPCOP7Kug8UvEakbwJSeuWmvTGDFXCJCPvUqdgoaI9OYWUsXfjOi2wmmnE95baB0sqOigWGlEaPuTs-i_NzW0Aw6h7O1GcCrRu5K6bUvXjrzy2qVyeiRMTrbMg/s1600/thinkspringarhaus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKs2TjYimqzYz8ySnnoPCOP7Kug8UvEakbwJSeuWmvTGDFXCJCPvUqdgoaI9OYWUsXfjOi2wmmnE95baB0sqOigWGlEaPuTs-i_NzW0Aw6h7O1GcCrRu5K6bUvXjrzy2qVyeiRMTrbMg/s640/thinkspringarhaus.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">hile the twentieth officially marks the beginning of Spring, here in the northeast US we're still experiencing more of March's proverbial "lion" than "lamb-like" weather. With icy mounds of snow still lining the streets and temperatures coyly dancing above and below freezing, it's easy to let one's mind drift dreamily to the promise of green grass and warmer Spring days ahead. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Recently I discovered that the beautiful home decor and furnishing company </span><a href="https://www.arhaus.com/"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Arhaus</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, was looking to celebrate the season with fresh takes on tablescapes. I browsed their exquisite site of finely crafted furniture, nature inspired outdoor accents and timeless yet fresh decor for inspiration and was ready to Think Spring!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbX6YNU7AhCEcqTFb08xyJY4j_t2RKU1Zz2H4I6031C02bJAog5Hm-xGmY5ag3KrUxIuM4kil9FLhHUZ07crH-llu2braO__r9jsHrc3Ne1ETxiqlRM8h-pOwwZoDkHGYq2fGOdHJmnw/s1600/arhaus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbX6YNU7AhCEcqTFb08xyJY4j_t2RKU1Zz2H4I6031C02bJAog5Hm-xGmY5ag3KrUxIuM4kil9FLhHUZ07crH-llu2braO__r9jsHrc3Ne1ETxiqlRM8h-pOwwZoDkHGYq2fGOdHJmnw/s640/arhaus2.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">images and inspiration </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">from</span> Arhaus: <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="https://www.arhaus.com/furniture/dining-room-furniture/?icn=main-dining&ici=nav-dining"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Dining</span></a><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span></span><span style="color: #444444;">and </span><span style="color: #93c47d;"><a href="https://www.arhaus.com/furniture/outdoor/?icn=main-outdoor&ici=nav-outdoor"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Outdoor</span></a> </span><span style="color: #444444;">and more</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I took inspiration from nature's first signs of Spring; blades of grass peaking through melting snow, crisp brown twigs just beginning to bud, and birds and bunnies making their cheerful appearances.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucUkj5Hc0KHOK6X-LITK5pAZr7_vXLcUXBRUSj_xrr09RywRujb_mjvAVza0EeRxEVMijru34kvpbzdRlEF_3ffwV9AdHOlwz5jiDwxKyMDi7cJ77bnGh4gwR8K8GP7Z8CNpL0jKCOZU/s1600/P1150969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucUkj5Hc0KHOK6X-LITK5pAZr7_vXLcUXBRUSj_xrr09RywRujb_mjvAVza0EeRxEVMijru34kvpbzdRlEF_3ffwV9AdHOlwz5jiDwxKyMDi7cJ77bnGh4gwR8K8GP7Z8CNpL0jKCOZU/s400/P1150969.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> I kept my palette in natural neutral tones of taupes and creams, with pops of springy grass green and some colorful floral touches, and let textures play a starring role. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">No need to stick strictly to the rules of formal dining decor for a relaxed gathering. Spring is the perfect time to think "outside" and round up garden or garden inspired accessories. Planters, statuary, and even tiny benches make fun accents indoors too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Springtime feathered and four footed friends add a touch of whimsy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">glass cloches add lightness and add a green house feel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Hanging accents from above can add an easy and extra festive touch to the setting. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I popped tiny greens and craft store butterflies into clear glass ornaments and hung among a petite sparkly chandelier for fun flare. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Quick and Easy Topiaries</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaLydQ0Tiue94B-IM9R-31TKRmwJj2Z1FmSe1kMvRcMPVWMoKmWFZ7dM2Vsa8asBqvwGNjGf3dq2BKTyBUVLyXNCBACS-85GIrPD2cegPbZMgqWyCD6uxm827E9ZLymEEnLDw9aTt9dI/s1600/c7dffab61b7e8e2c824b737d75241fc86831ac13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaLydQ0Tiue94B-IM9R-31TKRmwJj2Z1FmSe1kMvRcMPVWMoKmWFZ7dM2Vsa8asBqvwGNjGf3dq2BKTyBUVLyXNCBACS-85GIrPD2cegPbZMgqWyCD6uxm827E9ZLymEEnLDw9aTt9dI/s400/c7dffab61b7e8e2c824b737d75241fc86831ac13.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">rope craft moss</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">faux (or real) budding branches</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">craft moss</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">floral foam</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">suitable planters</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">nature themed accents</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw62YDgE8TcXYk7BsygkpmdDiAqCtPyJlwNRiN3KOnJeQN0ok8QZdSICaKaq9EIziRhGB8nVHGELbx-QIhv1-e1PFUjs3bia-PD5bqLFJYlegLcgrOpSbpRJygCRxTl31vLhyphenhyphenRnxz9iYs/s1600/IMG_4647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw62YDgE8TcXYk7BsygkpmdDiAqCtPyJlwNRiN3KOnJeQN0ok8QZdSICaKaq9EIziRhGB8nVHGELbx-QIhv1-e1PFUjs3bia-PD5bqLFJYlegLcgrOpSbpRJygCRxTl31vLhyphenhyphenRnxz9iYs/s320/IMG_4647.jpg" width="238" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These simple and fast topiaries add a little "no maintenance" greenery to your table or decor and can be adapted for different seasons or themes</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9lb5ISHNSfTOIAy9g6w7NqOlv6Ek128OoETFiwYmSvphd5JFpSf04mhEaTuNjVraYLs6JOk9Tyvo21MlD8FEeiFpVt6pU76kAZSKrdAB3pQiU-FyL7xppZEry5EBzoFHOLoFZqSWhyk/s1600/IMG_4651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9lb5ISHNSfTOIAy9g6w7NqOlv6Ek128OoETFiwYmSvphd5JFpSf04mhEaTuNjVraYLs6JOk9Tyvo21MlD8FEeiFpVt6pU76kAZSKrdAB3pQiU-FyL7xppZEry5EBzoFHOLoFZqSWhyk/s320/IMG_4651.