tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866667913405631932024-02-19T08:08:31.464-08:00The Simplest Songgood music, happy things, vintage, sunny days, fluffy animals, delicious foods and everything else that makes me smile.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-16306607423612048122013-01-09T08:10:00.002-08:002013-01-09T08:10:54.758-08:00UndecidedI am forever undecided. I change things, clothes, blog names, shop names etc forever and ever. I've finally decided to change this blog and move on over to something that I think fits my life and is generic enough to include all of the randomness that my life includes. I may or may not continue to post here with my crafting things and creative stuff but for now I've moved over to www.sunnydaysandotherthings.blogspot.com so join me for a little bit of randomness, some self improvement, some pretty things and many more sunny days.<br />
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: )Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-30397997976338183952012-12-30T18:48:00.003-08:002012-12-30T18:48:44.179-08:00Adventures in picture taking-Upperville, VA edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Today was my first day actually going out and playing around with my camera. After receiving it from Shaun for Christmas I was more than ready to get out there and start shooting. I've had several days to get out and take some pictures but the monotony of having an entire week off made it near impossible to get up off the couch. Also, I figured I could at least google a little, youtube a little and scour the blogs for photography tips. It </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">did</i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> help somewhat. I figured out how to change my iso, what the M,A,S, and P meant on the camera as well as the basics of aperture, shutter speed, iso and how they all work together. I still have a </span><u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-auto;">lot</u><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> to learn about photography. But it was a gorgeous day and Middleburg, Upperville, Paris, Va and the Blue Ridge mountains are only a 30 minute drive away so I decided to take a little drive out to the country to see what I could do.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I was planning on being really ballsy and trespassing, climbing up on rocks and splashing through muddy ditches, squeezing through barbed wire and getting up close and personal with peoples houses. The truth is, I was just too chickenshit to get up, close and personal to get some really amazing shots that I could have gotten.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Still though, it's not a total loss since I'm still learning how to use this rig and still figuring out what actually makes good photography, well, good.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">You can see a few snapshots that made the cut below. I don't think it's too terrible for my first time. Tomorrow I'll continue doing my research on DSLR techniques and maybe head to downtown Fairfax to snap some more photos and mail that etsy order that I've been procrastinating on for a few days...<span style="font-size: x-small;">*whoops*</span></span></div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-23912624851270492952012-12-29T19:03:00.001-08:002012-12-29T19:03:15.946-08:00Adventures in photo takingThey may not be the best quality photos I've taken so far, but they are certainly my favorite subject matter.<br />
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I really love the dual serious faces on the first picture and Meatwads still ominous, threatening face in the second. Such a little gangster<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-60281796910541164412012-12-29T18:49:00.000-08:002012-12-29T18:49:07.690-08:00What today was supposed to be-with a happy ending and an entirely too long read<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I had big plans. Big, happy, motivated plans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After reading up on the basics of a dslr camera, I was still pretty clueless as to what I was doing, but I had this newfound bout of energy and motivation to get out there and snap some photos, play around with the buttons and settings and snap away until the people around me got weirded out and started whispering. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was stoked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My plan was to head out to beautiful Middleburg, Va. Middleburg is quite possibly my favorite place in northern Virginia. Middleburg is a little Main Street town with upscale boutiques, antique stores galore, great little delis, a french restaurant and even a butcher. Oh, and did I mention it has an amazing vintage clothing store? Yeah I know, a dream come true, right? Well anyways, my plan was to head out to Middleburg, surrounded by rolling hills, vast green horse farms and the beautiful blue ride mountains in the background and take some amazing photos that I could blog about and share with the internet why it is such a magical place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That<i> was</i> the plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever done something that was so brain-numbingly stupid, something that was so painfully ironic because you thought about not doing that exact thing many many times and somehow still managed to do it? Well that's what happened to me today. I packed up my camera, lens, purse, layered up in scarves and hat and sweater and headed off. It was only 3/4 of the way into my drive that I realized, I had left my camera battery at home in the charger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the words of Red Foreman, "What a dumbass."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, not only was this an incredibly amateur and dumb thing to do, but I had told myself about half a dozen times (after reading up on photography websites) that I would not do that. I would not forget my SD card, I would not leave my battery or extra lens. etc. etc. So here I am, driving out to this beautiful, somewhat remote place and I had done just that. Color me bitter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here I am in the car, cursing myself and my stupidity, furiously texting and tweeting at stop lights to share with the world how dumb I am, as if it would somehow lessen the blow. Here I am, raging out and a thrill to watch, I'm sure, for all my vehicular neighbors and I realized, there's always tomorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, don't get me wrong, I was still fuming and desperate at this thoughtless action by me. But there is something about driving out into the country, with the sun slowly settling onto the horizon and The Avett Brothers pandora station seranading you through the winding roads that just has this tranquilizing effect. I did manage to snap one shot, through the car window, on my iPhone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clearly this is not the work of a professional, and the glare of my reddit case in the window is a little bit obnoxious but you can just see a smidgeon of what I mean about the pure beauty of the area. Even with my poor attempt at an instagram redemption, the beauty of the place sort of overcomes most of the novice obstacles I put in place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So before you shake your head at me, the reason I couldn't turn around and get my camera was because it was already late in the day, the sun was setting early (as it does this time of year) and the stores were closing in less than an hour. If I had turned around I would have missed most of that glorious afternoon light as well as any chance of stopping in some stores before I came back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my revised plan was to do a little thrifting while out in Middleburg. The thing about thrifting is, you're getting whatever leftovers someone donated. So common sense dictates that if you shop in a a thrift store that's in a bad/ghetto area, you'll be getting bad/ghetto results. If you shop in a high end area, such as Middleburg, you're receiving the leftovers of senators wives, wealthy estate owners and fantastic articles of clothing passed down from grandma in her little farm house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The problem with this, is that most people know what they are doing and therefore they will jack up the prices. I decided to stop into the Humane Society Thrift store that's on Main Street. Surrounded by boutiques and banks and expensive restaurants, it's bound to have some treasures, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I had been into the thrift store a bit over a year prior and I had no idea what I was looking for and therefore had no desire to take home anything that was there. This time, though, I was prepared. The place is a tiny little thing. Nestled between a fancy (expensive) boutique and a little ice cream parlor. But the space leaves a bit to be desired. Wherever you go, you have to squeeze in to let someone pass. Nevertheless I found a beautiful green blazer with gold buttons that was in mint condition from Anne Taylor. Better yet, the coat was only $20! A bit more, clearly, than most thrift stores but considering what it was and the condition it was in, I couldn't pass it up. I found a paperback cover of Stephen Hawkings, A Brief History of Time and approached the little old lady who was talking about fancy oyster plates with the customer ahead of me. Unfortunately, as I walked up to the counter, I read on the wall "LOCAL CHECKS AND CASH ONLY-NO DEBIT OR CREDIT CARDS". I lost my bank card and haven't been able to withdraw cash for about 2 months and haven't gotten a new one because I've just used my credit cards, racked up points and paid them off. So I quickly returned the coat and the book and stepped out onto the puddle, sun-setting brick sidewalk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Turn around and go home now? NEVARR!! I figured I had come all this way, it was at least worth a little attempt at reviving this failed trip. I decided to head down the street to Timmie Jane (the vintage clothing store I was telling you about) and see if I could find some goodies. This place was UH-MAZING. Big leather and fur trimmed coats from the 60s, sweaters and dainty dresses from the 70s, mid-century purses and jewelry, it was like stepping into my dream of a store. The only problem, they are a little bit out of my price range. Ever since I started thrifting, I find it odd and almost impossible to spend any real amount of money on clothes. So I sulked through the racks, appreciating the beauty of every thread. Evesdropping on the clerk telling the girls in the store how the owner goes to auctions in NY and PA to buy all the vintage items she has (must be quite nice) and then I slipped out the front door, back onto the street to the car with a heavy chest and shallow steps. As I got into the car, the sun glaring at me from the point between the trees and the road, I decided I'd stop at anything along the way that would still be open. In Aldie, which is an adjacent, less frilly, equally as adorable town, there was a "thrift" store that was more of an antique store/vintage clothing store called Diamonds and Rust. I stopped in and a friendly lady greeted me at the door. With 20 minutes until they closed, I promised I'd be quick. She assured me she had no plans and was in no sort of a rush. Again the problem here were the prices, less than Timmie Jane but still out of budget. I loved many a thing in that shop, including a perfect mid-century, heart-collard light plaid dress for $55. Again, sadly in love but I couldn't bring myself to do it. (in hindsight I should snatched it up and asked to change there so I could wear it home but I find it best to sleep on impulse decisions). So I browsed the little shop and bid adieu to the lady at the counter who was just as sweet in her goodbye as she was in her hello.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I walked back to the car and decided to call it quits. If nothing else, it was a nice drive out to the country.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On my way back though I became determined again to see if there was at least something I could on the way that resembled a <i>real</i> thrift store. I mean, there has to be something between 3 towns, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I google mapped again and found something that I had never seen before. A little thrift store actually on my way back home on the right side of the street! Must be a sign, right? Well, reading the yelp reviews, the general consensus was "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">stuff is piled haphazardly" and "</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">it's like going thru someones attic stuff everywhere". </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">perfect.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">The crazy thing about this place is you would've missed it if not for searching. It's connected to an old truck stop/service center that may or may not be out of commission. I was concerned that since it was already after 5PM they would be closed like everything else in nearby Middleburg. A broken parking lot beckoned me to the piles of junk that sat outside. I walked to the door and the sign said 8PM on Saturday. What luck! When I walked inside, I realized the yelp reviews couldn't have been more accurate.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Piled along the walls was stuff, Books, cds, dvds, purses, trinkets. Rows upon rows of childrens and mens clothes in the back. An entire wall of purses stacked upon purses. I had to literally dig through them to find hidden gems beneath fake and plastic purses 6 deep Behind a beaded curtain was more clothes. Womens clothes, mens coats, duffel bags and pet carriers in a massive pile in the back. The stench of a dead mouse definitely smacked me in the face when I stepped through the beaded curtain.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Piles and piles and piles of junk. Everywhere. Like a hoarders dream. But this is my favorite type of place. The places where you have to work for what you want to find are always the best. Most of the womens clothes were Gap and Old Navy and most of the purses were the Liz Claiborne "Free when you buy perfume" type of bags. But I <i>did</i> come away with some real gems!</span></span><br />
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All of these things I got today for under $30! Paying $27 for thrift store finds is a little high in my book but I found some pretty awesome stuff, starting with that mirror. Isn't it gorgeous? Yeah I had a little fun taking myspace-style pictures in it. But in all fairness, I never do that, so...cut me some slack. Next up, I found a gorgeous vintage crop top in excellent condition as well as a cute cut out leather bag and a legit Coach bag! I've found many a knock-off in my thrifting adventures but I can chock this up to the first real "designer" bag that I've found! It is in fairly good condition minus a small smudge on the front that I might be able to clean. Pretty exciting!<br />