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Simply trim branches and moss roping to desired size, shape and insert securely with floral foam into planter. Camouflage foam with craft moss and add any nature themed accents like birds, nests, or flowers.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityqhnfEMdoAAOrIGAK9hCXsE3dFCdgpEReuFN0zEq4nD6pqgMhAvbSovhU-aFLS1QKiSoDbo6RGcyfpnkyI6zON1HoVSfa9vwn3PL_aJBaB4c95BgJplKq8CEsWXyWpexagW1NQltloY/s1600/c351c869967498d124fd0e4bd9b69f2dd09f9148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityqhnfEMdoAAOrIGAK9hCXsE3dFCdgpEReuFN0zEq4nD6pqgMhAvbSovhU-aFLS1QKiSoDbo6RGcyfpnkyI6zON1HoVSfa9vwn3PL_aJBaB4c95BgJplKq8CEsWXyWpexagW1NQltloY/s320/c351c869967498d124fd0e4bd9b69f2dd09f9148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Wi</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">nte</span><span style="color: #76a5af;">r is on m</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">y</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">he</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">ad,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">but e</span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">tern</span><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">al Spring is in my</span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> h</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">eart"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Victor Hugo</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Wishing everyone a Happy Spring!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-73344488904053426062017-02-27T19:25:00.001-05:002017-03-12T16:46:24.619-04:00Easy Irish Soda bread and Blackberry Butter<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" data-pin-save="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">For those living where the month of March means chilly, gray, and not-quite-Spring days, it's nice to know that come the seventeenth of the month, there's a perfect reason to celebrate and brighten our drab wintry moods. While admittedly not a "major" holiday, St. Patricks Day is such a wonderful way to embrace the vibrance and charm of Irish culture. Of course all the vividly overly green dyed food, funny hats, cheeky sayings, and free flowing liquor, is lots of fun, but for a simpler, low key nod to the Emerald Isle, I thought I'd whip up a basic bread and butter, no green dye needed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>Irish Soda Bread</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was lucky to have found a wonderful cookbook at, of all places, a store in our area called Five Below<i> -</i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">yes everything is $5 or less</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>The Complete Irish Pub Cookbook. </b><span style="color: #666666;">(Parragon Books, UK) </span> features recipes for classic simple fare, a bit on customs and history and beautiful photography from around Ireland. </span><span style="font-size: large;">For this St. Patrick's I thought I'd give their soda bread a try. While I don't have a great record of baking from scratch, this recipe with only a handful of ingredients, seemed a do-able challenge. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I used their basic soda bread instructions (there's a molasses version as well) to make three small loaves instead of the one larger for gifting.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-JOxu2A2e2e5T8c3Ch8k6dJ42Ad93mlcHH8N6Tk3RvEl8dn1yuJZmg1GdwG8xvODizOapKWujzWHcjMfIeqW3OH_O8Jrfezh8jSTHNMopfJtHHGcbzJ_YO9gqhjKCdgcZLg8ztTaosw/s1600/pennywiseirishsodabreadsteps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-JOxu2A2e2e5T8c3Ch8k6dJ42Ad93mlcHH8N6Tk3RvEl8dn1yuJZmg1GdwG8xvODizOapKWujzWHcjMfIeqW3OH_O8Jrfezh8jSTHNMopfJtHHGcbzJ_YO9gqhjKCdgcZLg8ztTaosw/s640/pennywiseirishsodabreadsteps.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You'll Need</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3 2/3 cups all purpose flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>more for dusting</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">oil, cooking spray, or parchment for baking sheet</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 3/4 cup buttermilk </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 425 degrees</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sift flour, salt and soda in mixing bowl</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Create well in center and </span><span style="font-size: large;">pour in "most of buttermilk" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I started with 1 1/4 cup</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mix together with hands until soft but not too sticky, slowly adding additional buttermilk if necessary</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Knead on floured surface and divide into three round loaves</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">cut a deep cross into top</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>Folklore says this is either to ward off evil spirits or let the fairies out(!) which in either case is more charming than the probable science of baking reason</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bake about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on bottom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cool on wire rack and serve warm with butter if desired</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Hm5o6bAUdKmN5kmyqDXmBIN8M0fAaaa1AOzoFxkR3tsAnSU8PJmElo02ddRfqUfF3PY2nN1GdEGCAdpQUFa9qIncdhDhbgNZvABn8xUhp55sB3Rgsa4GM0PmhgX1I09C-teRVl7KJDg/s1600/96d2a4158ea6409941d5956aa32a156aa0b6ea61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Hm5o6bAUdKmN5kmyqDXmBIN8M0fAaaa1AOzoFxkR3tsAnSU8PJmElo02ddRfqUfF3PY2nN1GdEGCAdpQUFa9qIncdhDhbgNZvABn8xUhp55sB3Rgsa4GM0PmhgX1I09C-teRVl7KJDg/s400/96d2a4158ea6409941d5956aa32a156aa0b6ea61.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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pop in a basket and serve with berries and coffee or tea or add some</div>
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Blackberry Butter, recipe below</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Blackberry Butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In honor of the rambling blackberries which grow all through the Irish countryside, I thought I'd make a flavored butter with a decidedly Irish twist. An online search found many ideas, but I whipped together my own based on a couple recipes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvKb7fCu25Wjojs43_giJbIaGua-bEnINHYy53MNvlcPXXiVKEHSjmvvJCcd8rjg8sPFx97zbJ5o61z0vlVyZPvtj4jxbkRt1J-N4m5dQROVItnZXxIudqX8IlvD731YdhO6ouHLoLyE/s1600/P1150883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvKb7fCu25Wjojs43_giJbIaGua-bEnINHYy53MNvlcPXXiVKEHSjmvvJCcd8rjg8sPFx97zbJ5o61z0vlVyZPvtj4jxbkRt1J-N4m5dQROVItnZXxIudqX8IlvD731YdhO6ouHLoLyE/s320/P1150883.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><b>You'll Need</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup butter, softened</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 blackberries</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 tablespoons seedless blackberry preserves</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 teaspoons honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a mixing bowl whip together butter, preserves and honey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a lower speed mix in blackberries so some rustic chunks remain</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep chilled (letting it sit overnight let's the flavors mingle)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is one of those non-recipe recipes where different elements can be adjusted to suit your own taste.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Bread Labels</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Smaller loaves and mini jars of butter are perfect as little gifts for a friend or neighbor in the spirit of Irish hospitality. I created a label from a photo I took in Ireland ages ago and a charming vintage image from the <a href="http://thegraphicsfairy.com/">thegraphicsfairy.com</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCT1qeuegQUxFKy2UCpWf9tChUxtTuBlGVx8DCQS_jsxijFPWxtEJvj1pecl4iPMW_FG2jdZ_URIwjT26OjOwC9UENtfw4BKfFxSc5-ebshOoI9MUfDCpA6pxkCztyLGydUUB_kdKWwQ/s1600/pennywisesodabread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCT1qeuegQUxFKy2UCpWf9tChUxtTuBlGVx8DCQS_jsxijFPWxtEJvj1pecl4iPMW_FG2jdZ_URIwjT26OjOwC9UENtfw4BKfFxSc5-ebshOoI9MUfDCpA6pxkCztyLGydUUB_kdKWwQ/s400/pennywisesodabread.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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I wrapped each loaf in parchment and tied with a ribbon. Note: scotch tape won't stick on parchment's waxy finish. I then taped the back of the label to the ribbon and added one of those stickers from a stationary set</div>
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I scooped the butter into a clean baby food jar </div>
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<i>(Our senior cats love baby food as a treat -</i></div>
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<i> I checked with vet to see which flavors were ok)</i></div>
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and tied off in a cellophane treat bag</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span><span style="font-size: large;">f you're as smitten with Ireland as we are at PennyWise, you can pop over to our previous posts for easy Irish inspired ideas, recipes and a few travel photos</span></span></div>
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previous posts:</div>
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<a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-emerald-isle.html"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Emerald Isle</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/irish-liqueur-potato-candy-childhood.html"><span style="color: #783f04;">Irish Potato Candy</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/lucky-leprechaun-shoe-st-patricks-day.html"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Lucky Leprechaun Shoe</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-taste-of-ireland-berry-and-baileys.html"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Taste of Ireland: berry and Bailey's Pavlova</span></a></div>
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<a border="0" href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5fEJvHeU6QYCvsACKIHJ1D4sk_kJ-p4H_OD7nJKJCiW0eTtUBjvGklZxwRjn0F8BjvAcSISNHbh3E7mdcTJoNs9yHRjs7BhaskObIxj3meH9H_NKmtRarCMINbWZw_zCh-6hNFdoxtY/s1600/Imparting+Grace+featured+button.png" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> So delighted to be featured at Imparting Grace!</span></div>