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My favorite thing of all, is something I almost missed while waiting to be rung up. When I say rung up it was waiting for the guy to stop what he was doing so I could scooch some stuff on a cluttered surface to write him a check. My favorite thing is these unused, like new Madeline activity book and paper doll book. They are in beautiful condition and it appears no one ever used them! The vinyl stickers are amazing and I'm tempted to keep them for myself. I am a sucker for stickers.<br />
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So overall, a day that started terrible and continued on hopelessly actually ended on a really good note! I'll sell the crop jacket and maybe the cutout bag on etsy but I don't think I'll be able to let go of those charming little Madeline books.<br />
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Shaun might wake up in the middle of the night to find me playing with paper dolls in the living room. It's not the worst hobby I could have, right?<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-35332631349657152072012-12-28T10:40:00.001-08:002012-12-28T10:40:11.808-08:00: /So I was supposed to drive down to North Carolina this weekend with my friend Aiyshen to see our friend Kristi who just bought a house.<br />
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I'm so ridiculously proud of and happy for Kristi that she has embarked on this amazing journey and didn't chicken out and change her mind like I would have. We've been planning on coming down for a few weeks now and I was excited to see her new place and also see her face since it's been months!<br />
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The problem lies in a few different things.<br />
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1. My car is acting up. I work for a shop. Yes, I know. The problem is she only works up when no one else is looking. I know it sounds ridiculous but it's true. They checked her out and found a few minor things that aren't big but she wasn't making these crazy noises when they looked at her 3 days in a row but now it happens all the time. The only problem is that the shop is closed until next Wednesday. this is heavenly for me to have this much time off but also a little bit of a headache since no one can look at her. You're probably guessing that I love my car and you're correct. She's my baby, my dream car, my favorite thing in the world. So when she is sick it makes me super sad. Also, I think getting stranded 4 hours into a road trip to North Carolina would probably be a really really bad time.<br />
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2. The second problem is that we are supposed to get a snow storm tomorrow. Hooray east coast weather! It's supposed to freeze over tonight and start snowing around 3AM.<br />
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I was already a little apprehensive because of my car but I didn't want to disappoint Kristi and I definitely wanted to see her. But I spoke to Aiyshen earlier on the phone and she explained to me what I was thinking in the back of my head all along. The signs are there, it's not a good idea for us to go.<br />
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While this breaks my heart, I believe in signs and I believe that there were far too many ominous signs preventing us from going this weekend. It actually made me feel a little bit better that Aiyshen felt the same way and lessened this feeling of guilt a little bit. <br />
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Oh and number 3 is that I don't have Kristis Christmas present completed yet. I'm making her a bucket full of new homeowner goodies so she won't ever be without a stray pair of scissors or thumb tacks etc. all the things that you have but are never around when you need them.<br />
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So the bummer of a lost road trip and visiting a friend aside, I think it's quite good we didn't do this weekend. Kristis birthday is in February and Aiyshen said maybe we could surprise her for her birthday! I think this is a much better idea since the signs have been there and also since this gives me time to bake cupcakes for her birthday, cookies for our road trip and some much better planning so we can stop and do some thrifting : )<br />
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All in all, I think it's a good thing we aren't going but I still feel terrible about letting her down. I told Aiyshen to let her know that it just means she gets way better presents from us because of it!<br />
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One good thing about today is that Meatwad has been extra snuggly. I'm not sure what it is but I forced him to snuggle with us yesterday and ever since he's been quite affectionate.<br />
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am I wearing bunny pajamas? Yes. I have no shame in this. I love bunnies. Bunny eveything. Could you tell by how many pictures I took of Meatwad?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-7316526959723826762012-12-27T14:31:00.000-08:002012-12-27T14:31:10.269-08:00Pieces of a day-Christmas edition<br />
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<br />
The pieces of Christmas day.<br />
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I spent Christmas eve celebrating with my dad and little brother. Since Adam is 9, his tastes change yearly so I'm never without ideas of what to get him. This year it's Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Both things I approve of and both things that are easy to buy for.<br />
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After Christmas eve I came home to Virginia and Shaun and I spent Christmas day with his family. First at his parents house and then at his aunt and uncles. It's hard to believe I've been a part of his families holidays for <i>five whole years, </i>my how the time flies. Every year I enjoy getting together with his family and sharing hugs, laughs, food and gifts. They always remark about how much they love my gift wrapping and as much as I am humble about it I really do appreciate the compliments. I <i>love</i> wrapping things. I think presentation is equally as important when you are sharing something with people as the actual item! Shaun's dad even made an excellent suggestion! (He is really really amazing at anything business related and both of his parents have been so sweet to take such an interest in my etsy shop and encourage me to keep going with it!) His dad said why don't I offer a gift wrap option on the etsy shop? It's easy, quick money and adds a whole new facet of business to what people can do with the treasures they buy! I think this is probably a genius idea seeing as the first item I sold was a birthday present for someones sister!<br />
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The key now is to stock up on pretty ribbon and paper, wrap boxes and photograph them and then figure out pricing. The weather has been too crazy the past couple days for me to even think about braving the cold and stopping at Michaels but Friday on my way back to Maryland I'll stop and stock up on all the holiday items for next year and see what other pretty wrapping things I can stock up on. The more I think about the idea, the more excited I get! I do love to present things in a nice, pretty way. As un-utilitarian as it is, I think it's important to add things to life that exist simply to look nice and put a smile on someones day. It's amazing how much a pretty wrapped box can brighten someones day!<br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">1/2/3. Shaun's sister and her fiance got a brand new black lab puppy named Sampson. Needless to say, the first thing I photographed after opening my amazing new camera from Shaun, was this little sleeping angel!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">4. Shaun also hooked me up with the coolest 300mm telephoto lens and all night I kept telling him to go far away so I could take pictures with it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">5/6. This is their other dog, Lola. The fluffiest, chubbiest husky you will ever meet. (also the hungriest, she will sit her face on your lap until you give her food when you're eating)</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">7. Every year Shaun and his sisters get their mother a nice present that's from all the kids. This year he picked up a macbook air for her. I remember getting a little dizzy in the apple store when he bought it, I might have laptop fever and as much as I say I hate apple, I might need to get myself a macbook!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">7/8. Shaun's youngest sister, Sam with little Sampson. I was incredibly proud of the action shot I got of the puppy!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">9. Getting ready to leave for Judy and Ricks house</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">10. Shaun's dads best of a car. I'd be a little bitter that I haven't gotten to drive it yet if I wasn't so scared of losing control and ending up in a ditch somewhere. So amazing!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">11. The wreath on Judys door</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">12. Shaun's sweet southern Grandma, Grandma Whitt. She no longer grabs my face and tell me to behave, so I think she is starting to like me ; )</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">13. Their huge Christmas tree. This one wasn't as huge as last year, but still a monstrosity!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">14. Aunt Judy and Shaun's Momma in the kitchen, cookin up some delicious food!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">15. Little Christmas town</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">16. Shaun's cousin, Tim, posing like a supermodel in front of the fireplace.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">17. Someone looks a little suspect of my shutter fever</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">18. Family shot of Shauns sister, Stephanie, her fiance Jason and the newest puppy member Sampson!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">19. a close up of the sweet pup</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">20. The fire is finally roaring</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">21. Setting up the dinner table with Steph and Jason canoodling in the background</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">22. Everyone sitting down to dinner</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">23. Shaun's sister Sam, cousin Tim, cousin Alicia and Sampson</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">24. Playing with my awesome new lens!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">25. snuggling up to the fire after dinner.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">26. puppy kisses!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">27. little reindeer at Momma Hicks' house. I cannot WAIT to have a mantle of my own to decorate!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">28. Grandpa Whitt petting the Lola</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">29. Shaun and his dad sharing a bro hug ; )</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">30. Momma Hicks and Shaun</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">31. a little leftover pile of holiday ribbon from the unwrapping.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">oh and did I mention Shaun's mom gave me vintage pyrex for Christmas! She is the sweetest! I can't wait to go on many antiquing adventures with her while she's here from Singapore!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">Happy Happy holidays to you and yours!</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-12178754470651693242012-12-27T13:44:00.000-08:002012-12-27T13:44:31.004-08:00Pieces of a day<br />
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This post brought to you by the windy Virginia winter weather and a last second java chip frapucino.<br />
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This is my first official theme post. I'd like to capture more pieces of my day as I continue along with this blog and make it a running theme at least once every 2 weeks. (Once a week if I'm feeling a bit motivated). This one is actually pieces of 2 days because, quite frankly, not much has happened the past couple days. After the whirlwind of excitement and stress of the holidays, a quick bout of the flu and accomplishing cleaning the house, I've finally been able to sit and do absolutely nothing.<br />
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and it...is...nice.<br />
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Although I'm already feeling restless, I'll have plenty of time to do things the next few days. Tomorrow I head back to MD and I'll be doing a bit of rock climbing at the gym, possibly dinner with some friends and also stopping by my neighbors house to do a little gift exchange and say hello. Saturday morning I pick up Aiyshen and we head down to North Carolina to visit Kristi at her new house! We'll be back Sunday night (hopefully) and then it's NYE in Baltimore to see Louis C.K. with Kim, then back to work followed by girls night and Shauns work Christmas party next weekend. Yep. After this nice little break of 2 days doing nothing but taking baths, listening to brazillian jazz, reading the latest Martha Stewart Living, watching Property Brothers and baking and cooking things with my shiny new green mixer and crockpot, it will be back to the craziness of life again. Hopefully I'll be able to get a little thrifting, staging, photographing and listing in the etsy shop once again since I've been totally slacking in that department this past week. I'll admit it took me a bit longer than it should have to get up off the couch to run the few errands I had today since all these amazing house shows are on and with our recent house hunting I've been having the itch to move into my own <i>space. </i>But I'm sure waiting and being patient will pay off in the long run and we will find the perfect house for us, and the 2 new dogs we'll be getting quite soon after! : )<br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">1. I got a little possessed by the holiday spirit when I first got wrapping paper this year and ended up wrapping the paintings behind the couch. I never liked them much anyway</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">2. After Meatwad smelled all the puppies on us from Christmas he was extra jealous and cuddly yesterday.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">3. bins upon bins of Christmas stuff to be put away fairly soon. I'm trying to delay the process as much as possible due to laziness and also the sadness of the end of the year and holiday</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">4. I finally managed to clean the house and realize that there is basically no room for any of my stuff here. Can't wait until we'er in a bigger space.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">5. My boo came home around 6 last night and we ate Christmas leftovers and vegged in front of the tv. It was quite nice.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">6.Bed time. It will be sad no longer seeing the Christmas tree aglow in the living room when we wake up in the morning</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">7. Shaun hiding from my camera under the covers. He bought me a brand new Nikon 5100 which I've been using to snap photos of literally everything around me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">8,9,10. A new day and a decision whether to sell or give this wonderful vintage childrens book to my neighbors. It's so sweet it's hard to part with either way.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">11. a chubby, fluffy, grumpy bunny.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">12, 13. A grey, blustery day. Not a good one for thrifting but I did discover a couple new places today and at least one of them I will be visiting again soon!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">14. Found this pretty mug, listing it in the shop although I think it would probably make a gorgeous birthday gift for someone special.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">15,16. Having serious house/life envy from this gorgeous european woman and her amazing house/adorable baby/insanely good looking husband. I'm in no rush to get married and pop out some kids but I am definitely nesting and dying for a larger, craftier space that I can actually decorate to my liking soon</span><br />