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Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-56311831152345505162017-02-04T17:20:00.001-05:002017-02-05T11:16:09.076-05:00Valentine's French Hot Chocolate <script async="" data-pin-hover="true" data-pin-save="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupuo9e171brfR04fxecPaG6y-pChIe-dbZiPlZg3oj8IQzYCIpb8Qf1RLRQXEJR5veNdBP2hnSBV63fevKlDwvwcvjTYNebcaCrV8ZKHY9pUGXQ1HFkRqlKy-7mMjlHf1bXThParJ2tw/s1600/c25963823bd82b1c003ed204a786cc2fe398b755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupuo9e171brfR04fxecPaG6y-pChIe-dbZiPlZg3oj8IQzYCIpb8Qf1RLRQXEJR5veNdBP2hnSBV63fevKlDwvwcvjTYNebcaCrV8ZKHY9pUGXQ1HFkRqlKy-7mMjlHf1bXThParJ2tw/s640/c25963823bd82b1c003ed204a786cc2fe398b755.jpg" width="586" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just hearing the words "Chocolate" and "Paris" seem to instantly conjure up dreamy notions of love. So naturally a sweet chocolatey treat inspired by this </span><span style="font-size: large;">most romantic of cities </span><span style="font-size: large;">seemed a perfect combination for celebrating l'amour this Valentine's. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leave it to the french to elevate, a winter childhood favorite, to a gourmet experience. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Apparently, Chocolate Chaud, or their version of hot chocolate, is not the apres-sledding powder and marshmallow mix, warming tiny mitten clad hands, but a rich, decadent and grown-up luxury to be savored.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Although I admit to overindulging in sweets and treats during my limited travels abroad, (I'm quite sure I've eaten my weight in macarons), I've never, sadly, had the chance to sample the famous hot chocolate of Paris. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With limited time and budget barring any overseas jaunt and a wintry wind chilling the air, I thought I'd attempt this cozy yet decadent treat here at home. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After several attempts at different chocolate chaud recipes (<i>all in the name of selfless research of course</i>) I found this relatively simple, not overly sweet but flavorful version from </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/parisian-hot-ch-1/"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">David Leibovitz: Living the sweet life in Paris</span></a></span></i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><b>Chocolate Chaud</b></span></div>
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<span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-quantity" data-fraction="" data-normalized="2" data-original="2" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wMPWSzDD-48XQDJmlgYjkxvFt0EE0yhWdXQ_zCaBXLNRVb3wJ_zgy3YNd8fqAK6N_-sA7ByeTEm2d53rIwv97XxLCW7SJRLuGj4-UqUkE7Q_IQ6Bqm-W-w9WB6LmXiiVnX0GwJY5rDg/s1600/IMG_4610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wMPWSzDD-48XQDJmlgYjkxvFt0EE0yhWdXQ_zCaBXLNRVb3wJ_zgy3YNd8fqAK6N_-sA7ByeTEm2d53rIwv97XxLCW7SJRLuGj4-UqUkE7Q_IQ6Bqm-W-w9WB6LmXiiVnX0GwJY5rDg/s320/IMG_4610.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-quantity" data-fraction="" data-normalized="2" data-original="2" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">2</span><span style="color: inherit; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-unit" data-original="cups (0.5L)" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">cups </span><span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-name" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">whole milk</span></div>
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<span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-quantity" data-fraction="" data-normalized="5" data-original="5" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">5</span><span style="color: inherit; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-unit" data-original="ounces (130g)" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">ounces </span><span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-name" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">bittersweet chocolate</span><span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-notes" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;"> chips</span></div>
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<span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-quantity" data-fraction="" data-normalized="2" data-original="optional: 2" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">2</span><span style="color: inherit; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-unit" data-original="tablespoons" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">tablespoons</span><span style="color: inherit; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span class="wpurp-recipe-ingredient-name" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;">light brown sugar</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: inherit;"> Heat the milk in a medium saucepan.</span><span class="wpurp-recipe-instruction-text" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When milk is warm, whisk in chocolate, stirring until melted. </span></span><span class="wpurp-recipe-instruction-text" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cook at a low boil for about 3 minutes, whisking constantly. </span></span><span class="wpurp-recipe-instruction-text" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-image: none; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: none; padding: 0px; position: static; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Watch carefully as mixture may boil over. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: inherit;">Taste, and add brown sugar.</span></div>
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Chocolate will thicken upon standing</div>
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*The original recipe suggests a high quality bittersweet chocolate finely chopped, but I subbed the easier and less costly chocolate chips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s4tzuWDuYcBsW8d0lRQVwIyBmOrp0EY4l7mWYwQib5ZopqCPhtCpyWbeCcoBk0hhGacfoHdQlCOb7ZZ21AF9yrC_MuXXsqNkXGTYxLy7ocsQteZfAvlSK9Stit_ZOHWO1rR9ePW4c9M/s1600/P1150749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s4tzuWDuYcBsW8d0lRQVwIyBmOrp0EY4l7mWYwQib5ZopqCPhtCpyWbeCcoBk0hhGacfoHdQlCOb7ZZ21AF9yrC_MuXXsqNkXGTYxLy7ocsQteZfAvlSK9Stit_ZOHWO1rR9ePW4c9M/s400/P1150749.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;"><b>Cafe Cups</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyXRvwOjzXXYnWg56JOBGx3I-QfppS8mwRkKomMVeCjWEZjMwDkeH-vwUtRZBotQ1Os5L_-g2Jsdp_7s4EK4O4Ad3rIO3Dkcojzw_gMUNDjsF5BWvJ1ME_E-F6PsBx4NisAKHDHqfUYg/s1600/P1150768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyXRvwOjzXXYnWg56JOBGx3I-QfppS8mwRkKomMVeCjWEZjMwDkeH-vwUtRZBotQ1Os5L_-g2Jsdp_7s4EK4O4Ad3rIO3Dkcojzw_gMUNDjsF5BWvJ1ME_E-F6PsBx4NisAKHDHqfUYg/s640/P1150768.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unable to find the small round bowls often used for serving warm drinks in France, I improvised with oversized white mugs and plates from the dollar store.</div>
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I used a glass friendly paint from my craft store to add some romantic sentiments "Je t'aime" and "Toi et Moi" (I love you, You and Me) in pink and gold tones.<br />
Simply follow your paint manufacturer's instructions and get creative</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Lg9RagTtkXeyIt8RIOLpgXeZD_WMZ5RiQ2FnIrzfsIR5sTaw7S5bRKbloLVT-NQ1cdl3qMD1jyoWoL1zSJS_UyriB1oAs_gf8XAdWez0jSOP6ApaVmOZ4duKzqsqaI13bKhcVaAtqqA/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Lg9RagTtkXeyIt8RIOLpgXeZD_WMZ5RiQ2FnIrzfsIR5sTaw7S5bRKbloLVT-NQ1cdl3qMD1jyoWoL1zSJS_UyriB1oAs_gf8XAdWez0jSOP6ApaVmOZ4duKzqsqaI13bKhcVaAtqqA/s320/IMG_3044.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qj79aflsBpU9Q-CA2da-e2SVowfTn-KSqc6OpRb3WQNrgVTJkw369guhgDG4SB1I334vxzjHDBbdDABqwgRayJrgRi1iqfy8XiOJRV520I01F234TQWzH-zts6_bOzsMDpb6V-0o9sQ/s1600/P1150742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qj79aflsBpU9Q-CA2da-e2SVowfTn-KSqc6OpRb3WQNrgVTJkw369guhgDG4SB1I334vxzjHDBbdDABqwgRayJrgRi1iqfy8XiOJRV520I01F234TQWzH-zts6_bOzsMDpb6V-0o9sQ/s320/P1150742.jpg" width="312" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">Flavored Whipped Cream</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYS2xyfnefjVjOEfUPSzfhmhch6KtAneFlqDq5tJTS_iyQAPpSuUpaUKs1810GSg6UsVnofbRqtTfAZdSBT82hjugjUBOfGDOfUu0e2vGwozi_4yEZKhfeUeT3lRAiuIqfu1WxAlijE1c/s1600/P1150766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYS2xyfnefjVjOEfUPSzfhmhch6KtAneFlqDq5tJTS_iyQAPpSuUpaUKs1810GSg6UsVnofbRqtTfAZdSBT82hjugjUBOfGDOfUu0e2vGwozi_4yEZKhfeUeT3lRAiuIqfu1WxAlijE1c/s320/P1150766.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The chocolate is delicious as is but for added panache I thought I'd add a little flavored whipped cream topping. Simply whip one cup heavy cream and add one tablespoon powdered sugar and vanilla, raspberry or almond extract, adjusting to taste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK2MLEqCsEPzytdk6zdd9TFaSGgCbKFdsJF_S_rY0ldFuDEcHAa9AGzaSr4UK0yq6gqqQQh62dWUV9r15B0-jbFxNLPv2cDfp7tIhVyeQwH7ZkLvUtKDmhjwSqWBhGCCmfWWt8xQ7kjI/s1600/P1150760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK2MLEqCsEPzytdk6zdd9TFaSGgCbKFdsJF_S_rY0ldFuDEcHAa9AGzaSr4UK0yq6gqqQQh62dWUV9r15B0-jbFxNLPv2cDfp7tIhVyeQwH7ZkLvUtKDmhjwSqWBhGCCmfWWt8xQ7kjI/s640/P1150760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;">Wishing Everyone</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sweet Valentine's Day!</b></span></div>
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<br />Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-43111460852245260202017-01-22T14:03:00.000-05:002017-01-22T15:08:42.689-05:00Winter decor: Ice Skate Redo<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" data-pin-save="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL51fpiuaarq6VIsqh8ZOHUcyJTHjvVPWr2O_BffjdGauCPQImlDHG7JA0tWM2I7Edxg1FDPkoAPznvxV_hONgg8VB_hsAsofo7Ly8SEdmh726a-Nmg2uDHD6eNcsQod_aDut3PUseG2c/s1600/93a7b45c0948d94f30770b1f1fc8dba2f12b3a1e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL51fpiuaarq6VIsqh8ZOHUcyJTHjvVPWr2O_BffjdGauCPQImlDHG7JA0tWM2I7Edxg1FDPkoAPznvxV_hONgg8VB_hsAsofo7Ly8SEdmh726a-Nmg2uDHD6eNcsQod_aDut3PUseG2c/s640/93a7b45c0948d94f30770b1f1fc8dba2f12b3a1e.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">hile there a few things which tempt me into the great outdoors during winter's frigid cold, the thought of gliding carefree over a shimmering stretch of ice seems to be one them. There is something universally gleeful in this pastime which instantly turns everyone into kids again. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe that's why ice skates are so popularly featured in winter decor. Displayed as is, or adorned with sparkle, paint or trim, skates can brighten those chilly grey post holiday days and bring to mind the happiest of winter times.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They can be incorporated into your table decor for an Apres-Skate tea party </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">or a skate makes a fun winter accent on a front door.