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Happy Holidays! I hope you get to relax a bit as I did, it's good for the soul.<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-50441097479388852642012-12-10T09:30:00.002-08:002012-12-10T09:30:29.700-08:00Musical Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Arcade Fire-Keep the Car Running<br />
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Because Monday mornings require a little bit of a kick-start and what better way than with some Win Butler goodness?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-47066559157685911852012-12-04T18:52:00.001-08:002012-12-04T19:33:21.967-08:00Tis the Season!It's the holidays once again! I am madly in love with the changing of seasons. As much as I say I want to quit my life and move to Bali I would miss the smell of snow, the beauty of fall and the excitement of spring as the weather warms.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, summertime is pretty much my favorite thing ever. I love pool days and tank tops, flip flops and bbqs. <br />
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But now Christmas is upon us and it gives me an excuse to go a little bit crazy with shopping (like I need an excuse)<br />
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I've been trying to limit myself and using a budget spreadsheet that Natalie created seems like it should help but I really do get carried away. I think I enjoy wrapping things more than anything in the world. <br />
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I have come to the sad realization that I must budget myself during the holidays especially if I am going to be buying a home, furniture and getting my etsy shop off the ground!<br />
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I am also trying to shop local, handmade, homemade and vintage this holiday season for several reasons. First of all, I always believe in keeping money in the local economy. As someone who is striving for a growing small business myself I can appreciate the hard work and passion that people put into their businesses. Also, you know the item was made, found or used with love. You can tell the quality of an item made by a small business vs the factory made Walmart items that sell for cheap. Lastly, it decreases your carbon footprint and since I've always been a little bit of a hippie, that appeals to me.<br />
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I've compiled a short 5 under $50 list of items I wouldn't mind receiving for Christmas (wink wink) and I'm sure someone special on your list would adore as well! I tried to keep it small/hand made but I'm an Anthro girl and absolutely in LOVE with baths with LUSH products. Here it is, happy holidays! <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">1. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/1.%20http://www.lushusa.com/Mrs-Frosty-Gift/03793,en_US,pd.html%20Mrs%20Frosty%20from%20LUSH%20$21.95%20I%20am%20in%20LA-HOVE%20with%20Lush.%20The%20smells,%20the%20way%20my%20skin%20feels,%20the%20natural%20ingredients%20and%20no%20animal%20testing%20is%20enough%20for%20anyone%20to%20fall%20in%20love%20with!%20This%20adorable%20little%20set%20comes%20with%20the%20Comforter.%20The%20most%20bubbly%20bubble%20bar%20that%20can%20be%20broken%20up%20and%20used%20on%20several%20occasions.%20The%20butterball%20bath%20bomb%20that%20makes%20everything%20smell%20like%20soft%20vanilla%20and%20makes%20my%20skin%20and%20hair%20feel%20amazing%20and%20So%20White%20which%20smells%20like%20delicious%20apples%20and%20fizzes%20turning%20your%20bath%20a%20pretty%20pink.%20I%20won't%20tell%20if%20you%20buy%20one%20for%20someone%20else%20and%20one%20for%20yourself!">Mrs Frosty from LUSH $21.95</a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">I am in LA-HOVE with Lush. The smells, the way my skin feels, the natural ingredients and no animal testing is enough for anyone to fall in love with! This adorable little set comes with the Comforter. The most bubbly bubble bar that can be broken up and used on several occasions. The butterball bath bomb that makes everything smell like soft vanilla and makes my skin and hair feel amazing and So White which smells like delicious apples and fizzes turning your bath a pretty pink. I won't tell if you buy one for someone else and one for yourself!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-candle/21188859.jsp">2. Simpatico hobnail candle in Marine $28</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;"><div>
Ok, so I know that $28 for one candle seems a bit silly but this. Candle. Smells. Amazing. It also lasts forever and once it's done you have a beautiful studded teal jar to use as a vase, pencil holder, decor or whatever! Think of it as a 2-in-1. I love multipurpose items</div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;"><a href="http://etsy.me/NV7a2L">3. Ivory White detachable collar $15</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;"><div>
So I've bought maybe a few too many coats for myself this season, but i have found the perfect accessory to change up the look in case I get tired of them and try to get another! This beautiful lace collar can go with almost any outfit, not only adding a fantastic accessory but <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">changing the whole look! I think being able to spruce up several outfits for only $15 is a pretty fantastic deal!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;"><a href="http://etsy.me/wu1ilt">4. Mustard lace earrings $20</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;"><div>
Can you tell I've recently fallen in love with lace? These earrings are big, but not heavy. In a lovely mustard shade that can carry through the seasons. Same as the collar, they can be used to dress up or down. Such a fun, unexpected accessory!</div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;"><div>
<a href="http://etsy.me/naeHTs">5. Twig branch hair clips $20.59</a></div>
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I find something so special about opening up a tiny package and finding a precious, detailed gift inside. I love that you can choose 2 colors from silver, bronze and gold. Put together they make an updo look stunning. Functional and fabulous!</div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">That's enough cheesiness for me, I'm off to do some online shopping and then dream of sugarplums and ugly Christmas sweaters in preparation for the tacky holiday sweater party tomorrow at the gym. Good night and happy holiday shopping!</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-77439646819178801932012-08-28T09:38:00.001-07:002012-08-28T09:38:56.013-07:00My Review of R&B<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/index.html?lang=en_US&dlang=en/shop/products/hair/hair-treatments/randb">Originally submitted at LUSH USA</a></p><div><p style="margin-top:0">While we love listening to rhythm and blues, R&B actually refers to 'revive and balance'. A supreme hair softener perfect for dry, brittle or split ends, R&B was created to keep coarse hair in check with deeply moisturizing olive, avocado and coconut oils. Smooth some through dry ha... </p></div><a href="http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/hair/hair-treatments/randb" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">R&B</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">deliciousness for your hair</strong></p><div>By <strong>Rachel</strong> from <strong>Maryland</strong> on <strong><abbr title="2012828T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">8/28/2012</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images_merchants/stars/10460_stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -180px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">5</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>When you survey your stash, you label this product: </strong>Must-Have</p><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Smell, Frizz control, Moisturizing</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">I bought this because I wanted a leave-in conditioner. I didn't care much for the scent when I first came in but bought it because when the girl put it in my hair it looked AMAZING. Ever since then. I'm completely addicted to it! I've been told my hair smells like heaven and the scent lingers for much longer than just my regular shampoo and conditioner! Also, for those days when it's really humid and your hairs gone wild, it's perfect to run through your tresses with your fingertips and smooth all the frizz! Pretty much my favorite product ever!</p><div class="prCustomerPics"><p style="margin-top:1em" class="prCaption">love this stuff!</p><a href="http://images.powerreviews.com/temp/7793921A5B4A4E93185B4B519DDB21B8.sparkyservices_1346171839380_raw.jpg"><img height="75" width="56" alt="thumbnail" src="http://images.powerreviews.com/temp/7793921A5B4A4E93185B4B519DDB21B8.sparkyservices_1346171839380_thumbnail.jpg"></a></div><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-54797747374598401202012-08-21T12:40:00.000-07:002012-08-21T12:40:19.327-07:00Updating the etsy shopWoohoo! <br />
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I love the feeling of accomplishment when you finally <em>do </em>something. Especially something productive. I'm not knocking those little victories like finishing a load of laundry, doing the dishes, taking the dog for a walk, cleaning out junk email. In fact, I think those can be some of the most cathartic events.<br />
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I'm having a mini victory in terms of my etsy shop! It has been a slow, procrastinated process mainly due to my lack of a nice camera for pictures, working during all the good daylight hours and the excuses that I make, like the first 2 ones I just made. But since Kim and I are interested in doing this as a joint venture, we collaborated for one of our typical cook and be crafty nights. Where Kim spends the night or I go to her house and spend the night, we collaborate on creativity and brainstorm brilliant, crafty ideas for the shop. This usually involves me cooking or baking a lot as well. So there's a lot of laughing, epiphanies, planning and eating involved. <br />
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We ended up only taking pictures of eachother and a few of the milk glass vases I have for sale, which you can see <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107430227/vintage-milk-glass-vases" target="_blank">here.</a> But I'm still trying to decide if I want to paint/glaze them a pretty teal color as an alternative to the standard milk glass you see everywhere. Either option is gorgeous as a standalone decoration or for a pretty dinner event. With all the house-shopping we've been doing lately I am SUPER excited to finally have a place to put all of my thrifted treasures! Anyway, here are some photos from our day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kim flipping through a fashion magazine to gather some inspiration on a cluttered counter while cupcakes are being baked</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">making some lemon-mint ice cubes and for some reason a picture of my butt. I like those pants, so who cares.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">frosting the strawberry cream cheese cupcakes. Looks like we have a cupcake bandit in our midst!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">setting up a backdrop for the milk glasses that we ended up not using.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">my treasured box of milk glass and new plates ready for their big moment. Not selling those plates, too in love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was also considering selling these beautiful juice glasses but could not bring myself to do it. I need to use them a few times for a brunch before I can part with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally snapped some pictures before the clouds rolled in and storms began. </span></div>
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It was also getting late in the day and Kim and I agreed that next time we would try to get out early and take some good fashion photos for the clothes and accesories I'll be adding to etsy and blogging about soon. Can't wait for more productive days like this! Hopefully next time I'll be able to get even more done!</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-84042522576048254702012-08-20T09:39:00.001-07:002012-08-20T09:39:39.002-07:00CupcakesI've been baking since I don't know when. Typically I bake for family and friends during birthdays or other special occasions. It wasn't until the past year that people started asking me to make them for them and telling me that they would <em>pay</em> me to bake them. <br />
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What?<br />
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You mean you will give me money, to do something I love and share with the world? Amazing!<br />
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Well I was thrilled with the idea of this and after several commissioned cupcakes and birthday cakes I came to the realization that I <em>do</em> love to bake and I love to share my baking with the world.<br />
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The problem with baking is that, no matter how delicious whatever it is that I bake is, 3 people can only consume so many baked goods.<br />