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYP1H7X3TWvP05v7kxHWPh5efxP7Dc6vUAxAsNhX-clvM2f4acFhx5GIyViT_RF3GYshSJXg69E3deeOI9VLiiaQb6qQW1xMZLmliMnEBQDm9GCNAuK7tBOYdd2AbbuMNScFUsmO_rt8/s1600/ac02e4ea2d24669eae4916a9b9b1b5c542bdea33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYP1H7X3TWvP05v7kxHWPh5efxP7Dc6vUAxAsNhX-clvM2f4acFhx5GIyViT_RF3GYshSJXg69E3deeOI9VLiiaQb6qQW1xMZLmliMnEBQDm9GCNAuK7tBOYdd2AbbuMNScFUsmO_rt8/s400/ac02e4ea2d24669eae4916a9b9b1b5c542bdea33.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n skating over thin ice, our safety is our speed</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">Ice Skate Redo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While these skates were past their prime,(the blade on one was damaged) this one gets a second act as a decorative accent when spruced up with a vintage printable and some craft store wintry sparkle </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCb1gHTD_7nHfS8v1MxrdiASvMFQwRsiJn1jBubnNI5EL5vbQrDZa_uogiUZyHH3V9y-PhGHOej05tv55ZjkcUg8QyjQh8qpErPQpr_4XtNcHZau4b5z46q3-mowpk4ZwRn8emBX4YhI/s1600/IMG_4588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCb1gHTD_7nHfS8v1MxrdiASvMFQwRsiJn1jBubnNI5EL5vbQrDZa_uogiUZyHH3V9y-PhGHOej05tv55ZjkcUg8QyjQh8qpErPQpr_4XtNcHZau4b5z46q3-mowpk4ZwRn8emBX4YhI/s320/IMG_4588.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Old skates can often be found at thrift stores and yard sales</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You'll find lots of design ideas for decorated ice skates online, some truly works of art.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This redo required minimal artistic skills, just some paint and glue and glitter.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD7tB1i41Jg1rzZR6VbEy7vForwKbIKRxbp0PPwrl4wlbnmfMWcQkEjGom9ITF-mdb5o4-8EKwMeOY20CqGGqCDsRzFcyq3If0VVR0qsMpdSP7U9TgXcp6HXF2bBtNQAX0pwrMXVh9XU/s1600/P1150677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD7tB1i41Jg1rzZR6VbEy7vForwKbIKRxbp0PPwrl4wlbnmfMWcQkEjGom9ITF-mdb5o4-8EKwMeOY20CqGGqCDsRzFcyq3If0VVR0qsMpdSP7U9TgXcp6HXF2bBtNQAX0pwrMXVh9XU/s640/P1150677.jpg" width="449" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I chose a pastel palette with white and "sparkly" accents to match our theme, which handily, I already had in my trove of craft supplies.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0WSaBGQAFF6Jm5LW_alSI7p5fM71FL8c4I9BuZ2pOSKtztNGpGouUaM-3fwEbZFJivytFEfPapEJBLl8-1PCJSNwrNCuvrHivnJ0BJNJGZZ-0udoZrlDORt0SHrI4mRWmgLfQmuKmVM/s1600/P1150685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0WSaBGQAFF6Jm5LW_alSI7p5fM71FL8c4I9BuZ2pOSKtztNGpGouUaM-3fwEbZFJivytFEfPapEJBLl8-1PCJSNwrNCuvrHivnJ0BJNJGZZ-0udoZrlDORt0SHrI4mRWmgLfQmuKmVM/s320/P1150685.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">faux fur trim and dimensional paint add an old fashioned touch</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3m_XRnfih8puo-eQwKGy4EYztXXpHFzt8GAmhCaV_Cx4ltKgUXVcByGczKvYWelssxdKWNoeudBjj0iAWw-y2nEAfKF0xE8hOtvKJt_2ZW32yb_jBAvwjvUA4cv3zqQ1aZS55CTOMPk/s1600/P1150689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3m_XRnfih8puo-eQwKGy4EYztXXpHFzt8GAmhCaV_Cx4ltKgUXVcByGczKvYWelssxdKWNoeudBjj0iAWw-y2nEAfKF0xE8hOtvKJt_2ZW32yb_jBAvwjvUA4cv3zqQ1aZS55CTOMPk/s320/P1150689.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I added a pink pastel border to this sweet vintage skating duo from the <a href="http://thegraphicsfairy.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">thegraphicsfairy.com</span></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcrMGuuVvX1wH0gwAyZZgE0UAG5rbDJ5xx17NmSVQy76y8zNBNm3FFswPDwKiZn5ChkVOU1oZjNXEtJJ5BDgP6gNJQRO6YjZaaof2v5GfmBHZqV2fqnBq1GAZMrZQ861IOkSzZkc-25U/s1600/P1150678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcrMGuuVvX1wH0gwAyZZgE0UAG5rbDJ5xx17NmSVQy76y8zNBNm3FFswPDwKiZn5ChkVOU1oZjNXEtJJ5BDgP6gNJQRO6YjZaaof2v5GfmBHZqV2fqnBq1GAZMrZQ861IOkSzZkc-25U/s400/P1150678.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Simply set the table in snowy shades like icy blue and creamy white and accent with wintry touches. Then warm up </span></span><span style="color: #444444;">with a pot of tea and your favorite wintry store-bought or home made treats in shades </span><span style="color: #444444;">echoing the season's snowy landscape.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELxi8FnFeQaEikjXN1Zg5u99ndm2YD5xTmBXeib8I9yKaG98zoyCR5ezbeVZnX24knC0jL6CtqndNpPqvcqQkWcWLEab0N1EEutdlbB4MxYf6nFfXuZYPos3DURZiosCsCc5OcW3l5Kg/s1600/P1150687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELxi8FnFeQaEikjXN1Zg5u99ndm2YD5xTmBXeib8I9yKaG98zoyCR5ezbeVZnX24knC0jL6CtqndNpPqvcqQkWcWLEab0N1EEutdlbB4MxYf6nFfXuZYPos3DURZiosCsCc5OcW3l5Kg/s320/P1150687.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a white woodland forest friend pays a visit. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bottle brush trees from Christmas decor are kept out for our winter woodland theme.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lLIMbYd0412LNqwRDIiQ2j_AsHRhUT-6JGLTyA6ldwAnEu_Dl_TkGoVz-UkFiylvw4rdX9hpF1GYNQ3dZ7O8X3zCoGdC0OEGGPTuMabmEqlLP7wyEBkXOBk9TyB04LbzSwHe4jPEmb4/s1600/P1150690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lLIMbYd0412LNqwRDIiQ2j_AsHRhUT-6JGLTyA6ldwAnEu_Dl_TkGoVz-UkFiylvw4rdX9hpF1GYNQ3dZ7O8X3zCoGdC0OEGGPTuMabmEqlLP7wyEBkXOBk9TyB04LbzSwHe4jPEmb4/s320/P1150690.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">another take on the door decor: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Instead of displaying with a wreath, fill skate with scaled down wintry nature inspired touches </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">While I knew ice skating had been around for centuries, I didn't know much about its fascinating history</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "\22 verdana\22 " , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Some Ice Skating Fun Facts</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "\22 verdana\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ice skates fashioned from animal bones were created as early as 3,000 bc.!) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "\22 verdana\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Skating and games on ice were popular in China as early as the Song Dynasty (which started in 960 AD) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "\22 verdana\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">By the early middle ages, skating's popularity, as a both means of transport and recreation grew throughout Europe when skates now boasted more advanced edged metal blades </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "\22 verdana\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first skating club was founded in Scotland in 1740</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "\22 verdana\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">By 1400 ice skaters had their own patron saint, Lidwina! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "\22 verdana\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Louis XVI, Madame Pompadour and Napoleon were all fans of the sport</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Happy Skating and Thanks for Visiting!</i></span></div>
Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-64936785918690816912016-12-31T13:00:00.001-05:002016-12-31T13:00:40.481-05:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;"><i>Wishing our beloved readers a Happy Healthy 2017!</i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">We are flashing back to New Years' Past with some fun and easy DIY's to add some sparkle to your holiday</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">We made champagne truffles and party hats in</span> <span style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/break-out-bubbly-new-years-eve.html">break out the bubbly</a> </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;">citrus meringues in</span><a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/to-sweet-new-year-citrus-champagne.html"> champagne meringues</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"> Noisemakers and glass ornament bubbles </span><a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/auld-lang-syne.html">Auld Lang Syne</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">and sweet treats in</span> <a href="http://pennywiseblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/mimosa-parfaits-happy-new-year.html">Mimosa parfaits</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">“Ring out the old, ring in the new,</span><br style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Ring, happy bells, across the snow:</span><br style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">The year is going, let him go;</span><br style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Ring out the false, ring in the true.” </span><br style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13638502.Alfred_Tennyson" style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Alfred Tennyson</a></span></span></div>
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Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5296148505686102802.post-54575158865277943612016-12-17T15:17:00.000-05:002016-12-17T15:27:28.207-05:00Christmas by the Sea: Historic Cape May and Victorian Printable <script async="" data-pin-hover="true" data-pin-save="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friends and frequent readers may have guessed from my many posts featuring Cape May NJ that this charming historic town is one of my very favorite places to visit. While winter finds other nearby beach resorts closing their shutters for a long winter's nap, Victorian Cape May dons her holiday festive finery, trims the tree and decks the halls. Now a yearly "girls getaway" tradition, four friends and relatives headed beachside for a little dose of coastal Christmas spirit. With limited time and budget, we still managed to have the most delightful visit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. So I thought I'd share our</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cape May</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Christmas </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To-do List</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Get glimpse of Santa(s) at the Virginia Hotel</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJHAvINB4Lr5YdWYNGAz3atJRDHUDF3NuYf1IM0VUv2mwivBPB6N4uct9VJRin9yfGLncceK1EAXBa5A-VbN-fdhV035cxywAH9fmO7PlIaseqXoO_d-dzy7T0SHNCRLZ9Hdz1eQrLmI/s1600/pennywisexmascapemay17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJHAvINB4Lr5YdWYNGAz3atJRDHUDF3NuYf1IM0VUv2mwivBPB6N4uct9VJRin9yfGLncceK1EAXBa5A-VbN-fdhV035cxywAH9fmO7PlIaseqXoO_d-dzy7T0SHNCRLZ9Hdz1eQrLmI/s640/pennywisexmascapemay17.jpg" width="477" /></a></div>