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Since I was rear-ended last month and my car is still in the body shop, I decided to make some of my famous Strawberry cream cheese cupcakes for the guys at the shop so they take extra good care of my baby ; )<br />
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My little brochacho, Adam, is not as big of a fan of the strawberry cream cheese cupcakes as everyone else. I think it has something to do with how he pieces apart the cupcakes starting from the top, licking off all the frosting and then munching on the cupcake itself. I decided to make his own special batch of simple vanilla cupcakes, topped with whipped cream and a strawberry. I think the picture describes how much he liked them!<br />
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Adams strawberry whipped cream cupcake on one of my favorite thrifted plate sets!</div>
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I got these plates for $1 each at Goodwill, all 8 of them! Aren't they the perfect cupcake serving tray?<br />
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Here are the strawberry cream cheese cupcakes. The problem with giving/selling them now is that my favorite cupcake box manufacturer is on a temporary hiatus. I am dying for them to come back so I can keep spreading the cupcake love!<br />
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These babies are filled with cream cheese and strawberry jam. For sure my most popular cupcakes to date!<br />
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I have a dream of one day combining all of my favorite things in the world into a little brick and mortar store.<br />
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It took me a while to come to this dream, for years and years I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It sort of came upon me accidentally as my interests in things started becoming passions.<br />
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Of course dreams take time, motivatio, sweat, blood and tears which I am willing to shed to pursue my passion. But one day I do hope that I can fulfill that dream. That dream, of course, being to have a little brick and mortar cupcake/vintage/handmade shop. Where I sell cupcakes on beautiful, vintage and artsy little plates. Walls of shelves filled with vintage pyrex and Catherineholm bowls and bakeware. I'd like a little corner of vintage clothes, accesories and handmade trinkets/pillows/artwork all the while beautiful music wafts through the air. <br />
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Sounds pretty dreamy, right?<br />
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I do get a <strike>little</strike> ok, a lot excited sometimes, and this starts that bubbling up inside of me that I just cannot contain! It makes me giddy with excitement just daydreaming about it until I can finally put it into fruition.<br />
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In the meantime I'll start with my modest online cupcake-facebook page, making local deliveries and my humble little <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thesimplestsong">etsy shop</a> with only a few items in it. But one day, I hope to turn it all into my full time career, spreading the joy of all the things I love to everyone else in the best way I know possible.<br />
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Maybe Meatwad can even make a cameo as a little shop bunny. ; )<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-73582207420432475892012-08-06T09:42:00.000-07:002012-08-20T08:58:16.732-07:00Oh Happy DayToday was a feel good day.<br />
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It's been quite a while since I've had one of those. (on a week day at least)<br />
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I took off work so Shaun and I could go house hunting. The thing is, we still don't know where we want to end up. Him working in Springfield and me working in Pasadena has taken enough of a toll on our 4 year relationship so it's time to figure out a place we can live together finally. We decided to check out Woodbridge today since it would be 15 minutes away from where he works in Springfield and where his sister and her fiance are. Also, there's a Savers thrift shop there that I had never been to before, so I figured it would be a great way for me to sneak in some thrifting!<br />
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It was definitely the perfect day to be out and about, beautiful, sunny, except 100 degrees. Yikes!<br />
We began by stopping by Historic Occoquan. I personally love this little place on the water. Wonderful antique stores, cute little coffee shops and bakeries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm1o-P8CZrlqTKhjk9vCO0hM7UtGs6CCWKCcJuYy0p1UFFyqk9Qs0xMw-0jQZZTUlPGjOyo9wmDhLYBE5uXtNCcXjaNj1XmLNhDfqfH4bZFYkOGZkgtMRSQdmBkj8cJjfT9VGLNVSkpA/s1600/historic+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm1o-P8CZrlqTKhjk9vCO0hM7UtGs6CCWKCcJuYy0p1UFFyqk9Qs0xMw-0jQZZTUlPGjOyo9wmDhLYBE5uXtNCcXjaNj1XmLNhDfqfH4bZFYkOGZkgtMRSQdmBkj8cJjfT9VGLNVSkpA/s640/historic+house.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8B9RZ3mjoGRXy7pml1hag1QqcAZJmYFKwd35GDIT1aGef0wPXCsSdMNUcMHR5t4czJms_ELUi5_I_X9awyG3Bv1pbEfCirGsvM036R6aKmG_eGaT_AAVimHiRyD245okecjLMwbwKrM/s1600/historic+occaquan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8B9RZ3mjoGRXy7pml1hag1QqcAZJmYFKwd35GDIT1aGef0wPXCsSdMNUcMHR5t4czJms_ELUi5_I_X9awyG3Bv1pbEfCirGsvM036R6aKmG_eGaT_AAVimHiRyD245okecjLMwbwKrM/s640/historic+occaquan.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyyKPtzH92q41Z8k_bVogMnGfyyCQ2pihWa0K4WAi6PTbanca9eKi1fbhQUPUqUIlczy_FmeirgHWOiOshkYvPvNPrcDTRYVSseV4zqF4rMt_h-7JxMaarycAYxjklbUbImrOG90d9ac/s1600/july2012+311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyyKPtzH92q41Z8k_bVogMnGfyyCQ2pihWa0K4WAi6PTbanca9eKi1fbhQUPUqUIlczy_FmeirgHWOiOshkYvPvNPrcDTRYVSseV4zqF4rMt_h-7JxMaarycAYxjklbUbImrOG90d9ac/s640/july2012+311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We didn't do much since we were both starving and wanted to get somthing quick and informal. Although we drove through the street again and I noticed this funny little shop with the mermaids in the window.</div>
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On the way out however, I did insist we stop at this adorable little bakery called <a href="http://www.momsapplepieco.com/">Moms Apple Pie.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-00_pYxxmulbBlXUujZxM99ineNbewORWkFEbQTUm-ffhsvZFgQYYzREqyvO-GEJA_FoHOCN4wiRbZA6aiXvx8N05eHUY1s_aci8zGUHENMOr3gcdvwnvqpjdA-dW_Q8a2D_d3DuO10o/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-00_pYxxmulbBlXUujZxM99ineNbewORWkFEbQTUm-ffhsvZFgQYYzREqyvO-GEJA_FoHOCN4wiRbZA6aiXvx8N05eHUY1s_aci8zGUHENMOr3gcdvwnvqpjdA-dW_Q8a2D_d3DuO10o/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's the first thing you see on the right when you pull onto the road heading towards the water. I figured I definitely could not miss going in here, the giant gingerbread men, pies and strawberries were calling to me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l3maRmNxtU93TEQR6S3IH4JsKEqbxiFa5cMhbRi0E6Tct_-_J3P4BSvsF9WBUFqJrPwVVnBL7jQEZ3CPsmZUsOxO7z5scetY-3GcXjFKOu3jmex1vkTdXMv4irrSpwvWPadaE2UOHHw/s1600/old+stove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l3maRmNxtU93TEQR6S3IH4JsKEqbxiFa5cMhbRi0E6Tct_-_J3P4BSvsF9WBUFqJrPwVVnBL7jQEZ3CPsmZUsOxO7z5scetY-3GcXjFKOu3jmex1vkTdXMv4irrSpwvWPadaE2UOHHw/s640/old+stove.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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They had an old screen door and a big porch with church pews to sit and eat gelato. They also had this cool old stove sitting on the porch for some reason. If it weren't rusted through it would be an amazing little find.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgum0r7Cn2FCpFDqN_VIIKzIucF3JFFdyPS_qlbG_TdDuasBz6w8IuAHFEAn_KHsm_ezDhBl8T1ZwuT6zqbovBJgxZ_rwhiCqOUlF8iYD7hYiiza4VCg2jaGUCarnxB6tYhlbDHdCUj7sY/s640/photo+4+(2).JPG" width="480" /></div>
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they also had fresh farm-grown produce and old-style sodas and candy as well as a plethora of jam and jellies.</div>
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They had quite a delicious assortment of pies</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcxPwvlSzDlX0b4fLTxXnavujggn6AkNJyk325pSpgMLUf_rCPrk_GBfiK7Pjbn3_DHHOHCw-PdlEfLbgaN46dSxL2YZ_VN7pYIKsn99dcKKDNxX__vG21y72r3Snpa95e1MWd1iPTWc/s1600/photo+2+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcxPwvlSzDlX0b4fLTxXnavujggn6AkNJyk325pSpgMLUf_rCPrk_GBfiK7Pjbn3_DHHOHCw-PdlEfLbgaN46dSxL2YZ_VN7pYIKsn99dcKKDNxX__vG21y72r3Snpa95e1MWd1iPTWc/s640/photo+2+%25283%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I took home a raspberry crumble pie and Shaun chose the traditional apple pie. I also took home a giant heart raspberry linzer cookie and a chocolate macaroon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO1wuqc3YvYrH4EBoe67jWiUW9WdkEksTILjZzoi98IBVcywmn8wLJjEJlLbbpVgY3BeSzYol5XU1Ru_hF7C92CY7-pnqaPEzJ0vxoIOB87A6Kv75dTAW2oV45VnLK4a2AmU9wQPbNOE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO1wuqc3YvYrH4EBoe67jWiUW9WdkEksTILjZzoi98IBVcywmn8wLJjEJlLbbpVgY3BeSzYol5XU1Ru_hF7C92CY7-pnqaPEzJ0vxoIOB87A6Kv75dTAW2oV45VnLK4a2AmU9wQPbNOE/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRgljjmFxH_IIjJSGWCAl6yeGvQFb3okSjAdcmr6_E3eDoXp-X3qgQsDWZVvgWOdNuFtVHcxLNQCDMoQ6AC6YiQxhfOeM3eXZ6TXT1FbC5boy5Pb3JgTdk4dMDgo7uouM6W7kUrQnIfI/s1600/photo+1+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRgljjmFxH_IIjJSGWCAl6yeGvQFb3okSjAdcmr6_E3eDoXp-X3qgQsDWZVvgWOdNuFtVHcxLNQCDMoQ6AC6YiQxhfOeM3eXZ6TXT1FbC5boy5Pb3JgTdk4dMDgo7uouM6W7kUrQnIfI/s640/photo+1+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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They had this adorable vintage Coca Cola cooler being used as a table for the buckets of flowers they had on sale. </div>
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After we left Moms with our goodies, we headed off to Cracker Barrel for lunch. I always forget how much I adore Cracker Barrel with it's old country store theme and rocking chairs lined up in a row on the porch until I'm back there.</div>
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It really does feel like you are in an old country restaurant, even the servers seem like sweet southern bells.</div>
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When we left Cracker Barrel I decided that since we were checking out Woodbridge anyways, we might as well stop at Savers (a chain thrift store) since it's the first one to open up nearby. I wanted to know what every blogger/instagrammer kept raving about where they got all their vintage treasures.</div>
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Since I'm an avid vintage Pyrex collector, I needed to see for myself what sort of deal I could get that would maybe be a bit better than an antique store. The only time I've come across good vintage Pyrex for cheap was when my favorite little thrift store had just opened a 2nd location and they were unloading all their treasures. I took home a box that day!</div>
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Savers was not as fantastic as I imagined. Their housewares section was surprisingly small, the only 2 Pyrex pieces they had were 2 coffee cups with saucers and their prices rivaled/went over antique store prices. I decided to check back in the curtain section for any good fabric to use for crafts and alas the prices were still that of an antique store with the quality and quantity of a thrift store. </div>
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I sadly put my cart back and we continued on our house-hunting trip.</div>
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We drove around Woodbridge for a while searching through some brand spankin new communities but Shaun and I both agreed that there was a very impersonal feel to these places. No trees, houses backed up to another houses backyard and the landscaping left much to the imagination.</div>
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After driving through the 3rd neighborhood, I decided not to trust Realtor.com and to leave it up to Google maps to help us discover a good place. I noticed there was a golf course with what seemed like a community backing up to it right down the street. (Shauns dream is to live in a home backed up to a golf course so he can tee up whenever he likes)</div>
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Upon arriving in the neighborhood it appeared the community was just like the past few we had encountered. New development, impersonal and cold.</div>
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I told him to drive a little bit further back towards the golf course and see if there were some older houses farther off the road.</div>
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We ended up driving through the entire housing development and the road kept going even when the houses stopped. As we drove through the roads began to wind back into the forest with raggedy signs for "Tim's River Shore" every now and then. Looking at google maps I realized that if we drove only a couple more miles we'd hit water. Hoping there were houses there, we pushed farther through the woods.</div>
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After a bit we came to a railroad crossing and the lights started flashing and the bars went down. A train zoomed past us. The road had trailed off and turned into a gravel path at this point. I urged Shaun to press on just a little bit further.</div>
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There was a small archway of trees and on the otherside you could see the water. </div>
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We pulled into a little cove with a little sandy beach and I snapped an instagram picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72ceUhA6JYOrJm4jw-XEAyFzGy7pGlzZFRB39rN2DUVf0Iqh35I2ctMNsZtaQQb3iTLbR8M_0UgyQiz2wniEV0IMb8hwp2lu0nXC8HqIl4rcrjbRsqBOJsqE1_ogafTLERQB23hjvfJM/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72ceUhA6JYOrJm4jw-XEAyFzGy7pGlzZFRB39rN2DUVf0Iqh35I2ctMNsZtaQQb3iTLbR8M_0UgyQiz2wniEV0IMb8hwp2lu0nXC8HqIl4rcrjbRsqBOJsqE1_ogafTLERQB23hjvfJM/s640/beach.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylVCzGihsisIkoOPhd68bFWAuEZ78G1LAnl0-NulWcdJQp25DDGK30sc1_4p-fsRJmn_msB-EygThJCR1Yrk8vfSAnszb-2Wo2Zyo4LpIiIFxw6wyMhr0BHvsdf7Pv6gbWZ1_MUwRlHI/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylVCzGihsisIkoOPhd68bFWAuEZ78G1LAnl0-NulWcdJQp25DDGK30sc1_4p-fsRJmn_msB-EygThJCR1Yrk8vfSAnszb-2Wo2Zyo4LpIiIFxw6wyMhr0BHvsdf7Pv6gbWZ1_MUwRlHI/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I could've stayed here on this beach forever, just watching the boats and listening to the waves lap at the shore. Of course Shaun didn't bring his flip flops and keep hinting towards the "no trespassing" sign so I got back in the car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPTpBweK18kTa3aYhzOGkTprCNL8UjxNC7wXhmCIp15hJVF6tzdJ4e15IAYfuxuIfz5hw6lFqqs6iN0-brCw-gXpdARTck6gQk5cC0Rit37k47LmjUX2K465vSA5oy1K6Z7973OQ6oKo/s1600/photo+3+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPTpBweK18kTa3aYhzOGkTprCNL8UjxNC7wXhmCIp15hJVF6tzdJ4e15IAYfuxuIfz5hw6lFqqs6iN0-brCw-gXpdARTck6gQk5cC0Rit37k47LmjUX2K465vSA5oy1K6Z7973OQ6oKo/s640/photo+3+(6).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As we were leaving, we could see all the cars parked across the railroad tracks against the woods. Interested in what they were all doing there we drove along the dirt and gravel shoudler of the train tracks and arrive at Tim's River Shore.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIs3lK51AhtDlUmBOVA5-Dp9HqX9hLPj9uCerSsaYo_hzKRBlJi6wfYe9ZSOwUTfhEameGbG8eglGTXbLhYAXGx5DokMDtE4Gz1vDD2UZRfOrR5AYLLrn51OrvfgRo17O3YMYA3kqKYY/s1600/photo+2+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIs3lK51AhtDlUmBOVA5-Dp9HqX9hLPj9uCerSsaYo_hzKRBlJi6wfYe9ZSOwUTfhEameGbG8eglGTXbLhYAXGx5DokMDtE4Gz1vDD2UZRfOrR5AYLLrn51OrvfgRo17O3YMYA3kqKYY/s640/photo+2+(7).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On this hot 90+ degree day the outside smelled a bit like trash and seafood from the nearby dumpsters, but the view and the tiki bar were beckoning me so I could not give up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHorg2env7oRPU2vM9fIYQLsGmuUvewrhNg-5qekLishb51cBa4Lu68rvuUtK4NOK9RAmcp54WM9JBDhxLzSgqampnbYf_4aOqEJyL9x4YowjWV7axZyXrdaNdt2wrcPkWSVawe4h7N38/s1600/photo+5+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHorg2env7oRPU2vM9fIYQLsGmuUvewrhNg-5qekLishb51cBa4Lu68rvuUtK4NOK9RAmcp54WM9JBDhxLzSgqampnbYf_4aOqEJyL9x4YowjWV7axZyXrdaNdt2wrcPkWSVawe4h7N38/s640/photo+5+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Upon walking in, the charm almost smacks you in the face (if charm would do that). Red and white, nautical themed walls with lots of memorabilia and pictures of grinning, old bay covered customers.</div>
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Not to mention the tables that have been sealed with layers upon layers of customers at the tiki bar, on their boats, on the pier, in their bikinis, and a couple huskier men laughing and dancing. Generally overjoyed.<br />
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These awesome floor paintings greeted you as you entered, led you to the bathroom and bid you farewell on the way out.<br />
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We got a seat inside since the temperature outside was just a bit too much to properly enjoy ones self. Although the views from out table were definitely not anything to complain about.</div>
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We ended up getting a half dozen crabs and some beer and enjoyed every single minute of it. From watching the regulars stroll in and take their favorite seats, chat with their waitresses and order "the usual"</div>
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Just sitting here, enjoying the delicious Maryland crabs, drowning in Old Bay and dipped in vinegar (the only way to eat them IMO!) was the perfect way to end a perfect day.</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-63953775112112241292010-05-26T06:44:00.000-07:002010-05-26T07:02:38.940-07:00Bake Sale? Brilliant!So Gurgle and I have planned on doing this <a href="http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/default.asp">cookiesforkidscancer</a> bake sale for a couple months and now it is getting close to that time and as with all events that I plan, I am getting antsy!<br /><br />I'm considering a Saturday in June at the local Safeway because Saturdays in June usually tempt people out of the house and Safeway is usually a pretty busy place.<br /><br />I have way too many ideas running through my head for this thing and instead of writing them all down (I can only imagine the hand cramps) I figured this would be a great outlet to blast all this stuff out of my brain and have a good place to go back to it later on. (Also, Gurgle, if she EVER ends up blogging has easy access to it as well).<br /><br />I definitely know that we will probably both bake chocolate chip cookies, which is like the staple of all bake sales. But this is ok because I think we will probably need a TON of cookies and we both make different types:<br /><br />She likes the smaller, crispy cookies and I like the giant, chewy choc-full of chocolate chip kind...you know, the kind that makes you gain 5 lbs.<br /><br />I'm also thinking my strawberry cream cheese cupcakes would be a nice choice, topped with decorative slivers of fresh strawberry should be perfecto.<br /><br />I know that when I start planning things I get a little carried away and try to do everything myself <em>but</em> I know that in order for this to be a successful fundraiser for kids cancer research I will need the assistance of some other people.<br /><br />Ooh, also I want to bake black bottom cupcakes (but I'm gonna have to try that one out first)<br /><br />Anyways, I know Gurgle and I will be doing this together but I think getting someone else to help us might be condusive to our success with this thing. I was considering my long lost friend, Ashton, who's momma bakes wedding cakes for a living (and they are always FREAKING AMAZING) and maybe seeing if her mom would contribute a cake for our cause. I'm just really really horrible at asking for help.<br /><br />But, the website has tons of really good ideas, including links to sweet stuff like <a href="http://www.uline.com/BL_5501/Bakery-Bags?desc=Bakery+Food+Bags">www.uline.com</a> that has plenty of nifty little bags and packaging for the baked goods. I'm not so much worried about the cookies, (those can just go in a ziploc bag with a cute sticker on them) but the cupcakes are more of my concern. They have some nice cake boxes but you need to order them in bulk and the smallest amount you can buy is 100 for $44.<br /><br />On the other hand, even if we don't use all the boxes at the bake sale, we could always host another one if it is a success and the amount of times I bake things for people, they might actually come in handy!<br /><br />So many things to think about...I'm gonna have to brainstorm A LOT in the next few weeks, I think at our movie/baking/cooking night this Friday, Gurgle and I will have tons of things to talk about though!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-26337537780616967912010-04-27T19:12:00.000-07:002012-08-27T08:28:06.072-07:00Oh My Chocolate!<div>
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Throughout my life, I have always been a humongous fan of chocolate.</div>
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In any shape or form, white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate fountain, chocolate bars, chocolate ice cream, chocolate anything.</div>
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I've always though that chocolate covered strawberries and cherries were some of the most decadently delicious things on earth.<br />
Ofcourse as I said before, Gurgle and I (after our wonderfully amazing sushi experience at <a href="http://www.cafesado.com/">cafesado</a>) we went to our favorite little chocolate shop: Oh My Chocolate <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaDjI9EZqyCCT3Rilp0fCxaqJvSWWLSf1wMR-53vM-RHN64p09vzpNp2QPcSvzVyjrVb174q7bORe_Jgfzl7hAR7aW9P0Hk5ByJystfP-Yw4JU01Tlsd_qsjIDsKu9Rb_LEDq86_AF-8/s1600/oh+my+chocolate+store+front.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465948326049230194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaDjI9EZqyCCT3Rilp0fCxaqJvSWWLSf1wMR-53vM-RHN64p09vzpNp2QPcSvzVyjrVb174q7bORe_Jgfzl7hAR7aW9P0Hk5ByJystfP-Yw4JU01Tlsd_qsjIDsKu9Rb_LEDq86_AF-8/s640/oh+my+chocolate+store+front.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ohmychocolate.com/">Oh My Chocolate</a><br />
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600A Abruzzi Drive<br />
Chester, MD 21619<br />
443-257-1111</div>
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They specialize in Fountains, Chocolate covered apples, berries and catering events such as weddings and parties.</div>
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It's just a small shop on the side of Rte. 50 in the Apple Shopping center. Usually we are the only people there, staring through the glass at the beauty that sits just a sneezeguard away<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlCA0ia4pMHWvePlCWxhG2KnkICoM0KHXbr7iyKL5ACR3iBwc4zZrVJIz8ZbK1cFCpC-9mOO-LNad2vif24LPzchHhYk1r6xDoC9UNH0qD8SKpmuBI_T4Wdw3A_6PqoENMT3ht4Nfd-U/s1600/oh+my+chocolate+display.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465951670977468162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlCA0ia4pMHWvePlCWxhG2KnkICoM0KHXbr7iyKL5ACR3iBwc4zZrVJIz8ZbK1cFCpC-9mOO-LNad2vif24LPzchHhYk1r6xDoC9UNH0qD8SKpmuBI_T4Wdw3A_6PqoENMT3ht4Nfd-U/s640/oh+my+chocolate+display.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the lower, lefthand corner you will see tiger butter and tiger butter crunch. Tiger butter is a white chocolate/peanut butter fudge with fudge swirls and is just about the creamiest, melt in your mouth fudge you will ever try. Tiger butter crunch is this same thing but in rice crispy form with whole mini marshmellows and mini chocolate chips. yum!</div>
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Then we come to the apples...oh the apples. On the left hand side of the case is the "apple pie" apple and is just about the sweetest, richest apple pie type of dessert you will probably ever encounter.</div>
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They take a granny smith apple, dip it in home-made caramel, then dip it in <strong>white chocolate</strong> then dip it in a cinnamon, apple pie flavored dust...oh yeah. It's pretty amazing.</div>
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They begin by dipping all the apples in their delicious home-made caramel and then a concoction of different types of chocolate, oreo cookes, butterfinger crumbles, the amazing previously mentioned tiger butter crunch! and my favorite: caramel, peanut butter chip, chocolate drizzle.</div>
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Ofcourse these amazing treats must be shared with a friend (or a 6 year old brother with a giant sweet tooth) because they are so rich you will probably go into food coma after eating one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOABV8pDiC2H3fGoT7A7Ldhya9pBBnV0miyf6nFTybFbGuIBYHS_c_sK6DDeOLod3Umn-IuUy2DHFEspL5Fds3FRsJepM8Mypy-8GhiKlQMIwPFd56lz3a_ZVJ6qp9ce4h0Nz0Lhazqto/s1600/oh+my+chocolate.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465954713338540322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOABV8pDiC2H3fGoT7A7Ldhya9pBBnV0miyf6nFTybFbGuIBYHS_c_sK6DDeOLod3Umn-IuUy2DHFEspL5Fds3FRsJepM8Mypy-8GhiKlQMIwPFd56lz3a_ZVJ6qp9ce4h0Nz0Lhazqto/s640/oh+my+chocolate.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><em>oh yes. This is heaven on a stick.</em></span></div>
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So again, if you are ever on Marylands Eastern shore (maybe on the way to Ocean City?) stop and grab some sushi and some chocolate and it will definitely perfect that vacation. : )</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-16757138806545440542010-04-24T16:32:00.000-07:002012-08-27T08:29:48.711-07:00*Happy Moment*<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">Okay so here's the situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">Last week, I went to the Annapolis Croquet match at St. Johns College with Natalie and we wore our pretty dresses:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">seeeeee?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">While I was there I was talking to one of her friends about how much I was in love with Joss (a local Annapolis sushi place) that had made me a complete sushi snob. They have this wonderful appetizer called "Shitake Tempura" which is basically just tempura fried shitake mushroom caps with a soy based dipping sauce...and it is all that is great in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">Buuuuut as with all things there were some downfalls:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">Joss is on Main St. Annapolis with parking being near impossible</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">Being a quaint local Annapolis place, it is so tiny that it seems like the table next to you is actually sitting AT your table</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">If you are anywhere in the front room, with people coming in and out during winter, you get a shot of icy air about every 15 minutes (not comfortable at all)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">For some reason there is a hefty, gothic waitress that has had it out for me ever since I started going there, snarling at me when she takes my order...what did I do? I don't know, but needless to say it's an unfriendly atmosphere</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">Not to mention all of the Annapolis snobs that look you up and down the second you walk in</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">So Natalies friend says to me, "Yeah I like Joss but there is this place on the Easter Shore called Cafe Sado that I like even more, the fish is fresher, it's cheaper and they have some really good food!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">"BLASPHEMY!" I yelled, there can be no one better than Joss...but wait...could it be possible? I mean avoiding the traffic and evil glares might be worth a trip over there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">I had drank a lot of wine during the croquet match so I was down for just about anything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">It was actually quite perfect. Gurgle and I used to go to the Eastern Shore almost every weekend for oysters and chocolate :) Oh yeah, we'll get into that later.</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">So I texted Gurgle and this morning we planned on heading out to see if it really was all it was hyped up to be.</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">On the way there, we went through a neighborhood, pass some cornfields, through a townhouse community and arrived at a local marina...?</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">We pull up to this quaint little place at the marina that, luckily, I just so happened to see out of the corner of my eye a tiny little neon sign that said "sushi"</span></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-jcmBB2ShmTL1XRjkMguFeLEAiakgwqFsihqk_LkaOBEbuB1Yy8xN8ZKy1vU_da8nKW8QbZCuwALztWlrQC0_e-1WBs5A0yJ5y9H1eqzXou7wsc1ErKhxWDy2MILHvVA1Bjhh6uaRiE/s1600/SADO+EXTERIOR.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463853723227664018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-jcmBB2ShmTL1XRjkMguFeLEAiakgwqFsihqk_LkaOBEbuB1Yy8xN8ZKy1vU_da8nKW8QbZCuwALztWlrQC0_e-1WBs5A0yJ5y9H1eqzXou7wsc1ErKhxWDy2MILHvVA1Bjhh6uaRiE/s320/SADO+EXTERIOR.jpg" style="height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 78%;"><em>Exterior of Cafe Sado: not sushi-like at all</em></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">We sat out in my car for about 5 minutes contemplating if this really was in fact, the place. This was the right address, it did say sushi on a tiny sign in the window. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">But it was at a marina in the middle of a neighborhood! </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">Well, that whole "Don't judge a book by it's cover" could not be any more true</span></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">Upon entering Cafe Sado, you walk directly into a large entry way with stairs in front and an adorable little bar/lounge area on the right</span><br />