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This elegant hotel adds some Christmas whimsy each year with playful climbing Santas</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> Admire the "Gingerbread" Houses</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3-QJb-i9b8kg6UfiNAatIvspiTW4INZ9AGq_enpz-tGMu-JIsVdMtVRvcQoNYnpZ44-KuhAfG-DZsNYaIDJezWI9QIK-5AVVDSY-hNIrcTtAMpA-DyUZ9C2XokWmWAcNQVyEkZA8lB8/s1600/pennywisexmascapemay172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3-QJb-i9b8kg6UfiNAatIvspiTW4INZ9AGq_enpz-tGMu-JIsVdMtVRvcQoNYnpZ44-KuhAfG-DZsNYaIDJezWI9QIK-5AVVDSY-hNIrcTtAMpA-DyUZ9C2XokWmWAcNQVyEkZA8lB8/s640/pennywisexmascapemay172.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Often referred to as "Gingerbread", Many Cape May houses boast intricate Victorian scrollwork and vibrant colors seemingly inspired by their candy covered namesakes</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Step Back in Time at Congress Hall</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMi8Q4YiydO7EzStsxk7VpV6_z8PVoH4Il2OYZXpDKg-5JjK2edRagtd2Zonm4yAEHvbeQGwfQsUeG8AZhziV5eACogfcx3XwZMudw2TKil5pvw0ooT4ac0QsFu8BKS5gp-SxVLYrcZE/s1600/pennywisexmascongress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMi8Q4YiydO7EzStsxk7VpV6_z8PVoH4Il2OYZXpDKg-5JjK2edRagtd2Zonm4yAEHvbeQGwfQsUeG8AZhziV5eACogfcx3XwZMudw2TKil5pvw0ooT4ac0QsFu8BKS5gp-SxVLYrcZE/s640/pennywisexmascongress.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
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America's oldest seaside resort (1816) began as a large but modest boarding house and grew in popularity and grandeur to host several presidents. John Philip Sousa composed the Congress Hall March in its honor after performing there. Nowadays it is transformed into a winter wonderland, delighting young and old at Christmas time.</div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">OoH and aah over Holiday Lights</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQDytAF5dz-d68kkyjuWILRaI2oZKxciD53H4DLABd0kcVtdVnUanpcYLMWgQ9LXxuHnh_ZYQ7dACsEdwQ_QEsgIfBfEqTj1rxO7hcLJW3Ubpk3zxtELL1uW1B88bCVb8xzkurhilRD0/s1600/Pennywisecapemayxmaslights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQDytAF5dz-d68kkyjuWILRaI2oZKxciD53H4DLABd0kcVtdVnUanpcYLMWgQ9LXxuHnh_ZYQ7dACsEdwQ_QEsgIfBfEqTj1rxO7hcLJW3Ubpk3zxtELL1uW1B88bCVb8xzkurhilRD0/s640/Pennywisecapemayxmaslights.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You won't want to miss a visit to the historic Emlen Physick Estate, <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.capemaymac.org/"><span style="color: #38761d;">capemaymac.org</span></a> </span>and their wonderful tree and Dicken's village in their gift shop and tea room. Take one of their trolley tours and learn about the town's unique history. Or simply stroll around the area to admire the houses, shops and B&B's by night.</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Enjoy Holiday Shopping (or just browse)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqz58CtM0hMPTDduf4iRzr9-2qRoHj-rLkmrI_PBQ1Eo2D9REZV-e7zkoa68dqinBbqjvlXRXhIR38kRXSHhj3cO-2QfDnih_EkjbMBWeFmjDeuO4Pdabaj_Gcx1VQFE79okAhdKnWq3Y/s1600/pennywisexmasshopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqz58CtM0hMPTDduf4iRzr9-2qRoHj-rLkmrI_PBQ1Eo2D9REZV-e7zkoa68dqinBbqjvlXRXhIR38kRXSHhj3cO-2QfDnih_EkjbMBWeFmjDeuO4Pdabaj_Gcx1VQFE79okAhdKnWq3Y/s640/pennywisexmasshopping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Browse the areas unique mix of shops including Winterwood, a year round Christmas shop or the art and vintage co-op gallery West End Garage.</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>and of course</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Eat Drink and Be Merry</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBUF0hn7kkffnPjkcg4Qy-BdbAa0AgttyaHGDk5ugIsZ1e4Y70Yny8YRkbDq7tEoG2cmofDiRxTvomm-0I0BUcgDOVYAebLWrh_onEIMJZIEy_pMBFzU8NQIlmUXRjaFb96dahYdAOcA/s1600/76d812c4d0ef88ff6835df1e43582884bc5b0b3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBUF0hn7kkffnPjkcg4Qy-BdbAa0AgttyaHGDk5ugIsZ1e4Y70Yny8YRkbDq7tEoG2cmofDiRxTvomm-0I0BUcgDOVYAebLWrh_onEIMJZIEy_pMBFzU8NQIlmUXRjaFb96dahYdAOcA/s320/76d812c4d0ef88ff6835df1e43582884bc5b0b3f.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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Time out at one of our absolute favorites for award winning eats and</div>
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the "Happiest" (and budget friendly) happy hour</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">The Mad Batter</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.madbatter.com/">www.madbatter.com</a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Of course the real gift was fun times spent with friends and family!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Wishing everyone</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>the Joy of the Season</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please enjoy our Victorian Cape May inspired</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> printable Christmas Card</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i>simply right click on image and choose "open in new window" and print for holiday crafting and giving</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VQ6521_BJE2kOp5Dey7HQowMZrF97MNv8qErjeTOvxO5lcmmu00j50rkgIHwDM8clYA70Eel4-WhccSFMWDDu0HlRM-8C8i8l0vva6fmUifQXpjW96FMUbVrSlAWhX5wxpIEF2XWbjE/s1600/pennywisexmascapemayimages2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VQ6521_BJE2kOp5Dey7HQowMZrF97MNv8qErjeTOvxO5lcmmu00j50rkgIHwDM8clYA70Eel4-WhccSFMWDDu0HlRM-8C8i8l0vva6fmUifQXpjW96FMUbVrSlAWhX5wxpIEF2XWbjE/s640/pennywisexmascapemayimages2.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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Created using images from <b>The Graphics Fairy</b>, cat image from <b>Pinterest</b>, source unavailable </div>
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<br />Christina Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01709763514974920913noreply@blogger.com13