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<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtNj-LPu4ExOHEtBjpaRNgTGOJHcn5_X2gubSzR4LGnEKPsswsgGpqUBKyrf09GmiZxI3lG-wT67NomAauuLHG-wsnZjkmjj-tIb9UX4KQ9bDuZxqv1EmbRYNBUOs6Ue-w0__pnLjQmU/s1600/SADO+BAR.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463853353464880562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtNj-LPu4ExOHEtBjpaRNgTGOJHcn5_X2gubSzR4LGnEKPsswsgGpqUBKyrf09GmiZxI3lG-wT67NomAauuLHG-wsnZjkmjj-tIb9UX4KQ9bDuZxqv1EmbRYNBUOs6Ue-w0__pnLjQmU/s640/SADO+BAR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 78%;"><em>cocktail, anyone?</em></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">It's almost intimidating, the grandeur of the place when you walk in. I was not expecting this at all! At the top of the stairs the waiter greets us with a "helloooo" and we walk up the stairs and follow him.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">We walk through the waiting room, which is very tasteful, not overly asian themed and very comfortable.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinACbK3sxi1hEJ09Z-uggf4WtvnbQYMp7XkZNLsvP5I0xZNBs3UKx6lIz8iv8GoZGJCwTcpaaKXVDSW4SIcSytOfbLxEKZGNm72vwskzHXYfxcoFJBWUjZaXQ18RsxWpDJCsylDY1cMVY/s1600/SADO+WAITING+ROOM.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463854164188037714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinACbK3sxi1hEJ09Z-uggf4WtvnbQYMp7XkZNLsvP5I0xZNBs3UKx6lIz8iv8GoZGJCwTcpaaKXVDSW4SIcSytOfbLxEKZGNm72vwskzHXYfxcoFJBWUjZaXQ18RsxWpDJCsylDY1cMVY/s640/SADO+WAITING+ROOM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">waiting room, so comfy!</span></em></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Then we walk into the main dining area, which just so happens to look over the marina.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n4YhSh6WqyGOkDg-JQjyeT-2_nyyhL4ik8XxbPPkUWXpkrlaBLV2V2wEvYBnVWgJMkmmAuqYhGWWom6LbxH9ONNzrAoM4nGHe5Yur2UvF6roe2SQ9L_RwYWit4408MXUF4NI3EMWo_g/s1600/SADO+VIEW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463854157041840242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n4YhSh6WqyGOkDg-JQjyeT-2_nyyhL4ik8XxbPPkUWXpkrlaBLV2V2wEvYBnVWgJMkmmAuqYhGWWom6LbxH9ONNzrAoM4nGHe5Yur2UvF6roe2SQ9L_RwYWit4408MXUF4NI3EMWo_g/s640/SADO+VIEW.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">Even outdoor seating for the summer!</span></em></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">The main dining room was like something off of HGTV. Whoever their designer was, definitely did it right. as you enter, it is surrounded by a wall of windows, overlooking the boats in the marina. Painted in a nice eggshell sage color. The wall agains the marina is covered in booths with one long booth to the right and tables scattered in between up to the sushi bar. One of my favorite things about the booths? THEY HAD PILLOWS!!!!</span></div>
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<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ws0NsOkT7uqWHyqL2ojeyjJ2M2UZX-weJIP_KVZsImHi6htKGeUe7EXzoyQDJ2zRvEWDEa8a54T47Gz5l3uZxklsytx7qBjB9vV1TZjHiHGzF4tgjzFzSq1Q3g8HA490ShNpwFcMXdU/s1600/SADO+BOOTH.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463853358409782706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ws0NsOkT7uqWHyqL2ojeyjJ2M2UZX-weJIP_KVZsImHi6htKGeUe7EXzoyQDJ2zRvEWDEa8a54T47Gz5l3uZxklsytx7qBjB9vV1TZjHiHGzF4tgjzFzSq1Q3g8HA490ShNpwFcMXdU/s640/SADO+BOOTH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">Oh! the Pillows!!!</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ElY4EDRUwEaSKdh7y4OBuP9BnOISYHRxMQ8Wb0Pyxq3PlUX8PfgSO9rNBo7LQo9ro6FZ2zi-RwY10cP_KuNAoo81Xzq3sO0Ah242_Z4W7BSrdSGihNLrWxrAXvL3pV_bpL8oRvfki8g/s1600/SADO+DINING+ROOM.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463853363480837666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ElY4EDRUwEaSKdh7y4OBuP9BnOISYHRxMQ8Wb0Pyxq3PlUX8PfgSO9rNBo7LQo9ro6FZ2zi-RwY10cP_KuNAoo81Xzq3sO0Ah242_Z4W7BSrdSGihNLrWxrAXvL3pV_bpL8oRvfki8g/s640/SADO+DINING+ROOM.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">Very clean, attractive, open dining room</span></em></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">I get a little nervous seeing as there is only 2 other booths with people when we walk in, but I am already so attracted to the decor that I put my fears aside. We get to pick our booth and I choose the sunny one that has a nice view of the water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7zYYPEVWEWDRPa0Je1g5XR3vtAI9S3zUm3AZr4DS5kd3LPrfmSz3m6fxV9YhSOjCfBBZcOSRJE7oGsa1TfvD_bQGXyDF7moY85Cwr8pp-TeyLBw9cLocu_Mol5hY-cmrlHiqtBaV4fQ/s1600/SADO+GURGLE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463853728595951218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7zYYPEVWEWDRPa0Je1g5XR3vtAI9S3zUm3AZr4DS5kd3LPrfmSz3m6fxV9YhSOjCfBBZcOSRJE7oGsa1TfvD_bQGXyDF7moY85Cwr8pp-TeyLBw9cLocu_Mol5hY-cmrlHiqtBaV4fQ/s640/SADO+GURGLE.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">Gurgle with her pillows at our booth!</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ShShl7k8Ew9597IIi02knzSc0mQdaIH9OMvaNTmHRpqtI_5Gf0E-0txhvH49DheOQL0ZGFaWl-ahw-fYqIybPXrPgY3r5kd1ExPZuA4b4Mh2TNRqJC9wBCtQSAzUVsAFBB-8kmu-0yI/s1600/SADO+ME.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463853736936181666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ShShl7k8Ew9597IIi02knzSc0mQdaIH9OMvaNTmHRpqtI_5Gf0E-0txhvH49DheOQL0ZGFaWl-ahw-fYqIybPXrPgY3r5kd1ExPZuA4b4Mh2TNRqJC9wBCtQSAzUVsAFBB-8kmu-0yI/s640/SADO+ME.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">I am SO excited!!!</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">So we start off with the miso soup. (I've realized when eating a lot of sushi I need to have a nice hot starter, although I love edamame and seaweed salad, soup is definitely a good starter)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">I find that you can usually tell the quality of a place by the quality of their appetizers right from the start. Cafe Sado did not dissapoint. The soup was nice and hot, had a very nice flavor and didn't taste bland. It had a lot of spinach and tofu in it with some scallions that did not overpower the flavor.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglX4VBTLmBXTLQgLBChzO6BQiUY8RDKNRuQvNQ2DZ0DOS5iG3ErNeuvOav3yiWJcYziLhhprgnFHtLk0kIEIx5ilntqDMP2LUTNVdB_nzGuI9CQC4xHrcAdUkcaML_dbCqUH1GUvQMo-4/s1600/SADO+MISO.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463854145346813634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglX4VBTLmBXTLQgLBChzO6BQiUY8RDKNRuQvNQ2DZ0DOS5iG3ErNeuvOav3yiWJcYziLhhprgnFHtLk0kIEIx5ilntqDMP2LUTNVdB_nzGuI9CQC4xHrcAdUkcaML_dbCqUH1GUvQMo-4/s640/SADO+MISO.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 78%;">Miso Soup, Check!</span></em></div>
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After being happily satiated by my soup I was ready for my sushi. It was really cool because the sushi bar was right at the front of the dining room so the chef prepared our sushi right in front of us.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_4aCwdlJeJXU-0zwSbKhcwjAQx55jvL6XGgAkoCNforFfzFdpZqcVz2Rav0pyRrrUSrBpPNDpGjZvpVSUzJmOAYFvMdn5eHSRDYt0wWT8ppopMpBoATuszMfyJxpL8o-f7R25sRwzbs/s1600/SADO+FISH.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463853725359826242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_4aCwdlJeJXU-0zwSbKhcwjAQx55jvL6XGgAkoCNforFfzFdpZqcVz2Rav0pyRrrUSrBpPNDpGjZvpVSUzJmOAYFvMdn5eHSRDYt0wWT8ppopMpBoATuszMfyJxpL8o-f7R25sRwzbs/s640/SADO+FISH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 78%;">the sushis.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">And then it came...the prettiest plate of sushi I have seen since my last trip to Joss. We started off by getting the Shrimp tempura to split. Then I got the rainbow roll: a crabstick & avocado roll topped with tuna, salmon, white fish, unagi and avocado. The 2-piece salmon nigiri and Gurgle got the delicious Harmony roll: lumb crab meat & cucumber wrapped with lobster, topped with a rainbow tobiko. She ordered another really yummy roll that I cannot remember the name of.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DmhsXexTU8h6pZY6qwIUvq7E6LYDkhd15jBgGBoGUb1iU1q_nNUdigOfWjHrcyEMnaTKBcxfMASuSAZ1GmGZXJrBDuBkVXAWy2gFDsFfa8PJLtTymf4f0TafzAofr2-fQXgdl6-heHg/s1600/SADO+SUSHI+MMMM.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463854150321962034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DmhsXexTU8h6pZY6qwIUvq7E6LYDkhd15jBgGBoGUb1iU1q_nNUdigOfWjHrcyEMnaTKBcxfMASuSAZ1GmGZXJrBDuBkVXAWy2gFDsFfa8PJLtTymf4f0TafzAofr2-fQXgdl6-heHg/s640/SADO+SUSHI+MMMM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 78%;">OH THE DELICIOUSNESS!!</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">I was already elated by the delisciousness of the sushi when our waiter came back to chit chat with us. After talking a little bit with him about how happy we were with the food, he drops this one on us:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">"all the sushi is 2 for 1"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">whaaaaaaaaaa????</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 85%;">Oh yeah, you heard that right. This amazing little gem of a place, where we got alpha parking, great service, amazing atmosphere and delcisious food is BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!! Be still...my beating heart. I was giddy with excitement at this point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">Then Gurgle had some fun playing with the roe from the harmony roll</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXK0k_QsiLI_awZBmJHE3nkAL6ilKhkee3p6sF4Ia4lVo7lUrcs_56w7Z-yOWwgh26hQG_17A4-YisavpEcTAmrD29h6hw1OOzPy1T07u3O6vtXBdpQvZND3DT4YlmxSQXhQKb0VGFmLc/s1600/SADO+ROE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463853346184723490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXK0k_QsiLI_awZBmJHE3nkAL6ilKhkee3p6sF4Ia4lVo7lUrcs_56w7Z-yOWwgh26hQG_17A4-YisavpEcTAmrD29h6hw1OOzPy1T07u3O6vtXBdpQvZND3DT4YlmxSQXhQKb0VGFmLc/s640/SADO+ROE.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">Is there a flag this color?</span></em></div>
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I definitely had an intense happy moment where I was trying the keep the food in my mouth while chewing because I was smiling so much. HOW could this place get any BETTER?!</div>
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There was no possible way. I told Gurgle that the only way this place could get better is if there was a panda bear. Then, what is on the tv in the waiting room on the way out?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqytL9Jz8zS8h25wrlyc51VA1WYV2QTRfI9lasY0xqdtZXlWhv4bRDpLm9LO8usdMLe8qCUqCT-Kcxc2imTbZVHYvze_NjeBXSyfrTyPpJODBU5oneQbnqjORG_A519p6C76sJiLaTmk/s1600/SADO+PANDA.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463853338415583938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqytL9Jz8zS8h25wrlyc51VA1WYV2QTRfI9lasY0xqdtZXlWhv4bRDpLm9LO8usdMLe8qCUqCT-Kcxc2imTbZVHYvze_NjeBXSyfrTyPpJODBU5oneQbnqjORG_A519p6C76sJiLaTmk/s640/SADO+PANDA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">OFCOURSE THERES A PANDA!!!</span></em></div>
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Of all the sushi places, I definitely rate this a 10 out of 10, which I rarely do. Usually when I'm excited and really happy with a place, it gets a 9. This place, is a 9.<br />
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If you are ever in the Kent Island/Eastern Shore of Maryland area, DEFINITELY check it out, if you don't, you are a silly, silly person and I don't know if we could be friends.</div>
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Check it out:</div>
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<a href="http://www.cafesado.com/index-2.html">http://www.cafesado.com/index-2.html</a></div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-33614541167518689482010-04-13T19:23:00.000-07:002012-08-27T08:33:07.520-07:00Easy Peasy Chicken Pot Pie!<span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana;">This is my RIDICULOUSly easy recipe I borrowed from Betty Crocker to make one of the easiest chicken pot pies you will ever make!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana;">It starts with this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeYBSIlPS8ubz1Iotug1X6H5dq5haKNnGlXP-3KGAnj4_XIoAAGfpTYflx_mIgiilsGFDDFnE0_IEmo9iIeZcoINgeecoF8Qjq8EIVP8OwHoHOQGjzu5vTVBCJ_FtAx4TEcTH4UlALsc/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459813752727043810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeYBSIlPS8ubz1Iotug1X6H5dq5haKNnGlXP-3KGAnj4_XIoAAGfpTYflx_mIgiilsGFDDFnE0_IEmo9iIeZcoINgeecoF8Qjq8EIVP8OwHoHOQGjzu5vTVBCJ_FtAx4TEcTH4UlALsc/s640/IMG_1336.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">Ingredients(as shown above):</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"><em>(I always alter the ingredients a little bit to fit my taste/proportions and it always turns out ok!)</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">2 cups of bisquik </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">one rotisserie chicken </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">one small bag of frozen peas and carrots (or your veggies of choice)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">1 cup of milk</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">2 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial;">Dirreciones</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial;">(preheat oven to 400*)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial;">I begin by shredding the chicken into bite size pieces into a large bowl (dark and light meat). The original recipe called for cubed cut up chicken but this is a shortcut I take with a lot of my casserole-type dishes to cut the prep time in half. Make sure you get a good chicken because it will make your pie!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial;">add the bag of frozen veggies and about 1/4 each of salt and pepper and toss together. If you have a helper bunny in the kitchen like I do, you don't have to worry about spilling any carrots on the floor : )<img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459813743349460258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gKOsitT75gs5L99v_-ih54Oq28ECiOsF4-RbJFWJpCqtKWQMhagcNwo68-3maLNgYqnIavICFFNWVa9dtIUn8CgSZhnNIiH_gtgJ75MH0R2q53c1EhjDx2z-PRBgM0-XlRHuimHBAYA/s640/IMG_1337.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial;">Add one can of condensed cream of chicken soup at a time and mix thoroughly so the veggies and chicken are coated, Once you are done it should look like this:<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459813742880273986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38IhmZy9fQVJaRd9YD5VpJgm7KAqkYahNwT8cdboa77z-d0kBIVm-KvTwrsIc9JcoUY4SXtnX75JqqYfbfZ8opM4gBH40EZieX_jR5JHVYWjiRd8s5eDVToR0542siBFTFsoK-RDcDno/s640/IMG_1343.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial;">You can pour all of this into one large casserole dish or like I did using 2 8 inch round cake pans(since I couldn't find my casserole dish) spread the mixture with the back of a large spoon so it is smooth and flat.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial;">In a seperate medium sized bowl you want to mix the bisquick, eggs and milk and whisk together with a fork until it forms a pancake like consistency <span style="color: #66cccc;">(if you are using one 9 inch casserole dish you can cut the crust ingredients in half!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #666666;">pour evenly over both pans so that it completely covers the top. (don't worry about any little things poking through the top, the crust will cover it after it rises<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459813736632522626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHGZl-fBGUKkfUOex8yTckjJDs_CAYBUyWG0kuO8omZcKsYVmjRGl0cMf4PX4Te-r4N2zSS2I2XL1KTQ3CNjMJDR3kunw7q5H7K5p_IY0eUYEqbGsJOV9R3w2E6jRGEWDkjqP_wDe70o/s640/IMG_1345.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial;">When you're done stick it in the oven and relax for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and then voila! One of the easiest chicken pot pies you will eve encounter. tasty too!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl2SYZmfYGw6q508rSf8t2FWmeXaTzdmloJUtN31t1D9qM61a5b8j8TF3BFcbLwvgrb5kLywMiTPPzM3B6hljpOkFaj0sHq0xNemWkQzyqsl7__JhRPipt6Hj-aueaGw8cXBFIGJFIzo/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459813733901284226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl2SYZmfYGw6q508rSf8t2FWmeXaTzdmloJUtN31t1D9qM61a5b8j8TF3BFcbLwvgrb5kLywMiTPPzM3B6hljpOkFaj0sHq0xNemWkQzyqsl7__JhRPipt6Hj-aueaGw8cXBFIGJFIzo/s640/IMG_1346.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Thirty minute meals with Rachel Rice! woohoo!</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-55600851565370117512010-04-13T07:20:00.000-07:002012-08-27T08:31:41.607-07:00Well Hello Spring!<div align="center">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459627837388966450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ocEPfewOi_KqzJm3kv8c4aC9sOW8Jdsq1eq2v9qxQOWKci90baTBtv5VzHma4zicAfW8iEwAnThJbY6v40474UrKMev6a4idDHfx2GD8vuRydqQWmX3uFTiVhR_aN0uaOs4gCwSOJSk/s400/lilac.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /><span style="color: #cc66cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 78%;">Lilacs in bloom in front of my dads, and yes this is an iphone photo! way to go iphone!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial;">I'm feeling very springish today, although today is the first in many that it has rained (boohoo) The past 2 weeks have been absolutely marvelous!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial;">The weekend before last was in the 90s! Perfect top down weather for me : ) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial;">This past weekend was only in the 70s but I'm not complaining! I did oysters with gurgle and her mama, poppa and uncle on Saturday morning (craving fried oysters for the rest of my life now) and ofcourse stopped at the most wonderful chocolate shop, Oh My Chocolate. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.ohmychocolate.com/">ohmychocolate</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial;">This little chocolate shop has the most decadent chocolate treats EVER. Although it is pretty small and the selection is pretty slim, what they lack in quantity they make up for in quality. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial;">I usually get tiger butter and tiger butter crunch, which is a peanut butter and white chocolate fudge with milk chocolate, rice crispies and chocoalte chips mixed in! Gurgle happened to EAT all of my tiger butter crunch that I left in her safekeeping!!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial;">But that's ok, this day I opted for the chocolate covered cherries and a chocolate, peanut butter, caramel covered apple</span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459993512299704066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_zUt3O95RTxyhb9q95RimTiJDE-194ZNMsV3RV1oIcL1bRZ4OWsMnPt4vaC2BgfbBUsyTCQ2FhpRrN0DPwXWxrAIluE2Sx2o3pE50ZhxpkQwnw4MikRncTRpBeRXp211lNfqYRhUn7g/s1600/oh+my+chocolate.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #9999ff;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #9999ff;">mmmmmmmm</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #9999ff;">I plan on having my little brother help me eat it, as you can probably tell, there's about a half inch of chocolate, caramel and peanut butter on the way down to the actual apple. exactly how it should be!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #336666;">On Sunday, Shaun got off around 7 and I made my caprese salad (as shown in my last post). But after dinner we decided to walk off all the cookie calories around the pond next to his place. There was a little dumpling running around with her parents, and she was adorable! (Shaun still refuses to let me steal any small asian babies so I had to let her go)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">We sat down and the gooses came to visit!</span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459628314980263154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoEnu1vXvDPEXwSfZzXyp-NwCIpOukjjFvP9RYwRiQeo7aunMond6M_hnyycDnMEucX7NEesJsupf3gmXNL67oBP_QyJ8fbqx94foolKBo0-WDgUE-ySrSBZYlV2-0gJQZeq4tf_NdzQ/s1600/goose!.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">This is my friend the goose,</span> </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459628613686524626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkOa2dAOhoRLVKDGf9vN4RaJDESnL62FZglOa62eJKdKJzkHEiRtotQoJQs56LbN0hEjyKolo_AIVjuzm5CERPl5sqxfsSfd0VDbxP3XPehUZvktA_pUA9U6f2BpP0xX1ryyRBlGokc0/s1600/goose+fountain.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">we ran out of cheerios for him</span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459628610065536082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuDr-59vI5w13rE0d2l-8eU3eRTUj65fVXdtvqslTnmrqB2a3Ovov3OSBAmwJjXo6iQh347WPQrkliggB6aT4waaMqTJR1T0AZwWRFDNO-0MLVhMSRj2FZsEB0ryG4sogPcysD2AZ0zI/s1600/goose+sunset.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">so he swam off into the sunset</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">After our lovely little walk I showered off all the pollen and we became the usual Sunday couch potatos that we are.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">I've found a blog that I actually WILL follow because it is SO ADORABLE, I fell asleep with my laptop on my stomach last night!</span></div>
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<a href="http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #ff9966;">newdressaday</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #336666;">OH MY GOD what I would give to be able to sew and hem and do the adorable things she does! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">The closest I've come to doing adorable things like this was ripping holes in my jeans and cutting the sleeves off my band tees when I was in high school.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">I used to love love LOVE the idea of thrifting and altering clothes to update and make them cute but she has caught the epitome of everything I wanted to do perfectly. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">I'll admit I've been lacking on the crafting of late but once school is over and I've cleaned my dads house to the best of my ability I promise to get back into it. I should probably stop by the goodwill since it is literally right down the street and pick up one item in an adorable fabric that I can alter. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">that's it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">I've made up my mind.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">I'm doing it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">I'm going to do more crafty things that I've been slacking on lately.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #336666;">Updates coming soon!</span></div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-6175106647275004432010-04-12T08:18:00.000-07:002010-04-12T08:46:40.592-07:00Who says you can't crave salad?<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB-bvYAISlyggFEnuiqDEbAsOzP3Lu627Se9VxnM1S9y2jUbPJd6opShTEzIP7NmkWT03HZ_57YOK3MpXicD0DfjBQ58nNUeoycw9P8OTQiS5IRGPwmsVM5VPN8zYO46NvH76WxlGdzc/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459273753645045730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB-bvYAISlyggFEnuiqDEbAsOzP3Lu627Se9VxnM1S9y2jUbPJd6opShTEzIP7NmkWT03HZ_57YOK3MpXicD0DfjBQ58nNUeoycw9P8OTQiS5IRGPwmsVM5VPN8zYO46NvH76WxlGdzc/s320/IMG_1331.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">Chicken Caprese Salad</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">So for dinner last night I made one of my favs, Chicken Caprese Salad. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2B5ZIeHgbnwUhaLGoN-ohNr-Hup9mo9_adE2ncigf_PyA8yDh6NuvR6Cl1-bRHRfHyT0Z7PZ1jbVGy8aQubZvl7Ew-oVIYIzCfRGfpsuIdB4Sxy_6HgfKt_QURL_obaB0qP2lTftsDCQ/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459273450629914994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2B5ZIeHgbnwUhaLGoN-ohNr-Hup9mo9_adE2ncigf_PyA8yDh6NuvR6Cl1-bRHRfHyT0Z7PZ1jbVGy8aQubZvl7Ew-oVIYIzCfRGfpsuIdB4Sxy_6HgfKt_QURL_obaB0qP2lTftsDCQ/s320/IMG_1334.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The basic ingredients I like to use are:</div><div align="left"> </div><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6633ff;">One bag of Fresh Express Italian salad mix</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6633ff;">one medium sized ball of Bel Gioso Fresh Mozarella (always ALWAYS use the freshest, best kind of mozarella. You'll pay more for a little chunk of it than the big generic bag of it but it is THE Difference in the salad!)</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6633ff;">2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6633ff;">1 tsp olive oil</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6633ff;">one beefsteak tomato</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6633ff;">one bottle of Ken's Balsamic or Basil and Balsamic Vinagrette.</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6633ff;">1/4 tsp of Salt</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6633ff;">1/4 tsp of pepper</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6633ff;">1 tbsp of Grillmates montreal chicken seasoning</span></div></li></ul><p align="left"><strong>Vegetarian spin</strong></p><p align="left"><strong></strong> </p><p align="left">Although I haven't tried it, you could substitute the chicken with tofu and grill the same way. Being an animal lover, I've been trying to eat more vegetarian meals.</p><p align="left"><strong>Directions:</strong></p><p align="left">I begin by rubbing the olive oil evenly over both sides of the chicken. I usually just eyeball the amount of seasoning by grinding about a 1/4 tsp of salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken then following with the montreal chicken seasoning. </p><p align="left">I heat a small pan on medium-high and grill each chicken breast until it is slightly golden on both sides. (about 5-6 min per side depending on the size of the chicken)</p><p align="left">*a tip is to buy the thin sliced chicken breast, it cooks quicker and makes easy bite size pieces.</p><p align="left">Whenever I am using a cutting board for more than one thing during a recipe, I just cover it with a sheet of wax paper so that I can reuse it without having to rinse and dry.</p><p align="left">I cut the chicken into about 1 inch chunks and set aside.</p><p align="left">Remove and change the wax paper, cut the mozarella into 1 inch chunks.</p><p align="left">Repeat using the tomato.</p><p align="left">Fill a large bowl with the salad and top evenly with chicken, mozarella and tomato. (I'm not a huge tomato fan so whenever I can get away with it I avoid using it)</p><p align="left">distribute evenly in your bowls and top with your balsamic vinagrette.</p><p align="left">viola!</p><p align="left">One of the easiest, most delicious salads, definitely my personal favorite.</p><p align="left">I guarantee once you make it you will have a craving for it the next week. This recipe yields enough to make it a main course and it will be hard to want to eat anything else with it!</p><p align="left">Enjoy!</p><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-59760272688310720932010-04-11T14:57:00.000-07:002012-08-27T08:32:19.668-07:00Cookie update!Seeing as the beautiful, sunny, top down, make your legs stick to the car seat, whistle while you cruise weather has made my mind switch from responsible-homework doing-laundry folding-organizing the nightstand Rachel into 16 year old, all I wanna do is watch tv and play Plants vs. Zombies Rachel, I decided baking cookies might satiate my need for doing SOMETHING not productive yet still being slightly productive.<br />
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I've been watching TCM since West Side Story came on and now I can't stop. There's just something about black and white movies, some sort of romanticism that you can't turn away from. All the romance movies nowadays are either really cheesy or have to add humor to keep them from being so.<br />
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Anyways, cried my eyes out during the final scene of West Side Story (as ALWAYS). Hopped up from the couch and decided to bake...cookies!<br />
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Chocolate Chip cookie recipes are all basically the same and I didn't really vary too much from my usual Betty Crocker recipe. I used one out of the April issue of Martha Stewart Living but didn't realize til afterwards that I only had 10lbs of <span style="color: #cc9933;">light</span> brown sugar whereas the recipe called for <span style="color: #663300;">dark </span>brown. Ah...well. They are still yummy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5juXPLTki-wFDle7TkvKDM1ZTadjNbgTjyWfbDUfD84qUjYnnT262QKD183IMZK7kUAiIg5SkA3BJYJAWQqFNWWyTYNF3Ri8VgobFrXlZMuCreXOlSL6EzrdeiNjmGoRSd7JIw93XgU/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459004838364207730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5juXPLTki-wFDle7TkvKDM1ZTadjNbgTjyWfbDUfD84qUjYnnT262QKD183IMZK7kUAiIg5SkA3BJYJAWQqFNWWyTYNF3Ri8VgobFrXlZMuCreXOlSL6EzrdeiNjmGoRSd7JIw93XgU/s640/IMG_1321.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
That would be the football cookie jar I bought Shaun for Christmas. It turns out, I use his Christmas presents more than he does : /<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33X4sO1eozT6fUj4wBjCsQgEnvoVgVOyKbJSEd_o1gOUqxTlnfGvtYPl4oQNGREye6_TMt8CR68eeOBMkEa-MOvS4qTw1bGfKwPJoiVPXl8516JLbZ4TSbMshJxo2xjBU08ez2v7-AfU/s1600/old+cookies.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006999502691714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33X4sO1eozT6fUj4wBjCsQgEnvoVgVOyKbJSEd_o1gOUqxTlnfGvtYPl4oQNGREye6_TMt8CR68eeOBMkEa-MOvS4qTw1bGfKwPJoiVPXl8516JLbZ4TSbMshJxo2xjBU08ez2v7-AfU/s640/old+cookies.bmp" width="480" /></a><br />
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These are the typical Betty Crocker cookies that I make<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrJmnmAgNZMaskV_uhHmiLghLmt2rl8Wjd7KZdJ4LeNN-YsjuYUjcoCuQogbjw4zPYZHgNqgFd8hwEpdp4eH1H9LzGS3fSFYeYqqC4QbWdfDGNZtQt_NuMaii01Sn9MSTgFYggU0x-ds/s1600/old+cookie+recipe.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006994157937842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrJmnmAgNZMaskV_uhHmiLghLmt2rl8Wjd7KZdJ4LeNN-YsjuYUjcoCuQogbjw4zPYZHgNqgFd8hwEpdp4eH1H9LzGS3fSFYeYqqC4QbWdfDGNZtQt_NuMaii01Sn9MSTgFYggU0x-ds/s640/old+cookie+recipe.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fImrYzH6_Q4FqmcpSynwBW31M4jeZcwIV_N4FeY_tIrCsuxTCWl1-3_epzg9iy9dlxB0TIa1fA8FdVe0i10GfRJ1-yCuHFGMWUS4AyQUarVRgro9sz7ObTbpkpQ3ZL5HoNSBZi0LxtI/s1600/cookie+dough.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006786223496530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fImrYzH6_Q4FqmcpSynwBW31M4jeZcwIV_N4FeY_tIrCsuxTCWl1-3_epzg9iy9dlxB0TIa1fA8FdVe0i10GfRJ1-yCuHFGMWUS4AyQUarVRgro9sz7ObTbpkpQ3ZL5HoNSBZi0LxtI/s640/cookie+dough.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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as you can probably tell, I usually use about twice the amount of chocolate chips called for in the recipe.<br />
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Now that I've eaten myself halfway into a food coma I realize being productive in any manner will be pretty near to impossible.<br />
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The movie they're playing right now is:<br />
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A Place in the Sun<br />
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with Montgomery Clift! I love him! He was my fav in The misfits wiht Marilyn Monroe. Although in this movie his storyline is "A social climber in love with a wealthy beauty figures out how to get rid of his poor, pregnant girlfriend."<br />
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What a D-bag!<br />
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...then again, they are pretty adorable together<br />
<a href="http://pinkpurr.netfirms.com/images/photos/lizflower_sm.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://pinkpurr.netfirms.com/images/photos/lizflower_sm.jpg" style="height: 200px; width: 165px;" /></a><br />
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I feel like just an hour ago I woke up and made lunch and it's already 6:22! Shauns on his way home and it's time to make dinner. Chicken Caprese salad with fresh mozarella! I'll update pictures tomorrow ; )</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-85333950550849040422010-04-11T13:54:00.001-07:002012-08-27T08:31:06.532-07:00Good Morning Sunday!<span style="font-size: 85%;">Ah, Sunday. They were predicting it would be about 74 today and it's definitely in the upper 70s. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Perfecto.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">I have too much to do in the little time before shaun gets off:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Clean,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Homework,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Make dinner,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Grocery store,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">bake cookies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Early this morning my attention span was that of a 2 year old. I sat down on the couch watching the Masters and tried to do my homework...that didn't last long. The sunshine was calling me, making me restless. I laid down in bed and waited for my jeans to dry then changed quickly and went out to my car, which was SWELTERING. Put the top down and headed to the grocery store, listening to: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Zee Avi</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Poppy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Beautiful sunshine, sunny, island music. I decided to go to Bloom because they are right down the street, next to Michaels and Homegoods, (what more could you want?!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">I decided to try a Martha recipe I had made a few times before and have been craving lately.</span></div>
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<strong>Cayenne-Rubbed Chicken with Avocado Salsa</strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">I've made it before for my Shaun, My dad and my boss and they all loved it.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY6O-g66D0sx1s1WCcwXYbOvxkPibxr_wGN3M8jZasSGZFTR-B0_Vn7DbhCV6fgwkEpqZ4OepTgLjVWu06JXSD2L0dAQgwFkXKsHnUq7rJqN3tw00DnLnHFL0uyu73RnlbjEa2KHZU9U/s1600/cayenne+chicken.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458991135262875634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY6O-g66D0sx1s1WCcwXYbOvxkPibxr_wGN3M8jZasSGZFTR-B0_Vn7DbhCV6fgwkEpqZ4OepTgLjVWu06JXSD2L0dAQgwFkXKsHnUq7rJqN3tw00DnLnHFL0uyu73RnlbjEa2KHZU9U/s640/cayenne+chicken.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">recipe here:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/cayenne-rubbed-chicken-with-avocado-salsa">Cayenne-rubbed-chicken-with-avocado-salsa</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">I usually make a variation of the original recipe, slightly browning the red onions before I cook the chicken and then mix it with the diced avocado. (the raw onion flavor is a little too intense for me). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">When I'm done making it, Brittany texts me to tell me that West Side Story is on TCM.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Bra-vo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">My cayenne-rubbed chicken, a bottle of San Pelligrino and West Side Story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Toniiiiighhht toniiiighhht...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">...is wonderful : )</span></div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-74766970160071030842010-04-09T08:32:00.001-07:002012-08-27T08:30:47.161-07:00Today!<div align="left">
Friday Friday Friday! Woohoo!<br />
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Every Friday morning when I drag myself out of bed in Fairfax at 6:30 and make the hour and a half trip to Pasadena in the morning, I know in the back of my head that tomorrow will be Saturday and I can roll around in bed until noon and not have to deal with 66 traffic. I think that's actually what gets me up in the morning. ANYways...<br />
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It has been in the mid 90s the past few days and it was GORGEOUS top down, tank top and skirt weather! Last night we had thunderstorms and it dropped to 50. My flip flops were not prepared for that.<br />
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But..<br />
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It has been getting progressively better today, from gloomy, peekaboo clouds at 7AM to sunshine and a light breeze today at 11:35.<br />
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Martha is cooking today and everything looks DELICIOUS as usual but my attention span is bouncing back and forth between things. This might be due to the fact that my breakfast was:<br />
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1 tall iced extra caramel caramel macchiato<br />
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2 smore's poptarts<br />
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1 classic coffee cake<br />
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ugh...time and time again I eat lots of sugar for breakfast and realize it's a terrible idea after about 10am when my stomach is yelling at me.<br />
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On to positive things!<br />
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The weather being amazing has had me dreaming of the beach again. Although I just went with gurgle last month to Myrtle Beach for the first time, it was a bit cold (65 and windy cold...brr) and a tad bit overcast so we didn't get in as much beach time as I had hoped for.<br />
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I Ofen to reminesce about the wonderful times I did have on the beach though and wanted to backtrack through my pictures, here's some easily accesible from my iphone:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL1ly3wC-uNlmBgKG6FDqEj8JPZavfIgLiEg9tGVQpQaj_pUjK2djgRXrXDYnmwfXIB3P5L7meWNFxTuI7S8T9G7Sor2v2t5PPs4zQqshv0JWDdmaZCHLJaBg4o72mL7y1YML9NZmgMA/s1600/beach.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458165056913795586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL1ly3wC-uNlmBgKG6FDqEj8JPZavfIgLiEg9tGVQpQaj_pUjK2djgRXrXDYnmwfXIB3P5L7meWNFxTuI7S8T9G7Sor2v2t5PPs4zQqshv0JWDdmaZCHLJaBg4o72mL7y1YML9NZmgMA/s640/beach.bmp" width="640" /></a><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">This is from my trip to Myrtle Beach with gurgle in March, in the morning before the clouds rolled in</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfBsVA5FjCszbhMuOvfRkmNxsgQFXQJcGP5X-PkT0C_xJoBvBfhV3D36sX43v9xkRsyq_7LvXN9U0Dzz_EIgOyOfsUVD_LUDH-uBZjwKQE5Se2JkWa4qBWESkeJjJsrjo8LkodYSre_Y/s1600/BEACH+UMBRELLAS.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458165555689238802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfBsVA5FjCszbhMuOvfRkmNxsgQFXQJcGP5X-PkT0C_xJoBvBfhV3D36sX43v9xkRsyq_7LvXN9U0Dzz_EIgOyOfsUVD_LUDH-uBZjwKQE5Se2JkWa4qBWESkeJjJsrjo8LkodYSre_Y/s640/BEACH+UMBRELLAS.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaiySYruqB8poFZ0HBTM1SAZl09guVhZibT1-0w8iwhv2EJAghoAKwdsLbisPHbeCoBV89yv20WINxLQjIg0N8hpy7S_8nXpAUgelynV3XQlbVq0_QvvF72In7Ous43ImjLeqAw5YDeI/s1600/beACH.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458165897215338722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaiySYruqB8poFZ0HBTM1SAZl09guVhZibT1-0w8iwhv2EJAghoAKwdsLbisPHbeCoBV89yv20WINxLQjIg0N8hpy7S_8nXpAUgelynV3XQlbVq0_QvvF72In7Ous43ImjLeqAw5YDeI/s640/beACH.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">The pretty colored colored beach umbrellas Shaun and I on the beach : )</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">Ocean City, Maryland June-1009</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdm9TErjnPOjQEymR0J9KA4OTXhB0H5iLakYB4zpR-k-o5ysYV3PiUtvaid0Uc9bY_HQwKHONuA841zdBWtk99JEL0v_dxwRuP7D3cIHFSAodY5G-Jc3UBf-_EFzQlS58MIhM1GgQUXc/s1600/christmas.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458167366319491714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdm9TErjnPOjQEymR0J9KA4OTXhB0H5iLakYB4zpR-k-o5ysYV3PiUtvaid0Uc9bY_HQwKHONuA841zdBWtk99JEL0v_dxwRuP7D3cIHFSAodY5G-Jc3UBf-_EFzQlS58MIhM1GgQUXc/s640/christmas.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">The view from our beachhouse on Christmas</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXiWDD7tmLp-0T7-_wBykvou6ADH2lOSSHeErvHOq6s3zG76pM4vgnVpRv_6xEqLGBPykP6-ty4JdfL4AhZwKp8f8JX9xN4XL2KYI0CBHOJbQdd63YdfMQ3ChgOOu1CDadUXi7gveLs4/s1600/gurgle+beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458168001902195794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXiWDD7tmLp-0T7-_wBykvou6ADH2lOSSHeErvHOq6s3zG76pM4vgnVpRv_6xEqLGBPykP6-ty4JdfL4AhZwKp8f8JX9xN4XL2KYI0CBHOJbQdd63YdfMQ3ChgOOu1CDadUXi7gveLs4/s640/gurgle+beach.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">Gurgle at the beach after our trip to "Oh My Chocolate" On the Eastern Shore</span></em></div>
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Now this is just a small tidbit of the pictures I have relating to the beach! I have the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, Lots more of Ocean City, Myrtle Beach and the OBX but the picture uploader is giving me a headache so I'll stick with these.</div>
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Just a snapshot into everything that I love about the beach:</div>
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<span style="font-size: 0px;">Blue skies, blue waves, the hot sand, the smell of the boardwalk, dippin dots, dolphin sightings, the beautiful weather, getting a tan and most of all the power and beauty of the Ocean, crashing against the shore with enormous strength so gracefully, and the sound of it lulling you to sleep.</span></div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-586666791340563193.post-69615204443840707352010-04-09T05:48:00.000-07:002010-04-09T05:57:45.974-07:00woohoo!!<span style="color:#339999;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Day one! This is going to be my blog about all things crafting, cupcakes, DIY fashion and the girly/homemaker side of me that rears it's ugly head every now and then. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">What you should know from the jump is that Martha Stewart is my hero. I mean she's not just my hero, SHE IS MY HERO! If I met her in person I would instantly hyperventilate and pass out on the floor. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The biggest compliment I have pretty much ever received was on Christmas, when my boyfriends aunt said, "she really is like a mini Martha Stewart, isn't she?" well...Aunt Judy is getting something <em>very</em> nice for Christmas this year!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">All I wanna do is bake and draw and paint and create things all day. HOWEVER...I do have a downfall: sewing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Ever since the 6th grade I've been shredding fabric and breaking sewing machines. The most I ever made was a hand-sewn pillow and again, I'm pretty sure that was on a 2nd or 3rd try. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Why can't I sew? Who knows. Lack of common sense for how the machine works and what I'm supposed to be doing I suppose. BUT I do plan to conquer this problem...eventually.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Other than sewing I've been incredibly crafty ever since I was a small child. I was always improving for things and creating, mixing, building. I like to work with my hands and I just ADORE anything that has to do with crafting. (except for you know...the old lady stuff) </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Ok so I lied, I suck at keeping plants alive AND making biscuits. For all of the stuff I bake all the time, biscuits are just not possible for me...I baked 2 batches on Easter and each one came out the same exact way: disgusting.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I would really love to have a garden but the only place I could garden is at my dads house and his house/yard is such a horrible mess I'm surprised the trees don't die off. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">However, I'm a fighter and if I want something...I get it. So sewing/gardening/buttermilk biscuits, HERE I COME!!</span> </span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210115123501984946noreply@blogger.com0